You'll enjoy yourself and get in shape, too, on Trek's sporty 7.2 FX. This versatile machine features Trek's light Alpha SL aluminum frame with easy-rolling 700c wheels, a combination that lets you ride further and faster with the same effort. Plus, it sports a hill-flattening 24-speed drivetrain and confidence-inspiring linear-pull brakes. And, you'll love the puncture-resistant tires that keep you pedaling worry-free.
Strengths: Smooth ride, stable, absorbs shocks well. I've had no problems with the shifters-they are smooth. A little clicking on the first front sprocket/high gear-third front sprocket/low gear combos, but that's to be expected.
Weaknesses: Stock seat was wretched! Truly painful! I had to replace it once I started doing 7+ mile rides. The grips were also sub-par.
I've had a lot of problems with numbness in my hands since I started riding, but that's a personal issue and not necessarily the bike's fault. I've made adjustments that help (the new grips and end grips and of course gloves) and the bike has been properly fitted to me.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike on June 1st of this year, so I've actually been riding closer to six months than three. It's also a 2009 model-I couldn't select that on the drop-down. I am big, overweight woman (5'10-237 lbs.) and wanted a bike to ride for fitness. I specifically said that I did not want a road bike (I did not know how serious I would be about riding and I was scared of them) and looked at commuter bikes, but the salesperson steered me towards this bike. It was a good choice. I've probably put about 600 miles on it (a guestimate) since I bought it. The longest ride is 19 miles so far.
I rented a road bike (low end Jamis) recently to see if I was ready to try one and I will eventually, but I think I will keep riding this bike over the winter. Some of the roads I ride on have rough and broken pavement, and this bike handles them more comfortably than the road bike did, though it is certainly heavier. It also gears down lower than the road bike did and I am still having to gear way down to get up hills. Road bikes zip past me all the time when I'm riding, but I didn't get it to race. It is certainly a more stable and secure-seeming ride for someone who hadn't ridden in decades like me, and the geometry is very basic and upright. Overall, I think it is a good value for the money, and a good entry bike for someone just getting back into riding. With some effort, you can get up some decent speed, and it performs well enough not to be frustrating. I don't know enough about bikes in general to know if the frame is good enough that it would be worth upgrading the bike's components. Even if I buy a road bike, I will probably keep this one around for standard commutes and rides to the grocery.
Strengths: Light weight, alot of high end features very well made. Made in America a great plus. Love the way it feels and responds. Very sleek appearance.
Weaknesses: My first ride was 6.5 miles and I thought my butt would be sore forever.
A minor inexpensive fix, to replace the seat.
Bottom Line:
Purchased new 2009 model approx 3 months ago. Had a Schwinn Highplains mountain bike prior to this one. I am very pleased with my choice to purchase a hybrid. Very smooth,light,responsive, comfortable and looks like it should cost hundreds more.
Strengths: Smooth, well-made, reasonable weight, easy to maintain.
Weaknesses: Shimano gear set is a bit chintzy - think about upgrading. Seat could be a bit cushier
Bottom Line:
Looked at comparable Giant and Canondale models and chose this for the ride - it just felt tighter and smoother than the others. It's been maintenance-free and totally reliable despite all the miles. I'm mostly a blacktop rider but it handles light trails well. I don't like shocks (I'd rather have all my energy for forward motion, not up and down), so this works fine. (Had a bike with a front shock - don't miss it.) The Shimano gears aren't the smoothest (a bit notchy), but they always work - no chain flop or hard slips. The seat was okay, but I replaced it. I've had several bikes over the years (Fuji, Nishiki, Giant, etc.) and this one is my favorite.
Weaknesses: Carbon fork for the price would be nice, but you can upgrade to 7.3..I only notice since I'm an experience rider.
Bottom Line:
First off, I have a mountain and road bike. I've used both for commuting in & out of the Medical Center. I purchased the FX series to get the best of both worlds: speed and agility. This is a nice ride for an entry-level commuter and the seasoned rider. Road, trails and Med Ctr streets are handled great by the FX series...
I'm looking for a new bike. I ride mostly on the road, but take the occasional dirt path or through a wooded area. No hard core mountain trails and no street marathons. I've tested Read More »
Hi all, I'm new and i need some advice to help me choose my new bike!
Ps : Sorry for my poor english.
There is many years that i haven't had a bike... so i'm total newbie, i Read More »
Hi Gang -
This is my first post to the forum and could use some advice about 2-3 bikes I am looking to purchase this next week. All bikes are 2010 models.
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Hey all,
Just looking for some opinions on a bike. I'm looking for a bike that I can commute with (wearing a backpack) 10 miles, can use for physical fitness, and also take on Read More »
