Skimble

O.k., I've been searching around various threads, and tried to compare components, but frankly just cannot figure out which seems like the better bet for me as between the Trek 7.5 FX and the Cannondale Quick 2. The majority of the use for the bike will be to commute to and from work. The commute is 3 miles each way, mostly flat, on city streets that are not particularly well maintained (Washington, D.C.). Beyond that, I will probably use the bike for some other errands and for occassional recreational riding, but mostly it will be used for the previously mentioned commute. I am 44 years old, about 5'8" tall and currently in good shape (to the extent any of that matters).

Like I said, I've tried to find an answer for myself, but thus far haven't reached a conclusion. The best I can make of it, it seems both bicycles are good and will serve me well. Also, the price difference of about $100 isn't enough to really worry about. It may be that I'm concerning myself over nothing, but I would like to get the best I can for the money I'll spend. So, any thoughts will be appreciated, and I thank you in advance.

MK313

No experience with the Cannondale, but I ride the Trek 7.5 & like it very much. I had to switch out the seat after a few weeks, but the rest of the bike has held up very well. I'm not a huge fan of the tires, but they have kept me flat-free for 2,000 miles. Also, the tubes had slime in them (not sure if this was a dealer deal, or direct from Trek)-I did not care for that. Also the brakes are a little on the spongy side, but nothing severe. That's it for the downsides. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

GeoBigJon

I know I have been looking for a more road/commute/light touring bike, and the 7.x series keeps coming up. We don't have a Cannondale dealer in my town, Trek, Felt, and Specialized are the big three, small town in West Texas. There are a couple guys in the Clydesdale forum that ride them.

Skimble

Thanks for the responses. If anyone else has thoughts on this I'd appreciate hearing them.

spudston

I have a Trek 7.5 FX that I use for commuting. I've changed the saddle for a Serfas Dorado and the handle bars for Kalloy trekking bars. I've added Planet Bike fenders and a Topeak rack and rack bag, Cygolite Pace 310 headlight, and two blinky rear lights. I use the Shimano M540 pedals. I am really pleased with this bike. I compared it to the Specialized, Giant, Novara and a few other similar hybrids and thought the Trek felt more lively and quick. I didn't try the Cannondale. The brakes are marginal, even with Kool Stop Mountain pads. I haven't had any maintenance issues, other than a new chain, in almost 3K miles. The tires haven't had a flat in the last 1500 miles or so, and the wheels have needed only minor truing. The worst part of the whole bike is how difficult it is to get the front wheel off, with the safety mechanism (Clix or whatever) for repairing a flat. All in all, I'm quite happy with my Trek.

mantadiver

I have commuted on a Trek 7.5 FX for the past 2 years in the DC area (and long weekend rides). It is rock solid. I have over 8,000 miles on it, I am on my second set of tires (the first lasted over 4,000 miles) and have only had one flat (near when I changed the first set of tires). The only modifications made to it are putting clipless pedals and a Topeak rack. I highly recommend the 7.5 FX.

mconlonx

Test ride both. There could be some intangible, purely subjective, qualitative difference between the two that does not show up on the spec sheets. Or get the one with the color you like best. Imagine each bike at your house -- which one will put a bigger smile on your face when you see it there? Is this the same shop or different shops for both bikes -- which one offers a better service deal with new bike purchase; which one offers better accessory deal with new bike purchase?

Similar bikes from different companies are going to be so close in performance at each price point, it's going to come down to whichever appeals to you more on a subjective, experiential level, both with the bike and the shop in question.

(Of course as someone who works in a Trek shop, I'm partial to the 7.5, especially the '11 gloss black with blue highlights color...)

snajper69

Test ride both, I am big fun of Cannondale and Trek products, I think both are great companies that stand behind their products. You will notice that both bikes feel totaly different so you need to ride both in order to decide. Buttie dyno works best when making that kind of decision . I would never buy a bike without riding it first. Maybe some will disagree but some bikes just feel right even when everything is comparable. When I was picking my bike Cannondale just felt different better more stable and solid, so since I once already bought a bike without riding first it and end up hating it because the bike never felt the way I was hopping, I say go ride both . Enjoy.

Skimble

Thanks everybody. Very helpful. I rode the Trek this past Sunday. I will ride the Cannondale this weekend and maybe another bike or two as well, and then choose. I really liked the 7.5 when I rode it, and the salesperson I was dealing with was super, so I almost pulled the trigger. But I figured I should ride a few more bikes and poke around on some research, just to get fully comfortable. Sounds like I can be quite comfortable with the 7.5 or the Cannondale, and as suggested I'll just pick whichever one I end up liking best for whatever reason that is. I very much appreciate all your thoughts.

canyoneagle

Just to throw another perspective in the mix, your price range and style (sporty flat bar) pose another possibility: A bike with an internally-geared hub (IGH) such as this one, which has and 8-speed hub that offers a similar gear range to a road bike with a compact crank.
It is just a thought, as you consider your options.

The FX and Quick series bikes are great bikes - you really can't go wrong.

idc

Of those two I'd get the Cannondale and use the spare $100 on clipless pedals and some bar ends. Looking at the specs tho, either should serve you well.

I would love to get an IGH bike for commuting. When they drop in price a little, I just might pull the trigger.