2015 Trek 7.2 FX ($220) vs. 1990s Specialized Hardrock ($125)
09-22-20, 09:59 AM
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2015 Trek 7.2 FX ($220) vs. 1990s Specialized Hardrock ($125)
Hi folks, I live in a college town and want a decent, low-worry bike that I can use to get around town (1-5 miles at a time) a few days a week. I'll probably ride it mostly in decent weather, but being able to handle occasional rain, snow, and/or ice would be great. And the roads around me are in okay but not great condition.
Both bikes are in good condition, and both fit me. The Trek is aluminum and has just been tuned at a bike shop. The Specialized is steel, and its shifters can be "a little rough at times" according to the owner. The Trek is at the top of my budget and the Specialized is right in the middle. The Trek uses 700c wheels; the Specialized uses 26".
Sorry if this is the wrong subforum/thread; I didn't see a better option at first perusal. Thanks all.
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Both bikes are in good condition, and both fit me. The Trek is aluminum and has just been tuned at a bike shop. The Specialized is steel, and its shifters can be "a little rough at times" according to the owner. The Trek is at the top of my budget and the Specialized is right in the middle. The Trek uses 700c wheels; the Specialized uses 26".
Sorry if this is the wrong subforum/thread; I didn't see a better option at first perusal. Thanks all.
Pictures
Last edited by Calexico; 09-22-20 at 11:23 AM.
09-22-20, 10:04 AM
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As someone who loves old steel bikes I would say get the Trek. (Unless you can do the work and want a project)
Trek- Just tuned, newer, lighter. 5 year old bike with a tune up sounds like it was cared for. Price is very fair for current market.
Hardrock- "balky" shifters are a sign of old dry grease; whole bike may need an overhaul to clean bearings, grease and adjust. Sounds like $50 project bike.
Trek- Just tuned, newer, lighter. 5 year old bike with a tune up sounds like it was cared for. Price is very fair for current market.
Hardrock- "balky" shifters are a sign of old dry grease; whole bike may need an overhaul to clean bearings, grease and adjust. Sounds like $50 project bike.
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Last edited by dmark; 09-22-20 at 10:12 AM.
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09-22-20, 10:21 AM
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Givent he specifics, I would consider two items.
The Hardrock is the perfect bike for the job---if everything works. Sounds like the bike needs maintenance or the shifter are just worn out. Shifters wouldn't cost much---but what else on the bike might be equally worn?
On the other hand, the cheaper the bike, the easier to replace. Not sure about theft on your campus or where you'd keep the bike, but for that price I'd get a bunch of $50 Craigslist or yard sale bikes and view them as disposable.
If you can always lock up in a safe place the Trek is far and away the better deal.
IMO.
The Hardrock is the perfect bike for the job---if everything works. Sounds like the bike needs maintenance or the shifter are just worn out. Shifters wouldn't cost much---but what else on the bike might be equally worn?
On the other hand, the cheaper the bike, the easier to replace. Not sure about theft on your campus or where you'd keep the bike, but for that price I'd get a bunch of $50 Craigslist or yard sale bikes and view them as disposable.
If you can always lock up in a safe place the Trek is far and away the better deal.
IMO.
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09-22-20, 11:23 AM
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Thanks all for your advice. I added pictures to my original post if anyone wants to check out the condition of the bikes.
09-22-20, 08:26 PM
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The newer bike is Probably (but I cannot tell without a hands-on comparative examination) a better deal just because of the years of technological improvement. And, because the Hardrock, though it looks to be in excellent shape, has been ridden for 15 years longer.
Either buy them both or get the one you think looks better.
Either buy them both or get the one you think looks better.
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09-22-20, 08:51 PM
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Both of those bikes are extremely adequate
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