If you’re looking for a bike that offers the best riding experience on both smooth and rough terrains, a hybrid bike is the one for you.
With qualities of both a road and mountain bike, a hybrid bicycle is ideal for cyclists who engage in casual and off-road riding.
Below is a comprehensive review of one of the top-notch quality hybrid bikes around; the trek 7100 hybrid bike. We have reviewed in detail everything you need to know about this bicycle, from its wheels to its handlebars, gears, and more.
Trek 7100 Hybrid Bike Review
1. Frame
Similar to its predecessor, this hybrid bike has a “silent” laid-back look that is not really out there but is elegant enough to fit almost any rider’s taste.
The trek 7100 bike features an aluminum frame known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. The trek 7100 bike features an aluminum frame known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. This means that it is lightweight but highly durable.
Another overlooked benefit of this frame is that it doesn’t twist when pedaling. This allows you to focus your energy on moving the bike forward rather than flexing it.
The frame also doesn’t rust, but it does corrode. However, this can be advantageous since a protective layer is formed over the frame if it corrodes.
Another recognizable upgrade in this bike compared to its predecessor is the frame’s aerodynamic design. This is largely contributed by the aluminum material that has made it easy for the manufacturer to mold it into a more aerodynamic shape. And the more aerodynamic a bicycle is in general, the faster you’ll be able to ride.
However, one of its downsides is the limited color options. The frame comes in two colors, alpha white and alpha silver which is quite a disadvantage since there are not many options to choose from.
The frame is also stiff, meaning it doesn’t have high impact absorption qualities. This makes your rides quite uncomfortable, especially when riding on rough terrains.
Another downside is that it is difficult to repair this frame. Repairing an aluminum bike requires some expertise, meaning you have to look for an expert to repair it.
2. Wheels and Tires
The Trek 7100 hybrid bike comes with two-wheel options, Bontrager 550 36-hole alloy rims and Bontrager 750 32-hole alloy rims.
While both have impressive performance, the major difference between the two options is the rim width.
The 550 36-alloy rims are slightly wider than the other option, making them more aerodynamic, resulting in higher cycling speeds. These wider rims also provide more traction, which reduces the chances of you skidding or sliding off the road.
Another major difference between these two options is the spoke count. The 550 36-hole rims have more spokes than their 32-hole counterparts. Rims with a higher spoke count tend to weigh more, making them stronger and more stable.
However, the extra weight leads to more air resistance while riding, which reduces your cycling speed, especially when accelerating.
The bike features a pair of Bontrager H4, 700×35c tires, which are considerably wide. This means they’re more stable and have higher impact absorption qualities, making your rides more comfortable regardless of the terrain you’re riding on.
However, they have higher rolling resistance, causing you to use more energy to propel the bike forward, especially when accelerating. What’s more, they are also not that maneuverable, making them unsuitable for twisty trails.
3. Handlebars
The trek multitrack 7100 comes with a pair of steel handlebars in two options, the 30mm rise and the 50mm rise. Steel material has a reputation for being highly durable and easy to repair, so it is a good choice for these handlebars.
When it comes to the performance, it mainly depends on the rise. A handlebar’s rise is basically the vertical distance from the center of the handlebar to its end. So, the higher the rise, the taller the handlebar will feel.
Your ideal handlebar rise mainly depends on your riding style and position. In this case, if you’re into race riding, the 30mm rise will be your ideal handlebar height.
With this height, you will be able to stay in a more aerodynamic riding position, reducing your body’s air resistance and increasing your cycling speed. We also noticed that this handlebar height pushes the rider’s weight to the front wheel for more precise cornering. This height also increases traction on the front tire for more stability and control while riding.
On the other hand, if you’re more of a casual rider, the 50mm rise handlebar option is the perfect one for you. This height allows you to be in a more upright and laid-back riding position. Most customers have pointed out that this handlebar height enhances their control, especially when riding downhill.
The bike also features an adjustable stem, allowing you to increase or decrease the handlebars’ height to your liking.
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4. Speed and Gears
A bicycle’s gear system significantly contributes to its overall performance in terms of speed and stability on different terrains. Well, the trek 7100 hybrid bike didn’t disappoint.
It features a 7-speed gear system with an SRAM X3 rear derailleur and a Shimano Tourney front derailleur. The included seven gears allow you to adjust your pedaling rate depending on the trail you’re riding on for more comfortable and safer rides.
Another major advantage of this multiple gear system is that it allows the rider to quickly change gears without necessarily pedaling, which comes in handy, especially in traffic stops.
The 7-speed gear system also makes the bike more maneuverable, especially on twisty trails. The multiple gears allow you to adjust your pedaling rate to take on corners without any difficulties.
4. Brakes and Suspension
The trek 7100 bike features an SR Suntour front suspension fork with a 50mm travel. Many hybrid bikes out here don’t have a suspension fork because it is assumed that cyclists who ride them mostly do so on paved terrains.
Well, the trek 7100 hybrid bike manufacturers decided to make it a versatile bike by including a front suspension fork. This bike component makes rides more comfortable and smooth regardless of the terrain you’re riding on by absorbing vibrations on uneven road parts.
However, some customers have mentioned that the front suspension fork increases the weight of the bicycle. This may be a disadvantage if you are very keen on weight.
As we just mentioned, this hybrid bike’s suspension fork has a 50mm travel. A suspension fork’s travel is the maximum distance it compresses when absorbing vibrations or force from the bumpy sections of the terrain before bottoming out.
According to bike experts, the longer the travel, the greater the force being absorbed and vice versa. When it comes to this suspension fork’s travel, we noticed that it absorbs impacts perfectly on smooth trails and provides more comfortable rides when going uphill. However, it doesn’t perform well when riding downhill.
The bike also features a pair of Tektro linear-pull brakes. This brake set is considered to be an advanced version of cantilever brakes. They provide more stopping power and are easier to adjust for safer rides. What’s more, you can easily find a replacement, making things much easier when your brakes are faulty.
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5. Seat
This bike doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the bike seat. It features a Bontrager SSR saddle with springs at the bottom for extra comfort when riding. What’s more, the seat has a breathable fabric, which takes its comfort qualities to a whole new level. It also comes with an adjustable seat post, allowing you to adjust the saddle to your preferred height.
While many cyclists may not put much thought into it, a bike seat’s height significantly determines your overall comfort and performance while riding. If your saddle’s height is too high, you might feel pain behind your knee due to overextending your legs to reach the pedals.
If your saddle is too low, you may feel pain at the front of your knee due to the pressure exerted on it by your upper body. The wrong saddle height may also affect your pedaling efficiency, which affects your cycling speed.
So, how do you set your saddle to the correct height? Well, the first thing to do is to determine your inseam measurement. This is the length of the inner part of your leg from the crotch to the ground.
Once you have your inseam measurements, set your saddle to a height that is 10cm or 3.9 inches less than your inseam.
Another recommendable tip is to set your bike seat to a height that allows your heels to graze the pedal at the bottom of its stroke at a “6 o’clock position,” that is, a 180° angle position.
It’s also important to keep in mind that your preferred riding style and position majorly determine your saddle height.
If you’re into race riding, it’s advisable to set your bike seat height at about an inch or two lower than your handlebars. This will enable you to be in a more aerodynamic position while riding.
On the other hand, if you’re more of a casual rider, it’s best to set your saddle height at about an inch or two higher than the handlebars for a more upright riding position.
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6. Maintenance
Regarding maintenance, this bike has its fair share of advantages and downsides. For starters, the aluminum bike frame is quite challenging to repair. Typically, when repairing an aluminum bike frame, one has to temper or heat treat the entire frame; otherwise, it will not hold for a long time. This repairing process requires the hands of a skilled repairman, which is often hard to find.
Its 7-speed gear system is highly durable, requiring little maintenance. However, since this is a multiple-geared bicycle, it means there are more technical parts to maintain, which may be a downside.
Trek 7100 Bike: Pros and Cons
Pros/What to like
- Lightweight frame
- Front suspension fork for more comfortable rides
- Adjustable handlebars and saddle
- Quite affordable
Cons/Shortcomings
- Some customers have mentioned that the pedals aren’t of good quality and get damaged quickly
- The front suspension fork’s short-travel doesn’t absorb as much force, especially when riding downhill.
Trek 7100 Hybrid Bike: Specifications
- Frame Material: Aluminium
- Frame Colors: Alpha white and Alpha silver
- Frame Sizes: 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5 inches
- Wheels: Alloy hubs, Bontrager 550 36-hole rims and Bontrager 750 32-hole rims
- Tires: Bontrager H4, 700×35c
- Shifters: SRAM 3.0 Comp, 7-speed twist
- Front derailleur: Shimano Tourney
- Rear derailleur: SRAM X3
- Crank: Shimano M171, 48/38/28 w/chainguard
- Cassette: 14-34, 7 speed
- Pedals: Nylon platform
- Saddle: Bontrager Boulevard
- Seat post: Alloy, adjustable suspension
- Handlebar: Bontrager Approved, steel, 50mm rise/30mm rise
- Stem: Alloy, adjustable rise
- Headset: Threaded, semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
- Brakeset: Tektro linear-pull brakes w/Tektro alloy levers, Kraton inserts
- Fork Brand & Model: SR Suntour NEX, 50mm travel
FAQs – Trek 7100 Hybrid Bike Review
Q: How Many Speeds is a Trek 7100?
A: This bike has a 7-speed gear system. With seven gears, you can easily adjust their pedaling rate to accommodate the terrain they are riding on. This enables you to be in complete control of your bicycle regardless of the trail you’re cycling on.
Q: What Type of Bike Is Trek 7100?
A: The trek 7100 is a hybrid bike. It is a blend of a road and mountain bike, making it suitable for off-road and casual riding.
Q: What Does a Trek 7100 Weigh?
A: The trek 7100 weighs approximately 13kgs or 28lbs.
Q: How Much Is a Trek 7100 Worth?
A: This bike’s price ranges from $100-$500 depending on whether it’s used or brand new.
Q: What Rider’s Height Does the Bike Fit?
A: Calculating using the bike’s available frame sizes:
| Bike Frame Size | Rider’s Height |
| 15 inches | 5’0”-5’4” |
| 17.5 inches | 5’5”-5’8” |
| 20 inches | 5’11”-6’1” |
| 22.5 inches | 6’1”-6’5” |
However, keep in mind that this is just the normal height. There are other measurements you need to consider, like the inseam and standover height, to get the right bike fit.
Conclusion – Trek 7100 Hybrid Bike Review
The Trek 7100 hybrid is, in general, an affordable hybrid bike, making it a perfect choice for riders looking for a pocket-friendly bicycle that they can ride on any terrain. While it doesn’t possess high-end components, it definitely performs to our expectations.