Commuting - After market additions for Trek 7.6fx

Hi all, I'm a newbie to this forum and this is my first post. I am picking up my new Trek 7.6 fx on Friday. I will be using it for commuting and fitness (20 plus mile trips). Is there anyone familiar with this bike that can recommend after market additions that will improve the bike without breaking the bank.

If you've already got shorts, jerseys, proper lights, etc. then I'd say clipless pedals and cycling shoes.

Believe it or not, this bike is a trek 7.6, so you can pretty much add anything to it. This was my first bike as an adult, and I explained my needs to the bike salesman and the fx series is what he recommended. Unfortunately, once I started riding, my needs changed, but I didn't have money to get a bike more suited to me, so I just rebuilt the one I had.

The things you need... Get a rack if you are going to commute, there are plenty of spots to mount a rack and fenders (if you want fenders), so use them. A rack is pretty cheap, and a backpack-sized pannier shouldn't run too much. And get a saddle pack and stuff a tube, some levers, and a multi-tool in there. I have found that frame pump pretty useful, a topeak road-morph. I can get the pressure up to 100 lb pretty easily, and I think it was only $40. If you are going to ride at night (or even when it starts getting just a little dark) get a light, a planetbike superflash for the rear light is the best buy. I think thats about all the necessary things.

And then there are all sorts of fun things. Probably the best thing I did was upgrade the wheels. The SSR wheels that came with it were pretty heavy, and it made the bike a lot quicker and snappier when I put the Easton Circuits on. The tires that come with it (race lite hardcase I believe?) are darn near indestructible, but a little sluggish. I have gatorskins on mine now, but I get flats. I never had flats with the hardcases, so I'm not sure I really upgraded anything. Next would be a brooks saddle, SO much more comfortable than the one that came with the bike. And I changed out the pedals. The platform/spd pedals that came with it are nice to learn how to use clipless pedals, but I preferred not to use the platforms so I'm using some regular spd pedals. Also, some small barends will give you some leverage on hills and give some different hand positions:

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BE401A00-Titec+Ergo-Mag+Bar+End.aspx



And then there's all the other stuff I've added to the bike, but I wouldn't really recommend doing any of that. I think the 7.6 is a really great bike for what it is designed to do, and I think you will really enjoy it.

Wow! She is a beauty. Thanks for the help. I can't wait to pick her up tomorrow. I already had the shop put bar ends on. Once I start riding and feeling her out I will decide on the other upgrades.

GREAT tips by bcarter6 - ...

I too just upgraded to a 7.6 - they are blue this year - and WOW my avg speed jumped 3-4 mph - (coming from a 7100)

I love this bike and I quickly down graded the pedals - the ones that come with it have side for cleats - that was annoying in that I don't use cleats (yet) -- I got a good rack and a bag with pannier flaps - (it's folds down) -

I have been communiting for one strait week on this new ride - 6 miles each way here in Tampa - and loving it.

The wheels seem wonderful to me - the bike is light and takes off quickly - I will check out the wheels that bcarter6 recommends as well -

Bcarter6 - Yours looks smokin - is it a 2008 ?

ALSO - get one of those matching computers for it - 'Alpine' model , I believe - you can get a wheel sensor that snugs right into your carbon fork - Nice -

If you have an iphone - get the 12.99 mount on Ebay and that smoking motionx (3 bucks) software - Live tracking and google mapping GPS... nice -

Here is a picture of mine (and no, that is NOT my lambo - don't I wish !!! - BUT the Boss does let me park my 7.6 with the the lambo and other sweet 'rides' in 'the coral' )

Enjoy !!!

Jungovox- Sweet ride. Thanks for the ideas. If I get new wheels I might get the same ones on the 7.7, they are the racing version

Yes, it is the 2008 version. The only thing left stock on it now is the frame though, everything else has been changed. Oh well.