Have we outgrown our Trek FX 7.5's???

[GLC1968]

I've also heard that the type of tires you roll, along with what pressure you pump them to will make a difference in how chip seal will feel - but I don't have enough experience with different options to make a good recommendation here.

This!

I also live out in the country in the PNW and ride quite a bit of chipseal and unpaved roads (much to my annoyance!). I'm pretty tolerant of the terrain changes as a person, and I happen to ride Ti, so it's not such a big deal for me. I have started inflating my tires (23mm 650's) to a slightly lower pressure than I used to when we lived in NC and rode better quality roads (to 100 psi instead of 110/120 psi).

My H, on the other hand, has former injury issues with his wrists, so he can't handle heavy vibration at all. He's gone through upwards of 12 bikes trying to find the perfect combination (no joke!) and so far, keeps returning to one of his first bikes. So far, he's tried Al, steel, carbon, carbon/steel, Ti, al/carbon and numereous geometries and wheel/tire types. His favorite to this day is his aluminum frame Specialized Tricross that also has a carbon fork. This amuses me some since his very first bike was an aluminum Trek 1200 and he said that bike beat him to death. This one is the same combination of materials, but the geometry is totally different. He also never runs any tire smaller than a 25mm and he doesn't inflate them to 'max' unless we are going to be on SMOOTH road (which pretty much doesn't happen anymore). He also has some crazy super gel crap under the bar tape on his handlebars - but he likes it. I have no padding in my gloves or on my bars, so his bars weird me out, but to each his own.

Anyway, my point is that if you get the wheels/tires right and the fit right - frame materials may not matter as much.

[Kiwi Stoker]

I think one of the biggest adjustments will be going from a flat bar to a road bike is the braking. In my case I find I just cannot adjust to the large levers and it hasn't helped that I cannot pull the brakes very well. I have put extra lever on the top of my handlebars on my road bike and I only use them. I just don't feel safe without being able to get at least 2 fingers around the lever.

So make sure you are happy with the road bike bars, otherwise if you haven't got them already, bar ends add extra handholds to a flat bar. Also NZ is mainly chip seal. A carbon fork is a great addition, however a carbon frame is give or take (there's no great difference). Also weight of bike is a big thing. Some AL bikes are the same weight as a carbon. However my AL bike was around the 16kg mark and my carbon the 10kg. I gained 6km/hr speed wise on the carbon (I wasn't such a bad rider after all)!

[Catrin]

Also weight of bike is a big thing. Some AL bikes are the same weight as a carbon. However my AL bike was around the 16kg mark and my carbon the 10kg. I gained 6km/hr speed wise on the carbon (I wasn't such a bad rider after all)!

I've noted that my all-steel-frame LHT is lighter than my AL Trek 7.6 with the carbon fork. Just saying

[Norse]

Welcome Kit! I was sort of where you are now a few years ago. When I got back into biking, I started with a mountain bike and then moved on to a Trek FX 7500 (earlier version of what you have now). I was happy with that for a few years but ... as I got better and started riding more event rides and with other people, I wanted to go farther and faster. So, the FX is now my "beater" bike and my pride and joy is a Trek 5200 (new version would be the Madonne 5.2). Having a better machine really does improve your comfort and the joy of riding. BTW, I am in my mid-40s.

I know you don't want to spend that much (my bike is all carbon with Ultegra components). My DP recently got back into biking and graduated from a bike similar to the FX to a Trek 2.1 WSD. She loves, loves, loves it. The fork and seatpost are carbon so comfort is improved and she spent around $1500 for everything: bike, helmet, shoes, water bottles.... (her bike riding days had long been dormant). Another important step - she got fitted for it. So, is it worth it? That's an individual choice, but for many, the answer is yes! Whatever gets you out on a bike the most and keeps you smiling.

[alimey]

Left field suggestion - have you thought about getting a tandem??? It evens out different levels of fitness/strength, but it's much more than that. It's a really lovely feeling of teamwork. Of course, then there will be the straight bar/drop bar decision. But I just thought I would make the suggestion as my husband & I have really enjoyed our tandem - & it certainly seems to bring out the best in other people. We can also go further on our tandem - I guess it's much lighter than 2 bikes & much much more aerodynamic . .

[WindingRoad]

I'd have to say go check out some high quality steel framed bikes at local shops. They ride like butter and they cost less overall so you can afford to get some nice components on there too. If you are concerned about the weight have the shop weigh them and compare to some of the lower end carbon frames. I say lower end carbon frame bikes because in the price range you are looking you can get a carbon ride but the components you get will be lower end which cancels out the weight difference in the frame. I have carbon, steel and aluminum bikes and my steel bike is my favorite so far as ride is concerned. The steel bikes come with carbon forks, seat posts and all that too so I'd suggest you give them a look. Best of luck.

[coolcreek]

After a bunch of trial rides, I settled on a Specialized tri-cross Sport (triple). It's billed a cyclocross bike, but I'm seeing a couple around here decked out for touring---and I picked it because I wanted the best of a road bike and a mtn, but didn't want a heavy hybrid.
It has more of a road bike geometry than mtn, with some of the comfort features of a hybrid. Aluminum frame, carbon fork & seat post.

The PR campaign says "POINT THE TRICROSS down anything from a gravel strewn fireroad to a pothole packed bike path or maybe even a chunk of smooth singletrack, and you'll realize that its numbness-killing chassis, predictable geometry and robust wheelset will help you redefine what's possible on two (skinny) tires"---and so far I think it's wonderful.

If you can find one in the right size, give it a whirl. I paid about 25% off retail for a small-ish frame, which makes me think not too many sport riders know about it.