ithinkican

Hi everyone! I feel like the "Little Engine that Could" -- hence my screen name. I don't think I've been on a bike in 30 years but I'm going to give it a try. I have an opportunity to own either a 2007 Trek Navigator 2.0 WSD or a 2007 Trek 7200 WSD lowstep. I have read a lot here on the forums -- even though the bikes have several different attributes, many opinions seem to consider these bikes as very similar in comfort and purpose.

Trust me -- at this moment I can't imagine riding 5 miles, let alone building up to any cross country endurance or racing trials. I will be riding on my neighborhood paved and somewhat to moderately hilly streets and bike paths for sometime to come. Mostly I would like to add some exercise to my basically sedentary life style. Okay -- I am 61 but not in terrible shape -- average height, 112 pounds, non-smoker, confident riding a bike is something my body will remember how to do.

I am leaning toward the Navigator. It seems to be the one on which I will feel the most confident, the most secure, and in the most control. What I would not necessarily want to do is compromise quality for the sake of "comfort" if both bikes offer a similar level of "rideability" and the 7200 is made of finer tuned parts.

I would love to hear any and all of your opinions, insights, pros and cons about these two Trek models. Thanks so much!!

I guess I should introduce myself a bit more. I live in Scottsdale, AZ -- lots of great biking weather here! When I am not thinking about getting some exercise I am sitting at my Mac doing graphic design, or volunteering my PR skills, or reading, or traveling or visiting my grand kids on the East Coast or hopping a plane to Vegas.

Looking forward to sharing and your support -- I think I can, I think I can . . . . .

P.S. I feel I may have hijacked the Intro Section by asking for advice -- I have posted my requests in the 50 + section as well.

snowy

Hi ithinkican. Welcome to bikeforums!!!

Have you consider getting fitted for the bike your going to purchase?? Just a suggestion. I think its SO AWESOME that your getting back into cycling. I personally don't know much about the Trek model mentioned above for I ride a Specialized. But it really boils down to what feels good to you. Have you test ridden them?? If not ask if you can very important

Anyhoo, good luck and welcome!

Snowy

East Hill

I think part of your decision could be based on how flexible you are currently, and whether or not you think that your ability to raise your leg sufficiently to clear a top tube could be compromised in the near future.

The lowstep design in particular is made to accomodate those who may have arthritis, etc., so they can be a good choice for a bike for someone who anticipates riding for many years in the future.

Just something to throw into the equation , but I myself would tend to go with the Navigator.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

ithinkican

Thanks for your reply -- I feel I may have hijacked the Intro Section by asking for advice -- I have posted my requests in the 50 + section as well.
But, I suppose I could introduce a bit more about myself to help keep on topic. Good shape or not, I do have osteoporosis and a 9 year old broken tibia that was screwed together. My main concern at the moment is feeling in control of the bike so I don't go completely crashing the thing while my body is remembering I used to be quite adept at riding (okay, pedaling and staying upright).
Besides, no one EVER put "athlete" next to my name -- leisurely rides on a lowstep is really all I anticipate. Thanks for your vote for the Navigator!

East Hill

If you have osteoporosis, remember to do some walking or other weight bearing exercise (I'm sure you already know about this, just throwing it in there in case someone else reads this) as cycling is great for a lot of things, but it's not weight bearing exercise.

I still think I'd go with the Navigator, especially as the WSD has the slanting top tube anyway.

East Hill