Rob_U

Well I finally did it. I don't know if any of you remember my "Talk me into selling my Rickenbacker 360-12 for a trek 7.5FX" thread, but after deciding to keep the guitar, I played it for a while, and decided I didn't really need it anymore. I also took a 7.5 for a test ride a few weeks ago, and that sealed the deal.

I sold the guitar on eBay, and after waiting for PayPal to release my money , I now have a Trek 7.5FX. I had my LBS install bar ends, and one of the new Bontrager racks for my existing trunk pack. I just need to install my new Specialized Speedzone Elite (the LBS I bought the bike from is not a Specialized dealer - they may have put it on for me, but I didn't ask), and the rack mount for my blinkie, and I'm set. My wife and one (out of three) of the guys at the LBS hated the idea of mounting a rack on this bike, but I like having my repair, and personal items with me, and it doesn't weigh THAT much unless I have my cable, and lock in the pack. Besides, I LIKE the way it looks with a pack.

I've only taken it for a couple of short test drives so far but it seems FAST. The stock seat is very comfortable even in jeans. After lurking around in the Hybrid Forum, armed only with a Navigator, i finally feel like I belong.

Now I just have to decide which Michigan, or Northern Ohio Century Ride to tackle this year - !

Wanderer

Nice bike --- whose rack is that???

Enkratesbike

May I ask how much you get it for? Since it's a brand new 2010 bike, am I right to assume that you paid MSRP?

Rob_U

@Wanderer: It's the 2010 version of the Bontrager (Trek) Interchange Backrack II

@Enkratesbike: I got $1600.00 for the Rickenbacker. My LBS has a once-a-year sale where bikes are 15% off, and all accessories are 20% off - so it was a great deal. The other LBS that sells Specialized has the same type of sale, so I got the computer for 20% off as well. Around here spring is the only time to buy!

Rob

nal13

That is an awesome looking bike; maybe someday I can have one.

RJM

You have a great bike there. I just bought the same bike model, same color too, mine is a 17.5". I'll get my camera out and see if I can get a picture up of it, but it looks basically the same as yours sans barends, rack and only one bottle holder (white instead of red). I really dig the fx series that Trek has. Good pick!

cyber_hawke

Great looking bike, but what made you pick the 7.5fx over the 7.6fx that has the upgraded frame? Was it a budget or component choice?

waynesworld

Beautiful bike! And I like the rack on it.

KungPaoSchwinn

I love them partially red tires,that's what i need ( want ) for mine,nice bike you have pal,ride on.

Siu Blue Wind

That's a good looking bike. I love the red, it really makes it 'pop'. What's the red under the saddle?

Rob_U

Thanks everyone for your comments. I actually got out to ride it on Tuesday - very nice 10 miles - but I still need to get my "real world" legs back (I've been using my Navigator on a trainer all winter).

@Cyber-Hawke: The only difference in the frame is the "Iso-Zone Monostay" shock absorber, which I really didn't care for. I'm sure about the components, but I'm not sure that the difference is worth the money. The only thing I like better about the 7.6 is the road-geared crank. Oh, and the color of the 7.6 isn't as appealing as the 7.5 black.

@KungPaoSchwinn: I think the red tires add a lot to the style (I also added a red Specialized Elite computer). I hope they're still available when the time comes to replace them.

@Siu Blue Wind: The red under the saddle is the saddle rails.

umpire54

WOW...I am glad I looked at this thread before going to bed. THAT IS ONE "HOSS" LOOKING BIKE!!! I need to study up on the 7.5FX.
I was wanting to sell some of my steel bikes and get something different. There it is!! Congrats and enjoy!!

leob1

The rack does look a bit "heavy" for the bike, but I understand your need for one. But my philosophy is if it doesn't make me go faster, or help me stop, it doesn't go on the bike. I have other bikes to do that work.
Anyway, I've had a 7.5fx for a fw years and love it, and I agree about the crank, a road crank would be a better choice. The color is great, mine is a bland silver, with grey accents, looks nice, just bland.
Some thing you might want to put on your upgrade list;
Clipless pedals and shoes.
tires, the red looks cool, but you will get much better performmance with 25 or 28 tires than the 32 that came with it.

I'ts a great bike, enjoy the ride.

Wanderer

I really like the length of the rack, especially the positioning.

It would keep occasional heel strike away from my grocery panniers.

NOLABill

Congrats, gorgeous bike!! I've got it's baby brother, a 7.3FX, my first bike (in many years) I bought last year.

When I was road bike shopping earlier this year, I thought I'd trade in the 7.3--but after a day or two, called the shop back and told them I wanted to keep it, LOL. They're just great all-purpose bikes.

Since i have the roadie now, I'm thinking of adding a rack to the 7.3 as well--my wife has one on her 7300 hybrid, and it's a nice little rack, with the Trek bag that snaps in.

Siu Blue Wind

Oh I thought you did something special to make them red...

Guilou

Nice looking bike! Hahaha...looks exactly like mine.

Rob_U

The latest additions to the bike:

Specialized Speedzone Elite (red of course)



Batman Sticker:

Siu Blue Wind

Okay that is looking cooler each time. I might have to go jazz up my bike now.

irclean

Can I ask what brand/model of bar ends you are using? I really like the look of them. Are they comfortable?

Rob_U

@irclean: They're just the standard long Bontrager (Trek) bar ends. I don't know about comfort, I'm still getting used to the concept.