which trek FX is the equivalent of the toyota corolla?

[bluepearl]

Hi all -

I'm finally doing bike commuting and I need a good quality bike (one that I intend to use it almost daily for at least 10 years).  The problem is that when I ask advice from bike enthusiast colleagues I get good technical answers but I don't know if they are mustachian enough answers.

They seem to be sending me to $1,000-$2,000 bikes, and consider them good values, since they own $2,000 to $4,000 bikes themselves.

I am interested in getting trek FX.  They have good reviews and I have a local bike store selling Treks within walking distance I'd like to support (also much less hassle in rolling the bike in for maintenance going forward).  Right now I'm inclined to get disc brakes, since I live in PNW which rains 10 months out of the year. 

So do I get the trek FX 7.2 disc (~$550 + racks/ fenders/ tax) or the trek FX 7.4 disc (~$800+ racks/ fenders/ tax)?  I don't mind spending a bit more money on 7.4 if this is a bike I'll keep for at least 10 years.  They both amortize to a reasonable amount anyways.  But is the 7.4 parts just better parts but still good value?  Or am I moving to lexus category already in mustachian terms?  Thanks!

Apologies for all the car analogies, I am a newbie with regards to bikes still :) 


http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fitness/fx/7_2_fx_disc/#/us/en/model/details?url=us/en/bikes/road/fitness/fx/7_2_fx_disc

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fitness/fx/7_4_fx_disc/#/us/en/model/details?url=us/en/bikes/road/fitness/fx/7_4_fx_disc

[Zalo]

Try them both and get the one you'd be happy to ride for 10 years or more; you're buying new, so re-selling will likely not net you your money back.

Out of mere aesthetics, I liked the first one. Out of functionality, I like lower priced bikes, because I don't feel quite as bad when it gets dirty, there's a potential for theft, or I need to replace parts with their equivalents.

One of the most important aspects, regardless of bike choice--and they're both good quality bikes--is fit. Make sure you're comfortable using the bike, or you won't want to get on it every morning.

[ketchup]

I got an FX 7.2 off Craigslist pretty recently for $350 and it's solid.  Granted I've put less than 100 miles on it since I bought it, but it seems like it'll last.

[naners]

Have you considered the FX without disc brakes? Personally I think disc brakes are unnecessary for urban/recreational use. They are also harder to repair and make the bike pricier, therefore more appealing to thieves. Beyond that I think there is little difference between the models. You're over the $400-600 threshold that gets you a quality new bike, so it doesn't matter too much.

[Johnny Aloha]

I got a 7.2FX for $325 on CL a couple years ago.  I've probably put about 800-1000 miles on it, and still enjoy riding it.  Don't have the disc brakes and I don't think you need them.