bgreen19

Is a Trek FX safe to ride as a commuter for a clyde? I am about 270 and am going to start commuting to work. Should I just go ahead and get stronger rims with more spokes, or see how it goes riding stock for a while?

dr_lha

Trek FX is solid and popular choice for Clydes. My advice with wheels is always to see how riding the stock wheels goes, before splashing out on a new wheelset. If you want to be pro-active, you could always ask your LBS to true and properly tension your stock wheels.

pippin65

I have an fx 7.2 and am 250 pounds. No problems here. Love my fx

corwin1968

I rode a stock 7.2 for 7 years at a weight that varied between 300-375 lbs...not a single problem.

Phineas

I have a 7.2 fx and I weigh 295. I didn't have a problem until about 700 miles, then I broke 4 spokes in three months, which wasn't much fun. I think tensioning might help, but I eventually replaced the rear wheel to avoid further unscheduled long walks. I've read of others with similar issues with spokes on the fx's. Otherwise the bike has been great.

oddjob2

Excellent bikes, very comfortable, robust build but not heavy.

bgreen19

Thanks for all of your input! I will take it to my LBS and have the spokes properly and start enjoying my FX. Looking forward to losing some weight!!

bgreen19

Can I ask what kind of saddles you guys are using on your FX? I don't hate the Nebula that came stock but I wouldn't mind finding something a little more comfortable. I'll only be commuting about 15 miles each way.

Erwin8r

Great bikes. I had a 7.5 for a while, and it was a great all-rounder. Go for it.

Jarrett2

I rode a Trek FX 7.2 when I weighed around 325-350. I had terrible issues with the rear wheel, but I was considerably heavier then and didn't know how to ride light.

I suspect it would be a fine bike for me now at 272. If not, wheels for it are cheap.

lurch0038

ride an fx 7.7 and it has quality components BUT at my weight 300+lbs the spokes and wheels were creaking

wvridgerider

I am a heavy weight, ride both mountain and road bike, and all you really are going to need is a good set of wheels. Wait until a spoke breaks and just invest in a nice hand laced wheel. Learn how to spin the pedals and not mash. 36 spokes with a Velocity Dyad rim and you will be set for a long time.

yooperbiker

Most of the FX models have 32 spoke wheels and 32mm wide tires (that absorb shocks), which should be good for up to 300 lbs, and passable for heavier. The upper end models (7.5 up I think) go with lighter 24 spoke wheels and 28mm tires, which I don't think is a good idea for clydes. Real heavy clydes I think should think about a custom 36 spoke or a touring strength 32 spoke for the rear wheel (stock 32 spoke fine in front).

jbell_64

Love my 7.2. I would recommend adding some bar ends though.

bgreen19

I have been looking at doing that, my commute is only 5-6 miles though.

jbell_64

I think the need for bar ends is really dictated by amount of time spent on the bike multiplied by the amount of weight you put on your wrists. I can do about an hour max on flat bars with no ends. The fx is just aggressive enough that I have weight I have to support on my hands til my core gets strong enough to support me.

bassjones

Saddles are a very personal thing. What works for one rider may not work for another, even if their height and weight are nearly identical.

rcchewdogg

I started out on a 7.2 at 350lbs. Stock wheels worked fine for about 600 miles. Once I got down to about 280 and began pushing the bike I started breaking rear spokes. Had a wheel shop true the wheels and high tension the spokes and never had a problem again. Just picked up my emonda ALR 4 btw. Keep riding.

jbandt

I had a fx 7.2 that I bought new in 2013. Bike worked wonderfully but like some of the other comments, the back rim didn't hold up. I put well over 3000 miles on the bike in about 2 years and never had issues except for the back rim. I was about 270lbs and got down to about 250 in that time. Spokes were popping every other ride it seemed. I did change the seat to a cheap $40 bontrager gel commuter seat that I still use on my current bike. For me it was a good starter bike, but I have since upgraded to Felt's V85 and I don't think I could ever go back to an aluminum rigid fork again.