General Cycling Discussion - Trek 7300 and upgrades.

Since I'm unable to get the Kona Jake the Sanke or Dr. Dew in my size (largest possible) I've decided to start looking at the Trek Hybrids.

I was going to spend ~$900 on the Kona bikes, but since I can't get what I wanted I've decided to jump down the price line a few notches. I hope to get what I really want in a year or so.

I’ve thought about a full road bike, but I’m not ready for that type yet. I need something a little more relaxed to help break me in on cycling. Perhaps I’ll get a full road bike down the line, but not at this point.

This leaves me thinking of starting with a Trek 7300 and getting rid of the suspension seat post/fork and replacing them with reasonable quality non suspension varieties. I’m young, and from what I have read these suspension parts aren’t really that great of quality. Also, I’m going to be riding in the flatlands where shocks aren’t needed.

My LBS has told me in the past that they will swap out seat/stem/seatpost etc. to get proper fit and feel. They would either do it for free, or for a low additional cost of the part upgrade. I’ve never asked about the fork, but I assume they would do it too.

The next thing I would change is the tire to a more road type tire. Since the vast majority of my biking will be on the road in the flatlands of Indiana.

Lastly, I’d want to put a flat bar on. Although I’ve never seen the Trek hybrids in person, I think the bar has a slight bend in it. I’d like to go for a true flat bar with it. Mainly to help with the aesthetics of the bike as I like a flat bar or drop bar looks the best.

What are your thoughts on this setup?

Thanks,
CranialCrusader

Sounds like you are building up a Specialized Sirius lookalike.
There are other makes of CX/light tourers, such as Bianchi, Jamis, Fuji, if you need to check out larger sizes.

Nothing wrong with running flat bars on a cx/light touring style of bike if that what grabs you, but if you have to ride into headwinds you may regret not having drops.

yeah sounds like you want a fuji forza series or a specialized sirrus. i would stay away from the trek because of the money that you'd be wasting on the fork, seatpost, and riser bar - even if you do get it swapped out for free.

marin makes some good flat bar hybrids too

oh yeah, and if you're loyal to treks, think about getting the trek 1000 with the flat bar option! that way you have a "real" road bike with a flat bar... which is very easily upgradeable to drop bars - that's something you could never do with a hybrid.

if you don't like the suspension and riser bars, why not go with the Trek 7700 or 7500FX? Those models are suspension free and give you exactly what you are looking for. If you like your trek dealer and don't want to shop around for a different shop, I would check those out as a good option. Another idea would be to buy a 1200 with the flat bar option. Your Trek dealer can order it that way and you will be able to have a real road bike with the flat bar you want.

Chuck

Chasbo,

The reason I don't want the Trek 7500 FX is I to spend more than ~$500. I like the Sirrus from what I've seen about it so far. I should be able to get it for less than $500 as well.

I'm currently looking at the Jamis Coda, but I think it's going to be too much money.

CranialCrusader