Felt SR71 vs. Trek 7.7FX

Kocsis said:

I'm looking at these 2 bikes for lightness and speed combined with comfort and reliability. Can anyone shed light on how they compare? Trek doesn't even give out weight info. Thanks.

The SR71 is a 2005 model. The SRD72 is the current model, but it has dropped bars. If a straight bar road bike is what you want, also check out the Specialized Sirrus Pro. It is similar to the Trek 7.7FX. Try all three (if you can find a Felt SR71) and see which one you like best.

As far as weights, most companies do not list weights because the actual weight depends on the tires, pedals, and frame size. Those that do list the weights are probably misleading in that the weight is for the small frame with the lightest tires and no pedals. The best thing is to weigh the actual bike you are interested in. For me, weight is always the last consideration. Remember, a full 21 oz water bottle weighs 630 grams (1.4 pounds).

Hmmm...I went through this same comparison and went with a Trek 7700FX. I picked it up on an inventory sale right before the 06 models were due to come out. There are a couple of that I like about it that they have moved away from in the 7.7FX so I am pretty happy with the way that things worked out. Going into your decision though, you will want to think about whether or not you are going to want to use fenders and/or racks. Make sure that you know how you are going to go, and what you are wanting to use up front. Nothing sucks worse than thinking that you are getting a bike that is fender and rack ready until you try to install them on your bike.

It looked to me like the Felt was at the lower end of the three bikes in terms of component quality and features for the price. Some of that is pretty subjective though. I liked the bike okay but thought it to be the heaviest and chunkiest of the three. In the Sirrus line, I wasn't interested in the 05 Pro at all. It was a cut below in too many areas in terms of component quality for the price. The LTD was more in line with what I could get from Trek, but it was also a lot more expensive. They did a better job of improving the component quality of the 06 Pro, but I still felt like I was getting more bike for the price in the Trek.

I did upgrade to a full carbon handle bar. The stock bar that came with the bike ended up giving me too much flex when I was hammering out of the saddle, like coming out of the hole at a light. I also upgraded the brakes to Avid Single Digit Ultimates, mostly to give me better grip and response in the wet and for tight quarter manuevering of my commutes. So depending upon how aggressively you intend to be riding yours, you may find some likes and dislikes too. Do enough test riding to figure that kind of stuff out in advance of your purchase.

Looking at my bike now, with the upgrades I ended up with specs that are closer to the LTD than not. I still came out way ahead in terms of money spent, but only because Trek and the LBS that I used were pricing stuff to move and then offering coupons, discounts and installs to get you buying components from them instead of online. They even took the upgraded components back in trade. My Specialized dealer wasn't at all interested in doing anything like that with price and incentives, or trying to match deals to keep me from going with the Trek. The dealers in your area may be just the opposite. So definitely talk about that stuff before you buy.

I have been commuting and townie riding my 7700FX for about 8 months. It has held up really well with about 3,000 miles on it. It is a really fast ride for an upright. It handles and holds up well off-road too. The main thing that I have noticed about the 7700FX is that it is an incredibly forgiving and stable ride. I'm thinking that mine weighed in - after upgrades and removing the kickstand, reflectors, cassette guard and switching out to eggbeater pedals and a Arione saddle - at around 19 pounds. I definitely noticed that just the few pounds of difference makes the bike a lot quicker coming off the line and quite a bit more nimble at speed in tight quarters. I don't know what it is exactly about a flat bar bike versus a road bike on my commute, but I get a lot more respect and cooperation from drivers when I ride my hybrid.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for your thoughtful answer. i did try the Sirrus Pro, but found it a bit more sluggish. The Felt was fondly discussed on this site, but I haven't found one to try. The Trek seemed very nimble yet stable...just wanted to get some confirmation. There are a lot of anti-Trek threads on this site and I just wanted to get some reality check from users.

My LBS carries Trek, Specialized, and Felt, but they are selective about which models they carry. They like the Felt "F" series and the Felt cruisers, but they do not carry the SR series. They will special order one, but their opinion is that Trek and Specalized are better values for the money.

I was trying to compare the Felt SRD 72, Specialized Sequoia Elite, and Trek Pilot 2.1, but my LBS does not keep the SRD 72 in stock. I am leaning towards the Sequoia Elite.

I do not believe any of the Trek bashing threads. Within the same price range, I do not believe there is much difference among the brands.

I have a Blue Felt SR 81, 9 speed, my first road bike.

As I am over 55 it is an ideal choice. I have used it in Duathlon/Triathlon events. Yes it is fast and responsive but I don't push it. I have also built up a flat bar Tri bike on a Wheeler frame but still prefer the Felt. The only changes I made to the Felt are a Zero Offset Seat Post to improve runing off the bike and Conti GP4000 tyres for low rolling resistance, comfort and they are blue. 😄

The SRD range is a new range in the Felt line up, it does not replace the SR flat bar range. SRD is a touring bike with rack and fender mounts and larger tyres, a la OCR, if you are a giant fan. http://www.feltbicycles.com/felt2006/03ROAD/road.php