Hi I am currently deciding between a Trek FX 7.1 vs Trek FX 7.2. I can get the 7.1 for $100, but it needs a supposedly minor brake adjustment. I can get the 7.2 for $250.

These are obviously Craigslist bikes, and I've been told that the 7.1 was bought in December 2010, and the 7.2 is a 2009 model.


All things considered, do you guys think that there is enough of a difference from the 7.1 to the 7.2 to justify the $150 difference? Thanks.

It is only $80 difference when new, so technically no. Now if you can get the 7.2 for $200 then I would do that. Show up with cash in hand. The upgrades are very nice from 7.1 to 7.2 but not $150 worth. Great prices though on either considering they are only 1-2 years old. Minor brake adjustment is easy if that is the truth. So easy in fact then why wouldn't they do it before trying to sell it? If you are just starting out in biking then spend the $100 on the 7.1. You should have no problem selling it for $100 if you want to upgrade later. Look on youtube about how to adjust brakes. Go to Trek website and look at archives to see if the color matches for the years.

Rider98Glide, thanks for the good advice.

Yes, I was wondering how to verify model years, and you gave me the great tip of going to the Trek archives and matching colors. It seems the 7.2 is indeed a 2009 model. Trek doesn't keep a good archive for the 7.1, so I'm not exactly sure when that bike was made.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

First, those are great prices, I have never seen anything that low and I am looking all the time. Second, I use bikepedia.com and try to match up by colors or components. I am usually pretty successful, good luck

I'd really push to match the pics. I've looked at several Craigslist models where people totally claimed their bike was "just a few years old" -- only to match pictures showing bikes that were 6, 9, even 12 years old. Check out https://www.bikepedia.com/ for more archived pics and specs. Good luck!

ETA: sorry -- I started my post before lobs616 posted, but didn't post it until after. So ya, listen to him. Good advice!

Did you score one yet?