Any Trek-heads in the house? 7500 vs. new 8.4 DS

[Anorakus]

OK, I've just sold my Specialized Crossroads hybrid, and am now in the market for a new hybrid bike..

My riding is about 80% road/20% canal towpaths/grass. I don't have the space to store separate tyres for on/off road, so I'm looking for another decent hybrid. I liked my Specialized very much, but I have a few more £'s to spend this time round, and Trek have more choice of models than Specialized as well as being a little cheaper. I was hoping to find something that was a bit faster on roads.

From what I can see, there's very little difference between these two models. The 8.4 DS has a slightly chunkier frame and sloping crossbar, and (puzzingly) is £50 less than the 7500. Both have hydraulic disc brakes and 3x9 gears. The Trek dealership I looked in was at a loss to explain what the difference is, apart from the 8.4 being designed by Gary Fisher (?)

Any opinions welcome

A.

PS - I'm new here, so if I've put this in the wrong forum go easy on me

 

[Anorakus]

OK, I arranged a test ride of both.........

Compared to the 7500, the 8.4 has a chunkier frame, is a little lighter, has adjustable hydraulic lockout compared to mechanical lockout on the 7500 (and the mechanism is better quality) and is £50 cheaper. After some careful thought, I am now the proud owner of a Trek 8.4 DS

First impressions are it's a cracking bike. Much faster than my old Specialized hybrid, which is probably down to being able to lock out the fork on road. Very nimble with smooth gearchanging. The only downside is the disc brakes rub a little, but a search on Google indicates this is pretty normal. The shop advises that they need time to bed in, so it's not really bothering me.

Looking forward to some serious canal towpath rides soon......

A.