Trek 7.2 fx WSD vs Specialized Vita

[spidervmd]

Thanks Shannon!

I know the Trek comes with lifetime tune-ups at Bike Doctor. I need to check on the Specialized (different bike shop).

After reading a lot of reviews and forums, I am thinking about going for the Trek 7.3 Fx WSD. Unfortuntely the 7.5 is not in my budget

Also, they only had the men's version at the store (17in)- so I did not get a chance to ride the WSD. Does it usually make much of a difference? I am 5'8", slim build and a bit leggy.

[Catrin]

Thanks Shannon!

I know the Trek comes with lifetime tune-ups at Bike Doctor. I need to check on the Specialized (different bike shop).

After reading a lot of reviews and forums, I am thinking about going for the Trek 7.3 Fx WSD. Unfortuntely the 7.5 is not in my budget

Also, they only had the men's version at the store (17in)- so I did not get a chance to ride the WSD. Does it usually make much of a difference? I am 5'8", slim build and a bit leggy.

It really depends on your proportions - some women really need the WSD geometry, other women do not benefit from it. Others here will be able to speak more specifically on the differences. Many women are leggy but have shorter arms, proportionally speaking, and the WSD designs are meant to address that. It isn't just about height and inseam, but about your reach as well - you have to be able to reach the handlebars comfortably with at least some bend in your elbows. No locking the arms

[Roadtrip]

+1 on what Catrin said!

[spidervmd]

So does the carbon fiber fork on the Vita Elite make that much of a difference? And which is more durable (carbon fiber or aluminum)? Remember I am a newbie

-Dorian

[Roadtrip]

I think durability on each would be about the same. It depends on who you talk to, as some think Carbon has a higher potential failure rate if compromised (crashed), and damaged structurally where you can't really SEE it's damaged. Carbon Fiber gains it's strength by the weave of the material and if damaged it looses integrity pretty drastically. Alu or Steel will bend/flex before it fails, carbon is incredibility strong and stiff, but once it reaches it's breaking point, it breaks.

The main thing about the carbon is it absorbs a lot more of the vibrations, etc from the road/path, which means less going into your hands/arms.

Shannon

[spidervmd]

Thanks for the info!

It seems that I can get the Specialized Vita Elite for about the same price as the Trek 7.3 Fx.... so maybe it would be better to go for the Specialized to get the carbon fork. That dealer also has tune ups included, and is closer (within easy riding distance) from my house.

I also think the red and white is really snazzy