Hybrid Bicycles - Scott Sub 20 vs Trek 7.3 Disc vs Cannondale Quick 4 (Components decide?)

So its been a number of years since I have bought/owned a bike and I am on the market for a hybrid. Some of the main 3 models I am looking at are the Scott Sub 20, the Trek 7.3, and the Cannondale Quick 4.

They all seem to be around the same price point. So lets assume that if I ride them all, and they all feel great, should I then base my decision on the components? My understanding of Shimano component quality is (OK to Great):

Altus
Acera
Alivio
Deore
XT
XTR

It looks like the Sub 20 comes in best if you just look at the components because it mostly has the Deore set.

Thanks,

Chadd

I think the Scott Sub20 is approx. $150 more than the fx7.3 and the quick4. I would personally go for the Quick4. :)

I ride a 2010 Trek Fx 7.3 dics - excellent bike. Just keeps going and going. I love the disc brakes as I am a heavier rider and live in the Seattle area (rain). The disc brakes will stop the bike on a dime. Comfortable riding position and I have ridden multiple 40+ mile rides. The gearing allows me to spin up steep hills and race away on the flats.Highly recommended.

Search the forums on Trek Fx - notice how all the guys who have been around a long time recommend the Trek Fx? There's a reason for that - their good! :)

I also recommend the Topeak carrier systems - great kit!


http://i56.tinypic.com/1hlee.jpg

I have a Trek 7.3 and love it --- no problems at all, fast, light and easy to ride. :thumb:

You skipped LX or SLX which is between Deore and XT.

Ride them all before you choose. I mean really ride them; not just in the parking lot because you won't notice the differences. Ride it in the street over bumps, pot holes, etc. Don't base your decision on the components alone. Pay attention to how it rides over bumps, the gearing and how it climbs, riding position, etc.

Yeah looks like the Trek 7.4 is closer price wise to the Sub 20 bike. The 7.4 is the same bike as the 7.3 but adds the CF Fork. I have the 7.3 FX and love it. I have about 500 miles on the bike since July this year. I replaced the pedals with clipless pedals this past week. The OEM pedals were Wellgo I believe with a plastic body I did have some issues with one of them. The screws were pulling out of the plastic. I took and tightend the screws in that pedal rode 6 miles and had to retighten so I just upgraded to the clipless. Other than that the bike has been rock solid. I weigh in at about 270lbs and probably guilty of a little mashing on the pedals so I am sure that didnt help the situation.

One other minor drawback is the handlebars on the fx7.3 and higher bikes you cant use bar ends at this point on them due to the vibration reducing material in them. It would be nice to be able to switch up the hand position from time to time.

Thanks for all the great input. I will probably be test riding some this week (weekend). Thats a great looking bike you have there, Magohn.

The Scott SUB 20 is Alivio front derailleur, cranks, and brakes, and a XT shadow rear derailleur. Wonder if that is for bling or to make the bike look more upscale. Cassette and shifters are Deore.

Tires are 700x37 now also...I wonder if they did that because the ride was so harsh on 700x32 in 2010. At least I thought it was harsh and it bugged me enough not to buy the 2010 when it was on clearance at the beginning of 2011.

Thanks for all the great input. I will probably be test riding some this week (weekend). Thats a great looking bike you have there, Magohn.

Thanks! Can you believe I paid $375 for it with less than 100 miles on it? Came with rack and fenders. It was gift from parents to son and the son had zero interest in riding so the parents put the bike on craigslist :)

So check craigslist first!

I finished up switching the seat out for a brooks b17 - my buns are much happier. :)