2009 Trek 7.5fx WSD or 2010 7.6fx WSD?!

[Tanya]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this site, so please bear with me. A few months ago I decided to get into biking as a fun hobby and alternative to being stuck in the gym. I have been riding my old mountain bike for rides, and it's time to plunk down some bills to get a real bike. I don't want an actual road bike yet because I'm intimidated by the posture that the curled handlebars would make me take, and the thinness of the tires.

My rides will mostly be at the beach, around town, on bike paths, and on the road for casual, organized rides (not races). I recently completed the 25 mile ride of the Tour de Palm Springs on my old mountain bike, and would like to do similar rides, increasing the distance to 50+. I'm not sure if I'll ever want to do a century ride, but who knows. I've decided that the best bike for me is a hybrid, and have liked the Trek's FX series.

Now, for my dilemma. When I first started looking for bikes, a shop near me had the 7.5fx from 2009. I fell in love. I was only going to get a 7.3, but I loved the design of the 2009 model of the 7.5fx WSD--It is matte black with gold script and is slightly feminine without being overly so. It was a good, comfortable ride, and not surprisingly, much lighter than my mountain bike from circa 1996. Unfortunately, that store didn't have my size.

In my neurotic and relentless search to find the 2009 7.5fx WSD bike in my size, not only did I find this bike, but I found a 2010 7.6fx WSD for about the same price. Now, I'm torn. Getting the 7.6fx WSD in a newer model for practically the cost of the 7.5fx WSD is a major bargain. But, I hate the colors of the 2010 7.6fx WSD. The font is a limey yellow, juxtaposed on a blue that's not too bad, but can't be appreciated due to the 80's-esque gleam emanating from the font.

But, technically, according to the specs, I'd be getting a better bike in the 2010 7.6fx WSD. I test rode the 2010 7.6fx WSD and honestly, I didn't notice a difference. Perhaps I would only notice a difference on long rides, versus the brief test ride? The gears seemed to shift the same--both were clean. I did notice that the wheels were thinner on the 7.6, but I'm not sure if that will benefit me, or put me at greater risk for tumbles.

With all of that said (and sorry for the novel!), what do all of you experienced riders think about the 7.5fx WSD vs. the 7.6fx WSD? Would I notice a difference between the two, given what I'll be using it for? Is the 7.6 a very superior bike to the 7.5? I'm so careful with my money that it seems wasteful to buy a "lesser" bike for almost the identical price of the better, newer bike. Argh. I'm so confused!! Thanks in advance for your help in the resolution of my internal struggle.

[Seajay]

The difference between the 7.5 and 7.6 is mostly in the little elastomer "IsoZone bumper' on the frame of the 7.6. I've always felt the 7.5 was the "bang for the buck" model.
IMO the upgrade to the 7.6 is so small that you may as well get the color you like in the 7.5.
Given the description of your riding...I think I would be showing you Trek's FX series as well.

[ciao_bella]

I agree with what Seajay said in that the main difference seems to be in the ISOZONE thing that is there to soften the ride for the aluminum frame. I saw the 2010 7.6 FX WSD at the store and I agree the color scheme was OK, but didn't thrill me. The black and gold on the 2009 7.5 FX is very puuuurdy!

Have you considered the men's versions of the 7.5 FX and 7.6 FX just as a comparison?

Ciao

[Tanya]

I really thought I would notice a difference with the isozone component, so I was kind of surprised when the vibration level (which was close to nil on both) was not noticeably different. The isozone piece was the main component difference for me that I thought I would care about, and might miss if I passed up the bargain on the 7.6.

I considered getting one of the men's bikes, but having test ridden the WSD's, I really liked how they fit with my body, so they kind of stuck in my head as the best option. I felt like the WSD's took into consideration the leg/arm ratio of women vs. men. I have friends who have men's bikes who say that they fit just as well for them. It seems like it's a personal choice.

I ended up ordering the 2009 7.5fx WSD yesterday because I loved the way it felt, and I wouldn't cringe at seeing it, as I might in looking at the neon yellow on blue in the 7.6. I was also comforted in the 7.5's ability to handle light grit on the roads and maybe be able to go over some smooth, unpaved paths, whereas, the 7.6 would make me nervous to do so since it seems like more of a road bike with flat handlebars as opposed to being a true hybrid.

Part of me is sad at having passed up such a wonderful deal, (especially the part of me that has to pay my grad loans every month. That part of me is screaming that I'm wasteful), but the rest of me is ecstatic to ride a beautiful bike that is truly compatible with my needs. Thanks all for your input! I can't wait to go for a ride and put on many miles! Once I get addicted on my FX, I have a feeling I'll be on here looking for a road bike.

[ny biker]

But if you had gotten the 7.6, part of you would be screaming that you hate the way it looks.

So just enjoy your new bike!

[ASammy1]

We want pics

[Tanya]

Here is my new bike! I love it. I took it for a quick 5 mile whirl today and it rides like a dream. I can't wait to take it out for a longer ride this weekend.

[uforgot]

Congrats on the new bike! I do have to say, however, that when I saw that yellow and blue bike I fell in love with those colors! Interesting how different people's tastes are. Oh, I loved that black and gold too. You're right about it being feminine, but tasteful. I think you will be happier when you like the looks of it. I always am!

[Tanya]

@uforgot- I actually really liked the blue itself--it was very rich and beautiful, but that yellow...man. It just leaped out into my corneas and pulled some kickboxing moves on my retinas. It looked very different in person than on the website. I think I could have dealt with the color combo if it looked like how it was on the Trek website. I was actually really surprised when I saw it in person--It looked very Punky Brewster to me.

[Cataboo]

That pic might not have been set up for riding yet - but your seat is too low if that's how you're riding it

[Tanya]

I'm about 5'6 and my seat felt comfortable. Maybe I should take a trip to the shop and have them fit me on it properly.

[cuttercoasty]

That pic might not have been set up for riding yet - but your seat is too low if that's how you're riding it

I thought the same thing. I am not an expert, but I have the mens 2009 Trek 7.5FX sized 17.5 and my seat is a lot higher then what your's appears to be. I'm 5'6 also.
When I am standing off my bike, the top of the seat is just about at the top of my hip.

I would suggest going down to your trusted bike shop and ask them to fit you for riding.

[beccaB]

I got a 7.7 last April because of the isozone and the wheels. There are nothing but potholes here. The roads are a disaster zone. I wanted the strongest wheels I could get. Oddly enough, driving a school bus over these roads is killing me worse than the bike.