MadProphet

OK, so I've been out of biking since... well, since Nixon was president. I've had a few back surgeries and that's left me back/hip/thigh sensitive. I've got lots of sciatica and neuropathy problems. On top of that, I used to be as much as 417lbs, but I'm currently 225-230 - about 5'10". Last year I bought a recumbent trike and tried to use it. The high bottom bracket vs the seat and the fact that all of your weight is pushed onto your lower back made me abandon all hope...er, the trike. I spent hundreds trying to make it right, btw.

So, with that history, I'm trying this year to move to a DF. I've tested, yesterday, a DS 8.3 and a couple Trek MTB's - which are not for me. The 700 wheel seems more to my liking. I went in with the idea that 1) I would do a combination of trail (paved, gravel, dirt) and road. So I figured I 'needed' a front suspension; 2) that disc brakes were a must (long wet winters here) and 3) that I wanted to stick with Trek and less than $1000 total.

So I like the DS 8.3 but I'm wondering if the 8.4 doesn't offer me a little more for about $200. I often get deep into analysis paralysis and while sitting in front of a monitor decide I 'need' more and more. I accept that but at the same time, I want to buy once (for at least the next couple years) and don't really want to get into replacing/upgrading parts if I don't have to. While I understand each to his own, is the $200 Trek

I'm not necessarily enamored of the hydraulic brakes, but I like the 950 cassette (from my trike days, good stuff) and I appreciate the grips on the 8.4. So I'm thinking get the 8.3, have the lbs replace the bars (and seat) and I'm good.

Then I saw the FX series. Given that I would rarely ride an actual 'trail', would the FX suit my needs? I see some use them for dual-sport while others say they don't handle well enough on less than hard-packed roads. Plus, some mention the frailty of the carbon forks.

I'm never going to do long rides - ever - so I'm hoping for 8-10 miles a couple times a week. If I am able to ride (my back lets me, in other words), I would like to ride the dirt fire trails and the city bike trails (Chico has MANY).

SO... sorry for the book, but with all of your vast experience and knowledge...would the FX work or should I keep the plan of the DS? Is the $200 in upgrades between the .3 and .4 worth it - or should I just replace bars and seat?

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Arrowana

First, go ride a FX. Very different geometry. The DS series feels great to me, while the FX series feels terrible. You might agree, or might not.

Looking at the 8.3 and 8.4, I think the Deore/Alivio mix is a worthwhile upgrade. I don't have much of an opinion on hydraulic brakes at the moment, but I'm throwing a set on my Marin in a day or two, so I'll know soon. And the upgraded rims and fork might be nice, or not enough of a difference to be noticeable.

MadProphet

So the 8.4 wouldn't be available, at the earliest, till mid-December. Since this is my first bike in several decades, I decided to spend some of the $200 difference between the 8.4 and 8.3 on some upgrades, plus some of the things I wanted for the winter - like fenders. I got a 8.3, 17.5", fenders, changed up the saddle for one with some gel since my rear has none, plus a smallish underseat bag for the iphone and keys. Also bought the IsoZone handlebars with the Satellite grips but those won't be in for a week or so.

I'm thinking most of my riding will have pavement beneath me, but I know I want to try some dirt and some gravel.

I did my first ride tonite when I got home and really found out how out of shape I was. I live in a VERY hilly town and got a real workout in the 3 miles I managed. I'm not sure how much different the hydraulic brakes would have been, but I think I'm good for now. I could use a motor of some kind...maybe I should have started at the Harley dealer....

Warbuff

Hope you continue enjoying the bike. I was going to start stating my experience with the 2013 Trek 7.2FX with Disc brakes. Here in the city its been great. When I started riding I was out of shape too. And now I feel way better. Just keep riding whenever you can and you'll get use to it.

MadProphet

Thanks Warbuff! I did my second ride yesterday. 3.1 miles with 400' of elevation change. I was beat. Bad. It's uphill right out of my driveway, then uphill some more to the first turn. From there it goes up and down (around 200' of change total) in less than 1/2 mile. Then uphill for 1.2 miles - and that is 450' of change. I was inspired by some kid ahead of me on a freakin little bmx bike just casually pedaling uphill like he was lickin' ice cream. I, on the other hand, was gasping for breath.

At least the trip down was easier.

Warbuff

Try to manage gearing better for those uphill sections. When I started riding a couple of months ago I was having issues gearing properly before hills. I learned from reading to usually gear down before you get on the hill and never while youre pushing pressure on your pedals. Pedal down as youre gearing and get yourself in comfortable low gear so you can take on the hills with ease. It wont be easy at first but as you keep going you will have sexy calfs

MadProphet

Indeed I am learning that fast! The elevation changes are sudden and swift, so I gotta down the cassette quickly. When I had a trike, all the rage was IGH's and DL-less front drives like Schlumpf or Pattersons. I don't see much mention of them here in bikes. Perhaps cause you start off with a $3k trike, adding another $1.5 in drivetrain is not that big a deal.

I'd love a Nuvinci on the rear since you can change gears both quickly and at a stop. I don't see that happening anytime soon, however.

Warbuff

Yea those look pretty sweet. Down the line as I become more experienced I'll start looking at other stuff for the bike.