Hybrid Bicycles - Want to buy a good bike that will last

So there are a few things im watching on ebay:


2006 Trek 7.3 FX Hybrid Bike Bicycle 17.5
specifics
Brand: Trek Model: 7.3 FX
Frame Size: 17.5 Complete Bike/Frame: Complete Bike
Frame Material: Aluminum Condition: Used

Up for auction is a used adult owned 2006 Trek 7.3 FX. This bike is a size 17.5" and has been ridden approximately 1000 miles. There are a few spots of rust and scratches throughout the frame, but nothing major (what you see in the second picture under the down-tube is dried dirt). The brakes need a tune-up and the drive-train could probably benefit from one also. The small spots of surface rust could easily be removed using a rust eater. Not included are: a seat or the bottle cages. All components work as they should on this bike except the front brakes; which need tuning. The bearings in the derailleurs, crank, hubs, and headset all turn smoothly. I have just installed newer tires and tubes that I had in the backroom. These are not pictured, but will come with the bike and only have about 80 miles on them. Feel free to email me with questions. For specs please see http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2006/archive/73fx. Top-tube center to center is 21". Seat tube from crank center to top is 17.5".


what do you guys think about the tire thing? should i buy, its currently at $250.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=260478997946



Trek 850 Antelope SunTour Equipped Hybrid Mountain Bike

USED BUT IN VERY NICE CONDITION
Onza Handle Bar
Cr-Mo (Chromo Molybdenum)
Tange Double Butted Framed Tube
Dia-Compe Brakes Componnents
SunTour XC-Expert Pedals (Roundtech PowerPY)
Avocet Touring Gel seat
SunTour X-Press Accu-Shift plus Shifters
26 x 1.5 Tire (Metrix)
Quick Release Seat/ Tire
This auction is for a great condition Trek 850 Antelope Mtn Bike. This bike is in a great condition (mostly garage kept) and has been well cared for....See pics. It's been sitting for a long time and may need minor tune up. Rides very nice.

http://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/showimage.aspx?gid=596168&ppid=1122&image=276160727&images=276160727,276160685,276160776,276160818,276160854,276160880,276160908,276160932,276160954,276 160974,276160985,276160999,276161016,276161035,276161058,276161083,276161105,276161125,276161152,276 161182,276161212&formats=0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0&format=0



SPECIALIZED - 21spd - 700c hybrid bike/bicycle *NICE
Here is another great bike from one of our client's. You are bidding on a nice used condition SPECIALIZED CROSSROADS - 700C bike. This 700x38c tire bike features 21 speeds, 16" lightweight frame, 24" standover, Shimano Altus equipment, Quick Release Wheels, the bike has some minor wear but overall mechanically sound and ready to ride with BRAND NEW TIRES. Don't miss your chance to own this GREAT BIKE AT AN UNBELIEVABLE PRICE!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=110436957117


One more thing: How high do you guys think i should bid on each?


and i have looked on CL (cant find anything good at a reasonable price)and LBS (they are way too expensive here) in Humboldt County. Please in need advice, i want something for school and also be able to do some gravel riding as i want to go do some light offroading, too. I dont know anything about bikes so please be kind


thank you

Well researched and presented, Without going into great detail, for all intents and purposes all three seem operational. The one needs to have the brakes addressed, no big deal, it may be encompassed in an eight dollar "tune -up", that what my brother just paid on his Trek & close to that of his old Antelope. I have an Antelope too, among others. It's a very good, straight-up no BS bike. I've never had a problem with a bike on e-bay that couldn't be remedied in a normal way. ... OK OK I'm seeing it now... IS the Trek local ? If it is, it's a good deal all things cons. .. No freight, think about it. DO CONSIDER this : they're different sizes, you not going to be jumping logs with it. A 21" frame is "large" BUT for riding it about like I do and you will, it's a good size for a 5'9" to 6' + a little. If you're 5"6" for instance a smaller frame will do. The Trek is pricey @ 2 PLUS frt. The Spec. off the bat seems dinky to me. If I was boulder riding I'd go small.

so i dont know if the pictures or ebay links showed up so im reposting:

Trek 7.3 FX http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260478997946&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Trek 850 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120435998468&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Specialized http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110436957117&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT



"OK OK I'm seeing it now... IS the Trek local ? If it is, it's a good deal all things cons. .. No freight, think about it"

well they're on ebay and the $250 dollar one has free shipping on it.

"If you're 5"6" for instance a smaller frame will do."

Yeah im 5'6" so which one do you suggest?


I also just found this on CL
http://humboldt.craigslist.org/bik/1381365243.html

do you think it'll be too heavy for street and hill riding. I asked for size and he said he's 5'9" and it fits him a bit small.

They all appear to be nice bikes. Are any of them local enuf to ride?

the craigslist cannondale is close but not local. so it may be hard to arrange a ride.

but all the rest are throughout the US

Is something amiss with the brakes in this pic of the Trek?

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2476/trekvbrake.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/i/trekvbrake.jpg/)http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/trekvbrake.jpg/1/w600.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img84/trekvbrake.jpg/1/)

Is something amiss with the brakes in this pic of the Trek?


It just looks like they were disconnected to remove/install the wheel, and not hooked back up.

The straddle wire isn't connected. Should be a simple matter to replace for $10. Even putting in a new v-brake is very cheap ($20?) especially if you do the job yourself. Ask the seller if the bike comes like this though - if it does they should add that info to the ad, which can cause the price to plummet.

Thanks for all your input, guys!

so im really looking at the cannondale and the trek FX right now, any suggestions, comments?

thank you again

Thanks for all your input, guys!

so im really looking at the cannondale and the trek FX right now, any suggestions, comments?

thank you again

Since the Trek has no saddle make sure the seller is including mounting hardware that comes with the seat post if you decide to bid.