Helo buying trek fx while on sale

[n0mad]

Hi,

Trek is currently having a 20% off on selected bikes, I've had a TREK fx 7.0 for about 3 yrs now. I'm looking to buy a new bike as the existing is getting a bit tired.
I commute everyday 6.5km each way, in all weather conditions. I use a mix of shared paths and road.

i have found the trek fx 7.4 for $679 (from $849) on sale at a local bike shop in SYdney CBD. http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/collecti ... 7_4_fx_jp/#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

is this good value? would there be a better bike available for my above use (in similar price range)? any comments you would like to make on the bike are appreciated.

[n0mad]

ok, since i've had no luck what would be the better option the trek fx 7.4 for $679 or the trek fx 7.5 for $919. Is the 7.5 worth an extra $240?

[mitzikatzi]

There are a couple of threads on Trek FX bikes if I recall correctly.

Without looking at the specs I would buy the more expensive bike that doesn't mean it is the correct choice for you.
Buy the bike you can afford.

[queequeg]

Check the specs. when I got my 7.5fx a few years back, the primary difference between it and the next model down (the 7.3fx) was the addition of carbon forks, marginally better wheels and better shifters that were separate to the brakes (7.3 had integrated brake/shifters).
Personally I would always go with the higher spec. I had to pay $1200 for my 7.5fx, so prices have come down a bit!

[reefer]

If your current FX has done less than 14k Km, why the need to upgrade, repair/replace/service it for another 14k Km :}
Thats the most cost effective way imo.

[n0mad]

Check the specs. when I got my 7.5fx a few years back, the primary difference between it and the next model down (the 7.3fx) was the addition of carbon forks, marginally better wheels and better shifters that were separate to the brakes (7.3 had integrated brake/shifters).
Personally I would always go with the higher spec. I had to pay $1200 for my 7.5fx, so prices have come down a bit!

ok, good point, the differences from the 7.4fx ($240 less) are:
IsoZone frame
Bontrager 24-hole rims
FSA Vero 50/34 crank
Shimano Deore/Sora drivetrain
Bontrager Evoke saddle

I have no idea how much they are worth

[n0mad]

If your current FX has done less than 14k Km, why the need to upgrade, repair/replace/service it for another 14k Km :}
Thats the most cost effective way imo.

i have an FX 7.0, it's very heavy and a little slower than i'd like. very frustrating when commuters on massive mountain bikes overtake me. I'm keen to keep it as a spare,

[rodneycc]

I'd go the higher level 7.5fx. The IsoZone frame sounds really interesting. Think its the same one they have on the Domane (or similar) with the dampening effects. But I would be testing them all out if I were you to see which you like better for the money.

Good Luck!

[queequeg]

From the Trek site, 7.5fx on the left, 7.4fx on the right.

I'd go the 7.5fx. It is on special right now, you are getting all the extra bits for $70, unless you were planning on buying a red or green 7.4fx at 20% off.

Biggest difference is that the 7.5fx is a compact double road crank, 7.4fx is a triple. Shimano Acera is bottom of the line stuff (just above Tourney). Sora/Deore is better.

Iso-Zone frame is just an insert in the rear triangle that gives a bit more comfort.

[rodneycc]

Iso-Zone frame is just an insert in the rear triangle that gives a bit more comfort.

From my limited reading its a bit more than that with the seatpost suspension/swivelly thingy..

[queequeg]

Iso-Zone frame is just an insert in the rear triangle that gives a bit more comfort.

From my limited reading its a bit more than that with the seatpost suspension/swivelly thingy..

look at the picture online. it is just the insert above the rear brake.

[n0mad]

From the Trek site, 7.5fx on the left, 7.4fx on the right.

I'd go the 7.5fx. It is on special right now, you are getting all the extra bits for $70, unless you were planning on buying a red or green 7.4fx at 20% off.

Biggest difference is that the 7.5fx is a compact double road crank, 7.4fx is a triple. Shimano Acera is bottom of the line stuff (just above Tourney). Sora/Deore is better.

Iso-Zone frame is just an insert in the rear triangle that gives a bit more comfort.

Actually, i'm not concerned about colour the red and green aren't too bad. I'll go in and test ride them both unless i really don't like the feel of the 7.5 i'll most likely go with that. I'd like this bike to last a good 6-8 years potentially longer.

as for the isoZone frame i found the below on another forum post (from 2009):
"Trek engineers have spent more than a year designing this new feature that enhances rider control and creates an unmatched comfort-first ride. New IsoZone™ technology isolates the most pivotal point on the FX frame with a revolutionary damping system that kills vibration in the range a rider feels most (between 40-50 Hz), a rate of twice that of any other system currently on the market."

[queequeg]

as for the isoZone frame i found the below on another forum post (from 2009):
"Trek engineers have spent more than a year designing this new feature that enhances rider control and creates an unmatched comfort-first ride. New IsoZone[TRADE MARK SIGN] technology isolates the most pivotal point on the FX frame with a revolutionary damping system that kills vibration in the range a rider feels most (between 40-50 Hz), a rate of twice that of any other system currently on the market."

You have to love marketing speak. It is basically a rubber insert between the seat tube and the rear stays. Sure, it is "high tech", but that is what it is It is a stretch to say it enhances rider control, as if bikes without it have been crashing off the road due to vibrations from the road.