Trek 7300

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Terry Liberator saddle, campus pedals (platform on one side and SPD on the other). Rack in the back with a Transit trunk bag attached. Planet Bike fenders. Remember, I ride in all weather. Original tires still in great shape after 3000 miles.

Summary:
Purchased back in the mid '90's. Never rode more than 1,000 miles until recently. I took my recumbent and this bike across Virgina. With the Trek 730 I could never have made it over the Appalachins. It is a great bike.

Strengths:
If you spend more than 2 hours on the bike you will want multiple hand positions. I had the bar extenders and still wanted an areo bar at times just to vary positions.

Weaknesses:
I do not believe I can mount my areo bar to the curved handlebar. The curved handle bar sort of prevents secure mounting for a headlight.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Vitesse in Normal, I

Favorite Ride:
Constitution Trail

Bike Setup:
Wheels: Alloy front, Shimano RM60 rear hub; Bontrager Camino rims. Crank:Bontrager Sport 48/38/28 w/chainguard. Rear Derailleur:SRAM X.7

Summary:
I have been riding a Myiata Elevation outfitted for trail riding for 15 years, The Trek really caught my eye due to it's geometry so I gave it a try.

Bike handles very nicely and has quick response shifting. It took a little getting used to since the ride is different from my Myiata hybrid, but so far my only complaints are the handlebars, seat, and pedals.

I plan to replace the handlebars with a straight "T" like I have on my Myiata to give it more of a "Fitness Bike" feel. The seat has to go and does the pedals.

If I had the extra at the time I probably would of bought the Trek 7.2 FX instead.

Strengths:
Smooth, quick response, large 700 wheels, front suspension is lockable.

Weaknesses:
Seat, handlebars, and pedals. Kind of weak for unpaved trail use.

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Country Sports, Cant

Favorite Ride:
all local roads(CT roads stink)

Bike Setup:
typical lower value componants at this price level.

Summary:
Mostly Bontrager and Shimano components on my model. Ditched the Bontrager seat immediately for a Trek gel I got on ebay for $21 new(excellent). Also added extensions on the bars and changed out the pedals for light but strong titanium. Also have a Trek rack for medium size bag with panniers($550 with the upgrades). Bike is easy to put in my pickup, less than 25lbs. Shifting a bit noisy but accurate. Ride is very smooth with the fork and seat post shocks. I have no problem getting up to speed in traffic and turning is quick but not as sharp as a true roadie(never liked road handlebars). I think the 300mmx35C tires impead this. Spending 40-50 miles on this baby is a pleasure. I usually get in about 150 miles /wk for a good workout.

Strengths:
Aluminum frame,paint(blue/silver),shocks, big brake pads,lightweight

Weaknesses:
noisy shifts, pedals, Bontrager seat(very stiff even with springs in it)

Similar Products Used:
Trek 730 from 10yrs ago(cro-moly frame)

Price Paid:  $469.00 at Bike Line

Favorite Ride:
Perkiomen Trail

Bike Setup:
2006 model with rear rack

Summary:
As a beginner, averaging about 50 miles per week, I bought this bike to ride for recreation and fitness along the local paved bike trail. As others have noted, this is great bike for the money. The bike is light enough for me to lift and put in the back of my Subaru. The ride is comfortable, due to shocks, steering forgiving. Unlike others, I have noted shifting to be a bit sticky, but overall okay. I added a Trek rear rack and it is more than sufficient to pack spare tubes, jackets etc.

Strengths:
Value for money, comfortable ride

Weaknesses:
Rear derailleur shifting

Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Nirvana

Price Paid:  $220.00 at individual

Favorite Ride:
Monon Trail

Summary:
I was a commuter/recreational rider many years ago when I was in the Navy and college. Getting back on a bike after 14 years was scary, but the 7300 made it a snap. I enjoy the bike's shifting system, and the components all see to be quality products. I purchased the bike from an individual who put handlebar extension and toe clips and new pedals on it and the additions make it even more enjoyable.

Strengths:
The gear shifting is flawless. The crank seems very strong and firm. Aesthetically, this is a beautiful hybrid bicycle.

Weaknesses:
A fork with a shock arrestor would have been nice, but I can't think of any deficiencies other than that.

Similar Products Used:
I previously owned road bikes by A-D and Peugot, but I never previoulsy owned a hybrid bike.