The FX 1 has:
- double walled alloy rims
- shimano altus rear derailleur
- alloy stem

The quil stem on the base FX limits adjustability of the handlebar's height/reach compared to regular threadless stems. Current prices on the Trek website show a $60 difference between the two bikes. I would get the FX 1.

That was a fast response! Thank you.
I was aware of the derailleur difference, but I wasn't sure about the rims. Do I gather correctly that the double walled alloy rims are preferred for stability and durability.
I had not understood about the stem systems at all, so that's helpful to know. I suppose it would depend if I found the FX stem comfortable, but you note that the FX 1 allows for much greater adjustments. That could be important.
Thanks again!

I actually never got to test ride a domane but i want to hopefully this month... My old fx 7.7 had the isozone monostay which is similar to function of the domane's decoiupler(s) which is why i want a domane! my only requirements for a road bike were 1) entirely carbon frame and 2) ultegra or higher components. i had a full 105 group on my fx 7.7 and i loved how it felt while shifting.

I got an amazing deal on the emonda (main reason why i went emonda over domane) but haven't really put a lot of miles on it yet. From the 5-6 mile ride I did when i first got it, the bike is absolutely silent when riding and it is fairly smooth thanks to the carbon frame+fork. My only beef with the emonda is that i haven't owned a road bike in years and prefer the upright positioning of my fx. On the emonda, I have to really dial in the fit. I flipped the stem and that helped but something doesnt feel right... as of right now, I don't think i would be able to ride this thing 30 miles like i can my fx 7.4... my fx is a 22.5" size and the emonda is a 60 which is similar so i am sure it's just a matter of positioning the seat/drop bars just right... i also think that my gut from the added weight adds to the discomfort of riding on drop bars... lol

I agree with you on the 23s... I am 220lbs now and find that 25c is the sweet spot! i have 25c on my 7.4 fx and the bike flies now. i will most likely put on 25's on the emonda at the end of winter/before the spring. i am on a health kick now (trying to walk 15 miles a week and eat right) and my goal is to get back to my prewedding weight of 180lbs from 220 which i am currently. i bought the emonda as motivation. yes, i know, im a little crazy

lastly, the emonda was a couple thousand dollars less than the domane i wanted ( https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bi.../1450000-2017/ )... maybe if i maintain good health, i will get one of them for my 45th birthday a few years away

Double walled alloys rims are stronger and will hold up better especially on rough roads.

If you try the FX and like how the bike fits you, you don't really need to adjust anything as far as bike fit is concerned, and so having a quil stem should be fine. I would ask the salesperson at your LBS to show you the difference between a quil stem and threadless stem, just so you can understand your options better before buying.

Thank you! That's helpful.

So... I am a new cyclist, and just got my first bike in 15 years. I ordered a Trek Fx3 from my LBS, (After months of research). First ride was yesterday and it is much faster than I remember bikes being! Only problem is my butt really hurts.

Congrats on your new bike and welcome to the forums. As you will see by searching, many people found their saddles to be uncomfy at first so do not go and rush to buy a new one. I made this mistake as well. Put a few miles - 50-100 - on your bike and then decide if the saddle is still uncomfortable. I made his mistake too and wound up loving the original saddle I had on my 7.3 fx.

Hope this helps.

put some inexpensive silver fenders on it & a kickstand. took it for an 17 mile shakeout ride & I'm keeping it

I appreciated your thoughts on this. You have much of the same logic as I do. I was saving my Emonda/Domane purchase for when I hit 200 pounds. I'm on a 2 and half year quest to get there, after starting at 270. I seem to have hit a serious plateau around 215 pounds. The sale prices are so tempting right now, so I might have to do it. Then I realize that with winter rapidly approaching the Philly area, I might just end up buying it now and storing it my garage until spring, so what's the point with that? By then, the 2017s will start having their sale prices drop.

For what it's worth, I have a 2016 Trek FX 7.1 (15") bike I'm fixing to sell for $325.00. It's about 5 months old and has a new rear tire, 2 spare tubes and a new chain. I keep it well lubed and only ride pavement and concrete. I'm 5'-6", 61 yrs. old so I don't have a high stand-over. According to Trek, I'm at the top height for this bike. I'm fixing to buy a Trek FX 7.3.

I'm 5'6" as well and the 7.2 FX I ride is 17.5". I think that size perfect for me and my height.

Thanks. It sounds like you are happy w/ the Trek FX line. I'm 6', so I think I need the 20" frame. I also have since discovered that the LBS is selling a bunch of new 2015/16 Trek FX 7.2s for $450. (The 2017 model is now out.) That's looking like a fairly good deal. I have seen a couple bike stores even selling them for under $400.
There are enough improvements from the FX 7.0 to the 7.2 to make it a worthwhile upgrade to me.

I'm down to the finish on buying a bike. I've decided I like the Trek FX line. Feels good and will serve the kind of riding I anticipate.
The LBS advertised a 2016 FX 7.2 for $450. I've seen online prices in other bike stores for $390, but they won't ship them. So, I was hoping to get it for around $400 or so. Went to the LBS, and the ad was wrong, and they don't have any of them. They do have the 2017 FX 2 that he said he would sell me for $450. Unfortunately, the 2017 FX 2 (< that's the new naming; they dropped the 7. part) is a downgrade in terms of tires and front derailleur (and shifters?). The MRSP for the FX 2 is $519, so I suppose $450 is an okay price... He did have a 2016 FX 7.3 in my size. Last 2016 FX in the store, and the 2017 FX 3 is available. That 2016 lists at $599, and he said he would sell for $540. (The new 2017 FX 3 has jumped to $699, partly because it now has a carbon fork. So, basically Trek downgraded the 7.2 > 2 and raised the price by $20 and upgraded 7.3 > 3 and raised the price by $100.)
Now I had started out with a $300 budget, so I'm already overreaching, but:
2017 FX 2 for $450 or 2016 FX 7.3 for $540?

I bought the new 2017 Trek FX 3 last Friday and should be in any day now. I got it in white. I bought the better (I hope) Bontrager Trip 300/DuoTrap S Combo computer for an additional $99.99 and will have the bike store put it on. I'm thinking about getting the Bontrager Ion 700 R front light and the Bontrager Flare 1 tail light.

Take the 7.3. I have one that I picked up after having tried several 2016s and 2017s, both lower- and higher-level, so trust me when I tell you that you'll thank yourself soon enough.

I ended up getting the 2016 FX 7.3. Went for a quick 8 mile spin and averaged 1.2mph faster than I ever did with my old Trek Navigator 100.
Something's funky w/ the bike though... Some clicking sound in the rear wheel. It's not the brakes. It speeds up/down in relation to wheel speed, but it happens whether I'm pedaling or coasting. It only happens when I'm actually riding it, so somehow weight is a factor. (It doesn't make the sound when just spinning the wheel.) A friend who knows about bikes couldn't figure it out either. Back to the shop, I guess...

Had that happen on the front wheel of my Dahon Speed D8 soon after I bought it; showed up only while I was on the bike and only when turning right. Turned out to be a pair of spokes have gone loose as the rim settled into shape as I rode. A quarter of a turn on each of their nipples and Bob was my uncle. Give it a couple of days more and check for loose spokes.

That would make sense. Thanks!

Report #2 w/ my new Trek FX 7.3:
Yes, it seems that a few spokes are loose. I'll bring it back to the shop next week.
Did a 7 mile loop on the 7.3 that I did 3 days ago with the old Trek Navigator 100. I was interested to see what kind of improvement the new bike provides. Not much wind either day, about 630' of elevation gain.
With the Navigator, I averaged 12.4 mph and hit a top speed of 33.5 mph. (I think the fastest I've ever gotten on this bike is 35.1 mph.)
With the FX 7.3, I averaged 14.1 mph and hit a top speed of 35.9 mph.
The FX 7.3 is certainly more nimble and feels like it has lots more zip!

congrats on the new ride! sounds like you're loving it

Did my first Century on my 2016 Trek 7.2fx, alterations include changing the stock triple crank to a Tiagra 50/34 crank and the handlebar grips to Ergon grips (Without the bar ends, not sure what exact model). Only complain that I have is, even with some cheap amazon padded gloves my hands went numb from road vibrations (bumpy paved trail). Thighs are a little bit sore 2 days after but it is still tolerable. Maybe I'll invest with a better pair of padded gloves and grips with bar ends on them (I like the look better than just having separate bar ends on my bike). Tibett/Putam trail from Bronx - Brewster,NY is 50mile one-way with an elevation gain of about 3,000 feet completed time about 12hours, with a lunch break and flat brakes for one of our riders constantly pumping his tire every 5 or so miles.

Just got my new 2017 FX 3 and it's great, I got the best Bontrager computer (wireless) and the best Bontrager headlight (800 lumens) and the store's best tail light (65 lumens) The headlight is absolutely unbelievable. I average about 1 to 1-1/2 mph faster than the FX 7.1. This bike has the new lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fork. It's about 3 lbs. lighter that the 7.1 bike.

Looks great, you are set for a lot of fun.

Quill stems are easier to raise and lower than threadless. To adjust reach, both styles have to be replaced.

I found the FX2, my first aluminum-framed bike, to be too rigid. My first 20 mile trip rattled my teeth out. But I found comfort once I replaced the grips (Ergon GP2), pedals (wide flats), seat (web spring), and tires (Kenda Kwest 40's).