Help for newbie - bike selection
 

Hi all, my first post, I am looking for a hybrid bike to replace my 25 year old bike and don't understand all the technical stuff about gears. My initial thoughts were for a TREK 7.2 FX WSD 2014 $706.
Then noticed last years models on offer - TREK 7.3 FX WSD 2013 $698 or SPECIALIZED Vita Elite 2013 $830 or SPECIALIZED Vita Sport 2013 $665.

I am female living in UK so prices have been converted, very occasional cyclist on roads and tracks. The Elite is just within my budget but I would prefer to spend a bit less.

Could I please have some ideas on which to go for.

Many thanks

Ride all and see which one you like best :) Frankly, if you don't ride a lot the Sport version of the Vita should be good enough. I have the base Sirrus and I'm satisfied with that.

2013 may be on close outs as that is last year, so numbers available may be spotty ..

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don't understand all the technical stuff about gears.

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maybe an internal gear bike would be good enough.. there, for example are 8 speeds all of them different,

each from first, easiest gear, next, larger than the last.. in sequence, so not confusing.
they are quite improved in the last 2 score and five years..

what is your current cycling ambition?

derailleur gears are somewhat confusing , because they overlap in the range of gear ratios
so though the count of gears on the wheel and the crank may total 24, for example
many are redundant and as i say, overlapping when you do the ratio math.

Thanks for the replies. I am happy operating derailleur gears and would prefer the option of 24/27 gears. I do a lot of walking and I enjoy occasional cycling as an alternative- occasional tracks but mainly road about 10-15miles.
I was told the Trek has slightly wider tyres so is more comfortable?

The 2013 models are not in my size so its down to the Vita Sport $830 or Trek 7.2 FX $706.

My wife (5'4" and 115lbs) bought the Vita Elite and loves it. She didn't like any of the WSDs she tried. She says if there's one thing she'd change it would be the tires. She just loves how the Vita handles.

You wouldn't go wrong, with any of them. Buy the one that feels the best, and the one you fall in love with.

I looked at the specs for the 2014 Trek 7.2 FX and it's an 8 speed.
I looked at the specs for the 2013 Vita Sport and it's a 9 speed.
If it were me, I'd rather have the 9 speed. I think it's worth a little extra $.

Ciao

Checkout the Giant Via too! :thumb: