wonkemtel

LBS has the 2006 on sale for $540 instead of the $649 the 2005 would cost. I should say the web site for the LBS. I currently have a trek 7300 that's a few years old. Is there something I don't know or is it just a supply side thing (maybe they have a bunch of 06's built up etc). Since I probably won't buy either one yet, but I like to keep an eye out for deals on what I eventually want which is better overall. I realize this is a subjective question. But, are their known issues with eather bike etc or the component sets etc.

Also how cost effective (how much $ to do it / prolonged use ) of current bike and how hard would it be to put a rapid fire ( or similar system) on my 7300. It has grip shifters and I'm hoping switching would cut down on chain coming off and be 'better'. Thanks for indulging my ignorance.

Input is appreciated or a moderator can move this to a more appropriate slot?

Thanks

supcom

The shifters don't cause the chain to come off. If you want a bike with some particular components, then you should eaither buy a model that comes the way you want it or take your LBS about swapping out stuff for the price difference. There's no sense in buying something that you don't want from the get go.

jkmartin

The $540 you're paying on sale sounds closer to what the actual retail of the bike should be. Improvements in going from your current 7300 to 7500 would be marginal unless the 7300 is completely worn out. I have a 2001 7200 and would not consider this upgrade.

Are you planning on using the 7300 or 7500 for touring? The low spoke count and suspension fork on the 7500 may give you some problems. I can't tell if there are rear eyelets.

If by "chain coming off" you mean the chain is actually coming off the crank or shifting by itself you should be able to get this adjusted out. The problem that I have with the grip shifters is that I accidentally shift when grabbing the handlebars. Using bar ends should help this and give you more hand positions.

ChiliDog

It's simple and not too expensive to swap out shifters. You probably would like something like the Shimano Deore rapid fire shifters. You, or your LBS, can order in those shifters and install them on your current ride. You can price them at Nashbar to get an idea of cost.

As for the chain, your derailleur or cables could need an adjustment. These are simple to do. Again, have your LBS service your current ride. Cables do stretch over mileage of use and derailleurs need routine adjustment.

Doing these things are not expensive at all and easy to achieve.

wonkemtel

Thanks to all. As we have plenty of snow here I will table the choice for now but probably swap out my shifters ang get an adjustment done. For now I think I'll move my wife;s bike around since she won't ride in snow and see if I can borrow a friends Trek 4500 for more wintery riding. I found some Kashmir Answer boots from performance that I Hope will work well and at the $90 I paid it was a great savings over the lake option