I like riding a bike in the summer, but I'm tired of my old Schwinn and I'm not interested in the racing style seating position anymore. I've been thinking about this Trek 7300:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/...00_series/7300/

Just wondering of we have any cyclers here and if so, what you think of this product. Also, any tips on what size frame to get? I have a 30" inseam if that helps.

 

I have been biking for over 35 years. I currently have a Trek Pilot 5.2 carbon fiber bike which has a nore comfortable geometry than the Merlin Titanium I used to ride and race with. I do 50 mile rides now that I am retired with the local cycling club and the Trek is much more comfortable yet still fast. I also have a Trek hybrid similar to the one you are looking into. This is great for riding into our beach town or riding a nearby trail to the next beach town with my wife. You cant go wrong with a Trek, just ask Lance. If you can buy it from a good bike shop they can put you on a bike and fit you properly. You will pay for a poor fitting bike (knee and back aches are common) Rule of thumb, if you straddle the bar you need about an inch or two clearance under the family jewels. Your knee should be flexed slightly with the pedal extended down so a quick release seat post is helpful. Shocks are nice if you plan to ride trails otherwise a standard fork is fine. Please buy a helmet, I have had 2 crashes one just riding casually and one in a race. I cracked one of the helmets and seperated my shoulder but sustained NO head injuries. The roads are not as safe these days with all of the distractions drivers have and I would even recommend either a helmet mirror or one that fits in the end of the bike handle. Hope this helps. It is a great way to exercise and see some really cool places. I have biked in other states and really enjoy it. Be safe and good luck.

 

Funny, I just re-started my exercise program and was thinking of how I used to ride a bike all over the place for fun. I haven't had one in years and I'm sure the technology has left me way behind but I'm glad you mentioned being fitted at a bike shop and I'm sure they can explain what a lil' ol' lady needs to jump back in the saddle after all this time, though I doubt I'll be riding 50 miles. Looks like I'll be going into sticker shock too. We're talking amost 25 years ago but Bowie still has some of the nicest bike trails in the area.

Now see what you've started LB?

 

ditto on the helmet and mirror.
last fall Barb was looking back to see where I was, veered left then overcompensated and crashed.
she was wearing her helmet thankfully and it did it's job, but split from the impact.
But even though this was an almost walking pace crash, she slammed her head on the pavement falling backwards.
She got knocked out cold.
she spent 6 hours in UMass med trauma center before being admitted for observation with a hell of a concussion.
that was labor day weekend.
she was out of work for week before she could even begin to function 'normally'.
She was still shaking out cobwebs until almost thanksgiving.

I love biking but always, always, always, wear a helmet and ditto on the mirrors.

Bill that style of bike is going to be more forgiving for casual riding than a road bike style. your also probably not going to want to take it on really long rides either due to the ergonomics.

a good bike shop will let you take it for a day and try it out.
give it a road test. the proof is in the saddle.

 

Oh, this reminds me to get a correct fitting helmet. Spokes Man (as in bike spokes) and I have been doing rides and I took my ex's helmet when I moved out, by mistake. It's huge, as was/is his head.

 

Bill, ditto on the helmet and mirror-I'd be totally lost without a mirror on the road you've got to know where all of these crazy drivers are at all times. I have a Canondale road bike-which I understand is not the kind of seating you prefer. I would also ditto only buy from a good bike shop-they can professionally fit you and I can't emphasize enough how important that is to your comfort & enjoyment.

 

on the cannondale.

which one have you got.

I've got an older M900 mountain bike and a R600.

of course the only the only thing left from R600 is frame, fork and seat post.
dura-ace9 spd drive line except for ultegra triple crank
Ksyrium SSC SL3 wheels
K-wing CF bars
fizik arionne saddle.

and of course I blew out my knee last fall and haven't ridden since.

 

Definitely have the bike shop fit the bike to you. As mentioned by others, when you straddle the top tube and pull the bike up against your crotch, the wheels should be 1-2 inches off the floor (if the top tube is horizontal). However, you also need to make sure the top tube is the right length from the seat to the handlebars. Adjustments can be made here by altering the length of the stem and position of the seat. A good bike shop will know what to do.

Helmet: Don't even think about ever riding without one...no matter how far or fast you plan on riding. The helmet saved my life when I crashed in a criterium race years ago. I still cracked my C7 vertebrae and 5 ribs, but I lived to type this message to you. My Neurologist told a story of a man sitting still on his bike waiting for the signal light to change. His foot slipped off the curb, and he fell over hitting his head on the sidewalk, and it killed him! He wasn't wearing a helmet. The doc said his head was traveling approx 20 mph when it hit the sidewalk from falling over in a standing position. Always wear your skid-lid!

p.s. TREK is a great bike, but make sure you get a good set of components on it (shifters, brakes, wheels, etc). Pay extra if you have to. You want something that won't break out in the middle of nowhere, and that will last you at least 8 years.

Add balance to your life...ride a bike

J-West (Spokes Man)

 

Bill, there is not a lot of margin on bikes but you can usually get the bike shop to throw in a water bottle cage and maybe some tire levers. You will want to buy an extra tube in case of a flat as it is easier to replace a tube than do a patch job. You will need a mini pump either manual or a CO2 type. Get a small bag that goes under the seat and you can stash the tube, levers, pump, ID, and some cash for Latte stops. I carry a small universal tool for on bike repairs. Stuff does come loose. Not a lot of money for all this stuff but it should cover most of your needs.

 

Bill, if you need any more evidence that bikes are dangerous, just ask my wife. I'd post a picture but she would kill me. She does wear a helmet now; I know I should.