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Trek FX Lineup

Old 12-25-11, 08:41 AM
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Trek FX Lineup

I'm just getting started in biking at a late age, 63... I have an Ibex 450 Alpine mountain bike I bought about 10 years ago but never rode- just starting to ride it... street only. The other day I went to a Trek shop, started asking some questions and was shown the FX line, in particular a 7.4 that I rode and really liked.
Not being very familar at all with components, I know that as you go up or down in a model line, that the quality of the components follow... but I would think there are some major breaking points where the next step up or down is a major jump in quality. I know the 7.4 has a Carbon fork... not sure if that's worth it- though I know and appreciate lightness is a very valuable asset. Can someone help me out here with what some of the major steps up or down from this would be? I can't compare bike weights, because Trek doesn't list them in their catalog. In fact, Trek's catalog is nearly useless for determining much, other than listing the major components.
I'd hate to later learn that if I'd have just gone one more step up I'd have gotten "X".... or I could have gone a couple of steps down- saved some money- and still be satisfied.
Also, what are some of the major similar competitors to this bike that I should also be looking at??
Thanks for the help, folks...
Merry Christmas to all!!
Wes
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Old 12-25-11, 08:59 AM
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Treks (in particular the FX) is probably the most popular discussion on the hybrid forum.
This discussion may help with your questions... https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...rek-7.2-or-7.3
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Old 12-25-11, 10:02 AM
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For someone just riding around and not racing, the lightness of a bike or the quality of the components will hardly matter at all.
Sure ... people want to convince themselves that by putting the money down for higher end groups like "LX" ... they will actually bike more effortless.
Bare in mind that placebo effect plays a huge ... if not omnipresent ... role in these matters.

Find the bike you like and the bike you will ride a lot ... all the rest is of no importance.
If you're not good at mechanics ... find a good mechanic too.
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Old 12-25-11, 11:33 AM
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OP, is this your bike? And does that fork have a lock out? If so, and assuming the bike is a proper fit (and have a LBS go over it to address any dry rot), then slap some less aggressive tread on and enjoy. Bunch of people put street tires on their mtbs.

Weight of the bike comes into play primarily if you're into performance/racing or have to carry your bike up and down stairs. Otherwise, the bike's gearing will compensate while riding.
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Old 12-25-11, 12:22 PM
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no1mad- Yes, that is my bike. I don't know about the fork having a lock-out... nor what one is. I assume to lock up the forks into a solid fork?
The tires are in good shape, I don't see any issues on the bike anywhere, and had a friend who is into bikes look at it as well. The tires are holding pressure just fine this week, and exhibit no cracking.
Would this bike be worthy of any upgrades that would make it more suitable for street use? Would lighter forks be a cost-effective upgrade? (I have no idea how much of the bike's current weight is in the forks).
What tires would you recommend??
Just out of curiousity, does anyone know what a Trek 7.4 FX weighs??
Wes
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Old 12-25-11, 03:35 PM
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IMHO, you don't need a new bicycle. I would have a bike mechanic give it a good tune-up, and that's it!

OTOH, you only live once! If you have the extra cash, ride whatever your heart yearns and sell your IBEX 450 on craiglist.

Merry Xmas!

- Slim

PS.

Get a Raleigh Clubman and blast all the others!
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Old 12-25-11, 06:06 PM
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I agree that you don't need a new bike. Get a complete tune up (about $75) and ride it. Not to doubt your desire to ride, but many people spend their hard earned money on a nice bike and then it becomes a "garage queen". If you find yourself riding a lot, then consider a new bike.

As for the Trek FX 7.2, 7.3, 7.4: The 7.3 gets you a lot of upgraded components over the 7.2. The 7.4 gets you a couple of upgrades plus the carbon fork. The 7.5 gets you different gearing and a "flex-form" seat. I have the 7.5 Disc and that seat is nothing to write home about if you ask me. The weight on my bike is 23-24 lbs. That's a lot lighter than some other hybrid bikes.

Plenty of people have the 7.2 to the 7.6. I think the FX line is good value because they use the same frame for all the 7.X line. So the lower end models have the advantage of decent frames. I haven't ridden my 7.5 much yet because it's been bone dry here in CA. But it shifts as smooth as my Ultegra road bike.

I think the 7.4 is the sweet spot in the FX 7.X line.
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Old 12-27-11, 11:21 PM
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I went in to look at the 7.2 but got the 7.3 because of the upgrades -- the 7.3 is a good balance for the FX line i think. I didn't think the extra cost going higher up the FX line was worth it for the type of riding i was going to do.
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Old 12-30-11, 12:44 AM
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Well, I finally opted for the 7.2 over the 7.3 - didn't figure I would notice the "upgrades". Used the $120 I saved to buy accessories (lights, computer, water bottle, shorts, cleaning stuff, etc). Love the bike, esp the black matte finish!

I agree with Mac - see no need to go any higher than the 7.3 FX. In fact my LBS doesn't even stock the 7.4 and up............
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Old 01-01-12, 10:38 PM
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Enjoy your 7.2 - it's a fine bike. Just a tip, you have only begun on the accessories purchases. I don't care what store i am in - i check out the bike stuff.
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Old 01-02-12, 09:19 AM
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Thanks, Mac! Know what you mean - kind of like going into a candy store as a kid. Always something to drool over.....
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