This is obviously a subjective question but I'm looking for opinions. I think my bike is good but I just don't love it and can't put my finger on why. I don't know whether to upgrade to a higher end model, change to a different style of bike, make mods, or just deal with it and change my own attitude.
I have a Trek 7.2FX hybrid bike. I bought it like 5 years ago for $200 on Facebook. It's maybe 10 years old. Everything works perfectly.
I ride it to work sometimes. It's like 10 miles / 45 minutes on mostly paved but bumpy and pitted trails. The bike serves me well but consistently feels a bit creaky and sluggish and just not super "fun". I feel every bump and that really bugs me at times. It might be a bit tall for me also.
The hybrid kinda feels like the worst of both worlds – I don't have the joy of feeling fast and light on a smooth road bike, but I don't feel the freedom of being able to plow through bumps and grass at will. If I were choosing I'd definitely lean in the direction towards better off-road capability.
I'm considering:
– Bigger tires
– Change to clipless pedals
– Tuning, lubrication or maintenance??
– Change to higher end hybrid or gravel bike
– Change to mountain bike with suspension
– ???
Very curious what others would do. I just don't have enough experience to have a good sense of what might make me get more enjoyment out of riding.
by earwigwam
6 Comments
High quality tires can make a big difference in both speed and comfort. Figure out how wide you can go and make sure you are not over inflating.
Another thing to help the sluggish feel is reduce weight and kickstands are usually pretty heavy if you are willing to ditch it.
Different tires at the correct pressure for your weight and riding style and clipless pedals can make a world of difference. I might be worth borrowing, renting, or demoing a MTB or gravel bike before making that type of investment.
Why not all 3?
Bikes are like shoes… you need one for every occasion.
N+1, my friend.
You need to go to an actual bike shop and find a bike that suits your needs. The bike feels sluggish because it is. When is the last time you serviced/replaced the bearings? All the money you would spend upgrading that bike could go towards a new one. Ten years is a long time in bike years
Handlebar extenders for sure. That made a world of difference for my hardtail when I road it across New York State.