Howdy,

After reading some posts in strong favour of the Trek 7.0FX I trundled to the local bike shop where they didn't stock this bike but offered up the Norco VFR6. Both seem about the same price but the Norco is a flat bar road bike which I guess just means not as comfortable 'cause you're sitting straighter?? and thinner wheels??

Anyway I'm kinda impatient so would like to get something quickly (which would be the Norco) if there's not too much difference. Any opinions from those that have actually riden a bike in the last 20 years?

Would be used for mainly long weekend rides on road and bike paths.

(BTW salesman did a great job of turning me off bike riding by regalling stories of horrific accidents and warning me that EVERY RIDE I would have a close call, so I'm still a bit nervous)


Cheers
Steve

I don't know a lot about riding, but I have just bought the Trek 7.0 and I find it very comfy to ride and I think that the main difference from your explanation would be the comfort factor. As you want it more for bike paths and weekend riding I would be going for more comfort then a road bike which is built for speed, but I am sure someone else will have better information for you.

Are there other bike shops that you can go to for the Trek 7.0?

Hey Steve,

If you are after comfort more than speed the 7000 series from Trek are pretty good. They are pretty much the same bikes as the 7. series except most of them have front suspension and a suspension seat post.

I bought the 7.3FX and have not had a problem with it.

I have also heard that Giant bikes are pretty good in the hybrid range (Flat bar like a mountain bike but with thinner tyres)

Good luck and make sure the bike shop fits the bike to you not you to the bike. Trust me, after 30-40ks if the bike is the wrong size you will start to feel uncomfortable.

Cheers
Andrew

I've just bought the Trek 7.5 fx mainly for road riding (fitness) and cycling routes, it's a hybrid with some shock absorbtion through the front fork. It's a great ride without being as fragile as a road bike, and the frame is not too heavy. So far, very pleased with it, it helped to actually ride a few others (giant / Trek 7.3 Orphea) to appreciate the differences.
My choice was made on the basis of biomechanics that it had the right dimensions to match my femur length, and that this would provide a better riding position for me.

Regards,
TKR.

Have no knowlege of the Norco, sorry

As TKR said, ride them both. I test rode half a dozen bikes before settling on my current steed. It's the little things that make a difference and if you go to a good shop they should let you take their bikes out on a good test ride (about 10 - 15 mins per bike). In fact, they should suggest a route which includes various elements of riding eg hills, flats, corners.

I'm also very impatient when it comes to purchases, but if the bike isn't right for you, you will know it very quickly.

Its important to find a bike shop that you like - you might not intend to, but you will probably spend lots of money there in the future. In any style of bike and price bracket there are lots of very similar bikes - imho the shop is as important as the brand of bike.

Thanks All,

Ended up getting a 'Giant CRX4'-flat bar road bike. Liked the shop and the sales dude and it was $120 off as it was 2008 model and it felt fast and pretty comfy and on top of all that it's black (not a big fan of colour).


Cheers
Steve

Great news Steve. Sounds like your happy with it, hope you have many great rides