Jim J

I just bought a new FX3 Disc and added the adapter kit and bar ends. Worked perfect! Loosen the shifters and brakes to creep inward a tad. Had to cut off maybe 3/8" of the new Isonzone pad for the adapter end plug to fit properly but everything went on very easy and mission accomplished!

jaxgtr

CO2 for the win....

Not2worried

I didn't even think of that!
Thanks

Drillsalter

FREEBIRD1

I really like the climb ability, handling and speed of my FX, but I have to do something about the ride to use it on anything but smooth bike trails. Mine is bone jarring on any type of in-town streets, or less than smooth surfaces. The bike is light and rigid, and makes peddling a breeze, anything more than 2-3 miles will give me a headache. I think it has 700 X 32 tires which I may try and go larger and perhaps a suspension seat post.

freeranger

You aren't running the tires at max psi are you? If you are, try lowering the pressure 10-15psi and see if the ride improves.

FREEBIRD1

I tried running lower pressures, it helped slightly but I am still taking too many jolts, the great efficiency of the bike is offset by the beating I would take going any distance on roads. It's great for smooth trails, and that is the only place I run this bike right now. I'm thinking 700X35's may improve the ride without slowing it down too much.

hokiefyd 

You could probably go up to 38s or 42s (depending on frame clearance) and you wouldn't notice a thing in terms of efficiency. Rolling resistance is much more about the construction of the tire and materials used than it is about the physical size. In fact, larger tires are often more efficient in many circumstances. If you're using the factory tires, they're very likely not very efficient and may have a layer of puncture protection that, while it helps ward off flats, increases rolling resistance and contributes to ride harshness.

A larger and more supple tire would make a considerable improvement to your riding comfort. I can speak only of two tires I think would work well for you, and they're relatively inexpensive: the Continental Speed Ride and the Panaracer Pasela (standard version; not the ProTite version). Both of these tires are about 38mm in actual size (the Contis are labeled 42mm but will inflate up to about 38 on your wheels), are relatively inexpensive (about $25 each), are relatively light weight, are relatively compliant, and would probably feel a lot more comfortable to you than the factory Bontrager tires I presume you have. Neither of these tires are at the top of the class in any one area, but they offer pretty good performance at a reasonable price.

Edit: I have a set of the Paselas in both the ProTite and standard version. The reason I didn't recommend the ProTite is because that puncture protection layer does add some stiffness to the tread and it's a difference that I can feel on the bike. I've run both tires on the same bike and I prefer the standard version.

hokiefyd 

I should re-state that, as I think my wording wasn't clear. I didn't mean to imply that those are the only two tires I think would work. I meant to say that I can speak from personal experience about only two of the many tires that would probably improve your ride...

FREEBIRD1

Thanks for the info I will try a different tire, no idea ho people rode these bikes with the stock 700X32 tires .

FREEBIRD1

Installed Bontrager 700X35 H5 hard case ultimate's, ride improved about 50% and they did not slow it down any. The grip is fantastic, and these will handle some gravel if needed. The ride however compared to other bikes I own is terrible, I don't think hybrid bikes are for me. It was fun to try one out

MrWasabi

Does anyone know how wide I can go with tires on the FX Sport Carbon 4? The Trek site says 35c without fenders but I'm wondering if that also gives some extra room for 35c tires that may measure out bigger after mounting.

Thanks.

jaxgtr

38's easily without fenders.

Karmajack

President Biden rides an FX. or Bicycle One.

Not2worried

Its an FX.
Joe and Jill Biden Bike Ride - Everything We Know About the Bidens’ Bikes (bicycling.com)

mikedk13

Funny. My with and I have almost the same combination of bikes (an FX and a Verve).

I wonder if he's got a Domane too.

Moisture

2012 Trek FX 7.3 here. 22.5" size XL.

- I would have preferred a slightly longer top tube to get away with a shorter stem. Stock is 120mm

-Paint is awful quality

- stock brakes are horrendous from quality control perspective

- otherwise, great frame and solid parts for the price range

- excellent all around performer for something designed to be ridden more upright

-im 190lb and this bike handles up to 20kg of loaded riding very well.

freeranger

Don't know about the 2012 models, but the newer FX line is fine. And a well adjusted set of V-brakes with a set of Kool-Stop salmon pads work very well. Have Avid V brakes on my old mtn.bike and they can throw you over the bars with 2 fingers (maybe one!).

Not2worried

Thinking about changing out my stock pedals on my FX 2. How much of a difference are "upgraded" pedals?
Was looking at Race Face Chester pedals.
Thanks

hokiefyd 

The Chesters are terrific pedals. They make a big difference in keeping your feet connected to the pedal, with the shoe retention pegs. They're also pretty large (in terms of size), and I think they're a lot more comfortable than most pedals, especially for large feet. Unlike many pedals, they're longer (front to back) than they are wide...but they're still wider than most stock pedals...so the platform ends up being about twice the area of typical stock pedals.

freeranger

You will probably like them. I used to only mtn.bike and have been using flat pedals with pins for years. Even use them on my road bike. Pins keep your foot firmly planted on the pedal, but allow you to get your foot off quickly, if needed. That type of pedal works best with shoes that are not slick on the bottom, but which have a sole design that allows the pins to grip, such as what are described as "trail running shoes".

Moisture

The tektro v brakes on my model have flimsy metal wires inside the arms for keeping tension on the brakes which can pop out. Better quality v brakes are designed with them fixed in place so they don't flop around with the brakes open. Not the end of the world... but...

The metal "quick release" thingy which holds the brake line n place appears to have bent out of shape which caused the wire to come out while I was riding. Imagine the panic which ensues when you press the lever and feel nothing. I have bent this piece back in place with some pliers, but have not reused this specific brake since.

Moisture

I am also looking to replace my pedals.

I actually tried flipping the stock 120mm 10 degree stem upside down to see how it feels. The stem is almost perfectly perpendicular with the ground now. It feels really good when cornering. I'll upload a pic sometime.

Moisture

Moisture

Anyone else here think that this bike would be better suited to 650b x 50 tires? The rolling diameter would be exactly the same as the 700 x 32.

As for the Bontrager tires on my FX, I actually quite like the casing. They maintain their shape even with lower pressures and certainly ride smoother than other tires i have tried close to around the same diameter. The ride is about on par or maybe slightly better than my old chromoly road bikes - that is to say, reasonable over everything but the worst of bumps.

Tire clearance and braking aside, is this frame well suited to 650 x 50 wheel/tires?