Commuting - Help with choice - Fuji Absolute 2.0 vs 7.3FX

Hey all,

New to the forum and new to being more serious about biking. I've been working with a 50lb department store bike for the last five years (that I've even taken on a 65 mile ride) and have now decided to take the plunge an get a real bike.

I have been to my local dealers and have two deals on the table:

08 Fuji Absolute 2.0 for $425

08 Trek 7.3FX for $550

Both have about the same level of components and weigh about the same. The only real component differences are that the Trek has a double butted aluminum frame (Fuji is straight tube), but the Fuji has a carbon fork (Trek has an aluminum fork). Is the Trek worth the price premium for the better frame?

My commute is about 9 miles each way. All paved, with minor hills.

Thanks for your input.

I can't help with the comparison, but I can tell you about my experience with the 7.3FX.

I've got the 2007 model and have used it for commuting to work (6.5 miles, streets and paved bicycle paths). It's comfortable to me, though I may change out the flat handlebar to a Nashbar Trekking bar. Other than slightly stiff fingers and sore hands, I've got no complaints.

I looked at the Specialized Sirrus and the Trek 7.3 and I went with the Sirrus. I felt more comfortable and faster on the Sirrus--The owner of the Fuji dealer near me was not a person I wanted to deal with so
I didn't try it