bmonad

My LBS prices:
7.1 FX - $429
7.2 FX - $499
7.3 FX - $629
7.4 FX - $739
7.5 FX - $999
https://teamcyclingandfitness.com/pro...b_pr1=400-1000

Could probably cross out the 7.1 and 7.5, as I like the 7.2 more then the 7.1 for only $70, and I do NOT want to spend upwards of $1000 on a hybrid. So with that said, can anyone offer any insight into those middle ones?

I honestly do not know much about bikes so that's why I signed up here to ask...right now I have had a Trek mountain bike that is about 8 years old. I only ride on roads - it was OK for the hilly upstate roads, but now that I am in the midwest, it's real flat and inefficient so I'm ready to upgrade. I'd rather go with a hybrid than a roadbike for cost and comfort, and I ride mostly just for the exercise anyway, so I don't need anything super fast or efficient. I usually ride 15-25 miles on weekdays after work on a relatively flat paved trail.

Thanks!

MRT2

You can get a Jamis Satellite for the same price as an FX 7.4, and it is a steel frame, so in some ways more comfortable than an aluminum hybrid. Just saying.

bmonad

Why is steel so comfortable? I don't need to be super comfy, I was referring to the more upright position of the hybrids versus the roads. I don't think I want to be leaning over the whole time I'm riding.

peckma

steel is considered to be more supple and smoother over bumpy roads, as opposed to carbon and aluminum. The older aluminum frames were very light but extremely stiff, resulting in a jarring ride. Newer ones are supposedly more supple. The Jamis Satellite appears to more of a road frame than a hybrid, but Jamis does offer hybrids. Their Allegro line seems similar to Trek's FX - but it's an aluminum frame.

I have a Trek FX7700 that is about 9 years old, and I enjoy it quite a bit when not riding my road bike(s).

My guess is that the frames are fairly similar in construction and geometry, so now you are paying for the components that differentiate the models. Get the best your wallet can afford, and then go ride.

Greyhoundsrock

I have the 7.3 and absolutely love it! Three years and almost 10,000 miles later, I still love my hybrid.

MRT2

Other things being equal, similar quality steel frame is going to be somewhat more comfortable than an aluminum frame. At least give it a try. I have been riding steel bikes for 15 years now, and last year, I bought an aluminum hybrid just for variety sake. I absolutely hated the ride. It was equal measures stiff and heavy. Now, every bike is different, and the Trek certainly could be comfortable. At least ride a steel bike and make up your own mind.

Now another thing to consider. If you are out on a 25 mile ride or more, you will benefit from having several hand positions and the option of getting low in the drops, even for short periods of time. Additionally, not all drop bar road bikes are super aggressive. My wife's Jamis is a pretty relaxed fit, and much more comfortable than her aluminum Trek hybrid. (again, IMO) Road bikes with a touring geometry are designed to be comfortable riding long hours in the saddle. There is a reason you don't see too many people doing long distance tours on comfort hybrids.

Now, if you decide the FX 7.x series is for you, go for it. They make fine bikes. But if comfort on rides longer than 25 miles is something important to you, at least consider a steel road bike with a relaxed fit or touring geometry.

side_FX

I say spend the most you can realistically afford. I personally like the 7.4 and I think adding the carbon fork for the $110 more than the 7.3 is worth it in terms of a better ride. I wouldn't jump up to the 7.5 because you then are looking more like a flat bar road bike vs. hybrid...unless that's what you're after. Also, are you a heavier rider? If so, the thinner tires and the mono-stay frame on the 7.5 are things I wouldn't want on my hybrid. The good news is there's no bad choice in the bunch, just a question of how much do you want to spend.

a1penguin

"cost and comfort"

Hybrids cost less than road bikes, but generally road bikes can be more comfortable than hybrids as they offer more hand positions on the bars. Ergon bars are popular on hybrids to allow more hand positions. I don't like my hybrid. The shifters are uncomfortable for me as my thumbs don't like the reach to use the shifters. The integrated shifters and brakes on road bike are more more natural and in most riding positions do not require a lot of hand motion to use.

15-25 miles a day is quite a bit of riding. Are you sure you wouldn't like a road bike?

I agree about the 7.4, although you might want to compare against the 7.3 with test rides. Tire pressure has a large effect on ride feel so make sure tires are inflated to comparable pressures when taking test rides.

Wanderer

7.4, Disc, for the Deore derailleur, and the disc brakes. Disc brakes are the future. If money is tight, go for the 7.2 Disc.

I like aluminum for the stiffness, and quickness.

GaryPitts

To me, the 7.4 is the sweet spot in the FX line. the 7.7 is awful nice, too, but you're talking a good bit more $.

Tsagg

I was set on the 7.4 until I was able to find a brand new 2012 7.5 last December at a local shop that was my size and preferred color. 2012 didn't have the mono stay rear so the suggested retail was $100 less than the '13 models. Being a leftover I was able to get it for a nice discount as well. If you like the components on the 7.5 you could try a search for a leftover one and get an upgraded model for a discount. If not I'd go 7.4. Maybe 7.4 disc but adds some weight and are not really necessary if not muddying or riding in rain.

DocsDad

Awesome

DocsDad

Long rides are a blast on my 7.2 FX. I am approaching 1000 miles already this spring and don't want to stop. Choose the bike that makes you happy to ride and to look at. Mine sleeps in the kitchen and makes me smile when I pass by it. It also talks to me and beckons me to ride.

FX or not. Enjoy!

kamban

Looks like your Trek dealer is $50 cheaper on each model that mine here in South Carolina. And he is the only one in town.

Dazzler

Hi bmonad, I'm a bit of a noob here, however I bought a Hybrid about 18 months ago, I had already ridden a friends Trek 7.3FX, and a Boardman which were popular here at the time, but I shortlisted 3 bikes, the Trek 7.3FX, the Specialised Sirrus Comp and the Jamis Allegro Comp based on visuals and the specification, I then visited a local dealer and test rode all 3 around for about 30 minutes each on the same route. Although they all had plus points, I went with the one that felt 'natural', felt more comfortable and more responsive, including how the gearing felt on the flat and the hills. Although Jamis was the bike I knew the least about (They are quite new to the UK), that's the one I went for and I love the bike as a hybrid / commuter. So my advice, is try to test ride a few.

BTW the Jamis I bought is Aluminium frame and carbon forks

xoxoxoxoLive

DO NOT BUY A TREK... (save yourself)

Wanderer

Better clarify that statement.......

Speedy2009

My wife and I rode an old/used/abused Trek FX 7.3 rental along the Loire Valley in France Last Summer in a leisurely pace for 8 days @ 400 km, and the bikes were comfortable enough with no mechanical malfunction.
So I say get the FX 7.3 or the FX 7.4 - if you want the Carbon fork.
I am not sure there will be a major difference in ride quality, So I recommend that you take both for a spin.

I don't buy the Alum. is stiff, Steel is real... If you ride with a correct air pressure, the tires will absorb the bumps long before the frame will.
Steel frame is heavy and can rust. Alum frames are lighter and IMO looks better.

I am also in search/research for Light Touring bikes for Pacific Coast Ride this fall, and narrowed it down to the Trek FX 7.3/7.4, Specialized Sirrus Elite and the Giant Escape 0.
I will make a decision sometimes around September, probably 2014 models will be in at that time

xoxoxoxoLive

Well when I was riding the Schwinn Trailways, it was openly bashed on this Forum (constantly), people were (WARNED of the BIG BOX STORE BIKES) Well a poster on YouTube complained to me, that he had lost his front wheel reflector.. & since it was from (TARGET) the Trailways Bike, he was never going to be able to get another to match. I felt it was a troll, but found a number to Schwinn, so I called only to find out how wonderful this nice woman was, in helping me find the right part number for the reflector. They shipped it to me for "FREE" I forwarded it to him, cost of 7.50.. LOL and some months later received an envelope with change in it.. like 4.75.. (laughing again) for the cost of shipping. Never heard from him again, and he never posted on the video that the problem was solved.. and neither did I.. Now for my second experience calling customer service "TREK" This is where my nightmare begins. And to top it off, it's on the most hollowed bike on this FORUM, (the FX) I'm going to CLARIFY this as simple as possibly..

This is a link to the shifters that come stock on the 2013 7.6 FX : https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-SL-M59.../dp/B005DVICFQ
Shimano SL-M591 Deore Shifter Set (3x10 Speed)
Dyna-Sys specific for (HG-X) 10 speed mountain drive trains only


This is the front derailleur that comes stock on the 2013 7.6 FX : https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Tiagra.../dp/B005LKXDMG

AND this is the Shifter it needs : https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...edium=Shopping
The Tiagra SL-4600 Rapidfire Shifters are precise mountain bike style levers for road bikes fitted with flat handlebars and 10-speed road drivetrains. Shimano Tiagra 4600 Double 10sp Flatbar Shif ....

So the "hollowed" FX series 7.6 front derailleur does not FUNCTION PROPERLY...

Trek Corp. (warranty has admitted this to me VIA phone) The local "TREK" LBS kept telling them it shifted fine.. Although the 2 mangers in question, were never there when the 3 different mechanics tried on several occasions.. (Total of about 4 hours of there time, and mine) could not adjust it.. And by the way, since the reflector story on the Schwinn Trailways, I have noticed it on Cannondale's, Specialized, & Trek's, that have low spoke count wheels. Moral of the story, ( should have stayed with the better LBS here ) ... Going to try and trade it in on a Sirrus today.

Wanderer

If I followed that story correctly, the problem was with the dealer. Once Trek was made aware of the problem, they shipped the right part. Correct?

Sounds like the dealer is a bum, and it's not really fair to blame the brand.

p.s. If I was you, I'd never step in that shop again, and make sure all my friends and acquaintances were aware. Word would travel quickly, and the dealer would get his just due. And, I'll give you 200 for the Trek, if it's big enuf.................

MRT2

If you are correct, this almost sounds like a recall issue, as in every 7.6 FX should be returned to the LBS for replacement of the shifters. Hard to imagine that one of the big 3 bike companies would make such an amateur design error.

xoxoxoxoLive

They (TREK CORP.) tried to find a simple solution, but the dealer refused ??? They "TREK" told them again yesterday, to order the right shifters. But at this point I no longer want to deal with them. I'm really so frustrated I don't even like looking at the "BIKE". Wished I could just keep the MAVIC wheels, & move on to a SIRRUS.. Going over there now, "SPECIALIZED" to see if they will trade it in, but I only have the Mavic wheels set now.. Wanderer this really has gone past the joking point.. I'm totally bummed out, with all the money spent on this bike to enjoy it anymore. It has been a good deal gone bad.. Trek is okay, but the 2 stores owned by the same company, has left me speechless..

xoxoxoxoLive

Your correct, but a VERY good mechanic said that the FSA crank 50/34 that it came with. Was probably more forgiving than the Sram Rival 50/34 that's on it now. I bought it with the upgraded crank, maybe that's why it was on consignment. It didn't work..

MRT2

Once the problem is fixed, should be alright. You will take a seriously depreciation if you trade in now.

Wanderer

Buy the Sirrus, switch the wheels, and sell the Trek......