7.6 FX vs Vita Pro vs Quick SL 2

[dodecahedron]

I appreciate you girls having this discussion because it's making me do my research! I am still very new to bikes! I went to check out the Vita and Quick 2 today. Because of the discussion you guys are having, I asked about compact double and triple. The 2011 Quick 2 had the triple chains. I guess not having known either, I'll learn for the first time whatever I happen to go on.

Unfortunately, at the Specialized shop, I must have gotten someone new who wasn't really aware of the competition as well as the Vita specs. There was no Vita Pro or Limited in the shop, which I'm not surprised because none of the shops have been carrying the higher end commuters. I asked him about how much would the Vita Limited weigh and he said 16-18lbs. Sounds like a road bike... as the Trek 7.6 FX was quoted at about 23. Don't see weight specs online. I think for starting if I was get a Vita, it would be the Pro. Or a Limited from previous years..if possible. $2100 is out of my price element. (~$1400 is tops).

Again I don't know how much this [weight] factors in, but I do live in Colorado and there are definitely roads that have some major hills (in fact my half marathon last weekend was 900+ feet elevation, I'd like to bike that as well!). My commute to work would be totally flat though.

There was one 2011 Quick 2 left in my size, and it's discounted to $750. I didn't plan on making a decision based on discount or not.

[goldfinch]

Have you had a chance to ride any of the Vitas or the Quick yet?

[dodecahedron]

Unfortunately..no. I've gone straight from work because all the bike specialty stores close so early. I now know how much a waste of time it was because if I rode them all and liked the Quick 2, I would have had a bike to ride tonight already at a better price. One thing I didn't like about where the Quick 2 was sold, it wasn't lifetime free tune ups from the store like the rest have been. (3 free tune ups.) Tomorrow I'll bring a change of clothes/shoes and try to ride all three. I've sat on all of them but that just helped me determine a size.

[dodecahedron]

Rode the 2010 Quick 2 today (was mistakenly told it was 2011 originally) - priced at $760. First time riding a bike that cost more than $180 bucks. I kept needing lessons to understand the gears and triple chain (again, things not seen on the 7 speed Schwinn I've been riding.) Rode it around and thought That's an awesome bike.

Went to the next store to try the Trek fx, again ran out of time to ride the Vita but thought tomorrow morning before work I'll ride the Vita and make my decision.

I already knew Trek FX 7.3 was the highest FX I could try there but I was told if I liked it, the FX 7.6 would just be that much better. 15 minutes later

Ordered a 2011 ($750) FX 7.5 WSD - the Trek just felt perfect. I'll just never test ride a Vita so I don't know what I'm missing.

FYI the 2011 Trek FX 7.5/7.6have the triple chain, going to 2012 these are the 2 FX bikes that have the compact double.

[Catrin]

Congratulations on your choice, and some day you will get a chance to test the Vita just to see what it feels like I am glad you were able to get a triple on the FX, but I am biased in favor of a triple anyway.

The FX is a nice bike, I initially learned how to ride on a 7.6 in 2010 and while I sold it within about 6 months - it was because the bike was too large for me rather than there being any issues with the bike itself. Enjoy many rides and smiles with your new bike and post a picture of your lovely new bike!

[goldfinch]

Congratulations. The FX 7.5 is a great bike. Keep us up to date!

[smittykitty]

Congratulations! Sound like you have a new hill climber!!! I also have a 7.5. I rode it right after test riding the Vita. It just felt right and I knew immediately it was the bike for me. I think the Vita is a great bike too.

I think it will serve you well for commuting to work and longer rides too. I've ridden many 30 - 50 milers and a 70+ on the FX. I did add bar-ends (quite cheap) to my handle bars and that gave me another hand position. You might wait and see if you need them. They are a quick add-on.

Happy riding and welcome aboard.