Trek 7 series and WSD
 

I took my wife into the LBS Trek dealer to look at a 7.7 FX and a 7.6 WSD. She has never had a WSD type bike and I wanted her to try out both bikes with the hope that she would go with the 7.7 and then I could use it also as a Commuter bike and leave my road bike at home while commuting.

Oops that did not work out as she did not like the 7.6 WSD or the 7.7 but loved the 7300 WSD. :crash::crash: I hate it when a plan does not come together:crash:

I think what she liked about the 7300 was the higher handle bars. Can the 7.7 be converted fairly easy that I could switch out fast?

To make the bars on a 7.7FX as high as a 7300 you would need an adjustable stem and a higher rise handlebar. The stem would be a fairly quick swap but the handlebar not so much. Either swap would be a PITA if you had to keep switching back and forth. For the price of a 7.7FX you could probably get a 7.3FX AND the 7300. Or a 7.5FX and a 7200. Or a .... well, you get the idea.

Yes I do get the idea now. Didn't think of it though. I was thinking since she wanted the 7300 that maybe the 7500 WSD would be nicer with the front shocks. But riding my sons bike with the shocks I am not sure I like them. I have to think more about the two bikes deal here.

You really don't need front suspension unless you're doing a lot of pretty rough off road riding. Otherwise, wider tires on the hybrid will offer enough shock absorption. For curbs or holes you can't avoid you'll have to unload your seat and handlebar, but that should be second nature by now from riding your road bike.

I am only used to riding a Mountain Bike. Road Bike will arrive in March. I am chopping at the bit like a kid at Christmas. So what does unload your seat and handle bar mean??

I think that you have an inherent problem here in that you want one bike to serve the needs of two people; regardless of sex. These bikes are pretty different too. The 7300 is more luxury oriented but still performs pretty nicely. The 7.7 is a flat bar road bike, period. Based on MSRP only (you will pay less this time of the year of course), you can get a 7300 and a 7.6 Fx for the price of a 7.7 fx. You both get a bike that fits your needs and you just give in a bit on the 7.6. I think there are many of us that would not mind suffering with such a bike ;).

We are going to get the two bikes. She wants the 7300 not the 7500 with the shocks. I will get the 7.6 FX for sure but may wait a bit when funds are available for the 7.7 FX. Actually I like the 7.9 with the carbon frame but don't think that is going to happen.

It means transfer your weight to your pedals. Loosen the pressure on the handlebar and lift the weight from your hands, and slightly stand up from your saddle. You don't have to stand up completely, keep the horn of the saddle between your thighs so you can control your bike better. Keep your knees bent to absorb any shock. Obviously, you won't be able keep pedaling while doing this, but you should only need to do it occasionally over bumps and holes.
It's not very difficult to do and you pretty much stop thinking about it after a while.

what size frame are you looking for? i'm actually in the process of deciding whether to sell my 7.7?