Hybrid Bicycles - 2010 Trek FX 7.6 @899 or 2011 Trek FX7.5 for @699 - Help....with the Specs & Decision

Requesting for help....

I will be riding mostly on pavement and hard pack bik paths and moving from $180 Schwinn Ranger bike to the step up after completing over 2k miles on this old Target bike.... Budget under $1000...will be used for more Fitness riding 20-25 miles , 2-3 times per week.

I have finally narrowed down my choices from (Cannondale Quick CX2 999 but not available, 2011 Sirrus Expert $1099, Jamis Allegra $800, 2011 Trek FX 7.5 699, 2011 7.5 with disk 999, 2010 fx7.6 899)

Here are the specs so u do not have to dig for both finalist 2011 FX7.5 and 2010 FX 7.6....My knowledge of componentry on the high end bikes is limited and looking for experts on this forum to help decide based on their experiences with these bikes and value for money for the $200 difference but 1 year older for 7.6 FX model....OR if i should be considering some thing else at this point in this price model

2010 7.6 FX™
FRAMESET
Sizes 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25"
Frame FX Alpha Black Aluminum w/IsoZone monostay
Fork Bontrager Nebula, carbon
WHEELS
Wheels Bontrager SSR
Tires Bontrager Race Lite Hard-Case Plus, All Weather, 700x28c
DRIVETRAIN
Shifters Shimano Alivio trigger, 9 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
Crank FSA Vero 50/39/30
Cassette SRAM PG950 11-26, 9 speed
Pedals Wellgo platform w/clips and straps
COMPONENTS
Saddle Bontrager H2 Flex Form
Seat Post Bontrager Race Lite
Handlebars Bontrager Race, 25mm rise
Stem Bontrager Nebula, 12 degree rise
Headset Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Tektro RX 1.0 w/Tektro alloy levers


2011 FX 7.5
7.5 FX™
FRAMESET
Sizes 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25"
Frame FX Alpha Black Aluminum
Fork Bontrager Nebula, carbon w/Clix dropouts
WHEELS
Wheels Bontrager SSR w/Clix
Tires Bontrager Race Lite Hard-Case, 700x32c
DRIVETRAIN
Shifters Shimano Deore trigger, 9 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore LX
Crank Shimano M443 Octalink 48/36/26
Cassette SRAM PG950 11-26, 9 speed
Pedals Alloy body w/alloy cage
COMPONENTS
Saddle Bontrager H2 Flex Form
Seat Post Bontrager Nebula
Handlebars Bontrager SSR OS, 25mm rise
Stem Bontrager SSR, 10 degree
Headset Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Avid SD SD-3 w/Tektro adjustable reach levers

By the prices, I presume these are new bikes...sold by dealer...with warranty??

I'd take the 7.5

The 7.5 has the same components as the 7.6, plus you get better shifters and a better Shimano crankset. That's not a hard decision.

In 2008, I was deciding between a 7.6 & 7.7. That '08 7.6 had the same components as the '11 7.5 you're considering. The only real difference was the carbon monostay. But that bike was $1100 then. Compare that to the value you'll get today with your $700.

That's a good deal for the 7.6FX. You're basically buying a carbon fiber rear triangle with the 7.6FX vs the 7.5FX. For durability I'd go with the 7.5FX since there's less fragile carbon fiber to get damaged and maybe throw a <$50 carbon fiber seat post on there to smooth out the ride. The 7.5FX actually has a slightly better rear derailleur and shifters than the 7.6FX. Road bike vs. mountain bike components is not of much significance here since both have triple cranks for plenty low climbing gears.

Thank you for your inputs...i value them.....since i am newbie and learning....One thing i saw the diff between the 2 is the 7.6 FX had the Lite ver of the Bontrager components Headset, Wheels, Seat Post. Rear DR on 7.6 is Tiagara vs Deore LX on 7.5. Also the Breakset is Tektro 1.0 vs AVID SD ...not sure if these components add up $200 difference and more comfortable ride with the extra carbon monostay...Also saw the diff in crankset from FSA Vero to Shimano M443...

According to the specs the wheels are the same on both. I have a 2011 7.5FX and I'm not crazy about cheaper low spoke count wheels like the Bontrager SSR's but they should last you several thousand miles before requiring maintenance unless you're 220+ lbs. As far as lightweight stems, seat post etc. that won't make any difference in ride but may total up to a 1-2lbs or so difference between the two bikes. Try not to get carried away with the weight weenie stuff, that gets expensive stupid fast. Shimano cranks generally shift better than anything else but I have a FSA Vero on my road bike and it works fine. Even the cheapest v-brakes feel great to me after spending most of my time on road bikes.

Being that you're a newbie my advice would be to ignore the confusing specs which take a while to pick up. The main difference is whether you want a carbon fiber rear triangle? If so, spring for the 7.6FX.

Since you're a noob, I recommend the less expensive 7.5. Take the $200, put it in the bank and start saving for the road bike you'll want in six moths. The weight difference isn't going to make any difference. The 7.5 is probably about 24 lbs. The 7.6 might be a pound less, if that much. Road cyclists typically replace wheels, which not only save weight, they save weight in the wheel rims, which you have to spin up when you accelerate from a stop. The bikes you are looking at are all popular here and you won't go wrong with any of them.

The question to ask yourself.... am I getting $200 worth of upgrades TO ME? You are probably paying mostly for the carbon fibre. If you can't tell the difference in ride quality between the two bikes, then I would opt for the 7.5. When you go for test rides, make sure the tires are inflated to the same PSI (or equivalent). You'll notice a big difference with 10 PSI difference.

Just to clarify...

The 2010 7.6 FX does not have a carbon monostay.

This is the what the top of the carbon monostay looked like on earlier 7.6 & 7.7 models
254740

Below is the IsoZone monostay featured on 2009 and later models. (pic snagged from bikeradar.com)

254749

Rather than being a carbon monostay extending to the dropouts, it's an elastomer-equipped aluminum wishbone. That is, it's a synthetic damper placed in an otherwise aluminum monostay. While I won't say this isn't as functional as the carbon monostay, it's certainly not as costly to produce.

Two things do help to take the buzz out of the rear on any FX model. One is the long chainstays (445mm). Compare that to the 405 to 415mm chainstays found on many road bikes. The other is the ability to take wider tires. Putting a better riding 32mm tire (like a Pasela) and running it at a practical PSI in the rear of the 7.5 should be plenty comfortable. I don't believe the 7.6 frame would ride any more compliantly just because it has the elastomer insert.

If you think the plastic insert in the 7.6 frame will make for a superior bike, then you should get it and ride happy. But just know that you're paying a $200 premium and getting downgraded shifters and crankset.

Sounds like a good price on either. I would take the 7.5. I bought a 2011 7.5 last year and love it. The only problem I have had is with the pedals. I replaced them this week after they started making a clicking sound. I think I paid over $900 for mine last year.

Finally - got the 7.5 FX 2011 ....looking forward to putting some miles on it....LBS also gave $50 credit for old....Schwinn Ranger bike...Now the question is what are the must have noob accessories i need to get ...moved my old schwinn bike computer to the new bike...
'
Help me prioritize...will be riding basically for 15-30 miles for fitness
change pedals
bottleholder
rear cooler
bibs
shirt
shoes...

Rajeev


Rajeev

I have a 2011 7.5 FX and from what I know and based on my experience the 7.6 isn't really worth the extra dough.

The 7.5 leans towards dirt and the 7.6 is more road oriented.

Rajeev,



How are you liking your 7.5? Have you purchased any accessories yet?

Rajeev,



How are you liking your 7.5? Have you purchased any accessories yet?

Love my 7.5 FX...have no reference point of owning other expensive bikes. Have gone on many 12-15 mile rides and enjoyed...I purchased Pearl Izumi Bib & Jersey, Lock, Underseat bag, Pump.......investment continues but enjoying the rides. Now working on what is the right tire pressure on the bike have to get it to my LBS for tuning.

Rajeev