limonchik0715

So my bike was just stolen, and I am looking for a new one.

The bike is 95% for 2-3 mile rides to class, 5% for 5-10 mile rides, all on paved streets.

I narrowed it down to:
Trek 7200 $389.99
https://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/citybike/7200.jsp

Trek 7200FX $359.99
https://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2005/citybike/7200fx.jsp

Trek 7300 $439.99
https://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2005/citybike/7300.jsp

Trek 7300FX $419.99
https://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2005/citybike/7300fx.jsp

Motobecane Jubilee Deluxe $295.00
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=98083&item=7138314173&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
https://www.motobecane.com/MBUSAdlx.html

My main question is, what is the difference between the FX and the non-FX Treks?

I am used to Mountain bikes and dont' want a bike where I will be sitting very upright. Can someone recommend a bike based on components (I don't know much about them) as well as sitting position? I Don't want to sit too upright.

How does the Jubilee compare to the Trek bikes, any advice?

The Trek I would buy at the local bike shop, but the Jubilee has to be purchased online, I am not sure if I want to end up buying a bike online, my local shop offers free adjustments for a year.

alanbikehouston

The Trek website has detailed specs for each bike. If you are going to ride only on well paved roads, there is no need to pay extra for front suspension, with its added weight and maintainance hassles.

The service and support of a neighborhood LBS is valuable. Every new bike benefits from adjustments after a few hundred miles of riding, after the brake and shifting cables have stretched a bit. An LBS will also take care of any warranty issues that arise. A mail order bike may save a bit of money for a skilled home mechanic, but, for most folks, can a poor investment.

limonchik0715

What do you think about the Jubilee bike, how does it compare to the Treks?

feltrider

The Trek 7200 and 7300 have a front shock on the front fork and a raised type handle bar for more comfort. Where as the FX's have a solid fork and a straight handle bar for a sportier and more road like ride.

Bontrager

I disagree. You'll love the suspension on the Trek non FX bikes (the FX removes the front suspension and seat suspension). There is no maintenance listed in the manual for the front suspension and it's pretty much sealed and doesn't contain user-serviceable-parts If you're looking for a smooth ride from point A to point B then go ahead and get the suspension on the bike. Your butt and arms will thank you.

I would definately go for a bike purchased locally vs eBay. Your LBS will make it much easier for warranty items and tuneups and checkups - most of which will be free.

The Trek bikes you listed for the most part are pretty upright. You can put the stem down all the way and tilt the adjustable stem but you're still gonna be upright. If you want to ride hunched/leaned over then you want something like a road bike or a small bike with a high seat.

If you already have a MTN bike then just slap some less aggressive tires on it.

With that said and taking into account your local crime statistics getting a good used bike (check with your LBS) and making it look as plain as possible may be your ticket to peace of mind.

You might even consider a cheap, disposable walmart bike (did I just say that?) if there are problems with bikes getting stolen in your area. I'd hate to drop $350 on a bike and have it stolen or vandalized. With that money you could have purchased 4 walmart bikes.

catatonic

I havent ridden a jubilee, but I have a 2001 Vent Noir, and it's one hell of a nice bike. Holds up to me quite well, and really makes for a nice commuter.

Now for bike theft issues...you may just want to get a beater of some flavor. I was in a high theft area before, and had some problems like that...all I gotta say...1989 Trek 1100....great bike, you can get em for around $100 in decent shape anymore, and the ride is pretty decent.

onanov

I ended up buying one of the Motobecane Jubilee Deluxe bikes. I was looking for a more upright bike than my old Jamis Coda due to some back and neck problems I've been having. I'm not unhappy with it although I see I paid Bikes Direct more than you did. Mine was $400. The bike seems to be pretty well made, but I don't think it's an exceptional deal at that price. The nostalgia factor is there--although who knows what Motobecane would be making now if they were still a real live going concern. I call this bike my "Psuedo"becane. I'm a graphic designer, and i think whoever did the graphics for the "new" Motobecane were pretty sensitive to the old corporate image.

I ended putting some wider rat-trap pedals on mine--the pedals that came with the bike just aren't sufficiently wide for the shoes I wear to work. By the time i put the pedals on, a bike rack, and the requisite fenders (this bikes suspension front fork DOES NOT have eyelets for fenders--this really should be on a bike sold in the comfort class).

Would i do this again--buying from Bikes Direct rather than my LBS? Probably not. Even though my local bike shops in Iowa City are not the most pleasant places to do business. This was a novelty item for me--i rode original Motos back in the 70s and early 80s.

Sigurdd50

I lived in Iowa City in the late 70's and early 80's
I was also surprised at the lack of decent wheel houses then
the one shop downtown... what was it called?
might have been World of BIkes, but the place I recall was on Dubuque street, right in downtown, by the smoke shop

I haven't been there in some years.

They sold Xcountry skis too

af2nr

That's funny because my wife's FX7200 has seat suspension...

fmw

I bought a Jubilee Trail for my wife. It is a very good value, I think. It has a Shimano Altus drive train that works just fine after a minor adjustment. It was $290 delivered. My wife enjoys it and thinks it is better than her old Jamis Aragon hybrid. I wouldn't disagree although it is really an MTB with partial slicks and an adjustable handlebar stem. The Aragon had 700mm wheels. The Jubilee Trail was about 40% less than the Jamis. Riding with her gives me a chance haul out my MTB for a little exercise. It was a great purchase, in my opinion.