Commuter Purchase Dillema

[Melalvai]

and you can get things like just the right tires and accessories for this one and it will be as good as a new one. You'll bond with it

That is so true. When I started commuting I was riding the bike I bought in college 15 years ago. When the bike mechanic told me I should probably just get a new bike, instead of replacing the bottom bracket, I wanted to cry.

I went ahead and replaced the bottom bracket--and eventually, every component on the bike except the frame, fork and stem. I do want a new bike some day, a WSD, but even then I will keep this one. She wasn't anything special (Specialized Crossroads). There have already been times when I've needed a backup bike, or a bike for a visiting friend or relative, and she'll do just fine for that.

[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

[VeloVT]

what a good find! the black is classy.

that saddle looks like a torture device though. is it comfortable?

[KnottedYet]

Nice job!

[Ana]

that saddle looks like a torture device though. is it comfortable?

Surprisingly, yes, it is comfortable! It's really very strange because it does not look comfortable but it is (I have a 130mm Specialized Ariel on my road bike which is a cushier saddle by road bike standards)! I think it works by cushioning and perching you up by your gluteus maximus more than your sit bones so my girly bits are unharmed. It's a gel version and is VERY cushy but is comfortable. You have to keep in mind that my commute is not more than 15 minutes so I have never been on it for prolonged periods of time (and not sure it would withstand the test). In addition, I dismount my bike at lights/stops. It probably cushions my soft tissues from all the bumps of the road :P

If I had a more serious/longer commute, I would probably be looking for a new saddle.

I thought I would do the close-ups to show my Q-tip handy work

I just want to hop on my bike and go everywhere! It's like a bonus after I get out of work

[sgtiger]

Ana, your Trek looks great! I wish you many happy commuting miles.