Recreational & Family - Trek 7500 or 7700?

I would appreciate some feedback on this burning question. They both seem like nice bikes. Is the 7700 worth the additional ~$400? My LBS is selling their last 2004 model 7700 for $1029, which is $120 below MSRP. That seems like a pretty good deal to me.

I know "worth" is subjective, but is the jump in quality that noticeable? Help me out here -- I'm trying to justify this purchase. LOL

Thanks for any assistance!

I think you would be happy with the 7700. I have a 7700 and I like it alot. Mine is a 2000 model, but is in new condition. I bought it used with 50 miles on it (according to the seller and I believe him). that said, however, I can't comment on the 7500 since I have never ridden it. But as I see many times in this forum, it goes back to what kind of riding you do. I would say that I'm not sure that $400 worth of "more bike" can be that noticeable.

Trek 7700 specs:
FULL SPECIFICATIONS

FRAMESET:
FRAME: Alpha SL aluminum
FORK: RockShox Metro Mag

WHEELS:
WHEELS: Bontrager Select
TIRES: Bontrager Invert HC, Kevlar belt, 700x35c

DRIVETRAIN:
SHIFTERS: Shimano Deore XT
FRONT DÉRAILLEUR: Shimano Nexave
REAR DÉRAILLEUR: Shimano Deore XT
CRANKSET: Bontrager Select 48/38/28 w/ISIS
CASSETTE: SRAM 970 11-34, 9 speed
PEDALS: Shimano M324, clipless

COMPONENTS:
SADDLE: Bontrager CRZ
SEATPOST: Alloy suspension
HANDLEBARS: Bontrager Bar-Keeper
STEM: Alloy Ahead, adjustable
HEADSET: Alloy Aheadset, semi-cartridge, sealed
BRAKESET: Avid Single Digit 3 w/Shimano Deore XT levers

Trek 7500 Specs
FULL SPECIFICATIONS

FRAMESET:
FRAME: Alpha SL aluminum
FORK: RockShox Metro

WHEELS:
WHEELS: Bontrager Superstock
TIRES: Bontrager Invert HC, Kevlar belt, 700x35c

DRIVETRAIN:
SHIFTERS: Shimano Alivio
FRONT DÉRAILLEUR: Shimano Nexave 301
REAR DÉRAILLEUR: Shimano Deore LX
CRANKSET: Bontrager Select 48/38/28 w/ISIS
CASSETTE: SRAM 850 11-32, 8 speed
PEDALS: Alloy cage w/clips and straps

COMPONENTS:
SADDLE: Bontrager CRZ
SEATPOST: Alloy suspension
HANDLEBARS: Bontrager Bar-Keeper
STEM: Alloy direct connect, adjustable rise
HEADSET: Aheadset, semi-cartridge, sealed
BRAKESET: Alloy linear pull w/alloy levers

OK let's break this down a bit with the 7700 you're getting a better drivetrain (shifters, front and rear dérailleur), a 9 speed set up over an 8 speed, better lighter wheels, a lighter version of the fork. You're also getting clipless pedals which if you use them are a wonderful thing but can easily be ebayed away in favor of a set of platforms. You're essentially comparing a Buick to a Cadillac. The Buick is a wonderful car it has a lot of the whistles and bells of the Caddy, but it's still not a Caddy.

Thanks for the info, folks. I did go with the 7700 -- the LBS went down to $950 on it and that clinched the deal.

Thanks for the info, folks. I did go with the 7700 -- the LBS went down to $950 on it and that clinched the deal.Congrats on the new wheels

Congrats! I have a 7700FX and really like it a lot. I hope you enjoy yours as much!

Now get out and ride!!

Thanks, guys! I'm loving it so far. :-)

Thanks, guys! I'm loving it so far. :-)


I'm picking up a 7700 FX friday.
Price: 969.00
Swapping for 28mm tires in place of the 35mm

FXjohn