jvtb

Hey all, first post. I never realized bike ownership was so complicated until I decided to get one.

I went to several bike shops and read plenty of posts before settling on a trek 7.3.

I told everyone at the shops that I wanted to commute 15 miles to work (which I do) and that towing capacity would help (I like to bring lunch, clothes to work). That made a Hybrid the obvious choice, even for the salespeople. The price didn't help. In addition, I really like to ride along the Raritan River in NJ, which is a gravel/dirt path. Also, my girlfriend who is not a very quick rider wants to ride with me, and on a road bike I know it would be painful to ride slow - riding slow on a road bike was always uncomfortable to me.

All of these things make a hybrid make sense for me, don't you think?

But after riding 18 miles on my bike in 2 days, I kind of miss the speed that I used to have on my old road bike. During 2007 and 2008 I rode an old, very heavy Schwinn from the early 80s through the streets of Philadelphia. It's worth noting that I never rode over 4 or so miles at once in Philly unless the weather was beautiful (my lungs don't do well athletically in air cooler than around 70) so the cool, 60 degree weather the last couple of days may be a factor, but I still feel slower. In addition, I really want to start riding with groups that keep and go for long rides, at some point. I don't want to slow them down.

I guess I can't have the best of both worlds - the ability to bring things (aside from in my backpack, which gets my back sweaty and uncomfortable in the summer on a long ride) as well as the ability to ride on paths, along w the great road speed I'm used to. I live in Central/North Jersey, so unless you purposely ride somewhere for biking, you are stopping at a decent amount of lights and stop signs.

Might the solution for me be buying thinner tires to use when I'm on pavement? I don't need that much more speed, just some.

Can anyone make an argument for a road bike for me? How does the quality of an entry level (cheapest possible new) road bike compare to a trek 7.3?

Most importantly, I guess it's too late, but has anyone heard of bike shops letting you bring it back and exchange upgrade after having the bike for a few days? Just wondering.

My gut is that the right thing for me to do is to have a hybrid for now, get in great biking shape by commuting, and then, a year or two from now, get a good road bike as a second bike. Since I already have a hybrid, this road bike would be light weight, better-than-entry level and tempting to steal, since it will only be for doing "roadie stuff" and not locking up in busy places.

I'm very indecisive, and I'm not back at myself since you don't really understand how anything feels until you ride it for a while. I'm happy with this bike, just feel a little bit show.

Thanks a lot in advance. I can tell that I'm going to love this site

xoxoxoxoLive

Your experiencing what a lot of riders do, when returning to riding. Just don't spend a lot of money on anything till you have thought it through. You've caught the biking bug.

jvtb

Already spent $ on a trek 7.3 ugh

Thought it through but it's not till you ride that you start thinking, more...

xoxoxoxoLive

You might try some 700 x 25c tires, (being stuck with a Trek 7.3) is not such a bad thing.

Wanderer

Keep the 7.3 for all of the reasons you already said. Then, start watching Craigslist for the road bike you want for other stuff. Wait for a really good deal, it'll come.

Meanwhile, you have a great commuter, and all around bike.

Be patient, you will find it cheap.

jetjock

It's not the bike. I have a 7.5FX and am within 1/2 a mile an hour avg speed over several timed routes of my no longer ridden roadie. Quit worrying, be comfortable and just ride. Everyone wants to buy speed. Speed comes from riding.

Cfiber

Start saving ur money now. Then when u r about $300 away from ur new road bike, sell the Trek 7.3FX.

I like the GT Corsa 1.0. It's a really good deal! www.gtbicycles.com/2013/bikes/road/performance/corsa-1-0

Dunbar

Are you riding 15 miles each way to work or 7.5 miles each way (15 miles round trip?)

If you're riding 15 miles each way I would recommend a drop bar bike. If you're doing 7.5 miles each way I'd stick to the hybrid (no real advantage to drop bars IMO.) I have a carbon fiber road bike (Specialized Roubaix) and a 7.5FX I use for errands. I ride 500-600 miles a month so I'm no slow poke. The 7.5FX feels a lot slower to me. Once you set a hybrid up in an agressive position to be fast like a road bike it's going to be uncomfortable to ride IMO. If you want a drop bar bike that takes a rack you may want to look at a cyclocross bike and/or a touring bike. Your Trek shop may allow you to trade the 7.3FX towards another bike like the Trek Crossrip or an 520 touring bike. The other option is to sell it and buy a used bike on Craigslist.

bellinibean

I can indeed feel where you are coming from. I have a 7.2 and LOVE it, but as I was plugging along on a popular trail here in Seattle, I was constantly passed by road bikes. To boot, they seemed to do so effortlessly. I know hybrids aren't road bike and yada yada, but being a NEW owner, I'd be remised if I didn't admit serious envy when I'm getting passed by a roadie. As others have stated, stay the course, enjoy the bike you're on, and look out for the rat bike that wishes they were in YOUR shoes. Last week I put about 75 miles on my 7.2 and I'm getting comfortable with what I have and it's capabilities. Hang in there, your choice was the right one.

themishmosh

Save up some money for a second bike. Like you said, a bike cannot be all things.

I have two hybrids: a Trek Valencia, which is more of a commuter bike with rack and fenders. My other bike is a Marin Highway One which is every bit as fast as a road bike (except for tucked down position).

Nothing wrong with adding a road bike to your stable.

jvtb

I will go tot he bike shop tomorrow and ask about that - I'll also ask about potentially exchanging the bike since I barely rode it, just to know if it's an option... but smaller tires and its possibilities will definitely be something I ask about.

Hmm, this is a good idea. I couldn't justify spending more $ on a road bike right now, mentally, but yeah since I already have a bike I could be patient and get a good deal whenever it shows up. This is a real option.

True! I know you are at LEAST partially right, as I'm sure the speed I got in my old, heavy road bike couldn't have been due to just the bike but also fitness/biek friendly summer weather. You are right, I should stop worrying and just ride. I just take decisions really seriously. $600 was near the top of my budget, in my mind, and this bike sounded great. Once you get on a $600 bike you wonder what another $300 would give you in efficiency. But at the end of the day you have to just ride, which is what I will do as soon as I put this decision to the back of my mind, which will be very soon. It's great to hear that you have had both types of bike and ride the hybrid, potentially, almost as quick. Thanks.

Good idea! Not for me though. I mean in not much time at all I will be within 3 hundred of a decent road bike, but selling this thing in a couple of weeks at a loss (I couldn't get $580 plus tax for it) to upgrade right away just doesn't sound like something I want to do. If the shop wouldn't entertain taking this one back for a bike that I feel comfortable buying, I might as well just ride this one out and then decide next year if I want to buy a road bike, and if I want to buy it in addition to this one or in place of it. Good idea though, really. It may very well happen next year should I keep this one and realize I need a road boke.

Yes, I am talking about 15 each way. I had no idea, from the stores that I went to, that I had an option of a road-like bike with toying capacity. I think the first guy didn't say that I had that option and then in subsequent stores I tilted the convo towards hybrids (though they still knew my needs). Either way, thanks for your opinions of the speeds. If I keep this bike, I won't invest in "turning it into a road bike" - though I guess I could be convinced into doing so by some of the good stories that you read. I just think I'd be better served using this bike this summer as it is and then deciding next year if I want a road bike in addition to or in place of it. The two bikes that you showed start at $1099 for the cheaper one. That is significantly more than I spent on this, and I guess I'd want to know that I'd incorporate it into my routine enough to justify it (riding more than just commuting). The benefits would have to justify that $ - but you don't know without riding it I guess. I'd have to make sure I built up a serious passion for biking before I spent that much, mentally. *Shrugs*. If I went roadie right now, it would be an entry level allez at $650, but, like you said - no ability to stow. lol. We'll see. I'll probably know a lot more about bike and about myself by next year.

Thanks! Yeah, we can't make PERFECT decisions, unfortunate huh? I guess jetlock would say that maybe they weren't moving as effortlessly as they seemed and they are in better shape that you. But yeah, you understand how I'm feeling. I know it will end up fine.

True! I think this is probably the most likely scenario, adding a road bike later on. Not as soon as I have the money as I can't justify 2 moderately priced bikes in on year, mentally. I'd understand bikes better by next year anyway so why not put off the decision. You know, I have work shoes, track sneakers, basketball sneakers, and tennis sneakers - they all have their purpose and are not at all interchangeable. Bike's aren't that sole-purpose, but you get my point. I may just end up getting 2 bikes. Next summer would be a great time to decide on the right road bike for me, when I'm more informed.



I think I am going to go in tomorrow and ask if I can exchange it for a more expensive bike. If they say no, fine - I know I have a good bike that I can use to commute and that I can ride it alongside the river. To be honest, I will be kind of relieved - I won't have to wonder anymore, nor pay any more $ for a roadie haha. I will worry about that next year based on my riding experience this year.

If they say yes, I will try out the options and see how they feel to me along with their prices - I won't necessarily upgrade. I'll also ask about thinner tires or an extra set of wheels (with thin tires).

By all accounts the 7.3 is a good bike, and few people have told me 15 miles is a stretch.


Thanks for all of your help. I know I'll be good.

Dunbar

True, but if they give you most of the value of your 7.3FX towards a new bike it's only $400-500 out of pocket. You could probably sell the 7.3FX for $200-300 less than you paid for it and pick up a used cyclocross bike for $500-700. One of the reasons hybrids are so popular is people just getting back into cycling scoff at the notion of dropping $1k+ on a road bike. There are other reasons of course but if you get into this hobby you'll be shocked at how much money you'll start spending on bikes and related crap A 30 mile a day commute is just screaming out for a faster bike with drop bars IMO. Like I said, I ride a lot and after my 30 mile fitness rides during the week on my road bike I'm pretty wiped out.

jvtb

Agreed, I probably could get $200 - $300 less for this bike. But I'm not going to make that sale right now, right after buying it lol - just sell it for $300-$400 when it costed me $624 after taxes. I'll at least ride it this year and then sell it next year towards a road bike or buy a roadie in addition. I'll only flip it now, POSSIBLY, if the shop lets me. Otherwise I'll gauge my use this year first. Who knows, I might want a brand new $1600 road bike come next year if I think i'll be going riding w/ groups often. The idea sounds great now but who knows if I'll really do it lol.Since I have a younger sister who is still in college, we still get decent xmas gifts, maybe I'll ask for some $ towards (1/2 the cost) a new entry level road bike for xmas lol. *shrugs* .. We'll see

So true about people scoffing at a grand on a bike. I scoffed at $800 (and no towing/off road capacity) until I went for a ride in this one and said hmmm "what if I could be more efficient??" lol ... $200 shouldnt make a decision for you about things you use often. Fortunately, other factors also weighed in for me - but I'm questioning those other factors a bit after riding 15 miles.

joshuatrio

+1

I crush roadie's on a daily basis on my flat bar bike. Even hit speeds of up to 50mph downhill.

Ride more - work on the motor - speed will come.

jvtb

It's crazy how intimate a bike is. In buying a car I just looked at size/gas mileage and style somewhat, but aside from that it was all about the price versus the value for a low mileage car... the best deal. I didn't think much about speed, pick-up, steering, carrying capacity, etc... A car gets me from point a to point b.

A bike is a much smaller investment but it's so personal. Maybe it's just me. Some people take cars very seriously

jvtb

Thats the impression i'm getting from some of you guys' very credible anecdotes. Encouraging. Thanks!

Planemaker

Don't lose site of why you bought the hybrid in first place.

I bought a Fitness 7.4 about 6 weeks so I could get in shape and cruise with my wife (she has a Townie and just wants to go on casual rides). In the past couple of weeks I have been thinking I want to go on some group rides and go faster so, I started getting bit by the road bike bug. While at the LBS yesterday I asked about a road bike and the salesperson said that both the 7.4 and a road bike have room in my stable of bikes. The 7.4 is more for casual town rides and general riding (remember it an go on crushed gravel and places a road bike can't go) while the road bike is for more aggressive riding.

I decided to wait and save for a really good road bike while I work on my fitness and weight loss. My actual equation is n + 1 = w - 50 (when I lose 50 more pounds I get a road bike).

FYI - I have no problem cruising on my 7.4 at 17+ mph in calm winds (going against the wind is hard but, it increases my fitness level). I cruise right past most roadies

FrenchFit 

Don't attempt to trick your hybrid into a road bike, leave it as is. It's probably great for riding in traffic, exploring the city, etc. If you want to ride fast over distance you want a road bike, from the frame up..just save the money and buy smart. If it's all about budget you can order something off bikedirect, just be sure about the size. The best of both worlds might be a cyclocross bike, but you will still be compromising speed and comfort on each end.

kaliayev

fify.

Bunnicula

I agree with this. It sounds like you thought out your needs when buying the hybrid. Well, part of your needs. The other part is wanting to go faster, easier. That may be (probably is) something that only the road bike will satisfy for you.

Your problem is very similar to what I went through. I have a hybrid which I now use mainly for dirt and gravel paths. I like to ride rail trails and MUPs in scenic areas, and I often take day trips to other states to ride new rail trails. This hybrid was supposed to be my road bike when I first got it, as I had a heavier hybrid with front suspension that I was using for dirt and gravel trails. It's basically a flat bar road bike - I had it set up more aggressively, and it has narrower tires like your 7.3. After getting the new hybrid I realized that my other front suspension hybrid was too slow and heavy for me, and I started using the new one on the dirt and gravel paths with no problems. It became the only bike I used. I've ridden it on 35 mile rides with no issues, and regularly 15 mile rides, so I don't see an issue with using your 7.3 for your 15 mile commute. But it will be slower than a road bike, though I did routinely hit speeds of 15 mph - not too shabby. A lot of it IS in the rider!

So like you I wanted to go faster and waited until I could afford a carbon fiber road bike, as the aluminum frames really didn't seem a whole lot faster than my hybrid. My hybrid now seems a bit slow in comparison to the road bike, but it still serves a purpose for me. Part of the riding I enjoy doing just wouldn't be comfortable on my road bike. It sounds like you would really benefit from having both style bikes, though the question is which kind would best suit your immediate needs - one to ride casually with your girlfriend or off-pavement, the other to satisfy your urge for speed. Either one needs to be commutable.

I wouldn't sell your new bike at a loss. Many bike shops will take back a bike that you've only had a couple of days and are not happy with, especially when it means you're going to spend more. You may be able to finance the difference through the shop with zero interest - most shops offer brand specific credit cards, and a Trek card can be used on any brand a Trek dealer carries. You mentioned an Allez. The Allez is actually a pretty decent bike, and I really like Specialized frames (my roadie is a Specialized, I'm partial...). You may want to consider a road bike with relaxed geometry, one that won't be as harsh on the road for your commute, and comfortable to ride with your girlfriend. The Cannondale Synapse, the Spec. Secteur might be a choice too -
https://www.bicycletimesmag.com/conte...alized-secteur

Other good possibilities are Felt and Fuji, as I've found them to be less expensive and comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised with how nice the Felts rode, almost bought one. Or perhaps even a touring bike to carry your commuting stuff.

Whichever style bike you decide to buy new, I would look for a good used bike in the other style. There tend to be a bunch of FXs and hybrids on Craigs List, because people move up (speed-wise) to road bikes. Likewise, you can often find good aluminum road bikes priced well from people who've bought carbon fiber bikes. And CF bikes too, people move up to more expensive CFs. Since my riding needs vary, I would really hate to be limited to just one type of bike. I think this is your issue too. But it's one that you could solve by buying a good used bike.

As a total aside, my BF just bought a new Cannondale Quick 1 SL hybrid to replace his heavy mountain bike, and he likes it better than his road bike. And he is pretty fast on it.

Dunbar

I've never been passed by a hybrid while on my road bike unless I'm soft pedaling. And I will literally will see several hundred other cyclists on my normal weekend rides here in SoCal. I've had riders on knobby tired bikes almost hang with me. So yeah, it's definitely the motor but you'll be faster on a road bike. A 1-2mph speed advantage might not seem like a lot but it's huge on a bike.

Nate_L

I bought a Trek FX 7.2 and a Trek Madone 2.1 within the last three months. The 7.2 was my first bike in over 15+ years. The FX just got me going and after 2 months, I wondered what the fuss was about the road bikes, which is when I purchased the Madone. I will say that the 2.1 is faster and easier to maintain speed. However, the 7.2 is all the bike I really would ever need for its purpose. My goal is fitness. The road bike is taking some getting used to with the more aggressive position. The average speed difference is only 1-2 mph, but as stated above that's pretty decent on a bike. The fastest I've hit on the 7.2 is 28.9 mph with the wind helping and a slight drop. On the 2.1 and on the same stretch of road, I've only hit 28.1 mph, but I'm just starting. I'm way more comfortable with gear choices on the FX. So far I'd say that it's a toss up between the road and hybrid for me. The road bike requires a quite lot more expense and cleats. The hybrid can go just as fast with a little more effort, and is no slouch at all. Also, the hybrid is just jump on and ride with any kind of shoes. One other thing to note is that the road bike is really bumpy and less stable over not so perfect pavement. The hybrid is a smoother ride with the 35mm tires.

side_FX

I never quite get the desire to go faster. Doesn't that mean the ride will be over sooner?

krobinson103

All my bikes are flatbar and could be called hybrids. I have a seriously heavy shopping bike, a flat bar roadie, and amodded mtb for long rides. The difference iy speed between them is slight. Comfort is a different story. There is no way I would ride my commuter which is based on a roadie the 215km I rode yesterday on my touring mtb. The gears i my opinipn make the biggest difference. I modded my two mtb based bikes with 48t large chain rings at the front and I have no prpblems keeping up with or passing road bikes.

I also despise drops. Find them the most uncomfortable bars ever bar none.

Wanderer

You already have a performance hybrid in the FX. It's a great all around bike. Ride it, and enjoy it. You will come to love it for its ability to be so many different bikes.

It's not a roadie, it's better.