I was very much in your shoes just a few days ago. However, being a long time runner and having on going "runners knee" it was time to try something lower impact. My wife has been hounding me for years to ride with her, so I started my research. I had made my mind up on getting a Trek FX 7.3, but was concerned about road styled tires, and $639 price tag. I went back to my local Trek dealer and looked around a bit more, they just happened to have a white 2010 model FX 7.1 in my size and I was in love. The non road tires were exactly what I was looking for, wider, but still very very much thin when compared to a traditional tire. The tred and thickness of the rubber just made me feel more comfortable about my purcahse, considering how I'll be riding.

I love my FX 7.1, but will likely do a few upgrades over time to my liking. Likely I'll get some Ergon GC3 grips, and potentially a new seat down the line. Other than that, the FX 7.1 comes in at $439...

I suggest you contact a Trek dealer and look at the FX 7.1.


(2011 models are no longer in white)

edit. My wife liked mine so much she upgraded her cruiser hybrid to a 2011 Trek FX 7.1 WSD... she loves it!