GeorgiaBlue

Hi - would like some advice please.
The wife and I are looking at purchasing some bikes and start riding. She would be a casual leisure rider - I am looking at a possible sprint triathlon in August.

The local bike shop carries Trek bikes and has recommended the 7100 for my wife and maybe a 7200 or a 7300 for myself - a bike with better components. I know nothing of components - is the 7200 or 7300 that much better for the money? I'm looking at $290 for the 7100, $350 for the 7200 - I don't have a price on the 7300.

https://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/citybike/7100.jsp

https://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/citybike/7200.jsp

https://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/citybike/7300.jsp

A road bike for me might be a purchase farther down the line - right now the hybrid seems like a good fit for our area and riding needs.

Thanks for any advice!

lobo

I haven't been a Trek owner very long but so far I am happy with mine. I originally had an Trek 7300FX (a 7300 without the suspension components) and now have a Navigator 400 because the FX was too harsh. The nice thing about Treks is they seem to have a huge dealer network so if you dislike one you can go to another.

Everyone wants the best parts possible - but sometimes budget constraints don't allow that. I'd think a good strategy would be to buy what you can afford and if something breaks, THEN upgrade it.

BikeLady

If you are going to be racing on the bike, I would say go for the slightly better components. You'll get lighter weight and smoother shifting for your money. Also, the frame weight decreases and the wheels get lighter as you go up the line.

I work for a Trek dealer, and the 7300 is our breaking point between recreational hybrids and something a little more dedicated.

Ebbtide

If you are serious about racing, I'd consider something more aggresive (Felt sr71, Specialized Sirrus, Trek 7700, or maybe and entry level road bike) for yourself.

As far as the bikes you mentioned, they should all work well, but get what you can depending on budget. At 400 bucks for the 7300 you are just about at the price of something really decent, fast, and fun in the netry level market (new or used).

Hope this helps,

ehenz

MichaelW

The Trek "comfort" bikes are pretty upright. If this is your style of riding, then fair enough, but if you are happy in a more aggressive style of bike, then there is no reason why you can't ride one every day. The flat-bar road bike is lighter, more agile and more fun than comfort style, but is equally practical. Even some of the sport-touring bikes make practical daily rides.
If the bike has low gears (ie a triple chainring), medium tyres, rack and fender fittings then it passes the test for a practical everyday bike.

Don Cook

I'm not sure what a "sprint triathlon" is. I've seen regular triathlon's. The only people on a bicycle similar to what you've shown (Trek 7300) might have been local residents that peddled over to watch the racers. I'd think that the only kinda of rider that could ride what you've shown in a triathlon and be competitive would be someone at the Lance Armstrong level of ability. Or maybe I'm just missing something? Is it a special kinda of race where everone is restricted to riding a bike like the 7300?

GeorgiaBlue

Most people aren't aware that sprint triathlons exist. Ironman Triathlons (like the one that is shown on TV from Hawaii) consist of swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles - the sprint is typically 1/3 mile swim, 9-15 mile bike, and run 3.1 miles.

There is a series here in Georgia called "Tri the Parks" https://www.tribluesky.com/ and I'm heading to Carrollton in the morning to watch. I'm planning on competing in the August 21st version. I have been told that MANY people ride hybrids and mountain bikes in these events. Plus, I don't own any kind of bike, so I hate to drop $500+ on something I may not ever do again. That's why I'm curious about components and if the difference between a 7100 and 7300 is enough for me to warrant an additional $150 purchase.

btb

I have a 2 year old 7500. Love it. I ride at least four times a week in various terrain, and find the bike very comfortable, capable of handling hills, road and improved trails well. I used to ride a racing bike, until my back started giving me trouble, I am now sold on the upright comfortable hybrid.
I am in the process of getting a bike for my wife. I will probably get her the 7300. It is actually compairable to my older 7500. From what I can tell, the 7100 is a good basic hybrid. The 7200 improves by being lighter and more durable. We are going with the 7300 because it has a better rear derailer that will require less adjustments as we ride more.

HalfHearted

I'd go for the 7300. I love mine. One thing to keep in mind with just about any upright bike is that you are simply not going to be competitive with riders on dropped-bar road bikes. You may lead the pack of other hybrid and mountain-bike riders, but after three miles you will be very lucky indeed to have even the average roadies in sight at the end of the ride.

The issue is wind resistance. At around 10MPH aerodynamics start to become a significant factor. Riding upright with arms akimbo on those wide bars is like pedaling a parachute into the wind. And should you actually run into a decent headwind, it can almost stop you in your tracks. I recently found a set of split "aero bars" intended for road bikes that I was able to add to my 7300. These bars are nowhere near as good as drops, but even these bars make a difference of easily 2 or 3 MPH - and that's at speeds in the low teens. If you are a faster rider the difference will be even more significant because wind resistance rises somewhat exponentially with speed.

Aero bars on a hybrid

mrdoright0405

I just bought a Trek 7100. This is my first Trek and I Love it. Rides like a Cadillac. I highly recommend this bike.

tarmac

I own a 2004 Trek 7200. I've enjoyed this bike immensely. However, aerodynamics are a problem at higher speeds. I can see the necessity of drop handlebars and higher seats on racing bikes. My hybrid is a great all round utility bike, and I'm excited about trying it out as a touring bike later this summer. Of course, like anything built as a combination it does a little bit of everything, but performs no single function very well.

My next bike will probably be a dedicated road bike or mountain bike.


-Matt C.-

arctic hawk

If you are like me, I participate (in duathlons, can't swim) for the fun of it. So, the term racing is used very loosely when it is applied to me. I have seen a few participants with hybrids & mountain bikes. Mind you all the serious looking people have some serious looking equipment.
I did my 1st duathlon event ever last year (finished just about deadlast) & loved it so much that I am back for more this year. I hope to have 5 completed by the end of this season (not any faster than last year but more experienced).
I hope you have as much fun as I & return for more. Just remember, the only person you are trying to beat is yourself.

str8shooter

I've had a Trek 7200 for a couple years now. After a little over 3300 miles I would say it has been a real good bike. Still going strong with all the original parts. The rear tire is showing signs of wear and the cables needed a couple adjustment over those miles. All in all I'd say it was a great bike for the money. Took it on its last long trip last Saturday did my first century on it. I was fairly comfortable after the 100 miles,and was nowhere near exhausted after the ride. Just wish I was wearing bike shorts after about 80 miles my butt began to get a little sore.

It was here last long ride because I picked up my new Trek 5000 roadbike yesterday. I put 50 miles on it yesterday . Faster yes. As comfortable no, but I didn't expect that. Even with bike shorts. In my opinion I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 7000 series bikes.