Specialized Vita vs. Trek 7.2 FX WSD
 

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and am excited to be finally getting a bike. My boyfriend and I will do mostly paved trail riding. We are looking at hybrids. I have it narrowed down to the Specialized Vita or the Trek 7.2 FX WSD. These are both 2015 models that I test rode at our LBS.

I'm having problems deciding because I really like the sportier setup of the Specialized, yet I tend to feel the road vibrations more when compared to the Trek. Could this be that the Trek has a different saddle that may absorb shock? Also, the Trek comes with a dorky brown saddle and grips, which I hate. The Specialized saddle and grips are much more comfortable to me. However, I like the metal pedals of the Trek.

Should I go with the Trek and change out the saddle and grips? Or should I get the Specialized? Also, is there any advantage with one or the other in terms of durability?


Thanks :)

This are both fine, durable, entry-level hybrids. You can't go wrong with either one.

Do you know if your LBS inflated the tires the same on the two bikes? That can affect how much vibration you feel. Did you feel more at the handlebars of the Vita as well, or just in the saddle?

You have the right idea that you can always swap out components (though at a certain point, you really bought the wrong bike). It would be easy and inexpensive to swap new pedals onto the Vita (less than new grips and saddle onto the 7.2). You can't simply swap frame color or the fit and feel of the bike, so I would say those factors should be primary.

Good luck and have fun!!

The Trek has 35c tires while the Specialized has 32c tires. Maybe you felt the difference?

I do not believe either has the advantage in terms of frame durability, though the Trek site says the FX 7.2 has an Alivio rear derailer, which is better than the Altus derailer on the Specialized.

The Trek can be modified to be "sportier", and the Specialized can be modified to be more comfortable. The cost to make either bike what you want will really depend on what you chose to change to.

From what I've noticed in other posts and my own personal experience, folks tend to switch out grips and saddles for body specific comfort/fit issues, while pedals are switched out for either changes to clipless or from plastic to metal for better grip. Tires can be switched out, too for either a faster or softer ride.

FWIW I change the grips and saddles on all my bikes because I prefer Ergon grips and Terry Butterfly saddles, so the stock ones are not a determining factor for me.

Thank you both for your help and advice. I will be visiting my LBS this evening... I bet they're sick of seeing me by now! ;) Hopefully, I will have one picked out soon :)

When I am interested in a bike, I look for the ability to mount fatter tires, and fenders and racks --- something to consider if you ever ride when the sun ain't shining.

I think I may have some insight that will help... I spent some time recently cross-shopping the Sirrus and the Trek FX line, and there are a couple of things I noticed. First, the 7.2FX has a steel fork - this, more than anything, will contribute to the difference in comfort up front. Also, the 7.2 has a more upright geometry than the Vita/Sirrus, which seemed to help a lot with comfort in the saddle.

My impression of the two was that the Specialized Vita/Sirrus was a faster, nicer looking bike, but with a more "nervous" ride. The 32c tires didn't seem to help much with comfort. The Trek was more comfortable, but not as quick. Just to throw a wrinkle in your comparison, both lines actually have three different frames that they call "FX" or "Vita". For example, the Specialized has the base model with the "A1 Aluminum" frame. One level up has the "E5 Aluminum" frame. Beyond that, there is a full carbon version. Trek, of course, has the base FX frame, one with seat stay inserts, and a full carbon version as well.

IMHO, it is totally worth it to go for the E5 frame on the Vita/Sirrus model (which is what I ultimately did). It is a lighter, more compliant frame...and the rim brake model has a carbon fiber fork. It's much more comfy than either of the base frames. If you have to stay in the $500 range, then the FX will be the better option than the Specialized.

what did u decide??
 

Hi! I'm looking at the same bikes as you and trying to decide which one to buy. Just curious which one you decided on and if you liked it!

what did u decide??
 

Hi! I'm looking at the same bikes as you and trying to decide which one to buy. Just curious which one you decided on and if you liked it!

I decided to go with the Specialized Vita. It really came down to aesthetics for me. I just thought the Vita looked "sportier" :)

The 2014 7.2 FX models (which were a little more expensive) did have the Alivio rear deraileur and the "gold" level frame, but the 2015 switched to the Acera rear deraileur and "silver" level frame. The Vita and 7.2 FX are basically completely equal bikes other than the pedals.