Upgrading my Trek 7.5 FX…
My new bike shoes
After two weeks of owning my beloved 7.5 fx, I decided to upgrade a few of the components. As you can see from the photos this included the pedals and adding handle bar extenders. I also added a saddle pack which could hold a spare inner tube and some gloves which will keep my hands warm on those cooler days. Included in the pedal upgrade was also obtaining a pair of biking shoes that clip into the pedals. I don’t have the specific links but upgrading the pedals to a clip in design will improve efficiency by 20-25%.
Pedal Upgrade
I took the bike out for a quick 17 mile spin to test out my upgrades. I admit it took a little bit to get used to clipping in and out of the pedals. I am still getting used to clipping in quickly. Also, during one of my stops, I somewhat forgot I was clipped in and just about fell over in the bike. I was lucky in that as I was falling over I was able to somehow clip out and catch myself. I guess this will just take some practice.
I am hoping with the exception of one or two additional pieces of bike clothing that I am done upgrading for awhile. I think I’ve gotten the upgrades that make the most sense for right now. I do plan on upgrading the bike computer I have at the end of the summer. I’m not decided on specifics regarding that upgrade, but am leaning towards something with GPS.
I am going to set my distance goal to ride 1500 miles by the end of September. So far I have done about 200 miles. It’d be great if I hit 2000 miles but I think 1500 is a good goal to shoot for right now. If you are you have route suggestions or just want to sound off about your bike, feel free to leave a comment. I am still enjoying my trek 7.5 fx.
Bike with handle bar upgrade
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Looks great!
Buy a second water bottle holder and bottle for under the seat post…
Looks good. I got to sell a 7.5 in the matte nickel color today at work (yours looks way better). I really like the Bontrager shoes. I’ve been hoping to pick up a pair of their city/commuter shoes, but it hasn’t happened yet.
[...] week of owning the 7.5 FX – My post about the 75 mile ride with the 7.5 FX – My post about the upgrades to my 7.5 FX – My post about some of the things I have noticed while riding the 7.5 FX – Coming [...]
How difficult was it to the bar ends on this bike?I have the exact same bike and I put the pack and got new pedals already and I thinking about bar ends soon. I am amazed that it is still so cold in May up there (I am in TN).
Z,
As far as it being cold in May up here in Minnesota, I couldn’t believe how cold it was either in May. It has gotten much warmer in June but not terribly hot yet.
Thanks for the comment. I hope you’re enjoying the 7.5 fx as much as am I. I have put nearly 500 miles on the bike since I bought it. I’ll be writing about my impressions as soon as I cross 500 miles. I assume the bar ends were an easy upgrade for my local bike shop to do. I basically bought them there and had them install it…what can I say..I am a little lazy?
Thanks for stopping by and reading my site! Maybe you have some cool trails or routes you could point me to in TN.
Tim
[...] this ride around Minneapolis, I hit over 500 miles on the odometer. I have already discussed the upgrades I did to the 7.5 FX and my impressions after the 75 mile ride I took with the 7.5 FX. This time [...]
Thanks for the comments. I just ordered a 7.5 and can’t wait for it to come in. I’ve read lots of positives….
I’m interested in what you done re:diet to lose so much weight. I’m 335 and plan on the same approach…
Are the handlebar extensions just a stock insert or did you replace the entire handlebar?
Hi Mike,
It is just a stock insert. No need to replace the entire handlebar.
Mike,
I hope you like your 7.5 as much as I like mine. I’ve put in over 800 miles on mine so far. I’ve had since late April 2009. Have fun on it out there. Definitely look into getting clip in pedals, you won’t regret it!
Purchased a 7.5 3wks ago and so far.. so good.
I would like to look at options on the seat… It’s not comfortable at all? Any thoughts?
Mike,
I did not upgrade the saddle. I find the saddle comfortable and I tend to ride on it for 30-40 miles at a time. The longest ride I’ve done is 75 mile and I had no problems with the comfort of the seat.
Mike,
I have issues with the saddle comfort too, maybe because I’m skinny with no padding. Padded bicycle shorts did the trick.
Was great reading all your blogs. I’m picking up my 7.5FX today at my brother’s brother-in-laws bike shop in Ship Bottom, NJ. I bought a Trek Navigator 3.0 last May from him and must have nearly 1000 miles on it. I ride to work everyday (twelve miles round trip) and do about thirty miles a day on a gravel bike path. I want a bike for the road. The Navigator is limit for street use, it’s geared too low. I like the idea of the handle bar extensions and see if he has them. I getting a rear rack installed so I can carry my lunch box. It is a insulated type bag that two water bottle and a ice pack can be installed also. Great for the hot days and not having to drink warm water.
Well I got my 7.5FX and have a few things to go over. Has anyone get the Speed Trap? This is the Transmitter in the right fork that works with a wireless speed computer. Me and my brothers, brother-in-law, the owner of the bike shop, was trying to figure out how the damn thing came out. When I got home I pried it out only to find that there is a allen head screw under a rubber cap in the dummy sensor. No real harm since I am getting the sensor and it goes in place of the dummy. Had to epoxy the nut plate back in. Wish aI would have know this before I started prying.
Issue two. I rode the bike at the shop but when I got home I heard a rubbing sound in the in the large front sprocket. Called Tom and adjusted the bellcrank cable by tightening a bit. That’s all it needed. I did tweeked the limit screws, but that’ it.
I did add a a Topeka rack, a rear frame kick stand and side mirror.