madengr

The local Trek store said, after looking in the computer, that he could not order one since all 2008 models are sold out. He was not sure if there would be another production run, but guessed possibly in July. Should I hold out until July or could it possibly be a longer wait until 2009 models.

The 7700 most closely matches my bike I have been commuting with for 11 years. The frame is starting to fail and I'm finished replacing parts. It's time for a new bike but I would like one soon, not the fall.

jaxgtr

Why not the FX series or maybe one of the Trek Urban group bikes for a commuter?

madengr

My current bike has front suspension so it's pretty much a requirement for my new bike. I'll start a thread over in the commuter forum as to alternate recommendations where I'll post info on my current bike.

I'm just surprised they were unavailable in the spring. I guess I'm not sure how model years are released for bikes. It does not make sense that new models would be introduced in late summer when peak buying season is the spring.

Wordbiker

It makes sense if you realize that the manufacturers need leadtime to both build and sell the bikes to dealers, prefer to push dealers into committing to larger numbers of bikes in the Fall than dealers who wait til Spring when the selling season starts and risk not having them available, and that the specific size you are looking for will fit less than 2% of the population.

It behooves Trek to sell out of their bikes at some point, same for the dealer. It's the stock left at the end of the season, considered "old" by the buying public that has to be sold at a reduced rate that brings little to no profit, and both manufacturers and dealers do their best to avoid having money tied up in it.

If you have need of a bike outside the average, whether large or small, consider buying in the Fall when stocks of next year's bikes are high to ensure availability. To get the best deal, wait until the end of the season and take your chances on the specific model, color and size being available, or be willing to compromise.

madengr

Thanks for the explanation. Looks like I am in for a wait if I want that model.

Wordbiker

Thanks for your understanding.

To add to my above statement, Trek is "better" at selling out their stock than many other brands. They are no doubt a very successful company due at least in part to this, but it does leave many customers in the lurch.

You may want to try using Trek's Dealer Locator and find out if any other local Trek shops have the bike in stock.

I'm a tall guy too and have had a hard time finding something my size, both from shops and manufacturers. The crux is that dealers either carry the extremes in frame sizes and sell them during the year or they sit on them and can't find riders to fit them, some may even avoid stocking the extremes in the first place, instead focusing on the sizes to fit the majority. The same is true for manufacturers: they produce fewer of the extreme sizes in proportion to the population, true for shoes, jeans, etc. I'm personally hoping you'll get lucky and find one.

madengr

WOOHOO! Happy Dance!

The local Trek store had a 25" 2007 7300 for $399! I didn't even realize the 7300 came in 25", whereas the other 7000s only go to 22.5". They had a 2008 model too but I preferred the 2007 since it had a round, tubular frame and dual piston forks, as opposed to the single piston oval frame, not to mention it was on sale.

The 7700 does have nicer drivetrain and components, but I'm replacing the seat and pedals with those from my old bike anyway. The 2007 also has grip shifters but so does my old bike so I am used to them. The 7300 also has the normal spoke count as opposed to the low-count, which is probably good considering I am 6'5" @ 240 LBs. It also has the kevlar tires which is a plus. I have always used those roll-up inserts to reduce punctures.

Now off tomorrow in search of a rack and pannier. The Trek grocery bags were the right size, but do not have hoods so that's no good in the rain. My old bike has baskets but the shake, rattle, and roll get's old after a while.

jaxgtr

Just out of curiosity, why do you need the suspension? Are you riding rough terrain? I found the suspension fork on my 7300 to sap all my energy and swapped it out for a rigid and like it much better.

madengr

On my last bike a went through two rigids until a got beefy aluminum suspension. After a few weeks they looked like bananas. I ride on Missouri roads, enough said I also have to ride on a sidewalk for two miles since the road has drainage gratings with that protrude 3 feet into the road. These gratings have 2" spacings run parallel to the tires. If you hit one of these it's bad news.

jaxgtr

That would do it.

Wordbiker

Congratulations on finding your newest ride!