is this the right bike for me & my needs? complete newbie :)

[ridingmybike]

http://www.trekbikes.com/women/wsd_products/bikes/2008/bike_path/7300wsd

My lovely bf surprised me with this bike, i had been talking about how i've wanted to be more active, im fit, i workout at the gym..but other than that, i dont get much activity, and honestly, im starting to feel a bit lazy! So i had been talking about getting a bike to ride so i could move more vs sitting on my bum, and also to exercise on (im big into fitness).
I rode this bike, and its SO comfortable. This is my first bike though so idk what features im supposed to be looking for, for my needs. BF said i have 30days to return if i do change my mind, he got the bike from a LBS.
So, in your opinions, will this bike suffice for what my needs are? Riding casually for activity, and also for exercise(probably no more than 1-2hr rides)?

thanks girls!

[Zen]

The components on that bike are almost identical to mine.
Does it have trigger shifting?
Can you go back to the shop and try this one (http://www.trekbikes.com/women/wsd_products/bikes/2008/bike_path/72fxwsd/)?

I think you're going to want to graduate from that bike ;) and this frame might just be a good compromise.

[Mr. Bloom]

RMB: Given that you're looking for casual rides, I think that what you've got is outstanding and the fact that you find it comfortable is very important.

But, if you're planning on 1-2 hour rides, you might "catch the bug" and want more than that model offers. So, if you have an inkling that riding may evolve for you, then zen is spot on in her feedback (she knows her stuff).

If it's an option for you to own two bikes, then go with what you have...and get another one later.

[grey]

OMG the bike he got you is SO CUTE! It just looks like such a fun, comfortable, casual bike. Great day at the beach or at the park with a picnic.

If you get more serious, zen is probably right in that you'll want to graduate. The bike she linked to will offer more options and is more versatile should you start taking casual group rides (you never know) and want to keep pace if they go about 10-12mph.

Please note that I am not an expert rider, I'm a former mtb rider turning road cyclist, this is just my op. :cool:

[Chicken Little]

I agree with Zen, the 7.2 would probably suit you longer and have a little better resale when you are ready to move up.

But I know nothing.

[mimitabby]

welcome to TE!
Big seats like that feel good at first but after a few miles they get old...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If you have 30 days to make up your mind, why not go to the bike store and try their other bikes too? It's usually not the best idea to have someone else pick a bike for you.
That's a cute cruiser/comfort bike and it's fine for flat riding just to the corner store, etc, but if you want to put in more miles and meaningful regular exercise, it might be too heavy and not have enough gears to get you riding a lot.

I can envision you on a women's hybrid bike- it would be able to do all kinds of riding and you wouldn't outgrow it as fast when/if you start riding more. Hybrids are quite comfortable as well, but more versatile than this comfort cruiser.
That puffy saddle might get painful on rides over 5 miles. Hard to believe, but less padding is actually more comfortable if you're sitting on it for more than an hour.
Very sweet of your BF to do that for you. :)
Go to the LBS with your BF and try out some of the OTHER bikes there- especially the 'hybrids' I'd say. :D

On the other hand- if you are happy with short trips around town and no hills to speak of, then this might be just the right bike for you to enjoy. :)

[dex]

One of my friends bought last year's model of that bike, and has loved it. She went from not having ridden a bike since grade school to doing 20-30 mile rides on it by the end of last summer.

I also saw someone doing a 2-day, 200-mile ride on the same bike last year. I first saw her early in the first day, and then I saw her roll into Portland at the end of the second day.

*I* wouldn't attempt something like that, but apparently it's doable. (With a smile even, as she was grinning ear-to-ear when she made her way across the finish.)

I agree that you should go to the shop and try out some other types of bikes, and then decide what you feel like fits your needs best. It could be this bike, or it could be something else entirely. You won't know unless you check out what else is out there.

Good luck! :D

[queenridingbee]

I have the 7000 model purchased from my LBS in late-March of this year. 2 wks ago I bought a road bike. That bike was fine but I quickly realized that I wanted to ride longer and faster than what the hybrid comfortably allowed. I do know folks who do long, even century, rides on hybrids but anything more then 24 miles was a drag (literally) and not very fun anymore.
I suggest riding it as much as you can for the 30 days and then making up your mind. It took me a little bit to realized that I enjoyed riding and wanted to go for longer distances. I hadn't ridden in 10+ yrs before I started this spring.

HTH,
Q

[ridingmybike]

thanks so much everyone!
yes i'll def be going to the bike store to try some other bikes out.
BF has the 7.3fx i believe, and i sat on it, oh man it goes fast easily, scared me a little, haha.
there are SO many more aspects to picking the right bike, than i could have ever imagined! it's making me feel a bit obsessive compulsive lol.

BleeckerSt_Gir I thought that the 7300 was a hybrid? or am i mistaken?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

BleeckerSt_Gir I thought that the 7300 was a hybrid? or am i mistaken?

I don't know how Trek is labeling these bikes, and perhaps because it has a triple ring they are calling it a hybrid. It just doesn't 'look' like a hybrid bikes to me- it looks like a women's comfort/cruiser bike. When I think of a hybrid bike, I think of something that looks more like this:
some hybrid bikes (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.cycleways.co.nz/_Img/Products/Trek-Hybrid-7000.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cycleways.co.nz/Hybrid-Bikes-Christchurch.aspx&h=251&w=400&sz=20&hl=en&start=17&tbnid=zs3SipQnX23WDM:&tbnh=78&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3DTrek%2Bhybrid%2Bbike%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG)
I didn't expect to see a hybrid with that retro swooping downtube like the old women's cruiser beach bikes. Maybe I'm just out of the loop?

[xeney]

I would call it a hybrid. It has a suspension fork and near-mountain bike gearing. You can do a lot of riding on that bike, and I think it's a lovely gift! A perfect first bike for someone who hasn't ridden as an adult.

The step-through frame is just style and accessibility and has nothing to do with whether it's a "cruiser" or a hybrid. Cruisers are usually single speeds -- this bike has a triple up front and low gearing in the back. These are all just marketing terms, anyway ... the line between "comfort" and "hybrid" is pretty blurred, particularly since some relaxed geometry road bikes are called comfort bikes depending on the manufacturer.

[withm]

I'd have to say it is a hybrid. If you look at the Trek 7300 page you will see that it comes in two versions. The regular (and it just so happens that I own this bike) and the WSD. The differences between the two are that one is made from Alpha black aluminum, and the other Alpha white aluminum. Alpha black (regular version) is formed, the white (WSD) is tubular in shape. The only other difference is the seat, which is such a personal preference item that it's likely to be changed out anyway.

Here is the "standard" version, (the one I have) with Alpha Black (formed) aluminum

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/bike_path/7000_series/7300/

Here is the WSD version, with Alpha White (tubular) aluminum, and different seat.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/bike_path/7000_series/7300wsd/

Here are the two, side by side. If the regular design is a hybrid, I really don't see how you can suggest the WSD is not. After all, other than (well I was going to say "silly" but I guess some people like "cute" bikes) frame, it's the same bike.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/bike_path/
At this link, select "7000 series," then click on "Compare," and then select the two different models to see them side by side.

And for the differences on Alpha "Black" or "White" aluminum:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/company/technology/alpha_aluminum/

Having said all that, as long as it's a good fit, your 7300WSD will be perfectly adequate for shorter rides, and as you become more proficient and want to do longer rides on a faster and lighter bike, by all means go out and look at road bikes, but keep the hybrid for those days when only a hybrid will do.

Martha

[chakra]

I have an electra townie 8 (has nexus 8 gearing, built in lights, and a basket up front :D) and it has the step through frame. This was the first bike I bought about 18 months ago. Similar enough to the Trek, I think, in that it has relaxed geometry and makes a great casual commuter. (Yours has the mountain gearing and shocks, so a comfortable ride, if not the fastest.)

See mine here:http://www.electrabike.com/townie/ and look under "commuter" then see the Townie 8 - only diff is mine is burgundy. I have a basket on it, which I love (I really do not like regular panniers - although basket panniers are great!)

It is great for tootling about town and shorter commutes - and it is a really fun bike to ride. It got me off my butt and back in the saddle after 10 years, and because of the "flat foot" geometry, I could put my foot on the ground while sitting in the saddle. I had some balance issues when I first got back into riding, so this was key for me, at the time.

I also have a Surly Long Haul trucker with trekking bars on it and a brooks saddle - a lovely bike for longer longer rides. And after riding the townie, I can really FLY on this bike! I am not likely to do races, although casual group rides would be fun, eventually. I mostly commute and ride for fun with my DH.

I would say that the Trek your BF chose is a lovely first bike to get you riding, especially if you are not completely at ease on a bike. As for the comfort of soft seats, that is a very personal choice. I still love the soft seat on my townie, and have done longer rides on it feeling just fine! Not every cyclist is going to get into group rides, centuries etc. You have to give yourself time to figure out what your riding style is.

So I would try this bike out for the month, give yourself a chance with it - I got totally obsessed with trying the buy the "perfect bike" that I would "grow into" and I think it can be a mistake to get too caught up in doing that.

When you first start riding, you really don't know what your needs/wants will be. I thought it was wimpy of me to want the townie, but when I tried a road bike back then, it felt all wrong and not safe. Now I love having the Surly LHT, but it would not have been the right first bike for me.

I'n not saying that the Trek your BF bought is absolutely the best first bike for you - but I do think that it might be a good start. If after a week of riding it quite a bit, you really don't feel comfortable, or you really want a more exciting ride, than I would absolutely explore other options.

Bottom line: your first bike should, above all, be a fun bike that you really WANT to ride, a bike that will get you out there. It doesn't have to be anything more than that. It should NOT be scary, intimidating, "too much" or too expensive - this is because for sure, no matter what you buy, you'll eventually want something different/something else too! ;)

Mitra

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I didn't realize that hybrids with mountain gearing now come with retro girl-style step-through frames that look so much like beach cruiser/comfort bikes. My mistake, sorry- :rolleyes:

I will still be good to try various other styles of bike while you have a free 30 days to do it in! :)

[snapdragen]

Very well said chakra.

ridingmybike - if you like your new Trek and have fun riding it, that is all that matters.


I would say that the Trek your BF chose is a lovely first bike to get you riding, especially if you are not completely at ease on a bike. As for the comfort of soft seats, that is a very personal choice. I still love the soft seat on my townie, and have done longer rides on it feeling just fine! Not every cyclist is going to get into group rides, centuries etc. You have to give yourself time to figure out what your riding style is.

So I would try this bike out for the month, give yourself a chance with it - I got totally obsessed with trying the buy the "perfect bike" that I would "grow into" and I think it can be a mistake to get too caught up in doing that.

When you first start riding, you really don't know what your needs/wants will be. I thought it was wimpy of me to want the townie, but when I tried a road bike back then, it felt all wrong and not safe. Now I love having the Surly LHT, but it would not have been the right first bike for me.

I'n not saying that the Trek your BF bought is absolutely the best first bike for you - but I do think that it might be a good start. If after a week of riding it quite a bit, you really don't feel comfortable, or you really want a more exciting ride, than I would absolutely explore other options.

Bottom line: your first bike should, above all, be a fun bike that you really WANT to ride, a bike that will get you out there. It doesn't have to be anything more than that. It should NOT be scary, intimidating, "too much" or too expensive - this is because for sure, no matter what you buy, you'll eventually want something different/something else too! ;)

Mitra

[ridingmybike]

thanks SO much for all of your feedback! Once you start researching bikes, its so easy to get caught up in trying to find the " perfect" ride. And like all of you have said, I'll most likely not be able to do that with my first (adult)bike, seeing as I have no idea what my biking needs will be a year, or even months down the road!
You all are great & SO educated, I hope in time I'll know even half as much as you all do about bikes/riding!

[Trek420]

Ah shucks, thanks. We just know a lot because we've made all the mistakes.

Stick around, read, post ... before you know it you'll know as much or more than we do.

Long live TE :D

[elk]

If you go to the Trek site and read the reviews for the 7000 you will find a ton of people who LOVE that bike.

My DH has one and he is very comfortable on it.

If you are the patient type...:you might want to put some miles on it and then see what you want from having had the experience. Or you might find that you love the 7300!

depends on who you are...:D
(IOW....are you more drawn to Zen's advice...or Chakra's....hmmmm I sense a connection...)

[chakra]

(IOW....are you more drawn to Zen's advice...or Chakra's....hmmmm I sense a connection...)

Hee hee! I'm amused, because on these boards, I am often very drawn to Zen's advice myself - and I am a Zen Buddhist and South Asian (of Indian origin) too!

Chakra

[ridingmybike]

im still getting used to the feeling of riding on a bigkid sized bike :p.
I rode a bike as a kid ALL of the time, and when i was an early teen, but i had never been fitted for a bike, so im sure i was riding bikes too small for myself. I'm 5'8" so riding a bike thats made for someone my height, everytime i sit on it im like woaahh i feel high! But after riding it for a few minutes, it feels totally comfortable.
Im also getting used to all the gears, and trying to understand them! I never even KNEW that there were specific safe gears, that arent hard on your bike, i thought hey if my left gear is on 3, my right one can be set on whatever i want it to be...wrong.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yeah I too hadn't ridden since I was a kid, then got my adult road bike.
I felt like I was riding on a giraffe! :eek: So tall!
And of course I had a hard time with the concept that you couldn't just put both feet on the ground when you stopped, or apply the brakes 'Flintstone style'. :D

[ridingmybike]

ok ladies, help needed!! Went to the bike shop and tried the 7.3fx wsd. Help! I like my 7300&the 7.3fx. The obvious difference is that the 7300 is more comfortable, it is afterall a comfort/hybrid bike, but, I'm thinking the 7.3fx may have more to offer me.
Any input you all have would be greatly appreciated!!

[elk]

what does the fx offer you? I mean YOU, not just anyone....
and is that what you want? Comfort on a bike is so important...it'll keep you riding.

I spent about a month on a hybrid before I realized I really really missed my steel road bike...but I had no idea and wouldn't have known if I hadn;t ridden for that month on something else.

The advice I got here was to wait until I knew what I really wanted before I upgraded...which is what I did.

But it's such a personal decision. You can always sell a bike and get another...or like SOME people here...just keep buying them...;)

e

[queenridingbee]

Try taking the fx for a test ride and see how you like it. Since you get 30 days to return the 7300 maybe you can ride it another week or so and try to figure out what about it you would change. Or take the fx for a few test rides, longish ones not in the LBS parking lot, and see what about it you like more than the 7300.

It does take a "while" (loosely defined) to know what you want or don't want in a bike. My LBS offered to buy back my 7000 at full price after I'd had it for 2 months because I wasn't sure if it was the "right" bike for me. It may turn out that you have more then the 30 days.

Q

[chakra]

ok ladies, help needed!! Went to the bike shop and tried the 7.3fx wsd. Help! I like my 7300&the 7.3fx. The obvious difference is that the 7300 is more comfortable, it is afterall a comfort/hybrid bike, but, I'm thinking the 7.3fx may have more to offer me.
Any input you all have would be greatly appreciated!!

Don't underestimate the importance of "more comfortable." :D

It sounds to me like you are maybe questioning if your bike is "sporty" enough, or will "grow with you" enough. But no one bike is the "perfect" bike - bikes have many purposes, which is why some of us have more than one :)

I think the bike you will love, and stay in love with (for at least a the first year or so :)), is the bike which feels great to ride. THAT bike is the one that will get you out there even on cold, rainy days and at inconvenient times, just because it feels good and makes you happy. So you'll ride more, which is the general idea ;)

It is easy to get caught up in the chase for the elusive, perfect object. Even if you do get the fx, well, a few months/year from now, you'll probably want a different bike for some other purpose :D

Also, with experience, your tastes will change. Until you have more experience, you cannot predict HOW your tastes will change.

And I'll put in a personal plug for having a bike you can wear a skirt with, and which you don't have to heave your leg over. Which looks cute with a girly basket :D But that is a personal opinion! I'm very happy with my purely recreational/commuter status!

So finally, go with the bike that brings you joy to ride, and not with the bike that others think you should have, or that you think "offers more;" because you bring yourself to the experience of riding whichever steed you buy.

Chakra

[mimitabby]

I don't know where you live, but if there are any hills you are going to have to go up and down, that should be a factor too. I would hate to have to deal with a heavier bike on the hills I encounter just when I step out my door. But if you live in a flatter area, it's a non-issue.

[sundial]

ok ladies, help needed!! Went to the bike shop and tried the 7.3fx wsd. Help! I like my 7300&the 7.3fx. The obvious difference is that the 7300 is more comfortable, it is afterall a comfort/hybrid bike, but, I'm thinking the 7.3fx may have more to offer me.
Any input you all have would be greatly appreciated!!

I went through three bikes before I knew what I wanted. I started out on a '91 Schwinn mountain bike with grip shifters, then a '96 Terry Symmetry, then a '05 Specialized Sequoia. I splurged on a zippy road bike last summer and saved the Sequoia for my rainy day/back-up bike. Talk to your mechanic, don't buy on impulse and go with your gut feeling. :)

Oh, another thing: see if your bike shop will allow you to take both bikes out to ride on familiar territory.

[Condor]

I am a 50 yr old male getting back on a bike after 20 years. I did my research and settled on an Electra Townie 7 or 21. Went to the dealer and they didn't have exactly what I wanted but did have a Townie 24. A young salesman/rider steered me to a Cannondale Comfort bike which is very close to a Hybrid. I took the Cannondale out back and really liked the feel. Then I road the Townie and knew my instict was right. I felt steadier with the ability to put my feet down. An older guy who did all of the maintenance, etc came out back and we talked about the differences in bikes. He said to buy the one that feels right and "makes you smile". He said that is the one that will get you riding every day which is important. They had a ladies Townie 8 and told me to ride it to check out the gears. I did and loved the ease of use. Then I rode the Cannondale Comfort again and the Electra Townie 24. I didn’t enjoy dinking with 24 gears and liked the ease of use and ability to shift the Townie 8 when at a dead stop.

So, I then went inside and ordered the Electra Townie 8. Can't wait for it to arrive next Monday. :D

Bottom line is the older guys advice was the same as Chakra's. When I read her post I saw the wisdom in it and just wanted to share my experience and decision with you.

Good luck with your decision. :)