LuckyLu

I am looking to purchase a new bike. I was debating between a hybrid or something with more performance. After test riding a few, I am leaning towards the Trek FX. I was debating between the 7.3 FX & the 7.5 FX. Is the 7.5 worth the extra $$? Suggestions anyone...

enzed

Hello, from Austrailia.

I own a Trek fx bike, a late model 7100fx. Mine's been added on a bit - a rear rack, toeclips and bar ends. Trek fx bikes make good commuters and light touring bikes.
Mine is running Acera gearing. Acera does the job but has been needing some tweeking lately, I think it's wearing out.


The 7.5fx has Tiagra shimano and a carbon fork, whereas the 7.3fx only has Deore and an aluminium fork.
I reckon, buy the bike with the best quality components. So I'd recommend the 7.5fx if you can afford it.


Happy riding

k_r_

I've got a 7.3 fx that I've been using since this summer to commute a few days a week. Personally, I feel it was the best choice for me since it's a solid bike and I'm too unexperienced to appreciate anythign ritzier. I'm a student and mostly commute around town on it, but I can see it is very much a hybrid in the sense that it can handle multiple tasks very sparingly. It can take a few bumps on very tame paths and shorter, slower road rides, but I would hardly consider it a "performance" bike by any means.

-=(8)=-

I have a WSD Trek 7.3 (for sale, too !) and I would suggest asking for a free service
or two after the sale. The front derailleur on ours will not stay in adjustment.

LuckyLu

Maybe not "high performance", but it was more responsive than the Hybrids I tried. I guess technically it is a fitness bike by Trek's description. Free service is good advice. Why are you selling your Trek 7.3?

bbattle

The 7.5 FX has a carbon fork vs. aluminum for the 7.3FX

Better wheels, 9speed 11-26 road cassette vs. 8 speed 11-30 mountain cassette, better derailleurs, better shifters. Better triple crank, too.

If you plan to do a lot of riding, the 7.5FX is the way to go. They both have the disc brake option but I feel that's overkill. The 7.5 also comes in the LiveStrong version which is $50 more but has the distinctive paintjob and $25 of that goes to the Lance Armstrong foundation to fight cancer.

I got my wife the 7.5FX wsd and she loves it a lot more than her hybrid. I added barends to give her another hand position and also a wireless computer and saddlebag. On our last ride she averaged 14mph on a 27mile ride. The bike is very fast on the roads but she's also had no problems on dirt roads, either. It has room for wider tires and/or knobbies if you wanted to some off-roading and can take racks on the front and back. Also fenders.

George

I have a Trek FX 7.3 and I think it's a great bike for the money. I wanted something in steel with a CF fork for more comfort and went to the Jamis Coda Elite.I think the parts on the Jamis are much better than the Trek.