jowen

I am looking to buy a bike that would be suitable to commute to work. I have a relatively steep hill in my route, so I need a bike that would have suitable gears for climbing. However, I am not too familiar with the specs of bikes, but have tried the 2015 Trek 7.5 FX and the Cannonade Quick Speed 1. I would like to know which bike would be better for my purpose with suitable components (money is not an issue) and whether there is a bike that might fit my situation better. Any advice would be much appreciated.

NormanF

I'd get a DS bike. It usually comes with a triple crankset and ultra low MTB gearing for climbing steep hills.

ColonelSanders

The Cannondale Quick Speed 1's smallest front chainring is 34T, with its largest back cog being 30T.

This may not be a low enough gear for steep hills, if you are not a very strong cyclist.

The Trek 7.5 FX by comparison is a 34T up front, and a 34T at the back, which gives a lower gear and makes it better for tackling steep hills.

Another class of bike similar to the above two, is the Giant Fastroad, which has low gearing that matches the Trek 7.5 FX.

How do you feel about having a triple chainring crank?

All the above bikes have a double chainring crank.

Specialized have a very interesting double chainring bike that should be compared to the above, and it is the Sirrus Comp with a 34T chainring up front and a 36T cog at the back, giving it the lowest gearing of any bike meantioned in this post.

jowen

It seems that the components of the 7.5 FX are ranked as an entry level while that of the Cannondale are mid level, yet the FX is more expensive.

Is there that much of a difference in the components such as the crankset and cassette? Also any ideas as to what makes the FX more expensive?

side_FX

in my area the 7.5 is only $20 more, so I would call that an even price. The components might seem a bit better on paper with the C'Dale, but I wonder if it's a difference you'd ever feel. I would think you would feel the better hill-climbing gearing on the FX, since you mentioned a steep hill on your commute. Both look like solid commuters that you'd be happy with. You may ride one or the other and find one stands out more, or go with the local shop who treats you better. Heck, for a $20 difference...which color do you like better?

FamilyMan007

From my experience 'steepness' is very much related to my own ability, which is not very high!

I went with a triple front crank (now seem to be a bit 'out-of-favour' on most new hybrids) with a 30 front / 12-28 rear 10 speed. I find that the 'granny gear' is more than sufficient for the relatively flat/short inclines (hesitate to call them 'hills') found near to me.

However, as/when I travel further afield I am wondering if my abilities will have improved enough to tackle the tougher hills - I will find out when I try them.

And that is my advice for you - take a test ride of both to include the hills you face. By the end of your test rides I am confident you will know which bike is best for you personally (the 'specs' are only part of the story).

FamilyMan007

At these price points the bikes will be very attractive to thieves - I hope you have access to a secure place to park them while unattended.

jowen

I think I will go with the Trek 7.5 FX. I might make some upgrades in the future, but I think that I will definitely switch the saddle.

I am not too familiar with the saddles out there, so I would appreciate any recommendations for a more comfortable saddle. I may also have the LBS change the chainring instead of installing a new crank.

ColonelSanders

What made you pick the FX over the Cannondale?

I don't know if you are a heavier rider or not, but one thing to consider if you are, the 7.5FX's wheels are 28 spoke, whilst the Cannondale's is 32 spoke.

jowen

I am not a heavy rider at all, so the spokes shouldn't be a problem.

I chose the FX mainly because I feel that it would make it easier for me on the hills.

ColonelSanders

Did you look at the Giant Fastroad or Specialized Sirrus Comp?

jowen

I did, however, I am unable to try either so I would be hesitant to buy them.