MTBnOH

I'm looking at possibly getting one of these (7.2 Fx or 7.3 Fx) w/in the next 2 weeks...I currently have a 2005 Specialized Hardrock Sport but want something that'll be a better overall bike (since I do mostly bike paths/exercise purposes....plus I want a bike specified for "fitness" & this fits that criteria)

First of all, what size would I want? I'm 6'1"ish & 195 lbs.

Secondly, is it worth the additional $100 to get the 7.3? What makes it better exactly (specifics please)...I'm not the most knowledgeable on bike components, so please help me out here on what makes the 7.3 better than the 7.2.


Anyone w/ comments (positive or negative) on this bike, please post them.


btw, if I get the 7.2 it'll be Silver..... if I get the 7.3 it'll be Metallic Black.

pedalMonger

I'm not a components guru, so maybe this screenshot will help others point out the differences:

pedalMonger

I'm guessing you'd want the large (22.5") if you are normal proportions for your height. I'm a hair under 6' tall with a 32" inseam, and I have a medium (20.0") Trek FX (7.5).

I would test ride a couple different sizes in your range to be sure, though.

Oh and my comments on the Trek FX series bikes? I think they are awesome, but of course I am biased since I own one!

MTBnOH

that's kinda what i thought on size but it was strictly a guess.

any other input on these 2 bikes?

how much faster can i expect these to be on bike paths vs. my Hardrock Sport?

(edit: btw, thanks for the side by side comparison post)

MTBnOH

I just got back from testing them out:

they only had the red (7.2fx) & blue (7.3fx) in stock in my size...

the 7.3 had much thinner tires & was priced at $479....not crazy about the blue color though. the 7.2 was priced at $429 & they only had it in red (which was like a metallic burgundy). I called another bike shop & they had Silver (7.2) for $389 & I may end up going with that (even though my mountain bike is silver too).

I didn't notice too much difference in the ride but the tires on the 7.2 seemed like they would suit me better b/c while i do mostly bike paths, i may do a novice trail every now and then.


So what do you guys think? 7.2fx in silver for $389? is this probably the best bike I'm gonna find in my price range (below $500) for a good fitness bike?

M_S

It'll be worth it to get the 7.3 in the long run, assuming the color doesn't disgust you. The components will work better, shift better, last longer, etcetera. And though tires can be switched with relative ease (and will need to be replaced eventually anyways) the 35s on the 7.2 are overkill if you'r emostly riding on bike paths.

MTBnOH

here's the matte silver 7.2 that i like the best of what colors are left:


then burgundy metallic (red rage) is also leftover:


& the blue that's left in the 7.3fx (too bad black metallic is sold out nationwide)

doghouse

Here's my 2 cents. I like the steel fork as on the 7.2fx much better than the alloy fork on the 7.3fx. Less road buzz.

MTBnOH

does anyone think the red rage (burgundy metallic) paint looks somewhat cheap? I think the matte finish on bikes looks better & makes it look like a nicer bike b/c the x-mart bikes are mostly all shiny.


I think I'm gonna go w/ the 7.2fx for a variety of reasons:
1) price
2) i like how it has thin tires but not so thin that it really is for path/street only
3) i felt more comfortable on it for whatever reason.

now it just comes down to color choice.....
matte silver (if i can find a 20") or burgundy?

MTBnOH

another question.....

is the 7.2 Fx going to be noticeably slower than the 7.3 Fx? I know the tires are somewhat thinner....

doghouse

I don't think I would notice a difference in speed if I change my 7500fx from 700x35 to 700x32.

But I can tell a real difference between the 700x35 on my fx and the 700x23's on my 5500.

doctortalk121

xxx