Recreational & Family - Trek 7.2fx vs. the 7.3fx-help me decide

Ok--after visiting 3 LBS today I think I have settled on the Trek 7.3 fx. Not so sure my hubby is going to love the price though (I started off telling him I was looking for a bike in the $300 range! LOL). The price I was quoted from 2 stores for the 7.3 is $449.

My question is...is it really worth the extra $$ to go from a 7.2 to a 7.3? What are the main differences (in layman's terms)? I am going to be using the bike about 3-4 times a week on pavements through communities and on bike trails.
I'm not looking to needlessly spend money unless it is truly worth it.

The important differences I see are
a) the fork is hi-ten steel vs. chro-mo, which is a heavier, lower grade of steel. The same stuff used to build cheap kids' bikes.
b) the drivetrain is department store class components (crank, deraileurs), which are the bottom level of the bike shop class components, but still better than a *mart bike. Double check the front chainrings, I believe they are not replacable.
c) The headset bearings are semi-sealed. Full sealed bearings are the norm today for zero maintenance.

I think at $329, this would be worth considering. For the price difference between the 7.2 and 7.3, I think the 7.3fx is a much better value, putting you in Deore level components. Bang for the buck, I think its a better deal than the 7.5fx, unless you really, really need to lose the extra pound or so. I have a 1989 Trek with Deore LX components that still performs like new with minor tuning. I would have replaced Alivio comparable equipment several times by now. It also has non-sealed bearings, which need to be lubed (removed and repacked) every two years or more.

I'd go for the 7.3fx, which should be had for $429 if you look/ask. Make sure you try the WSD (specific geometry for women) to see if it fits you better.

I'm getting a 7.3fx in the next month or so.

I agree on the differences noted above. The 7.3fx has superior components, especially the fork issue, which will give you a smoother ride. I looked at both and chose the 7.3fx. I got a "mens'" frame as I prefer that geometry. The fellows at the Trek Store helped me with fit after several test rides. Try out different sizes if possible.

Other: the 7.2fx has a suspension seatpost and adjustable stem as stock. If you like these features, you can always add them to a 7.3fx.

Thanks legot3! I am really bad at trying to get someone to give me a lower price! What should I say to them tonight when I go to order it? Do I say I found one for cheaper somewhere else? This is why I never go to yardsales--just suck at haggling! LOL

Thanks legot3! I am really bad at trying to get someone to give me a lower price! What should I say to them tonight when I go to order it? Do I say I found one for cheaper somewhere else? This is why I never go to yardsales--just suck at haggling! LOL

You may want to see if they've got any 2005 models around; that would be the 7300 FX. You can then ask for a discount on that. I wouldn't expect much if any discount on the 2006 models.

Alternatively, pay full price for the FX, ask for a discount on your accessories. Sometimes the LBS will offer lifetime tuneups or a year's worth. The first tuneup is nearly always free.

I just bought a 7.5FX WSD for my wife; she loves it. Smaller brake levers, shorter top tube(women have shorter torsos), wider saddle(women have wider sitbones). The 7.3 FX is the sweet spot of the lineup.

Different stores have different prices. Browse some bike shops within a reasonable drive on the web. There should be lots of larger markets near you, so check a web site or two. Best price I've seen is $429 for the 7.3fx. I'd find a legit ad for that price, and ask if the shop you'd like to buy from would give you that price when you're ready to actually buy it.

The discount on accessories is pretty common, although you might need to ask. My experience is 10% on certain accessories (helmet, bottle cages, fenders, etc). Sometimes free installation on accessories like racks, cages, etc are available. You just need to ask, you don't need to be tough. The people you're dealing with are much nicer than car salesmen.

Another consideration if you have the time. Late March/early April is the the Christmas season for a bike shop, so there should be some expo type events going on with multiple dealers. An event like this or a spring bike sale should bring most or all of the goodies mentioned above. That's what I'm waiting for on April 7. Then your kids can get their face painted while you buy your bike!!!

If you are unsure how to haggle, shop via phone. Call the local bike shops in your area, I know of a few there. Even call some of the Baltimore and DC stores and just get an over the phone quote. Ask them to match at the shop. You don't have to be pushy, but you have to be serious. Maybe hem and haw a bit and say "If you can match Capital City's price of 4xx and give me a 15% discount on the other gear, I'll do this now". And mean that. 15% is not unreasonable as the stores often have coupons and sales for 15-25% off pricess if you meet criteria, etc. Otherwise consider going to the other store for your purchase. Always keep in your mind that it is your money and they will and should be glad to accept it :).

If my wife starts riding more as I think she will, I may have to replace hers with one of these.

Good Luck. I hope you get it.

I ride my 05 7300FX Disc to school almost every day. I got the bike used off of ebay, and have found the components to be durable (except the disc brakes...) and easy to work with. If you only plan on riding mostly on paved paths and streets, I'd scrap the stock tires for something narrower. The Bontrager tires mine came with were 35c with a max pressure rating of something outrageously low like 65psi. I swapped out for 28c Kevlar belted tires that take 120psi and noticed a huge difference.
It's a great bike, and if you get the standard brakes, it'll probably be less of a pain than mine.