Hybrid Bicycles - Looking for the fastest hybrid I can buy

When my mission for-the-day is going fast and working on cadence, I leave my hybrid behind and take out my vintage PUCH intermediate-racer. With a 12-25T Miche cassette and vintage 1982 Campagnolo SR 42-52T cranks - this would leave my hybrid in the weeds.

Always use the right tool for the job.

+1

I keep my tools hanging in the garage... when I want to go fast I take down the Cooper as although my roadified hybrid is pretty fast... the Cooper is a rocket.

+1

I keep my tools hanging in the garage... when I want to go fast I take down the Cooper as although my roadified hybrid is pretty fast... the Cooper is a rocket.

I'm gonna have to stick with the [:)] roadified (roadifyed?) hybrid. ....and maybe roadify it a tad more.

roadified hybrids - the best of both worlds, imo.

Option 4 ?? - get a Trek 7.6FX. Like jarelj - I too have one and it moves; accelerates quite well. I run 120 psi in the tires. No mods except for some Egron GC3 grips on order and a Terry Liberator Y saddle. It is pretty smooth riding with carbon fork and road damper insert on the rear main stays.

Another one to consider Trek 7.5FX, about $300 cheaper that way if you decide you want a road bike after all, you have not sunk a fortune into the hybrid.

find a "performance fit" madone and at least try it out. you're in the Big Apple so you should be able to find a bike shop that has it.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/madone/6_series/fit_and_geometry/


Performance Fit maintains the exact same geometry, handling, and ride characteristics as the Pro Fit platform, but uses a slightly higher head tube height to accommodate athletes with less flexibility.

i know racer madones are mad expensive but i *think* this model is cheaper. how much cheaper i don't know but i'd bet you can get it in the price range you quoted or haggle it down.

^ excellent idea on the performance fit. im going to go to my LBS this saturday and ask! i will also be trying out the orbea diem that they are building in my size....


morgan - i considered the 7.6 but since i live in manhattan and dont want/have space for more than 1 bike, i wanted something a little higher end. i feel that the price of the 7.7 is justified by the jump to bontrager race wheels vs. the 7.6's ssr. there is nothing wrong with the ssr's though, i am sure it's a quick bike. i want something that i dont have to upgrade for a while. with 'higher end' components, it'll keep my future upgrades to a minimum right off the bat...

i have seen people riding road bikes on manhattan streets and, to me anyway, they look way too uncomfortable (having to check all sides for cars, pedestrians, etc).... i prefer the upright position like im sitting on a chair. LOL. but i am going to consider a performance fit madone too...

You could get the same geometry - or even friendlier - as the PF Madone from almost any damn road bike just by buying the right mixture of frame size and stem...

If you really want to look at a drop handle that's closer to a hybrid, look at a cyclocross bike like a Tricross. If you fit Salsa Bell Lap handlebars you'll have drops, but with more steering ability and ease of vision than stock bars.

But you are simply not going to go faster without adopting a lower position. Other than by changing draggy tyres for fast ones, which doesn't require a change of bike.

Not saying it's rigth for you but I figure I'll pass on my recent experience. I started out convinced I wanted a flat bar road bike ( and nothing else) but ended up with a cyclocross ( which I will re-shoe.) An extended ride on a flat bar showed me that the limited hand position can become tireing. The relaxed position of the cyclo with the drop bar option was actually less fatiguing.

I'd say to look into Nashbar Trekking handlebars, but I see they've taken them off their website - again. But keep an eye out for those - many people swear they are the best for hybrids.

since i cant sleep, i might as well do something productive....


Pros for the Trek FX 7.7 --
- has the bontrager race wheels i want - one reason i am considering this over the 7.6 or lower models... so i dont have to get the bike and immediately feel the urge to swap out to 'higher end' wheels....
- i can get it for about $1650 (after taxes, delivery, etc)
- it has all the same components as the 7.9 (shifters, derailers, brakes, etc all the same)
- aluminum frame = lifetime support from trek and i dont have to worry *as much* about the integrity in case i crash (when compared to the 7.9's carbon frame)
- lower price, so i can spend more on mods (trek computer, etc)

Cons for the Trek FX 7.7 --
- if i get this model, i'll always have that 'what if' question in my mind.... 'what if i had gotte the 7.9.....'
- a little heavier than the 7.9... Im only listing this since i have no other con....
- since i was quoted a pretty good price on the 7.9, i would feel stupid getting the 7.7 instead... i normally jump at better deals and offers..... if you're going to go crazy for a bike, might as well go 100% crazy and not 90%.........


Pros for the Trek FX 7.9 --
- quoted a price of about $2300 for the '10 model after taxes, etc. one of the biggest reasons im considering it
- lightest fx model - i love really riding hard on the pedals at a green light... the 7.9 would do 30mph after 2 pedal-strokes =P lol
- i really only want 1 bike in my stable so i want it to be the highest end one i can find... i dont have the space for 3-4 diff bikes...

Cons for the Trek FX 7.9 --
- one wreck on the carbon frame and i probably wont be able to use the bike =/
- i would feel like im riding on an eggshell... but they make carbon mountain bikes... so maybe im worrying for no reason...
- after digging around, trek only gives you support up to 5 years in case anything happens to the carbon frame(but lifetime if nothing happens). support for aluminum is LIFETIME plus it's less likely to turn into a $2,000 heap of technology after one bad crash...
- i would be nervous as hell to ride this thing around 'carelessly' - i'd have to watch everything i did so i would not wreck....



*subject to change apon the update on the trek website to the 2010 model specs...

A 'Hybrid' is a bike that is designed to travel on both pavement and dirt/gravel. They have aluminum-frames which are responsive and nimble over both surfaces. I average 14 - 15mph on gravel paths going for many miles.

The carbon-framed 7.9 costs more. And I wouldn't feel safe or secure running it at a relatively high speed on dirt/gravel. Would you?

If you are going to, or want the option to, ride on varied terrain - get the 7.7. If you are going to ride solely on paved surfaces (with few potholes) - get the 7.9.

Better still - go 'carboniferous' all the way and get an all-carbon frame/fork and build something. It would likely save you some money.

I live where both surfaces are commonplace. I ride steel and aluminum.

B]Pros [/b]for the Trek FX 7.7 --
- aluminum frame = lifetime support from trek and i dont have to worry *as much* about the integrity in case i crash (when compared to the 7.9's carbon frame)

Cons for the Trek FX 7.9 --
- after digging around, trek only gives you support up to 5 years in case anything happens to the carbon frame(but lifetime if nothing happens). support for aluminum is LIFETIME plus it's less likely to turn into a $2,000 heap of technology after one bad crash...


Trek's lifetime warranty does not apply in the case of a crashed frame. While the aluminum frame would likely hold up better than carbon in the event of a crash, were you to destroy either frame from crashing it would not be a free replacement. Trek does have a pretty good crash replacement policy in which you get a new frame at a much reduced price.

Check out their warranty page here: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/support/limited_warranty/


This warranty does not cover:

* Normal wear and tear
* Improper assembly
* Improper follow-up maintenance
* Installation of parts or accessories not originally intended for, or compatible with, the bicycle as sold
* Damage or failure due to accident, misuse, abuse, or neglect
* Labor charges for part replacement or changeoverThe weight difference between the two bikes is almost negligible. They are within about a half-pound of each other. The weight loss doesn't translate to a huge speed benefit, but the switch to carbon does improve on the comfort of the ride. However, if you are going to be riding in jeans, a pair of padded bike shorts would be far more effective in adding comfort than the frame material differences.

My vote: 7.7FX, padded shorts. (Bontrager, PI, and several others make shorts that look like street clothing but have a padded insert if you don't want the spandex look)

Lastly, ask your dealer about Red Shield. If you ride a lot, the program is well worth it, especially for high-end bikes.

The idea that a carbon bike has to be thrown after a crash is FUD. Trek advise you to have the bike inspected at a dealer after a serious crash (this is free, afaik). If your frame is found be cracked, which is when you'll have a problem,and which should take a lot of doing, then they will then sell you a frame at something like cost:

http://www.trekbikes.com/faq/questions.php?questionid=45

In the real world you should probably worry more about aluminium steerer components failing from metal fatigue...

But switching to carbon is pointless for anybody but a racer who needs every weight advantage possible and the ability to run thin tyres semi-comfortably for the extremely marginal - and to the OP irrelevant, if he has a brain - advantages.

Otoh, the whole idea of a magic go-faster upright bike is silly anyway...

I think it is an awful lot of money to spend but then a lot of money for 1 person is not for another.

update --

1) I ordered a stunning white 2010 Trek fx 7.7.... i saw the color and i jumped at the 7.7......

2) the 7.9 comes with two ultegra components -- sorry, i dont remember which ones. i was at the dealer and had a quick peek at them.

i am stoked. the bike should be in this week sometime...

Now that you have decided on the 7.7 F - here's my personal opinion: I think you did the right thing. Reading over the Trek carbon-warranty, I noticed that after 5 years they sign off the frame-replacement lifetime warranty - which all non-carbon framed bicycles have. So assuming you haven't had to sweep the 7.9 frame into a Hefty Cinch-Sack, after 5 years is up, Trek won't so much as loan you a dustpan.

But on the positive side - if you rode the 7.9 FX as a hybrid and went down dirt trails and gravel roads, I'd wager the 7.9 wouldn't still be intact in 5 years. So you'd get your warranty fulfilled. Maybe it's just me, but I just don't understand why they even make off-road bikes and mountain-bikes out of carbon. It seems like you'd be courting a disaster everytime the bike left the pavement for the woods and fields.

I don't think you'd really want to take an FX bike too far off-road. I know mine doesn't seem overly adept at handling rough surfaces, I don't think I'd want to trek (pun intended) down a gravel road for very far on it. My old Trek 7500 was much better suited to that. Trek seems to have the FX series positioned as a road bike, they don't even mention offroad capabilities in the description of it on the web site:

"Road bike speed and upright comfort join together for aggressive fitness rides or long commutes. Available with lightweight TCT Carbon or hydroformed Alpha Black Aluminum frames, rigid performance forks and fast-rolling 700c wheels."

update --

1) I ordered a stunning white 2010 Trek fx 7.7.... i saw the color and i jumped at the 7.7......




Outstanding! I'd like to have heard your first hand impressions of the Obrea but I too think you made a wise choice all things considered.:thumb:

Congratulations Sh00k - I am sure you will love that bike. Get some pics up when you get a chance.

thanks to everyone that helped with their input and advice - i really appreciate it!

the orbea -- the reason i didn't consider it - it's a carbon bike that comes with a $200 wheelset! if i got this, just because i am compulsive, the 1st thing i would do is try to upgrade the wheels... and $700 later, i'd be over the cost of an fx 7.9 .....

panthers -- that 5 year stipulation on the carbon frame was one of the biggest cons against the 7.9 after i read about it about 2 days ago. what use is it buying such a high end product when the warranty has less support than models below the 7.9? didn't make sense and i decided against the 7.9.... at the dealer today, however, he was offering the 7.9 to me for $2300 - taxes, shipping, etc included.... i considered it but then stuck with the 7.7.

my 7.7, just like my 7.2 which i had for a short time, will only see paved trails and little manhattan street use. i hate riding in traffic - especially in manhattan, so my street riding will be strictly limited to the 5 minutes it takes me to get to and from the westside bike trails... the remainder of the time will be on the paved bike path which has absolutely no dirt areas. the westside trails run the length of manhattan and are about 13 miles long from north to south.

the white 7.7 looks soooo clean... i did see the fx 7.5 in black/red that someone mentioned - it looks insane!!! the 7.6 - like the pic i posted - has that same/similar gray color like last years 7.7 did. the 7.7 this year is white and only white - no other options. the 7.9 looks identical to last years with the exception of the seat post and ultegra components... there are probably other differences but again, i looked at the specs for only a couple of minutes...

I will definitely be posting pictures and my first impressions the day i get it. the LBS is about 8 miles from my place and i plan on riding it back to get a feel for it. ;-D

some 2010 model pics i found via google.


here us a pic of the 7.3
http://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/29d/cc5/ba2/33017/large/trek-73-fx-2009-hybrid-bike.jpg


here is a pic of the 7.5

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/images/ProductImages/fullsize/Bikes/Trek/10-trek-7-5-fx.jpg
here is a pic of the 7.6

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3851116846_fcbeca1296_o.jpg

I don't think you'd really want to take an FX bike too far off-road. I know mine doesn't seem overly adept at handling rough surfaces, I don't think I'd want to trek (pun intended) down a gravel road for very far on it. My old Trek 7500 was much better suited to that. Trek seems to have the FX series positioned as a road bike, they don't even mention offroad capabilities in the description of it on the web site:

There's a wonderful gravel & dirt path here that goes on for 4+ miles with Lake Champlain about 15 feet to either side. It was an old railroad bed. But the town of Colchester pulled the rails up and now it's an MUP. Funny thing is: It doesn't connect. Near the end of the 4+ miles, there is a 200-foot gap. In the summer there is a private ferry-service for bikes, but it's sporadic as to how often it runs. So it's a 4+ mile dead-end! And boy is it ever pretty out there!

I took my Trek hybrid-custom on this several times. Trying to ride slow sort of fizzles. The Trek wants to go at an average speed of 14mph down this through the dirt and gravel. I feel as though I have complete control on it and could run it faster, but I hold it down to 14mph - as best I can. But I can see you're point: I wouldn't feel safe and in control if I was riding on the original wheel-set that were on a Trek 7.5 FX. I tried that once and both wheels rapidly went out of true. Now I'm running on Mavic A719's 3X laced to 32H Ultegra hubs. With Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy tires at 700 X 27C and 90psi.

The ride feels great! :thumb:

Congrats on your new bike. Hope you enjoy it for decades to come.

Thanks Tiny. For the price I am paying, I better enjoy it for decades to come :roflmao2::lol::roflmao2::lol: LOLOL

We Want Pictures! We Want Pictures! We Want Pictures!

in due time, mr panther, in due time....

man, the more and more i look at the 7.5 fx picture above, the more i want one! LOL

in due time, mr panther, in due time....

man, the more and more i look at the 7.5 fx picture above, the more i want one! LOL

My you are ficked aren't you, your like a dog that's always on the wrong side of the door

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/images/ProductImages/fullsize/Bikes/Trek/10-trek-7-5-fx.jpg

Come onnnnnnn! it's eye candy! You know you want one too!!!!!

it's sooooooo dreamyyyyyyy!!!!!!! :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

lol

My you are ficked aren't you, your like a dog that's always on the wrong side of the door


:lol:

man, the more and more i look at the 7.5 fx picture above, the more i want one! LOL

Whan I first got into cycling I had:

Trek 930 hardtail
Trek 970 hardtail x2
Trek 990 suspension
Trek 2100 road bike

...I was such a stupid. It's easy to get carried away.

^ wow you had a stable ready for any type of riding!

another reason i got the 7.7 - i dont have the space for more than 1 bike. 2 would be pushing it honestly so i wanted to get something i didnt have to upgrade from later on... like, i would not have kept my 7.2 and gotten the 7.7. but now that i sold the 7.2 i had space for the 7.7.

i like upright riding and speed so i think this bike is going to be good for me for years. plus, for the time being, i dont think i will have the urge to upgrade components since the bike comes with some pretty good stuff right out of the box.

and i just ordered one of these --

http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-SW654-17-Function-Bike-Computer/dp/B000DZD3FQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1251136500&sr=8-2

i had one of these on my 7.2 and i loved it. so many features, clear to read, easy to use, awesome price! you cant go wrong with one of these.

"I am very easy to please. I am always satisfied with the very best there is." - Oscar Wilde

the 2010 trek fx 7.9

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2009/08/17/1250518491576-1algnsvbhb5jl-850-65.jpg


i still cannot find pics of the '10 7.7.... i duno y............

...and i just ordered one of these --

http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-SW654-17-Function-Bike-Computer/dp/B000DZD3FQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1251136500&sr=8-2

i had one of these on my 7.2 and i loved it. so many features, clear to read, easy to use, awesome price! you cant go wrong with one of these.

For a guy who goes high-end with everything it is a surprising move to get such a low-rent cycle computer. I have a Cateye V2c and it is great. Got it for $109 from Lickbike.com.

For a guy like you on a top-of-the-line bike I'd expect a Garmin Edge 705. However, in Manhattan it would doubtless get crappy signal.

i considered high end computers too but when i had this one on my 7.2fx, it worked like a charm and gave me all the details i wanted - primarily speed, average speed, and distance... setup wasnt so bad either.... it is less than $16 with shipping. downside - only comes in red. upside - the price and it's accuracy.

i am like that - something high end, something low end... lol.... also, an aside, i think im going to get toe clips first before moving to clipless pedals/shoes. i ride maybe 5 minutes on the street until i hit the trails so i dont think it's too bad of an option for me (for now, anyway...)

besides, when my gf gets a bike, i can always give her this computer and get something more high end... she barely rides so it wont be a problem... she may be getting a bike soon too - im telling her about the 7.3 fx. she rides for pleasure, probably 100miles or less per year easily.

ROFLMAO @ the garmin edge. @ $649, i'd rather get my girlfriend the 7.3 fx and get lost on a park trail and ask a bear for directions :-D hahahahahha!!! the v2c looks interesting though... hmmm.......

ironically, i think the 7.7's carbon fork has a wireless computer sensor built into it...

Bought my wife a 2009 7.5 FX. It's Very nice bike that I would recommend for anyone looking for a flatbar hybrid.

Doesn't the 7.7 come with clipless pedals?

mattyA - yes it does - i just noticed that on the 09 specs. i didnt notice on the '10 model tho... i'll find out in a day or 2 :-D

trust - excellent choice! what do you ride?

I'm sorry. I've been banned from Bike Forums for the last week. If it's not too late return the aluminum bike for a carbon one, do it. Everyone who is saying carbon won't hold up is chewing sour grapes. I know a cat one racer who has been earning his living making deliveries on a carbon Trek that is at least a dozen years as a work bike. He doesn't race this bike, I only mention his race cred because he rides fast, like you want to ride, and his bike doesn't break.

I wouldn't ride aluminum or steel if I could afford carbon or Ti. Please, for those of us who can't, buy a nice frame. Ride the stock wheels into the ground, earn the upgrade. You maybe surprised at how well the stock wheels ride and how long they last. Get the Orbea or at least the carbon Trek. Aluminum sucks. Big time.

^ thanks for the info. the guys at my LBS told me the same - that carbon fiber has a bad rap for no reason and that it can withstand a beating. i decided to save some of the dough plus i wasnt too happy with treks warranty limitation on the 7.9.... i'll switch to carbon in a few years after i run my 7.7 into the ground :-D

well... i take exceptionally good care of my things so i honestly think this bike will last 10 years easy.... but in case i feel the need to get another bike, i'll simply take my 7.7 offroading in the mountains.:roflmao2::cry::lol::roflmao2::cry::lol::roflmao2::cry::lol:

man, the more and more i look at the 7.5 fx picture above, the more i want one! LOL
I stopped in at a shop today and had a look at the 7.5 FX -- beautiful bike -- and not a bad price either.

I'm sorry. I've been banned from Bike Forums for the last week.



AWwww I was wondering where you were...Glad you are back:)

I had a discussion with my bike nut coworker about why I cannot beat the tall skinny ******* on the roadbike (that rides wearing FLIP FLOPS) even pedaling like crazy downhill...he told me road bikes and hybrids are different. Hybrid bikes rely on torque, have bigger niches on the chain rings. Hybrids are designed for hauling stuff/general riding/??. Road bikes are meant to kick ass.

In short, I don't think there is such a thing as a "fast" hybrid, unless it has road bike-like chain rings?

I had a discussion with my bike nut coworker about why I cannot beat the tall skinny ******* on the roadbike (that rides wearing FLIP FLOPS) even pedaling like crazy downhill...he told me road bikes and hybrids are different. Hybrid bikes rely on torque, have bigger niches on the chain rings. Hybrids are designed for hauling stuff/general riding/??. Road bikes are meant to kick ass.

In short, I don't think there is such a thing as a "fast" hybrid, unless it has road bike-like chain rings?

Solution,

Buy a cyclocross bike and convert it to a flat bar. Upgrade the brakes to V-type. Chose your gearing. You have your choice of skinny to fat tires.

Worked for me.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3826464823_f944d1a278.jpg

But what if you want to get into the drops to get out of a headwind? It's probably hilarious watching me trying to go into the "drops" on my flat bar 100% hybrid trying to escape a brutal head wind.

But what if you want to get into the drops to get out of a headwind? It's probably hilarious watching me trying to go into the "drops" on my flat bar 100% hybrid trying to escape a brutal head wind.

2 position L-Bend bar ends set at a low angle can help.....

http://www.bikepro.com/products/barends/bar_end_jpg/b1b_onza_200_top.jpg

How much do those run?

AWwww I was wondering where you were...Glad you are back:)

Thanks, Fiona!

Doesn't the 7.7 come with clipless pedals?

Yes, but they kind of suck as clipless pedals, they're a single-sided clipless with platform pedals on the other side. So the width of the pedal is the same as a normal platform pedal, which means the clips are only one one side and inset in the middle of the pedal. This is a recipe for having to look down at your pedal every time you clip in to make sure you're on the right side of the pedal, which sucks. It was a good introduction to clipless pedals for me, but it only took a couple of weeks and I was ready for a full clipless pedal. I spent $34 on these:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=7078

It's a 1000% improvement, I can clip in much easier and without having to look down.