Hybrid Bicycles - Trek 7.2 fx vs 7.5 fx

My wife has given me the go ahead, so I am about to buy my first real bike (aside from my GT Air I had about 15 years ago :P) but I am truly a novice at this. I've decided on going the hybrid route and I like the fx line (based a lot on the fact that I think they look good) and I had been eyeing the 7.5 fx (picked this because it seemed like a middle of the road approach).

That said, I could get the 7.2 fx for a lot less (and I really like the champagne version). What am I missing out on by going this route, should I consider the 7.3 fx?

I will be mainly be doing about 10 mile rides at a time, with the occasional 30 - 40 mile weekend adventure. The roads around here are so so and the terrain is not particularly hilly. Thanks for your help. :)

My first thought is, "buy the most bike you can afford".

The biggest difference is in the drive components.

Of course, color is a big factor, and if you like Champagne,, then go for it. You could always buy a group kit if you thought the components were not what you wanted.

Mikey

That said, I could get the 7.2 fx for a lot less (and I really like the champagne version). What am I missing out on by going this route

Chief differences between the two:

7.2FX - heavier steel fork. 7.5FX - lighter carbon fork.

7.2FX - heavier steel seatpost. 7.5FX - lighter Bontrager Nebula seatpost.

7.2FX - M191/Alivio shifters and derailleurs (8-speed rear). 7.5FX - Deore/DeoreLX shifters and derailleurs (9-speed rear). The shifters and derailleurs on the 7.5FX are a bit smoother and higher quality.

7.2FX - Bontrager 750 wheels. 7.5FX - Bontrager SSR wheels (lighter by a few grams).

Basically the 7.5FX is a somewhat lighter bike with better shifters and derailleurs.

My first thought is, "buy the most bike you can afford".




I kind of agree and if you can get the 7.5 get it. But also keep in mind after you buy the bike you will need stuff. And stuff adds up fast.

define stuff?
im looking at a 7.5 to replace a 20 yr old schwinn crossfit with a aero bar
aero bar for in the wind and its wicked here in the nw valleys valleys come with hill so how is it on hills
i dont mind hills some evry steep and drop down bars are easier on hills but this a flat bar

If you can afford the 7.5 - go for it - nobody is ever sorry they bought the better one.

7.5 disc. You save a lot of money in the long run.

You'll start out simple....water bottle and cage. You'll end up with biking shorts and or bibs. You might even end up with biking shoes and SPD pedals. Then add the computer and sensors (the 7.5 is speedtrap compatible which is nice). Maybe starting out with a basic helmet, upgrading later. Tools, spare tubes, rack. It really is easy to get out of control :)

I have a 7.5 and it is a great bike, though mine is a 2010 model and doesn't have the 2011 grips.

I have a 2011 7.5 and love it.

If you can afford the extra money, and are serious about riding, then get the 7.5. You won't regret it.

I have a 2008 Trek 7.3 FX and love it. I just saw someone picking up their new 2011 Trek 7.5 FX at the LBS and I was jealous. If you can afford it you wont be sorry. It is a road bike with flat bars.

MTG

I have a 2010 7.5 fx and find it to be a great bike. The only time I would choose a 7.2 over it would be if I was locking it up in a city all the time, just because of the cost of replacing if it gets stolen.