ChiliDog

I'm considering a Trek 7500fx hybrid bike to have as an alternative to my road bike. Just as an "all around", fast, fun bike that will carry me on some casual rides, most on pavement or packed dirt, tooling around the neighborhood or for longer rides on the bike trail. Not interested in suspension and like the aluminum frame. Just want a versatile bike for everyday.

I like the idea of the 700cc wheelset and the more upright positioning, though still similar to a "road bike feel".

Anyone own or ride one of these and have any insights or comments that I might find helpful? I've read reviews already on www.roadbikereview.com. That helped, but I'd like to hear from others. Thanks!

khuon

I don't own one but I think the FX subspecies are of the more smartly designed hybrids. No suspension seatpost... no suspension fork. However, the 7500FX's MSRP is a bit pricey for something with just an 8-speed group and Alivio shifters. For the price I'd look at the Fuji Silhouette. BTW, are we talking 2003 closeout or new 2004 models here?

Pman

I have a 7700FX and really like it. It is about the same as the 7500FX, just a few component upgrades. It sounds like this bike will meet the needs you are looking for.

outashape

Where in the midwest are you? I have a 7500 FX and use it for a winter bike. I also have a Lemond BA. I use different muscles when I ride the different bikes. I use more glutes on the BA, and notice the front, lower quads on the Trek. If you are anywhere around me, I can let you use the bike a couple of days. I am leaving at 8:30 this morning for Cycle North Carolina with a couple of days on the Blue Ridge Parkway before the tour. I won't be home until 10/14. I used the Trek in West Virgina last year. The Lemond climbs better. I want to attack hills on the road bike, an entirely different ride from the Trek. I really miss the drop handlebars on the Trek. I put those extension things on, but it is not the same. I really don't like riding the Trek 7500FX anymore, but I don't want to wreck my roadbike in the snow/salt.

ChiliDog

That's a VERY generous offer and it sounds like you are using the bike in the way that I would use it too. I am in SW Ohio...I am going to test ride one of these bikes today. Normally I am on my Specialized Allez road bike. Looking for something for winter riding and to save my road bike from the weather as well. Hope your tour goes well! Sounds very exciting.....

I was also thinking of putting some bar ends on the handlebar...

Ohio Trekker

ChiliDog,

I have the 7500, which unless I'm mistaken differs only by the suspension fork on the front. I can tell you I just LOVE the bike but hate the suspension fork. Trying to pull hills and fight the fork is a pain in the derrier!! I started out as a clydesdale size rider and have since lost quite a few pounds. The wheels are awesome and have held up to anything I have put to them, with the exception of the second day I had it when a child ran into the rear wheel and killed it big time. Replaced it and have not had any problems at all.

I laughed when I saw the part of your post referring to speed, because it's the last thing I expect from this heffer of a bike! Speed is not it's forte!! But when it comes to comfort, for road & trail, it fits the bill. It's a very solid bike, and the components have been very reliable. Haven't rode it in the winter yet, but have plenty of miles on it in the rain!! I have it on my trainer now and am riding my older bike, it will serve me well. Was down your way doing the trail from Mohican to Mansfield in a pretty decent down pour one weekend. For the price I really don't think I could have done better.

For me, for whatever reason it's gotta be a Trek, my older bike is a 520, from about 88, and still has all original components on it as well as over 10,000 miles, it was the first year they offered the SIS downtube shifters which I have always run in friction mode! I couldn't be happier with their products, and have never really looked at anything else so my opinion may be a bit biased!!

slotibartfast

ChiliDog,
I bought the Gary Fisher Utopia a year and a half ago as my first bike after a 13 year layoff. It's exactly the same bike as the 7500fx, but with a suspension fork. It serves me very well and it's bomb-proof. I was somewhat skeptical about the Bontrager Selects, but they've performed flawlessly through city streets, potholes, dirt roads, gravel trails, and anything else I could throw at it. Speed-wise, it's about 3 mph slower on average than my Bianchi Veloce, but I now use it for bad weather and riding with my wife. It's a very stable platform and should be just what you're looking for. Good luck!

ChiliDog

I wasn't thinking "fast", as in a roadbike, but "faster" with the lack of suspension fork. Sounds like a few of you are confirming that! I was concerned re the Bontrager wheelset with the paired spokes being more fragile for everyday riding, but also seems like some of you are saying they hold up well!
I think this is the bike I want to be on when I'm not riding my road bike!

ChiliDog

Picked up my ride yesterday and took it out on a 20 miler today. Man, oh, man was I surprized...it is light and fast. At least a whole lot more than I would have anticipated. Even though I am ordering an adjustable stem, I felt pretty comfortable the whole way with a little stretch on the bars. I added some bar ends, which was a great help with having varying hand positions, which I am used to on the road bike. I will go back and put on my Avocet 02 saddle for the next ride, however, as this is what I am used to on the road bike. The Trek saddle was just too squishy and therefore my rear was not too happy by mile 10. I felt comfortable sitting somewhat upright, but still getting a lean-in position for fast spinning. Perfect combination of attributes!

Honestly, this bike feels faster than my Specialized road bike. I never even got it up in the big ring and I had no trouble keeping it steady at 12-15mph, which is a fast pace for me. The 35 tires were great as I was riding on a bike trail with leaves, twigs, nuts, etc. all over the place. I felt confident that I was not going to skid out, which I might have done with my 23s on the road bike. The shifting was crisp and right on the money, too.

It's got eyelets for rear and front racks, good looks (silver and light blue), and is a blast to ride! Great looking wheelset (HOT is the word) and some nice Kevlar reinforced tires. A very versatile ride. Darn good use of my money...I am VERY pleased! Now if I can just find a name for her!

Maybe I'll call her "Sweet Pea" as I keep saying to myself, "Wow-this ride is SO sweet!" Hmmmmm....

arnette

Another FX owner... I'm glad to hear such a sparkling review from you!

I just bought my new 7500 FX last weekend and so far I am very pleased. Though mine is silver and grey so I believe you have the 2003 while mine is the 2004. I'm a little worried about having the Al fork but I suppose if it bothers me too much I can change it out for something else.

But you are right, this bike is fast and light compared to my clunker mt. bike and I'm thrilled to ride it. I'm hopefully going to work up to commuting to work with this baby.

Good luck!

Rich Clark

I thought the 7500fx had a cro-mo fork (Trek's website says it does). But with 700x35c tires, an aluminum fork wouldn't be all that harsh.

My old 7300 had that cro-mo fork with eyelets and low-rider braze-ons; this one looks very similar. Excellent fork.

RichC

Stubacca

'03 was cro-mo. '04 has changed to aluminum...

dragracer

My wife has a 7500FX .....she likes it much better than her old "Roadmaster"..... LOL.

slotibartfast

I went 30 miles today on my Utopia through light rain, then heavier rain. Came through like a champ - stable, quick, reliable, and fun to ride. It's a great bad weather bike!

arnette

Actually, since the subject of forks was brought up, I do have a question. If I ever wanted to switch out forks for a Carbon variety, is there anything specific that I should look for (size, stick to Trek brand, etc).

And secondly, does Trek sell a fender kit or are 3rd party brands the better option? I only ask because of sizing and installation.

Thanks!

ChiliDog

I have an 03, so it is a chromoly fork. I agree that with the 35 tires you won't notice much roughness in the ride. I did not want a suspension fork on mine.

Planet Bike makes a lot of MTB fenders. I was wondering where to get fenders for this myself, what with the larger tire size, yet MTB set-up. Maybe check out Performance or Nashbar to start. Trek might make some. Check with your local bike shop. I know they make racks for their hybrids.

I think you could add a carbon fork. I would check with the Trek dealer to order one that will fit properly. Seen them for not too much cost in Nashbar, etc.

Mine is silver and "coastal blue". I think it looks mighty cool too!

Rich Clark

You would need a cyclocross (or touring) fork, rather than a road fork, because you need the brake bosses for your v-brakes. Trek doesn't make one, AFAIK.

Something like the Winwood Carbon Muddy should work. I don't know how much of an improvement it would be, but it should work.

Standard fenders from ESGE or Planetbike will install nicely on your Trek. Be sure so get the wider size for the 700x35 tires, rather than the narrow onces.

RichC

arnette

Thanks for all the input. I was just trying to find ways to make my ride a little lighter for the future. Right now I'm really happy with the bike so I don't think things will change at all just yet.

I'm new to the online bike stuff so learning about these online stores is great!

sushisoo

I really can't complain. This bike was overpriced but it has been very light and smooth riding. It's been 3 years of regular riding and I just replaced a shifter. I use it as a commuter. I think I'd like a change now. I'm thinking about the Surly crosscheck...

sushisoo

I own a trek 7500fx . True it was overpriced but I was new to biking and didn't know any better. It has been a very good bike and it has been very light and smooth riding. It's been 3 years of regular riding and I just replaced a shifter. I use it as a commuter. I think I'd like a change now. I'm thinking about the Surly crosscheck....

sunflowerflyer

I have an old Trek that predates the FX series. We bought an FX for my wife at one time, and it was a great bike (just not for her).

I ride this bike with the family, on the rail trails, pulling our trailer, pulling our Piccolo, etc., which turns out to be a huge percentage of my riding time. I did break down and put fat 28mm road tires on it, and it still handles the gravel trails mostly OK. It is much more comfortable when I really can't go fast anyway.

Go ahead and buy one, but don't sell the road bike... you'll miss it.

CCrew

Holy old posts batman! This one got dragged up from 03!

sushisoo

I have a 7500fx from 2005. It was my first serious commuter bike. I also use it to haul groceries. I wanted a commuter but I liked more of the performance set up of this bike than other hybrids that have suspension and smaller tires. This bike rides very smoothly and I love the tires. I've never had a flat. I have decided to put some drop handlebars on it because after about 27miles my hands get numb even with bike gloves on.