[19 of 28 customers found this review helpful]

Trek 7.7 FX Review

A Versatile Machine

"Purchased 2/1/08Mileage to date: 1650My 2008 7.7FX is stock except:BG SaddleGC2 GripsStrada WirelessSPD Pedals (not knockoffs)Before I purchased this bike, I was looking at similarly classed products from several manufacturers. After a long absence from riding, I wanted something that would motivate me to get out and ride. I found it with this bike.After enjoying a spin on a 7.5FX and finding it to be a great fit, I knew my new bike would be an FX. The 7.6FX offered some comfort and performance upgrades over the 7.5 which made it yet more attractive. I was rationalizing the price difference between the two models when the LBS came through with a deal on the 7.7FX. "I'll take it!""Smooth...Agile...Responsive." Those were my first impressions on my initial ride around the neighborhood. The 7.7 just seemed to glide. One of the rear brake shoes did slide from its position on the rim during that first ride, rendering the rear brake useless. I also noted the FD struggled to move the chain to the large ring. The left/right brake and shifter levers weren't aligned either.Note to self: "LBS missed the checklist"Before my next ride, I properly adjusted the brakes (toe-in, setback from rim, and security), the FD (vertical distance from outer ring much too high and hi/lo stops off a bit), and the RD (tension). Much better. Since these bikes come mostly assembled from Trek (dealer mounts seat/post, bar, and wheels), the LBS may have assumed these adjustments were preset and correct. Not necessarily a good thing.Moving on. The word is that a good carbon fork and seat stays can smooth out the ride on the otherwise aluminum frame. I believe that's true when the design is right, as it is on the FX. Perhaps the carbon seat post helps, too. Overall, the ride is smooth, however I think possibly the tighter, lower spoke-count wheels and hardcase tires offset some of what the carbon is trying to achieve. That's somewhat annoying when you consider that a substantial chunk of the near [$]premium (over the 7.5FX) can be accounted for in the wheelset and additional carbon.I have heard of concerns about the durability of the Bontrager Race wheelset, specifically of cracks forming around the nipples. I haven't experienced anything to date, but I believe Trek will be reasonable should issues arise.The drivetrain is excellent. The 50/39/30 105 crankset and 12-27 cassette offer the ability to comfortably keep pace with drop bar riders of similar fitness. And between the shifters, the 105 FD and the Ultegra RD, shifting is absolute precision.The brakes, on the other hand, don't live up to the rest of the bike. While functional, both the Shimano brakes and Avid levers are about as inexpensive as they come. They represent an opportunity for a possible upgrade. Still, I think the MSRP could be better justified with an appopriate brakeset.As the length of my typical ride increased, I noticed the often-mentioned numbness that accompanies flat bars. The stock grips are very good, but I found myself searching for more hand positions (which didn't exist). A change to GC2 grips with short, integrated bar ends made a huge difference.I anticipate trying a different handlebar in the near future, quite possibly a "trekking" bar that will offer some additional hand positions for yet longer rides. I can also see this bike getting a rack down the road, too.Overall, I'm happy with my FX. While it could surely handle some light "off road" riding, it loves pavement too much for me to consider it. A great fitness bike, a capable group rider, a recreational stress reliever, or a quick commuter! Whichever you're looking for, the FX is versatile.I could almost rate this at 5 stars, but not quite there."