Hybrid Bicycles - Replacing the rear wheel for my Trek 7.2FX

Hi all!

I'm looking to buy a replacement new rear wheel for my bike and would like to know what brand you all would recommend. I have a Trek 7.2FX and some scum stole my rear wheel while I had my bike locked up in my driveway.

Ideally I'd like to get a wheel that looks something like this:
http://weeklydrop.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/renovo-hardwood-bicycles-r4-pursuit-road-bike.jpg

Thank you all in advance! :)

Please don't use a wheel that only belongs on a racing-bike owned by a weight-weenie - FOR A HYBRID. Get something more durable. Like a nice, solid 32-spoked wheel built 3X laced. If you use your bike for cruising around town, going down a few dirt & gravel paths, MUP's, etc. - you don't want something that could well fail on you on your first pothole-strewn road.

And those low-spoke "toy-wheels" are an utter PITA to true and re-true all the time.

Panthers is mostly right. Those fancy wheels your looking at getting are not very durable.

Like him, I suggest just getting a decent low cost replacement. Depending on your weight and how much you carry, 32 spoke should be fine. I like 36 spokes on my rear, but I'm a little bit bigger of a guy.

Would you guys recommend a brand? Are all wheels compatible? Thanks!

Would you guys recommend a brand? Are all wheels compatible? Thanks!

Any LBS should be able to assist you. You'll need a wheel built with a free-hub and an appropriate cassette installed for your bicycle.

Velocity Deep V in a really cool color that matches your bike!

Get ahold of PSIMET, on these forums, or PM me, and I can give you his e-mail addy. He is a regular here, and gets a lot of good press with his builds. Prices he has quoted me are very reasonable.

I would also recommend a 36 spoke version for a Hybrid. Makes for a more heavy duty platform.

Might also be a good time to consider switching to a 9 or 10 spd.

edit: psimet.com is his website, but he's got lots more to offer than is on there....

There is an ongoing debate regards 32 v. 36-spokes for bikes in general. If you are a somewhat "weight-weenie," as per your original choice would indicate, go for a 32-spoke 3X-laced wheel. If you want something seriously bomb-proof and capable of surely supporting you and gear - 30 for 36-spoked wheel.

Either/Or is my opinion. I ride 32's on my Trek FX-frame. I used Mavic A719 rims and Shimano Ultegra 6600 hubs.

There is an ongoing debate regards 32 v. 36-spokes for bikes in general. If you are a somewhat "weight-weenie," as per your original choice would indicate, go for a 32-spoke 3X-laced wheel. If you want something seriously bomb-proof and capable of surely supporting you and gear - 30 for 36-spoked wheel.

Either/Or is my opinion. I ride 32's on my Trek FX-frame. I used Mavic A719 rims and Shimano Ultegra 6600 hubs.

I went with a 36 spoke custom-built rear wheel - Deore hub, Alex rims. I used it on a 580 mile tour from Pittsburgh to DC, and then from Baltimore through Delmarva to the PA border near Wilmington, DE. This included 300 some miles of gravel and dirt trails and towpaths. I'm very pleased with it.

I put road wheels on my Marin Mill Valley. 24 spoke front, radially laced, 28 spoke rear, 3X drive side/radial non-drive. I don't know if they are durable enough for Paris-Roubaix, but they work OK for the riding I do. Mostly used for delivery work, short haul, light freight, the trailer is regularly loaded beyond it's stated capacity of 300lbs .

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/Rod_Smith/IMG_1681.jpg

Cane Creek Strados wheelset, unfortunately no longer available from where I got them. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/i/75200,,_Cane-Creek-Strados-Road-Wheels-Set-of-2.html

I received a few complements on the appearance of the wheels and one admonition concerning their impracticality. The drooling trumped the head shaking. Get something nice. Low spoke wheels are well designed and hold up well. My stock front wheel had sixteen spokes and held up fine, no broken spokes, lasted until the brake pads wore through the rims, with minimal truing needed.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions! I will research into it and will post back once I have made a decision! Thanks again!

BTW, do you guys think it's worth it to repaint my bike? The frame is all scratched up and I figured since I'll be buying a new wheel etc that I might as well touch up the entire bike frame. I have a Trek 7.2FX.

It's an aluminum frame. It won't rust. If you want to paint it - it would be for your own aesthetic purposes. Do so if you want. BUT: It would also make it more of a target for bicycle-thieves.

Your call.

I believe your bike has 135mm rear drop outs (as most hybrids & touring bikes do). Most road bikes have 130mm drop outs.

Pictures of the bike will help. What year is the bike?

My Trek 7.5 FX frame/fork is a perfect fit for Shimano Ultegra hubs - which I think are 130mm.

The Trek 7.5 FX has 135 mm rear dropouts and the fork spacing is 100 mm.

I'll go measure mine sometime. Whatever - the Ultegra hubs fit it perfectly.

These are much better than what came with your bike. http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=39

This would work as well. http://www.bicyclewheels.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=B&Product_Code=HY3&Category_Code=HY

If you want to spend a little more money, these are bulletproof. http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=196