ComradeNF

So this forum has successfully persuaded me to not buy a Wal-Mart bike again, so I decided to go with something used. I found some nice deals and wanted to see what you guys thought of them.

1. Used Trek FX 7.3 Blue - $400 - This bike was in brand new condition. Tested it out and it was the smoothest ride I have ever seen on a bike. All components were stock. I hated the blue color though.

2. Used Marin Larkspur CS1/CS2 - $300 - No idea if it was a CS1 or CS2, it didn't say on the frame. Bike was in excellent condition with some minor scratches on the frame. I absolutely LOVED the aluminum finish. Extremely lightweight as well. Shimano shifters, everything stock. Loved it.

3. Brand new Trek FX 7.1 Black - $430 - Loved the color. Brand new from a local bike shop with lifetime warranty and free complete set-up and tune-up. 90-day free adjustments.

Honestly the Trek FX 7.3 was the smoothest ride out of the 3 but the Marin was the nicest looking and the lightest. I could go faster on the Trek but I could maneuver the Marin much more easily. I am 5'10" 230lbs. Also, the Treks have 20" frames but the Marin had a 17.5" frame. It seemed slightly too small for me but I raised the seat and it seemed okay I guess...

How do these prices and options look to you guys? I don't know the first thing about bikes but I need a nice hybrid commuter to get around campus with.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

PJCB

I'd be less concerned about color and more concerned with the fit and functionality.

acidfast7

look for fender/rack mounting points

GrouchoWretch

I was just looking at a new 7.1 FX in a LBS about an hour ago and thinking it would be hard to go wrong with one of those.

spare_wheel

All these bikes have rack and fender mounts.
The Trek 7.3 FX has better components, a better alu frame, a decent chromoly fork, better wheels (nebula), and will be significantly lighter than the other options. Older 7.3 FXs have shimano 8-speed drive train (e.g. rear deore or alivio). Newer 7.3FXs have 9-speed drive trains. (I bought my better half a 7.3 FX 5 years ago.)

ComradeNF

Judging by the posts the Trek FX series seems like a nicer bike for the price. I actually remember that the rear derailleur was a deore so I am guessing it is an older 7.3 FX. If it makes any difference, the 7.3 FX that I saw had an interesting Shimano shifter on the right and left handles that had a completely filled in red bar that would shift from 1 to 8 I believe when you shifted the gear. Maybe that can help to determine what year it is. Again, I don't know anything about bikes.

If I do purchase the bike though, is it alright that it does not have any sort of warranty? The store doesn't even accept returns or anything. Again, its $400. I mean honestly is there a lot that can go wrong with a bike? I constantly see people in my area selling very old bikes for very high prices.

GrouchoWretch

7.1 FX has an Acera rear derailleur, which I guess is entry level. And of course a triple chainring.

ComradeNF

Just found out the Trek 7.3 FX is a 2010 model if that makes any difference. $400 seems like a steal for it honestly, might just have to pick it up.

fietsbob

... And wear and tear already existant. on the used bike. what it needs to get repaired to be safe.

By definition, the new one has no hidden worn parts. and a warrantee..

no1mad 

+1

Do you really want to have the flashiest bike at the rack?

rumrunn6

have you thoroughly considered or ruled out a used road bike?

canyoneagle

The most important thing is to make sure the bike fits you. It appears you are aware of that, so this is good.
The 7.3 fx is a good bike. If you found it the most comfortable, then that is a good sign. Honestly, there won't be much of a "speed" difference between them. This is largely driven by you - the "motor". chances are, the perceived speed differences you observed were variations in road feel - tires, geometry, etc - more so than real speed.
My vote is for the 7.3

ComradeNF

Went to the shop and tried out a few bikes and in the end I returned home with the Marin Larkspur CS1. Compared to the 7.3 FX the Marin had much, MUCH better brakes (shop owner said both were brand new). Also, even though the shifters on the 7.3 FX were higher quality the ones on the Marin are a lot smoother. I can't even feel the gear changing. Oh, and the design of the Marin was better IMO.

The Marin is a 17.5" bike and the FX was a 20" but after raising the seat up the Marin is perfect for me. The seat will need to be changed though as it isn't very comfortable. Luckily I have a spare seat that is quite nice.

Thanks for all the help! I'm so glad I didn't end up getting a bike from Wal-Mart, this Marin is so much nicer. After riding it around campus for a while I can see how terrible my mountain bike from Wal-Mart was.

Now all I need to do is get a nice new set of tires as the tires on the Marin are around 2 years old. They are the original tires that shipped with the bike according to the shop owner.

GrouchoWretch

Marins are nice, so why not.