Differences betweek Trek FX Bikes

[mhami]

So really, you have to understand what you want the bike for and how serious you might get about cycling in order to decide. The 7000 and FX series are for very different purposes.

Thank you for taking the time to respond so thoroughly. I'm happy this thread got some more action. You are right about the above statement and that is why I am having a hard time making a decision. I really, really, liked the beautiful blue 7.3 FX that I test rode. I also tested the 7200. I tested about seven different bikes.

Here is the problem I am having. I initially thought I was buying a bike to ride around with my kids and envisioned a fun ride with them on a rails-to-trails trail that takes us right to my Mom's house. It would be about a 21 mile run, but I thought with a little practice the kids and I could do that. I thought it would be fun to ride there, go swimming and spend the night and come home the next day. I envisioned riding with the kids to their school, riding to the bowling alley, riding to get a frozen yogurt, etc. I even envisioned buying a dog trailer and towing my dog.

Like a good consumer I researched the bikes I tested. I came across TE (a wonderful website) and got very excited about riding in general. It is hard not to get excited when you all are so passionate about riding. Since I am on a mission to lose 40 lbs by the end of July I began thinking how I would like to ride for exercise. I started plotting routes on Bikely.com and day dreaming about riding for exercise. As great as my intentions are, just like if I were to buy a treadmill and don't use it for its intended purpose, it is a waste of money.

Other than the mountain bike that I have been riding once in awhile over the past 10 years, all of my other bikes were (like) road bikes (10 speeds). I am mostly comfortable on the 7.3 FX. I am comfortable with the slight leaning forward, but I am not comfortable about the saddle. I am really worried about not being comfortable with the small around town trips I plan on doing. If I thought the saddle would be comfortable I would buy the FX in a heartbeat.

Another personal issue that I am having is that I don't really care for the look of the 7200 and the good reviews are mostly from beginning cyclists and 60 year old men. Seriously, I have nothing against beginning cyclists or 60 year old men and I value their opinion, but I would rather have an opinion from an avid cyclist who has experience.

From the picture I think the 7500 looks nice. I haven't tested it or know anything about it. I can only assume it is way more than I wanted to spend, but I might be willing to spend it if I think it is a bike that will last me. Maybe I should look at bikes other than Trek.

I'm sorry this message got to be so long. I am really frustrated now and can't make a decision. I go to bed thinking about bikes and I wake up thinking about them.

Confused in CA
Marianne