frbank6

I just bought a Trek 7.2, which I believe they call a 'fitness' bike. I have already noticed that the frame looks like it can accomodate different brakes. Since this has 700c wheels, will I be able to upgrade the components to allow more 'road' type tires? What I really want to do is use one of the compact road cranks and eliminate the triple rings, but still have something easy on the knees.

JunkYardBike

It's equipped with v-brakes, right? The only other option is cantilever brakes, but most would consider that a downgrade (not me!). It's possible you could retrofit sidepulls, but I'd have to see the frame up close. Even if you could, you'd be left with ugly cantilever bosses on the rear stays and forks.

Why do you want a compact double? Do you dislike the current gearing? Really, a triple is more versatile, unless you never use the small chainring and want to reduce weight. But if you go to a compact double, at minimum you are looking at replacing the bottom bracket, the crankset, the front derailleur and probably the rear derailleur and your left shifter.

You can always replace your tires with more narrow ones, just be sure the width of your rims isn't so wide that you encounter a problem: https://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

I know you just bought the bike, but if you truly want a road bike, you might consider selling the Trek and reinvesting in something more to your liking. Unfortunately, making some of the conversions you are thinking about can be as expensive or more expensive than the extra cost you'd spend on a different bike entirely, unless you are very good as sourcing inexpensive parts and doing all the wrenching yourself.