OmegaGator

So, I was doing some looking and I found that the trek 7.3 FX has some bigger bike sizes and it's not too bad on the price for brand new. It states that the size is 25" I'm assuming this is the stem size. Does anyone know anything about it?

7.3 FX - Trek Bicycle

OmegaGator

So, I went to the bike shop today, to order the Trek 7.3 FX ($699).

I started talking to the owner and he suggested that I try the x-caliber 8 ($1049), which is a 29er. It is more than I wanted to spend, but I don't mind spending a bit more to get better quality to support my size well. The trek 7.3 comes in a 25", the x-cal 8 comes in a 23", I don't think the difference is a huge issue.

I want to know if the x-cal 8, which seems like a much stronger and thicker framed bike, is worth it for me. It also does seem to have better rims and wheels. I don't really plan on doing a whole lot extreme forest riding or anything. I'll mostly be on paved trails and the road, maybe once in a while some dirt paths and rockier terrain.

If it matters, I'll mostly be riding to work and back which is roughly 25km, round trip. But, also some trips with friends, maybe 50-100km round trips.

Any input would be great, I'm really wanting to pull the trigger soon, I wanna be riding already

bigfred 

I meant to resond to your post about considering an FX 7.3. Although I have no personal experience with them, they do seem to be popular here on the clyde forum. However, most folks are not your height.

The Trek xcal 8 has a fairly sloping top tube and realatively short seat tube. This may be made to work for you. But, you may need to enquire of the shop owner if he has a 400mm or longer seat post of suffiencient strength. Compared with a more traditional frame with a horizontal top tube, you're going to have a LOT of seat post sticking out.

Without seeing you in person and measuring your inseam against your overall height and torso length, it's difficult for us to get too specific about what will or won't work for you.

jimblairo

I would buy the 29er b/c it has a bigger frame, much stronger wheels than the FX and you can adjust the compression of the suspension fork to give a smoother ride.

ChargerDawg

I suggest the 7.3. It is closer to the hybrid, and will be better for distance.

Wilfred Laurier

the hybrid is a better choice

the x cal comes with a coil spring fork
and it will have a limit to how stiff it can be adjusted
and that limit will almost definitely be too soft for a 300 lb guy

it is possible that there is small difference in the strength of the rims
but that will only come into play if you are crashing into curbs and rocks
which you should avoid

for regular riding the fx bike will be plenty strong
and is designed for exactly the type of riding you said you want to do

also
i am 6 foot five
and i have a bike with a 22 inch seat tube
and the 400mm seatpost i have
which is damn long
is out close to its maximum extension
and i have to be careful that i unweight the saddle over bumps as much as possible
as i have bent several seatposts in that frame
partially because of the long unsupported length
under my 260 lb weight

so consider my experience
add two inches to my height and one inch to the seattube
and eighty pounds of rider weight

in my opinion
if the fx is comfortable for you
then it would be a good choice
if the fx is not comfortable
then keep looking

OmegaGator

Thank you guys very much for all your input, you've been very helpful and made the process a lot less daunting.

I went to today and tested a few bikes and I ordered the Trek 7.3 FX 25", it was by far the best fit and it was a pleasant ride. The 29er just felt soooo slow and and every pedal made me bounce.

The bike should be coming in roughly 2 weeks, possibly and hopefully less. I can't wait to take it out by the lake paths, luckily that's my bike ride to work.

Again, thank you very much.