bikingtotown

Found 2014 giant escape for 520$.. think it is worth replacing my 2010 trek 7.1? Not sure if theres much of a difference. Does it seem like a reasonable upgrade? Also I'm 5 11 with 33 inseam and think the 21 in frame might be more comfortable over the 20 inch of my current trek which I have excellent control but feel slightly cramped. Any thoughts or input on the bikes differences would be very hepful or thoughts on riding a larger frame or just let me know what you would do. Thanks so much. -max
Specs of both bikes:

2010 Trek fx 7.1 (current bike)
Frameset

Frame
FX Alpha White Aluminum
Fork
High tensile steel w/lowrider mounts, straight blades
Sizes
15, 17.5, 20, 22.5"; Step-through 15, 17.5"

Wheels
Alloy hubs; Bontrager 750, alloy double wall, 32-hole rims
Tires
Bontrager H2, 700x35c

Drivetrain

Shifters
Shimano EF50 trigger, 7 speed
Front derailleur
Shimano M191
Rear derailleur
Shimano Acera
Crank
Shimano M151 48/38/28 w/chainguard
Cassette
Shimano 14-34, 7 speed
Pedals
Nylon platform
Components

Saddle
Bontrager SSR
Seatpost
Alloy, adjustable suspension
Handlebar
Bontrager Approved, steel, 30mm rise
Stem
Bontrager Approved, alloy, 15 degree
Headset
Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset
Tektro V w/Shimano EF50 levers

Giant escape (potential new bike)
FRAME
Sizes S, M, L, XL
Colors Satin Charcoal/Blue, Satin White/Red
Frame ALUXX-grade aluminum
Fork Composite-grade composite, alloy steerer
Shock N/A
COMPONENTS
Handlebar Giant Sport, low rise, 31.8mm
Stem Giant Sport
Seatpost Giant Sport, 27.2mm
Saddle Giant Connect, Upright
Pedals Alloy w/resin cage
DRIVETRAIN
Shifters Shimano Alivio
Front Derailleur Shimano Acera
Rear Derailleur Shimano Alivio
Brakes Tektro, linear pull
Brake Levers Tektro
Cassette Shimano HG30 11x34, 9-speed
Chain KMC X9
Crankset Shimano Acera, 26/36/48
Bottom Bracket Shimano sealed
WHEELS
Rims Giant Alloy, double wall
Hubs Giant, 32h
Spokes Stainless Steel, 14g
Tires Giant S-X2, puncture protection, 700x32

bikingtotown

Not getting it, fixing up old bike and saving for a good mountain bike instead

Gresp15C

Makes sense. I wonder, if there's an exact reason why the Trek is uncomfortable to ride, if it could be fixed with a few minor component changes such as stem, seat post, etc.

RaleighSport

I am perplexed, what do you not like about the Trek? They definitely had a lot of nice amenities for a hybrid when I got my father his.

bikingtotown

Oh the trek fx is such a great bike thats why I was thinking of getting new one. giant escape is pretty much the same bike with different sizes. Plus I have been riding it for 5 years regularly so it's really worn down. But instead of buying new I'm just replace /upgrade some parts straighten rims and should be running smoothly again.

RaleighSport

Good stuff.

bikingtotown

Although it would be alot more satisfying to get a new lighter one and throw the old one off a bridge

MZilliox 

start doing your research and looking used. the amount of bike you can get being patient with 500 bucks will blow you away. you will wonder why you ever looked at those new things. I have some drool worthy bikes now and have yet to pay more than 650 on the used market. do your research, get to know the market, then buy low, ride it a while, love it and keep it or don't and resell for more than what you paid. rinse and repeat until you find the one. or take a 20 minute test ride of some new thing with half as good components and call it good i guess.

cale

I think the slightly larger frame will fit nicely and five years is a good amount of time to develop an idea about what you really want.

Upgrading from Trek 7.1FX to Escape sounds smart. The Deore components really do offer improvements in shift quality and 10-speeds offer some high, close-ratio, cogs which will help you stay in your power spot. The cranks are a 2-piece design which is not only lighter but also stiffer, and will help you accelerate and climb better. The frame comes with a carbon aluminum fork that is also lighter than the Trek's steel fork.

If your goal is to have a bike on which you can put a great many more miles, I think you've found it. Many cyclists transition from a entry level bike to a lighter and more sophisticated (feature-rich) bike within a few years of getting into cycling. That you've waited 5 years is a sign of considerable restraint, IMHO.

springer55

I bought a Trek 7.2fx a month ago and I love it. I originally tried the 17.5" frame but I felt cramped in the cockpit. I tried the 20" frame and it felt a lot better and wasn't cramped. I'm 5'10" with a 29.5" inseam and the standover on the 20" was just fine even though Trek says the standover was too tall for me. I guess because the top bar slants down is why it fits. It's cheaper than the $520 for the Giant you're looking at and has an 8 speed cassette. I suggest you try the 22.5" frame if you feel cramped on the 20". Just my thoughts.

bikingtotown

It sounds like an excellent deal but it's too close to my current bike I think so I will wait. It's a three piece crank with alivio components...

bikingtotown

Yeah I was looking at that 7.2 fx even sat on it and then I almost just bought it but if I'm gonna spend a good chunk of money I'm not gonna buy the exact same bike I have when I could just make it like new for way less $.

blacknbluebikes 

Loundly 2nd the nomination about patiently searching out a used bike. At the price level you indicate, you're not likely to "actualize" improvements you'll notice, and by studying up around the 'net on bike fit, you may significantly improve your current comfort level. That's free and you get deeper perspective.

I have 2 "rescue bikes" that I bought on Ebay, each for less than 40% of their original cost. Use this site to help understand general value... Home - Used Bicycles for Sale - BicycleBlueBook.com

Ebay is like ice fishing -- if you can be very patient, smart and wiley, and maybe a little chilly for a while, you will bring home a trophy.

Get to know what size bike is right for you. Find a few models that you'd love to have. Set email alerts on Ebay fitting your criteria. Catch your fish.

bikingtotown

Congrats on the new bike tho, you will be happy it's fast comfortable and very safe upright position for working your way through traffic.

bikingtotown

I would do the used fishing thing but I don't drive and live in a small town so there's not much close by.