ChappyNJ

I need some advise to hopefully assist me in selecting either a Cannondale Quick 5 (https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/model-9QR5.html), or a Trek 7.2 FX (https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/72fx/).

This will be the first bike I've ridden in about 10 years, so I'm very novice.

My primary goals are:
1. 'Commuting' from my house to the train station daily (3 miles round trip)
2. Riding around town with my son in a baby seat mounted to the rear of the bike
3. Assuming I like biking, perhaps exercise. I'm already pretty fit, so I don't need to loose weight, etc.

I've test ridden both bikes, and I'm torn as to which to choose. To me, they're essentially identical, similar price points. I can get a better deal on the Cannondale, but the reviews I've read indicate attaching a rack to the rear of the bike is a pain; that's one of the primary reasons I'm getting the bike.

Does anyone have any thoughts on either bike: good, bad, etc.

Thanks a million.

jl0703

Welcome ChappyNJ. I own the Trek 7.2FX, which I use for commuting 20 miles a day. Both bikes are comparable in specs. I haven't had any issues with my Trek and enjoy riding it.

Adding a rack onto the 7.2 fx is very easy, and since this is one of your concerns, I would get the Trek, assuming it fits you correctly.

And welcome back to cycling !

Jim

DieselDan

If you're buying the bike and the child seat at the same time from the same shop, the shop should install the seat if they are any good.

The Cannondale's frame was made in the USA.

BarracksSi

Yup.

Nope, not the Quick. Some of their frames are still made here, but the Quick's, and many of their other general-use bikes, are made overseas.

ChappyNJ

Hey guys,
Thanks for all the information!

The bike shops I'm shopping will install the baby seat for no charge, so that's not a problem.

The reviews I've read perhaps seeded a concern regarding the overall build quality of the Cannondale brand/Quick models of bike. I know nothing about either Cannondale nor Trek, so I'm not sure if this is an unfounded concern.

The 7.2FX comes with Bontrager tires and wheels (I believe), which I'm seeing on a lot of the higher priced bicycles. Are the Bontrager tires much better than the CST Selectra which come on the Quick 5?

I'm just trying to gather as much information as possible to help with my decision!

10 Wheels

Get a In Step Trailer for the child.

You don't want to crash a bike with the child on it.
You could use the trailer to get groceries from the store.
The wheels come off and it folds up really quick.

KungPaoSchwinn

Is the Quick frame made from aluminum,the spec in their site only said Frame-----Quick.And is the fork made from carbon? The site said carbon in one page and Chromoly in their spec page.

ChappyNJ

As I remember, yes the Quick frame is Aluminum, and the fork on the Quick 5 is Chromoly.

Both Trek and Cannondale introduce Carbon forks once you move up the model line.

KungPaoSchwinn

OIC, Slice Ultra X All-Conditions is their carbon fiber fork, it's better for absording road shock than aluminum i believe, i have a Trek FX 7.3 and didn't think i need to spend over another hundred for a carbon fork, the Trek almost looks the same as the Cannodale, go for what you like my friend, i am sure you will be riding in style, that's what i say to myself everytime i ride through Sonic drive-in.

BarracksSi

If someone can't fit a rack on the Cannondale, they simply have no mechanical aptitude. The eyelets on the rear dropouts are easy to reach.

Probably the only functional difference between these bikes is the extra mounting points on the Trek's front fork. You'd use these to mount a front rack, basket, panniers, pizza delivery tray, or whatever.

Between the two, I'd go with the Cannondale since you can get a better deal on it. Use the savings to accessorize it, whether you add a rack, change the saddle, etc.

KungPaoSchwinn

He said his LBS will install it for free.

BarracksSi

He's gotta buy the baby seat first anyway (unless he's got one).

ChappyNJ

Thanks BarracksSi, this is good to know. Even if I don't have the bike shop install the rack/baby seat, it looks like the installation isn't overly difficult.

And you make a good point about saving $$ on the Cannondale, I don't even have a helmet; so I can put that saved money towards the essentials.

Panthers007

Trek FX-series of bicycles are nice. For what it's worth - all the Cannondale bikes I've seen were with someone getting up in the street having crashed! LOL! I have/had an FX 7.5 Trek - and these (and the 7.2, 3, etc) lend themselves well to upgrades should one want better performance (I went crazy on mine) from it. The Trek frames in the FX-series are very good indeed. Can't speak for the Cannondales.

Last Analysis: If I was to buy another bicycle - it would be the Trek over the Cannondale. Trek also has a very good warranty and great customer support. I've heard Cannondale can be a bit spotty in this department.

Test ride each, and let your body decide which would be best for you.

KungPaoSchwinn

Trek also has a very good warranty and great customer support.

I can't argue on that,Trek sent a replacement 7.3 to a LBS for me to picked up beacuse UPS dented my frame when it was transport ( dued to credit issue with Trek ) from the LBS 150 away.

ChappyNJ

After another test ride and the scarcity of the Cannondale frames, I've decided to purchase the Trek.

I'm leaning towards the matte Gold frame and in looking at the bikes online the Gold frame geometry is different. The top tube is slanted more than the standard frame.

Is there a purpose to this? Both frames are 17.5, and the standover clearance is fine on both.

KungPaoSchwinn

The one you saw online may be a size 15, i saw that matte gold one last week in a LBS too.nice.
How did you try on the bike online?

Panthers007

You're going to love that Trek. I have a 7.5, which is very similar to the 7.2 in terms of frame and geometry. Excellent ride.

Enjoy!