Possible bike(s)
Posted by Carrie on 24 Aug 2008 | Tagged as: Fitness and Health
Local bike store recommended the Trek 7.2FX WSD, or possibly the 7.3. Supposedly, they’re ideal for bike paths and roads, both of which I do, and they’re a good option for my current level of riding (athletically inclined ( 
) but not a “dedicated biker”). Still looking, but this sounds like a good start, and both are cheaper than what Eric and I had anticipated. 
Anybody familiar with these?
7 Comments »
on 24 Aug 2008 at 6:36 pm
alli said …
I’m only familiar with them because I saw some folks riding them in the Olympics.
on 24 Aug 2008 at 6:42 pm
Kate said …
Carrie-
Trek is an awesome brand (I myself ride a 1200AA roadbike) and I can’t recommend them highly enough. The WSD is a fantastic option for the way women are “usually” built. I tried WSD and I ran into problems because the frame geometry is set for a shorter arm reach and torso - which is generally what women have. My issue is that my torso is long enough to make me feel “crunched up” on that type of bike.
No matter what you choose, do the following:
1. Take it for a test drive - at least 3-5 miles. See if they have a demo you can check out or rent.
2. Get properly fitted. This is 90% of the battle for a good bike. You will size by body size rather than wheel size. Know that you can (and should) switch out components - i.e., handlebars, seat, etc. The seat should go back and forth as well as up and down - a centimeter can take you from sore legs to ride-all-day. Expect to make tweaks and adjustments as you ride - your muscles limber up and you extend more as the season goes along… likewise, you will tighten up during the winter, even if you spin and run in the gym.
3. Consider getting toe clips as opposed to regular pedals/cages. You’d be AMAZED the efficiency you gain.
4. A computer is lots of fun to have — get one that counts cadence as well as speed and distance. A Cateye Astrale 8 is about $40 and is perfect for your needs. (BTW…going upwards of 25-30 down hill is FUUUUUUUUN when you have a closed course and clear sailing…)
5. No matter what bike you buy, take a basic repair course, get a bike bag and USE IT (small repair kit, tools, extra tube, and room for $5, your driver’s license and a cell phone)… and get fitted for a helmet, and WEAR IT.
6. Either of those bikes will work splendidly in a du… or a tri…
Also — check with Parks and Rec, and also with Carthage (TARC or the Natatorium) — sometimes there are open swim times at the high school pools… and Carthage has a Masters’ swimming club that meets there. All adults, all levels of ability for swimming.
on 24 Aug 2008 at 8:29 pm
Sondra said …
I’m usually just a lurker, but thought I’d actually comment since I bought a new bike at the beginning of the season this year.
My husband and I both went into the specialty bike store in town not really knowing anything except that we wanted GOOD bikes to ride on our local paths and trails (as opposed to the 100-dollar ones we had but hated and couldn’t stand long-distance). We’re not avid cyclists, but after getting our new bikes, we are definitely enjoying it more and more. I ride about 24 miles on my typical “ride”, and that was after previously riding maybe 2-3 miles at a time.
Anyway, we tried the Trek, Giant, and Cannondale, and went with the Cannondale Adventure 4. (I put the link to mine as my “Website” above.) You really do have to ride them/test them for yourself, and get fitted, as Kate said. The bike world is much like the camera world with the Canon people and Nikon people… you’ll have people swear up and down that THIS ONE is the BEST, but really what is most important is that you find what is best for YOU. Try to ignore the hype and ride/test as much as you can. They are all great bikes in that price range, you get what you pay for, and I’m sure you will make the right choice. Happy riding!
on 25 Aug 2008 at 7:02 am
Carrie said …
Yeah, I definitely plan to test them out. I purposefully went to the store in a dress yesterday so that I would be limited to getting information about models and prices and not fall for any particular bike and be able to move on it. Slow and steady…
I’m leaning toward the WSD as a starting point, though I’ll have to make sure; I’m only 5′4″, and I have short limbs.
Also, I’m seeing that this neck of the woods seems to be TREK-TREK-nothing but TREK all over the place. Well, Treks are from Wisconsin, so I guess I get it, but still.
on 25 Aug 2008 at 3:49 pm
Rachel said …
Treks do have a very good reputation. I have a Bianchi that I bought 12 years ago when I moved to Madison for graduate school and still ride it today.
I think more important than the brand of bike is making sure that you buy it from a good bike shop where they listen to you and have good customer service. Getting the bike adjusted for you is extremely important. In my small town there are two bike shops–one is bigger, flashier, etc. but it’s the small shop where the owner knows me and stops what he’s doing to fill up my tires if I stop by with a low one.
on 25 Aug 2008 at 5:21 pm
Tammy said …
Trek makes great bikes. I have a Specialized and it has a wonderful saddle and shock abosorbers in the front (I do not use proper bike lingo as my husband does forgive me) and I am hardly every sore from long rides. They aren’t very flashy or girlie like the Trek’s but the ride sold it for me hands down. I would ride as many as you can.
Padded shorts are must and shoes that clip in are a must.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=33078
on 01 Sep 2008 at 2:18 pm
helen said …
I just wanted to add my 2cents into this bike discussion as I am an avid cyclist - I own different bikes for different riding (ie mountain biking, road, city stuff, etc).
My primary advice is to avoid hybrid/urban bikes (like the trek you link) as they don’t do anything particularly well. They are harder to ride on the road and bike paths and in a riding position that isn’t good for you for medium to long rides.
I would advise getting an entry level road bike as it rides on bike paths and the road well. If you don’t want to use drop bars (like pro riders) then you can get flat bar road bikes (although drop bars are great as they give many different positions to ride in). Road bikes are much, much better than hybrids and will serve you well for many years. There are also women specific road bikes too.
I think this trek would actually be a much better bike than the FX series you are looking at:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/women/road/12wsd/
or a specialised
I think that you will enjoy riding more if you have a good bike that is easy and fun to ride.
Good luck with your purchasing.