trek 7.2fx versus trek 7200

[surgtech1956]

Whats the difference between these bikes? The 7.2fx looks more of a road bike and the 7200 a hybrid. Wouldn't it be better to just get a road bike than a fx bike? Or is this considered a flat bar road bike? Seems like there are alot of bikes out there - the comfort, hybrid, fitness, urban, etc... A friend is considering a new bike purchase and was commenting on how confusing the different models.

[ShubieGA]

I have the 7.2FX, and picked it for 2 reasons - there is no front fork or seat suspension and the set up seemed a bit more aggressive. It has flat handlebars and non- adjustable stem (I changed my stem). The drivetrain looks the same. I felt much more upright on the 7200. It comes with suspension and cushy seat. I had a cheap (very cheap) version of the hybrid before this, and did not like to ride it longer distances. My longest so far on the 7.2FX is 31 mi and climbing. I am hoping my transition to a road bike won't be as tough from FX. I hope this helps a bit.

[indysteel]

My first bike was an FX and I used to say it was a hybrid of a hybrid. In that sense, it is more like a flat bar road bike. The gearing (att least on my model), however, is more like a hybrid/MTB. I ended up buying a road bike about two months after I bought the FX and haven't been on the FX since if that tells you anything. I liked the bike but it didn't end up being the best choice for what I ultimately ended up doing--doing longer and longer rides on the road. Of course, I didn't know that when I bought it. It ended up being an expensive experiment, but arguably a necessary one too.

In my opinion, the FX series is a decent choice for someone who doesn't necessarily need/want the suspension of a hybrid or the knobbier tires. If they're riding the bike mostly for fitness on decent roads or bike baths and aren't interested in riding, say, more than 30 miles at a time, then the FX would suffice. If they're interested doing longer rides or eventually building up to that, then I'd suggest a drop bar road bike instead. My biggest issue with the FX for longer rides is that my wrists and arms would get really sore. Plus, you can't get down at all in the wind. To me, that was an additional disadvantage.

[Geonz]

Which feels better when you are riding? I like my FX (7500 - old model, old number) tho' that aluminum gets a little bumpy on the centuries.

[rij73]

FX is considered a flat-bar road whereas the 7200 is more of a traditional comfort-bike or hybrid. I personally love the flat-bar road style. Light and fast with the only difference being the flat bar. It's a more upright position than drop-bars, and I find flat bar controls more comfortable for my hands. But, it's not so upright that it's uncomfortable for long distances like I imagine the 7200 would be.

It is confusing, though...

[rij73]

My biggest issue with the FX for longer rides is that my wrists and arms would get really sore. Plus, you can't get down at all in the wind. To me, that was an additional disadvantage.

It depends on the person and the bike setup. I have a flatbar with the handlebars set a couple inches below the saddle. I also have bar ends that allow me to stretch myself out even further and also keep my hands in a neutral position. Often, people have tall stems on these bikes that do have them too upright for long rides.

I think it takes a willingness to mess around with the setup of any bike you get in order to be comfy on it for long stretches.

[dingster1]

I have the 7.2FX. I like it for the type of riding I do. I can't really do the drop bar style due to a bad back and finances were an issue also so this was the next best for me.