Hybrid Bicycles - 2012 new Trek FX 7.4 vs 2008 used Trek FX 7.5

So I'm considering buying a Trek FX bike. I am looking at the 7.4s and 7.5s. I was considering buying a 2008 7.5 FX used for about for about $640. Then I saw the 7.4 FX at the bike shop. It is going for about $800 plus tax new. I am trying to decide which is a better deal.

I am fairly new to cycling and will be mostly using the bike to go on bike paths and the street. Some light grave paths as well (on occasion). I plan to put a saddle and seat on it so I can ride my child. I also have a trailer that I will use to pull both kids from time to time.

This is primarily going to be used for weekend rides for pleasure and the occasional commute to work. (20-50 miles per ride - more every once in a while) I rode both at the bike shop (new) and they both seem real nice.

How do their components stack up against one another?
I lean towards the 7.4 since it is new and the woman at the bike shop also said the new 2012 Treks are all lighter than the previous models (not sure how much of this true). Would love to hear all your advice.


Trek FX 7.4 2012

Description
Colors
Lava Black

Frameset
Frame
FX Alpha Gold Aluminum
Fork
Bontrager Nebula, carbon, SpeedTrap compatible
Sizes
15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25"

Wheels
Wheels
Alloy front hub, Shimano RM30 rear hub; Bontrager Nebula 32-hole alloy rims
Tires
Bontrager Race All-Weather Hard-Case, 700x32c

Drivetrain
Shifters
Shimano M390 Acera, 9-speed trigger
Front derailleur
Shimano Altus
Rear derailleur
Shimano Deore
Crank
Shimano Acera, 48/36/26 w/chainguard
Cassette
Shimano HG20 11-32, 9 speed
Pedals
Nylon body w/alloy cage

Components
Saddle
Bontrager H1
Seatpost
Bontrager Nebula
Handlebar
Bontrager Satellite Plus IsoZone OS, 25mm rise
Stem
Bontrager SSR, OS, 10 degree
Headset
Slimstak, semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset
Tektro alloy linear-pull brakes w/Shimano Acera adjustable-reach levers

Accessories
Grips
Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Elite, lock-on, ergonomic


Trek FX 7.5 2008

Colors Steel Gray w/Dark Steel Gray, Candy Red
Frame & Fork
Frame Construction Unspecified
Frame Tubing Material FX Alpha Black Aluminum
Fork Brand & Model Bontrager Satellite Plus
Fork Material Carbon, aero crown
Rear Shock Not applicable


Components
Component Group Unspecified
Brakeset Avid SD-3 brakes, Tektro alloy levers
Shift Levers Shimano Deore
Front Derailleur Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
Crankset Shimano FC-M443, 26/36/48 teeth
Pedals Alloy Cage w/ Alloy Body
Bottom Bracket Shimano Octalink
BB Shell Width Unspecified
Rear Cogs 9-speed, 11 - 26 teeth
Chain Unspecified
Seatpost Bontrager Sport
Saddle Bontrager Race Basic Lux
Handlebar Bontrager Crowbar Sport
Handlebar Extensions Not included
Handlebar Stem Bontrager Select
Headset Aheadset Slimstak

Wheels
Hubs Bontrager SSR
Rims Bontrager SSR
Tires 700 x 32c Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase

2008 Trek 7.5 FX was priced new at 789.99. It seems to be a little bit strange to pay for this 3 years later $640. Usually 2008 Fx's 7.5's sell for $450 (this is what i figured out lookung at several ad's in CL). I found for my lady friend 2007 FX 7.5 in new condition for $280.


this is a good bike but it is 3 years old ...However if I would have only these 2 bikes to select from I would take 2008 for 640.

Thanks. I see prices all over the map for used bikes. I'm finding it hard to judge their values. Any suggestions on how to price a used bike would be appreciated. I'm open to other suggestions other bikes to buy, plus I just thought...well if I'm going to spend $800 for a new bike, what kind of used bike could I get for the same money.

Any suggestions?

In my city CL we have 2009 Trek FX 7.6 for $890 ..posted for several weeks already.
For couple of month the guy was not able to sell 2006 Cannondale Road Warrior 1000 (10 spd Ultegra/Ksyrium wheels) in very good condition.

If I would need a hybrid now what I would do - I would take this one (or something like this) http://orlando.craigslist.org/bik/2558628372.html and would convert it to flat bar (with 27 speed it is very easy).

Or on almost weekly basis I would be able to find Trek 1.5 for 700-800 to be able convert it to the same flat bar with LX shifters...
But this is just me... :)

I live in the DC area and I'm finding the prices just a bit higher, but I have been monitoring CL and will jump at something when I see a good deal.

Does anyone have thoughts on the components of the 7.4 vs 7.5?

I would go for the new bike. The wider ratio cassette will be quite helpful if you're climbing hills or hit any trails. (Speaking of trails, I wouldn't expect much out of the bonty race lites.)

Acera just refreshed for 2012 so it probably isn't behind the technology of the 2008 bike anyway.

Thanks ColinL.

That is exactly what I was curious about. If the newer components were equal to the older components on the 7.5. I don't need all the speed of a racing tire.

I would rather have some control on packet gravel. Anyone know how the Bontrager Race All-Weather Hard-Case, 700x32c will handle gravel?

I plan to ride the C&O Canal here in DC from time to time.

I would rather have some control on packet gravel. Anyone know how the Bontrager Race All-Weather Hard-Case, 700x32c will handle gravel?

I plan to ride the C&O Canal here in DC from time to time.

I don't know how bad the gravel is on the C&O Canal, but I just got back from 44.1 miles on the Montour Trail on my 7.3fx with those tires and they did fine. The Montour Trail is mostly packed limestone but there are some pretty rough sections with bigger gravel and loose stones. I had to take it slow in a couple of spots because it was rough enough I was getting beat up. I don't think I would want to ride a lot of loose gravel with those tires, but for most rail to trails they are fine.

Yep the Race All-Weather HC is fine on gravel. Don't try technical singletrack on it, you'll seriously regret the first ascent. I think they have some light trail tires, like LT series maybe?-- that would be better yet but that's when you start making compromises on paved roads.