ridinginorlando

I am looking for a fitness bike and have been to several local bike shops. Now I'm confused! I am looking at the following bikes and am wondering what the best bang for my buck would be:

Trek 7.2
Trek 7.3
Giant FCR 3
Specialized Sirrius Elite

They all seem to be within a hundred dollars or so and though my research I see the best thing I can do for a beginner is to buy the best frame possible so I can upgrade components later.

Where will I be riding? I am in Central Florida, so mostly on our local trails. How often, ewww I work so much, likely weekends and perhaps after work during daylight savings.

So, all you experienced riders out there, please give me your feedback and suggestions.

Mr Danw

Here's the deal, if you are looking at bikes in the same price range. they are all on basically the same component level.(shifters, derailleurs, brakes, wheels) Components are the difference in a $250.00 bike and a $500.00 bike. Frames may have a little different geometry, decals and paint but that is all personal preference. Test ride them ride what feels good. Buy the one you like.

WillFam-Reno

Test ride them ride what feels good. Buy the one you like.

+1. If they are that close in price, which one "feels" the best? Are they all from the same LBS? Comments on Bike Forum generally favor the Trek for service issues (I own three Treks) but some have had issues with Giant taking care of warranty issues. Giant is the largest supplier of bikes in the world. Specialized is a good brand as well. All of the above bikes are made in China or Taiwan. A good relationship with your Local Bike Shop should go to bat for you if you have issues with the supplier. Different bikes do have a different feel to them. Make sure to test ride all that you are interested in.

Esteban32696

I'll agree with the above posters. One that " feels & fits" right for you would be the ideal choice. There is probably little difference in the qualities of those bikes, overall. How is the dealer support for each brand ? I ride a Giant , [also in Fl. ] , & feel that for me,, it is the best " bang for the buck."

jgjulio

The difference between the Trek 7.2 and 7.3 is one of little better components on the 7.3.
The Specialized Sirrus is a bit more "road bike" (narrow tires) than the Treks. These bikes are more "hybrid like"
I agonized about these two choices. I have a road bike so I chose the Trek 7.3 to have as my traveling, taking it easy, puttering bike. I love it.

I also considered the Sirrus before I bought my road bike (Specialized Sequoia) - I decided if I wanted a road bike I would get a road bike with drop bars not the flat bars. I am happy with both choices.

Good luck to you. I agree with the previous posters - ride the bike and buy the one that speaks to you.

BTW I would suggest you buy the bike with the components that you like and do not think about upgrading later. That is very expensive. Much cheaper to buy it now.

ridinginorlando

Thanks for all your feedback and input. Bit the bullet on the 7.3 as I do not want to have to upgrade in a year.

Appreciate the responses!

sunflowerflyer

+1 Buy the one that feels the best. We purchased a new 7.3fx (now 7300) for my wife once, was a great bike, but she didn't care for the geometry.

One nice thing about the 700c hybrids, is you can swap wheels. I swapped on low end road wheels and 28-32mm tires for long rides (425 miles) on rail trails for her, and swapped back to the stock wheels for normal riding.

Anzu

I have a Black 7.3 FX on layaway at my LBS until I get back from spring break. They do free installations at the time of purchase so I'm waiting for my computer to arrive in the mail before I make my purchase.

It's going to be my first bike since I was 12 or so...so it's been about 10 years. I'm very excited.

Pumaguy

I've also purchased a trek 7.3fx last september, I test drove a cannondale quick4, specialized sirrius, and globe, but decided to go with trek.
Nothing against other companies, just felt right on this one, bought my gf one too wsd in light blue and she loves hers too. I put about 500 miles on it with no problems, still smooth and quiet!
Test drive is a must just like a car.

sunflowerflyer

These were all good choices, hard to go wrong. We owned a 7.3 once, and that is the one bike I have always regretted selling, as our daughter is now big enough to ride it (wasn't at the time of sale). =[