Hybrid Bicycles - Trek 7.1 Fx vs. GT Traffic 4.0

I'm looking to buy my first bike since I was in Jr. High. Primarily will be using it for fitness/trail rides, eventually also for neighborhood riding, etc. when my daughter grows up. Haven't ridden much in the past few years, but am trying to cut back on running to save the knees!

Pricewise, the GT Traffic is $60 cheaper. Quality wise, they seem similar. I've been able to find more info on the Trek than the GT. Anyone have any experience/recommendations on either bike?

just a couple options - check out craigslist for trek fx's. you could probably get a nice, clean used 7.3 for the price of a new 7.1...

alternately, shop around for your model if you want to buy new. i got my 7.3 for about $80 less than MSRP.

cheers and good luck.

I would get a Trek Kaitai and put more narrow tires on it.

I've been looking on Craig's List and haven't had any luck finding any Trek Fx bikes in my size (20). Seems like the GT Traffic is new to the category, having trouble finding reviews on those. I know Trek makes great fitness bikes, but the GT Traffic does look like a sweet ride too.

I almost bought a GT, though not that model. I really liked the ride. But I do think in general Trek makes a better bike than GT, so you get what you pay for. I realized the components on the GT weren't that great.

The 7.3 is a much nicer ride than the 7.1; if you haven't tried them yet try to visit some bike shops and test the ride to see what you like. And since 2012s are coming out you can get great prices on brand new 2010 models, even 2011s, if you search. I got my 2011 Cannondale Quick 3, new, for $250 less than msrp.

Thanks - I've been calling around and I'm looking at around $400 for the Trek Fx. I also had one year old Trek 7100 for $300, but it had the different shifters and I'm not sure about the front suspension. I think I've settled on a Trek over the GT, now I'm just trying to find a decent deal.