Hybrid stolen need new one, gonna upgrade. any suggestions?

[Steeletoeboots]

Just bought my 1st bike in years, a Trek 7.1fx. Had it for 3 months and it just got ripped off last week. I had been riding an avg of 150-200miles/week and since have been borrowing friends bikes to get my workout in. Its just not cutting it riding someone elses "comfort cruiser" for a workout so I am in the market for a new hybrid monster.

I am not very knowledgeable about different models and equipment etc, I just know if it feels right riding it, I'm all for it. The 7.1fx got the job done. Fast, reliable and affordable, but I am now looking to upgrade a little. Basically I am looking for the same type of bike with the straight bars but with a more gears and better shifters etc and possibly a smoother ride on our terrible Chicago streets. 99.99% of my riding will be on paved surfaces, streets, paved trails etc. and rarely an occasional crushed limestone trail.

My insurance will cover about $400 so I'm looking to spend a few bucks total on an upgrade and keep the grand total hopefully under 1k. It seems like many riders on this site either own or have tested the higher fx models. So my question to everyone is this: Where do I begin? Trek seems to be the most available out there and are reasonably priced. I would like to know from experienced riders what I'm getting into with the 7.3 up to 7.7fx models? What's upgraded on these bad boys? I'm looking for a machine that I will enjoy riding 200 or more miles a week. Please help.

[TinyCycler]

The new 2010 Treks are coming out shortly. Check website for prices. Seems like I saw new models but I'm not sure. Maybe you can get sales or see whether the prices will significantly increase if you wait. I wish I had waited. The 2009 I bought is NOTHING like the 2010 coming out.

[MattyA]

Check out the specs side-by-side using the "compare" function on the Trek website.

Anything above the 7.2 has an Alpha "black" aluminum frame, so should should be lighter than your old 7.1. Actually for 2010 I believe the 7.2 is also Alpha "black". Carbon fork begins on the 7.5. Wheels get better as you go up, and tires get thinner.

I have the 7.5. Many people consider it the "sweet spot" of the FX lineup. With taxes and any accessories it probably hits right near the top of your budget. The higher end models start to get into the lower-end of road components (Tiagra on the 7.6) whereas the 7.5 has mid-range mountain components (LX).

Since it sounds like you're in Chicago, I know Village Cycle on Wells has a bunch of 2009 models in stock at very nice prices. The 2009 7.5 is selling for $719 vs. an MSRP on the 2010 model of $919.

In the FX lineup, there appear to be no major changes from 2009 to 2010 models other than some different colors and the frame spec change on the 7.2 mentioned above.

[Panthers007]

Indeed - the 7.2 FX is now made with alpha-Black tubing:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/compa...lpha_aluminum/

The "Black" tubing is worthy of spending extra money on (all you shoppers out there) - it's butted, hydro-formed and not filled with bubbles of air, and much lighter than standard aluminum - without sacrificing strength. If anything, it's tougher and more durable. But the jury is out for now.

[WCoastPeddler]

Indeed - the 7.2 FX is now made with alpha-Black tubing:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/compa...lpha_aluminum/

The "Black" tubing is worthy of spending extra money on (all you shoppers out there) - it's butted, hydro-formed and not filled with bubbles of air, and much lighter than standard aluminum - without sacrificing strength. If anything, it's tougher and more durable. But the jury is out for now.

Just curious as I'd like to learn more, where did you get this info from (it's not in the link that you provided).

[Panthers007]

An older Trek catalog and looking into aluminum-metallurgy. A Google hunt should provide.

[Steeletoeboots]

Thanks for the great info Matty. I have been reading others posts about the 7.5 being the "sweet spot" for the fx line. So I'm looking into one. Its prob at the max for my budget but I think it'll be worth it. Just from riding a plain ol 7.1 around this summer, I have become addicted to riding all over the city. With that bike I could really get a nice pace going. I can only imagine what a higher model fx will do! There's a ton of trails around that I'm eager to let loose on. Let me ask you, when you say the 7.5 is getting into the lower end road bikes components, what components exactly are we talking about? Does this really make a noticable difference? I definately felt the 7.1 shifted gears a little rough but you get used to it after a while, and it was a little rigid and painful at times on the pothole covered Chicago streets. Usually I'm riding my gears at 7 and 3. When starting up after being stopped at traffic lights I'm at 5 and 3 and could take off really fast. If the 7.5 can do this and more, I'm in for a real treat. Thanks again for the info!

[MattyA]

It is the 7.6 that starts to get into road components. I would guess this is irrelevant to you. The shifting on my 7.5 is already really nice. There are some features of the 7.5 that would lend itself to better acceleration -- lighter frame and wheels. The fact that rotating weight is less should make a difference. sh00k is another poster on this board who observed the 7.7 accelerates better than the 7.2.

[sh00k]

hey dude,

definitely go for a higher end fx model - whichever one you can afford but please, make sure you take really good care of locking it up.

the acceleration is definitely wayyy quicker on the models with the lighter wheels and frame. this is from a stop. i test-rode my new 7.7 yesterday and did notice it accelerated faster with about the same amount of effort as on my 7.2....

i also saw the 7.5 at the dealer yesterday. they had the black model with the red tires - it's very nice but i think it would really stand out if it was locked up outside... not a good thing.

you will notice - as many of other trek buyers/upgraders have noticed - as you move up in the fx line, even 1 model higher, you will see a huge difference in ride quality. mattyA is right - the road components come in on the higher models and you can definitely notice the difference when riding.

[KShep]

Basically I am looking for the same type of bike with the straight bars but with a more gears and better shifters etc and possibly a smoother ride on our terrible Chicago streets. 99.99% of my riding will be on paved surfaces, streets, paved trails etc. and rarely an occasional crushed limestone trail.

.

Sorry your new bike was stolen.

If there is any possible way you can swing it I vote for the 7.6 or higher....the IsoZone monostay dampens pesky vibrations and makes for a very smooth ride over most surfaces. The component group is nicer on this model as well.

Have fun making a selection.

[DHDigital]

I have to agree. I'm selling my 09 7.3 fx monday. Once I hit the 600 mile mark it finally feels broken in and is a lot better ride now, than when I bought it. When I started looking for a bike this year I started looking at the 7.1, but wanted the features of the 7.3. Going up the model line really does help. I have a 2010 7.5 fx in the garage right now, but I've only road it a few times. Its a flashier bike so I take extra care where I leave it. It is also availible in a gold color as well.

[dynaryder]

Are you totally set on another Trek? You said you'd like a better ride on the rough roads and you live in Chicago,have you considered Kona's Dew line? They come stock with like 37's and should have clearance for even wider tires. Also,all but the lowest model come with disc brakes which will be a very nice addition come winter if you're planning on riding all year. They shouldn't weigh significantly more than FX's(my '05 Deluxe weighs about 27lbs) and are plenty fast.

[Terrierman]

I really like my Jamis Coda Elite. Steel frame, carbon fork, aftermarket carbon seat post. Very comfortable and reasonably fast ride. Disc brakes and you won't be riding what everybody else does. They're darn good value too, a lot of bike for the money.

[Panthers007]

Hey folks:

Trek has pulled a nasty on those who like their WSD FX-models. While the 7.2 FX now comes in alpha-Black aluminum, the 7.2 WSD FX is still white aluminum. A formal protest should be lodged with Trek for discrimination. And the prices are the same on both models - having risen from last years.

[Steeletoeboots]

No doubt this bad boy will be kept in the house where its nice and warm. I decided today that if I'm dropping some serious coin on my ride I'm prob only gonna use it when I hit the lake trail, trails out in the burbs or whenever I don't need to stop and lock it up. I'm going to pick up a second hand "beater" for running around the city. The thing that gets me is that my 7.1 was out of my sight for barely an hour in broad daylight. Bummer. Jackers everywhere.
Also, I'm not 100% commited on buying a Trek. I'm open to anything comparable to the fx line. I have just seen a lot written on this board about different Trek bikes as well as owning one of their entry level fx's. And the shop I originally bought from carries a ton of Treks. They're a mom and pop shop that's been around forever and I like their service. Very helpful and they're 5 mins from my house. I send all my friends to them. They also carry Fuji but I don't know much about their bikes. Just from seeing what else is out there I see a lot of Cannondales around as well, just don't have much info on em. If anyone has any C'dale recommendations please let me know. I want to test drive 3 or 4 different bikes before I throw down the ccard. Thanks to everyone for all the info. You guys have been very helpful

[MattyA]

Also, I'm not 100% commited on buying a Trek. I'm open to anything comparable to the fx line. I have just seen a lot written on this board about different Trek bikes as well as owning one of their entry level fx's. And the shop I originally bought from carries a ton of Treks.

Where approximately do you live -- I can let you know what shops carry some different lines. For example, Kozy's carries Cannondale and Giant. If you liked your FX then the Quick line of bikes from Cannondale might be of interest to you (they were the other bikes I was looking at when I bought my FX).

[dynaryder]

The thing that gets me is that my 7.1 was out of my sight for barely an hour in broad daylight. Bummer. Jackers everywhere.

I have to ask,was it locked? The majority of bikes stolen in DC aren't locked,or weren't locked properly and/or cheap lock. Proper locking,all the time,is your best bet.

They also carry Fuji but I don't know much about their bikes.

Fuji has a hybrid line called the Absolutes which are a pretty comparable to FX's. I had one a few years ago and it was very nice. Like the FX,they come in several levels.

Just from seeing what else is out there I see a lot of Cannondales around as well, just don't have much info on em. If anyone has any C'dale recommendations please let me know. I want to test drive 3 or 4 different bikes before I throw down the ccard.

Cannondale has the Quick and Bad Boy lines. The Quicks are more flat bar road bike,the BB's more beefier urban bikes. Again,different levels with different components. I have 3 Bad Boy Ultras and have never heard of an owner who didn't love them.

As I mentioned,there's also Kona's Dew series,as well as Jamis Codas and Specialized Sirrus. Your best bet is look and see what's around you and test ride to see what you like.

[Steeletoeboots]

I live on the NW side of the city (humboldt park). been going to Wastin cycles on Fullerton who only carry Trek, Fuji and Raleigh bikes. They said they can special order a 7.5 for me. Don't really want to go to Village because I've heard nightmares about them putting bikes together. Several people have said they had to bring their new bikes to another shop for a tune-up shortly after they bought it. Was gonna check out Kozy's next week. Performance bikes has a shop in Schaumburg that I may hit up as well when I'm in that area next week. Any other city shops you can think of would be great. I actually ran into a guy on the street today with an 06-07? 7.5 it looked sick. Says he loves it but hates the tires on the streets. Says he constantly has problems. (He's prob hitting a lot of potholes). He was actually taking it in for service. Just by looking at it for a minute I can already tell its got better components and construction than the 7.3 or lower. I'll most likely take a spin on a Trek, C'dale, and Giant and take it from there.

[MattyA]

Village, for all of its critics, is pretty darn good for buying a bike because they have so much in stock all the time. Personally I've bought a few bikes there and had no problems. The service is terrible, though.

There is a Performance at Halsted and Diversey (SW corner), much closer than Schaumburg -- however, I wouldn't recommend it.

You might want to check out On The Route on Lincoln just south of Belmont...they carry Trek, Cannondale, Bianchi and a few other lines.

I have heard really positive things about Roscoe Village Bikes although I have not been there.

Let us know what you end up with.

[Steeletoeboots]

I'll check out those shops for sure. Prob later this week I'll go for a few test rides. Thanks for the info.

[Panthers007]

Hey folks:

Trek has pulled a nasty on those who like their WSD FX-models. While the 7.2 FX now comes in alpha-Black aluminum, the 7.2 WSD FX is still white aluminum. A formal protest should be lodged with Trek for discrimination. And the prices are the same on both models - having risen from last years.

According to new information - both the 7.2 and 7.2 WSD are being made with the 'black' aluminum. Seems their online catalog is wrong.