Help deciding... Used Trek fx 7.2 (2009) VS. Specialized Ariel Sport/Reg (2010/2011)
09-14-10, 09:28 AM
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Help deciding... Used Trek fx 7.2 (2009) VS. Specialized Ariel Sport/Reg (2010/2011)
Deciding between a Used fx 7.2 listed at $250 (probably get it for $200) or a brand new Specialized Ariel starting at $400 and up to $520. Looking to use it as my all around bike. Will be riding to park, through uneven paths, tow a doggy trailer w/ about 55lbs of dog, and to ride to my mom's house and grocery. I've been aiming for the Ariel but this trek popped up and seems like a good deal. Owner claims only 6mths of use. Any input would be appreciated...
09-14-10, 10:39 AM
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While the Trek appears to be quite a deal and is a good bike, you may want to establish a relationship with your LBS (assuming the Specialized is coming from there). They are both good starting bikes with the Ariel sport a really nice bike. You can also buy the Trek and have the LBS tune it and still probably stay under $300 but most LBS's will have a free service/tuning period on bikes that you buy from them. I have a 30 day free tuneup and 1 year free adjustment deal on my Trek that I bought from the LBS.
On the other hand, if you want to get on a bike asap with as little coin as possible, you can go with the Trek and then save up some money and get a nicer new one in the future. Your Trek can then serve as a backup bike/winter beater whenever the newer bike is in the shop or it can serve as a 'guest' bike if a relative or someone visiting you wants to ride with you.
On the other hand, if you want to get on a bike asap with as little coin as possible, you can go with the Trek and then save up some money and get a nicer new one in the future. Your Trek can then serve as a backup bike/winter beater whenever the newer bike is in the shop or it can serve as a 'guest' bike if a relative or someone visiting you wants to ride with you.
09-14-10, 12:39 PM
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I have a pretty good relationship with them (I've visited a lot lately). My only concern w/ the trek is the narrow tires (35c) compared to the Ariel (45c) when going over unpaved or rough terrain type surfaces. Would I be able to change them out in the future or would the rim not allow for that wide of a tire?
09-15-10, 04:47 PM
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I had a 7.2 FX that I really liked. It was a good all-around bike--very stable and comfortable, good for commuting, rough pavement, and just general riding. (I put a rack on it and carried my heavy bookbag to work; I'm an English teacher, so that was a pretty good load!)
The only reason I sold it was that I had open-heart surgery and thought I was going to get out of cycling. Now I'm riding again, and I wish I had it back!
You could probably get it for $200. I paid $399 for mine (on sale in 2008) and sold it on Craigslist for $200.
Good luck with your decision!
The only reason I sold it was that I had open-heart surgery and thought I was going to get out of cycling. Now I'm riding again, and I wish I had it back!
You could probably get it for $200. I paid $399 for mine (on sale in 2008) and sold it on Craigslist for $200.
Good luck with your decision!
09-15-10, 09:14 PM
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Great thanks! I really liked the new Ariels but I can use the extra $$$ for accessories. For example, I just got a topeak baby carrier w/ rack for my niece so I'm minus $50 already... =)
