Trek 2001 7500

Price Paid:  $900.00 at Bikeplanet, Haarlem, The Netherlands

Favorite Ride:
To the beach

Bike Setup:
standard setup, BBB handlebars

Summary:
This is just a great bike. It looks great, it's good for all kind of terrain. On the road, but also in the woods and in the dunes. Great brakes and gearset. It takes some time before you gonna like the saddle, but when you've broke it....great. You get a upride steer but that's great and it's very functional. You can get it in different settings. I'm using this bike almost every day and never had trouble with it.

Strengths:
Looks, comfort, reliable, fork, gear setup and V-Brakes

Weaknesses:
pedals (reflector's lost in the first week)and the saddlepin.

Similar Products Used:
Gazelle Hybride, Giant roadbike

Price Paid:  $520.00 at Smith Cycling LaCrosse Wisconsin

Favorite Ride:
Any time I can get away

Bike Setup:
Standard stuff.

Summary:
The bottom line is this, if you are looking for a hybrid to just getting back or starting into biking this is an excellent choice. I have put in between 70-100 miles per week since I got it and have enjoyed every time out. I am not an expert just a guy out riding to stay in shape (54 years old)and experience the thrill of riding. I plan my next purchase to be a road bike (looking at a Trek 2300) and ride the Aids ride from Minn. to Chicago in 2002. Riding has become my passion since I can't run anymore. I wish I would have taken it a while ago. This bike is a great place to start. Enjoy.

Strengths:
I am 5'7" 210 pounds and needed something to ride and feel comfortable. I had been a runner (Chicago Marthon), but old knees were doing me in, finding biking again and having comfort at the same time is been wonderful.

Weaknesses:
I don't know enought about bikes to come up with one, maybe just a little tought to shift going up hill, but otherwise no complaints.

Similar Products Used:
Had tried out a few other bikes similar, but enjoyed this one the most.

Price Paid:  $519.00 at Planet Bike, E. Brunswick, NJ

Favorite Ride:
Sunday am - before traffic

Bike Setup:
Specialized Body Geometry Comfort saddle, alloy pedals with cages, flat pack and frame pump, Trek rear rack, front and rear lights, bell/compass, Specialized computer (simple), mirror, water bottles

Summary:
The bike was a present to myself for my 60th birthday. I got a lot of encouragement from an old friend who's a "roadie." As much as I like the looks of the road bikes and roadie "costumes," I didn't think my back and knees could take the punishment. I did some homework, and visited the LBS a couple of times before deciding on a hybrid, even knowing that they are the Rodney Dangerfield of biking. LBS features Trek, so that narrowed the choice. I tried the 7300 but decided that front suspension was worth the extra $$. This is an excellent bike for recreational riding on roads. I haven't tried it off-road,so won't comment on that aspect. Twist shifters (with easy to see gear numbers) are simple to use, and work smoothly most of the time. (Changing gears on hills can be a bit tricky.) Brakes are fine. I have a small behind, and the stock saddle was was too wide for me. LBS switched it at no charge. Stock pedals seem to be intended to be taken off. I put on pedals with cages, for now, and may go to clipless later on. Front handle bar can be adjusted (i.e. it tilts forward and back). This adjustment is useful in finding a comfortable riding position. All around an excellent bike, if it's the kind of bike you want.

Strengths:
adjustable handle bars
front suspension
easy shifting
looks good

Weaknesses:
same as just about all reviewers - saddle and pedals.
color selection - would have liked more choice, but dark green has grown on me since I've had it

Similar Products Used:
This was my first bike purchase since 1970 and first time biking in 20 years. Also looked at C'dale and Jamis.