Trek FX or ????
 

I'm think about buying a Trek FX, not sure which model, not the high end or something similar to the FX line. I know Specialized and Giant make a competitive model. Any recommendations either for an FX model or another manufacturer? Currently I have a Trek 7100 and a Giant OCR3W. I'm looking to use it as my commuter and ? bike. My commute is 36 miles round trip, is this too far to ride a hybrid(FX)? As far as a budget, I guess I don't want to spend more than $750. Thanks

ive seen a local shop here in california have a trek 7.3 for $399. it seemed good, and especial for that killer deal.

I'll guarantee it would be an older model without many advances we've seen as of late. Like alpha-Black aluminum frames.

My advice would be to take a ride on as many different bikes as you can in your price-range. Buy the one you like best.

There are folks who do centuries (100 miles) on hybrids. 36 miles RT is not a problem. As long as your somewhat fit. If not - you will be.

I think the 7.5FX is the "sweetspot" in that line and right around your price point.

I vote for ????.
get a Marin, Devinci or Scott. Marin makes sexy hybrids.

I don't work for Marin btw. However will consider their offers. :D

I agree...

Though I have what was a 7.5 - fully customized now - I've been hearing nothing but rave reviews from people buying the 7.3 FX. Considering my plan was the complete customization of the bike - I'd have saved some $$$ by going with the 7.3 myself.

What WAS a 7.5:

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/p...g/IMG_0481.jpg

Love my 2009 7.3. It's a light, fast bike with a riding position that is very comfortable for me. I bought mine used, so I don't know how much they actually go for in shops, I think the msrp was $639 last year, but I'm not sure. With that in mind, you probably could get a 7.5 for your budget. I don't know exactly how they differ.

I think the Specialized Sirrus looks nice, though I've never ridden one. It looks like you have to go to the Elite model to get Deore though, and msrp on that one is $910 on the website. Seems a bit much to me, but I'm sure they're nice.

Treks are nice, but I wouldn't buy one without a good discount. The reason being that you seem to be paying as much for the name as the quality of the components. OTOH, they are like buying a Toyota, good resale value, as they seem to fetch decent $$ on craigslist and such.
Ack, my inner Scotsman is coming out.

That is a deal on an Trek 7.3 They go for around $600 here. There worth every penny of $600 in my opinion so $400 is a steal. A good hybrid commuter or for light trail riding. Have never seen a bad review on one. Best bike going for the money. Isn't a $2000 19lb road bike but what a bargain. Weighs around 26 lbs which is still light. With 48/38/28t crank and 11-32, 8 speed cassette it is geared great for hills. Not as fast as a roadie but not slow either. The Shimano EF60 trigger shifters work pretty well. Comes with Deore rear derailleur which is nowhere near top of the line but still very dependable if you don't put it to a heavy off road test or on its side. It comes with 700c x 32 tires which take some of the road shock but are not meant for trail jumpiing. Like a strong wider road tire. I don't see the 7.5 being worth what they want for them. Have heard that the 7.3 actually rides as smooth or smoother that the 7.5. I would go for the Trek 7.3 FX.

Not quite accurate,7.5 has better compoments such as CF fork but like you said, the 7.3 is fast and agile,a very sporty bike that actually performs,i hadn't ride mine for a month now,the weather i can't stand.

I still have the original carbon fork on my custom 7.5 FX. I'm just waiting for it to give one, tiny reason to pitch it. Then I'll go to town with steel.

Marin. Look at Marin ALP line. More bang for your buck. I have a Lucas Valley. Wouldn't trade for a trek.

Good luck.

You can't go wrong with any of the big name hybrids but let me give you another idea for a commuter anyway....

Find a decent hardtail, you may already have one, replace the fork, put on fenders and a rack, add the tires that fit your surface (you can go from 1" to over 2" and I love that versatility), and you'll have a bombproof and versatile commuter every bit as effective as any of the bikes mentioned in this thread.