Getting a Trek 7.5 FX
04-29-09, 11:06 PM
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Getting a Trek 7.5 FX
Hi, I am getting into cycling after several years of not owning a bike. Seeing that I haven't owned a bike in several years; I want this bike to be quality and last a long time. The main reason for getting the bike is to commute about 8-10 miles per day and exercise on the weekends. I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions as to what the best gear to buy for my bike will be (U-locks, saddles, after market parts, ect...) Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks
04-30-09, 12:09 AM
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hey there, I have the same bike. I was in the same situation, didn't ride a bike since middle school and just picked it up one day. I've been commuting spring/summer/fall~ 3.5miles one way 2 years.
This year, the commute is 7miles one way and I hit alot of hills, this is all city roads btw.
1) Get a GOOD lock and please lock it up. If your in a apartment, take it into your unit. I had it locked in the communal basement with a Ulock and near christmas, santa took it away to give to some unfortunate child who really really wanted a bicycle for xmas.
2) Helmet, front/back lights, water bottle and cage
But the greatest advice I can give is, take your time and build the accessories that fits YOUR needs. Your going to get alot of advice and some of them are individual preferences and dependent on what kind of bike rider you are and the problem is, if you hadn't ridden in a while, you won't know until you start doing. So just get the basics and buy the stuff as you need them.
I bought a whole crap load of stuff when I got the bike.
-fenders: dont use them now even though it really helps in the rain. I personally think they are ugly and would rather get rain on my back then use them. I just wear a durable jacket.
- racks: dont use them either now. I found that I prefer wearing a backpack.
- Clipping the Ulock to frame: dont use that now either because I attach it to the outside of my backpack..
... you see a trend?
and after two years...
-clipless pedals and shoes: since I commute 15miles a day and ride 30miles for fun sometimes, I thought I'd give them a try. Didn't think I would ever do that my first year.
-Saddle bag: well I didn't need that since I always had a backpack but for my leisure rides, I didn't want to wear a backpack
- cyclocomp: wanted to see how fast/far I was going.
-2nd water bottle/cage: need it for the longer rides.
-chain cleaner and spare tubes and flat fixing tools: I took my bike to the local shop for flats and maintenace but now want to do it on my own b/c 1) it saves money 2) I always thought if I get a flat on my commute I can take a cab to work/home. But now that I'm going out to the suburbs on 30mile rides... I don't want to walk or cab that kind of mileage...
anyway this is getting too long but you get the idea?
and as a p.s.
I regret getting a hybrid and not a rode bike. I want to go faster now and want more handle grip areas for my longer rides... but hey, it took me 2 years to realize that I am serious/enjoy riding. I say, just get the bare necessities, figure out what kind of rider your going to be.. then get the stuff.
B/C you might just ride a week and the bike could end up just sitting
This year, the commute is 7miles one way and I hit alot of hills, this is all city roads btw.
1) Get a GOOD lock and please lock it up. If your in a apartment, take it into your unit. I had it locked in the communal basement with a Ulock and near christmas, santa took it away to give to some unfortunate child who really really wanted a bicycle for xmas.
2) Helmet, front/back lights, water bottle and cage
But the greatest advice I can give is, take your time and build the accessories that fits YOUR needs. Your going to get alot of advice and some of them are individual preferences and dependent on what kind of bike rider you are and the problem is, if you hadn't ridden in a while, you won't know until you start doing. So just get the basics and buy the stuff as you need them.
I bought a whole crap load of stuff when I got the bike.
-fenders: dont use them now even though it really helps in the rain. I personally think they are ugly and would rather get rain on my back then use them. I just wear a durable jacket.
- racks: dont use them either now. I found that I prefer wearing a backpack.
- Clipping the Ulock to frame: dont use that now either because I attach it to the outside of my backpack..
... you see a trend?
and after two years...
-clipless pedals and shoes: since I commute 15miles a day and ride 30miles for fun sometimes, I thought I'd give them a try. Didn't think I would ever do that my first year.
-Saddle bag: well I didn't need that since I always had a backpack but for my leisure rides, I didn't want to wear a backpack
- cyclocomp: wanted to see how fast/far I was going.
-2nd water bottle/cage: need it for the longer rides.
-chain cleaner and spare tubes and flat fixing tools: I took my bike to the local shop for flats and maintenace but now want to do it on my own b/c 1) it saves money 2) I always thought if I get a flat on my commute I can take a cab to work/home. But now that I'm going out to the suburbs on 30mile rides... I don't want to walk or cab that kind of mileage...
anyway this is getting too long but you get the idea?
and as a p.s.
I regret getting a hybrid and not a rode bike. I want to go faster now and want more handle grip areas for my longer rides... but hey, it took me 2 years to realize that I am serious/enjoy riding. I say, just get the bare necessities, figure out what kind of rider your going to be.. then get the stuff.
B/C you might just ride a week and the bike could end up just sitting
04-30-09, 12:31 AM
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I'd suggest some tire-levers and a good patch-kit. And a multi-tool to carry onboard. Such as this:
Get a helmet if you don't already have one.
I, too, bought a Trek 7.5 FX just a year ago. As a mechanic I have totally rebuilt it from the ground up. But even as it came fresh from the LBS (Local Bike Shop), it was a fast and very capable bicycle. Hybrids are great fun. And it's NOT a wanna-be road-bike. Or a wanna-be mountain-bike. It's a HYBRID*.
I started my upgrade by getting a new seat. The one that came with it was not comfortable to me. And the Avid Single Digit 3 brakes constantly went out of alignment - so I installed the Avid SD 7's. Perfect. With Kool Stop brake-shoes. Other than that I could have left it alone and be very happy with it.
All-in-all you're getting a very nice bicycle, with a really good warranty on top. But if you ever decide to try your hands at upgrading - don't hesitate to make a note of my name and asking me questions. The "Black-Aluminum" (hydro-formed they say) frame if worthy of top of the line components.
Get a helmet if you don't already have one.
I, too, bought a Trek 7.5 FX just a year ago. As a mechanic I have totally rebuilt it from the ground up. But even as it came fresh from the LBS (Local Bike Shop), it was a fast and very capable bicycle. Hybrids are great fun. And it's NOT a wanna-be road-bike. Or a wanna-be mountain-bike. It's a HYBRID*.
I started my upgrade by getting a new seat. The one that came with it was not comfortable to me. And the Avid Single Digit 3 brakes constantly went out of alignment - so I installed the Avid SD 7's. Perfect. With Kool Stop brake-shoes. Other than that I could have left it alone and be very happy with it.
All-in-all you're getting a very nice bicycle, with a really good warranty on top. But if you ever decide to try your hands at upgrading - don't hesitate to make a note of my name and asking me questions. The "Black-Aluminum" (hydro-formed they say) frame if worthy of top of the line components.
