Help.. which Hybrid: Trek 7.2FX, 7.3FX, or 7.3FX Disc
05-14-07, 06:50 PM
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Help.. which Hybrid: Trek 7.2FX, 7.3FX, or 7.3FX Disc
Hello,
I am just getting back into riding with my wife, who has a Specialized bike. I mainly do the bike paths with little road.
I am looking at the Trek 7.2, 7.3FX, 7.3 FX with disc brakes. I know the difference between the 7.2 and 7.3 FX is $100 and the difference between the 7.2 and 7.3FX (w/ disc) is $130.
I am looking for opinions.. are the disc brakes worth it? Is the 7.3 FX a better value with the upgrades vs. the 7.2 FX?
Should I be looking at another bike?
Thanks in advance
I am just getting back into riding with my wife, who has a Specialized bike. I mainly do the bike paths with little road.
I am looking at the Trek 7.2, 7.3FX, 7.3 FX with disc brakes. I know the difference between the 7.2 and 7.3 FX is $100 and the difference between the 7.2 and 7.3FX (w/ disc) is $130.
I am looking for opinions.. are the disc brakes worth it? Is the 7.3 FX a better value with the upgrades vs. the 7.2 FX?
Should I be looking at another bike?
Thanks in advance
05-14-07, 07:29 PM
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There really isn't much added value to having disk brakes unless you are constantly riding in wet/winter conditions or bombing down humongous downhills. The 7.3 FX has slightly better components that the 7.2FX, so that's your huckleberry.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
05-14-07, 07:51 PM
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Unless you are riding in an area with consistently bad weather you won't need the disc brakes, IMHO. I agree with chipcom the 7.3 has slightly better components and for the price difference I would go for the 7.3. I have a 7.5 and absolutely love it.
05-14-07, 08:26 PM
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I have a 7.2fx and have no problems with it. Although if you can afford the extra $100, it is probably worth it. Let me just say the 7.2fx is a good bike.
05-14-07, 10:46 PM
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The components on the 7.3 are worth ~$250 more than those on the 7.2. That basically means it will last a little longer without needing to replace anything. If you're planning on using the bike for more than 5 years, and the $100 won't hurt you financially, it's probably worth the upgrade. But it's not a clincher.
Disc brakes are not a good choice unless you need them (i.e., if you're riding through deep mud, not just rain or snow). They are more difficult to maintain than rim brakes, and rim brakes offer more than enough stopping power.
Disc brakes are not a good choice unless you need them (i.e., if you're riding through deep mud, not just rain or snow). They are more difficult to maintain than rim brakes, and rim brakes offer more than enough stopping power.
05-14-07, 11:48 PM
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I commute daily on a 7.2FX. It's a fine bike, but I can't say I love it. Feels kind of soulless (if that makes sense). It has no personality. As far as I've noticed, most 7.2FX owners around here give it a mild thumbs up, but aren't exactly jumping up and down with enthusiam. The 7.5 gets more praise, but that's a whole different level of bike.
Check out the Jamis Coda. Unlike the 7.2, its owners actually seem to love it.
Check out the Jamis Coda. Unlike the 7.2, its owners actually seem to love it.
05-15-07, 04:07 AM
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05-15-07, 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by DevLaVaca
Disc brakes are not a good choice unless you need them (i.e., if you're riding through deep mud, not just rain or snow). They are more difficult to maintain than rim brakes, and rim brakes offer more than enough stopping power.
To the OP,if you're only going to be riding in nice weather,then the standard 7.3 is a better deal for the component level. If you're thinking about commuting in all weather,get the discs.
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05-15-07, 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by chipcom
There really isn't much added value to having disk brakes unless you are constantly riding in wet/winter conditions or bombing down humongous downhills. The 7.3 FX has slightly better components that the 7.2FX, so that's your huckleberry.
+1, Chipcom makes a good point on the disc brakes part.
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05-15-07, 04:17 PM
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Get the best equipment you are able to afford/willing to spend. I have never heard any complaints about someones ride being too nice. I have friends who have done lots of upgrades to their bikes to solve quality problems. bk
05-15-07, 07:23 PM
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Just bought 2 7.3's this last weekend. These are the first bikes the wife and I have had in years but so far we love them. I kinda wish we had sprung for the disks as we live in Seattle right by Queen Anne hill but I figure by going with out we can upgrade as we please sooner or later.
05-18-07, 04:05 AM
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Thanks for the advice everyone.. based upon what you guys were saying, I went ahead last night and ordered a 7.3 FX, paying more for it than the 7.2 because of the additional components.
07-07-07, 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark5356
The 7.3 & 7.5 FX are listed as fitness bikes in the Trek catalog. Are these bikes also suitable for light trail riding?
07-08-07, 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by doctortalk121
what's the widest tire I could put on one?
07-08-07, 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by doctortalk121
regarding the 7.2-7.5 series. I'm thinking about getting one, but have a question. On one of my favorite rides, there is about 1.5 miles of gravel and .5 mile with plain dirt trail. how do the 700x32c tires hold up on it? what's the widest tire I could put on one?
