Raven87

I looked at a barely used Trek 7.5 FX today ('07 model) and it was very, very nice and fit like a glove. However, the low spoke count concerned me to say the least. I think it only has like 22-24 on the front and 26 or so on the rear - I would have to look at the pic to be sure but if you know this bike, you know what I'm talking about.

Anyone here have/ride a Trek 7.5 FX with any Spoke issues (or not)?

lil brown bat

Depends on what you weigh. I have one but I'm not in clyde range anymore. It's a lower spoke count, not really a low spoke count -- it'll support a lot more than a 114-pound time trial specialist.

Raven87

Right now, I'm at 312 and sloooooooooowly dropping. It's a nice bike at a great price but I don't want to pop spokes every ride either.

Neil_B

My 7.5 fx only had serious wheel trouble AFTER I 'upgraded' to a 32 spoke wheel. Long story, but my 28 spoke wheel has held up great.

w00die

If its a good deal you could consider the option of adding a different set of wheels on it after you get it. From what I can tell you can get a decent set of wheels with a higher spoke count for $100 - $150. Then you can sell the other set on craigslist or hold on to them for when you have lost some weight and want lighter wheels. You can also change the rear first and the front later to spread the cost out over time. I am doing that on my Cypress. Let us know if you get it. I was looking at the FX 7.5 until I found a killer deal on a like new Cypress. Might still end up owning one down the road.

Neil_B

I don't think he'd need to change the wheels.

w00die

Good to know since I'm 303lbs and was concerned about them as well when I was looking at that model.

Raven87

Really? I looked at Trek's site and the front wheel is only 20 spoke with 24 spokes on the rear wheel.

Looking at the 7.3 FX, it has 32 spokes on both front and rear wheels.

I can buy a new '08 7.3 FX for $520 plus tax but I can get this '07 7.5 FX at $450, possibly a little less.

Thoughts??

Neil_B

I think too much is made of spoke count on this forum. My 28 spoke rear wheel has thousands of miles on it. The stock wheels on the 7.5 are good. I won't say you won't have a problem, but I've not had a big one. I have broken two spokes in about 2K miles on the original wheel. One of those was because I rode it offroad on a trail more suited to a mountain bike.

A 32 spoke rear wheel, allegedly an improvement, self-destructed with less than 600 miles on it - 6 broken spokes in three weeks.

I'd not worry about the front wheel unless you are riding atop the handlebar.

Mr. Beanz

Plenty depends on who builds the wheel I've had pro shop buttwipes build wheels that failed at 40 miles. I rebuilt it, never another problem. I paid another buttwipe to build my wheel for our tandem, 48 spokes. 2 broken spokes in 500 miles. I rebuilt it too, no more problems!

I'll never again pay another to build my wheels. They don't spread the TLC like I do!

lil brown bat

I was never near that range, but from what others are saying, I'd say it's worth a try. Consider:

- It's a sweet bike
- It's a sweet wheelset

If you start popping spokes, then you'll know that you maybe gotta change 'em out. But the 7.5FX is a bike that says "Eat your vegables and ride me lots!" It makes riding a real pleasure. Get yourself a sweet ride and watch the weight drop.

Neil_B

+1.

bdinger

Go with the 7.5FX. I know of at least two others who have had wheel problems with 7.3's, and rumblings of more, but I've yet to hear bad marks about the 7.5. It's a sweet bike, especially for the price.

Raven87

I am going to buy it!

canyonghost

I rode a stock 2006 Trek 7500 ( Burgundy and aluminum color ), for about 2 years that had something like 18 spokes and never had to have rims trued. I am a true Clyde + at 6'-2" and 290. The rims were the 700x 35, and the bike had the front shocks, but I always kept them locked out, except when the road was a Pot Hole Haven. Never had any problems at all on the entire bike, except that it is heavy and you catch a lot of wind.

Neil_B

The 7.5 fx isn't the same bike as the 7500. The 7.5 fx is basically a road bike with flat bars.