yatesd

Well, I finally bit the bullet and bought an 08' Trek 7500 hybrid yesterday for $730 (actually two, one for me and one for my wife).

The bike I replaced was a Trek 830 mountain bike from 1994 which has only seen moderate use. My wife and I wanted to start riding some more and we wanted one bike that could handle rail trails, bike paths, and roadways (but be road biased). Although the 830 was nice enough, it never seemed very comfortable and the overall geometry for roads was too much of a compromise.

This was a difficult decision. I was initially inclined to go with the Trek 7.5 FX which was about the same price. However, I was not convinced it could really handle dirt paths and rail trails as well as the 7500. The 7500 was redesigned in 08' and includes the same wheels as the 7.5 FX and a lighter integrated front shock. I also like the 50mm rise on the handlebars, seatpost suspension, more comfortable seat, and quality components. Sure the FX series is lighter, but the weight difference would be minimal if I decided to add the more comfortable seat, adjustable seatpost, adjustable handlebars, etc....after the purchase (plus it would have cost me more).

Anyway, I really think this bike is a much more practical setup for our needs. I look forward to checking out this forum periodically.

---Don't you think there should be a dedicated hybrid section on this forum???---

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Doug

DrJ

I would vote for this idea. There isn't a hybrid specific forum anywhere I have seen. Maybe there are not enough of us.

Jim

yatesd

I doubt that, Trek has a whole catalog just dedicated to road path bikes with the FX and the 7000 series at the more serious end of the scale. Specialized, Cannondale, Gary Fisher, and just about every major player offers some kind of hybrid (even if it goes under a different name).

I just can't imagine there aren't more people out there who would like to own just one bike and be able to use the same well made bike for roads, bike paths, and rail trails. I suspect there are way too many people who own mountain bikes that have never rode them down a mountain, and there are way too many people who ride road bikes, who are scared when they see gravel and potholes (every few feet in PA).

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Doug

badger1

I think yatesd has it right, re. more than enough people riding 'hybrids,' however derived/created, to justify a section. But I'd go a little further: everyone (and there are MANY) who rides an mtb, with or without suspension, but with road tires rather than knobbies, is effectively riding a 'hybrid' -- that's essentially where the (marketing as a separate bike type) idea came from. That's what I ride, by preference, and for EXACTLY yatesd's reasons, + a couple more:

--I like having one, very well made/set up bike to cover my riding interests (road, three-season daily commuting on very bad, high-traffic roads, light touring, the occasional off-road foray)
-- as it happens, I prefer the mtb wheel size with a very light, 1.5" tire, for (for me) the best compromise between comfort, quick handling, acceleration; may switch to 650B/disc once these wheels are more readily available -- seems a really good idea
-- a really good hardtail mtb, set up for road riding, tends to be significantly lighter than most 700c hybrids, though there are some really nice, light hybrids being marketed now.

I also think that one reason there's no section on forum boards is simple bike snobbery: many cyclists equate being serious about cycling with riding a road racing bike, or a full-on mtb. Can't count the number of threads, in various sections, where someone asks for help choosing between two or a few 'hybrids' and is immediately told that he/she REALLY wants and MUST get a road bike, cross bike, etc. etc. when it's quite clear that that is not the case at all.

Bob_in_Midland

I certainly am one of those people. Since '97, I've been looking for a bike that will handle about anything I throw at it. I've had a hardtail MTB, a fully suspended Fisher, four recumbents, and I've been less than completely satisfied with all of them. While I don't ride singletrack anymore, I do not want a bike that can only be ridden on pristine asphalt either.

I started looking at the Rans Crankforward bikes, which led me to look at offerings from Giant, Specialized, Trek, and others. I finally decided to buy a Specialized Crossroads, which I feel will handle most of my needs. I've been riding my wife's Giant Sedona over the last couple of weeks, and I've been having a blast on it. I am so happy that the bike companies have begun to focus on bikes with geometry which give us the benefits of MTB versatility along with comfort.

I can't wait for the bike to get here!!!

yatesd

The one bike dealer in my town carries Specialized and I wanted to check out the Crossroads Elite. The Crossroad series certainly seems like a nice line (from what I can tell on the website). Unfortunately, the dealer didn't have any in stock.

You'll need to let us know how you like it!

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Doug

HardyWeinberg

Or a touring style road-like bike w/ mtn bike gears, you could then say. I guess the question is what is being hybridized, is it anything that is in between road racing and mtn racing?

Congrats to OP on new ride(s) anyway!

yatesd

Trek defines a hybrid as, "A bike that has a "flat" handlebar similar to a mountain bike, but with 700c wheels similar to a road bike.".

Personally, I think the "conditions of use" for my bike type in the manual is even more descriptive. The manual basically adds these additional capabilities over a road bike, "plus smooth gravel roads and improved trails with moderate grades where the tires do not lose ground contact".

From my perspective, this simply means any bike that is designed so as to integrate some aspects of a mountain bike and some aspects of a road bike. If going fast is your only priority a road bike is a better choice, and if you have intentions of taking the bike on some difficult mountain trails, then a mountain bike is a better choice.

Interestingly enough, even a typical mountain bike has some compromises, as Trek doesn't allow for jumping on any bikes except for its' most extreme models.

The rules for a normal mountain bike according to Trek:
"Conditions 1 (road bike) and 2 (hybrid) plus rough trails, small obstacles, and smooth technical areas, including areas where momentary loss of tire contact with the ground may occur. NOT jumping."

professorkev

Hey DOug, I just checked out a Giant and the trek 7.3fx. seemed nice, and they had a 2 year old 7500 next to it. ALthough it had shocks the dealer said it would be overkill for me (My main purpose is riding around town, excerize trips in the am, and toying a burley wagon for the kid every now and then.

yatesd

I am sure almost any of these bikes will be better than trying to find one at the local big box store.

I probably erred on the side of overkill because I wanted a nice bike that I would look forward to riding and could grow with me if I actually start using it more often. As far as the 7500 series, please be aware this model was changed pretty drastically for 2008. The suspension is really only designed for rail trails or the bumps on the boardwalk at the beach.

As a matter of fact, I am enjoying my vacation this week down in Ocean City, MD. Most days I am pulling a trailer on the boardwalk. Today, we also did the bike path loop on Assateague Island. It was really nice riding right next to the wild horses and deer. My trailer carried a 2 year old girl, diaper bag, beach toys, and picnic items...

Bob_in_Midland

It should be here tomorrow! If it rides anything like the one I tested at the LBS, I am sure I will love it. I've been having a blast riding my wife's Sedona around, and this one will fit me better.

One thing I noticed immediately was how nice trigger shifters were. I haven't had a bike with them on it for some years now (since I got out of riding mtb bikes). It will be very nice to have them back on my handlebars.

More after I have it put together and have ridden it.

shoofly

Yasted,

What was your primary reason you went with the 7500 instead of the 7300? I am only curious, because I am considering both. The 7500 is about $250.00 higher than the 7300. Are the derailleurs on the 7500 higher quality?

Thanks,

yatesd

Shoofly,

Using the compare tool on Trek's site here are some of the differences:

-Upgraded wheels (Bontrager SSR)
-Upgraded shifters (Shimano Deore)
-Upgraded front & rear derailer (Shimano Deore vs. Shimano Alivio)
-Upgraded Crank (Shimano 443 Octalink)
-Upgraded Cassette (SRAM PG950 vs 830)
-Upgraded Pedals (Alloy versus plastic)
-Upgraded Seat (Bontrager Satellite Plus) not sure what the "plus" advantage offers
-Upgraded Brakes (Shimano M421 vs Tektro)

I certainly don't claim to be a bike expert (not even close), but it appeared to be decent upgrades for the price difference. I knew I wanted good components and I believe the 7500 offers a good compromise between price and performance. Of course, if you spend about $320 more than the 7500 you can buy the 7700 but this was beyond what I wanted to spend.

bkaapcke

The 7500 is a real nice bike for all but the most serious riders. I bought one for my wife, but she didn't want it, meaning I spent too much money. So I gave it to one of my bike buddies. It's a perfect fit for him and he loves it. Enjoy your new bikes. bk

TrekDen

Nice choice on your new bikes. I like the idea of the integrated SPA front fork. Although I've become more of a road bike rider, I still like to take my old 7100 out on my local rail-trails. The only thing I don't like about mine is the heavy RST front fork, but I guess I could always change that out eventually.

I hope your wife, and you enjoy the heck out of those bikes.

Denny

Oh, and welcome to the forums from another Pennsylvanian a little south of Pittsburgh.

yatesd

Denny,

Thanks for the kind words. We actually had to order my wife's bike and just picked it up on Friday. She seems excited about the bike and I hope this will translate into some fun rides and more exercise!

Lion Steve

---Don't you think there should be a dedicated hybrid section on this forum???---

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Doug[/QUOTE]


I agree. My wife and I both have Trek hybrids for our rides together, plus, I ride by myself on a road bike. It seems that when a person has more than one bike, many times a hybrid is included in their stable.

Underworld

Yatesd,
If you don't mind, could you share any experience with the integrated suspension on the fork? Is it adjustable, does it look like its going to withstand a few seasons of wear and tear (and dirt)?

I'm looking at the 7300 myself.

BTW, has anyone out there added bar ends (or any other type of bar extensions) to the 7XXX series? I've been debating going with a cyclocross frame, primarily for the varied hand positions (I get numb hands while riding). Any recommendations on bar ends (make/model)?

thanks

yatesd

Underworld,

The integrated suspension fork has a small amount of travel but the weight penalty also seems small. It is not adjustable, but the owner thought the spring could be exchanged for a different rating if needed. The owner speculated that the patent on the Cannondale integrated suspension had run out allowing for this new design.

The handlebar style doesn't seem to allow for bar ends. If this is a priority the FX series or a Cyclocross may be a better choice.

Good Luck!

Underworld

any chance you could post a photo of the 7500. I am curious to see it from different angles. trek only posts one photo. The color scheme is sorts of beige and white right?

Bob_in_Midland

I looked at that very bike yesterday when I was in the shop. It is a very nice bike. I was really looking at the Pure Sport that I wound up buying, but I always like looking at new bikes. The person I was working with was delighted in showing off his extensive knowledge of the Trek bike line , but I didn't mind too much as I was busy ogling the inventory.

I thought that the headshock was an interesting addition to the line. It makes the front lines cleaner, yet still should provide enough suspension to take the road buzz off.

Congratulations on your new rides!

yatesd

Here are some pictures I took when first purchased:

bbattle

Tons of hybrid riders. My favorite LBS can't keep enough of them in stock. Those and the FX series sell very well here.

professorkev

Hey doug, did you put those handlebar grips on there? (I saw them on a Specialized bike) I thought I test drove the 2006 series and found it dragged (or had slow pick up) because of the front suspension. what are your thoughts?

creakylegs

My first post here, and I would love to see a hybrid forum.

I pedal a KHS urban x-cel and love it, and my wife is getting a Scott Sportster P4
for Christmas which will be an upgrade over what she's riding now.
We live in Michigan, and I at least, ride year round as long as the snow doesn't get to silly depths. We pedal locally in s.e. Michigan on the paved tracks, but have pedaled countless miles on the rail to trails and paved bike trails in northern Michigan. I love it, and can't get enough of it and have lost 120 pounds doing it.