2009 Trek 7.6 WSD?

A friend is selling this bike, asking $500.00 - it is in very good condition, probably not ridden a whole lot. I want a bike to ride around town (it's flat here) maybe put on some panniers for shopping (I realize the carbon forks preclude front racks). I would like to put some tires on it that could go on local dirt trails on our beach bluffs - nothing technical. Just kind of a swiss army knife bike. does this seem like a good deal? I am really short (my road bike is a 47 Trek madone), so many other kinds of versatile bikes are just too big. (I have a beach cruiser, but it's geometry hurts my knees, so I save it for when company comes and needs a bike to ride.) thanks! tokie http://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeS...e#.UC8gMaN0iBo

That bike is a nice bike. Is it the right size?

I think her bike will fit me - we're about the same height. I think I can go to the Trek store today to try a newer one out. I know that those Bontrager wheels with the paired spokes aren't so great, but it's just for around town for me, so I think it would be ok. She lives a bit of a drive away, so I'd like to get a feel for the bike before I drive down there.

I've got a Cannondale Quick with paired spokes like that and the wheel hasn't given me any trouble at all.

It was too big - and after riding one in the 13 inch size I am in love with it. A really nice bike. (The reviews of the 2009 model on Bikepedia did mention that the Bontrager wheelset that came with the bike was prone to breaking down.)