Hybrid Bicycles - Is this a good bike? Trek 7000, 7200 WSD, etc?

UPDATE: I bought the Trek 7000 WSD. Thanks to all who helped me choose and who wished me well with my new bike.

Hi All,

I'm getting back into riding after 17 years. Last bike was a mountain bike. I'm now older (43), 5'0'. I know nothing about bikes anymore so I need some advice.

I tried the 14" $359 Trek 7000 WSD at my LBS today. It seemed nice. This one has a rigid fork. The next one I liked was the $539 7200 WSD model. I didn't like the color on the middle 7100.

Questions: If I'm basically riding on the bike path in my neighborhood (a scenic path separate from the road) and the bumpy pavement and gravel shoulder of the main highway, would I need the 7200 for $200 more just to get the suspension?

Is Trek a good manufacturer? Are the 7000 and 7200 WSD good bikes?

Can anyone recommend a comparable model? I tried the Specialized Carmel, Vita, and Globe but I'm not too sure about these because the seats were uncomfortable and the Vita felt a little stretched out. THe other i might consider is the Trek Navigator.

Thanks everyone.


Frameset
Sizes Lowstep 14, 16, 18.5"
Frame Alpha White Aluminum
Fork High tensile steel, curved blades
Wheels
Wheels Alloy hubs; Matrix 550, 36-hole alloy rims
Tires Bontrager Select Invert, 700x35c; 27tpi
Drivetrain
Shifters SRAM MRX twist, 7 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano C102
Rear Derailleur Shimano TX51
Crank Shimano M151 48/38/28 w/chainguard
Cassette Shimano 14-34, 7 speed w/spoke protector
Pedals Nylon platform
Components
Saddle Bontrager Suburbia FIT
Seat Post Alloy adjustable suspension
Handlebars Bontrager Approved, steel, 50mm rise
Stem Alloy, adjustable rise
Headset Threaded w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Tektro V w/Tektro alloy levers, Kraton inserts

Trek is one of the best manufacturers of hybrids out there. Many people love the 7000-series bikes. But do also look into the Trek FX-series. These tend to be faster and feel more like a road-bike, whereas the 7000's feel more like a mountain-bike. It's a matter of personal preference.

Ride as many as you can before deciding what bike to buy. Giant also makes excellent machines, as does Kona, and the list goes on. Ultimately buy the one you like the best. This will be the one you'll ride the most.

Thanks Panthers007. Good to know I won't go wrong with a Trek. I'll check out the Giants and Konas.

Great bike love mine.

Hi All,

I'm getting back into riding after 17 years. Last bike was a mountain bike. I'm now older (43), 5'0'. I know nothing about bikes anymore so I need some advice.

I tried the 14" $359 Trek 7000 WSD at my LBS today. It seemed nice. This one has a rigid fork. The next one I liked was the $539 7200 WSD model. I didn't like the color on the middle 7100.

Questions: If I'm basically riding on the bike path in my neighborhood (a scenic path separate from the road) and the bumpy pavement and gravel shoulder of the main highway, would I need the 7200 for $200 more just to get the suspension?

Is Trek a good manufacturer? Are the 7000 and 7200 WSD good bikes?

Can anyone recommend a comparable model? I tried the Specialized Carmel, Vita, and Globe but I'm not too sure about these because the seats were uncomfortable and the Vita felt a little stretched out. THe other i might consider is the Trek Navigator.

Thanks everyone.


Frameset
Sizes Lowstep 14, 16, 18.5"
Frame Alpha White Aluminum
Fork High tensile steel, curved blades
Wheels
Wheels Alloy hubs; Matrix 550, 36-hole alloy rims
Tires Bontrager Select Invert, 700x35c; 27tpi
Drivetrain
Shifters SRAM MRX twist, 7 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano C102
Rear Derailleur Shimano TX51
Crank Shimano M151 48/38/28 w/chainguard
Cassette Shimano 14-34, 7 speed w/spoke protector
Pedals Nylon platform
Components
Saddle Bontrager Suburbia FIT
Seat Post Alloy adjustable suspension
Handlebars Bontrager Approved, steel, 50mm rise
Stem Alloy, adjustable rise
Headset Threaded w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Tektro V w/Tektro alloy levers, Kraton inserts


Treks are good bikes..so are Specialized though the the majority of BF'rs do own Treks:) I have a Globe but an older model and I love it to death. I did swap out the saddle though for a more comfortable one so that is always an option for you if you do end up getting a Specialized or any other bike that has a hard seat, I have a Terry saddle on mine now. My employer bought the Globe Carmel and she also loves it.

I may get a Trek later on down the road though...after I get my Pashley:D

Also I tried the Giants but I felt there wasn't enough space between me and the handlebars so I felt a bit squished. I'm 5'8 though and am plus size so that may not be the case for you. I wish I didn't feel so squished as they are nice bikes too.

1) definitely ride a ton of bikes and see which one you like the best and

2) if possible, try out the trek fx 7.2 and 7.3 models (they both have Women Specific Design (WSD) models). they're about the same price as the ones you mentioned (a smidge more expensive) but i feel they are definitely worth the upgrade over the 7000 series.

i had a 7.2 fx and i loved it. i ride the paved trails here in manhattan and the bike was was so comfortable. all you will probably have to do is replace the seat since many people find the stock trek seats are comparable to torture devices. lol

but definitely try out a bunch. as for trek, they are releasing their 2010 models next week. if you come across any 7.2s and 7.3 models, you will find them for cheaper but if not, definitely negotiate on the price. the difference between these two models is the weight primarily - the 7.3 is definitely worth the lighter weight.

there are several people on here that paid only $20-50 more for their 7.3 models over their 7.2s so deals are definitely out there.

gl.

ps - many of us on the hybrid forums are trekkies (the bike kind, not the spaceship kind) and all of us love our treks.

ps - many of us on the hybrid forums are trekkies (the bike kind, not the spaceship kind) and all of us love our treks.)

LOL too bad I'm the Spaceship kinds;) we were like this close to getting Treks but the Globe won me over...Of course I like the older designed Globes better than the newer ones.

I've tried several bikes and the Trek FX 7.2 is my fave. My brother has the Trek Navigator and loves it. It would be perfect for the bike paths but if you think you'll want to ride longer and tackle hills, then you might look at the 7.2. I love both bikes because they take pot holes, etc. and are comfortable... and the 7.2 is a fast bike and makes me want to ride longer. I don't know how fast the Navigator is, but my brother can keep up with me so it must be okay.

I'm both kinds of Trekkie/Trekker. :) Thanks so much for all the replies. So far I'm planning to try the other Treks, Giants, and Specialized suggested. Then I'll decide. Keep the replies coming/ More the better.

My wife rides the 7300 WSD. It's white, has a fabulous paint job, and she calls it "Sugar Plum". It's her very first brand new bike. She loves it. I bought a 7300 too so as to have our riding experiences match as closely as possible.

The SPA suspension is spring based and has a vertical movement of about one inch. It is effective in smoothing out bumps, small pot holes, pavement cracks and other irregular services. The Suspension is often criticized but I believe that occurs when the bike is pushed outside of its design window: smooth, relatively quick and comfortable cruising. It is NOT a performance bike but it is not a sluggard either.

We think these bikes are great for gravel roads, rail trails, neighbourhood cruising and day trips of around 30 - 35 miles max (though I'm sure others regularly ride further on these bikes). Those 30 miles or so are a LOT more fun if they don't have a lot of hills, especially on the WSD model.

So depends on what you're looking for. We also own MTB's and are looking at dedicated touring bikes. For us the 7300's will always be in our "stable" small though it is. There is always a time and a place for a bike that can provide a smooth, competent, and relatively quick ride. These bikes fill that role admirably. In any event, who could ever get rid a of bike called "Sugar Plum"?

Hi All,

I'm getting back into riding after 17 years. Last bike was a mountain bike. I'm now older (43), 5'0'. I know nothing about bikes anymore so I need some advice.

I tried the 14" $359 Trek 7000 WSD at my LBS today. It seemed nice. This one has a rigid fork. The next one I liked was the $539 7200 WSD model. I didn't like the color on the middle 7100.



I may actually get the 7100 to keep at where I work so I can bike around with the kids I care for. I am a Blue girl so the colour suits me. I'm actually going to test ride it tomorrow if my LBS has them in stock. I really want a swoopy step through frame. I am eventually getting a heavy steel English bike but I figure three is a good number of bikes to have:D Hubby may disagree though and I may get tossed into the living room to sleep with them all..haha..

Keep us updated on what bike you get.

I've always liked the 7.7 and 7.9, but I had never heard of the Orbea Diem. Just checked it their website. That is a sweet looking bike! They list a dealer here in town. I wonder what the chances are of them having one in stock...:roflmao2:

If you are looking for comfort over speed, you can pick up a steel frame 700 series pretty cheap. They are of course are a little heavier, but more forgiving IMO than the aluminum 7000 series. I picked up a near mint 720 for my daughter this spring off CL for $50.00.

I have a Trek 7000 with almost 3k miles on it and it has been a good bike. I eventually bought a flat bar road bike as I wanted more speed and don't ride it off the road. I still use the 7000 for weekend tours and on hard pack bike trails. If you are mostly going to be riding on paved paths you might want to look for a bike with a lockable front shock or skip the shock altogether as it can rob a lot of power from your pedaling.

I have a Trek 7000 with almost 3k miles on it and it has been a good bike. I eventually bought a flat bar road bike as I wanted more speed and don't ride it off the road. I still use the 7000 for weekend tours and on hard pack bike trails. If you are mostly going to be riding on paved paths you might want to look for a bike with a lockable front shock or skip the shock altogether as it can rob a lot of power from your pedaling.

+1 I have the same bike and love it. I ride it more than any other bike I own because it is THE BIKE of all bikes for me. You will not go wrong by buying it.

Hi All,

I just returned home from the LBS. I bought the Trek 7000 WSD. Thanks to everyone for their help and reassurances that I was getting a good bike.

Best,

Terri

Far out! Enjoy your new steed. And please wear a helmet!

@Panthers007, thank you for your good wishes, and rest assured I did get a helmet!

Hi All,

I just returned home from the LBS. I bought the Trek 7000 WSD. Thanks to everyone for their help and reassurances that I was getting a good bike.

Best,

Terri


Have fun with your new bike!!!! :) I tried the 7100 today but it made me feel too squished:( So I'm back to either a Townie or Pashley

@TerraSkye, thanks for your help and good luck with your bike search. At 5'0" tall, it's hard for me to feel squished in anything, LOL!.

I'm recommending the Townie to my Mom so she can keep her feet flat on the ground. The seller told me the Townie would be too stretched out for me. Mom has back trouble so being on her tippy toes might not be such a good idea, so maybe you'll both have Townies!

I just bought a Trek 7100 for my 61st birthday, getting back into cycleing after 30 yrs. I love the bike,it has suspenion forks in front and saddle as well. Hope this helps

TinyCycler: It's great that you took the plunge! Be aware that as the cables stretch a bit, and the cable-housing settles into it's newly-found nest, you may find the bicycle not shifting as well. Or the brakes needing the levers to be pulled further back than they did a few days ago. This is all normal stuff that all new bikes go through. Call it 'bicycle-adolescence' if you will.

This is all covered by the warranty - and Trek has one of the best warranty programs going - so don't worry about taking it back to the shop you bought it at for routine adjustments. You may also find they will do a full tune-up within the first 6 months of ownership. Do take advantage of this.

You also may find certain components on the bike could be improved upon. This, too, is normal behavior for a new bicycle and it's rider. So if you have questions regarding, say, what are better pedals? What are good saddles? So drop in to these forums anytime with your questions - and anything else you'd care to share about your bicycle and where it's been lately!

For all who wonder what in the Dickens we are talking about, here is a link to Trek Bikes and the 7000 WDS:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/hybrid/7000wsd/

Ride On!

@Panthers007, thanks a bunch for the maintenance info. I'm just learning how to use the gears so no doubt they'll need some adjustment. I had no idea I needed to shift the bike like a manual car but my hometown is as flat as a pancake so maybe I won't have to... Glad you posted a link to a photo of the bike. Thanks. I had no idea how to do that.