djork

Some guy is selling a 2007 Trek 7.3 and it seems like the deciding factor is the tire size. It has 700 size tires, and I'm really looking for 26" tires. I'm coming from a mt. biking background and have 26" tires and rims, so I sorta prefer the upgrade flexibility of having a bike that accepts 26 tires. Stupid question. I know nothing of 700 tires and was wondering if a frame that comes with 700 wheels can accept 26 wheels.

The guy is asking for $450. Bike is almost new. Deal?

Just not too thrilled about 700 tires, as I have some 26 tires I'd like to put on if I do get the bike.

alanthealan

https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/515942-700-lht-26-adapting-brakes.html

10 Wheels

https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...20FX&Type=bike

Disposable

Practically speaking, you can't put 26" wheels on a 700c frame. But $450 is a good deal on a 7.3fx in good shape; I just got my daughter a new one for nearly $700. And 700c tires in comfortably wide sizes are easy to find nowadays. You could get some real nice ones and still come out ahead.

djork

Thanks for the quick replies. Guess I'm sorta stuck with 700 wheels if I really want to get it--and I do. It's such a s****y bike! I really want the Kona Smoke, but hard to find previous models, and the 2009 models come only in 29" wheels.

10 Wheels, the bike the guy is selling comes with V-brakes. The thing about having rear disc is that I have an Old Man Mountain Red Rocks (just waiting for the right bike to put it on!), and I think having disc will get in the way of installing it. The bike I'm looking is the gloss black.

I'm really new to the commuter/hybrid bike shopping. I only discovered the Kona Smoke very recently and fell in love ith the no-frills, all-business look of commuter bikes.

edit to add: would asking $300 be low-balling it?

djork

I didn't know $****y is a bad word?

pass the peas

If the seller is asking 450, 300 would be considered a lowball offer, IMO.

CB HI

Yes, but if the bike has not sold, then it may be a fair price.

djork

How long do I wait before I give a "lowball" offer? The more I look at the bike the more I'm falling in love with it. The bike looks to be in pristine shape based on the pics. It also looks to be the right size (15"). The thing is that it's just above my price point. In fact, my intention was to look for a cheap beater bike, something like an older model from a reputable company. Then I saw the Kona Smoke and it got me interested in commuter-specific bikes. Argh, now I've talked myself in increasing my budget from sub $100 to $350, but preferably $300 tops. Then I saw this ad for the Trek 7.3 FX. Is it worth it? I already have three other bikes--all mountain frames, except a Cannondale that I built as a street bike. Was supposed to be a commuter, grocery getter, but it got too fancy for me to leave it unattended.

The Trek, if I do get it, will be a commuter. By commuter, I mean city riding, errands, shopping, and hopefully transportation for work. I've not made that commuting comitment yet. Looking just for a city bike to replace the car for errands not only for short trips but also long ones.

no1mad 

1. What size are you needing?
2. What is your location?

djork

The smallest size Smoke was a 14", and that's the size I want. I'm in Southern California. You selling a Smoke? New, used?

no1mad 

Possibly. But mine is either a 20.5 or 22, I don't feel like going out to the garage to check ATM.

Have you looked at the KHS Urban X yet? Very similar to the Smoke (26"). Should be able to find a new for not much more than that used Trek.

annc

I'm not sure what the local market is for bikes but I believe that the 7.3fx sold for about $500 new in 2007.

lambo_vt

I had an 06 7.3FX that may have been 500 - 550 new and I sold it a month ago for 350. 450 is pretty high.

no1mad 

The OP might also check this out.

Also, if you do decide to bid on the Trek, offer $400. I've got a feeling that the seller is trying to sell at cost. I believe the across the board price hike started w/the '08 model year, w/avg 20 %. The current price is $640 (per Trek's site) - 20% (128) = $512.

If that bike was bought at the end of the '07 season, and the '08's were hitting the floor, then they probably got a discount, say 10%. $512 - $51.20 (10%) = $460.80.

That is assuming that the LBS actually sold at msrp. Some sell a little higher, some lower. If the seller is the original owner of the bike, ask to see the receipt. Me thinks he is trying to pull a fast one.

EDIT: The link is supposed to point to the Marin Muirwoods. I tried to cut and paste, but the linky no likey.

no1mad 

Okay, I think I figured out. Look here

lambo_vt

Novara Buzz also has a mtb-like frame with 26" wheels, rigid fork, etc. You could probably get one new for less than the guy wants for the Trek. There's also the Buzz V which is cro-mo and even cheaper.

jasonsstover

I have a 7.3 and love it. $350-$400 would be a good offer. But, if you like to haggle and barter then start at $300.

You won't go wrong with the 7.3 as a commuter.

X-LinkedRider

You dont really want to change the geometry of the whole bike by changing the wheels like that. I ride a very similar bike 06 FCR3 from giant. Almost the exact same specs. The beauty about the bike is that you really have decent flexibility in the tire sizes. I can ride anywhere from 35c-23c on the stock wheels. I have a variety of tires including road tires and some all weather, but have yet to buy any cyclocross or light MTB tires as I have a MTB for that.

I wouldn't change the weel size, just put tires that make you feel more comfortable on whatever terrain you'll be riding. Just my opinion anyways. Though I am curios as to what the limitations are to these bikes.

djork

Just an update. The lowest he will go is $425 from the asking price of $450. Bikepedia lists the 2007 model having an MRSP of $470, but he said the Trek dealer was selling them for $100 over MRSP at time of purchase. The bike is basically brand new from what I gather, and the pics do sem to support it. If I do really want it, is $400 a deal or should I go for $350, which is what I would be willing to pay without feeling guilty.

avmanansala

Why buy something that is more than you are willing to spend, if it is going to be a compromise? Even if you turn around and sell it... you probably won't recoup what you put into it.

Just my two cents.

djork

Thanks for being the voice of reason that I'm trying to suppress in my head!

I'm also looking at buying this KHS frame with some parts on it already and also buying a cheap complete bike off Craigslist and building the KHS up as a commuter/grocery getter (which is what the Trek will serve, though it is a bit shiny and fancy to leave unattended).