Hybrid Bicycles - Critique my Winter bike thought...

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CCrew
10-06-09, 08:23 AM
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/urban/pdx/pdx/

Brakes are junk, but I have a set of Select Disc rims, and would upgrade the brakes to BB7's...

-R

Wanderer
10-06-09, 10:34 AM
It looks like a nice platform - is there enough room in there for bigger tires? 35's, 45's???
mikeybikes
10-06-09, 11:12 AM
Throw some winter studs on that thing and you'd be fine.

CCrew
10-06-09, 11:40 AM
It looks like a nice platform - is there enough room in there for bigger tires? 35's, 45's???

It's essentially a disc FX, so yes..
MattyA
10-06-09, 01:26 PM
I looked at that bike with interest when it was released for 2010. I like the fact that it is supposed to be a "disc FX". The thing that kills the idea for me is the Alpha White aluminum...Trek's lowest-end. The Valencia is Alpha Black AL so should be quite a bit lighter. And the geometry is very FX-like as well (you just need to change the stem and handlebars and you're virtually there). I guess I'll hold my judgement on the PDX until I actually see one (as of now none in stock around me), but my guess is the low-end frame may make it very heavy.
TurbineBlade
10-06-09, 01:48 PM
Looks like a nice bike! Go for it man.
CCrew
10-06-09, 05:50 PM
I looked at that bike with interest when it was released for 2010. I like the fact that it is supposed to be a "disc FX". The thing that kills the idea for me is the Alpha White aluminum...Trek's lowest-end. The Valencia is Alpha Black AL so should be quite a bit lighter. And the geometry is very FX-like as well (you just need to change the stem and handlebars and you're virtually there). I guess I'll hold my judgement on the PDX until I actually see one (as of now none in stock around me), but my guess is the low-end frame may make it very heavy.

I've seen, touched and ridden a Valencia. Problem I had with it is that the wheels are beasts, and I'm an "in between" size and the 20" was too big and the 17" too small. :( And it was *far* from light.

The Alpha white doesn't bother me, the older 7.2 was also and you don't see people complaining, they're heavier but definitely durable.. Hey, it's a winter bike, my Fuji Cross Pro is still my first choice ride! :thumb:

I pulled the trigger on it, I'll get it on the scale when it comes in, supposed to be here Friday or early next week.
MattyA
10-07-09, 05:49 PM
Hey, if the bike doesn't fit, it isn't the right bike.

I bought a Valencia to use as a commuter and I agree that the wheels are sh*t. I plan to ride them for the winter then buy a set of nicer wheels for the summer commute.

The weight of my Valencia, btw is ~26lbs, which includes a rack and full-cover fenders. I should note I replaced all of the drivetrain components, stem and handlebars with the stock ones from my 7.5 FX, so that might make it a little lighter...probably cancels out the effect of the rack and fenders. I don't know how much the wheels weigh but my guess is a lot.

In any case it isn't light, but for a commuter I wouldn't consider it a beast. My 2003 Cannondale Adventure 400 was ~39lbs with rack and full fenders!!

This is the first year I plan to extend my commute to the winter months...hopefully the Valencia will deliver...

Cheers,
Matt