: this : close to buying a bike today @ Trek store

I didn't have a lot of time so I didn't want to rush it, but I was very close to getting one.

Yesterday I'd gone to Performance Bikes and the salesman put me on a 17" frame that just felt too big (I'm 5'2"). He told me I have long limbs (not true), and it felt like he would've said whatever to get a sale, not put me on the right bike for me.

So this morning fiance and I went to the local Trek store. There was no pressure. I tried the Trek 7.3 FX WSD and it felt fine. I don't have a lot to compare it to! And then I tried a comfort fit, and that was very comfortable but I was very upright and fiance didn't like how heavy it was. He said he thinks I'd get much more tired on that bike, and since I want to do long rides and will likely never take it to the grocery for short errands he said I'd probably like the FX better. I'm still mulling it over. The 7.3 was $619. There was a 7.2 that I liked the looks of but they only had it assembled in a 19". It's $549 IIRC and the salesman said just call and they can assemble it for me to give a test-ride.

There's another LBS that has all kinds of brands so I'm going to check that out as well. Getting closer to owning one!

Anyone have any comments on the Trek 7.3 FX WSD? The reviews I see online are very good.

I have a FX 7.5 and really like it. I'm just shy of 5'2" and have the 17" cuz that's what they sold me. I suspect the 15" would have been a much better fit for me. I'm a bit stretched out on it. I have a friend who is several inches taller than me and this store sold her a 15" and she defiantely should have had my 17". They are also a no pressure kind of store, but doing their clientele a huge disfavor. We should be able to trust them to put us on the right size bike, after all, they are the pros here.

I think they are great bikes. Just be sure you're getting the right size and don't let the store sell you whatever they have around that they are trying to clear out.

There is a noticeable difference in component quality between a 7.2 and 7.3FX. Get the 7.3 if your budget can afford it.

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Originally Posted by lxb87

Yesterday I'd gone to Performance Bikes and the salesman put me on a 17" frame that just felt too big (I'm 5'2"). He told me I have long limbs (not true), and it felt like he would've said whatever to get a sale, not put me on the right bike for me.

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Your instincts are good. :cool:

I'm 5'5" and I ride a 15" FX and don't know I'd be comfortable on my DH's bike which is a 17". I've ridden it on the trainer and Im way too extended for my likes.

Good luck!!

Shannon

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Originally Posted by lxb87

it felt like he would've said whatever to get a sale, not put me on the right bike for me.

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What Jobob sed ;) I'm sure there are individual Performance stores and wrenches/sales there who are good but I would never recommend them. I've seen new riders very poorly served there. :(

I'm 5'5" and have a 15" 7.2FX WSD. The 17" was a smidge too big, so we went with the 15" with the seatpost extended to its max. It works for me and is quite comfortable. I absolutely love this bike. I daydream on occasion about upgrading to a different bike, but I'm nuts about this one.

+1 on the kudos about your good instincts; I'm glad you heeded them. :)

You all are making me want to run back there and grab the 7.3!

I'm 5'6" with long legs and short arms & I have the 7.3 FX in a 19" WSD (not the step through one-the one with a sloped top tube) and I LOVE it. Fits me great. Of course I've already bought a second bike since the 7.3 got me back into riding.

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Originally Posted by lxb87

You all are making me want to run back there and grab the 7.3!

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do it you know you want to-

marni who is currently, periodically trolling the trek website and daydreaming about a new bike

I would recommend the 7.3, it's a much nicer ride! If you like the FXs, another good bike choice for you would be the Cannondale Quick series, probably a 4 model in that price range. And yes, the 17" would be too big, I'm 5'6" and ride a 17". Good call on your part!

No real advice, other than I think I'd go with the one with the better components as long as you're comfortable on it.
We've never really looked at bikes at Performance, but do make a trip to Raleigh (2 hour dr) to the Performance store there because they have a great selection of clothing and accessories that we just can't find locally. (I hate buying clothing without trying it on first). There's also a store in Cary, but the one in north Raleigh is bigger and we prefer it.