ForFun

63 yrs of age and 245lbs, new ridder since nov 2011. I purchased a used 7500 to get started but the N+1 bug is bitting. The wife (trek 7100) and i ride MUP's and a few hard packed gravel paths, no off road or mountain. I'd like a bit more speed and something different when i'm riding by myself. It would also be nice to get the wife something a bit faster.

I can pick up a used 7.3 fx fairly easy but i'm not sure if there would be enough of a difference. I've also been considering a cyclocross bike for myself. Looking for upgrades for the both of us.

Any and all opinions are appreciated. thanks !

ForFun

someone must have gone down this path ... no opinions ???

KungPaoSchwinn

Hi, i take that your 7500 has front suspension and may be even the seat post,up right riding position, the FX is none of that,narrower tires and lower handle bar,you can figure out the differeces by now,mine is great for me , i like the speed and don't mind about the suspension.

ForFun

Yes, i have figured out the suspension differences. I guess the ride will be much different of the fx than it is on the 7500. Thanks for the reply.

Dunbar

The FX mostly differs from the 7000 series in riding position and the front suspension. If your 7500 has an adjustable stem angle you can try lowering the bars to get an idea of what the FX riding position is like. At 63 you probably want to make sure a more stretched out position won't cause any undue aches/pains (although you do acclimate to it over time.)

KungPaoSchwinn

Add to the fact the gearing may be different as well, i know the tires are, what part of the southern cal are you from dunbar? I stay in los angeles from time to time,@ forfun, i can dig out the specs for both bike if you don't feel like to do it,just give me the year for each model.

ForFun

Dunbar and Kung,

I have replaced the handlebar with a mid rise bar, ergon grips, and am lowering the adj stem slowly as my back allows. it would certainly be easy enough to pick up a flat bar and install it. I've tightened the front and seat post suspension fairly tight but would not object to replace the seat post with a none adjustable one if it made a difference. Replaceing the fork does not seem cost effective to me but i could be wrong. the 2004 7500 has 35 mm Bont tires and i could always replace them with 32's smoothies (same size as on the 2010 7.3 fx) .

i am very new to all this so i have no idea if any or all of the above changes are worth it or if there would be that big of a difference between the two bikes.

I appreciate your help. thanks

Dunbar

It would allow you to test out a similar riding position to the FX before buying one. I agree it doesn't make sense to change the fork. But if you like the more stretched out position it would give you some confidence to buy an FX.

ForFun

I agree with the ride position trial, different tires and lowering my stem is what i'll do first. If all works well a flat bar change will follow.

Off to find a set of tires ....

thanks, Larry