thoughts on top of the line Trek FX or other lightweight bike

[Citycyclegal]

I have a road bike Specialized Ruby, which is light enough for me to carry up 3 flights of stairs. I've heard a lot of positive reviews on this Trek, both handling, comfort, ability to climb hills. I plan to try one when I get the chance, but it needs to be comparable in weight to the Ruby. I'd like to have an extra bike when friends visit, and also have the choice of this type of bike for myself. How it rides is very important, but also capability of bringing it up and down from my condo. Would this fit the bill, or does anyone have another suggestion for me? Thanks!

[brigada]

Three flights of stairs isn't too bad. Muirenn is right about wheel weight. I'd much rather look at what feels good to ride at about $300 less than your budget, sell the wheels and use the total money for lightweight wheelset. It would make all the difference. You can look at cheaper Trek FX models as well as long as the frame is the same.

[Citycyclegal]

Thanks, those are all good thoughts. I have to do some serious thinking before the purchase, the cost is a consideration. "3 flights of stairs isn't too bad"....when the stairway is narrow. somewhat steep, and you are 70 years old, it's not a piece of cake! LOL. The LBS that I used to use before I moved to the city, is a Trek dealer, will have to give him a visit....Thanks!

[ny biker]

I have to go up one flight to my condo, and some days it is a huge effort to carry my bike (or groceries etc.) up. And I am not yet 50, and I lift weights twice a week. So I totally understand your concern.

(I have no idea how much that bike weighs; a visit to the dealer is probably your best bet, especially if you bring the Ruby for comparison.)

[brigada]

I see. Pardon my assumption, then! Unfortunately, stock bikes will be kind of heavy in that price bracket nowadays, no matter what you buy. You might have better luck buying used if weight is the priority, but you'd still need to get it serviced and perhaps replace some used up parts... I don't know if that's an option?

[Scrappy]

Have you thought about some of the higher end folding bikes? For approx 2k you can get a very lightweight folding bike that will ride like a "normal" bike and be much easier to carry. A high-end Dahon would fit that profile nicely