Trek Navigator or Hybrid?

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bboseley

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Ohio Trekker

Go with the Hybrid, I read in your other post that you were planing 10-15 mile rides but that the trail is 60 and you would like that for a goal. I have a 7000 series and have done 40 and 50 miles quite comfortably. I have to say though I outgrew it and went with a road bike for roads/paved trails and now have a MTB that I just love to ride anywhere and everywhere! Personally I see the navigator style bikes as more of a cruiser or around town type bike as opposed to something for putting some miles on. But in the end, I think any bike is better than no bike, and if you are in a quandry about the navigator looking like a kids bike, skip it for just that reason, you don't want buyer's remorse to kick in.

Have you watched at the trail to see what other folks are riding, seems like I never have a problem finding folks who like to talk about their bikes, and what they like about them, you should give it a try! Which bike is more comfortable when you ride it, that's really more important than how it looks?

MichaelW

For the same energy/work, it is always more fun to ride an efficient bike fast, rather than an inefficient bike slowly. You will get just as fit on either, but more fun means more motivation.
Whatever bike you get, pay close attention to the tyres, these have a huge impact on efficiency.
MTB wheels are not inherently inefficient. Fit a high pressure narrow slick tyre and you will fly. The Trek comfort bikes do have a very upright riding position, better suited to short leisure rides and cafe jaunts, rather than regular fitess riding.

str8shooter

I have narrowed my selection to the Navigator 200 or the 7200 Hybrid – leaning a little toward the 7200. Now here is where I get a bit confused. I will be riding for pleasure and fitness on smooth paved surfaces. When I read comments on the Navigator vs hybrids or road bikes – it appears that I won’t go as fast on the 200 and will have to exert a bit more effort to achieve an equal speed. Assuming fitness is every bit as important as any other factor, wouldn’t this actually be a point in favor of the 200? I think the only reason I am leaning to the hybrid is that the Navigator reminds me a little of a kid’s bike.

So with the above in mind – what would you choose for my typical ride:

15 miles out on a paved bicycle trail – 15 miles back. Time not a big factor. Objective to get a decent workout in comfort and an enjoyable outing. Navigator or hybrid? I really need some input, as I want to make this purchase very soon.

bboseley, you can't go wrong with either bike, but I'd lean more toward the 7200. I have an '03 7200 and its been a great bike. Trouble free for over 3400 miles. If I,m right the drivetrain components are pretty much the same on these two bikes the big plus with the 7200 are the 700x35c tires. A lot easier rolling than the mtn bike tires.

I have many rides of 50 miles plus, and one century under my belt on the 7200. Just a tip, you want to ride 60 miles + get yourself a good pair of bicycle shorts. Believe me on that one. :D

Good Luck on whatever you decide on.
str8shooter

glenghillie

I actually looked at a 7200 today because of this thread.

Personally I was disappointed. I have also ridden the Gary Fisher Zebrano, Giants, a Fugi and a Schwinn. That was before I knew about schwinn being bought out but it felt like riding a *mart bike.

Of those I am looking at the Zebrano very seriously. It is in the same price range as the 7200, but it has a more aggressive style--more mountian bikish. It also has a wider 700c wheel. I have seen a lot of bikes now, so I can't remember the exact look of the tire, but think it was fairly slick.

I agree with what else has been said. Go with what feels good to you. Don't compare and say this is less comfortable, but....
In the end comfort will win out because you will actually ride, not try to find a way to make a less comfortable bit as comfortable.

Enjoy your ride.

mrdoright0405

I have the 7100. Abolutely love this bike.

Post42K

Have you test ridden each bike? Try to take each one out for a nice ride -- not just around the parking lot. You need to experience the difference in how they feel and their efficiencies to see what's important to you.

I was in a similar situation about a year ago. Started out interested in getting some exercise so I purchased a comfort bike similar to the Navigator. It felt so comfortable and cushy at first compared the hybrid. Nice big seat and fat tires that absorbed all the bumps. However, as I started increasing the length of my rides I found the comfort bike to be not so comfortable and it started feeling very heavy and slow. I wanted to ride longer and faster but it just wasn't enjoyable on anything over 5 - 10 miles. So, a few months later I got rid of the comfort bike and bought a hybrid. And what a huge difference! Much more comfortable, faster, and enjoyable. It's been almost a year since then and now I'm thinking about getting a road bike, but that's another story :-)

bnet1

The 'bent evangelist evangelizes again! Try a recumbent. They are fast, FUN, and VERY COMFORTABLE! Also an excellent conversation starter. If you want a quick bike path bike look at some of the short wheelbase models like the Rans Rocket, the Burley bikes, etc. If you want something for cruising and touring there are all of the long wheel base bikes, like the Rans Stratus, Rans Tailwind, Burley bikes, etc. Sun and Cycle Genius have some nice recumbents too. All of the recumbents can be very comfortable on long hauls. And nearly every posing I've read about doing centuries on recumbents the posters have said their comfort level was far better at the end of the ride on their recumbent as opposed to being on a DF (diamond frame, aka, road, MTB, etc) bike. Recumbents are fast, FUN, and COMFORTABLE.

'bent Brian

BikeLady

Here's what I tell my customers regarding the difference between hybrids (7000 series) and comfort bikes (Navigators):

Both are hybridized bikes with some features of both road and mtbs. The primary difference is that hybrids are more toward the road end of the spectrum and comfort bikes are more like mtbs. Comfort bikes have a 26" wheel and wider tires, but if you want to put a narrower, slicker tire on them you can. On the other hand, hybrids have larger, narrower rims...if you decide you want a wider tire, the wheels won't accept them. Comfort bikes are also significantly heavier (although that is less noticeable if you are looking at the low end of the hybrid spectrum.

For what you are planning to do, I would recommend the hybrid over the comfort bike.

saabcaptain

Based on your description of what you plan to do with a bike I believe the clear choice is the hybrid. With the distances you are talking about, up to 30 miles, and stating you intend to ride on pavement it makes a comfort bike like the Navigator, well I should I say this? Uncomforatable.

tonphil1960

Hi all newbie here as you can see. I just bought a Trek 7100 for myself and a Navigator 100 for my daughter, both are great bikes. As an adult I think the 7100 would be better for you. I love mine and am glad I listened to my friend, as I was going to get two Nav's.. If you do choose the Navigator though, I don't think you will be sorry either, make sure you ride both before making a decision.

regards Tony

EHorst99

We looked at various hybrid/comfort bikes including both the Trek Navigators and the 7000 series. In the end, we went with Trek's 7300 FX. Reasons:

- mostly streets and path riding with our family wasn't going to require a suspension fork
- liked the precision feel of the rigid fork (and the overall 'FX' feel)
- will adjust the tires a bit if we end up riding in different sorts of areas
- will plan to buy a "real" mountain bike (4300/4500/etc) if we really do anything meaningful "off road"
- felt sort of "old" riding the Navigator

One heck of a nice bike for around $400.

piesik

Me and my wife were in the same dilemma and the outcome, I am getting a 2005 7200 (the shop just called a half hour ago and it finally came in) and my wife is getting the Navigator 200. I liked the 7200 a little bit better because I am replacing an old 14 year old Timberlin City Slicker that is more like a that 7200.

My wife choose the Navigator 200 because her old bike is an xmart mountain bike and likes fat tires :) That and she said to her the navigator seemed more smooter riding than the 7200 she tried.

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