Is the Trek 7.2 FX the modern Schwinn Varsity?
 

Just an observation, and a question. I see these bikes everywhere here in Southern Wisconsin, and it is among the first bikes that gets mentioned every time a newbie shows up here. It just reminds me how back in the day, though serious riders rode European brands, and some were branching out to brands from Asia, the venerable Schwinn Varsity was the go to bike for the person who just wanted something decent and reliable.

Trek FX 7.2 owner checking in. Purchased it last summer as I wanted to get into cycling and it seemed like a solid, entry level bike to tackle the limestone trails of northern Illinois.

I grew up in mn and Raleigh's were the go to bike when I was young.

I remember Raleigh as a kind of dream bike. Still remember one hanging at the LBS when I was 14 retailing for the then outrageous price of $600. Couldn't afford that and went with a $150 Nishiki instead.

Trek does say something about the FX being their best selling bike, not sure if its the entire series or 7.2.
Not too surprising as the series covers a lot of options in components, weight, performance & price point.
I would have bought one, but the LBS didn't have anything left by last August, so ended up with a Giant Dash 3.

Around here I probably see more Giants and Specialized, but I do see lots of Treks. It's probably down to what our local shops carry-a couple of them carry both brands, but I think only one carries Trek (and two places carry Diamondback).

Funny, I had a Varsity back in the 80's when I was in school, I believe it was my first or second 10 speed. I see them at the flea market every once in a while and always consider getting another one, but I doubt I'd ride it much! (I saw one a few months ago that had been converted to a fixie-I thought about getting that one but I'd probably have ended up converting it back).

I work at a shop that carries a ton of brands, and the Trek FX bikes are definitely what I sell the most of, usually the 7.1 or 7.2. They do seem like great bikes, but the geometry does not work at all for me, no matter what size I hop on.

The company HQ, is in Waterloo Wisc , so not far off..

Well, yes, but the bikes are made in China, just like everything else at its price point.

but the US warehouses is where they ship to dealers from..

even Schwinn went to Asia for Lower Wages ...

a few cars and Weapons is what gets made in the US.

And the Trek dealers seem to be the larger retailers in and around Milwaukee, especially though not exclusively Wheel and Sprocket.

I'm very fond of mine - I love the matte black and color scheme.

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