Differences between 2007 and 2012 Trek 7100 WSD
 

I'm new into biking and found a 2007 Trek 7100 WSD that I could purchase for $175. When new this bike is only $299. A new 2012 Trek 7100 WSD would be $489. What did Trek change to increase the price by $200? Are there much differences between the two bikes? Is the 2007 model still good if I decide to buy it? I'm on a budget and only want to spend less than $200 on a bike. I appreciate any advices you guys can give me. Thanks...

For a couple of reasons.

First, is that there has been like a $100 price increase across the board from like 2008-2011. This has been industry wide, which can be largely attributed to the rising cost of materials, production, and transportation. I think that there may have been a modest increase for 2012 and suspect another $30-$50 increase for the 2013 models.

Second, could be the so-called 'Trek Tax', which is a belief held by some that Trek tends to charge a bit more for a comparable product than other brands.

I wouldn't buy the 07 for that price. Maybe 150 or less, that's half the original cost and the bike is 5 years old. Might need new chain, cassettes, cables, and tires that alone with a local bike shop doing all the work would cost more than the bikes value.