Recreational & Family - Trek 7000, 7100 or 7300?

I'm a newbie to the site but have read many, many threads. I am wanting to get back into riding after 12 years away and want a hybrid. My LBS has one 2003 new 7300 for about $100 over the current 7100, the one I was planning on buying (and both bikes fit me perfectly!). I will go and ride them all (including the 2005 7000 without the shocks in the fork-- only $250!), but does anyone out there know much about the 2003 7300? The person at the shop said that in 2004 they lowered the price of the 7300 and took away some of the higher end components from the 2003 version. Is it that much lighter and better? I plan to ride on streets and trails for relatively short rides. Will I notice much difference between the bikes? I guess I just want some opinions from some of you experienced people. I don't know much about these new bikes. Thanks!

Are you talking about the 2005 vs. 2004? I just bought a 2005 7300 (which I love) and indeed they did remove some features and lower the price (now $429 vs. 469). The main change was removing the bontranger utility handlebar (it was useless anyway) and adding lighted pedals. I don't think there are other changes.

I was looking at the 2003 model of the 7300. They have one on a great sale-- just $100 over a 7100.

Can a person ride a Trek 7100, 7200 or 7300 on something like a Century Ride?

I want to get a new bike to replace my mountain bike that's pretty old. I commute 10 miles per day, but I have been doing 20-30 miles in addition, and want to do a 100 mile ride next summer. Am I crazy to think it's possible to be on a Trek 7300 for 100 miles?

Ive been comparing all 3 styles. One thing I don't like is the gripper shift thing. I like levers, I want to stick with levers. Do they all come with the grip shift?

hi guys, I have a 7100, $300.00 can't beat it, Get the 7100,save your money and but some accy's with it. The 7200 and 7300 don't have that much better running gear, at least I don't think so. I have no trouble with the grip shifters. Get the 7100 and if in a few years you think you need something else get it then, I can't justify the price difference. JMO

Tony :)

I have a 2003 7300 that I bought a year ago in July. I think I paid $520 for it at the LBS. It is definitely better than my old POS mountain bike that I got from Toys R Us.

I've put a lot of miles on that bike. I did the Rosarito to Ensenada ride last year. I didn't check out the differences between the 03 and the 04. The 03 has Deore components. I noticed that the price was lower on the 04. I think it uses the same frame, just different components.

I do most of my riding on my road bike that I got last November. I joined a bicycle club and wanted to go a little faster than the 7300 would allow me to go. I'm actually more comfortable in the leaned-over position with my hard Brooks saddle than I ever was on the hybrid. The hybrid was ok for about 20 miles and then my butt started to go numb. I would have to stop for a few minutes to get some feeling back. My suggestion is to get a road bike if you think you might get the bug to start putting in some longer miles.

I have a 2003 7300 that I bought a year ago in July. I think I paid $520 for it at the LBS. It is definitely better than my old POS mountain bike that I got from Toys R Us.

I've put a lot of miles on that bike. I did the Rosarito to Ensenada ride last year. I didn't check out the differences between the 03 and the 04. The 03 has Deore components. I noticed that the price was lower on the 04. I think it uses the same frame, just different components.

I do most of my riding on my road bike that I got last November. I joined a bicycle club and wanted to go a little faster than the 7300 would allow me to go. I'm actually more comfortable in the leaned-over position with my hard Brooks saddle than I ever was on the hybrid. The hybrid was ok for about 20 miles and then my butt started to go numb. I would have to stop for a few minutes to get some feeling back. My suggestion is to get a road bike if you think you might get the bug to start putting in some longet miles.


I'm good for 3-4 hours on my 7700 FX, YMMV.
Maybe adding a Brooks would help?

I ended up with the new 2003 7300 for just a little more money than the 2005 7100-- a good deal at a LBS. I am very happy with the bike and after a few small adjustments with the seat angle, it is quite comfortable for my needs. Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I continue to learn every time I visit this forum!

Can a person ride a Trek 7100, 7200 or 7300 on something like a Century Ride?

I want to get a new bike to replace my mountain bike that's pretty old. I commute 10 miles per day, but I have been doing 20-30 miles in addition, and want to do a 100 mile ride next summer. Am I crazy to think it's possible to be on a Trek 7300 for 100 miles?



I have done two Century rides on a hybrid. It will not be quite as comfortable as a road bike because of the uneven weight distribution between handlebars and saddle, but it is very doable. Your rear may be a bit more sore, but it will be sore anyway ;-)

I did a century last year on a very old (10-12 years) Trek 720 (yes; 720). Went real slow, but covered the 100 miles. Have also used it for commuting (35 miles each way), but finally realized that something more road- or touring-oriented would be more practical for going long distances. Bought a Specialized Sequoia about a week ago, but still have the Trek for when a hybrid is the right choice for the ride.

Can a person ride a Trek 7100, 7200 or 7300 on something like a Century Ride?

I want to get a new bike to replace my mountain bike that's pretty old. I commute 10 miles per day, but I have been doing 20-30 miles in addition, and want to do a 100 mile ride next summer. Am I crazy to think it's possible to be on a Trek 7300 for 100 miles?

Ive been comparing all 3 styles. One thing I don't like is the gripper shift thing. I like levers, I want to stick with levers. Do they all come with the grip shift?

I did a century on my 7200 back in July. It was a little tough on my butt due to the shorts I was wearing. If you have bicycle shorts wear them. Other thsn that I wasn't too beat up after the ride. Drink lots of water before and during the ride that really helps. a powerbar or two during the ride won't hurt either.

The following Saturday I did another century on my new Trek 5000.I would have to say I felt this ride a little more, but I think it was because I wasn't used to the riding position If a roadbike.

Go for it. Take your breaks when you feel you need too. Drink plenty of water.

Good Luck.

On another note they are just a good bike for the money. Mine is a 2003, 7200 still running with all its original parts and only a couple cable adjustments. I went for a short 15 mile ride on it earlier this evening when I got back I logged the mileage. The odometer had 3546 miles on it. I hope I can get that kind of trouble free mileage out of the 5000.

I have done 30 mi. club rides on my Trek 7300 and I think I could do 60 (Metric Century). I salute those of you who have gone 100 mi on a comfort bike. The upright riding posture is tough for 30 miles. My "Roadie" friends say that most of the California centuries involve lots of climbing so a comfort bike makes it very tough. Plus I can't keep up with the Roadies because they are usually riding in the low to mid 20 mph range and I can't sustain that speed for long.