Help choosing a Trek FX
 

Hey guys I'm considering buying a Trek FX and trying to pick between the 7.2, 7.3, and 7.4. My main concern at this point are the components. The 7.2 has Shimano Altus FD/Shifters and Alevio RD. Uncertain what type of crank, possibly Altus? 7.3 moves up to Acera front/Alevio rear and the 7.4 gets Acera front/Deore rear.

How reliable/durable are the components on the 7.2 versus the more expensive models?

Altus is one step up from entry level, but it isn't bad. Shimano uses a trickle down approach to their component groups. Today's Altus was Acera 5 years ago, Alivio 10 years ago. STX/ Deore 15 years ago.

Is the 7.4 a better bicycle? Sure. It is lighter on account of the CF fork and has better components that should run smoother and last longer. However, the Altus components will likely last a long time as well when used normally (not abused). Does it matter to you? Test ride both bikes and decide for yourself. Either bike will get you where you want to go.

Keep in mind it is a lot cheaper to buy a bicycle with better components now than it is to try to upgrade later. So if you think you like the 7.4 better, get it now rather than thinking you can turn a 7.2 into a 7.4 later.

I have the entry level 7.1 and don't have any issues with the components altus/tourney. I think the bigger difference would be fork material.

The biggest difference between the 7.1 to 7.2 if the freehub on the 7.2 vs the freewheel on the 7.1. If there is a Giant dealer near OP, you might want to check out the Escape 2 and Escape 1.

I recently posted a question regarding the differences between the Deore and Alivio. The responses were that the Deore is better or on-par. RD and FD should be reliable and durable on all of the models but I think on this board people will tell you to lean towards the 7.4. The fork on the 7.4 is a carbon fork. Between the 7.2 and 7.3 - I think the 7.3 is the better choice.

I actually think Trek has too many FX hybrids. But they are the expert marketers. As a consumer, I would prefer to see 3 hybrids. A very good basic hybrid (the 7.2), and upgraded mid range hybrid (the 7.4 or 7.5), and a high end hybrid (the 7.7).

I'm not sure how less choice is good for the consumer. The more choices, the better chance of finding the right mix. I can see how multiple versions of one model can be more difficult for the manufacturer, but I don't really see the downside for the consumer.

I like the fact that Trek offers many choices. People have different requirements, budgets, and goals. Do I want a 7.5/7.7? Heck yes but my other half says "no can do!"

Google the paradox of choice.

You think that is confusing take a look at the Giant TCR line.
TCR
TCR SLR
TCR Advanced
TCR Composite
TCR Advanced SL

And each line of TCR has a couple or 3 choices to choose from except for the TCR 2 TCR 2 (2014) | Giant Bicycles | United States

So choosing a FX is a piece of cake.

I think the decision tree is 7.3 if you want 9 gears rather than 8, and 7.4 if you want a carbon fork. The components are marginally better as you go up, but not enough to make or break a purchase. As someone above said, Tourney (lowest level) works just fine if adjusted and not abused.

Been riding my 7.2FX for over a year now (3500 miles+) and have not had any shifting/component issues at all. Did put bar ends on to offer more hand positions (numbness is an issue if you ride more than an hour or so, at least for me). Was the perfect entry level for me...now thinking of getting a road bike or maybe a 7.5FX.

I would choose the 7.3 or the 7.4 for the 9 speed. I definitely think it is worth it to spend the most you can afford from the get-go. It is much more expensive to upgrade later. I think rear derailleur and shifters are two areas that benefit from upgraded components. Also, if you think you might want disc brakes, you need to get that now--converting later is cost prohibitive.

For the Trek FX Series, the 7.4FX is the sweet spot for me. I really wouldn't want 28mm tires on my FX, anyways. Plus you're getting a nine speed and a CF fork! All of your components are fairly decent at that level. A Deore RD is just great! It's the same as what's on the 7.5FX.... Acera for a FD is just fine too! You're not really getting that much going from a 7.4FX to a 7.5FX...

* I'd try to avoid an alloy or aluminum fork, if I could opt for a CF fork.

Speaking of Paradox of choice, I think OP is getting bogged down here. Rather than go longitudinally by price for each brand , maybe just pick a budget and compare two or three bikes from different brands. Giant Escape, Specialized Sirrus, and Trek FX, for example.

I dunno...

There really is no real comparison between a Trek 7.4FX, a Sirrus Elite, and an Escape 1.

Once you've selected your $700 budget, the only choice that makes any sense is the Escape 1. That's only because both the Trek and the Sirrus are overpriced.

In fact, financially speaking, Giant is always gonna be the better deal, between Trek and Specialized, no matter what bike we're talking about!

The only choice that makes sense is the bike that fits him best as between whatever models he is considering. Buying based on a spec sheet as the deciding factor would be a mistake, IMO. If he rides all three and his reactions are "Not bad at all." "Pretty good." and "YEAH BABY!" I'm guessing he will be happiest with that third bike whatever brand it happens to be.

To the OP - I couldn't be happier with my 7.2, but I do think the 7.4 is worth the additional funds for the combination of 9 speeds and carbon fork. If this is going to be your only bike - or even your primary bike - and your budget allows for the 7.4 I say go for it.

But I agree with others above - there are a lot of compelling choices out there from other brands. Makes sense to try as many as you can.

Nope....

If the only choices are those three. The 7.4FX, the Sirrus Elite, and the Escape 1, then the 7.4FX and the Sirrus Elite are both out, because they're both over budget, at around $800.

It would be a complete waste of time to test ride them, because they're both financially out of his reach...

WestPablo, The OP stated that his "main concern" was the component quality of the bike and, as far as I can see, did not state that he was working within a particular budget so perhaps we shouldn't be so quick to suggest that he limit his choices?

OP started a whole thread in the Road Forum on the Specialized Sirrus line.

While this may be technically true...

The OP states which bikes currently holds his interest. IMO, the most expensive bike sets the budgetary limit insofar as his inquiry is concerned. Since the most expensive bike is the Trek 7.4 at $800, I thought nothing about arbitrarily reducing the purchase price to $700, because at $650, you can get the Giant Escape 1, that has just about everything, both the Sirrus Elite and the Trek 7.4FX has. That would necessarily rule out the other two bikes, unless he doesn't like it. At any rate, the OP is here for the sake of discussion and to get some of our ideas.

Therefore, this was just one of my ideas...

* It wasn't my intention to set an actual purchase limit for the OP. However, I was merely making an attempt at describing a hypothetical bicycle purchase comparison. The limit wasn't meant to be taken literally by anyone...

Discussion is fine. And if OP wants to start threads on each brand's line of hybrids, that is fine as well. I hope it gets him closer to a decision as mild weather has finally arrived in the Midwest. And I understand after OP's experience with his cruiser, which he bought just a couple of months ago, that he might not want to buy something on impulse.

You are correct. On paper, the Giant Escape is the value leader. If I were in the market for an aluminum hybrid, it would be at the top of my list for a test ride. There are reasons to go with Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, et al.. Maybe OP prefers the Trek or Spesh dealer to the Giant dealer. Or whatever.

The point is, if OP really wants a hybrid (something that was challenged on the other thread in the road forum), the major brands are pretty comparable, indeed likely came out of the same assembly lines in China or Taiwan.

But riding bikes is not an intellectual exercise, and there may be minor differences in fit or components between brands that might just strike the OP positively, or negatively (BTW, it isn't just derailleurs/shifters which, if we are honest, affects the perception of the bike ride only slightly. The difference between bike brands is minor here as they all use pretty much the same level. Harder to know who has the better wheels, or cranks as at the lower price points some manufacturers take generic components and slap their own name on them). Once OP decides on a sporty hybrid, and settles in on a price point ($400, $500, $700, $800), the process is pretty simple. Figure out the correct size, and test ride bikes across a comparable price range. Hopefully, one bike will get you stoked to ride more than others.

I did start a thread in the Road Cycling section in the Specialized bike but I have learned that its more of a hybrid, same goes for the FX. I test rode a Trek Madone and decided that style of bike is not really what im looking for but I havent completely ruled out all road bikes yet. I figured this section would be more appropriate for questions on the FX line.

I tried a couple models of the Giant Escape (because they do seem like a good bargain) but I found them to be uncomfortable and the shifters were clunky (could have been out of tune?). I really like the Trek FX line and im researching them to make sure its a good buy. The 7.2 seems like the best bargain to me, just want to make sure im not missing out on anything or buying something with subpar components. The 7.4 would be ideal but its a bit above my price range. I say its ideal because I see comments about how the carbon fork would soak up bumps better than steel or aluminum.

Another reason for me to consider the 7.2 is that it allows enough budget for extras. Trying to keep the total budget under $700. Im willing to save up for a better model if its truely worth the extra cost. Im going to test ride all 3 models back to back if I can.

Thanks, MRT2! :thumb:

PS.

...As I read your posts, it would appear that great minds think alike! :D

That is a fair observation, but puzzling as the Escape has equivalent or better shifters than the Trek at each price point. But if the Giant dealer sends out a bike that is poorly assemble or poorly adjusted, that tells you what you need to know about the dealer. Ditto with the Trek dealer who apparently did a better job prepping their bike for a test ride.

A carbon fiber fork is considered an upgrade over a steel or aluminum fork both weight wise and ride wise. You will save a lb or two with the cf fork. A minor difference but nonetheless significant. That said, a lot of folks are just fine with their steel and aluminum forks. (All my bikes have steel forks, but I have no doubt a cf fork is in my future).

The answer is, take the 7.4 out for a longer than average test ride. Ride it over some bumpy roads and decide for yourself if you can tell the difference in ride quality.