Trek 7.2FX vs. Kona Dew

[supercub]

I'm a newbie looking for a bike for a short commute and fitness riding. I've narrowed down my shopping list to these two bikes (based on price, availability, and recommendations from this board).

I live in Hawaii, so availibility is a big issue. One LBS has a shipment of Treks coming in, so I should be able to pick one up for retail price. The Kona has to be special ordered, so it will end up costing $75 over retail. Unfortunetly, I can't ride the two bikes to compare, and I had to be fitted using higher end bikes with the same frame geometry.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

[fwh32720]

did you ever buy your bike?

[supercub]

Not yet. One LBS got a 7.2FX in the other day. I'll test ride it in the next few days, but I've got nothing to compare it with.

[jr29]

love my 7.2 150+ miles in under 2 weeks

[vegas06]

Konas are great bikes, but they don't warranty their frames for life, like other builders, like Trek.
I purchased a Trek 7.3 FX last month and love it. I was looking at teh Dew as well, but went with the Trek, because of teh build, more road style, and the lifetime warranty on the frame.

[scott L R]

Kona warranties frame for life, but puts a 25 year limit on it, saying it's life is 25 years. I have a 2000 Kona Fire Mountian with 12000 yes 12 thousand miles on it. I take care of maint. and cleaning, it takes care of me. My opinion, go with Kona. I have E-mailed Kona a few times with questions-comments and a decent person takes are of me next day.

[bbattle]

Spec-wise, there's not much difference between the two. Pick the one that looks the coolest.

Ironic that you can't get a Kona bike in Hawaii. I would have thought they were the most popular bike in Hawaii.