new 7.4 FX and Ive got $200 to spend on accessories. suggestions?
06-15-14, 08:25 AM
#26
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Well that's not my impression - he said he did strongly consider a road bike, and nonetheless made the decision to purchase the FX. I certainly wouldn't presume to know his mind better than he does.
06-15-14, 08:32 AM
#27
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If someone likes the more upright riding position of a hybrid, that is fine. But if you want the versatility of a road bike, particularly getting low, just buy a road bike.
Last edited by MRT2; 06-15-14 at 08:35 AM.
06-15-14, 08:47 AM
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Every thread turns into the exact same thing.. It's getting ridiculous!
This was posted in the Hybrid forum! The OP has a Hybrid! Every time someone dares to mention a Hybrid or a flat bar bike the push is on and strong to get them to buy a drop bar bike.. It's getting real old, real fast!
I've made it a point to avoid the road cycling sub-forum recently because it happens there frequently.. Now it's spilling over into the Hybrid forums..
OP. I've said it before and I will say it again. I would not upgrade any of the components right now. Save that $200 for later when the parts wear and need replacing. At that point do the upgrade. You will need a new chain in the 1500-2500 mile time frame. At that point spend for an upgraded chain. When the cassette wears, upgrade it.. And so on..
As the bike sits right now it's fine. Ride it, wear the parts down by pedaling like you stole it and upgrade components as they wear..
My .02
This was posted in the Hybrid forum! The OP has a Hybrid! Every time someone dares to mention a Hybrid or a flat bar bike the push is on and strong to get them to buy a drop bar bike.. It's getting real old, real fast!
I've made it a point to avoid the road cycling sub-forum recently because it happens there frequently.. Now it's spilling over into the Hybrid forums..
OP. I've said it before and I will say it again. I would not upgrade any of the components right now. Save that $200 for later when the parts wear and need replacing. At that point do the upgrade. You will need a new chain in the 1500-2500 mile time frame. At that point spend for an upgraded chain. When the cassette wears, upgrade it.. And so on..
As the bike sits right now it's fine. Ride it, wear the parts down by pedaling like you stole it and upgrade components as they wear..
My .02
06-15-14, 08:51 AM
#29
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Every thread turns into the exact same thing.. It's getting ridiculous!
This was posted in the Hybrid forum! The OP has a Hybrid! Every time someone dares to mention a Hybrid or a flat bar bike the push is on and strong to get them to buy a drop bar bike.. It's getting real old, real fast!
I've made it a point to avoid the road cycling sub-forum recently because it happens there frequently.. Now it's spilling over into the Hybrid forums..
OP. I've said it before and I will say it again. I would not upgrade any of the components right now. Save that $200 for later when the parts wear and need replacing. At that point do the upgrade. You will need a new chain in the 1500-2500 mile time frame. At that point spend for an upgraded chain. When the cassette wears, upgrade it.. And so on..
As the bike sits right now it's fine. Ride it, wear the parts down by pedaling like you stole it and upgrade components as they wear..
My .02
This was posted in the Hybrid forum! The OP has a Hybrid! Every time someone dares to mention a Hybrid or a flat bar bike the push is on and strong to get them to buy a drop bar bike.. It's getting real old, real fast!
I've made it a point to avoid the road cycling sub-forum recently because it happens there frequently.. Now it's spilling over into the Hybrid forums..
OP. I've said it before and I will say it again. I would not upgrade any of the components right now. Save that $200 for later when the parts wear and need replacing. At that point do the upgrade. You will need a new chain in the 1500-2500 mile time frame. At that point spend for an upgraded chain. When the cassette wears, upgrade it.. And so on..
As the bike sits right now it's fine. Ride it, wear the parts down by pedaling like you stole it and upgrade components as they wear..
My .02
I agree.
06-15-14, 09:16 AM
#30
Senior Member
OP is here asking questions about serious mods to a brand new bike, and gives the impression of a relative newbie. The puzzling thing is why take something brand new and try to turn it into something different.was OP intimidated by brifters?
If someone likes the more upright riding position of a hybrid, that is fine. But if you want the versatility of a road bike, particularly getting low, just buy a road bike.
If someone likes the more upright riding position of a hybrid, that is fine. But if you want the versatility of a road bike, particularly getting low, just buy a road bike.
06-15-14, 09:16 AM
#31
Senior Member
Every thread turns into the exact same thing.. It's getting ridiculous!
This was posted in the Hybrid forum! The OP has a Hybrid! Every time someone dares to mention a Hybrid or a flat bar bike the push is on and strong to get them to buy a drop bar bike.. It's getting real old, real fast!
I've made it a point to avoid the road cycling sub-forum recently because it happens there frequently.. Now it's spilling over into the Hybrid forums..
This was posted in the Hybrid forum! The OP has a Hybrid! Every time someone dares to mention a Hybrid or a flat bar bike the push is on and strong to get them to buy a drop bar bike.. It's getting real old, real fast!
I've made it a point to avoid the road cycling sub-forum recently because it happens there frequently.. Now it's spilling over into the Hybrid forums..
Last edited by Jaeger99; 06-15-14 at 09:52 AM.
06-15-14, 09:16 AM
#32
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Thread Starter
thanks guys. I took the 7.2 out this morning for a 10 mile ride. I took it over the new 7.4 because I wanted to focus on the things that Im considering adding to the 7.4.
drop bar ends - I used these a lot, way more than the standard upright bar ends. I know for sure I will be adding the drop bar ends.
pedals - I did not notice my feet slip off, not once. a pedal did flip/spin under my once. and I dont care for the idea of being locked in. so I dont think I will get the shoes/clip ons pedals.
aero bars - I do occasionally ride with my arms crossed and leaning on the handlebars, so this makes me think I would like the aero bars.
guys I really hear what you are saying about dont buy anything, ride it, save money for replacement parts. I will be able to replace things as needed, and from riding the wifes 7.2 I know what I would like to improve on it (as mentioned above) so Im willing to spend to improve now.
so now if I can just get the drop bars ends and aero bars to fit on my handlebars below. not sure if they will?
drop bar ends - I used these a lot, way more than the standard upright bar ends. I know for sure I will be adding the drop bar ends.
pedals - I did not notice my feet slip off, not once. a pedal did flip/spin under my once. and I dont care for the idea of being locked in. so I dont think I will get the shoes/clip ons pedals.
aero bars - I do occasionally ride with my arms crossed and leaning on the handlebars, so this makes me think I would like the aero bars.
guys I really hear what you are saying about dont buy anything, ride it, save money for replacement parts. I will be able to replace things as needed, and from riding the wifes 7.2 I know what I would like to improve on it (as mentioned above) so Im willing to spend to improve now.
so now if I can just get the drop bars ends and aero bars to fit on my handlebars below. not sure if they will?
06-15-14, 09:41 AM
#33
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Well you obviously know what he wants better than he does - good for you. Hybrids can and do have attributes that bring them closer to a MTB or to a road bike. Not everyone who wants suspension forks on their hybrid should "just buy a MTB". Not everyone who wants skinnier tires and the option for a lower hand position should "just buy a road bike". Hybrids can and do accommodate such features. Thankfully, we each get to make these decisions for ourselves.
06-15-14, 09:50 AM
#34
Senior Member
Sounds like the bars are the only thing you need to mod. Can't say whether drop ends will work - never tried them. Can't see why clip on aero bars wouldn't work.
Went on a long trail ride with my daughter this morning. Not something I would want to try on a road bike with skinny 23mm tires. Hybrids bring their own mix if versatility to the table. Trim yours out the way you want it and enjoy the heck out of it.
Went on a long trail ride with my daughter this morning. Not something I would want to try on a road bike with skinny 23mm tires. Hybrids bring their own mix if versatility to the table. Trim yours out the way you want it and enjoy the heck out of it.
06-15-14, 10:04 AM
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Prime Winner, deep down inside, you're just a genuine roadie! 
....Just like me!
PS.
We all recognize who we are, whenever we see 'em.
It's ok to stop for gas on your way to Disneyland...
Otherwise, you'd never get there!
....Just like me!
PS.
We all recognize who we are, whenever we see 'em.
It's ok to stop for gas on your way to Disneyland...
Otherwise, you'd never get there!
Last edited by WestPablo; 06-15-14 at 10:14 AM.
06-15-14, 10:06 AM
#36
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OP as far as the aero and drop ends working maybe go to your LBS and have them fit some on if they have any stock. If they don't have stock they can at least tell you yay or nay.. I honestly don't know if they will fit or not..
It's your bike so rock it however you want..
It's your bike so rock it however you want..
06-15-14, 10:08 AM
#37
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every thread turns into the exact same thing.. It's getting ridiculous!
This was posted in the hybrid forum! The op has a hybrid! every time someone dares to mention a hybrid or a flat bar bike the push is on and strong to get them to buy a drop bar bike.. It's getting real old, real fast!
I've made it a point to avoid the road cycling sub-forum recently because it happens there frequently.. Now it's spilling over into the hybrid forums..
Op. I've said it before and i will say it again. I would not upgrade any of the components right now. Save that $200 for later when the parts wear and need replacing. At that point do the upgrade. You will need a new chain in the 1500-2500 mile time frame. At that point spend for an upgraded chain. When the cassette wears, upgrade it.. And so on..
As the bike sits right now it's fine. Ride it, wear the parts down by pedaling like you stole it and upgrade components as they wear..
My .02
This was posted in the hybrid forum! The op has a hybrid! every time someone dares to mention a hybrid or a flat bar bike the push is on and strong to get them to buy a drop bar bike.. It's getting real old, real fast!
I've made it a point to avoid the road cycling sub-forum recently because it happens there frequently.. Now it's spilling over into the hybrid forums..
Op. I've said it before and i will say it again. I would not upgrade any of the components right now. Save that $200 for later when the parts wear and need replacing. At that point do the upgrade. You will need a new chain in the 1500-2500 mile time frame. At that point spend for an upgraded chain. When the cassette wears, upgrade it.. And so on..
As the bike sits right now it's fine. Ride it, wear the parts down by pedaling like you stole it and upgrade components as they wear..
My .02
06-15-14, 10:08 AM
#38
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Jaeger99 - the versatility you mentioned is exactly why I went with the FX Hyrbrid (which actually comes up when viewing "all" road bikes on the trek site!). and would you please describe you "trail" you rode? Ive found that different people describes trails differently and I want to get a better understanding.
MRT2 - I dont want to switch to drop bars on my FX because the flat bar adds more positioning for my comfort needs (im not physically challenged, just like options). Id rather add the drop bar ends and keep the nice IsoZone grips.
MRT2 - I dont want to switch to drop bars on my FX because the flat bar adds more positioning for my comfort needs (im not physically challenged, just like options). Id rather add the drop bar ends and keep the nice IsoZone grips.
06-15-14, 10:09 AM
#39
Senior Member
Thread Starter
OP as far as the aero and drop ends working maybe go to your LBS and have them fit some on if they have any stock. If they don't have stock they can at least tell you yay or nay.. I honestly don't know if they will fit or not..
It's your bike so rock it however you want..
It's your bike so rock it however you want..
Last edited by prime winner; 06-15-14 at 10:10 AM. Reason: forgot to quote
06-15-14, 10:28 AM
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OP is here asking questions about serious mods to a brand new bike, and gives the impression of a relative newbie. The puzzling thing is why take something brand new and try to turn it into something different.... If someone likes the more upright riding position of a hybrid, that is fine. But if you want the versatility of a road bike, particularly getting low, just buy a road bike.
This sounds quite logical to me! I was actually thinking the very same thing!...The very same as A1Penguin, too...You know, the member with the high end Cannondale Synapse road bike...
That does sound kinda strange, doesn't it?
06-15-14, 10:46 AM
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Sounds like the bars are the only thing you need to mod. Can't say whether drop ends will work - never tried them. Can't see why clip on aero bars wouldn't work.
Went on a long trail ride with my daughter this morning. Not something I would want to try on a road bike with skinny 23mm tires. Hybrids bring their own mix if versatility to the table. Trim yours out the way you want it and enjoy the heck out of it.
Went on a long trail ride with my daughter this morning. Not something I would want to try on a road bike with skinny 23mm tires. Hybrids bring their own mix if versatility to the table. Trim yours out the way you want it and enjoy the heck out of it.
06-15-14, 01:08 PM
#43
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Thread Starter
I was at a trek store looking at a 7.4 FX and 1.2 road bike (on sale for $799). I went with what I wanted and have a vision for how I want to use it. It's a hybrid, you know a mix.
06-15-14, 02:06 PM
#44
Junior Member
I've got a 24 year old Hybrid, only bike I've ever owned as an adult, I put Ergon GP5's and aero bars on it and they work great for me. I even have a water bottle that fits on the bars. I don't care if anyone thinks it looks funny...You should do what you want, it's your bike!
06-15-14, 02:55 PM
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There's absolutely no head scratching here.
It's just that, I think I can tell where you're headed with all these modifications, is all. Cyclists attach bar ends to their handlebars all the time. However, to attach drop bars, just makes me think that you want to assume a more aggressive cycling position. To me, that just spells "road bike"...
It would be so much more efficient, just to have a road bike where you can easily reach the brakes from that same aggressive saddle position.
Google Image: Interrupter brakes
Now Imagine them installed on top of the drop handlebar of a road bike. Isn't that where you'd rather be?
I was at a trek store looking at a 7.4 FX and 1.2 road bike (on sale for $799). I went with what I wanted and have a vision for how I want to use it. It's a hybrid, you know a mix.
There's nothing wrong with that notion at all. It's just that your bike appears to be morphing. You bought it brand new with stock components that I would assume attracted you in the first place, but somehow that which was new and attractive, is now, suddenly changing into something that's beginning to look more "road-bike-ish". From the outset, you spoke of speed and distance. Whenever, I observe those two words being used within the same sentence in reference to cycling, it just automatically triggers "road bike" to me.
I dunno, maybe I'm wrong. I've been wrong before! Perhaps, you just have a uniquely profound capacity for imagination with your hybrid. It's your hybrid and I just wanna see you enjoy it! However, I do believe that deep down inside, you're really a roadie. It happens to a lot of us cyclists who's first entry into the adult world of cycling is accomplished with a hybrid.
Last edited by WestPablo; 06-15-14 at 04:28 PM.
06-15-14, 03:02 PM
#46
Senior Member
I don't get it. Why all the head scratching over what pays I want to put on my hybrid. It's a HYBRID. And people put bar ends on hybrids all the time. Weren't bar ends designed for mountain bikes?
I was at a trek store looking at a 7.4 FX and 1.2 road bike (on sale for $799). I went with what I wanted and have a vision for how I want to use it. It's a hybrid, you know a mix.
I was at a trek store looking at a 7.4 FX and 1.2 road bike (on sale for $799). I went with what I wanted and have a vision for how I want to use it. It's a hybrid, you know a mix.
Your question about what I mean by "trails" is a fair one. I certainly don't mean the kind of rock and log-strewn challenge best met with a full suspension bike. My off road runs are on gravel paths and groomed woodland trails. A few rutted, bumpy sections here and there - but those would be the exception to the rule.
06-15-14, 03:06 PM
#47
Senior Member
I've got a 24 year old Hybrid, only bike I've ever owned as an adult, I put Ergon GP5's and aero bars on it and they work great for me. I even have a water bottle that fits on the bars. I don't care if anyone thinks it looks funny...You should do what you want, it's your bike!
I kid, I kid...
06-15-14, 03:42 PM
#48
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I don't get it either. Best I can figure is that some people either can't imagine that others would have different preferences than they have, or else they are so full of themselves they feel they know what the best choice is for everyone else. Not surprisingly, the "best" choice for everyone else is the one they made for themselves. Funny how it usually works out that way. In either case, I have no desire to dive down that rabbit hole. My suggestion: just tube out the noise.
Your question about what I mean by "trails" is a fair one. I certainly don't mean the kind of rock and log-strewn challenge best met with a full suspension bike. My off road runs are on gravel paths and groomed woodland trails. A few rutted, bumpy sections here and there - but those would be the exception to the rule.
Your question about what I mean by "trails" is a fair one. I certainly don't mean the kind of rock and log-strewn challenge best met with a full suspension bike. My off road runs are on gravel paths and groomed woodland trails. A few rutted, bumpy sections here and there - but those would be the exception to the rule.
06-15-14, 03:53 PM
#49
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There's absolutely no head scratching here.
It's just that, I think I can tell where you're headed with all these modifications, is all. Cyclist attach bar ends to their handlebars all the time. However, to attach drop bars, just makes me think that you want to assume a more aggressive cycling position. To me, that spells "road bike"...
It would be so much more efficient, just to have a road bike where you can easily reach the brakes from that same aggressive saddle position.
Google Image: Interrupter brakes
Now Imagine them installed on top of the drop handlebar of a road bike. Isn't that where you'd rather be?[/COLOR]
[COLOR=#3e3e3e]
There's nothing wrong with that notion at all. It's just that your bike appears to be morphing. You bought brand new with stock components that I would assume attracted you in the first place, but somehow that which was new, is now, suddenly changing into something that's beginning to look more "road-bike-ish". From the outset, you spoke of speed and distance. Whenever, I observe those two words being used within the same sentence in reference to cycling, it just automatically triggers "road bike" to me.
I dunno, maybe I'm wrong. I've been wrong before! Perhaps, you just have a uniquely profound capacity for imagination with your hybrid. It's your hybrid and I just wanna see you enjoy it! However, I do believe that deep down inside, you're really a roadie. It happens to a lot of cyclists who's first entry into the adult world of cycling is accomplished with a hybrid.
It's just that, I think I can tell where you're headed with all these modifications, is all. Cyclist attach bar ends to their handlebars all the time. However, to attach drop bars, just makes me think that you want to assume a more aggressive cycling position. To me, that spells "road bike"...
It would be so much more efficient, just to have a road bike where you can easily reach the brakes from that same aggressive saddle position.
Google Image: Interrupter brakes
Now Imagine them installed on top of the drop handlebar of a road bike. Isn't that where you'd rather be?[/COLOR]
[COLOR=#3e3e3e]
There's nothing wrong with that notion at all. It's just that your bike appears to be morphing. You bought brand new with stock components that I would assume attracted you in the first place, but somehow that which was new, is now, suddenly changing into something that's beginning to look more "road-bike-ish". From the outset, you spoke of speed and distance. Whenever, I observe those two words being used within the same sentence in reference to cycling, it just automatically triggers "road bike" to me.
I dunno, maybe I'm wrong. I've been wrong before! Perhaps, you just have a uniquely profound capacity for imagination with your hybrid. It's your hybrid and I just wanna see you enjoy it! However, I do believe that deep down inside, you're really a roadie. It happens to a lot of cyclists who's first entry into the adult world of cycling is accomplished with a hybrid.
I cannot read OP's mind, but I can tell you what he is trying to me suggests. IMO, looking to install drop bar ends AND aero bar together on a 7.4 FX suggests either that OP's hands and/or wrists are not that comfortable or, OP really wants to ride a much more aggressive geometry bike.
This is a forum where people post opinions based on their experience. I have been riding more or less for 17 years, many of them on a hybrid. I like my hybrid, still own it. These days, I don't ride an especially sleek or fast road bike (in fact, it is the sort of do anything bike I think a lot of hybrid riders would appreciate), but I did conclude a number of years ago that for a variety of reasons, for longer road rides, a drop bar road bike made a lot more sense for me than did a comparable quality hybrid. I played around with my hybrid for 7 or 8 years before coming to this conclusion, and before joining Bike Forums. Just trying to help others to benefit from my experience.
Last edited by MRT2; 06-15-14 at 04:09 PM.
06-15-14, 04:31 PM
#50
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They won't stop and they will keep trying to force their opinion down your throat at any cost.. As it fails they will become more and more forceful and will probably start calling you names, insulting you and making crazy claims / accusations..
Last edited by raqball; 06-15-14 at 04:34 PM.