Trek Navigator vs 7200?

[bethl395]

Hi, my husband and I want to purchase new recreational bikes to replace our hefty mountain bikes. I was amazed when I first road a hybrid at how fast I got going so quickly compared to my mountainbike! :)

He is looking at the Trek 7200 line. Anyone have experience with this line, or the navigator? Also, I am not sure about the new WSD low step design. Does anyone have this WSD bike in the 7200 (or any other 7000 line) or navigator?

Thanks very much!

Beth

[Sci-Fi]

If you want more speed and ride on mostly roads, then the 7200 is what you want. The Navigator is basically the same geometry but comes with the wider 26" tires instead of the 700c tires. If you are not going to do heavy duty off-road riding, the WSD design should be fine.

Keep an eye out for last year's models, you could save some money if your LBS has them on sale or gives you a good deal. In any case, test ride them and decide which one would best fit for your needs and expectations. Might want to look at other brands in a similar price range and compare/test ride them.

[conurejade]

If you want more speed and ride on mostly roads, then the 7200 is what you want. The Navigator is basically the same geometry but comes with the wider 26" tires instead of the 700c tires. If you are not going to do heavy duty off-road riding, the WSD design should be fine.

Keep an eye out for last year's models, you could save some money if your LBS has them on sale or gives you a good deal. In any case, test ride them and decide which one would best fit for your needs and expectations. Might want to look at other brands in a similar price range and compare/test ride them.

+1
Test ride...Test ride...Test ride :)

[Siu Blue Wind]

I have a Navigator so I can still ride when my bad back goes out. It is more of a comfort bike than the 7200 is. The suspended seatpost and fork help with the shock of bumpy roads. I believe it sits up higher and is more for Sunday cruising around on the bike path sort of thing. The 7200 is faster due to the thinner tires. I've heard of it being more of a commuter bike.

[tonphil1960]

Hi, I have a 7100 and my daughter has the Navagator, both are great bikes. I agree if you are on the road most of the time go wth the 7000 series. If you want to save a little $ go with the 7100, no big differences for the rec. rider. However if you want plushy comfort but less speed go Navigator.

T

[bethl395]

Thanks for the info -- I think we are learning toward the 7200 more than the navigator. Does anyone know much about the WSD low step though?

[tonphil1960]

If you have ridden Mtn Bikes, you will not need the step through design. If you are not afraid of the top tube go with a mens bike. There is no reason to make the step through's anymore. Originally they were for when women wore dresses and rode bikes. I don't think we need that anymore. I have the 7100, my wife has the Giant Cypress, very nice bike too..

Regards T

[bethl395]

Hi Tonphil -- thanks for the info. I'm debating the low step versus just having the mens version adjusted for me properly. The WSD issues Trek mentions on their website make sense though (closer reach brakes, tilt of handlebars, etc). But I guess these adjustments can be made to a mens bike too?

It seems the low step is in style because it's cute - not because we wear dresses. :)

[Sci-Fi]

It seems the low step is in style because it's cute - not because we wear dresses. :)

Not necessarily. Step through bikes are becoming more popular with those that go shopping with their bikes. After loading up, it's much easier to mount/dismount and handle/balance the bike without the top bar being there. Of course if your legs get cramped up, you won't stretch something that's already in pain...lol. Seriously though, it all depends on what uses a person wants the bike to perform and what best fits their situation. In my neighborhood, there are a lot of retirees and their legs muscles aren't as flexible or their cartilage isn't all there anymore, so a step through frame allows them to enjoy their youth again.

[tonphil1960]

You are welcome, yes by all means get what you like. The design is pretty cool. I did not mean that you bike with dresses now. I meant in the old days thats why they made em like that ^_^\\

T

[bbattle]

Thanks for the info -- I think we are learning toward the 7200 more than the navigator. Does anyone know much about the WSD low step though?

Take at look at the FX bikes as long as you at the Trek dealer. Similar in looks to a mtb. but has road wheels for speed and is lighter than a mtb. Giant makes an FCR which is similar. These will be faster than the hybrids, too.

Women's bikes will have smaller brake levers, a slightly shorter top tube, narrower handlebars, wider saddle. Depending upon your own geometry, you may not need a woman's bike.

[dingster1]

Agree with bbatle. I have the Trek 7.2 FX "staggered" design, which is a lowered top tube but not WSD. Love it!

[themanfromvan]

I would tend to agree with the previous two posts. Check out the FX series from Trek. I recently bought a 7300 and have put 100 miles on it despite uncooperative weather lately. I really wish I'd have considered the FX line more seriously. Don't get me wrong, I like my 7300, I just think maybe I should have given more consideration to the FX's. Test ride different bikes, don't make any snap decisions, and get what suits your style !! I do think, though, that you would "outgrow" the Navigator series very quickly.

[feelthefire]

We have a navigator and a 7500. 7500 is dad's, probably has about 6000 miles on it by now. Navigator belongs to my mom and she's ridden it once. Go figure.

I've ridden both and the navigator is really a lazy sunday on the bike path kind of bike. I didn't like the way it sat or how far back the balance of the bike is. It's cushy and comfy but not all that athletic of a ride.

I also hate the step over and lowered top tubes. I grew up riding old road bikes and I don't like the feel of the weird top tubes. it's becoming harder and harder to find women specific bikes that don't have these, and I really feel they're unnecessary on anything but the cushiest bikes.

The 7500 is a pretty athletic hybrid and it rides like a serious bike. I liked it much better because it was much more responsive and the frame is stiffer. Rides more like a real road bike. I believe they now come with front shock absorbers, which the 7500 I have does not have. That probably softens the ride up enough to ensure that most people could enjoy this bike.

Haven't tried the FX. I'm shopping for a bike myself and I will probably look at the 7200 but am leaning towards mountain frames and swapping out the tires instead.