GLOBE Sport Vs. TREK 7.2 FX Vs. ?
 

I'm looking at buying a new bike for commuting- 5 miles each way- and recreational riding- generally no more than 25 miles, usually on paved trails and city streets. I've found two, so far, in my price range- the Specialized Globe Sport and the Trek 7.2 FX. Any experience with either of these? Suggest something else? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I got a 7.2 FX (2006).
It's a good ride, makes a good commuter. It gets me where i need to go - class and back. I've also ridden 30miles non stop on it.
It's probably not the lightest bike in it's class (Yet, i still decide to carry it up 5 floors to my office!), but it's well built, and will serve you well.
I've changed out the pedals and got me pedals with straps, and got some bar-ends to give additional grip positions...


But if you do get bitten by the "distance rides" i.e 20miles or more, i'd suggest not getting it. The geometry is not tooooo comfy after a while. (Maybe i got a bad back! :() Sometimes i wished i got me a Trek Pilot or something. A touring bike would probably work better for me...but alas! I'll stick with my 7.2 till i've saved enough for a touring bike.

I have the same bike. Was out for a windy 40 miles yesterday, and I'm getting ready for a century/200k in a few weeks. I also think the frame is one size small for me. I have no other bikes to really compare it to, but I have no complaints so far.

The Specialized looks very similar. If I understand Shimano, the Globe Sport has slightly lower-tier derailers, and slightly better shifters. Wider tires, but probably the same rim width.

Cool beans!!
I'm planning to participate in a MS 150 in the fall, but i'm not sure if i can make it on my bike. But seeing that you are planning on going on a century has renewed my confidence in the bike.
I think i'll probably get myself fitted this time. Cos when i bought the bike, the LBS fellas looked at me, and brought out the smallest bike. I'm 5'3.

OP:
Trek 7.2 FX, not a bad buy. See if you can get an earlier model. I'm not sure what the differences are, but doubt manufacturers make big changes for entry level bikes.

I've got a 7.2FX. It serves me well, but I can't say I love it. It doesn't inspire much passion. As many have said about hybrids in general, it does everything decently, but nothing all that well.

The Jamis Coda gets a lot of praise around here. Might be worth a look.

Sirrius
 

Check out the Specialized Sirrus as well.

My advice: Ride them both (and a few more) and buy the one that feels the best.

It is amazing how different similar looking bikes can feel. I had a Specialized Sirrus for a while. It was light, quick, and fun, but the geometry was a bit too tight and stiff for me. The ride was too harsh for my needs. I wanted a bit more comfort (like my old Centurian touring bike). I started looking at the Trek 7.3FX The LBS had a 2006 21.5" model built up. I took it for a ride and didn't like it much. Bad fit and feel After they finished building up the 2007 21.5" model I took it for a spin. Great ride. Good fit. I bought it. Same model, different year. There were some subtle changes in geometry that made a significant difference in the feel of the ride and the fit to my body.

When I was looking at mountain bikes I must have ridden over a dozen different models. The Treks had a more nimble feel to me. More fun. Most of the other bikes just felt heavy, clumsy or stiff. Your mileage of course may vary.

IMHO, within a certain price range the components will be the same or fairly comparable. It is the geometry that will differentiate the bicycles. Only you know what feels good under your butt. Also, don't be afraid to swap out a few parts to get the fit and feel. I had taller stems put on both my Trek 7.3FX and my Trek 4500 at the time of purchase. No charge, just a parts swap. I don't like most stock bike seats, so I toss them quickly and get something that fits me better.

Bottom line, ride a bunch of bikes. When you find the one that feels right, fine tune it to fit you properly.

Good luck, TR