chelsel

From what I've read I want/need a hybrid. I plunked down some money on the entry level Sirrus for 2007 but the bike shop didn't have a Trek 7.2 or 7.3 FX to compare with... one of their other shops do and I wanted to know whether I should just go ahead with the Sirrus or if there is something I might be missing with the Trek... I'm very new to biking and will use this as primarily for recreational/light fitness and try to get out every other day for a few miles... on 95%+ paved roads around town.

Any thoughts?
Cliff.

JeffS

Seems like a toss-up to me. Price and component specs are similar. I'd have recommended the one that fits and/or appeals to your sense of style the best.


[sidenote] I'll never understand why Trek makes 9 different FX models. It's not like any store is going to stock more than a couple of them.

Banzai

Ditto JeffS's sidenote.

Have you tried a bike with drop-bars. I bought a flat-bar roadbike (is that really a hybrid?) a while back. It was great for a short while. No small amount of time and money later, and I now have the perfect commuter with drop bars.

Drops don't mean racing bike. If the geometry is good for commuting and the handlebars level with the saddle, drops can be "casual", with the added comfort of multiple hand positions, and an ergonomic refuge from the wind.

Just something to complicate your decision.

cooperwx

The models are set by the level of the components. In my case, I selected the 7.3fx by price point, but my LBS had a 7.2 and 7.5 in stock. They cut me a deal on the 7.5 to keep me from having them order a 7.3

Incidentally, the shop is also a Specialized dealer, so the Sirrus was an option. It came down to price and style, as the bikes have similar components.

One more note: RIDE THEM BOTH. There may be slightly different geometry that will make the difference for you.

supercub

I got a 7.2fx a few months ago. It's a nice bike, and I'm happy with it. But... if I had to do it again, I would probably get a bike with drop-bars. I would also probably splurge a little and make a larger initial investment.

Brian Sorrell

Try out some drops for sure. I got a 7200 FX (same as the 7.2 FX) and found that my hands were not happy on the flats for very long. The ride is a bit sluggish too, compared to a road bike -- I suspect mostly because of the unnecessarily wide tires. Now I'm on a Fuji Touring and it's a world of difference.

dynaryder

I'm on my second Sirrus Sport Disc. I like them. Good all-round bikes. I highly recommend the Cane Creek Ergo bar-ends. I little pricey,but very comfortable. The heels of your hands rest on the bottom ends of the Ergos which in effect makes the grips seem much wider.

I have 2 dropbar bikes,and I'm selling one of them. I'm just not into the drop bar thing. If anyone is riding a flatbar and wants more hand positions and/or to go aero,then I highly recommend a trekking bar. My Safari came with one and it rocks. Lots of hand holds,and hitting bumps while aero is more comfortable because your wrists are flat instead of vertical.