Anyone Own a Trek FX bike?

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

I have a 2008 7.5fx and I really enjoy riding it. It's my commuter bike mostly, but if I want to take a casual long ride, it's great for that too. I find it a very comforable ride. Can't go wrong with the FX.

However...if you're into "spirited" riding, I'd get a road bike. Climbing in the FX can be done pretty easily, but I don't find the position to be nearly as comfy as my road bike's. Also not sure if i could sprint away from dogs as well on the fx either, but I could probAbly reach the spray easier! LOL

Seriously-it's a great bike and it's purty too! :-)

[uforgot]

I don't know what you have in mind when you use the term "performance bike".

Many bikes that aren't termed 'performance bikes' will easily take you twenty five miles.
Most riders rarely ride in the drops. Multiple hand positions are an easy fix with these

I have those too, and they certainly are comfortable!

[Miranda]

I think it depends on what your desires or goals are on the upright position...

Is it you say just to not be too stretched out? Versus back issues?

Some peeps get the road bike geo and put flat bars on it. If you found you wanted to switch back, you could put the drops back on.

I almost bought a Trek FX. In fact, everyone was trying their best to talk me into getting one when I wasn't sure what I really wanted. Had the mtb first purchase. Well, trying to ride that on pavement suxed to no end.

Finally, when I found a road bike in my size to test ride it all came back to me. I love the drops of my old steele 10speed from being a kid. THAT is what I was looking for... and thought, "this is what a bike is suppose to feel like". I would have been regretting my FX purchase in no time.

No offense against them. They are fine bikes. I've test ridden. I'd ride it for a short spin. I just don't see riding 'performance' at a distance on one. Without being exhausted in a wasted energy way anyway.

There are a lot of things that can be done for the bike to fit. To get upright. To NOT be too stretched out. Have you been to a good bike fitter?

I just recently got a new road ride cuz my other was way too big for me in the frame size. Make sure you get that one right. The bars, stem, etc. can be switched up. But, cutting "too stretched out length" outta a too big top tube is a lost cause. Something I'm painfully aware of (physically and financially).

Good Luck!

[PamNY]

Itself, I'm glad you asked this question as Trek fx is what I plan to get when I upgrade.

I never knew you weren't supposed to ride certain bikes very far. I have a non-fx Trek and do 40 miles with no problem. It's heavier than a road bike but I assume that will make me stronger.

Pam

[wackyjacky1]

I have a 7.2 FX (2007). I love it!!! Hated the flat bars, though, and swapped 'em out for moustache bars. I did a 30+ mile ride last week with no problems, and plan to do longer rides on it as I get fitter. It's my "everything" bike -- errands, commute, and weekend rides.

[itself]

The "H" bars or moutache bars are definitely necessary on this type of bike. This at least allows a couple of different hand positions.

Lisa

[Zen]

I never knew you weren't supposed to ride certain bikes very far. I have a non-fx Trek and do 40 miles with no problem.

Yeah, who made that rule?

So, I'm still confused about the "performance" terminology.
A touring bike might not win races but it will certainly go long distances and be comfortable.
But I think I said that already.
I give up.

[maryellen]

I have a 2003 Trek 7500FX and have been v happy w it. I did swap out the front tire for a narrower tire but that's really the only change I made.

I've done several centuries on it and rode it on a 560 mile AIDS ride in 2005. Got a road bike in 2006 but have never loved it the way I love my 7500FX. (Possibly because I had a bad crash the first month w the road bike, but that's another story!). In fact, the road bike is on the trainer!

I figure that the relative rarity of flats/mechanicals on the 7500FX makes up for the extra weight and less aerodynamic position. I have a chronic low back problem due to an old compression fracture as well as spondelothesis and the 7500FX was been quite comfortable.

If both of my bikes disappeared today, I'd get a higher end FX model and not get another road bike. I think I'm in the minority here though.

[ms1]

This is the bike that really got me into riding. I've had it for almost 2 years and have used it a lot - it's lighter than a mountain bike, but still comfortable and upright.

But now, I'm in the market for a "real" road bike. And, although I'm sure it's more comfortable on a trail than a road bike, it still isn't quite as comfortable as a mountain bike with a front shock and bigger tires.

So, I bought a Trek 4500 mountain bike on Craigslist a few months ago, which I use for trails and to ride with my daughters, when I am not trying to go fast. It's a fun and comfortable bike.

If I would have jumped straight to a road bike, I think I would have been apprehensive about using it, so the fx was a great start for me. I would never even have looked for a forum like this before I owned my fx. So, I can't say I'm sorry that I bought it, but I feel like I've outgrown it now.

I forgot to mention - first I had a 7.2 fx, sold it and then upgraded to the 7.5. And it was a huge different - lighter, faster and much more fun to ride. So, if your budget allows, go higher up with the fx. I have read (not sure if it's still true), that the 7.3 and 7.5 share the same frame, so maybe there's not as big a difference, but I wouldn't buy the 7.2.

[uforgot]

The biggest difference is between the 7.2 and the 7.3. Different frame and forks. The Alpha black aluminum is on the 7.3, 7.5 and 7.6. If you are just looking for a commuter, the 7.2 is fine, but for those longer rides, I agree, get the better frame.

[dingster1]

Another 7.2 owner here. Love mine

[Photoflygirl]

I bought a Trek 7.5 FX WSD a couple months ago and LOVE IT!!! I rode my neighbors Trek 1500 WSD and it the position was too aggressive for my neck. I may have gotten used to it, but I just didn't like it. So I rode a few upright bikes and chose the 7.5 because it is comfortable but also fast, so I can keep up with other road bikes if I do a group ride. Did I mention my DH has his eye on it to use when his Trek mtb is in the shop??? LOL.