About to purchase hybrid, loving the Trek 7.2fx - advice?

[CarrboroShane]

Hi guys,

I'm new to cycling, and don't think I'm quite ready for a 'real' road bike yet, so I'm in the market for a hybrid that I can take for longer rides while still using around town. I visited two bike shops yesterday, and my favorite bike that I tested is the Trek 7.2fx. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger, but I figured I should stop by and see if anyone has any advice for me before I do.

I'm reading a bunch of reviews online (tried to click the 'bike reviews' section on this site, but it just brought me to the main page), and trying to educate myself, but there's no substitute for hearing it from real bikers. Thanks in advance for any help, and I'm glad to be here!

-Shane

 

[CarrboroShane]

Also, I'm 6'1", 215. Yesterday I was riding the 17.5" frame. Is that basically what I should be looking for?

 

[TKOS]

I have a few friends that have some of the older models of that series and they have no issues. Trek makes a really good bike (I have their entry road bike and it has been great for years).

If it fits you and you like the ride then go for it.

 

[Sheepy]

Check around for used? Ive even seen some Trek 7.5 FXs going for prices similar to a new 7.2

 

[JM01]

Hi guys,

I'm new to cycling, and don't think I'm quite ready for a 'real' road bike yet, so I'm in the market for a hybrid that I can take for longer rides while still using around town. I visited two bike shops yesterday, and my favorite bike that I tested is the Trek 7.2fx. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger, but I figured I should stop by and see if anyone has any advice for me before I do.

I'm reading a bunch of reviews online (tried to click the 'bike reviews' section on this site, but it just brought me to the main page), and trying to educate myself, but there's no substitute for hearing it from real bikers. Thanks in advance for any help, and I'm glad to be here!

-Shane

I've got a 7.5fx in the garage that I rarely ride. It's the same frame as the 7.2 with upgraded components, but it's essentially a hybrid that does everything OK but nothing really well.

Fit is an issue as the frames are either too small or too big...I ended up with a medium (20"!) and replaced the stem with a shorter model. The geometry is somewhere between a mountain bike and a hybrid, but is too laid back for performance type riding. The 11-32 cassette and triple chain rings are pure old lady hybrid.

I now spend my time on a flat bar road bike and let the Trek collect dust.

 

[alfeng]

Also, I'm 6'1", 215. Yesterday I was riding the 17.5" frame. Is that basically what I should be looking for?

FWIW. I would think a 17.5" frame would be considered a M/L size ... and, at your height, I would think that you would be happier (maybe not today, but a month or two down the road) with a L or possibly even an XL frame ... that is, whatever has a 60cm (or, longer) virtual top tube.

 

[JM01]

Also, I'm 6'1", 215. Yesterday I was riding the 17.5" frame. Is that basically what I should be looking for?

Sorry...too many variables, you need to ride the bike for an hour, or so, to get a sense of fit.

If you're built like an average male, rule of thumb says you need a large, however, if your torso is longer than average, with a shorter inseam, you may need the medium with a longer stem, and a riser bar.

Using my wife and daughter as an example, my wife rides an XS men's frame with a riser because she has shorter legs. longer arms. My daughter is built like a girl (longer legs, shorter arms than men) and needs a WSD medium frame with stock bars and cranks.

Unless you're vanilla average, you need to ride the bike to know, that's why many should never buy bikes on the internet or in dept. stores.

 

[JM01]

FWIW. I would think a 17.5" frame would be considered a M/L size ... and, at your height, I would think that you would be happier (maybe not today, but a month or two down the road) with a L or possibly even an XL frame ... that is, whatever has a 60cm (or, longer) virtual top tube.

This is why you need to be careful. ..in the Trek fx series, 17.5" is their small size, 20" is medium, 22.5" is large...you can't use their seat tube length to try to estimate fit.

That's how I got screwed with a 20" when I should have gone with the 22.5".

Ever since Trek moved to China, all of their frames are messed up.

 

[Sheepy]

Funnily enough Im seriously considering a Trek 7.2 FX , even though I was about to go out and buy a Giant Transend, ugh the choices!

If you can afford it the 7.3FX is a worthwhile upgrade. Although I dont know if I can ;P

 

[JM01]

Funnily enough Im seriously considering a Trek 7.2 FX , even though I was about to go out and buy a Giant Transend, ugh the choices!

If you can afford it the 7.3FX is a worthwhile upgrade. Although I dont know if I can ;P

Why...same frame, same geometry, more expensive bits.

99% of the people that buy these bikes won't notice any difference between the 7.2 and 7.3.

Before looking at another Trek hybrid, check out the Specialized Sirrus or a flat bar Scott Speedster S60

 

[Sheepy]

Why...same frame, same geometry, more expensive bits.

99% of the people that buy these bikes won't notice any difference between the 7.2 and 7.3.

Before looking at another Trek hybrid, check out the Specialized Sirrus or a flat bar Scott Speedster S60

You're probably right. Although I thought the 7.3 FX comes with a cro-mo fork? Slight upgrade to shifters/tyres and deore doesnt hurt either.

Also I seemed to remember the old 7.2 used to have seat suspension (bleh) guess they changed it.

Speaking of alternatives, I think I've been swayed by the Avanti Blade 3.0, >>

 

[JM01]

You're probably right. Although I thought the 7.3 FX comes with a cro-mo fork? Slight upgrade to shifters/tyres and deore doesnt hurt either.

Also I seemed to remember the old 7.2 used to have seat suspension (bleh) guess they changed it.

Speaking of alternatives, I think I've been swayed by the Avanti Blade 3.0, >>

Here's an option that may be of interest...although I've got a garage full of road and mountain bikes, I've been buying vintage road bikes lately and converting them to flat bar performance hybrids as I hate drops. The geometry of the better roadies hasn't changed much over the years, and you can get quite the ride for pennies on the dollar.

This is my in-town bike, a vintage Gitane Professional Tour de France, CroMo frame, Simplex/Sugano drive train, Mavic wheel set, hand made in France. It's well under 19lb and cost a total of $65.00, mostly for new rubber (700X23C) and tubes....I'm told that it sold for over $1,000 when new in the 80's.

It blows new bikes off the road...

 

[Mondo Endo]

I recently bough a 7.3 after being off bikes for about 20 years. I wanted to get a real road bike but the ergos for me were an issue (I had neck surgery and need an upright seating position ) I have nothing but good to say about this bike, Ive had mine for about 2 months and have put almost 700 miles on it so far with no problems. I was looking at my local bike shop but found mine on craigslist used (an 09) for half of new price with pump, tool kit, extra tube, and computer (94 miles on it) I have ridden with others who have the high end road bikes and all the racer gear but never seem to have a problem keeping pace wich seems to bother some of them and makes me laugh..... Hey its all about the legs

 

[rawhite1969]

i have been riding a Trek 7300, 57cm, from 2001 since this spring. Had to put new wheels and tires on but otherwise is solid. I'm 5'10" 215lbs. It is likely a bit too large but feels fine when riding (I can "just" stand over the crossbar). I ride 100 miles a week on it with no issues. Some nice longevity from Trek!

 

[JM01]

i have been riding a Trek 7300, 57cm, from 2001 since this spring. Had to put new wheels and tires on but otherwise is solid. I'm 5'10" 215lbs. It is likely a bit too large but feels fine when riding (I can "just" stand over the crossbar). I ride 100 miles a week on it with no issues. Some nice longevity from Trek!

Yes, Mrs. M. has a 7300 Multitrack, the one with the suspension fork and seatpost. She had to throw the factory saddle into the garbage a half hour into her first ride, but she still rides it occasionally (rarely). She calls it her mini-van with it's mountain bike wheelbase and drive train. Hates those 700x38c tires.

She uses it now to ride the rail trails and other packed gravel bike paths....makes a good errand bike after we installed the carrier and panniers.

 

[sixfour]

I have had a Trek 7.2FX 2009 for about eighteen months. I have put 950 miles on it so far this year, riding about 15 to 25 miles at a time. I have had no problems with it and enjoy riding it. I am 6' and have the 22.5". With a little seat adjustment, the bike fit me fine and is comfortable (the guy at my LBS called Trek to figure out if I needed the 22.5" or the size down). If you are looking to do some recreational riding it is a good bike for what my opinion is worth.

Before I got the Trek I had not owned a bike for about 15 years. Body isn't taking to the high impact exercise so much anymore so I got back on. I am really enjoying my time on the bike and have already begun looking for another bike, something that will let me ride in a more agressive position. The 7.2 is more mtn bike, I think I looking for more of a road bike. If you think that you may get the bug, I would recommend saving the $$ on the 7.2 and looking for a road bike. You can get a nice used road bike for the same amount. That said, even if I get a road bike, I would keep my 7.2 for family rides with the trail-a-bike and commutes to work with a backpack.

 

[rawhite1969]

Yes, Mrs. M. has a 7300 Multitrack, the one with the suspension fork and seatpost. She had to throw the factory saddle into the garbage a half hour into her first ride, but she still rides it occasionally (rarely). She calls it her mini-van with it's mountain bike wheelbase and drive train. Hates those 700x38c tires.

She uses it now to ride the rail trails and other packed gravel bike paths....makes a good errand bike after we installed the carrier and panniers.

I was on a road bike before the 7300. With flat bars and bar ends, I'm in a similar position to when I was on the hoods on the road bike. I am not the right shape to be in the drops It seems to absorb the cracks and ruts of neighborhood streets pretty well.