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JohnnyGalaga
01-08-10, 02:43 PM
I plan on trying out both of these at a local bike shop (LBS) but I'm wondering if there's anything I should know about which bike is better. Where can I find out the weight of the bikes, and is a Shimano M191 front derailleur better or worse than a
Shimano Deore M531?
trinamuous
01-08-10, 03:31 PM
Looks like you are comparing a 2010 7.3 FX to a 2009 Absolute 2.0, based on your FDs there. The Deore is "better", but that shouldn't be your deciding factor. Both will shift fine if adjusted properly, and even if having a "cheap" FD bothers you, "nice" FDs are cheap$$$ regardless.
The more important distinction is the shifters. The Fuji has 9 speed Deore (with a 9 speed cassette). The Trek has 8 speed. You'd have to get new shifters, cassette, and chain if you ever wanted 9 speed for any reason. Really though, just go with the frame/fork/color that you like better. If the Fuji is on sale (should be, it's an '09), it would be the better deal I think, technically.