[QUOTE=yashinon;18765990]More like what's wrong with me. In the two decades or so of by being a couch potato, I've grown a bit of a pot belly, so, unlike the shape I was in way back in the 90s, I find it hard to hunker down far enough to be able to properly use the handlebar and brake levers. I could ride just fine using the top of the handlebar, but the absence of brake lever extensions makes braking a challenge (and the 1.2's brakes aren't very good to begin with.)

[QUOTE=sjanzeir;18766091]I have a nice pot belly also and not muscular either. However, the drop bar has been excellent so far. I still love the hybrid and I am not trying to talk you out of that route.

Hey Yashinon, I obviously missed the post where you talked about using a drop bar, but are you using a drop bar on your 7.4FX or a different bike?

[QUOTE=yashinon;18766295]Well, I must mention the fact that I don't "dress properly" for cycling - at least not yet. I haven't bought any proper cycling shorts, jerseys and shoes yet; I just ride in my polo shirts and cargo pants which, even though they have grown more relaxed in their fit as I lost weight over the past few months, are still too tight for me to breathe unimpeded when I'm hunkered down. So there's that.

Colonel I picked up a Trek Domane.

Have you done a thread about it?

Would love to hear your impressions about your new beast. :D

Would it fall under the hybrid category? Did not think that it would apply here. :)

I ride an ancient 7300fx but want the 7.4 fx. Unfortunately, they're only available in Orange or White for 2016. Does anyone know when the 2017 models will be available? I'd take matte anything or toxic green over this year's colors.

>>Just a quick follow up.. I went to my Trek dealers and he looked on their dealer site. He said there's hundreds of each White and Orange 7.4 fx's at the warehouse ready to ship and that the release date would probably be around Sept. They're an "unpopular color this year" so they won't have them in their store. I'll keep training on the old steel fork fx and saving up. By then I'll have plenty for any upgrades and accessories, or maybe just upgrade to a 2017 7.5 or 7.7 fx

Start a thread in the Road Bike forum.

That is what 2702 did. :)

Interested in a 7.4 but don't like the two color choices. Hope i don't have to wait until Sept/Oct for the 2017 line to be released.....

In years past, it seemed like late July/early August was when the new model year bikes made their debut. Lately though, Trek has kind of staggered things a bit and you'd see old and new together. The Crossrip already has two 2017 models listed. BTW - of you haven't done so already, check out the 7.4 in the firebrand (orange) in person, the website pics aren't the best view.

Bought a 2008 7.2 FX (17.5" frame) on Craigslist and it was a great bike but it didn't fit right so I sold it. Great solid bike. Wish it would've fit.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...2015.01.22.jpg

Also found a 2014 7.2 FX WSD (15" frame) for my wife and she loves it. Came with rack and bag (removed because wife didn't like it), gloves, floor pump, sunglasses, hemet and jersey. Original owner rode it once and never rode it again. It had less than 15 miles when I got it.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...2022.14.09.jpg

Love that 7.2 WSD :)

Nice pick up.

I've decided I definitely want a predominantly white bike at some point in the future.

After some research and hearing what you guys say about the Trek Fx series, I decided that my first bike ever would be a Trek FX.
I found a lightly used 2006 FX 7.3 with its original components plus a Trek trip computer, tire pump, and lights for $125. Is this a good deal?

Here is the Craigslist post
Trek 7.3 FX Hybrid Mens Bicycle

If the frame fits and is damage free, it is very well priced.

I thought I posted an update but it turned out I didn't. I ended up taking the 7.3, which I'm riding every day and really enjoying, albeit I feel that the 15" frame size is a tad too small for me; I have the seat post extended out to the minimum insertion mark, and that's borderline. Any lower and my knees start to ache. Problem is, 17.5", being the next size up, is just too big for me (I checked.) So I figured I should err on the side of smaller rather than bigger; I could always get a longer seat post if need be. The bike fits just fine as it is set up now. In fact, at first I thought that the OEM 90mm stem was too long, but then I realized I had set the saddle too far backwards - which is why pedaling was more of a chore at first. Once I set the saddle in the middle though, everything fell in place just so. :thumb:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...psxlulg043.jpg

the Allant with disk brakes does not have a carbon fork

If its in good shape, its a great deal.

After reading through this thread and spending a whole afternoon riding bikes at my LBS I settled on a 7.3FX. I decided to take it on a long ride before deciding to do anything other than install lights and a bottle holder. The main things I noticed is that I definitely need a new seat. Pretty sore on the backs of my legs mostly from the front part of the seat. I know asking seat advice on here is dumb and I'll go check out at the store.

Can somebody share the merits of the different handlebar upgrades/changes available. I was pretty comfortable overall for the ride but I'm looking at bar ends as they might add some more comfortable hand positions. I'm not sure what else is out there and what I should be aware of. I'm mostly going to be riding for exercise and weekend transportation in the city (SF). Any other common modifications people do that are relatively cheap or easy that would make a noticeable difference?

It's the Matte black with white that I've seen posted here before but I'll try to get a picture later.

New to biking and will use the bike to exercise and go out with the kids. Looking at Trek 2014 FX7.4 or should i consider the 2015 7.3 for the same price? i did read the forum, i did test drive both bike however not back to back. I love how light it was and it was a very smooth ride.
- I live in MA, 5' 5" and 180lbs
- there are some bike paths starting around 2 miles form my house

Couple of questions:
- the 7.4 is size 15. based on the charts, it reads that i can be between 15 or 17.5, should i get the smaller or larger size? if riding comfort is a major factor, what should i be looking next time i take out for a test ride?
- the saddle is definitely uncomfortable, should i change right away or wait for a break in period?
- i'm a tech geek, love my electronics. the 2014 has speed trap on the fork that is ANT+, however, i would not find a dongle for iPhone 6 plus that would work? the 2015 and above have the bluetooth which is nice and "easier". any thoughts suggestions here? Ideally i would like to mount my iphone connected to cadence, speed and HRM.
- anything accessories recommended or NOT? (planning on Helmet, lights, water bottle)

i would appreciate your comments.

I purchased my Trek 7.3 FX in May of 2015.

I added a Bontrager BackRack Deluxe L rear rack, Bontrager Bar Ends, a Stem Riser, Dual platform Shimano SPD pedals, and a Bontrager RL cage.

I really enjoy riding paved bicycle paths, the NCR trail, and riding along the C&O Canal towpath. Nice bicycle for the money...... Great Bicycle for my riding

Looks great. does the rear rack add a lot of weight to the bike?

Absolutely not, the stuff I put in the BushWhacker Mesa trunk bag that attaches to the rack
may weigh more than some bicycles.

Rack weight + the attached bag weight + the weight of the stuff placed in the bag
equals ...... Who cares about the total weight added to the bicycle

I am surprised anyone is counting grams with regards to a Trek 7.3 FX

The reason i ask is because there are 2 versions of this rack, the light weight and the one you got and trying to figure out if it makes a difference at all. I ended getting the fx 7.4 which even slight lighter with the carbon fork.