My wife and I are looking at Trek Hybrid bikes. We saw the 7300 and the 7300 FX. Anyone out
there know the difference. They seem like good bikes for our needs. We are both in our 50's and just
starting out cycling for fun and fitness. Thanks, Zeide.

My GF has a 7300---It was her first bike in 20 yrs

She seems to like it--other than the ass hatchet saddle that came with it

it depends what you are gonna use it for. The hybrids are ok for neighborhood/path rides.

I dont like the grip shifters and was never a fan of the adjustable stems. But to each his own. They are good bikes to get someone into cycling. If you plan on doing long rides, you might as well just get a road bike. I bought a mtb that i kinda converted into a hybrid when i first got into this. I love cyclign but regret not getting a ful blown road bike.

Go find a good lbs and ask a lot of questions. Tell them what you plan to use it for.

A lot of people buy bikes w/out ever thinking about how they will use it and end up buying the wrong kind (myself included).

But, like i said--they are good bikes. Just be prepared to want to upgrade if you really get into cycling.

The 7300 FX has a rigid fork, while the 7300 has a front suspension. Also, I believe the 7300 FX has grip shifters, while the 7300 has rapid-fire shifters. The 7300 is also a bit more expensive, but not by much. I tend to prefer a front suspension, so I'd choose the 7300 over the 7300 FX.

They are indeed both good bikes. I was just looking at them recently at the LBS, and they recommended the 7300 or 7300 FX for riding both roads and trails. They actually recommended it over the 7500 for basic riding, saying that while the 7500 has better components, it's not worth the extra money for simple recreational use.

Looking at skanking's post above, I wonder if my memory is wrong. It might be that both 7300 bikes have grip shifters, and the 7500's have the rapid-fires.

the fx have the rapid frie trigger shifters I think--they also seem to have a more agressive geometry

Thanks so much but if I could ask a couple of questions. We are really new to this and
this wonderful forum. What is an "LBS" and what are the differences in Grip shifters
and Rapidfire shifters. Hope I am not opening up a can of worms with basic questions
like this. Thanks again. Zeide.

No prob-gotta start somewhere

LBS= Local bike shop

Grip shifter= the shifting mechanism is contained in the handlebar grips---works like the throttle on a motorcycle. The reason i don't like them is that it is too easy to shift accidently if you happen to change your grip on the handlebar

Rapid fire/trigger shifter= both the front and rear derailer are controlled by a set of 2 "triggers" on the handlebar. CLick the trigger=shift gears.

Probably the best advice is to try out as many bikes as possible at your LBS. And by try out--I mean don't just piddle around the parking lot---go for a 5 or 10 min ride if they let you. If you just ride in circles in the lot, you wont get a feel for the bike and how it will handle when you get up to speed. Also, be sure to try out the breaks and deraileurs and see how it corners.

Also, just like buying a car, be sure to try out a high end model so you can tell the difference between what you get with a low end model. You may not notice any difference and then there is no point to spending extra $ when you dont need to.

Other than the quality of the brand & components, dont let anyone tell u 1 bike is "better" than another.

Choice of bike is so personal---what works for 1 person may not work for another. Go with what you like.

Sorry about the cryptic language. I just learned some of this stuff myself. I agree completely with skanking biker. Try out a several bikes to see what's most comfortable.

Go to https://www.sheldonbrown.com/articles.html for all you need to know (and much much more) about cycling.


Ignore the goofy helmet---this guy knows his stuff

Oh-- 1 more thing---be sure to use the search function here with newbie questions

Some folks here get upset with the frequently asked quesions (myself not included)

I sure will use the search function. Thanks for your answers and advice. It is appreciated
and will be followed. Zeide

I just got my Mom a 7300, the ladies' frame. She loves it, especially the sram grip-shifters. Really cool to see her out riding.

Go for a test ride at your local shop, nice bikes.