EdgewaterDude

A few quick questions for those in the know with these bikes:

I just picked up a Trek 7000 on craigslist, and hate it. It's partially because it's too small for me, but I'm wondering if the geometry is just not for me (I'm very used to road bikes.) With the 7000, I don't mind the upright position, but for whatever reason, I feel like I'm too far forward on the bike.

Which also leads me into my next question - I'm deciding between a Trek 7.1FX and 7.2FX. I'm also debating between the model years.

Trek has revamped the 2012 FX line. From what I see, the frame has changed enough to raise my eyebrows. It appears that the 2012 has a different geometry. Whereas the previous models seemed to have a top tube that sloped (like my 7000) or a mountain bike, the new models adopt a straighter top tube that reminds me of a compact Giant road frame, or something of that sort.

Would it be wiser to choose the 2012 model due to this change in geometry? For those who own previous models, do you feel like your FX rides like a mountain bike?

And on to specs between the 7.1 and 7.2:

It looks like aside from the obvious (different saddles, different tires) which I'd probably upgrade anyways, the other big difference is that the 7.2 uses a cassette and the 7.1 uses a freewheel.

What does this mean in terms of quality, reliability or desirability? Why should I want a cassette instead of a freewheel?

Since I can't spend a ton, I'm just trying to figure out which is going to be the best balance of everything I need. My LBS has great deals on 2011 Trek models, so my first instinct is to pounce on one of those. Also, aside from frame geometry, it looks like the components on the 2011 to 2012 7.1 were pretty similar, as was the changeover for the 7.2FX as well.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate any input anybody has.

jsdavis

The 7000 has suspension yah? The suspension would require that the top tube downwards so that it can be ridden and to increase clearance. The 7.1FX, 7.2FX have rigid forks which means the front of the frame won't be so high and the tube doesn't have to slope as much.

I just pulled up the images from Trek's website for the 2011 and 2012 7.2FX and put them on top of each other by resizing the browser Window. The red one is the 2011 and the black one is the 2012. They basically look the same to me.

EdgewaterDude

I applaud your ingenuity, sir. Now I'm wondering why Trek claims they have revamped their 2012 FX line with 'wildly popular road geometry'.

My bike has no suspension, aside from the dinky little seatpost unit. Here's a pic:



I'll have to use your little trick to see if I can overlap the 7000 and the FX and look at the difference in geometry.

So that aside, can anyone answer my other question about cassette versus freewheel?

desertdork

Marketing. The "performance hybrid" market is soaked with competition. I read "combined wildly popular FX geometry with tube shapes inspired by Trek's road heritage..." Maybe they changed a tube somewhere, but the frame (at least the main triangle) looks the same as it has since 07-ish (other than routing the shift cables differently).

Remember that the slope on the TT of a 17" FX will appear much different than that on a 22" FX.

The 7.1 uses a freewheel? Where did you see that??

big_al

I had a trek 7200 2010 and now I have a trek 7.7 2012 and their geometry feels almost the same except for the more aggressive stance of the handlebar.

EdgewaterDude

Here on BF, and a few other places. Actually, here's a link to it :

https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-7-spee.../dp/B003RLNOKC

It's the MFTZ31.

I'm still not sure why a freewheel is considered to be inferior to a freehub/cassette.

desertdork

Thanks. I only glanced at "7-sp" and believed Trek used a 7-sp cassette, not freewheel.

Freewheel hubs, by design, are more likely to experience axle breakage. The reason is that the hub bearings are located within the hub shell and rather close together, leaving a substantial portion of the axle unsupported. Stress from heavier riders, aggressive riding or impact can cause the hollow axle to break. Freewheels also thread onto the hub; torque from riding can make freewheels sometimes difficult to remove and replace for the home mechanic. There's also a limited selection of freewheels available in comparison to cassettes. Finally, upgrading to 8- or 9- speed (if you get that urge), will be too costly with the replacement of virtually the entire drivetrain and the rear wheel. While those may be negatives, keep in mind that there are plenty of people that have no complaints with their freewheels.

Another point you might consider is gearing. The 7.1 is geared pretty low. If you're towing a trailer or riding hilly terrain, then this may be of some use. You may feel your gearing is too limited for flatter, urban riding, however. Your current 7000 may have the same gearing, so that could be a point of reference.

EdgewaterDude

Desertdork, thank you for the informative breakdown.

I tow no trailers, nor do I live in hilly terrain (Chicago is probably as all around pancake flat as you can get) so I don't think I would enjoy lower overall gearing. My previous two bikes were a Trek 1.2 road bike, which I loved, and a Giant Bowery SS/FG that I had set up as 48/18.

As for my frustrations with the 7000, I think you just pointed out another one. I've found that I'm mostly always on the big crank ring (48T). Actually, I'm surprised that the 7000 maxes out at 48/13.

Good call on the gearing between the 7.1 and 7.2 - I just looked and it appears that the 7.1FX and 7000 are geared almost identically, aside from the fact that the 7000 has a 13-34 freewheel and the 7.1 has a 14-34 cassette.

So I suppose that leads to my next question - do any FX owners here feel like the gearing is limited on the 7.2FX and up?

richard4993

I have a 2010 7200 as my commuter now and was thinking of possibly picking up an FX. The one thing I'm curious about is an FX lighter and faster than a 7200?

rickyhmltn

fwiw: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...w-and-comments.

I just bought a Trek 7.1 less than a week ago. 233lb and 5'11, but I live in a hilly area. Its great imo. I got it new for $399 + ky tax 6% for $423 total or $426, can't remember. Had a rack, waterbottle, and cage added to it.

jtaylor2

I have a 7.3FX (which is the same gearing as the 7.2 (28,38,48 X 11-32) and don't think you will find it limiting unless you really have a "need for speed" in which case you would be better served with a road bike. I live where there are nasty hills so I spend a lot of time in the little ring. On the flat I doubt you will ever be in the little ring but I don't think the 48x11 will limit you on the top too much. To put it in perspective the 48x11 top gear will be about 1 mph slower than the 50x11 top gear on you 1.2. And the 48x18 on your fixie would be 5th gear on the big ring.

What you may not like is the wider spacing on the mountain cassette (I didn't at first, but have gotten used to it), but most of the hybrids have wide spacing. If it really bothers you I think you can pick up a 11-28 cassette fairly cheap.

Thomas Brock

I've been riding a 2007 7.3fx with disc brake...It's been wonderful. It's my main commuter...Also, my first grown up bicycle. It's comfortable, solid and durable. Last year I had the flat bars replaced with drops and added bar-end shifters and ergo-brake levers and new pedals (Shimano's dual platform/clipless) for comfort and I've never looked back.

It's also been the bane of my local bike purveyor because as he's tried to get me onto a new roadier frame, I've stuck with the fx. I've gotten a used Cannondale CAAD 4 road bike, but have only put a couple of miles on it because the fx is fun to ride...Especially on long rides.

Bunnicula

For me, I haven't found the FX geometry comfortable. But I do prefer the 7.3 way more than the 7.2, and would go with the 7.2 over the 7.1 for sure.