Hybrid Bicycles - Is the 7.2 that much better than the 7.1?

I think I've settled on the Trek FX as being my first bike in 10+ yrs. I was leaning on getting a 7.1 and yesterday I went to another bike shop just to get a fresh opinion before I settled. The guy at the store immediatly directed me towards the 7.2 and skipped the 7.1. I asked him why and he said that the 7.2 was much better. My question is it worth getting a 7.2 over a 7.1 ($80 diff)?

I was in the same boat as you I have not had a bike in a long time....The 2010 FX.7.2 is not that much difference from the 2010 FX 7.1 they both have steel forks.... I have a Matte Black FX 7.1 its a great bike. Also the Alpha white aluminum and the alpha black aluminum are a difference in weight I would have the LBS weigh the bikes for you. If you want to see a difference look into the 2011 FX 7.3 Disc Brakes or 2011 FX7.5 Disc Brakes then you will have better components. Or you can do what this forum member has done to his FX 7.1 http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?672644-MY-24.05-lbs-2010-TREK-FX-7.1 he upgraded parts on his bike with a low budget. Good luck with your Choice I do like my 2010 FX 7.1 alot and it has been reliable and fun and fast for what I need. By the way what year bikes are you looking at??? Look at the 2011 FX line much improved over the 2010 models.

I just got done going through this decision. I got into biking 2.5 months ago with the purchase of a Trek 7100. While this is a really nice (and very comfortable bike) I realized that I was doing much more road riding than expected so I targeted the FX series while my LBS was still willing to take the 7100 back with a decent trade value.

I was looking for 3 main things when I decided to go after and FX from a 7100:

1) A bike that could eventually take me to pure road biking, which is a goal of mine, while still being approachable from a beginner standpoint.

2) A bike with trigger shifters (upper 7x00 models have these but simply aren't in the same class as FX bikes as far as road bikes).

3) Bike with different gearing (did not like large gap between 1st and 2nd on the 7100).

The main difference between the 2010 models is the frame; the 7.2 uses Treks black aluminum frame as opposed to the white aluminum found on the 7.1. The black aluminum is found on Treks mid to higher level hybrid bikes. My 7.2 is very light and nimble. If you are looking at a 2010 7.2 and the price range is around $500 to msrp make sure it has the black aluminum as there appears to be a blue earlier released 2010 7.2 with the white aluminum that goes for the same price. Another difference is the gearing and this is the main reason I went with the 7.2 vs. the 7.1. I like the spacing of the lower gears on the 7.2 as the 7.1 (and 7100) have a ten tooth gap between the first and second rear gears. This means to find the gearing in between 2-1 and 2-2 you must go to 1-2 through 1-4. No biggy but I found it annoying. The 7.2 is also geared much taller with the 2-8 gear being larger than anything on the 7.1. A third difference in the 2010's (other than general component improvements) is that the 7.1 has a seat post with a suspension. This will make the 7.1 a bit more comfy over bumps but add a tad of weight. I noticed that the 2011 no longer has this.

On the other side of the coin, the 7.1FX is still a really nice bike and I'd probably have one if it had different gearing. My future sister in law and her husband are both serious riders and love them. She used it in a sprint triathlon and performed quite well.

I had a similar thread to yours just last week:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?669556-Beginning-cyclist-thinking-about-moving-to-7.1-FX-or-7.2-Fx-from-7100

Also, Treks explanation of the difference in the aluminums:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/company/technology/alpha_aluminum/

The 7.2 is lighter than the 7.1. The biggest upgrade from the 7.1 to 7.2 is the frame. You also get slightly better handle bars, hub, 8spd drive train over 7 I think, more puncture resistant tires. the suspension seat post on the 7.1 creates a more comfy ride on city streets or gravel trail. Both bikes shift the same. Your not going to notice a big difference, but I think the 80 bucks is worth it.

I would go for FX 7.2 because of the Alpha black aluminum frame and it has 8 speed. $80? go for it.

I would definitely spend the $80 diff for the 7.2. But as another mentioned, make sure it is the alpha black frame.

Thanks.

I am looking at the 2011 modells. Most of the shops around me are running out of the 2010 modells in my size.

I've test-ridden both and personally saw a distinct difference between them. For $80 I would go for the FX 7.2.

Check out the jamis Coda. I like it better than the 7.2, (I went with a Coda Elite over a 7.5, recently) and you can pick up a 2010 from bikebannas for $475. Double rim wheels and all.