Commuter Purchase Dillema

[KnottedYet]

If you are not fond of the fatter tires already, I really don't think you'll find them to be worth the "cush" factor later.

Yes, there is a trade-off with tire sizes... I'm speaking as someone who has 28 on one bike, 32 on another, and mtb slicks on a third, so clearly I like wider tires. (don't forget the joys of lower pressure tires, too! My 700x28 were high pressure, then I switched for lower pressure Vittoria Randonneurs and the comfort factor went thru the roof!)

I would be inclined to go with the Trek you know you already like.

"Beefier" looking frame doesn't necessarily mean anything. What really matters is how it feels. And "pretty" does matter! If your gut instinct is that a particular bike is beautiful, don't fight the gut! Get the bike that calls out to all your senses and makes your heart jump!

(If you do have a concern about a bombproof frame, how about trying steel? The Kona Smoke is similar to what you are looking at, but in a steel frame. I was gazing longingly at one of the 2008 Smokes today at my LBS. But it's hard to justify buying another one. Even when it's only $350. (I have a 2007 Smoke, which my son is using. It has smaller wheels than the 2008.))
www.konaworld.com/08_smoke29.htm

[Ana]

Yes, I also considered a Kona Smoke (which is a very popular commuter bike) but the components weren't as good and the Trek 7.2 FX WSD is only a bit more. My LBS also made the comment that parts have to be replaced more often on the Kona Smoke than something a little more upgraded.

I did consider steel but I'm afraid of the rust and I will also be keeping it in a basement-type place so I'll have to carry it out myself...and I'm only 5'3" and bikes are so awkward for me to maneuver :P

Now I'm debating whether or not I should purchase a bike off someone else to help recycle (all those bikes that need homes!) so I'm looking at a used 2004 Trek Navigator 300 tomorrow I'm not sure if will fit (14.5" frame, comfort bike) but we'll see.

I'm planning a bike shopping adventure tomorrow: looking at the used Trek Navigator 300, looking at the Trek 7.2 FX WSD again in case I don't like the used Navigator. I've been looking on eBay and craigslist like crazy but no one has a bike in my price range and size.

[uforgot]

Ana - I have owned a Trek Navigator and a 7.2fx. I recommend you pass on the Navigator as a commuter. It has a front suspension fork and is really heavy compared to the 7.2fx. You don't need suspension to commute. The Navigator is a comfort bike and the 7.2fx is called a fitness bike. Less of a comfort bike than most hybrids. The trek also has the 35cm select inverts on them. They are puncture resistant and I found they would go through potholes, gravel and I never had a flat. It was a great commuter! Have them put on fenders and a rack and you are good to go!

[Ana]

Thanks for your info :-) I always love to hear from someone who has both--it's the best advice when trying to decide between

Okay, time to look at bikes

[Ana]

I found a used mountain bike that will serve a lot better than that comfort bike for a lot less! It's a Trek 830 and it's in great condition (no rust on the components) and the components are equal or better than those on the Trek 7.2 FX I was considering. It also comes with a lock, a rack, a pump and commuter lights on both ends! I'm so excited. Since I'm only spending a little on the bike, I can spend the extra to have it properly tuned up!

My commute is only 7-10 miles round trip and will be less than 3 miles round trip after the summer so this works well!

I have to say though, bike shopping as well as visiting bike shops tempts me to get another bike (hybrid like Trek 7.2 FX or a road bike) even though I don't really need it, have the finances to support it or want to lug it around as I move :-P Oh bikes--I love them

Now to widen the scope of my maintenance knowledge....

[Zen]

Between the two, I'm pretty sure I like the Trek better not only because it's prettier (I know things like that aren't supposed to matter...)

"pretty" does matter!" ]

Ana, I know you've already found your bike (congratulations!) but a little anecdote about the FX.

I was looking for a canal bike and really liked the FX but already have a Trek road bike in that color so I bought a cheaper used bike.
I went back to the shop during their sale and they had assembled an '07 FX in black with pink accents.
SOLD!
Now I don't feel so guilty

[Bruno28]

I went back to the shop during their sale and they had assembled an '07 FX in black with pink accents.
SOLD!

That's my exact bike! She's pretty And she rides great along the canal paths.

[Ana]

Yes, it's quite sad but after my search for a commuter, I come across all these bikes that need homes on craigslist, etc and I have the urge to give them a home! :P

And as much as I loved the Trek 7.2 FX WSD, I could hardly justify spending $400 (without lights, fenders, kickstand, etc) ON SALE for a bike that I would feel bad about putting/having/exposing to the outside :P

Plus, compared to my satisfaction with my newly acquired Trek 830 (love it), the Trek 7.2 FX was hardly worth the extra expense for me Plus I want to get some maintenance under my belt I'm the sort of person who usually learns everything about a topic before engaging in it but my road bike was a gift so I didn't have time So I'm learning as I go...which is okay. :P

As far as pictures go...I'm not sure there will be enough difference to differentiate a "before" and "after" but it is an awesome idea and I will attempt to do it Maybe I'll end up impressing myself....oooo

[uforgot]

I think you made a wise decision. Now you can see exactly what you want on a bike and down the road you will know EXACTLY what to get. I wish I had purchased used instead of going through the Trek line of hybrids and now I'm waiting on my custom built Surly. And the maintenance? Part of the fun! You will learn so much. Get her fixed up and post her pics!

[Ana]

Here are some before and after pictures.

Here are the changes (although some are less obvious than others) that I made:

• Chain replacement (the one it came with was gunky and stretched out)
• Wheels trued
• Tires (and tubes) replaced with 26" x 1.5" commuters--they make SUCH a difference!
• Cleaned cassette/chainrings
• Front fender put on (back fender is pending, as it needs a larger screw....so I need a trip to the hardware store)

It is the perfect size for me, especially for the price and I am learning a lot about my bike! The more I work on it, the more I like it

Oh yes, and my thanks to the thread about cleaning your bike with Q-tips...not I've become obsessive about grime! :P

Things that still need to be done:

• Cap on the end of the rear derailleur cable
• Rear fender attachment
• Spoke inspection by a professional at the LBS (I'm afraid the rims I have are the original ones )
• Pedal replacement (eventual upgrade?)

I'm also thinking about some panniers once I start going to the farmer's market

Anyway, I love riding this bike!!

[Geonz]

She's byoootimous