Hybrid Bicycles - Cannondale Quick 3 vs Trek 7.5 fx

Hi, currently I'm looking for a comfortable high performance hybrid for less than CAD$1400. Currently, I have my eyes set on 2009 Trek 7.5 FX for CAD$969 or 09 Cannondale Quick 3 for $1269. I know Specialized made Sirrus Elite with carbon seat stay but I don't have any Specialized dealers nearby that carry the bike. I've found a good number of 7.5 fx owners in this forum but none for Quick 3. Now, I'm leaning toward Quick 3 because it has carbon seat stay, which I think is a plus. Btw, I live in Vancouver, BC and I'm gonna need a bike to do flats and hills. Do you think $300 different between the Cannondale and Trek is justified? or is it better just to get 7.5 fx and upgrade the bike from there (carbon seatpost etc)? I never own any bike with carbon seat stay so I don't know if that is just gimmick or really works to take some vibration off the road. I greatly appreciate any feedback or advise. thanks

I have a Quick which I really enjoy. Believe it's the Quick 2, but not sure. It's the one with 105 RD. The bike ride is exceptionally smooth. Carbon definitely adds to the bike's performance level. Mine is set up as a commuter/utility, so speed is not much of an issue.

Just modified model number to Quick 2.

I was most definitely going to get a Trek 7.6 FX but finally settled for a Cannondale Quick 2

Reasons for choosing the Cannondale:
1. I do not want a carbon fiber seat post because I plan to walk my dog using this attachment: http://www.thedogoutdoors.com/walkydog-dog-bike-leash.html
2. Better Shimano 105 RD
3. Wider tires - should allow me to use the bike on a wider variety of terrains (?)
4. I like the black much better than the blue frame on the 7.6FX

I'm placing the order tomorrow so if there's any reason for not getting the Quick 2 please let me know :)

Currently, I have my eyes set on 2009 Trek 7.5 FX for CAD$969 or 09 Cannondale Quick 3 for $1269.

I think you got something wrong here. The 7.5 FX and the Quick 3 should be around the same price range. For that kind of money you should be able to get a Quick 2.

Believe it or not, I got a Quick 2 for about $900. I do a lot of business with the LBS, but don't know how much this factored into the price.
I do believe you will love the Quick!:)

How "off road" can the Continental City Ride 700x32c tires on the Quick 2 go? (on family/recreational type ride)

Curdog: that was a sweet price for a Quick 2, the cheapest I found is USD$1100. In Canada the mark up for bikes and parts are unbelievable, I guess most of it goes to taxes and duties. Today was a very good day, because I just sold my Ridley roadbike. So, I am getting really close to get my hybrid provided that the price is right. Someone at the LBS told me to wait a little longer because of the new 2010 bikes will arrive at the showroom in October and the old 09 will most likely go on sale. Anybody tried the Quick 2 vs Quick 3?

Tires on Quick 2 are basically built for the street. You won't have any problem riding light trails, cinder paths, etc. 700 x 32 is still a fairly narrow tire.

Stayed tuned for the 2010 Cannondale Quick bikes. They look amazing.

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2009/08/04/1249344741467-16pzsel96low8-798-75.jpg

Now I'm torn between the Quick 2 and the Quick3

The reasons I'm considering the Quick 3 is the more practical crank (26/36/48 vs the 30/39/50 of the Quick 2) and of course almost $200 price difference. The crank is important because there are quite a few steep climbs around here.

However, the Quick 2 has better quality components almost all around including the wheels. I have 2 options:

a) going straight to the Quick 2 and see how I do with it (downgrade the crank later if I feel the need) - don't know the cost or implications of this
b) getting the Quick 3 with the inferior components - (also don't know how much I'm missing out in terms of quality vs the Quick 2)

Basically, how much better are the Quick 2 components than the ones in the Quick 3? Is it worth it?

Quick 2 specs:
http://www3.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/model-9QR2.html

Quick 3 specs:
http://www3.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/model-9QR3.html

LESMCLUFF: that bike looks awesome, it looks much better than Quick 1 in silver. Now which quick series is that?

AQC1976: I'm feeling the same with you. I really like the 26/36/48 & 11-26 combo. If I get the Quick 3 i'd probably swap my crank with a shimano XT 44/32/22 for better performance but if I get the Quick 2, i can just change my cassette to 11-32 to compensate my lost at the front gear.

eh there,

I picked up my 2010 trek 7.5 last week. Here it sits in my garage ready to ride. The other color is that gold from 09. They run about 20 bucks more than last year, but my lbs offered 100 off of 09 if i wanted. Here is how it looks

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/104/l_85c3416381644fecaf5f75e511e91183.jpg

dh

LESMCLUFF: that bike looks awesome, it looks much better than Quick 1 in silver. Now which quick series is that?

I'm not sure that's how the actual production model will look like. I think that's a concept bike.
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/cannondale-2010-urban-bike-highlights-22672



AQC1976: I'm feeling the same with you. I really like the 26/36/48 & 11-26 combo. If I get the Quick 3 i'd probably swap my crank with a shimano XT 44/32/22 for better performance but if I get the Quick 2, i can just change my cassette to 11-32 to compensate my lost at the front gear.

Around how much should I be looking to spend to do something like that?

I was most definitely going to get a Trek 7.6 FX but finally settled for a Cannondale Quick 2
They seem to be similar sorts of bikes. Lighter and more like a typical road bike and less like a typical hybrid (like the Trek 7500).


LESMCLUFF: that bike looks awesome, it looks much better than Quick 1 in silver. Now which quick series is that?

AQC1976: I'm feeling the same with you. I really like the 26/36/48 & 11-26 combo. If I get the Quick 3 i'd probably swap my crank with a shimano XT 44/32/22 for better performance but if I get the Quick 2, i can just change my cassette to 11-32 to compensate my lost at the front gear.

http://sheldonbrown.com/gears/

http://www3.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/quick.html

Here are the gear numbers:

Quick 2 ($1300): 30/39/50 -> 11-26 cassette

High: 9.2 gain, 21.9 mph at 60rpm
Low: 2.3 gain, 5.6 mph

Quick 3 ($1100): 26/36/48 -> 11-26 cassette

High: 8.8 gain, 21.0mph at 60rpm
Low: 2.0 gain, 4.8mph

Quick 4 ($700): 28/38/48 -> 11-32 cassette

High: 8.8 gain, 21.0mph at 60rpm
Low: 1.8 gain, 4.2mph

My tourer: 30/39/50 -> 11-32 cassette

High: 9.5 gain, 22.8 mph at 60rpm
Next to Low: 2.2 gain, 5.2 mph
Low: 1.9 gain, 4.5 mph

The difference between the Quick 2 and the Quick 3 and 4 is one extra lower gear.

LESMCLUFF: that bike looks awesome, it looks much better than Quick 1 in silver. Now which quick series is that?

AQC1976: I'm feeling the same with you. I really like the 26/36/48 & 11-26 combo. If I get the Quick 3 i'd probably swap my crank with a shimano XT 44/32/22 for better performance but if I get the Quick 2, i can just change my cassette to 11-32 to compensate my lost at the front gear.

It's the Quick FC2. Based on the concept.

Here are some specs.



•Concept bike inspired full-carbon frame and fork

•Synapse full-carbon SAVE seatpost

•FSA Gossamer compact BB30 crankset

•Shimano 105 10-speed drivetrain, R770 shifters

•Custom Formula Element paired spoke wheels

•Custom Quick ergonomic saddle

•Available: January 2010

•Price: TBA



Those might be Euro only specs.....

Finally, I bought 09 7.5 fx (CAD$969). I compared it with Quick 3 (CAD$1279) side by side and on a road test. The Trek 7.5 Fx felt more plush and comfortable, the geometry is more upright, than the Cannondale. Somehow the Quick 3 Medium is too small for me, it felt like riding a bmx with long seatpost so I tried the Large size. This doesn't fit me well either, because of longer top tube it kinda put me on more agressive position. I thought the Quick 3 would be more comfortable because of added carbon seat stay but I'm wrong. The Trek handled street bumps better than the Cannondale. The only drawback with Trek 7.5 Fx is the weight, a tad heavier than the Quick 3. I save $300 today by going with Trek and I plan to use that money to get carbon seatpost, handlebar and stem.

Finally, I bought 09 7.5 fx (CAD$969). I compared it with Quick 3 (CAD$1279) side by side and on a road test. The Trek 7.5 Fx felt more plush and comfortable, the geometry is more upright, than the Cannondale. Somehow the Quick 3 Medium is too small for me, it felt like riding a bmx with long seatpost so I tried the Large size. This doesn't fit me well either, because of longer top tube it kinda put me on more agressive position. I thought the Quick 3 would be more comfortable because of added carbon seat stay but I'm wrong. The Trek handled street bumps better than the Cannondale. The only drawback with Trek 7.5 Fx is the weight, a tad heavier than the Quick 3. I save $300 today by going with Trek and I plan to use that money to get carbon seatpost, handlebar and stem.

I just ordered the Quck 3 based on specs and looks alone. I believe I got a good deal at $980. I did not have a chance to test ride either because they don't carry them in stock here. How tall are you and what size Trek did you end up getting?

I'm 5" 8, but I have longer torso so 20" Trek feels right for me. I just checked on REI website, the Quick 3 is only $900. And another LBS I called can also ordered it for $900. Well, I chose Trek because of the fit, I like their geometry better and off course is cheaper than the Quick 3. How tall are you and what size Quick did you order?

milous - congrats on your new ride! ;D

I'm 5" 8, but I have longer torso so 20" Trek feels right for me. I just checked on REI website, the Quick 3 is only $900. And another LBS I called can also ordered it for $900. Well, I chose Trek because of the fit, I like their geometry better and off course is cheaper than the Quick 3. How tall are you and what size Quick did you order?

Well that's a dilemma I have that's been bugging me a lot. I'm 6'1 with 33" inseam. The guy at the LBS told me that I'm a Large and that's what I ordered. However, from what I've read online according to seat tube measurement I'm supposed to be an XL.

The thing is that according to Cannondales website, the XL has a standover height of 82.8cm (which translates to 32.6"), roughly my inseam measurement. The L has standover height of 78.7cm (30.9") which should give me 2 inches of clearance.

Also, I read that top tube measurement is much more important than seat tube measurement so I looked for info on that and found this chart:
http://www.prodigalchild.net/Bicycle6.htm

I'm 12 shoe size, so the chart recommends top tube length of 56.5cm (the L top tube is 56, while the XL top tube is 58.5).

I decided to get the L because of standover height and top tube measurement even though based on seat tube measurement I'm clearly supposed to be an XL.

I hope I'm not wrong.

2010 Cannondale Quick Carbons!!!!!!......Sweet!!!!

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/10/cusa/model-0QRC1C.html


http://video.cannondale.com/images/10/CUSA/large/0QRC1C_crb.jpg

Stayed tuned for the 2010 Cannondale Quick bikes. They look amazing.

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2009/08/04/1249344741467-16pzsel96low8-798-75.jpg

That may be so, but different strokes for different folks. Looks Fugly to me. I'm sure it rides great, but the whole stealth fighter design thing just doesn't light my fire..:(

thanks Sh00k, I rode some more today on my 7.5 oh boy it feelt better and better. On asphalt and rough pavements it handles pretty well and not as bumpy as the Quick 3 imo and Argon 18 LUX (another high end hybrid). I have a mint tiagra triple crankset laying around and plan to put it on this bike. I'm also looking for used but good condition carbon stem, seatpost, and handlebar.

AGC1976: I have a 30 inseam and I tried the medium but it was kinda small or maybe short, because the top tube on the Cannondale is very low. So I tried the L and it could be alright if I swap to a higher rise stem and handlebar. If the price is close to Trek, I would have gone with the Quick too bad the difference is pretty substantial. Using my scenario, a person with your height should be riding an XL but I could be wrong... So let me know how it goes when you get it.

I'm also looking for used but good condition carbon stem, seatpost, and handlebar.

When I replaced the handlebar on my 7.5 I ditched the 25mm riser and got a flat. I really like it.

AGC1976: I have a 30 inseam and I tried the medium but it was kinda small or maybe short, because the top tube on the Cannondale is very low. So I tried the L and it could be alright if I swap to a higher rise stem and handlebar. If the price is close to Trek, I would have gone with the Quick too bad the difference is pretty substantial. Using my scenario, a person with your height should be riding an XL but I could be wrong... So let me know how it goes when you get it.

I ended up following your advice and changed my order for the XL size and I'm so glad I did. I'm pretty sure I got the perfect fit. I still haven't been able to take it on a decent test ride though. How has the 7.5 been to you?

I've replaced the seatpost to a rockshox suspension post and the ride has improved dramatically. Actually the 7.5 FX stock bike absorbs more bumps than my other Rocky Mountain RC70 all aluminum frame. So with the added suspension seatpost this bike feels very smooth. My riding distance varies from 10 - 15 miles for about 2- 3 times a week. This bike is pretty quick, quiet with soft handling, my only gripe is the weight, a bit heavy for a bike in its class. I'm still looking for a carbon bar though...but that would be the next thing to upgrade. Since then I've lost 12 lbs and am going strong, I have 40 more lbs to go. I've been really happy with the purchase. Tell me how you like your Quick 3 bike.

Hi, currently I'm looking for a comfortable high performance hybrid for less than CAD$1400. Currently, I have my eyes set on 2009 Trek 7.5 FX for CAD$969 or 09 Cannondale Quick 3 for $1269. I know Specialized made Sirrus Elite with carbon seat stay but I don't have any Specialized dealers nearby that carry the bike. I've found a good number of 7.5 fx owners in this forum but none for Quick 3. Now, I'm leaning toward Quick 3 because it has carbon seat stay, which I think is a plus. Btw, I live in Vancouver, BC and I'm gonna need a bike to do flats and hills. Do you think $300 different between the Cannondale and Trek is justified? or is it better just to get 7.5 fx and upgrade the bike from there (carbon seatpost etc)? I never own any bike with carbon seat stay so I don't know if that is just gimmick or really works to take some vibration off the road. I greatly appreciate any feedback or advise. thanks

I recently started a thread on carbon stays in the Road Bike forum - where people have had a lot of time to get used to this technology - and the general opinion was that carbon seat stays, as opposed to main tubes or forks, are pure con artistry:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=586432

The Cannondale six13 is a famously smooth riding bike because it uses the optimum material for each part of the frame - and the main tubes are carbon and seat stays are aluminum.

I ended up following your advice and changed my order for the XL size and I'm so glad I did. I'm pretty sure I got the perfect fit. I still haven't been able to take it on a decent test ride though. How has the 7.5 been to you?

How has this worked out for you?

I also ride a bike that is technically too big for me - I should ride a 58, and feel much more comfortable on a 61. Most likely due to the fact that I like to ride stretched out. Others just felt too cramped.

I hope this finds you really enjoying your new ride - I sure enjoy mine.

This bike is pretty quick, quiet with soft handling, my only gripe is the weight, a bit heavy for a bike in its class.

You've mentioned this a few times. How much does your bike weigh (stock)? I wouldn't think the Cannondale is much lighter if at all. Mine is 24lbs (though it is an XL frame)



Tell me how you like your Quick 3 bike.

I haven't been able to give it a good ride yet. I got it for weekend rides and the past weekends we were pretty busy here. Tonight I may take it to an 8 mile ride along a "parque lineal" (I don't know how to call it in english) so I will report how it goes.

This is the first time I ride a bike that's not a mountain bike so naturally it felt very stiff at the beginning. I do feel I'm going to need to add some ergons for comfort during long rides.

How has this worked out for you?

I also ride a bike that is technically too big for me - I should ride a 58, and feel much more comfortable on a 61. Most likely due to the fact that I like to ride stretched out. Others just felt too cramped.

I hope this finds you really enjoying your new ride - I sure enjoy mine.

Actually the XL is the size for me. The guy at the LBS just didn't take the time to fit me right. But I agree about the larger bike being more comfortable. Basically I believe that if you're between two sizes if you want comfort you should go with the larger one. As long as you have adequate standover height you can always lower the handlebar to get a more aggressive position. How tall are you?

6' tall, and I agree with your assessment.

I tried to flip the stem down; but it definitely went the wrong way for me.

Part of my reason for getting the Hybrid was a more upright riding position, and it is fine in the stock position.

With the larger frame, it already leans me toward 45 degrees, which is just right for my aching back. Just enough lean for comfort while riding, and just enough upright to support my back.

You will like the Ergons, and I am happy that I bought the original style, as they allow me to have regular bar ends, and to install a Mountain Myracle rear view mirror in the end of the regular bar..

You will fiddle with them for awhile, to get them right, and, once done, will really take the weight off your wrists.

I think mine is about 24 lbs on the high side, because my rocky mountain is also 24 but lighter. I'll weigh it when I stop by at my lbs. On my last ride I put more air on my front tire to 100 psi and it felt sort of bumpy to me...I guess I have to take some air out to smoothen the ride.

@Meanwhile: yes that is very interesting...I have a Rocky Mountain RC70 05' with all aluminum 7005 frame and it felt as good as the newer RC 70 06' that has carbon fork and carbon seat stay. I will ck out the link..

If the gearing seems too high, consider changing to a 11-32 cassette. I have an 11-32 with a 48X36X26, and think the 50X40X30 would be perfect.... especially since I spend most of my time on the middle ring, and wish it was a touch higher.

Since I'm old, and can't spin as fast, I sometimes spin out on the 48, even on the big ring.

How wide of a tire will go on in the Quick, or FX series? I really like my 40 on the rear, and 35 on the front.

How wide of a tire will go on in the Quick, or FX series? I really like my 40 on the rear, and 35 on the front.

On my 7.5 FX with the original 32 mm tires, there is ~10 mm clearance between the tires and the rear stays / fork legs, so a 40 mm tire should clear.

I am reasonably sure the the rims on the 7.5 FX are 16 mm. IMO, a 40 mm tire is too wide for a 16 mm rim.

Your bike, your choice.

Hi Everyone - new to the forum!

I just went through this decision myself. I tried the Trek 7.5 FX, the GF Mendota, and the Cannondale Quick 3.

All of them had great rides. The Quick 3 was the first bike I tried at one bike shop. A few days later Tried the GF and the Trek. I already own a GF Big Sur from 1999 - AWESOME bike, and the Genesis geometry really works for a mountain bike. The ride was a tad bit more "athletic" than the other bikes, but not enough to make me feel uncomfortable.

However, the rides in terms of vibration were almost identical on all of these bikes. What really sold it for me though on the Cannondale is the frame just looks so much better, with the welding, etc. The Trek had a LOT of welding to my eye, even the middle of where the seatstays converge has welding.

Re: the whole carbon vs. aluminum seatstay discussion, if carbon were more expensive, I would suspect that the Cannondale Quick 3 would be several hundred dollars more than the 7.5FX, but it isn't. Also, not sure how much, but replacing the al seatstays with carbon is sure to make the bike a tad bit lighter at the least. However, a carbon seat stay makes much more sense to me than that little insert that Trek uses on the 7.6 and above. I haven't really seen anyone say that THAT is a gimmick - that seems much more gimmicky to me than a carbon seat stay that at the very least lightens the bike a bit.

Anyhoo, I chose the Cannondale Quick 2 Large for around $1100 dollars because of the color (matte black) and the Shimano 105 rear drlr, AND the fact that it has carbon forks and seat stays. I am 6 ft tall, 210 lbs. I can't wait to get this bike (had to order from Cannondale, but I am overseas right now and can't pick the bike up till next weekend...grrrr...).