Mine is actually a 2008 model. This is fun, easy to ride, well built. As a new rider I've put a bit over 200 miles on it in the past month and a half. I've worked from 4 to 10 miles every day and its been a blast on the Trek 7300. I've had four heart attacks and have an implanted defibrillator and needed a low impact way to exercise that was fun.
Similar Products Used: I tried a number of models and was fitted by the retailer when purchasing.
Bike Setup: Standard equipment. Added front and rear flashing lights, two water bottle cages, a trip computer, seat pack as well as a cellphone holder, and a tire pump. Upgraded pedals to Forte clips (match biking shoes).
Weaknesses: Heavy, ride is a little harsh typical of an aluminum bike
Bottom Line:
This is a solid, back to biking bicycle. Quality equipment, Good tires. Fun to ride. Easy to ride. Not twitchy at all.
Ride is a little harsh even with the front shock and suspension seat. Basically a good quality bike to get some excercise and see the sights.
This bicycle shop had on staff someone who read my requirements like a book and after speed reading my pros and cons, recommended the Trek 7300. I'm very happy with the books ending.
I had been thinking about returning to bicycling for a few years now, cholestrol, blood pressure, etc, but could not figure what to get. Then while my wife was browsing a closeout sale in a jewelry store next door, I wandered into this bicycle shop. Again a hundred or more bikes there on the rack, all the reasons I could'nt decide before. But for this time a saleperson spent on an otherwise unlikely looking purchaser, my situation was reversed by a couple words. "Youre looking for a comfort hybrid, wheels that work better for road than off road, flat bar and suspension for comfort and gearing for efficiency." Sounded right.
The trek has lived up to those promises.
I like that darn blue finish as well.
Similar Products Used: previous bike was road bike from 20 plus year ago, Centurian with Shimano 500 groppo.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jac Polsgrove
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2007
Strengths: Comfortable riding position that can be adjusted easily. With 24 speeds, I can take the bike up just about any of the hills I encounter without grunting and groaning! I love the shocks and the nice, well-padded seat. They make for a comfortable ride around town.
Weaknesses: I don't like the wires on top of the horizontal top tube, or whatever it's called. There are little rubber widgets on the cables to keep them off the metal, but I imagine it's only a matter of time before they wear out and the cables start scratching the paint.
Bottom Line:
I'm 52 and a recent physical found me with high cholesterol and blood pressure and an admonition by my doctor to lose weight, exercise and change my diet. I've lost 30 pounds so far, changed my diet dramatically, and my exercise has consisted solely of daily brisk-paced walks. Even with an iPod, the walks are becoming boring, so after reading up and doing some test riding, I ended up with the 7300 to ride about an hour each weekday and 2-3 hours over the weekend. I last owned a bike in the '70s, so the technology has changed a lot. This bike rides very comfortably and meets my needs, since my riding is pretty much on city streets or paved trails along Tucson's dry (except in monsoon season) arroyos, or washes. I'm a big guy with another 50-60 pounds to go to get down to my ideal weight and the 7300 treats me just fine! I didn't add anything to it (just a below-the-seat storage thing for my wallet, keys, etc.). As a non-technical person, I have had no problems with the bike and am pleased with it. It's actually been more enjoyable than walking, so my plan to alternate days between walking and riding the bike have ended up with me walking 2-3 times a week and riding the bike the rest. Because I'm a bigger guy, I opted for the 7300 over the cheaper models because of the more durable wheels and upgrades.
Strengths: Versatile, reliable, beautiful blue color.
Weaknesses: The twist gear shifter makes an annoying clicking noise.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike to ride bike paths around the lakes in the Twin Cities. It's my first bike since a ten-speed hand-me-down I had in high school. I recently moved to San Diego and still ride it. San Diego has many more hills and the bike does pretty well. I also go offroad occasionally and the bike has held up well. The tires are a bit narrow for trail riding, so they slip going up loose hills. They are thicker than road tires though, which is a plus for me because San Diego has a lot of bike lanes which tend to get a lot of broken glass and debris. I have not had a single flat in 6 months of occasional riding (2 or 3 times a week maybe 5 miles). I am 6'0, 165 lbs and have not had any problems, except adjusting the gears slightly after the first year of use. I did put Nashbar bar ends on to help going uphill, which required moving the brakes inward on the handle bars a bit. They work well. The twist gear shifters make a clicking noise that is pretty annoying.
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