Hey guys and gals, I was hoping someone could help me with the difference between a 700 Trek and a 720 Trek. I am looking to purchase something for an occasional easy ride on flat terrain.

Don't over think it.

Acquire a bike - any bike. Ride it around for a while. While you're riding, make a mental list of the things that you like about it and the things that you hate. If you're not comfortable on the bike, be specific about what you don't like. Those things can almost always be fixed. Now you're ready to buy your REAL bike. Try to pick one out that maximizes the things that you like and minimizes the things that you hate.

You might want to post the question on the Classic and Vintage Forum, as well as here. Good folks on both places and you can get view points form us old guys, and the old bicycle specialist. Those are both good bicycles, if you can find some good examples, that fit you correctly. The reply from RG, above is spot on, also.


And, welcome to the 50+ asylum, drag up a bicycle and ride along.

Bill

What year, or years?

I am looking at craigslist, so no clue as to years. The 700 is white and the 720 looks like it is blue fading to black. but really hard to tell

Just a suggestion, don't discount getting a deal at a pawn shop.
Cheers,
David in Alaska

First Pick Your Bike Shop .. then test ride bikes.. better, if you dont have any background in bikes to have a dealer to help you, and everything working in the 1st Place.

Most important question -- Are the bikes the correct size for you? If they don't fit it doesn't really matter.

Trek Bike Models by Year and Color

Guessing the 700 could be from the early 90s, maybe '92 The 720, maybe the mid 90s? Really, it is all about condition when you are talking about purchasing a 15 to 23 year old bike. How was the bike used, how was it maintained, and how was it stored? A 20 year old bike that was only lightly used back in the day, then hung up in a garage or house might be brought up to ready to ride condition for a few hundred bucks, less if you do the work yourself. On the other hand, a bike that has been beaten to hell, then left out in the elements for a season or two might be too much of a project to take on.

700 and 720 were early entry level hybrids, the so called "Multitracks". I think they were highly regarded. I considered buying a 730 back in '97 but went with a Bianchi instead, but my recollection is all the Trek hybrids were well made. 720 was just a tiny step up from the 700, so pretty entry level, but still sturdy frame. In those days, Trek made the 700, 720, 730, and 750.

Isn't a 720 a touring bike? Very different from a 700 Hybrid.

Craig's List is probably a bad way to buy a first bike. You don't know what size you need or what the bikes feel like.

720 was a road bike in the 80s, a hybrid in the 90s. OP wasn't clear which one he is referring to, though from the color scheme, it sounds more like a 90s hybrid than an 80s road bike.

I recommend the 720 as my friend has one, and it is extremely versatile. You can do light touring, fast group rides, long distance riding or just puttering about. Good tire options, an endurance type geometry and not expensive. Its a far better option than some CX, mtb or pure road bike if you want versatility.

There is a new 720. Aluminum touring bike.

Bykepedia lists the hybrid version of the 720 bike as being made from 1993 to 2000 though there may be a different version made before 1993 or after 2000 as Bikepedia doesn't go back earlier. You can see a list of the components on the 1995 version and all the others by clicking on the years listed at the right side of the page. It came in 5 frame sizes and cost less than $350 (MSRP) new for all of those years. The components are entry level (Shimano althus drivetrain) so it is right in line with today's entry level bikes. I wouldn't pay very much for an old one even though it is in good shape.
1995 Trek 720 - BikePedia
The 700 was a bit less expensive so it also has entry level components. Both bikes weigh around 27-28 pounds which isn't bad for an entry level bike and is phenomenal when compared to the obese crap being sold by the mass merchandisers today.
1998 Trek 700 - BikePedia
You can sometimes pin down the exact year by looking at the color schemes listed at this site: Trek Bike Models by Year and Color It also shows a complete list of years for each model.

BTW, if you choose carefully refurbishing a decent bike should not even cost $100. Most times all that may be required is new tires, tubes, and brake pads. You will have to go through the bike, lubricate where appropriate, and make adjustments. Labor costs zero if you do it yourself. If you need to do more than that to a bike with an MSRP below $500, you picked the wrong bike to buy. You can get reasonably priced tires and tubes at Niagara Cycle online. I never buy stuff at my LBS even though I once worked in one. Too much hassle not knowing if they have what I need and the prices are sometimes way out of line.