MTBnOH

which is better for me if i want to:

use it for exercise (main purpose)
bike paths 95-99% of the time
quick errands to the store
possible, but not often at all, light trail use


lastly, do Mountain Bikers generally not like Hybrid/Fitness bikes????

Industrial

What exactly is a fitness bike?

Most hybrids I see are too large a compromise for any kind of serious riding. They are also far less comfortable than a real city bike. They really don't seem to do anything well IMO. I can understand why people buy them. They don't want to have multiple bikes and that makes sense to me.

I think you would enjoy the trek far more than a hardrock. The hardrock is a really heavy bike that really can do some crazy trails if you want.

Frunkin

go with the fx, it can handle some trails and it has slightly wider tires than other bikes in the fx line. The hardrock is a good bike, but it is only better for the type of riding you do the least

taylor p

i really like the fx

MTBnOH

yeah, I probably should've done some more research before I bought my 2005 Specialized Hardrock Sport. oh well...

MTBnOH

how much faster on the bike path do you guys think the Trek 7.2 fx will be over the Hardrock Sport?

a big difference or no?

taylor p

go test ride one and see

trek1

I my 7.5 but I don't ride it as much as my 2100 and Fuel EX-8. It is a great bike to ride with the family and commute with.

born2bahick

I've owned a hybrid before, The one thing it excelled at was commutting. If you ride paved or concrete bikes paths, a good fitting road bike is a better way to go. If you want to do any trail riding at all, then you really will need a dedicated mountain bike at some point. I found that one "do-it-all" bike, didn't do anything well. Just my personal experience.

Skoper

If you are cool with only ridning on the paths go with the FX.

It is a sweet bike

MTBnOH

Is the Hardrock not really suited to ride bike paths/commute? Am I better off just spending $380 to get a 2nd bike in the fx?

jm01

I have a 7.5fx and it sucks (for me)...bought it for asphalt as I can't ride a roadie because of back problems...but the thing is geared like a comfort hybrid. 11-32 cog set with a 48T big chain ring. Plus its available only in a 17" and 20"...I'd like to see a 19"

but then my daughter rides a 7500fx (same bike but a year older) and likes it

If your looking at the 7.2fx. take a ride on a Specialized Sirrus...12-25 cog set with a 52T big chain ring. Its lighter, faster, climbs like a goat with that granny...the higher price points have carbon forks and rear triangles as well.

My wife rides an Opus flat bar roadie with a triple chain ring...similar to the Sirrus, but available in a smaller size

I'd hesitate on a Specialized MTB unless you ride mostly XC trails

MTBnOH

what's the cheapest you think they'd drop a 2007 7.2fx?
i'm assuming the 08's are coming out soon & the 07 is priced at $379.

they have 3 left in my size alone, so i'm assuming those 3 aren't gonna all fly off the shelves.