Apologies if this is in the correct forum, but since these are mostly viewed as commuter bikes...

I am a total noob to the biking scene, and in trying to do my research, I am only becoming more confused. A trip to the local bikestore did not help too much.

The sales associate told me that the 2011 7.5FX was "spec'ed" better than the 2012 version and I would be effectively buying down if I purchased the new model. I am not sure if he is correct, or was just trying to move old inventory.

For reference, 2011 model:

Colors - Platinum, Metallic Black
Sizes - 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25
Frame - FX Alpha Black Aluminum
Fork - Bontrager Nebula, carbon, SpeedTrap compatible
Wheels - Bontrager SSR wheelset
Tires - Bontrager Race All Weather Hard-Case, 700x32c
Shifters - Shimano Deore, 9-speed trigger
Front Derailleur - Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Deore LX
Crank - Shimano M443 Octalink, 48/36/26
Cassette - SRAM PG-950 11-26, 9 speed
Pedals - Alloy body w/alloy cage
Saddle - Bontrager H2 Flex Form
Seat Post - Bontrager Nebula
Handlebars - Bontrager Satellite Plus IsoZone OS, 25mm rise
Stem - Bontrager SSR, 10 degree
Headset - Slimstak, semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset - Avid SD-3 brakes w/Tektro adjustable-reach levers

2012 Model:
Frameset

Frame

FX Alpha Gold Aluminum

Fork

Bontrager Nebula, carbon, SpeedTrap compatible

Sizes

15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25"
Wheels

Wheels

Bontrager Approved, 24-hole wheelset

Tires

Bontrager Race All-Weather Hard-Case, 700x28c
Drivetrain

Shifters

Shimano R440, 9-speed trigger

Front derailleur

Shimano Sora

Rear derailleur

Shimano Deore

Crank

FSA Vero, 50/34 compact road gearing

Cassette

SRAM PG-950 11-34, 9 speed

Pedals

Nylon body w/alloy cage
Components

Saddle

Bontrager H2 Flex Form

Seatpost

Bontrager Nebula

Handlebar

Bontrager Satellite Plus IsoZone OS, 25mm rise

Stem

Bontrager SSR, OS, 10 degree

Headset

Slimstak, semi-cartridge bearings, sealed

Brakeset

Tektro alloy linear-pull brakes w/Tektro adjustable-reach alloy levers
Accessories

Grips

Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Elite, lock-on, ergonomic

Any insight would be very much appreciated.

Honestly, unless you put 100 miles on every entry level hybrid out there, you probably wouldn't notice a difference. Ride both and see which feels better to you.

Personally, I'd go with the 2011 just based on the fact that you'll get a HUGE discount on the bike.

v brakes vs linear pull brakes
shimano RD Deore LX vs Deore
FR Sora vs Deore
27 sp vs 18
A great DISCOUNT if buying the 2011

I'd go for the 2011.

+1

Or do what my FIL did, get the one that had the nicer color.

Based on specs, I'd get the 2011, even for the same price. However, I don't know what Alpha Gold is, or how it compares to Alpha Black (frame material).

I'd get the 2011. It's a better bike. Trek has a reputation for downgrading the components on their models from one year to the next to keep the price point about the same.

increasing in cost as everything seems to be, trying to hold a price point,
inevitably means cuts somewhere..
you may choose the components you want,
by letting the price paid go up.

I'd get the 2011 just to avoid those nasty FSA cranks. The metal pedals on the 2011 are another plus.

The 2011 has better componentry for sure......Get the 2011 model!

Much appreciated!

I just got the 2012 version and absolutely love it. Did my first commute on Wednesday (~12.5 miles round trip). I went with the 2012 because my LBS was out of the 2011. I would have gone with the 2011 simply because it would have been cheaper, as all 2011 bikes in the shop were discounted. At my level of n00bishness, I doubt I would be able tell any difference between the two.

Its not spec'd down it is spec'd differently is all.

The 2012 version is much more road bike like where as the 2011 version is much more mtb prepped.
The Compact Double Road Crank vs the Older Mtb Triple
The Sora/Deore difference is there for the crankset change.
11-36 gears compared to 11/26 to compensate for lack of smallest chainring

My guess is besides the wheels probably being heavier, the 2012 version is lighter.....

Depending on what you want to do with the bike, they are equally nice/entry level.

This would inevitably make their bikes huffy's? That can't be right...