Denise147

Hi: Think I've settled on getting a Trek 7.3 FX after trying out numerous different bikes & brands. I am 5'7" tall & a bit longer in the torso than in the legs. Have been told by two bike shops that I'm between a 17.5" & 20" frame.

Tried a 17.5 inch in the 7.3 and a 20" in the 7.2 (they didn't have the 20" in the 7.3). Neither felt dramatically different. Both were comfortable, but the 20" may have felt a tiny bit more comfortable.

My dilemma is that I can get a great deal a on a barely used 17.5", but will have to pay full price for the 20".

Is there that great a difference given that they both seemed pretty comfortable with the edge to the 20"? Don't want to end up being cheap & regretting the used bike purchase.

Will not be riding more than 30 or miles a week. Thanks so much for any advice.

Denise147

Sorry for the bump . . . any advice? Thanks.

edp773

The frame sizing on the FX series seems to run small. I am 5' 8" with a 31" bicycle inseam and ride the L/20" 7.3 FX.

A slightly smaller frame is better than too large a frame. But I must take a long ride of 10 to 20 miles to determine if the fit is good. A longer or shorter stem can be added to to adjust for your torso length.

Did the shop measure you for fit? Fit is important for being comfortable riding your bike.

Denise147

Thanks so much for your reply. They did look at how it fit & said it was close, but they thought the 20" was best. Probably should go w/that or at least try them both out again. Don't want to sacrifice comfort over a couple hundred bucks. Thanks again.

momof4greatkids

I am 5' 7 1/2" and am fairly long in the legs. I ride a 7.5 20' and I think the bike is a "tad" bit big for me. I did switch out the stem, and that helped some, but I still feel it's a bit of a long reach for me. The 17.5 might be a good fit and good deal for you as well. Hope this helps.
Colleen