puskarich

I'm in the market for a new bike and have been looking at the TREKs. My rides are mostly on road with some rails to trails (hard-packed cinder and maybe some gravel). Most rides are usually in the 20 to 50 mile range, unless I'm with the wife and daughter. Then maybe in the 5-6 mile range.

I'm trying to stay on a budget, so hoping to keep the purchase in the $500 range. Could go in the $600 range if there is something worth splurging for.

Also, I have one of those "kid trailers/chariots" that I like to attach ever now and then and pull my daughter along for the ride. So, it would be great if I could still do that.

I've been looking at the TREK FX and 7000 series. I'm trying to decide on the 7.1, 2, or 3 and the Hybrid 7100, 7200, or 7300.

If I bought the FX, could I still take it on the rails to trails?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Timber_8

Well the 7000 series bikes are upright bikes and the FX are closer to road geometry. I would say the FX but then I ride an FX 7.2 so my opinion is jaded. 2 of my employees ride the 7000 series bikes and both love them as well. I currently commute 34 miles round trip and they are less than 10 miles round trip. The FX is a faster bike than the 7000 but has you riding in a more aero position than the 7000. That all said I ride the FX 7.2 but would buy the 7.3 if I had the money. Take into consideration what you want to add to the bike for accessories. Both models will pull a trailer fine. In a nutshell buy as much bike as you can afford once you decide what style of bike you want. The FX is a more aggressive bike than the 7000. Good luck and welcome

dynodonn 

I have a FX7.3, I'd say that it's a good option since it has a more aero riding position than the 7000 series bikes for those long rides, comes with Hardcase tires for better puncture resistance for riding gravel trails, thumb shifters for faster,safer shifts, and a better carrying capacity rear hub if panniers are used. I have a 7000 series bike, and have it outfitted with spare parts from other bikes to mirror the 7.3, but if I had to do it with brand new parts, it would cost almost as much as or more than the 7.3. The 7000 series bikes have a more relaxed riding position, front/seat post suspension for comfort, but all come at the expense of riding efficiency and head wind aerodynamics.

Wanderer

Given those choices, I'd say the 7.3FX is the best bike of the bunch - assuming it fits......

Midol_Mohawk

get out a few and ride them and see which one suits you!

some people might prefer the upright, relaxed geometry, and some might prefer the more aggressive, road geometry...see which you prefer.

also, do your research and see if you can get a deal, IE last year's model for less money. I know other people got a 7.3 or 7.4fx from the year before for way less than the current year's model. I know when I got my 7.2fx in 2008 it was the 2007 version and I got it for only like 300 and its exactly what i wanted from a hybrid

puskarich

Thanks for the suggestions. I ordered a 7.3FX in the black color today. LBS only had the blue in stock. Cant wait for it to come in.

waynesworld

Great choice. Although, I have the blue, and love it

Fletch521

I bought a 7200 last September after a 30 year absence from bicycling. My plan was the use the hybrid to get myself into shape and then back on a road bike. I love the 7200 but have to say that I out grew it in just a few weeks and wish I would have taken a more serious look at an FX.

cyber_hawke

Good choice and don't forget that you can reconfigure your position on the bike with an adjustable stem that costs around $40.

beatnik0422

We are in the same boat. Well, I have a 7100, but if I could go back and do it again, I would get an FX.

meanstreak

[QUOTE=Timber_8;10588596] That all said I ride the FX 7.2 but would buy the 7.3 if I had the money.

Since the 2010 7.2 and 7.3 frames are now both Alpha Black frames is their really much difference other than the tires and some other upgrades?