Difference between Trek FX and non-FX

[djca]

I'm planning to buy a hybrid bike from the Trek 7x00 series for use around campus. I'm quite new to hybrid bikes. May I know what is generally the main difference between the FX and non-FX bikes from Trek? From the Trek site, the FX bikes are said to be for "fitness workouts and training rides". What feature of the FX bike makes it appropriate for such use? The FX bikes are also generally cheaper than the non-FX bike for the same model number. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Found a post addressing my question: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=92007

[drplasma64]

One other difference (besides the front suspension fork) is that the FX has different shifters. At least on the 7200 vx. 7200 FX. The FX has the trigger shifters you move with your thumb and forefinger, the non-fx has the grip shifters you twist with your wrist. Also, I can't remember this for sure, but it seems like the handlebar stem is different too.

Also, I don't know if this is relevant for you but the FX come in a women's model (not the same as a WSD) but it does have a slightly angled top tube and a women's saddle. The non-FX comes as a ladies stepthrough frame, totally different shape.

I'm waiting for my 7200 FX to arrive!!

[VegasVic]

Front fork and seat post suspension in the 7200 and not on the FX. The regular 7200 does have an adjustable handlebar stem.

[sunflowerflyer]

the main difference between the FX and non-FX bikes from Trek?

The Fx bikes have a straight metal fork without suspension, and trigger shifters. I'm assuming the fork is what saves the ~$20 or so.

I bought my wife the Women specific straight bar FX, thinking it may be slightly lighter, but honestly didn't check. The non rotating weight prolly doesn't mean much to her anyway so still not sure it was the correct choice. Just need to find a cheap carbon fork for it now.

[mtnroads]

The FX have a "performance" focus with lighter, non suspension fork, better wheels and better components. Designed for fitness and fast riding for those who don't like the roadbike riding position. The regular models are focused toward "comfort" and easy riding. There really is no need for a suspension fork on hybrids as the fairly wide tires offer plenty of compliance. My 7500 FX is almost as fast as my roadbike.

[fishdr]

I recently went through the same decision process you are going through. I went with the 7200FX and am very pleased. The trigger shifters are wonderful and the bike rides like a dream. The LBS said they think of it as a road bike with straight handlebars and slightly wider tires. I didn't even look at road bikes - out of my price range at this point, but it is a great ride!

[FXjohn]

I put 28mm tires on my 7700 FX...awesome bike!!

[bbattle]

I'm looking to get an FX model for my wife. I sent an e-mail to Trek and they said there would be three WSD models in the FX series.

My wife currently has the 7100. She doesn't need the front suspension fork, the fatter tires. The grip shifters don't seem to shift as well as the click shifters. She does like the upright geometry but the FX has an adjustable stem. She pedals like a maniac and I'm barely touching the pedals, even on my Trek Fuel 80 mtb. I think the top of the line FX will do the trick.

[FXjohn]

I'm looking to get an FX model for my wife. I sent an e-mail to Trek and they said there would be three WSD models in the FX series.

My wife currently has the 7100. She doesn't need the front suspension fork, the fatter tires. The grip shifters don't seem to shift as well as the click shifters. She does like the upright geometry but the FX has an adjustable stem. She pedals like a maniac and I'm barely touching the pedals, even on my Trek Fuel 80 mtb. I think the top of the line FX will do the trick.


I have the top of the line FX and can't say enough about it.
I smoked a roadie oin a 20 miler this week...he couldn't believe it.
I think my fred-like sony bike radio and light system might have skewed his thinking.
She will absolutely love that top of the line FX.

[cjdirtbiker]

I walked into my LBS and fell in love with the Trek hybrids. Since my next door neighbor and is wife are big-time road racers I asked him where and what I should buy. He sent me to his buddy's shop and they talked me into the FX series. So I ordered up a 7300FX for me, a women specific 7200FX for the wife, and a 3700 with road tires for my 11yr old son. They're supposed to be in tomorrow, can't wait.

What got me over to the FX was when the dealer said if we ride 20 miles to the beach and back I'll use a lot more energy on the non-FX model. With the lower bars and non-suspension forks they are much more efficient. The suspension forks are just extra weight and not needed for road and smooth trail work. And the componentry is better on the FX too. Beautiful bikes. So we ordered up the set.

We used to ride bikes years ago and then I got heavy into motorcycles - all styles. I had as many as five bikes in the garage and rode them all. First the street bike went - if you crash one of those you die. Then the offroad racer - you just get busted up on those. Then the kid's bikes. I still have an old trials bike and may get a newer one. Then we got a jeep. And it's back to riding bicycles and the wifey is thrilled!

The non-FX model is definetly for more casual riding. The stance is very much upright, while the FX gets you down a little for lower wind resistance and better performance. We're a little more serious this time, wanting more performance now that my son is old enough to keep up.

[EricDJ]

[QUOTE=bbattle]I'm looking to get an FX model for my wife. I sent an e-mail to Trek and they said there would be three WSD models in the FX series.QUOTE]

The new ones are 7.6 FX WSD, 7.5 FX WSD, 7.2 FX WSD.

7.6 FX WSD Carbon forks is a plus, different frame

7.5 and 7.2 are the same frame, 7.5 uses more Bontarger, 7.2 uses outside cheaper parts.