Trek Portland or Trek 7.7 FX
 

My purpose is commuting to school, as well as general recreational and riding for fitness. I'm 16. Any thoughts? I'm leaning towards the 7.7 FX just because when I test drove the Portland I found it far less comfortable than the 7.7 FX, although I am told that I will get used to the road bike posture?

Both are treks, which IMHO are overpriced. If i'm not mistaken, the 7.7fx has flat bars, while the Portland has drop bars.
but, overall, the 7.7fx will be a little more comfy,and a little bit slower.
the Portland will be faster, less comfy, and (maybe) easier once you get used to road bikes.
bottom line, do you want drops, or not? i recommend drops.

My only hesitation is that you are considering two expensive-ish bikes; particularly if you are going to lock it up on a campus, this can be a problem. Consider a cheapo used bike.

But that said, if you found the 7.7 more comfortable, then that's your winner.

Please don't get the 7.7FX. $1,750 for a flat bar road bike is ****tarded.

By a bottom-of-the-line flatbar roadbike (trek 7.2FX for instance) and it will serve you fine for what you intend to do. And if you get into cycling, yuo will see why you really want a proper drop-barred roadbike.

I must concur with the others recommending NOT getting the 7.7FX. You'll quickly realize you want a regular road bike, and sunk a lot of money in something you don't want.

Trek's are for janitors, greenskeepers and ditch diggers.

If you truely intend to graduate from college and become a human being of ANY value someday... you will go Colnago.

Settling for a Trek is like ending up with the fat friend (with GREAT personality!) of the hot babe you REALLY wanted to get naked with in the first place.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3040

Has most of what the Portland offers, at a much more reasonable price.

I just got a 2008 Portland about a week ago. Picked it up from someone for $900. I'd say look for a used one. Deals are out there to be found. Took mine today for it's first commute of 44 miles round trip. Did well. It's slower than my Tricross Comp, but I think this is due to the 28's on it. I'd definitely change those out.
Depending on your distance, I'd pick the one that would be most comfortable for that distance. Short ride and small chance of taking it out on road rides, maybe the FX. Long commute and road rides, Portland.

The Surly Cross Check + fenders + v-brakes + racks will be pretty much a Portland for much much less.

So was the ignition timing on my Dad's old CB750 chopper. It ran just fine.

I'd love something like a 7.7 or even 7.9,as long as it came with discs. And I believe I'm old enough and experienced enough to know what's right for me.

theatrics: either of those bikes is probably a bit blingy to be locking up around campus. A mid level bike would serve you just as well,and save you the headache of having your bike messed with.

If you build it, they will come.

I have a Trek 6000 mnt bike. I am not a janitor, greens keeper or ditch digger. I have truly graduated from college!

I'm not sure why you hate Trek so much, my bike has been very good to me. I have enjoyed my bike so much that I will buy another soon.:thumb:

for the OP: taking a bike over $200 to high school seems like a bad idea! get a cheap $70 from walmart/target ride it to school. it will help you find out what to spend your money on for "general recreational and riding for fitness"