The Trek 7.2 FX is an example of the creativity that manufacturers use to tweak the design of a bike to fit a particular user. It’s not just about picking the best components and calling it a day. We’ll cover what makes this one unique and how it compares to different offerings by Trek as well as other comparable rides of other manufacturers.
What is the Trek 7.2 FX Designed to Do?
The Trek 7.2 FX is a hybrid bike that toes the line between a city model with some light trail use to increase its versatility as an all-arounder. Trek bills this one as a sporty ride with a decent set of components including its 24-speed drivetrain. It is, nevertheless, an entry-level bicycle with some downgrades to keep the cost in line for the budget-minded cyclist without sacrificing on a decent ride for the price.
Who is the Trek 7.2 FX Good For?
The bike is an excellent choice if you want to test the waters with a hybrid model that won’t break the bank. It offers a good option for anyone looking for a daily commuter who primarily takes to the streets rather than going off-road. It would also make a great ride for cyclocross too for commuting or touring if that’s more your speed.
Frame & Material
The Trek 7.2 FX has a Trek Alpha Gold aluminum frame with a high-tensile steel fork.
This technology is Trek’s solution for creating more compliant frames while still maintaining the necessary stiffness and flexibility for a more comfortable ride. The manufacturer stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship or design once you register your steed with the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
The big selling points here are probably the handling and the frame quality, making this bike feel great, especially if you like a lively ride. The components could be better, however, which is something you might think about upgrading if you want to invest in this bike.
Expert Opinions
“Anybody from 15 to 99 as long as you know how to ride a bike, this may be the ideal bike for you if you have to commute to work, run errands, and maybe even ride trails." - The Adventurous Cyclist
“This is a great bike if you're starting a fitness program, maybe commuting back and forth to work."- Boyd, Bumsteads Bicycles
How Does Trek 7.2 FX Compare to Other Bikes from Trek?
If the Trek 7.2 FX doesn’t fit your needs, you’ll have plenty of other options that may interest you since many manufacturers have different takes on what to emphasize and downplay with this style of bike. That’s why it’s essential to pay close attention to what resonates and what turns you off precisely about a particular ride. The chances are you’ll find the perfect fit if you do, so it pays to consider the numbers and the impact on your riding experience.
Wheelbase Length
Trek defines “hybrid” in several ways which are evident when you start looking at the numbers in the bike’s geometry. With wheelbases length, you’ll see rides closer to a touring bike which we find with most of the picks with lengths greater than 1050mm. The XM700+ takes it to the extreme with its larger figure, whereas the FX 7.2 stays close with the rest of the pack at 1057mm.
Chainstay Length
We see some interesting takes on the chainstay length which give you clues to what is important in the manufacturer’s mindset. The longer numbers for the XM-700+ and Verve 1 speak to the greater stability and heel clearance these rides provide with the commuter in mind. The shorter lengths of the FX S 5 and CrossRip 3 give you a better option for getting fancy with pops and wheelies if that’s your thing while the FX 7.2 rides the middle ground at 445mm.
Head Tube Length
The head tube length gives you an indication of how upright you’ll sit in the saddle. A greater length like the XM700+ puts the premium on a comfortable ride. The Verve 1 goes for a more bent over stance which will make you more aerodynamic for better speed, while once again, the FX 7.2 likes the Goldilocks position at 11.5cm.
Price
The price points for hybrid bikes hover in several clusters which we see with the DS1, Verve 1, and the FX 7.2 at $460 MSRP. It’s worth noting that these bikes all have the Alpha Gold Aluminum frame as does the CrossRip 3, albeit with a higher grade of technology with the 200 Series. Interestingly, Trek still embraces aluminum as a material even in the XM700+ with its Alpha Gold Aluminum which provides some clues about where they put their money.
Component Differences
Shimano is the flavor of choice when it comes to the groupset of its lineup. There is the entry-level though worthy Shimano M131 of the FX 7.2 to the high-performance Miranda Delta of the XM700+, the exception to the Shimano rule. It is a single crankset whereas the FX 7.2, DS 1, and Verve 1 have triple cranksets versus the double of the FX S and CrossRip 3.
How Does the Trek 7.2 FX Compare to Similar Bikes on the Market?
Wheelbase Length
Giant markets the Contend 3 as an endurance bike, but it definitely has a nimble ride in its rearview mirror with its shorter wheelbase length typical of a road model. The other rides including the FX 7.2 at 1057mm approach the level of a touring bike for greater comfort on long hauls. That’s where you need to consider how important speed is to you—especially if you are running late often on your commute to work.
Chainstay Length
Again, the Giant entry stands out from the rest as a bike that will provide a livelier ride to make your commute interesting, at least. The other bikes including the FX 7.2 at 445mm lean toward a more stable ride with their longer lengths. The Cannondale Adventure 3 puts comfort in its focus with a greater heel clearance for longer trips when you’re packing a lunch in your panniers.
Head Tube Length
The FX 7.2 and Diamondback Trace make up for some of the loss of aerodynamics with a shorter head tube length that will have you more bent over for less wind resistance. Likewise, Giant capitalizes on the comfort factor with a longer head tube so that you’ll have a more upright posture on the bike. These figures are typical of the give-and-take you see with hybrid models
Head Tube Angle
The head tube angle also comes into play when it comes to steering and maneuverability. The Trace and Contend 3 get closer to a cyclocross bike which means more effort to steer it. The Cannondale entries and the Sirrus Sport take the opposite approach and opt for faster steering with the FX 7.2 taking a similar take at 70.5 degrees.
Component Differences
There are some serious divides when it comes to the groupset of each of these bikes. The Cannondales entries opt for V-brakes which saves on the weight factor, while the Giant has Tektro TK-R312 brakes and the FX 7.2, the Tektro linear-pull. The others go the disc brake route for better stopping power which makes them worthy of consideration for this type of ride.