Trek 7.4 FX Disc – first ride review

Hybrid bike with hydraulic disc brakes

Our rating

4.0

879.99
675.00

Trek

Published: May 24, 2013 at 7:00 am

Our review
Comfort, gearing and overall quality are all good – there's little to fault at this price point

Trek’s 7.4 FX Disc is one of their big sellers, and part of the welcome trend for hydraulic brakes to appear on more hybrids. It makes much more sense than superfluous suspension forks.

The Hayes brakes don’t have the absolute stopping power of some, but they easily have enough for urban riding and masses of control. Shimano provide most of the rest of the kit, the 48/36/26 chainrings and 11-32T cassette offering a huge gear range, particularly at the bottom end. Yes, there are largish gaps between gears but their sheer range more than makes up for that.

Handling is sit-up-and-beg steady, not surprising given its lengthy 105cm wheelbase, a theme further emphasised by the relaxed head tube angle. This is great for high visibility head-up urban riding, and comfortable too, aided by the palm-comforting rubberised IsoZone grips. The 32mm tyres offer a good balance of plushness, protection from pothole-induced punctures and rolling resistance.

Considering the price the 11.7kg (25.8lb) weight is decent. Wheel life should be boosted by the absence of rim brakes, and with rear rack, front and rear mudguard eyes and loads of clearance it’s well specced for year-round versatility, too.

A top ride, good kit and a price your bank manager won’t blanch at – a star Trek and a special FX.

Trek 7.4 fx disc: - Future Publishing

This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.

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