What type of gearing does a Trek 7.1 FX have?
 

In another thread, someone mentioned that the 7.4 FX has mountain gearing. A friend bought a 2015 7.1 FX. Just curious as to what type of gearing the bike has?

It has "mountain bike" type gearing as well (just 21-speed instead of 27-speed on the 7.4). Most hyrbrids like that do until you usually get into the higher models that are meant to be more like flat bar road bikes. In the Trek FX lineup that's not until you hit the 7.5 and 7.7.

Sorry for the noob question, but can someone explain what the difference is between "mountain" gearing and the alternatives?

Mountain gearing usually ends up with a largest rear cog at a minimum of 30-36 teeth, road gearing usually 28 or smaller. Mountain gearing usually has a rear derailleur with a long cage to accommodate those bigger sprockets. Road gearing has a short cage. Front sprockets on mountain gearing is usually 48 and smaller, while road gearing will be 50 or bigger, on the big sprocket. Road gearing is leaning away from triple front sprockets, while mountain gearing embraces them.

Why would road gearing have a smaller largest rear cog? Wouldn't you want a larger one because you go faster on a road bike than on a mountain bike?

You've got it reversed. On the REAR cog, smaller (fewer teeth) = higher gearing ratio.

Gotcha. Yes that makes sense now that I think about it.

Also mountain drivetrain is optimized to be tougher, while road drivetrain is optimized to be lighter.

What would it take to convert a 7.4 to more road friendly gearing?

A rear cassette with a tighter range, like a 9 speed 11-25.

But if you are happy with your current gearing, making a change to the above would seem to be of little value.

You won't be any faster on the road, you will just have more precise gear ratio's.

... and less ability to climb steep hills.

Just a question, not planning any changes.

Because you have a triple ring, you could switch your cassette out to something like a 12-27 and use your granny ring for hills(26/27) and have more precise gearing for various conditions.

If you feel like indulging in some weight weenieism, you could also eliminate maybe 150grams or more by switching to an Ultegra version of 12-27 cassette.

Google is easy .. 7.1 FX - Trek Bicycle

Crank
Forged alloy, 48/38/28 w/chainguard

Shifters
Shimano Altus EF51, 7 speed


Cassette
SunRace Freewheel 14-34, 7 speed


I'd call it a Trekking Type for the 48/38/28t crank and the 14 to 34t cassette tooth counts.

Trekking is riding anywhere and even bringing the camping gear in panniers, AKA Touring.