Rick98761

I am looking at getting back into bike riding after wanting to for the past few years. I am looking at two bikes mainly (trek 7100 or trek 7200). I am having a hard time figuring out what is different. I can look at the spec sheets and see they use various different components but other then that it means nothing to me. I would also be willing to step up to a 7300 if it offered any significant advantages. Could anyone shed a little light on this subject for me? BTW this bike will be used mostly on city streets/sidewalks, slightly hilly. And an occasional finely ground dirt track.

Rick98761

also, what is the difference in the fx series?

deraltekluge

One obvious difference is that the 7100 is 21-speed, and the 7200 and 7300 both are 24-speed.

Seriously, the specs are there on their site, and you can read them as well as anyone else. If you don't understand some particular item, then ask about that item.

Rick98761

Yes I see the specs on the site, but I don't know what any of it really means in real world. Take for instance the Black vs White Aluminum. I know it says black uses shaping and whatnot, what does that really mean? I guess what im asking is what will I see in the real world? (easier shifting?, better brakes, etc)

Mr. Beanz

Actually the 7100 types have a high recreational stem and a suspesion front fork. Looks more like a bike made for taking pictures of pigeons and birdwatching.

The FX has a more aggressive set up. Shorter stem on the handlebars meaning a lower race position. Looks more like bike that you can get a good workout and maybe osm speed foing on this biek. I think the FX 7.3 is good. Has a deore rear derailleur which is a really good entry level shift.

Others use alivio, ok but not for anything agressive. I'd go with the 7.3 for $30 more. But I'd like something sporty. If you want it for bird wathcing type rides, go witht he 7000 series. Has stem and handle bar set up for sitting very straight up. Looks like something an old lady would ride with an umbrella hat. Plus the front suspension would eat up some of your energy while trying to kick butt. The fx doesnt have front suspension, made stiffer and more responsive for going faster.

If you birdwatch, the7100 type, If you're a little competitive and liek more speed, the FX

Because a bike has 24 gears or 21 doesn't really mean too much. Your hig gear and your low gear are more than likely the same. Meaning you have the same size ez gear for riding up hills. Usually only difference is more comfortable small difference incrememnts while shifting.

envane

The difference btw. the FX series and the 7000 series is that the FX are more like flatbar roadbikes. They have a more aggresive body position and skinnier tires, so they go faster. The 7000 series is more "comfort". It features a more upright body position and has suspension, but they will be slower.

Personally, of the 7000 series, I'd get the plain old 7000. You don't need a front suspension fork.

Also, the "black" and "white" aluminum simply refers to the colour of the frame (look at the picture of the bike!)

Mr. Beanz

Yeah! Or maybe provide some links so we dont have to go searnching the web to anser your q's for you dammit!....Look what its donew to my tyoping!

jaxgtr

I have a 2003 7300 and I have done a lot of changing to it. If you plan of doing any distance riding, say more that 10 miles or so, that suspension fork will suck the life out of you, especially when going up hill. I would also seriously look at getting rid of the suspension post. If you have any size on you, it will just bottom out anyway. The twist gearing handles suck and I changed mine to rapid shift. Much better option in my opinion.

I put a rigid fork on mine and got a much better seat post and I have taken the bike on 50 mile rides. They did not have the FX series when I got mine otherwise I would have gone that way. Think about your future riding before you pull the pin on the 7000 series.

jaxgtr

Oh and welcome to Bike Forums.

jaxgtr

Having just looked at the Trek site, if I had my choice in the 7000 series group, I would go with the 7300. Slight better components, no real deep suspension fork like the 7100\7200. For what your going to use it for, you might be better off going with a FX 7.2. You could always get a different stem and make it a little more comfy on the back and price wise, it's still in the same area.

bbattle

My wife had a 7100, and it was slow. The suspension fork and seatpost did nothing for her. Loves her 7.5FX wsd. I added bar ends and replaced the stock saddle with the firmer Terry Butterfly. Fast bike but tires still fat enough to handle dirt roads without getting beat up.

Rick98761

Thanks a lot for all the help guys. I think you go me talked into going the FX route. I'm going to go take a look at 7.2 and 7.3fx in the next few days.

Retro Grouch 

Check out the bikes in a bike shop.

There are actually a lot differences that seem relatively minor as you move up the bike food chain. The ones that make the most difference are easily glossed over - like an improved wheelset or better brakes.

atomship47

that's why i chose the 7300. however, at the time, i was riding 20+ miles per day at least 5 days per week. had i ridden a lot less, i wouldn't have been concerned about the better components.




btw, w/i 6 months, those weren't enough miles so i turned roadie and, of course, had to upgrade.