Recommendations please: Trek FX 7.5 or road bike?

[Porkponey]

I'm another FX and road bike owner. I haven't touched the FX since I got the road bike. I want some sort of mountain bike. I thought about putting a knobbier tire on the FX but it just isn't set up to tackle much at all. It's OK on the road, it's barely ok off the beaten path. It's not a jack of all trades, but rather sort of mediocre at a few things. I ride my road bike no matter what. It's much more comfortable, even to commute on. The flat bars give little to no advantage for me personally and actually feel awkward after riding the roadie exclusively. My vote goes to a road bike.

[catonec]

you already have a bike for off-road gravel and mud. Get a road-bike and keep it on the pavement. If you decide you don't like it, sell it and get a 2nd off-road machine.

[aftermidnight]

i bought a 7.3 FX to get into cycling. i havent rode a bike prior for at least 8-10 years. less 6 months down the road i was craving a full on roadie. and now i sold the fx and have a 2.1. and now i want a carbon bike... what im trying to say in that you should go for the road bike if you want to ride on the road. the FX is great, but it cant really go off road(which you already have covered) and on the road you really see how slow it can be if you ever ride in a group.

[Bumer]

I'm another FX and road bike owner. I haven't touched the FX since I got the road bike. I want some sort of mountain bike. I thought about putting a knobbier tire on the FX but it just isn't set up to tackle much at all. It's OK on the road, it's barely ok off the beaten path. It's not a jack of all trades, but rather sort of mediocre at a few things. I ride my road bike no matter what. It's much more comfortable, even to commute on. The flat bars give little to no advantage for me personally and actually feel awkward after riding the roadie exclusively. My vote goes to a road bike.

Thanks a lot! It's great to hear from people like you who one(d) both FX and road bike. It's difficult to make decision, and I don't want to make wrong one. Even though all this information is somewhat overwhelming, I think I'm starting to lean toward road bike.

you already have a bike for off-road gravel and mud. Get a road-bike and keep it on the pavement. If you decide you don't like it, sell it and get a 2nd off-road machine.

Based on numerous advantages of road bike, I'm starting to pull away from FX, and leaning toward road. After all, you are right - I got off-road grave and mud covered.

i bought a 7.3 FX to get into cycling. i havent rode a bike prior for at least 8-10 years. less 6 months down the road i was craving a full on roadie. and now i sold the fx and have a 2.1. and now i want a carbon bike... what im trying to say in that you should go for the road bike if you want to ride on the road. the FX is great, but it cant really go off road(which you already have covered) and on the road you really see how slow it can be if you ever ride in a group.

Another proud owner of both FX and road! Thanks a lot for your comments!
Have you tried carbon bike yet? How different from aluminum?

[Bumer]

So, at this time it just seems more logical to go with road bike, rather than Trek FX.
All comments are very much appreciated! Thank you very much!

Any other comments?

P.S.: Next difficult step will be to choose road bike...

[msr13]

I have a 7.5x I got a few years ago as a trail (paved) bike and a way to get some basic exercise. It is a great bike t get reacclimated to cycling and for casual rides. I also find as I taught my kid to go without training wheels that it goes slow enough that I don't tip over. Six weeks ago, or so, I decided to more actively focus on longer, road rides. I loved the Cannondale Synapse. It was really comfortable for me and was a good choice to go long without needing to race. I compared the alloy version and carbon version, and really felt the difference between the two. The carbon was a 2010 6 and not much more money than the alloy. I love it. I kept the FX for rides with my kid and as a backup bike. It's great, but the Synapse to FX is night and day on the road. I am new to this, so take my comments from a newbie perspective.

[eippo1]

P.S.: Next difficult step will be to choose road bike...

Have you test ridden anything yet? That's the first step if you really have no idea what to expect with a road bike etc. Budget wise, you're right that you can get more bang for your buck with a standard road bike. Go test ride some and see what you think.

Another thing to know about trying to buy an on sale bike (I see that you want it now, which makes sense) is that manufacturers are under-producing bikes now to create more demand and less bikes sitting around to be sold at lower prices. So unless you're a wacky size, it just doesn't happen.

[catonec]

Thanks a lot for your comments! Have you tried carbon bike yet? How different from aluminum?

carbon frames ride much differently than alum or steel (in my opinion) Id say noticeably superior, however the price difference can be overwhelming. an alum frame with high-end components & wheels can cost the same as a carbon frame w/low-end accompaniments.

[mynameistaken]

So, at this time it just seems more logical to go with road bike, rather than Trek FX.
All comments are very much appreciated! Thank you very much!

Any other comments?

P.S.: Next difficult step will be to choose road bike...

You posted your question in the road bike forum where 99% of the inhabitants ride a drop bar road bike. Its not exactly a surprise to see a drop bar road bike heavily favored in the responses.

Ride both as much as possible and determine what your needs are before you make a decision. Drop bars have advantages as well as disadvantages compared to flat bars depending on what is important to the rider.

You should be asking yourself how far you intend to ride, what type of terrain, how important speed is, and what potential duties the bike will have (fitness, commuting, leisure etc)

[twodownzero]

So, at this time it just seems more logical to go with road bike, rather than Trek FX.

FX bikes FAR outsell road bikes for a reason.

This forum is full of roadies who go on daily rides of significant lengths, and race, where being aerodynamic and fast plays a big part in enjoying the ride and having the endurance to complete it.

Fitness bikes are made for the basic idea you've presented--a comfortable, fast commuter or a 8-10 mile rip around town to get in shape.

You really need to ask yourself whether you want to get into serious endurance riding (40, 50, 100 miles, whatever) or just blast around town for fun. For the former, the road bike is the only option. For the latter, you could use either, but driving a tack with a sledge hammer is overkill.

Fitness bikes have comfortable geometry with road bike rolling resistance. I would not want to ride one for 50 miles into the wind. But if I wanted a fair-weather commuter and to take out on rides with the kids or whatever, I think they're a great option.

Before my girlfriend got really into cycling, I suggested that she get a fitness bike. Once I realized that she really was interested in coming along on 20+ mile rides, I suggested a road bike instead. It took her a while to get used to the more aggressive geometry (even though her road bike has a higher head tube and not much drop), but now she can and has done rides of lengths 4x of what she was comfortable doing on her hybrid.

So, while opinions here are plentiful, what is really important to you is to decide where and for how long you're going to ride before you pick a style of bike. Just like you wouldn't use a semi truck to move a single refrigerator across town, you also don't want to try to move a hundred of them at once with a pickup truck. Ideally you'll have the tool for the job, but of course some deviation is sometimes necessary.

[Beachgrad05]

i bought a 7.3 FX to get into cycling. i havent rode a bike prior for at least 8-10 years. less 6 months down the road i was craving a full on roadie. and now i sold the fx and have a 2.1. and now i want a carbon bike... what im trying to say in that you should go for the road bike if you want to ride on the road. the FX is great, but it cant really go off road(which you already have covered) and on the road you really see how slow it can be if you ever ride in a group.

I found out how slow my FX is when riding with others on road bikes. So I have gotten my new 3.1 Madone. I have no plans to get rid of the FX as. I have it set up for commuting and will be used for that and for recreational jaunts. I'm glad to have both. I also have a MTB for when I want to go off road.

[Beachgrad05]

FX bikes FAR outsell road bikes for a reason.

This forum is full of roadies who go on daily rides of significant lengths, and race, where being aerodynamic and fast plays a big part in enjoying the ride and having the endurance to complete it.

Fitness bikes are made for the basic idea you've presented--a comfortable, fast commuter or a 8-10 mile rip around town to get in shape.

You really need to ask yourself whether you want to get into serious endurance riding (40, 50, 100 miles, whatever) or just blast around town for fun. For the former, the road bike is the only option. For the latter, you could use either, but driving a tack with a sledge hammer is overkill.

Fitness bikes have comfortable geometry with road bike rolling resistance. I would not want to ride one for 50 miles into the wind. But if I wanted a fair-weather commuter and to take out on rides with the kids or whatever, I think they're a great option.

Before my girlfriend got really into cycling, I suggested that she get a fitness bike. Once I realized that she really was interested in coming along on 20+ mile rides, I suggested a road bike instead. It took her a while to get used to the more aggressive geometry (even though her road bike has a higher head tube and not much drop), but now she can and has done rides of lengths 4x of what she was comfortable doing on her hybrid.

So, while opinions here are plentiful, what is really important to you is to decide where and for how long you're going to ride before you pick a style of bike. Just like you wouldn't use a semi truck to move a single refrigerator across town, you also don't want to try to move a hundred of them at once with a pickup truck. Ideally you'll have the tool for the job, but of course some deviation is sometimes necessary.

Good advise. I love my FX for what I got it for: commuting and fitness. Once I decided to go for longer rides 30 miles plus....road bike became necessary.

I voted to get FX noe and road bike later.

[Bumer]

I have a 7.5x I got a few years ago as a trail (paved) bike and a way to get some basic exercise. It is a great bike t get reacclimated to cycling and for casual rides. I also find as I taught my kid to go without training wheels that it goes slow enough that I don't tip over. Six weeks ago, or so, I decided to more actively focus on longer, road rides. I loved the Cannondale Synapse. It was really comfortable for me and was a good choice to go long without needing to race. I compared the alloy version and carbon version, and really felt the difference between the two. The carbon was a 2010 6 and not much more money than the alloy. I love it. I kept the FX for rides with my kid and as a backup bike. It's great, but the Synapse to FX is night and day on the road. I am new to this, so take my comments from a newbie perspective.

FX does seem like great backup bike, to cruise with family and friends.
After giving it lots of thoughts, I realized that I really want bike for longer 20+ miles rides. So, it seems that I should go with road bike. BTW, I was just on Cannondale website yesterday looking at same bike (I think it was same). I'll probably be looking at two brands: Trek and Cannondale. Thanks a lot for your comments!

Have you test ridden anything yet? That's the first step if you really have no idea what to expect with a road bike etc. Budget wise, you're right that you can get more bang for your buck with a standard road bike. Go test ride some and see what you think.

Another thing to know about trying to buy an on sale bike (I see that you want it now, which makes sense) is that manufacturers are under-producing bikes now to create more demand and less bikes sitting around to be sold at lower prices. So unless you're a wacky size, it just doesn't happen.

I'll try not to rush into getting road bike right away, although I'm very tempted to get one and start riding asap, will try to test ride few.

And you're right about sales, I asked around few LBS, and none of them are willing to drop prices on bikes, especially since I'm not a wacky size.

carbon frames ride much differently than alum or steel (in my opinion) Id say noticeably superior, however the price difference can be overwhelming. an alum frame with high-end components & wheels can cost the same as a carbon frame w/low-end accompaniments.

Thank you! I have not made a decision yet, but most likely I will get entry level carbon frame. For some bikes price difference is only about $400, which comparing to total price of bike isn't much. Of course, there are road bikes in under $1,000 range. But I think I'll try to get something with little better components.

BTW, is it worth to get carbon frame with low-end components over higher-end aluminum, or should I be looking at carbon frame with little better components?

You posted your question in the road bike forum where 99% of the inhabitants ride a drop bar road bike. Its not exactly a surprise to see a drop bar road bike heavily favored in the responses.

Ride both as much as possible and determine what your needs are before you make a decision. Drop bars have advantages as well as disadvantages compared to flat bars depending on what is important to the rider.

You should be asking yourself how far you intend to ride, what type of terrain, how important speed is, and what potential duties the bike will have (fitness, commuting, leisure etc)

100% agree, lots of love here for road bikes.

The more I was asking myself about uses and how I want to ride it, the more I was coming to conclusion that I really need a road bike, and not hybrid. I think that the main idea was to get bike for longer 20+ miles rides.

FX bikes FAR outsell road bikes for a reason.

This forum is full of roadies who go on daily rides of significant lengths, and race, where being aerodynamic and fast plays a big part in enjoying the ride and having the endurance to complete it.

Fitness bikes are made for the basic idea you've presented--a comfortable, fast commuter or a 8-10 mile rip around town to get in shape.

You really need to ask yourself whether you want to get into serious endurance riding (40, 50, 100 miles, whatever) or just blast around town for fun. For the former, the road bike is the only option. For the latter, you could use either, but driving a tack with a sledge hammer is overkill.

Fitness bikes have comfortable geometry with road bike rolling resistance. I would not want to ride one for 50 miles into the wind. But if I wanted a fair-weather commuter and to take out on rides with the kids or whatever, I think they're a great option.

Before my girlfriend got really into cycling, I suggested that she get a fitness bike. Once I realized that she really was interested in coming along on 20+ mile rides, I suggested a road bike instead. It took her a while to get used to the more aggressive geometry (even though her road bike has a higher head tube and not much drop), but now she can and has done rides of lengths 4x of what she was comfortable doing on her hybrid.

So, while opinions here are plentiful, what is really important to you is to decide where and for how long you're going to ride before you pick a style of bike. Just like you wouldn't use a semi truck to move a single refrigerator across town, you also don't want to try to move a hundred of them at once with a pickup truck. Ideally you'll have the tool for the job, but of course some deviation is sometimes necessary.

Great comments! After weighing all pros and cons for comfort, versatility, speed, etc. I came to conclusion that more than anything I probably want fast bike for long rides. For everything else I can use my MTB.

I found out how slow my FX is when riding with others on road bikes. So I have gotten my new 3.1 Madone. I have no plans to get rid of the FX as. I have it set up for commuting and will be used for that and for recreational jaunts. I'm glad to have both. I also have a MTB for when I want to go off road.

Good advise. I love my FX for what I got it for: commuting and fitness. Once I decided to go for longer rides 30 miles plus....road bike became necessary.

I voted to get FX noe and road bike later.

I agree, FX sounds great as back up bike. But since I really want to do long rides, a road bike should suit my need best at this time. For all other rides I'll just ride my mtb.

MTW, can you comment on your Madone 3.1? Which one did you get, regular or Apex?
Since everyone is so in favor of carbon frames, if I decide to go for carbon frame, Madone 3.1 will be one of the bikes on my list.

[RollCNY]

You can ride a flat bar bike farther than 20 miles. I have a flat bar road bike, and a drop bar road bike, and find little to no comfort difference. Most of my rides are longer than 50 miles, and the flat bar bike is the most often ridden (it used to be my only bike, now with fenders it sees more weather related ride time).

If you take the time to figure out what makes a flat bar comfortable, they are fine. By the same token, I have a cheap flat bar single speed that is incredibly uncomfortable after 10 miles and needs attention. I haven't decided yet whether I will do drops or flats, but I am certain that I can make either option work fine.

That being said, I am not recommending the trek FX. Do whatever you want. If you want carbon, good luck. If you are a big guy, my experience has been that entry level carbon stinks for big folk, because it feels like a noodle. YMMV.

[catonec]

BTW, is it worth to get carbon frame with low-end components over higher-end aluminum, or should I be looking at carbon frame with little better components?

So ideally you want to buy the best carbon frame with the best components all in one shot, however the budget wont always allow for that. I would say it is much easier to upgrade components as you go rather than swap out your frame. I recommend buying the frameset you want with lower to middle class components, what ever your wallet will permit.
After your frameset, performance/ride quality will be determined by your wheels/tires so go big. I would also suggest getting the highest level of shifters you can get bundled due to high cost of buying them afterwards. Cranks, Deraileurs,and brakes will all function well enough once adjusted properly the only advantages of higher level components is weight savings.
I bought a frame first then pieced together a record/chorus groupo from ebay slightly used, I saved alot of cash.
small kestrel.jpg

[twodownzero]

Forums are so funny sometimes. This guy could be riding TODAY for $3-400 for a used bike. Before this thread is over, he'll be on a $3000 racing machine and spend more time talking about riding than actually riding.

Call me bitter; I didn't get to ride today. Either way, all this talk about components and frame materials is a bunch of crap. Just buy one THAT FITS and ride.

[Beachgrad05]

MTW, can you comment on your Madone 3.1? Which one did you get, regular or Apex?
Since everyone is so in favor of carbon frames, if I decide to go for carbon frame, Madone 3.1 will be one of the bikes on my list.

I got the Apex. So far I am loving it. Shifting is simple. I just got it on Apr 6 and have only gotten to ride 3x (about 60 miles total)...I went out of town to visit family...otherwise it would have gotten ridden much more.
Riding tomorrow.

[a1penguin]

The Madone 3.1 and the Synapse Carbon Apex are similar bikes at same price point. Ride them both. Does one fit better than the other? BUY THAT ONE. Do they both fit well? Buy the one you like. They look quite similar: 50/34, 11-32 gearing. 23mm tires on the Trek, 25 on the Synapse. The Trek is H2 fit and might be a bit more aggressive than the Synapse. I picked up my Synapse yesterday and took it on it's first ride today and it's a SWEEEEEET bike. The Trek was my second choice. You can't go wrong with either one.

[BarracksSi]

Never had an FX, but...

Had a Bad Boy. Quit riding it after I realized that I only took it on pavement, preferred longer rides (over an hour, at least), and bought a CAAD8 road bike.

Later got a Bianchi Valle, a commuter bike with flat bars, dynohub, fenders, and a rack I added myself. I realized that whenever I wanted to ride a long ways, I still took the CAAD8, but not because of its weight or performance -- it was the riding position and, more importantly, the variety of hand positions on the drop bars. I didn't have a rack on it, so I carried stuff on my back. I hated doing that for very long, so I converted the Valle to drops. I'd call it a "light touring bike" now.

So, anyway, we've done the legwork for you, and we'll say that you're making the right choice to get a road bike to complement the MTB.

Personally, if choosing between a Madone and a carbon Synapse, I'd get the Synapse.

[Kneecop]

I have a 7.5, and like everyone else here I quickly moved to a proper road bike. So it's just now used to ride to the bank, library or whatever. I also ride it with my daughter and it is good for what it is. A very slow relaxed bike. I dont regret it at all - it got me into riding more seriously. But if I had the choice right now knowing what I know, I'd opt for some sort of cyclocross bike. It would accomplish the same thing as the FX, but it would be more useful in many ways and be faster when I need it to be.

[EnellCH]

I have a Specialized Sirrus Elite..rather similar to the Fx 7.5...I very rapidly moved on to a proper road bike. I got the Flat bar thinking it would be more comfortable to ride, only to find that a properly fitter road bike is by far more comfortable, efficient and fun to ride. I have not touched my Sirrus for >1yr and now regret having bought it.

[Bumer]

Decided to take my time and not to rush into buying road bike.

Thank you everyone for all great advises!

P.S.: When my LBS was ordering FX for me, instead of giving them small deposit, I, being nice guy and all, paid for it upfront. And now LBS is not willing to give me my money back, and wants to apply it toward another bike. Bummer.

[ZippyThePinhead]

MSRP on the FX 7.5 is around $1000. For the same money, roughly, you could get a better bike with better components. If you want an upright riding position, put your hands on the bar tops.

Schwinn Le Tour Legacy (Shimano 105 mix)

BD has many around the same price with better components than you will get from Trek on that FX.

[Beachgrad05]

Decided to take my time and not to rush into buying road bike.

Thank you everyone for all great advises!

P.S.: When my LBS was ordering FX for me, instead of giving them small deposit, I, being nice guy and all, paid for it upfront. And now LBS is not willing to give me my money back, and wants to apply it toward another bike. Bummer.

Guess the LBS would rather make a sale 1x and lose a long term customer to me. Does the paperwork indicate you can't get your money back?