After much research and help from you guys, i'm closer to purchase.

[EDIT - i'm updating this as I learn]

I'm between two bikes: Jamis Allegro 2 and Trek 7.5FX, wondering if anyone has any immediate feelings about them. They are similarly spec'd.

Allegro2 has Shimano Tiagra components - 2-gear in front, and the Trek uses Deore - 3 gear up front.

Allegro2 comes with Vittoria Randonneur Tires
7.5FX comes with Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase Tires

Allegro2 is $810 with lifetime service, located 20 min from my home, friend works at the store
Trek2 is $810, located approx. 50 miles from my house.

Then you have the looks: (i like the trek better so far; i haven't seen the allegro in person.)

The Trek is a better looking bike IMO, and has better components except for those wheels. Looks like pop 1 spoke and it's "ride over".

I would get the Jamis, just because those wheels on the Trek look like they could be an issue down the road. Bonus is it's closer.

I have an '09 Trek 7.5 FX.

The bad news:

As others have already mentioned, the wheels are not so great. I ended up getting mine replaced under warranty because they got so bad they wouldn't stay true for more than a couple miles (even after a rebuild...and I weigh less than 140). The replacement wheels are the same kind, and so far they have held up, but I don't ride the bike as much as I used to.

The good news:

Most everything else on the bike is good enough. The handlebar grips are very comfortable. The hardcase tires are very puncture resistant and you can put thousands of miles on them without getting a flat, but you still want to carry around everything you need to fix a flat....just in case....a flat can still happen. The saddle may or may not work for you. It didn't for me. Also, you may need to install better brake pads or even better brakes, depending on how hilly your area is and how much you use the brakes. It's flat as a pancake where I live, so I don't have a problem with the cheap brakes.

the idea of the trek's wheels not staying true is very troubling to me.
i'm having a bit more of a visceral reaction to the looks of the trek, but they're web site photos. i'll have to see them in person.

norwood - which components do you like more on the Trek?

The trek seems to be MTB components with road tires, vs. the Jamis which has road components with more versatile tires. i think the jamis has the setup i really wanted.

as far as the saddle - i kinda wanted to try out the Bontrager Inform at some point anyway.

Tiagra is the road equivalent to Deore. There is no quality difference. The Jamis has higher gearing but unless you live in a very hilly area that shouldn't be an issue. Tires and saddles can be switched around. The Trek wheels are a joke at that price. Having an LBS close by is a very good thing.

I have a '08 7.5fx and don't have a problem with the wheels. I've put a few thousand miles on it and even crashed it a few times but the wheels are still true.

The hardcase tires are pretty puncture resistance. I've only got one flat on them but pulled out numberous peices of glass, metal, and thorns from it. I eventually had to replace them after the kevlar was expose when I ran over something heavy and hard (I felt I hit a large object then heard a loud thunk but it was at night so I didn't see what it was).

But try out the Jamis at the LBS and see if you like both the bike and store.

Yeah, pretty much. And the 7.5 FX actually has an LX rd. Funny thing is, the 7.6 FX has a Tiagra rd....seems like a downgrade from the LX.

Tell the bike shop you like the Trek, but you don't like the wheels. When buying a complete bike, I routinely upgraded the wheels at the time of sale. Throw in a extra hundred and get something decent. They are highly motivated at that point to go the extra mile to close the deal.

Tell us what he says if you bring it up.

i've been asking around about the difference between the stocker tires - Trek's slicks and the Jamis' treaded.
Note, both seem to have good reviews on the net.

some say that treads on tires are marketing BS, that they make no difference even in wet conditions. im having a hard time believing this, but i've only rode MTBs before....?

The treads on the Jamis tires are purely cosmetic. Treads for on-road vehicles are there mainly to prevent hydroplaning, which is not an issue for bicycles because they are slow, and their tires are skinny and high-pressure.

i feel a little dumb. i totally fell into the trap - i looked at the tires and thought that they would be more "all season" tires since they had treads.

if i go with the Jamis, i'll see if i can get the guy to swap em for slicks.

On look alone- I would go with the Jamis- On specs- Forget the Trek due to low grade inhouse parts.

On the LBS- I would go with the jamis.

BUT-The only choice is to ride them. Get a test ride on each and see which one rides better.

ta rek

i'm looking at the same 7.5fx and am very concerned about the rims, I'm pushin 300lbs. I also have been looking at the Giant which has mavic cxp22 rims, any thoughts if this is a more durable rim? The Trek is 899 where i live and the giant is on sale for $950. They both ride nice but my impression is the giant is a better value. Any opinions would be appreciated?

newbie Peter

i purchased a 7.5fx as a commuter bike back in April- the third bike in my stable. I've put 400 miles on it in the last month and so far i'm impressed. i've not had any wheel issues-perhaps because i weigh 170 and am over 6 feet. i'm also not hauling tons of gear either.

the bike handles well, the tires are bulletproof and it's pretty fast when compared to the mountain bike i had been using for my commute (i've been able to shave 20 minutes off my commute)
the drivetrain is buttery smooth-and the triple allows for great climbing on the 10 large hills i ride over coming into work. i say go with the trek-

A wheel is not just the rims.

Build quality comes in aswell and to be honest- I do not like most stock wheels that come with bikes. I like to get about 100 miles in on them and then get them into my wheelbuilder. He detensions all the spokes and then retensions and trues the things. He can work wonders on even the most basic of wheels.

But on the Mavic rims- Cxp22 are a good rim. Pretty strong but I would advise getting the wheels checked by a Wheelbuilder if you are a Clyde.

thanks, guys for all the comments.

i ended up buying the Jamis, which looks even better in person. and it's frigging amazing so far. LBS took a lot of time setting me up, did the plumb line, etc.

first long ride will be tomorrow. i'll report back with my thoughts.

I'm also looking at the Trek 7.5fx vs the Jamis Allegro 2 and the Jamis Coda Comp. I'd be interested in hearing about your experience with the Allegro you bought. Anyone else have anything to report?