trek fx

Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped review: Unspectacular but effective

The trek fx 2 disc is a versatile all-rounder with surprising levels of comfort and stability.

Cyclingnews Verdict

Built around a frame with a superb balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped will tackle any task required of a hybrid bike in an effective, if unspectacular, manner

The frame has a great balance between responsiveness and comfort

Equipped for night riding, bikepacking or commuting

Can carry a decent amount of weight

Stable ride for long distances

Would need a drivetrain upgrade to become a serious fitness bike

On the heavy side for a rigid frame

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

A hybrid bike can and will mean different things to different people. But sometimes it is simply the bike that fills the gaps, that doesn't do any one thing but in fact does it all. Purists may scoff and say to compromise is to ruin the essence of life: if you are not something, you are nothing. But Trek has offered a repost: if you can't be something, be everything.

That certainly appears to be the aim of the Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped. It's the jack-of-all-trades, odd-jobber of a bike. It comes, as the name suggests, fully loaded with a pannier rack, lights, mudguards and even a kickstand but what elevates it to a place among the best budget hybrid bikes available today is that, as part of Trek's fitness range, all that versatility does not come at the cost of all rideability. 

And that's a crucial element. Just because a bike has more practical functions – going to the shops, commuting, family bike rides etc – doesn't mean it can't be fun, have its own personality and leave us looking forward to running that next errand.

Trek's FX range of bikes is quite extensive, starting at the £500.00/$599.99 FX 1 and going all the way to the full-carbon £3,050.00/$2,799.99 FX Sport 6. The FX 2 is available with a step-through frame – in both the Equipped and standard versions – and has been updated for 2023, with the main difference from the 2021 model being a move from a 3x8 to a 2x9 gearing system.

The FX 2 Disc Equipped is priced at £740.00 - it's not currently available in the USA - which is £90 more than the FX 2 Disc standard (£650.00/$799.99) which foregoes the rack, lights, mudguards and kickstand. Although it does come in a couple of extra colour options.

Design and specification

Recognising alloy frames' bad reputation for comfort compared to steel and carbon, Trek set itself a goal to "build more compliant frames that retain the acceleration and affordability that have always made aluminium popular" – and it is the fruit of that labour that the FX 2 Disc Equipped is designed around. 

The Alpha Gold Aluminium frame, while not the lightest, does offer a great balance between responsiveness and comfort. It is also strong: according to Trek, the FX 2 Disc can take weights of up to 136kg (for bike, rider, and cargo combined), which fares well compared to other hybrid bikes in the same class such as the Merida Speeder 200 (120kg) and Scott Sub Cross 50 (128kg). The pannier rack that comes with it is also very solid and suitable for carrying loads up to 25kg despite weighing less than 600g itself.

My size large test bike as a whole weighed in at 13.4kg with pedals. The rack, lights, mudguards, and kickstand account for just over a kilogram of that weight but it's still a touch on the heavy side for a fixed-frame hybrid in this price range. 

While the focus is on the practicality of the frame, it is by no means ugly – especially when stripped of all the accessories – with internal cable routing, a gentle curve to the top tube that is reminiscent of the Specialized Sirrus (one of the classic beauties of the hybrid world) and the choice of a striking Viper Red or classy Lithium grey colourway. The geometry is pretty much what you would expect from a hybrid, with perhaps a slightly longer chainstay length adding to its stability. It is not as upright as, say, the Sirrus but similar to the Cannondale Quick 3 – which is a good bike to use as a comparison in general.

Like the Quick 3, the Trek FX 2 comes with a Shimano Acera/Altus 2x9 drivetrain and has an integrated mounting system in the stem, as well as the ability to track cadence and other metrics using an integrated wireless sensor. 

Trek's Blendr stem system is designed for easy installation of computers, lights and other accessories to your cockpit. It does, rather annoyingly, require an additional base to be purchased (which plugs into the stem) and then a further mount for the specific accessory (which attaches to the base) but that does allow for a wide range of options to suit all needs.  

The DuoTrap S is a Bluetooth/ANT+ sensor that integrates into the chainstay and wirelessly transmits to a smartphone or computer to track cadence and other metrics. Again, it requires a separate purchase, but the frame is set up for it to be attached without the need for zip wires or other ungainly fasteners.   

Trek has made an effort to include ergonomic grips on the FX 2 Disc Equipped, although they are a little on the basic side, especially compared to those on the more expensive models in the FX range. 

The lights, however, are far more impressive, particularly the AXA Greenline 35 headlight. USB-charging, it has a wide beam, is also designed to be visible from the side and is discreetly mounted on the top of the fork, which avoids cluttering the cockpit.

The Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes are pretty standard now for mid-range hybrids. My test bike came with Bontrager H2 Comp 700x32c tyres but with the mudguards fitted there is room for up to 35mm and Bontrager H2 Hard-Case Light 700x35c tyres are listed as an option on the spec sheet. Without the mudguards, Trek says the frame can accommodate tyres up to 38mm in width.

Performance

Trek deserves credit here for really delivering on its aim of a responsive-yet-compliant frame. It's one thing coming up with the jargon, but another bringing it to fruition at a genuinely affordable price. While the FX 2 Disc Equipped might come across as a bit of a plodder on paper, in reality, it has a surprising amount of responsiveness. Loaded up with a carry pack on top of the pannier rack, I was happy overtaking other cyclists on reasonably fast country roads, knowing I had the acceleration to get past and back across to the side of the road in ample time.

Yes, it's no speed demon – it doesn't have the playfulness of the Boardman URB 8.9 or the lightweight climbing ability of the Merida Speeder 200, two bikes at a similar price point – but where it completely outscores both is in comfort and stability, even with a rack, mudguards, light, kickstand all bolted on. 

Interestingly enough, I took it for a ride with all those added extras stripped off and, while significantly lighter – making an obvious difference on climbs – there was not a huge noticeable change in its performance on the flat. 

My test bike came with a slightly-different-to-advertised Microshift Marvo front derailleur instead of Acera T3000, which is roughly equivalent, and I had no issues with it. However, as a whole, I did find the drivetrain to be under-par for a fitness bike. It's perfectly functional and will get you pretty much wherever you need to go, but it is a little clunky and I noted that the next bike up in the FX range, the FX 3 Disc Equipped , comes with a 10-speed Shimano Deore groupset which, in my experience, is a huge step up in performance. 

In particular, I could not get to grips with the drastic change when switching chainrings on the 46/30 chainset. If I didn't downshift on the 4th sprocket or earlier I found myself spinning out – and this is perhaps a rare example of the FX 2 Disc Equipped coming a little unstuck wanting to satisfy in all areas. That 16-tooth difference in the chainrings (the same difference as a 50/34 compact road chainset, for example) means the bike has the range to get up steep hills while also having enough gas on the flats, but the user experience is compromised a little in doing so. 

Where it doesn't compromise, however, is in its comfort and handling, whether I took it on potholed roads, bike paths, or light gravel it felt so balanced and stable. I was even happy taking it on the grassy, rutted track of a nearby nature reserve – and this was all with the standard 32 mm tyres it came with. Even when there was a little rattling, you could tell it was coming from the rack, fenders, and lights rather than the frame. 

Taking it out at night in light rain did little to change my faith in its dependability and the lights were superb, particularly the wide-beam fork-mounted headlamp – a marked improvement from the usual glorified-torch-on-the-handlebars setup I usually use. Neither front nor rear light offered an intermittent option but, having been driven to distraction on long night rides behind blinking bulbs in the past, that was no great loss to me.

I took the Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped on rides around the countryside, trips to the shops, rides with the kids, rides at night, in the rain, for exercise, for errands and more, and on every occasion, it delivered. It is solid and dependable without feeling clunky or cumbersome. It's not sexy but it's not ugly. It's not overly fun but it's no chore to ride.

It will do what it needs to do in almost every situation you will need a hybrid bike for. Not necessarily to the highest level, but to a high enough level that you won't feel like you are missing out. 

Yes, I did find the Altus/Acera groupset to be restrictive in terms of performance but drivetrains can be upgraded, along with wheels and grips and seatposts etc. Having a top frame is such a great building block. I would stress, however, this frame still has a ceiling to what it can do as a fitness bike, even if it were upgraded in all those areas. It is built for sturdiness as much as anything else and the fact that its performance was similar with and without the rack, fenders, kickstand et al is quite telling. I'm not going to use it to take on the Brecon Beacons in the Dragon Ride but I might choose it over a more expensive performance-oriented bike for a long-distance overnight ride such as the Dunwich Dynamo , where comfort, stability and safety are the overriding priorities.

Tech specs: Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped

• Price Trek FX2 Disc Equipped : £740.00 / $N/A
• Price Trek FX2 Disc : £650.00 / $799.99 
• Sizes : S, M, L, XL
• Weight : 13.4kg (actual, size L, with pedals)
• Frame : Alpha Gold Aluminium
• Fork : FX Alloy
• Shifters : Shimano Altus M2010, 9-speed
• Front derailleur : Microshift Marvo
• Rear derailleur : Shimano Altus M2000
• Crankset : 46/30
• Cassette : Shimano HG200, 11-36, 9-speed
• Brakes : Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc
• Wheels : Bontrager Connection
• Tyres : Bontrager H2 Comp, 700x32c
• Saddle : Bontrager Sport
• Seatpost : Bontrager Alloy, 12mm offset
• Stem : Bontrager Comp, Blendr Compatible, 7-degree, 90mm length
• Handlebars : Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise
• Extras : Rack, Eurofender Snello mudguards, Spanninga SOLO rear light and AXA Greenline 35 headlight, Bontrager Satellite grips, kickstand

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Ben has been a sports journalist for 16 years, covering everything from park football to the Olympic Games. As well as cycling, his passions include podcasts, tennis and speaking enough Italian to get by on his snowboarding trips to the Dolomites. A DIY rider who is almost as happy in the toolbox as he is in the saddle, he is still trying to emulate the feelings he experienced as a nine-year-old on his first Peugeot racer – he couldn’t fathom the down-tube friction shifters then and he’s still wrestling with groupsets now. When he isn’t making a beeline for the nearest Chiltern hill, he is probably tinkering or teaching his kids how to clean a bike properly. He rides a heavily modified 1980 Peugeot PVN10 Super Competition (steel is real) when the road is smooth and dry, and a BMC Alpenchallenge when it’s not.

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Trek FX 3 Disc Review: All You Need to Know

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If you’re after a bike that can handle your commute and take you on adventures at the weekend, then look no further – our Trek FX 3 Disc review is what you’re looking for.

Not everyone who looks for a mountain bike wants to go for tough dirt trails. Many people are looking to make a swap from driving to cycling when it comes to their daily commute – both for environmental and health reasons. Cycling for fitness is always a good idea, and there are plenty of gentler trails or cycle paths to explore.

The question is – does the FX 3 Disc tick all those boxes?

The bottom line:.

[September,2022 UPDATE: The Trek FX 3 20-21 version has been discontinued, but in its place, Trek has released the 2023 FX 3 Disc . This bike is nearly identical to its previous iteration but with an upgraded drive train and 10 speeds instead of 9. 

You can’t go wrong with this newer version; you’ll get everything you love about the Trek FX 3 in an upgraded and sleek package]

We think the Trek FX 3 Disc is a great, multi-purpose bike that can get you where you need to go safely and quickly. It’s also comfortable enough to enjoy riding on the weekends, too.

If you want to know exactly why we like it so much, you’ll have to keep reading.

We’re going to be looking at:

• If Trek is a good company and how it compares to its competitors
• An overview of the FX 3 Disc
• A more detailed look, including it’s materials, wheels, features, performance, specs, warranty, and price range
• Who the FX 3 Disc is suited for (and who it’s not suited for)
• What users think of the FX 3 Disc
• The pros and cons
• Some frequently asked questions
• Our final conclusion about the FX 3 Disc

If you want to find out more about it, stick with us – we’ll tell you everything you need to know!

FX 3 Disc is a versatile hybrid bike that's primed for performance, comfort, and utility. It has features like a lightweight aluminum frame, a carbon fork, and powerful disc brakes that stop in any weather. It's a commuting pro if you want it to be, or the perfect fitness companion on pavement and rail trails.

How does Trek compare to other companies?

Trek was founded in 1976. They’re well-known for their work with Lance Armstrong in the late ’90s, and they have a good reputation in terms of designing and manufacturing excellent bikes. They were the first company to pay women the same amount as men for racing at a World Cup level.

They’re also starting to offer a range of eco-friendly products, designing bikes for those on a low budget to encourage cycling over driving. Overall, they’re a good company with a great track record.

They’re known for their generous lifetime warranties on frames and 2-year warranties on parts – which we’ll go into in more detail a little later.

Trek offers bikes across a huge price range – from around $450-$500 dollars, right through to $12,000 or more. That covers all skill levels – from beginner to pro – and they also make bikes for kids.

Trek offers a big range, so they’re not as specialized as, say, Evil (who produces a small range of bikes suited for tougher trails, like Evil the Wreckoning ). They’re quite close in terms of quality and price to Santa Cruz and Giant (you can read more about how Trek compares to Giant in our brand comparison here ).

You could also compare them to Diamondback in terms of quality, although Diamondback doesn’t offer as many entry-level options as Trek.

What kind of bike is the Trek FX 3 Disc?

The FX 3 Disc is a hybrid bike, designed to be used on your commute, on pavements, or on rail trail. It’s super-lightweight, which makes it ideal for public transport. It’s ideal if you want to get fit and get places quickly at the same time.

It has an entry-level price point. There are cheaper bikes out there, of course, but this strikes a nice balance between quality materials and a low price. It’s designed to be easy to use, with great brakes that work really well on pavements, even if it’s pouring with rain.

It’s a really simple-looking bike. If you want a bike that looks distinctive, or you’re after a ‘status symbol’ bike, this won’t be the one for you. If you want something that looks simple and sleek and functions well, it’s a good choice.

The main features of the Trek FX 3 Disc

Now, we’ll look at the FX 3 Disc in more detail.

What is it made from?

• The frame is made from aluminum, which helps to keep it light. The whole bike weighs 11.74kg (or 25.88lbs) – that’s for the medium size.
• There are five sizes to choose from, from S through to 2XL.
• It comes in two colors – Dnister Black or Rage Red.

What are the wheels like?

The wheels consist of Bontrager Tubeless Ready Disc 32-hole rims, and Bontrager H2 Hard-Case Lite tires.

The tires are designed to work really well on pavements (even in slippery, rainy weather). They’re tough and puncture-resistant, so if you were to accidentally ride over something sharp, you won’t have to worry about dealing with a flat on your way to work.

What other features does it have?

The great thing about the FX 3 Disc is that it has a few extra touches that make it very convenient to use. It has ‘Blendr Stem’ technology – this is a system involving a stem, base, and mount, meaning you can easily install accessories onto your bike. Whether you want to attach lights, a GoPro, or a Satnav, they’ll be secured safely to the frame. You can also attach a water bottle mount and mudguards.

It also integrates a Bluetooth/ANT+ sensor. This allows you to track fitness routes with your computer or smartphone, with no external sensor required.

The frame looks sleek because it has the cables routed internally, which is a nice touch.

It also comes with built-in mounts, meaning you can easily add racks and fenders.

How does it perform?

It’s a very smooth ride on pavements, but it also performs well on gravel and grass.

The excellent brakes mean that users feel safe even if the pavements are uneven or slick with rain – even going downhill at a faster speed, the brakes work really well.

You can go pretty fast with the FX 3 Disc – it compares really well with a specialized road bike in that regard – but you can transition onto other types of terrain, too.

It doesn’t do well on very uneven surfaces – you won’t be able to hit the trail with this bike, as the suspension isn’t designed to deal with big dips or bumps. However, you should be able to deal with slightly bumpy terrain (like gravel or dirt paths) with no problems.

It’s designed to be easy to ride. You don’t have to be an expert with hours of practice to use the FX 3 Disc – perfect for those who want to make a swap for their commute, or those wanting to take up bike riding for exercise.

What are the specifications?

Here are the main specs for the FX 3 Disc:

• Fork – FX Carbon, rack and fender mounts – flat mount disc
• Crankset – Shimano MT210 46/30, chainguard, 170mm length (size S,M)/Shimano MT210, 46/30, chainguard, 175mm length (size L, XL, XXL)
• Derailleurs – Shimano Acera T3000, 34.9mm clamp (front)/Shimano Acera M3000, shadow design, long case (rear)
• Brakes – Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc, flat mount, 160mm rotor
• Saddle – Bontrager H1

What is the warranty?

As we mentioned earlier, Trek offers a lifetime warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. The lifetime warranty covers the frameset, main frame, and full suspension swing arms, as well as Bontrager wheels with carbon rims.

Then there’s a 2-year warranty on apparel, parts and accessories, rear suspension linkage components, Bontrager wheels with alloy rims, and paint and decals.

Subsequent owners are entitled to a three-year warranty from the date of purchase from the retailer.

For an extra cost, they offer Trek Carbon Care, to obtain discounts on replacement frames or components in the case of damages that don’t fall under the warranty conditions.

What is the price range for the FX 3 Disc?

The price range is around $800 . This makes it a pretty good entry-level bike. There are some things available at an extra cost – like the Duo Trap S, a sensor that enables pairing with your smartphone or computer.

The FX 3 Disc is suited for:

• Workers wanting to lower their carbon footprint by switching from driving to cycling for their commute
• People wanting a lightweight bike – for example, those that can’t carry a heavy bike, or those that foresee themselves transporting it often
• People wanting to cycle for fitness purposes
• Those wanting a bike that can deal with ‘fun’ rides at the weekend as well as commuting on pavements

The FX 3 Disc is not suited for :

• Those wanting a hard-wearing bike that can handle tough trails
• Those wanting a unique-looking bike – it looks nice, but it’s not distinctive in design

What do users think of the FX 3 Disc?

Users have great things to say about the FX 3 Disc. Those using it for commuting really enjoy how safe it feels, particularly when going downhill or traveling on rainy days. They find it to be a great bike for shopping or just cycling around town.

Other users enjoy it for exercise purposes. The Bluetooth functionality provided by the additional Duo Trap S sensor is a popular feature, with users finding it helpful to see the data after a long bike ride.

Most users were impressed with how well the bike switches between different types of terrain – it can handle mild bike trails, grass, gravel, and pavements equally well. Some people found the ride provided by the FX 3 Disc to be so smooth that they’ve decided to cycle more than drive – which is great!

The only drawbacks seem to be the seat, which some people decided to swap out for something a little more comfortable, and the fact that it doesn’t have a kickstand, which would be more convenient.

Some users found that the paint chipped and scratched a little when riding on gravel. You might find this is the case for a lot of bikes, but it’s still worth mentioning that the paint isn’t that resistant to scratches or marks.

The Pros and Cons of the Trek FX 3 Disc

Now let’s take a look at the good and bad points of the FX 3 Disc.

• Really versatile – fun to ride in lots of different situations
• Smooth to ride – great for swapping out driving for cycling
• The brakes are really strong even downhill or on slippery surfaces
• Decent price point
• A clean, simple frame
• The seat isn’t comfortable enough for some people
• It doesn’t have a kickstand
• The paint may get scratched if riding on gravel

FX 3 Disc Alternatives

There are a few bikes to look at that are similar to the FX 3 Disc:

Dual Sport 1 Gen 4

The Dual Sport Gen 4 is a great deal cheaper than the FX 3 Disc, but it packs all of the essentials into a stylish package. You can go from the sidewalk to a dirt trail without a second thought.

It’s perfect for the hybrid bike lover who needs a reliable bike for work and play but don’t want to spend over a thousand. 

Check out the Dual Sport 2 and 3 , slightly more expensive but with some worthwhile upgrades that will allow you to enjoy your adventures just a little bit more. 

Marlin 8 Gen 2

The Marlin 8 is a mid-range mountain bike with a lot of options. While it’s an overall simple bike, it’s perfect for both a daily commute and an adventure in rougher terrain.

It is a little bit more expensive and heavier than the FX 3, but it looks like it would be able to handle rougher terrain at a smoother pace. A more enjoyable adventure is often worth a little extra cash. 

The Haanjo 2 from Diamondback is another budget mountain bike that’s great for both on-road and off-road adventures. It’s sturdy and capable of handling most things you throw at it.

It’s great for someone who just needs a good reliable entry-level bike or someone who doesn’t want to spend 1000s of dollars just to enjoy one of their favorite hobbies.

I will say the overall style of the bike feels like it’s geared towards a younger audience. 

Trek Marlin

The Trek Marlin 5 is a great hybrid bike – it’s a good-quality bike aimed at beginners as well as more advanced riders, and it’s perfect for mild trails as well as the commute.   

Marlin 5 is a trail-worthy daily rider that's perfectly suited for everyday adventures, on and off the trail. A front suspension fork with 100mm of travel, 21 speeds, and mounts for a rack and kickstand make it an ideal choice for new trail riders or anyone looking for a comfortable, stable commuter with the ruggedness of a real mountain bike.

There’s also the Trek Marlin 6 , a more updated version of the Marlin 5, which is a great, sturdy bike, also versatile and great for beginners.   

The Marlin 6 is a GREAT budget pick to get started. An excellent all-around mountain bike, with room for plenty of cusomizations and upgrades later. Only if you need it.

Diamond Overdrive

If you want something that can handle some tougher trails as well as smoother terrains, you could try the Diamondback Overdrive – it’s not as commute-friendly, but good for those wanting to get into cycling for exercise.   

The classic returns this year with 27.5” wheels, 24 speeds, a plush four-inch Suntour suspension fork, and powerful disc brakes. Big knobby tires grip every root and rock, keeping you confident and in control as you explore the trail. Whether you're a diehard hardtail aficionado or looking for a solid starter mountain bike, the Overdrive doesn't disappoint.

Going back to Trek, you could try the Trek 920 – it’s an all-rounder that is a little bit ‘tougher’ than the FX 3 Disc, meaning it can handle some slightly harsher trails. A great bike for exploring and adventuring, and it has a decent price point, too.   

920 is a go-anywhere adventure touring bike. It's built with drop-bars and 29er mountain bike wheels for balance and capability on any surface you'll encounter on a bikepacking expedition. It comes with front and rear racks for a ridiculous amount of carrying capacity, so all you have to do is pick a spot on the map and go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the FX 3 Disc:

Question: Where can I buy a Trek bike?

Answer : You can buy one from the Trek website , or from certified retailers – they have a store finder to find one close to you.

Question: Where are Trek bikes manufactured?

Answer : Some Trek bikes are assembled in Wisconsin, but most are made in Asia.

Question: What’s the maximum rider weight for the FX 3 Disc?

Answer : It has a maximum total weight of 300lbs.

Question: Is it suitable for both men and women?

Answer : Yes, although there is a women’s version available – the only real differences are that the women’s version weighs a little less, and it has a slightly different saddle.

Question: Are there older versions of the FX Disc?

Answer : Yes – there’s the FX1 Disc and the FX2 Disc, which are slightly older and cost a bit less than the FX 3 Disc.

The Final Verdict – is the Trek FX 3 Disc Really Worth It?

We definitely think so!

The Trek FX 3 Disc isn’t a perfect bike. You may need to make some swaps (for example, the saddle). You might find the extras you want, like the Blendr System technology to attach lights or smart devices, or the Bluetooth sensor for fitness tracking, bumps the price up quite a bit. It’s also not the cheapest bike out there – there are definitely lower-priced options available.

However, we still think it’s a great bike for beginners, and it’s worth spending extra for. The materials are good-quality, but still lightweight. We like the fact that there are fenders and mounts already installed, and the fact that the cabling runs through the frame makes it look sleek.

It’s a comfortable ride on most terrains, and we really like the fact that it’s safe – having good-quality brakes that can handle hills and slippery surfaces is really important for all bikes, but especially those commuting in high-traffic areas. 

We would recommend this bike for anyone, but particularly for beginners – it might just give you the cycling bug.

If you’ve used the Trek FX 3 Disc , we’d love to hear from you – let us know your thoughts about it in the comments!

Further read:

• How to Find the Best XC Mountain Bikes

1 thought on “Trek FX 3 Disc Review: All You Need to Know”

I bought a Trek FX 3 last year as a commuter bike and have to say it’s been great. My commute is pretty flat so I mostly stay in the big ring and the middle of the cassette (gears 4 to 7), so it’s a smooth and easy ride. On the few occasions I’ve encountered hills I’ve gone up them without having to strain.

I opted to swap the stock tyres for Schwalbe Marathons because I’ve had good experience with those before; maybe an unnecessary upgrade but London roads can be a minefield of broken glass and debris, so I appreciated the extra confidence. Additionally, I added Bontrager mudguards, a Topeak rack to clip my panniers to and a kickstand. Definitely good investments!

The saddle is fine for me for the time it takes to get the office (about an hour), but I can imagine on longer rides it might start to feel hard.

My only complaint, which you mention in the review, is that the paint chips easily. I’ve not ridden it much on gravel – a couple of times, for less than a mile – and the down tube has several noticeable chips.

As I say, it’s a great bike and thoroughly recommended. But be aware that the new 2022 model has a different drivetrain, replacing the 2×9 set-up with 1×10.

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TREK FX Review

Category: Hybrid Bikes

Trek dub the FX and FX Sport ranges as their ‘anywhere, anytime fitness bike’ as opposed to just being a commuting bike with a performance edge. Flat bars and a more relaxed, upright geometry point to its urban riding purpose but it would not look out of place on more characterful bike paths and longer, more varied rides.

As the name-change suggests, there is a dividing point in the range with the FX 1, FX 2 Disc, and FX 3 Disc more on the commuting side of the equation looking at their spec sheet. Even then, the difference between them is vast enough to make it worth serious consideration which is best for your needs.

At the top-end, however, those with the FX Sport moniker throw in Shimano’s mid-range road groupsets and a carbon frame. The subsequent range of gears, smooth shifting, and compliant ride is deserving of something sportier than just the commute. Performance levels are right at the top of what you would expect from a flat-barred bike; a mid-point for riders using two wheels for more than commuting but not yet ready for, or requiring, a fully-fledged road bike.

Starting with the entry-level FX range, the FX 1, FX 2 Disc and FX 3 Disc are all built around an Alpha Gold Aluminum frame. Alpha Aluminum is Trek’s innovative aluminum lay-up, which has been built to offer more compliance without reducing the stiffness-to-weight and affordability favored in alloy frames. Alpha Gold sits between Alpha Silver and Alpha Platinum, with the end result supposed to reduce fatigue over longer distances. Sleek welding keeps looks sharp too, particularly as all frames in the range boast internal cable routing.

The choice of forks varies as you climb the range though, with steel on the FX 1, alloy on the FX 2, and carbon thereafter, including the FX 3. If your target is predominantly commuting, carbon is unnecessary and the durability of the other two should take precedence. Carbon, however, improves the compliance through the front of the bike and serves up sharp handling and lightweight too.

On the FX Sport models, that carbon fork is paired with an Alpha Aluminum frame on the FX Sport 4 and an OCLV carbon frame on the FX Sport Carbon 4, FX Sport 5, and FX Sport 6. OCLV is Trek’s patented carbon lay-up process, which looks to improve the durability of its carbon frames. Other tech passed down from higher-end models includes the IsoSpeed decoupler. 

By allowing the seat tube to flex independently of the top tube, road buzz is smoothed significantly, without impacting on the bike’s rigidity and pedaling efficiency. Road racing legend Fabian Cancellara used IsoSpeed-equipped bikes to tackle the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix, so it should ramp comfort up to noticeable levels on anything the FX Sport is likely to tackle.

All frames in the range are DuoTrap compatible, allowing wireless integration with your bike computer or smartphone from a sensor in the chainstay. Trek have also looked to save time and maintenance with the 3S chain keeper. It is a very small touch, but a further testament to Trek’s attention to detail.

The groupsets clearly highlight the expected usage of each model, with the FX 1, FX 2, and FX 3 all wearing components from Shimano’s entry-level urban ranges. Shimano Altus, Shimano Tourney, and Shimano Acera are combined, with the FX 1 and FX 2 featuring triple cranksets for more gear options. The FX 1 uses rim brakes – though a disc version is available – and other bikes in the series come with hydraulic discs.

Step up to the FX Sport range, however, and the components step up too. Both the FX Sport 4 and FX Sport 5 wear Shimano Tiagra and the FX Sport 6 features Shimano 105. The exception to the rule is the FX Sport Carbon 4, with Shimano’s gravel-specific GRX group to highlight its off-road capability. It further reiterates Trek’s claim of an ‘anywhere, anytime’ bike.

Looking in more detail at the road groups, meanwhile, Shimano Tiagra has stepped up from its previous mark as a ‘slightly-better-than-entry-level’ group in the Shimano hierarchy. Both Tiagra and 105, much like Trek’s framesets, have profited from trickle-down technology and both offer superb value for money. That said, to get the most out of Shimano 105, its smooth shifting and range of gears, you want to be taking the Trek FX far beyond just the bike paths. Value for money is relative.

Buying Trek means Bontrager finishing kit, from the in-house component arm of the American giants. Bontrager wheels are standard fare across the Trek range and it is no different with the FX or the FX Sport. Three different wheelsets are used throughout the range. On the FX 1 and FX 2, it is Bontrager Connection hoops, on the FX 3, FX Sport 4 and FX Sport Carbon 4 you get Bontrager Tubeless Ready Disc wheels and on the FX Sport 5 and FX Sport 6 the Bontrager Affinity Discs.

It is standard fare, from the entry-level end of Bontrager’s vast range, and whether you feel the need to upgrade will center on your riding intentions. For the FX 1 and FX 2, the wheels are basic at best but you do get Bontrager’s H2 reflective hybrid tires with them. They include reflective sidewalls and are built to blend durability, smooth rolling, and grip.

Again, the Tubeless Ready Disc wheels are the basic version of a range which stretches as high as the elite-level Aeolus hoops. The FX 3 uses H2 Hard-Case Lite rubber, while the FX Sport 4 and FX Sport Carbon 4 use R1 Hard-Case Lite. As indicated by the name, the H2 is built with hybrid bikes in mind, while the R1 is more aimed at road riding. Both feature Hard-Case puncture protection for durability, however.

Finally, the FX Sport 5 and FX Sport 6 step things up a little, with the Bontrager Affinity Disc-Ready wheels and R1 and R2 Hard-Case Lite tires respectively. As with all bikes, however, upgrading the rolling stock will make a big difference to your ride. The FX Sport 5 and FX Sport 6 are built for more dedicated road riding, so if you can afford to shop higher up the Bontrager range it will add an extra level to your riding. Out of the box, the supplied rolling stock will do the job though – but nothing special.

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Adrienne So

Review: Trek FX+ 2

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If you come to me and say, “I’ve never ridden an electric bike before,” I am probably going to take a few factors into consideration. The first is safety. If you’ve never built a bike, I’m probably not going to recommend a mail-order one you have to assemble yourself. You don’t want to discover that you've failed to tighten a screw when you’re going 20 miles per hour down a hill.

You also probably want a bike that’s reasonably priced, comfortable, and convenient to ride. In fact, you might want one that’s as close to your first human-powered bike as possible. Trek’s FX+ 2 hits all the sweet spots. It’s made by a reputable manufacturer with a wide retailer network. The reasonable base price includes all the commuter components, like integrated lights and fenders. Most importantly, it’s light and maneuverable.

It’s not a 65-pound “starter” ebike that will crush you if you stop on a hill or forget to charge the battery. Nor is it a smart bike that makes you spend 20 minutes walking through an app before you can ride it. I've been testing ebikes at home for years, and this is the first one my 60-year-old dad has felt comfortable grabbing and using to chase after my kids. “Sometimes I don’t even turn it on,” he remarked the other day. That’s the whole point.

The FX+ 2 comes in two configurations and three different sizes. The default model has a regular step-over top tube, and the FX+ 2 Stagger has a step-through top tube. Both come in a variety of colors and have small, medium, and large sizes. I’m 5'2" and the small-size Stagger fits me well. However, if you’re smaller than 5 feet, you might want to look at a different bike.

The cables, battery, and motor are inside the frame. The only clue the FX+ 2 Stagger is an ebike at all is a small unit with only three buttons on it: a power button, and plus and minus symbols. When you turn on the bike, its lights turn on, and two light meters show how much battery you have left and what level of pedal assistance you have toggled on.

That’s it. There’s no bright LCD display and no throttle. This might seem like a downside, but I use my electric bike for commuting and running errands. When I lock it up on a rack, it gives me peace of mind to know that no one’s going to spot a lone ebike in the wild and immediately try to steal it (or the battery).

I also appreciate the clarity in the controls. I’ve tried other electric bikes with a one-button toggle, but I could never remember how many times to press the button to toggle the level of assist, or what light indicated how much battery I had left.

The FX+ 2 has a 250-watt Hydrive rear hub motor, which is the European standard. That might seem slightly underpowered to Americans looking to power up huge hills, but the bike is so light and maneuverable that having a smaller motor doesn’t matter much at all. The medium frame size weighs 40 pounds—almost 30 pounds lighter than my own Tern GSD S00.

Not only is it easy to scootch up hills, it’s also easy to maneuver onto crowded bike racks when I’m out, or to lift onto our hanging bike rack in my garage. Also, for the past two weeks, it’s the first bike both my dad and I have grabbed to run errands around the neighborhood. The stated range is 35 miles, but we’ve put at least 10 miles on it by now, and the battery seems largely untouched. The fast 45c road tires didn’t hurt, either.

It does lack a few features we're used to seeing on higher-end ebikes by now, like a low-maintenance carbon belt drive or a continuously variable shifter. Instead, it has a regular bike chain on a nine-speed Shimano shifting system, with a derailleur that, yes, you may have to adjust occasionally.

But honestly, this was more than fine by me. I didn’t have to learn a new shifting system or figure out how to calibrate the gearing with the assist levels. I wasn’t riding a bike that was trying to predict how much assist I’d need and when—I could simply toggle on more or less as I rode. In that way, it felt much easier and more natural. 

It also has a lot of accessories that may be equally important, especially as the weather here in Oregon has grown cold, gray, and wet in the past few weeks. The 120-lumen headlamp is incredibly bright. The bell is incredibly loud. The fenders have kept my jeans relatively dry, and I’ve been able to bungee items onto the rear rack. A kickstand keeps it up in the garage for quick access, and hydraulic disc brakes work even when the rain is pouring down.

The price point may seem high compared to direct-to-consumer bikes from Aventon, Lectric, or Rad Power. But once you start adding up the cost of quality components, labor, and accessories, their prices start inching up. Mail-order companies are able to offer much lower prices on base models because their motors are cheaper. With a nicer motor, a mail-order bike like the Ride1Up Prodigy is priced comparably to the FX+ 2, and you have to assemble and safety-check it yourself.

Over the years, I’ve seen bicycle manufacturers debate and then struggle to add or subtract features that will make electric bikes more attractive to people who haven’t biked before. Extremely low step-throughs! Weird shifting systems! Apps! Huge tires! Maybe the best way to get people on an electric bike is the same way you get people on a regular bike—by making it fun, light, and easy to ride.

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Trek FX 1 vs. 2 vs. 3 and FX Sport 4 vs. 5 vs. 6 Compared: Which One to Choose?

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In this article, I’ll help you navigate the Trek FX hybrid bike family by comparing the FX 1 , 2, 3, and FX Sport 4, 5, and 6 .

You’ll learn about the differences between each model, who they are best suited for, and more. 

Plus, I’ll tell you which model gives you the best value for your money to help make your decision easier.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Trek FX and FX Sport are ideal hybrid bikes for commuting and maintaining your fitness, thanks to their sporty geometry. They also have smooth tires, so you will be fast on paved roads. However, they can handle light terrain as well. On the other hand, they are still slower and heavier than the Trek Madone or Émonda and less versatile than the Trek Dual Sport .

Trek FX 1 vs. 2 vs. 3 and FX Sport 4 vs. 5 vs. 6

The following table summarizes the main differences between all FXs and FXs Sport, Trek’s hybrid bike families .

FX (Sport) Pros & Cons Summary

I summarized the pros & cons of the FX (Sport) series below.

FX (Sport) Pros

• Relaxed geometry for a comfortable ride
• Suitable for a wide range of terrains
• Aluminum or carbon frame
• Availability in multiple sizes and colors
• Pedals included
• Compatible with racks, kickstands, etc.
• Compatible with DuoTrap S sensor
• Partially internal cable routing
• Lifetime warranty

FX (Sport) Cons

• Some bikes have a narrow gear range
• Some models don’t come with tubeless-ready wheels or tires
• No suspension (can be a pro due to the lower weight)

Also available as a step-through

FX Main Features

Let me now explain the most important features of the Trek FX and FX Sport bikes and compare these two families.

Frame and Geometry

All FX bikes come with an aluminum frame , available in XS-XXL sizes , but with forks made of different materials – steel, aluminum, or carbon.

FX Sport bikes have a high-end carbon frame with a carbon fork , resulting in lower weight and better riding comfort due to carbon’s ability to absorb road vibrations.

Their geometry also differs slightly. Despite the name suggesting a more performance-oriented geometry, the FX Sport is surprisingly more relaxed , allowing you to sit more upright.

The geometry of both FX families is relaxed enough for less flexible riders and those who prefer comfort over the speed that comes from a more aggressive, and therefore more aerodynamic, stance.

Finally, it is important to add that FX bikes are also available in a step-through version suitable for women. FX Sport bikes are not.

Wheels and Tires

The wheel size on FX bikes is the same as on most hybrid bikes – 700c – but with wider tires than those used on road bikes, ranging from 32 to 40mm. The tire clearance is up to 45mm.

The tires have a pattern to provide increased traction on light gravel or dirt roads but are not suitable for demanding terrain like mountain bike tires.

Remember that some models have tubeless-ready wheels but don’t come with tubeless-ready tires , so you may need to swap them later if you want.

Also, the higher-end the bike, the better the wheels. For example, the Trek FX Sport 6 has carbon Bontrager wheels that are lighter, stiffer, and a bit faster than the aluminum ones.

While the FX family offers a wider range of gears thanks to 2X and 3X drivetrains, the FX Sport has a narrower gear range due to the 1X drivetrains.

1X drivetrains are popular because they are easy to maintain and shift and lighter than 2X or 3X groupsets.

However, their disadvantage is a smaller gear range. So, depending on the terrain you often want to ride, you may occasionally miss some gears. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about cross-chaining.

Although the FX series offers entry-level models with rim brakes (which are also a bit cheaper), the industry’s pressure has pushed for disc brakes.

Disc brakes are more effective, especially in the rain, as they do not lose their braking power. The debate between supporters and opponents of disc and rim brakes seems endless.

All FX bikes, except for one model, use hydraulic disc brakes . Check out this article for the differences between mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes .

Since hybrid bikes often don’t require as much braking power as mountain bikes, you can rely on sufficient stopping power for all the used brakes.

Another difference between FX and FX Sport is cable routing . On Trek FX , it is partially integrated , while on FX Sport , it is almost completely integrated , including the area around the handlebars, simplifying and improving the overall appearance.

All FX and FX Sport bikes are compatible with the DuoTrap S sensor , sold separately, which measures your speed, distance, and more. You can pair it with a speedometer or bike computer.

FX frames have mounts for kickstands and racks , making it easy to install these accessories. You can also leverage the Blendr stem to easily attach compatible accessories from the Trek/Bontrager ecosystem.

Lastly, most FX bikes come with slip-on grips , while all FX Sport models have lock-on grips that are easier to install and replace than slip-on grips. FX Sport bikes also use better IsoZone grips that are more comfortable and alleviate the pressure on your hands.

So, which bike should you choose between Trek FX and Trek FX Sport? And which bike from each family is the best?

If you’re on a tighter budget and looking for an affordable bike for commuting and leisure riding, then go for Trek FX. These bikes are mostly sufficient for beginners.

Trek FX Sport bikes are more expensive due to their carbon frames, which result in much lower weight. They resemble road bikes with flat handlebars and are suitable for those looking for a lightweight and comfortable hybrid bike. Just remember that their gear range is more limited.

I believe the FX 2 Disc provides the best value for the money from the FX family. First, you avoid an obsolete 3X drivetrain on the FX 1 Disc . Then, you get hydraulic disc brakes, significant weight reduction, and better components. While the price difference between the FX 2 and FX 3 is relatively large, the added value is not as significant.

The best bike from the Trek FX Sport family is the mid-range FX Sport 5 Disc, as it uses a simple 1X drivetrain and is much lighter than the FX Sport 4.

While the Trek FX Sport 6 is much lighter, mainly due to the carbon wheels, it is also much more expensive.

Trek FX FAQ

Trek FX bikes are designed for riders who seek a versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrains and riding styles, from commuting to fitness rides and from paved roads to light off-road. These hybrid bikes are comfortable and reliable and offer a balance between the speed of road bikes and the versatility of mountain bikes. With many models available, Trek FX and FX Sport bikes are suitable for riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced cyclists.

The main difference between Trek FX and Trek FX Sport is the frame. FX bikes have an aluminum frame with a fork made from different materials depending on the range. In contrast, FX Sport bikes have an aerodynamically shaped carbon frame that resembles modern road bikes. FX bikes offer a wider gear range but can be more complex when it comes to shifting. Most FX Sport bikes leverage 1X shifting for weight reduction and easier shifting. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly bike and don’t prioritize performance, you should consider buying a Trek FX. However, if you want a lightweight hybrid bike and don’t mind spending more money, then the Trek FX Sport is more suitable for you.

The Trek FX and Trek Verve bikes differ in their frame geometry. The Trek FX has a relaxed yet more aggressive geometry, making it great for maintaining fitness and riding longer distances. On the other hand, the Trek Verve is more suited for riding in the city. It has an upright riding position that gives you better visibility, particularly in traffic. Additionally, Verve bikes come with a suspension seatpost to increase your riding comfort. They also offer better maneuverability.

The Trek FX and Trek Verve bikes have different frame geometry, suspension, and tires. The Trek FX has a more relaxed geometry compared to the Dual Sport. Dual Sport bikes are similar to mountain bikes but not as extreme. They have front suspension with short travel and wide tires that make them better suited for off-road riding and rough terrain.

About The Author

Petr Minarik

2 thoughts on “trek fx 1 vs. 2 vs. 3 and fx sport 4 vs. 5 vs. 6 compared: which one to choose”.

Thanks for the article, I’m trying to decide on a new hybrid and I have my eye on an FX 3 Disc or FX Sport 4. Unfortunately at least one of your specs is inaccurate for both of these bikes – both have a 1×10 drivetrain, instead of a 2×10 which you have in the table, while you specifically call out the 2x and 3x drivetrains as a benefit of the FX series. I am hesitant about the more limited range but I do like the simplicity and weight savings, and it does seem to be where things are headed anyway.

Hi Anne, Thanks for noticing that. I fixed the info. I would say that the gear range also depends on the area you live in. If you have a lot of hills and climbs there, a wider gear range might be more useful. But the simplicity of shifting can overweigh. I know many recreational riders who don’t use their entire gear range, so 1X groupsets should be enough for them. I hope this helps. 🙂 – Petr

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Trek FX+ 2 review

The trex fx+ 2 is a great, simple electric bike but needs a bit more to live up to its high price tag.

Tom's Guide Verdict

The Trek FX+ 2 is an eBike that is easy to ride and feels like a bike, but the lack of certain features makes it tough to justify its $2,399 price.

Clean design

Responsive pedal assist

Comes with fenders and rack included

No removable battery

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

The Trek FX+ 2 feels like a bike. Trek has definitely made an effort for this city-focused eBike to look and feel like a bike as much as possible and in that effort, it succeeded. The FX+ 2 felt like riding a traditional bicycle until you really turn on the pedal assist, and even then it still largely kept that feel. At around 40 pounds, it also is closer in weight to a traditional bicycle, at least compared to the competition. I was able to get it up and down stairs without breaking a sweat, which was convenient. 

Weight: 40.13 pounds Max rider weight: 300 pounds Gearing: 9-speed Shimano Altus Battery: 250Wh Motor: 250W HyDrive motor Max assisted speed: 20 mph Max estimated range: 35 miles

For all these successes, the $2,399 FX+2 is significantly more expensive than our best budget electric bike , t he Aventon Soltera ($1,399) or our best overall electric bike , t he Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus ($1,999). This despite the FX+ 2 having no throttle, no LCD display and no removable battery. As enjoyable as riding it may be — and it is — it’s tough to recommend it over the competition.  

Trek FX+ 2 eBike review: Price and availability 

The Trek FX+ 2 came out in May 2022 at a starting price of $2,200, but the version we reviewed came with a price tag of $2,399. Unfortunately, it looks like the price has gone up since launch, with the 2023 models of the FX+ 2 coming in at $2,499 on Trek’s website.

The good news is that you are not forced to buy the FX+ 2 from Trek. Trek offers its bikes through local retailers in addition to its website, and those retailers may offer lower (or higher) prices than Trek. So make sure to check with your local bike shop before adding the FX+ 2 to your cart.

Trek FX+ 2 eBike review: Design 

Trek offers the FX+ 2 eBike in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and three colors: Satin Trek Black, Viper Red and Satin Mulsanne Blue. The model I was provided with was a Satin Mulsanne blue in size L, which worked perfectly with my 6-foot 2-inch height and 32-inch inseam.

At first glance, the FX+ 2 looks like a traditional bicycle. That’s because Trek has intentionally designed it this way, with the cables and battery stored within the tubes of the bike. Unfortunately, that means the battery isn’t removable — at least by you. Trek says that the battery can be removed by a trained technician, so you’ll need to head to a shop if anything goes wrong. 

That said, you can still add an external battery for extra range. There are two water bottle holders, one on the seat tube and one on the down tube, and the one on the downtube allows for a 250Wh plug-and-play Range Extender battery. This allows you to easily double your range if needed. That battery life comes at a price though; the Hyena Range Extender Battery costs $499.

Designed for commuters and city bikers, the FX+ 2 comes already equipped with some much-needed accessories. The eBike comes stock with a front fender, rear fender, headlight, taillight, kickstand, bell and rear bike rack — no need to buy one of the best bike lights separately. There’s also a chain guard to prevent clothes from getting caught in the chain.

Still, there are a couple of things missing in the design that would be nice to have. First, the Hyena pedal assist control system has an LED display for the battery status and pedal assist mode. It is easy to use and read, but many eBikes now have LCD displays, so this feels cheap by comparison. Additionally, the wheels are not quick-release, which means if something goes wrong you’ll need tools on you to get the wheels off.

But the biggest design flaw is the lack of any shock absorption in the bike. The FX+ 2 definitely feels every bump and pothole, especially at top speed. Even merely adding a seat post shock absorber would be a welcome addition.

Trek FX+ 2 eBike review: Performance 

The performance of the Trek FX+ 2 was more than adequate. Between the three power modes (Eco, Normal and Turbo) and the nine-speed rear cassette, I was able to hit the top speed of 20 mph frequently, regularly averaging 13MPH while riding through the streets of Atlanta.

Hills were also not a problem once you get a feel for the bike. I could regularly keep my cadence going up hills by using the full range of the bike’s gears and the Turbo pedal assist mode. The pedal assist modes kicked in very smoothly and with almost no lag.

The only shortcoming the FX+ 2 really has in terms of performance is the lack of a throttle to give riders fully motor-assisted thrust (i.e. no using your pedals), which does come on some of the FX+ 2’s competitors like the Soltera and RadCity 5 Plus. However, I would be lying if I said I missed it. The bike is plenty quick and easy to ride without it. 

Trek FX+ 2 eBike review: Battery life and range 

Trek states that the FX+ 2’s 250Wh battery can provide riders with up to 35 minutes of range. This of course depends on a range of factors, from the pedal assist mode you typically use to how hilly your terrain is.

My commute to work was just over five and a half miles round trip and I would go through about a quarter of the battery. That puts my estimated range at closer to 22 miles. However, I almost always used the Turbo (highest) pedal assist and I do have a large hill each way. So had I been more conservative I could have probably got more range out of the FX+ 2. 

Luckily if you do need to charge the bike, it only takes around two hours for a full charge and the charger can be plugged into any wall outlet.

Trek FX+ 2 eBike review: Competition 

Unfortunately, the Trek FX+ 2 really struggles when compared to the competition, at least on paper. I have yet to ride the Aventon Soltera, but it is currently our best budget eBike and has a very similar feature set and design aesthetic compared to the FX+ 2. While the pedal-assist seems like it is not as smooth and responsive as the FX+ 2 and it lacks a 9-speed option, you can still get a 7-speed for $1,399. That’s $1,000 less than the FX+ 2 I reviewed, but you get more range, a throttle and an LCD display.

If you want something higher-end, the Rad Power RadCity5 Plus is our best budget bike and would still be my pick over the FX+ 2 based on the research I have done on the RadCity 5 Plus. The FX+ 2 is lighter, and significantly so (over 20 pounds!), but the RadCity 5 Plus has a feature set that really sets it apart. Yes, you only get a 7-speed rear cassette, but you also get a throttle, a removable battery and two LCD displays compared to the zero LCD displays on the FX+ 2.

Trek FX+ 2 eBike review: Bottom line 

Ultimately, if the Trek FX+ 2 eBike was cheaper it would be a lot easier to recommend. It was a lot of fun to ride, easy to carry with its 40-pound weight and has a very clean design. If price weren’t a factor, I would say the quick pedal assist make it a great choice, and the fact that it comes with fenders and a rack standard is a nice touch.

But none of that can make me get past the fact that this bike is hundreds — if not a thousand — dollars more than its competition without providing a lot of reasons why. Yes, it's lightweight, and it's a Trek so the build quality is excellent, but it lacks the LCD displays, removable battery or throttle that so many of the best electric bikes have. If the FX+ 2 had even some of those features, I’d rate it significantly higher, even with the price. 

Malcolm McMillan is a senior writer for Tom's Guide, covering all the latest in streaming TV shows and movies. That means news, analysis, recommendations, reviews and more for just about anything you can watch, including sports! If it can be seen on a screen, he can write about it. Previously, Malcolm had been a staff writer for Tom's Guide for over a year, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), A/V tech and VR headsets.

Before writing for Tom's Guide, Malcolm worked as a fantasy football analyst writing for several sites and also had a brief stint working for Microsoft selling laptops, Xbox products and even the ill-fated Windows phone. He is passionate about video games and sports, though both cause him to yell at the TV frequently. He proudly sports many tattoos, including an Arsenal tattoo, in honor of the team that causes him to yell at the TV the most.

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FX 1 is a hybrid bike with a lightweight aluminum frame and quality parts that perform wherever you like to ride. Its perfect for anyone looking to get out more, ride as a family, do a bit of exercise, or commute to work on a versatile bike backed by a lifetime warranty. Its right for you if... - You want to get out and ride more, and youre looking for performance where it really counts: a lightweight frame, wide range of gearing, and strong wheels. You also want a great value and the confidence of Treks lifetime warranty. The tech you get - A lightweight aluminum frame; 21 speeds so theres always a right gear for your terrain; strong, double-walled wheels with wide, stable tires; and mounts that make it easy to accessorize your ride with racks, fenders, lights, fitness trackers, a kickstand, and more! The final word - FX 1 is a versatile hybrid bike at a great value. Its built with a lightweight aluminum frame, performance parts that keep the price in check, and strong wheels built on double-walled rims. This hybrid is perfectly suited to a variety of uses, from casual riding to exercise and commutes. Why youll love it - This bike brings families together, gets people away from screens, and lets you enjoy time outside - Its versatile and does whatever you want it to do, whether thats riding for fitness, commuting, or cruising to the farmers market to pick up groceries - Its easy to accessorize with racks, a kickstand, fenders, lights, and more! - You can pair FX with your smartphone and send your ride data to your favorite fitness app when you add DuoTrap S - Like every Trek hybrid, its backed by a lifetime warranty and supported by a wide network of retail partners

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Trek FX 2 Review: Ultimate Guide To The Fitness Hybrid Gravel Grinder

• by Riding With Ryan (Official)

My first bike from a legitimate bike shop was a Trek FX 2 Disc. There have been several changes over the years, almost all making this bike even better. If you are just getting into cycling and are interested in this Trek FX 2 review, be very careful. This bike will draw you into cycling, and soon you will start obsessing about saving grams, LYCRA, and Strava KOMs. Also, be sure to check out this 2022 Trek FX 3 review .

No need to worry about high prices with this bike. In other words, the Trek FX 2 is an awesome bike with a low price point, below $1,000. So what kind of bike is it, and who is it good for? These are both questions we will answer, and more, in this Trek FX 2 review. After that, you will want to call your bike shop to setup a test ride.

What Kind Of Bike Is The Trek FX 2?

The Trek FX 2 is a fitness hybrid bike. A hybrid bike is simply any bike that doesn’t fall into a specific category like road bike, mountain bike or cruiser. Fitness hybrids are bikes with similar geometry to an endurance road bike, but it will have flat handlebars instead of traditional road bike drop bars.

Fitness hybrid bikes can be ridden in the road, on light gravel, or a combination of the two. They make great bikes for commuting, as well as making an awesome gravel bike with flat bars. It really is a do-it all bike that’s good at everything, great at nothing.

For a long time I ran two different sets of wheels on my Trek FX 2. I had a set of wheels with 40mm gravel tires, and I replaced the stock 35mm tires for some slightly more aggressive 32mm road tires for the factory wheelset. Eventually tire upgrades were not enough and I started buying upgraded bikes. However, I love my Trek FX 2 so much I still own it today.

Who Is The Trek FX 2 Good For?

The Trek FX 2 is made for anyone looking for a high quality ride without sacrificing comfort. This bike is incredibly fast to anyone not already riding a road bike. With beefier tires its a capable endurance bike.

The Trek FX 2 has multiple rack and fender mounts for commuters, and plenty of storage add-ons available for tourers.

It’s not often a single bike fills the holes of so many different riding disciplines. This Trek FX 2 review may be the first bike review I’ve done that covers road biking, fitness, gravel, and recreational riding. All of which are extremely fun and comfortable on the FX 2. The only riding discipline the FX 2 isn’t good for is mountain biking.

Trek FX 2 Gravel Upgrades

One of the most popular questions in the bike shop these days is about gravel bikes. Its an awesome riding discipline that has exploded in popularity for good reason. An easy and affordable way to ride gravel is with the Trek FX 2.

The maximum tire size recommended by Trek for the FX 2 Disc model is a 38mm tire. I have first hand experience fitting 40mm tires on my Trek FX 2 without a single issue. Above all, you don’t want to risk your warranty. It’s best to stay within the specifications Trek recommends. Adding fenders restricts that maximum tire size to 35mm.

After the new tires the FX 2 is ready to shred your next gravel trail. Modifying grips and saddles, as well as adding clipless pedals are all recommendations I would make. Getting those accessories specifically for gravel riding will only enhance your riding experience.

Gravel Purists, or Gravel Snobs, will not appreciate your flat bar gravel bike. Gravel bikes have drop handlebars. Some forged bar ends hanging down should be the final touch to keep everyone happy. They will also give you some additional hand positions on longer rides.

Is the Trek FX 2 Worth It?

Yes, the 2022 Trek FX 2 Disc is certainly worth it’s $779.99 price tag. Save the extra $150 to afford the Trek FX 3 Disc. It comes with an upgraded group set and a carbon fork to eat up additional vibrations from the road. In other words, you can’t go wrong with any Trek FX model.

The 2022 Trek FX 2 Disc bikes come in two color options. Firstly, is Trek’s traditional Satin Lithium Gray that has been a color option every year on the FX model. The second color option is absolute fire. It is Satin Viper Red and it looks amazing.

I love the Viper Red for two reasons. Firstly, it makes the bike look great and look fast. Secondly, is the way the color stands out. Someone driving by is going to see this Viper Red bike. If they see you they are less likely to run you over. Which is, you know, a great thing!

If you are looking for a great way to transport your bikes read: Kuat NV 2.0 Review .

Trek FX 2 Disc vs Rim Brakes

Trek offers the FX 1 and 2 models in rim brake and disc brake versions. The FX 3 is disc brakes only. What exactly is the difference, and are disc brakes worth the upgrade? Lets dive into those details.

First, the difference between disc and rim brakes can be dramatic. Disc brakes provide better stopping power in all conditions. The Tour De France was won on rim brakes for over 100 years, but you can’t argue against disc brake stopping ability.

The only reason someone should consider rim brakes over disc brakes is if their budget requires it. Riding a rim brake bike is better than riding no bike at all. Also, many dry climates won’t notice much difference between disc and rim brakes. The differences are more noticeable in wet riding conditions.

In conclusion, if you aren’t sure which model of FX is best for you I’d recommend browsing through the details on Trek’s website. Also, you can read this 2022 Trek FX 3 review .

1 thought on “Trek FX 2 Review: Ultimate Guide To The Fitness Hybrid Gravel Grinder”

I just bought a Trek FX 2 Disc at Scheels Grand Forks, North Dakota on July 22nd, 2023. They installed cheap brake: RUSH bake system and Cheap tire 700x32c with no name on it into my bike. These components were not as specifications on sale list at Scheels Grand Forks, North Dakota. The bake system should be Tektro HD-R280 and the tires should be Bontrager H2 Comp, 700x35c. First, they said that they will replace the brake and the tire as the specifications on the sale list. Then they call me to come back to the store and told me they only change the tires to the Bontrager H2 Comp, and if I want to change the brake I have to pay for the labor. I really disappointed about this. To my experience, you should check out the component of the Trek bike before you buy it. If you don’t, maybe your Trek bike get a cheap component installed on it.

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2023 Trek FX Sport 5 Review

Are you planning on buying a hybrid bike this year and want to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth? If so, you need to read our Trek FX Sport 5 review before making a decision.

The Trek FX Sport 5 is a hybrid bike that is suitable for various conditions and activities such as commuting, off-roading, and general recreational use. 

It features a lightweight aluminum frame that is both strong and durable. 

The Trek FX Sport 5 also comes with an adjustable stem and handlebar post, allowing riders to customize the fit of the bicycle to their body type. 

In addition, the components are made of high-quality parts and materials, ensuring great performance in all types of terrain.

The Trek FX Sport 5 has become one of the top hybrid bikes on the market this year due its wide range of features and benefits. 

In this review we will explore all aspects of this bike in detail – from its design to its performance – so you can better decide whether or not it’s the right choice for your needs.

The Trek FX Sport 5 is a high-end hybrid bike that is perfect for those who intend to take their cycling experience to the next level. 

With a touring-grade frame and components, this bike is designed for performance, comfort and control. 

In this article, we’ll review some of the features that make the Trek FX Sport 5 stand out from the competition.

The Trek FX Sport 5 is a hybrid bike for multi-purpose use. 

With its versatile frame design and components, it is essentials for any road trip or race. 

It combines performance, durability and safety with comfortable riding, no matter where you are going.

The reliable 400 series OCLV Carbon frameset with Bontrager GR1 Expert 40mm tires make the ride both smooth and efficient while keeping your speed up when encountering tough terrain. 

The FX Sport 5 is perfect for bikepacking trips, trail riding adventures and daily commutes around the city.

– Reliable 400 series OCLV Carbon frame provides robustness on rough surfaces

– Carbon fork absorbs shock to enhance rideability on offroad trails

– Shimano GRX 1×11 drivetrain ensures smooth shifting and precise gear selection

– Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide superior stopping power in all conditions

– Tubeless ready Bontrager Paradigm wheels combined with Bontrager GR1 Expert 700x40c tires offer dynamic trail riding experience

– Fender mounts allow fitting mudguards to the bike

– Internal cable routing keeps cables out of sight while adding extra protection on tougher terrain

The Trek FX Sport 5 features an 400 series OCLV Carbon with a premium tapered carbon fork that are designed to provide superior rigidity while also keeping weight down. 

The geometry of the bike is comfortable yet aggressive, making it suitable for both short rides around town and extended day trips.

The Shimano drivetrain provides precise shifting performance, along with powerful hydraulic disc brakes for safety and control over any terrain. 

The Shimano GRX RX600 crankset features a 40t chainring paired to a Shimano SLX 11-42t, 11 speed cassette offer plenty of gear range for most riders. 

Performance

What really sets the Trek FX Sport 5 apart from other hybrid bikes is its outstanding performance in both on and off-road conditions. 

Whether it’s commuting to work or taking on some light trails on the weekend, you can trust this bike to deliver an enjoyable ride every time. 

It’s even more impressive when you consider its price point – you won’t find another bike at this price range with comparable performance.

All in all, if you’re looking for a high-end hybrid bike that performs no matter what terrain you plan to tackle – look no further than the Trek FX Sport 5! 

Not only does it offer exceptional quality components but also unmatched durability in a lightweight package. 

Whether you’re hitting up nearby trails or commuting around town – You’ll do so in style with this beautiful machine in tow!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Riding with the Trek 7.2 FX: Unbiased Bike Review

October 26, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Trek 7.2 FX hybrid seamlessly melds city-bike convenience with road-bike agility, guaranteeing riders a dynamic performance across terrains.
• Combining state-of-the-art features like its Alpha Gold Aluminum frame and ergonomic design, this bike stands out as a top pick for daily commuters and recreational riders.
• Although maintenance plays a vital role, the Trek 7.2 FX's robust build and quality components promise durability and longevity for dedicated cyclists.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ If you're in the market for a hybrid bike with solid durability, the Trek 7.2 FX has to be mentioned. It has amazing features that make it worth considering.

The Trek 7.2 FX is a versatile hybrid bike, expertly blending the comfort of a road bike and the adaptability of a mountain bike. Ideal for city commutes and gravel roads, its lightweight Alpha Gold Aluminum frame, ergonomic design, and 700c wheels offer a smooth, efficient ride for long distances.

With years of expertise in evaluating bikes, our team knows precisely what to look for and what matters most to riders. In this review, you'll gain insights into the performance, comfort, and versatility of the Trek 7.2 FX, ensuring you clearly understand what this hybrid bike truly offers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Overview of the Trek 7.2 FX Bike

The Trek 7.2 FX is a hybrid bike that perfectly balances city bike comfort and road bike handling. This bike is versatile and offers a smooth ride in various conditions.

These features make it an excellent choice for daily commutes, leisure rides, and short trips around the town. The 7.2 FX is designed to provide the comfort of a road bike with the versatility of a mountain bike.

This makes it suitable for various terrains, from city streets to unpaved trails. Made with Trek's Alpha Gold Aluminum, the frame is lightweight yet durable. This ensures the bike offers a swift ride without compromising on strength.

What We Loved

As we rode the Trek 7.2 FX, we couldn't help but appreciate its versatility. This bike combines the best road and city bikes, perfect for commuting and light trail riding adventures.

The comfortable handlebar position and responsive brakes make it a joy to ride. Packed with features like Bontrager wheels, this hybrid is quick and maneuverable.

One thing that stood out during our ride on this bike is how easy it is to customize to fit our needs. It adapts well if we need it for fitness, commuting, or leisure rides. Plus, its affordability doesn't hurt either.

What Could Be Improved

No bike is perfect, and the Trek 7.2 FX is no exception. Some areas we feel could use improvement include the availability of the bike at local Trek shops, due to supply chain issues.

The weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) could be higher for those who plan to carry heavier loads during their rides. A comparison to the Giant Escape might be useful for potential buyers who are considering alternative options.

While the Trek 7.2 FX comes equipped with puncture-resistant tires, we believe the puncture-resistant belt 700x35c could be further improved for increased durability.

The steel fork provides function at the cost of adding weight, and an upgrade to a lighter material, such as carbon or aluminum, might be desirable for some riders.

In terms of gearing, the Trek 7.2 FX features Shimano Altus EF51 8-speed components. While it gets the job done, we found ourselves wishing for more (or more refined) gear options, particularly for steep inclines or tougher trails.

Key Features Of The Trek 7.2 FX

One issue with an old bike like this is that it can be difficult to find it brand new. For that reason, retailer prices may vary. You can still find it available for the manufacturer's suggested retail prices if you buy used too. Here are some of the key features that stand out.

Alpha Gold Aluminum Frame

The Trek 7.2 FX features a premium Alpha Gold Aluminum frame. This material strikes the perfect balance between lightness and strength, ensuring a nimble ride without compromising on durability.

Its design is robust and aesthetically sleek, offering a modern look for urban riders. The Trek 7.2 FX is a versatile bike that can easily handle city streets and urban environments while still being capable of tackling light off-road terrain.

Versatile 700c Wheels

Equipped with 700c wheels, the bike offers a combination of speed and stability. These larger wheels roll more efficiently, allowing riders to cover distances faster on paved roads. Meanwhile, the tread design ensures sufficient grip for light off-road trails.

Due to its lightweight aluminum frame, the bike delivers smooth and stable handling at various speeds, making it enjoyable and safe to ride. Pair this with the 700c wheels, and you have a top-rated bike.

Ergonomic Design for Comfort

Prioritizing rider comfort, the 7.2 FX boasts an ergonomic design. The handlebars and saddle are specifically shaped to provide optimum support during extended rides.

The bike's geometry also promotes an upright riding position, reducing the strain on the rider's back and shoulders, ideal for daily commutes and long weekend rides.

Although the Trek 7.2 FX is slower than road bikes because of its heavier and wider tires, it still offers quick and efficient pedaling, outperforming most city bikes. The gearing system contributes to its ability to maintain an optimal riding speed on different terrains.

Easily Customizable Mounts

To cater to the diverse needs of riders, the 7.2 FX comes with multiple mounts. These allow for easy attachment of accessories like racks, fenders, and lights.

Whether you're commuting with cargo, bracing for wet weather, or riding in the dark, these mounts make customization straightforward and efficient. They pair well with the pre-production painted frames.

Riding Experience With The Trek 7.2 FX

Navigating city streets or cruising on weekend trails, the Trek 7.2 FX promises a unique blend of performance and comfort. Dive into this section to uncover firsthand insights into the riding experience this versatile hybrid bike offers.

Gravel Roads

Riding the Trek 7.2 FX on gravel roads is a breeze. The off-road experience might not be as comfortable as a dedicated mountain bike, but this bike offers excellent climbing performance.

You can also expect a lightning-fast response time and a wide 3x8 gear range, making riding on gravel roads enjoyable.

City Commutes

The 7.2 FX boasts excellent handling and stability. Wide, puncture-resistant tires and 700c Bontrager wheels provide smooth riding at quick speeds.

Although it is slower than most road bikes, it easily passes city bikes while commuting. The lightweight aluminum body with an alloy cage allows for easy handling during city commutes, and the slim-stack semi-cartridge bearings sealed pedal set keeps your ride smooth.

On pavement, the Trek 7.2 FX shines as it provides a smooth and efficient ride, perfect for commuting to work, running errands, or just enjoying a leisurely cruise. The wide gear range, coupled with the puncture-resistant belt 700x35c tires, helps the bike take on various urban terrains.

The Tektro alloy linear-pull brakes ensure reliable stopping power, allowing you to tackle any pavement situation confidently.

Riding the Trek 7.2 FX on trails offers a versatile experience suitable for riders with diverse needs. This bike is great for those who wish to commute to work or start a fitness program but still want the capability to explore nature trails on the weekends.

Though the 7.2 FX might not be as agile as a dedicated mountain bike, it does provide an overall enjoyable experience for casual trail rides. Some notable features include:

• W puncture-resistant belt
• W lowrider mounts Clix protection
• Tensile steel w lowrider mounts
• Lowrider mounts Clix dropouts
• Lite w puncture-resistant protection
• Slimstak semi cartridge bearings
• Durable body w alloy cage
• Additional nylon body w alloy protection

How Long Does The Trek 7.2 FX Bike Last?

As avid cyclists, we love the Trek 7.2 FX for its unique blend of city bike comfort, road bike handling, and stability. It's a versatile machine that is built to withstand various weather conditions and lasts for years. But how long does it really last? Let's dive into some details.

The Trek 7.2 FX hybrid bike's lightweight alpha silver aluminum duotrap frame and robust components are designed to endure long-term use and resist wear and tear, making it a durable choice for those who commute or ride regularly.

On this bike, you'll find features like puncture-resistant Bontrager H2 hard case tires and a reliable Shimano drivetrain to help maintain its longevity. Now, keep in mind that any bike's lifespan largely depends on factors like how it's used, the terrain it's exposed to, and how well the owner maintains it.

Regular maintenance, like cleaning and lubricating the chain, checking the tires for punctures, and adjusting the brakes, will extend the life of your Trek 7.2 FX. Aside from proper maintenance, it's essential to consider other factors, like the maximum total weight limit the bike can handle, including the rider and cargo.

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About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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About PedalChef

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Trek FX6 Review (A Good Investment?)

Bikes , Hybrid bikes , Other , Road bikes , Senior cyclists

Updated: April 25, 2023

Disclosure: I may receive referral fees from purchases made through links on BicycleVolt. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Without doubt the Trek FX6 is an awesome piece of machinery, from its light and nimble carbon frame to its powerful and responsive hydraulic disc brakes, but is it worth the more than $2k price tag?

Trying to decide whether to buy a new bike is never easy, but when you’ve narrowed the choice down to a Trek bike, and then further to a bike from their FX range, you know you’re already on to a winner.

My aim today is to give you the necessary information you need to decide whether the FX6 is the right bike for you. Does it suit your riding style? Is it right for the terrain you’ll be negotiating? Does the component list represent good value for the investment?

Here’s the quick answer: the FX Sport 6 is a bike that moves beyond the so-called hybrid bike or fitness bike category. It’s a bike that rivals some of the best road bikes for velocity and handling. And yet it does that with a geometry that enables a riding position which is infinitely more comfortable than the hunched-over style you have to suffer with road bikes. My view is that the FX6 is the right bike for you if you crave speed and easy miles, but don’t want to ride with a smile on your face, rather than your face set in a grimace and pressed firmly to the handlebars.

In a moment I’ll take you through full spec list of the FX6 and then I’ll do a full review of the bike with highlights of some of the major standout features. Before that, let’s have a quick look at the main pros and cons.

Pros and Cons of the FX Sport 6

• Full carbon frame (including the forks)
• Excellent set of high-end Shimano components
• Innovative IsoSpeed decoupler to smooth out rough pavements
• Super-light bike weight (at only 20.5 lbs)
• The price tag (yes, it’s a lot of money, but it’s also good value)
• Only available in black (but it is a very stylish matte black)

Trek FX Sport 6 review

I’ve reviewed a number of bikes recently from Trek’s FX range (for example comparing the FX2 vs FX3 and the FX3 vs FX4 ). I’ve also compared the FX range to Trek’s other similar bike range, the Dual Sport . Like the FX but with front suspension to take you onto the trails. If you look at the articles, I talk about them being ‘hybrid bikes’ and I think that’s a useful term because it gives potential buyers a clear idea of where these bikes sit. Which is to say, in the big open space between fast road bikes and rugged mountain bikes. I’m a huge advocate of these bikes because they can turn their hand to everything – commuting, grocery trips, and weekend trips to the beach spring to mind.

When it comes to the FX Sport 6 though, I’m not sure the term hybrid bike is particularly suitable. Unfortunately, there’s a bit of a stigma and a hint of snobbishness when it comes to hybrid bikes. With an implication that ‘hybrid’ really means compromise, and ‘neither one thing nor the other’, and heavy, and slow.

The FX6 is none of these things.

Under the hood, it looks gorgeous. There are plenty of first-class Shimano components, such as the fantastic 105 R7000 front and rear derailleur set, with great Bontrager kit completing the line-up. Everything is hung on the frame – a carbon work of art – which uses Trek’s own OCLV Carbon tech. And a carbon frame can only have a carbon front fork to go with it, like this does.

The combined weight of all this wonderfulness is a tiny 20.5 lbs. To put this into perspective, Trek’s top-flight road bike, the 2021 Madone SLR 9, only comes in 3 lbs lighter.

And that means, that you’re going to go FAST!! on this bike. With no apologies for the all caps. Or the exclamation marks. Either of them.

If the FX6 was in the form of a road bike, you’d need to be hunkered down over the handlebars to achieve this speed. Sure, that would feel great, but you wouldn’t be able to really appreciate the dismayed looks on the faces of the other roadies you were overtaking.

Not so, with this bike.

The geometry of the FX6, combined with the flat handlebars, means that the riding position is upright and comfortable. Not hunched over, folded double like on a road bike. That’s makes the FX6 easy on the back, the neck and the core muscles. As well as being very easy on the eye.

It’s a great bike then, but who is it for?

I think there are two groups of people who the FX6 is perfect for.

With its high-end spec list and relaxed riding geometry it’s an excellent trade-up for avid road cyclists, who’ve been round the block a few times now, and are looking to get a bit more comfort on their rides. But without sacrificing any speed because they still want to be able to cruise past those young whippersnappers out on the mean streets.

It’s also for people who’ve always enjoyed the versatility of hybrid bikes – that go-anywhere-do-anything nature – but want a lighter bike with a smoother running set of components. To get those groceries home faster.

Let’s take a closer at a few of the interesting details on the FX Sport 6.

OCLV Carbon frame

Carbon gives the lightness and strength that is the sweet spot of the bikes and it’s one of the main factors behind the low total bike weight of a smidge over 20 lbs. Not only does carbon have these qualities but it also is inherently vibration-reducing. This is just the first in a long line of bike tech that Trek’s employed with the FX6 to give the smoothest ride feel imaginable.

Comfort-max IsoSpeed decoupler

In fact, the next one on this list is an integral part of the bike frame – the IsoSpeed decoupler. Look closely at the frame under the saddle where the seat post meets the seat stays, seat tube and crossbar. You’ll see that the seat tube is actually detatched, or ‘decoupled’, from the seat stays and crossbar. This feature, first introduced by Trek in 2012 on its top road bikes, allows the seat post to flex as the bike moves across a rough surface and therefore reduces fatigue for the rider.

It’s a clever approach that gives the benefit of the rear suspension you get on many mountain bikes, but without the considerable weight of those systems.

Powerful hydraulic disc brakes

If you’re surprised not to see a Shimano component here, don’t worry! These Tektro brakes are great build quality, both powerful and responsive. If you’re new to hydraulic disc brakes, then you’ll see a huge increase in performance vs either linear-pull or cantilever brakes. Both of which perform poorly in wet/slippery/muddy conditions and/or when the wheel rims are wobbly or damaged. Disc brakes do away with these issues almost completely. Hydraulic disc brakes, such as those on the FX6, are a step up from mechanical disc brakes in performance and weight reduction. Hydraulics use brake fluid to operate which is far better than the cables used in mechanical disc brakes.

Shimano drivetrain

The FX6 has a Shimano 105 R7000 gearing system with a 2×11 drivetrain. Smooth operating, with plenty of oomph on both the uphills and cruising (very fast) along the flats and downhill. Two cogs at the crank like the FX6 has helps reduce bike weight (vs three cog systems) and maintenance issues by simplifying the system.

Other thoughtful touches

• Blendr stem – common to all the bikes in the FX range, this allows the addition of accessories such as computers and lights in a streamlined way (see more details of how it works here ). Not a zip tie in sight, thankfully
• Tubeless ready rims – tubeless tires are excellent for reducing the chance of pinch flats when running lower pressures. Plus, removing the inner tubes gives another opportunity to strip out yet more bike weight
• Hidden fender mounts – who likes their pants without the mud brown stripe up the back…? Yeah, we all do, but fender mounts are generally ugly afterthoughts, unlike these on the FX6

Conclusion – which one to go for?

My view is that the FX Sport 6 is a bike that is a perfect upgrade for anyone who enjoys the hybrid life but wants a little more acceleration. It’s also for road bikers who want speed but with a little more comfort.

Yes, it’s a lot of money. But it’s money that’s put to good use. The carbon frame and forks, teamed up with the full spec list, make for a winning combination in my mind.

If you do decide to buy an FX6, do me a favor? Please don’t jeer at the roadies as you shoot past them. They won’t be able to catch you up and it’ll ruin their day.

Happy cycling.

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Screen Rant

Star trek’s last 2 live-action shows are discovery sequels.

The Star Trek franchise is looking lean after the end of Picard, Discovery, and Lower Decks but the last Trek shows standing continue Disco's legacy.

• Star Trek: Discovery's success paved the way for Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy, ensuring the franchise's future beyond 2025.
• Lower Decks' end marks the close of the 24th-century era, with Section 31 movie exploring past sins in the early 24th century.
• Despite gaps between time periods, the Star Trek franchise in the 2020s mirrors the cohesive era of the 1990s, promising a positive future.

When Star Trek: Discovery ends later this year, it leaves behind its two spinoffs as the last live-action Star Trek shows standing. Paramount+ recently announced that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has been renewed for season 4, while simultaneously announcing that Star Trek: Lower Decks would end with season 5 . With Lower Decks due to end later in 2024, and the future of Netflix's Star Trek: Prodigy unknown beyond season 2, 2025 looks like a lean year for televised Star Trek .

As sad as that may seem, there's something positive about Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy carrying on the legacy of its parent show. After a 12-year gap, Star Trek: Discovery revitalized the franchise on TV. The success of Discovery season 1 and 2 laid the groundwork for the modern Star Trek franchise, and that can never be overstated. Without Discovery there would be no Strange New Worlds or Star Trek: Picard season 3, so it's only right that it continues to push the franchise forward into 2025 and beyond .

Gene Roddenberry's Son & Star Trek Executive Producer Comment On Franchise Future

Strange new worlds & starfleet academy are star trek: discovery sequels.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy are effectively sequels to Star Trek: Discovery , set in the show's disparate timelines. Strange New Worlds tells the story of what happened after the USS Discovery time traveled to the far future, while Starfleet Academy will continue the story of Star Trek 's 32nd century. Following the end of Star Trek: Picard in season 3 , live-action Trek exists in two time periods; the 23rd and 32nd centuries, leaving a 900-year gap in the middle . That needn't be an insurmountable gulf, as both SNW and Starfleet Academy are tied together by their connections to Discovery .

Star Trek: Section 31 , the franchise's first streaming-exclusive movie, also follows on from the events of Star Trek: Discovery , via the character of Emperor Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh).

Looking back at the state of the franchise in the 1990s, post- Star Trek: The Next Generation , both Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager were thousands of lightyears apart. However, they felt part of a cohesive era, anchored by TNG . There's a neat bit of symmetry then, as Star Trek: Discovery comes to an end, that there are two spinoff shows that are also wildly different in tone but anchored to a parent show. It's easy to be concerned about the future of Star Trek , following recent cancelation announcements, but the shape of the franchise in the 2020s feels much like it did in the 1990s, which can only be a positive .

Star Trek: Lower Decks Ending Is A 24th Century Tragedy

While Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy may be the Deep Space Nine and Voyager of the 2020s, they won't continue the story of the 24th century. Star Trek: Lower Decks ending with season 5 will bring an end to the 24th century period of the Star Trek timeline , at least when it comes to the TV shows. Michelle Yeoh's Star Trek: Section 31 movie will reportedly focus on the untold adventures of the early 24th century, which could shed new light on classic Star Trek: The Next Generation characters .

Rachel Garrett, first introduced in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Yesterday's Enterprise" is confirmed to appear in Star Trek: Section 31 .

As enticing as that might be, it's still disappointing that Star Trek: Lower Decks won't get the chance to further explore what happened after Star Trek: The Next Generation ended. There'll be a glimpse of the 24th century in Star Trek: Prodigy season 2 when it hits Netflix, but much of that will likely take place in an alternate future. While Star Trek fans will be well served for new adventures in the 23rd and 32nd centuries, there's a gnawing sense that the franchise is missing out on all the exciting things happening in the 900-year gap between Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy .

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is aiming to start production in late summer 2024.

All episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds are available to stream on Paramount+

Star Trek: Discovery

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Star Trek: Discovery is an entry in the legendary Sci-Fi franchise, set ten years before the original Star Trek series events. The show centers around Commander Michael Burnham, assigned to the USS Discovery, where the crew attempts to prevent a Klingon war while traveling through the vast reaches of space.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

A spin-off of Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a television series that takes place before the events of the original series and follows Captain Christopher Pike as he mans the helm of the U.S.S. Enterprise. The show focuses on this previous crew of the Enterprise as they explore the galaxy with returning characters from Discovery.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

After being closed for over a hundred years, Starfleet Academy is reopening its doors to those who wish to pursue a career as Starfleet Officers. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will follow a new group of cadets as they come of age, and build friendships, rivalries, and romantic relationships while being threatened by a new adversary that could destroy the Academy and the Federation itself.

Star Trek: Section 31

In this Paramount+ exclusive movie event, Michelle Yeoh returns as Emperor Philippa Georgiou, who was first introduced in Star Trek: Discovery Season 1. Star Trek: Section 31 centers on Yeoh's character as she faces her past sins and is recruited by Starfleet's secret division that protects the United Federation of Planets.

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Shōgun episode 9’s major moment made the showrunners question everything they thought they knew

‘At first you’re shocked, and then you’re challenged, and then you’re inspired’

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The penultimate episode of Shōgun is a big one, in the way only great TV can build to. It binds together everything the past eight hours of the show has built, then punctures the plotlines like daisy chains. And the result is explosive, even before the final moments blow up everything we understand about where this story might be headed. Episode 9, “Crimson Sky,” brings the whole conflict to a fiery head — so it’s no wonder it prominently features the plotline the show’s creators , by their own admission, struggled with the most.

[ Ed. note: This post will now get into explicit spoiler territory for “Crimson Sky.”]

When trying to nail down all the details of Shōgun ’s period world, showrunners Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks brought in producer Mako Kamitsuna as a cultural consultant. When seeking notes, they — like anyone undergoing an edit — were hopeful they had shot the moon.

“We thought, OK, she’s gonna be like, How did you guys do this? You captured the Japanese essence ,” Kondo told Polygon. “And she very politely said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m not able to give you notes about this, because a Japanese person wouldn’t even have this thought.’”

As Marks and Kondo saw it, it was a classic case of not knowing what they didn’t know. “[It] really challenged us to break it down from the beginning and start over. At first you’re shocked, and then you’re challenged, and then you’re inspired — and I think that’s what happened at almost every level,” Kondo says.

One particular note stood out to them: “The meaning of seppuku and a true understanding of why it was used,” Marks says. “Even after the writers room with our Japanese producers and actors, there were a lot of conversations about us trying to reach for: What does seppuku mean?”

The answer to that question is weighed across “Crimson Sky,” particularly as various people try to talk or maneuver Mariko (Anna Sawai) out of her resolve to commit seppuku. Though, as we saw in last week’s episode, it is some sort of ploy on behalf of her lord, Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), no one is exactly sure what or why.

Perhaps nowhere is this clearer than in her conflict with Blackthorne. Part of their connection has been based in his similar thoughts on death; while her husband (Shinnosuke Abe) is left stiff and distant as he struggles to understand Mariko’s desire to commit seppuku, Blackthorne relates to the idea that death is a part of everyday life. And that ease of understanding has underpinned much of their feelings toward each other as the season progressed. But Shōgun is a smart show, and knows their understanding is founded off totally different circumstances, cultural contexts, and conceptions of death. It’s something Marks and Kondo say they can relate to.

“We, I think, as Westerners, for a long time were interpreting [seppuku] almost as a pathos, as like a fixation on death,” Marks says. “[But] seppuku, as an act — I believe as it was put to us by Mako Kamitsuna — is more an expression of life. And that was a really potent conversation that opened our eyes to our misunderstanding as we engaged it through the text originally. To exert this act on a chaotic situation is a chance to exert control over chaos; to take one’s life into their own hands and say that I can have some agency over it.”

It’s just as we saw last week, with Toranaga’s friend and ally Toda Hiromatsu (Tokuma Nishioka) also committing seppuku. That scene is similarly charged, with the layers of understanding — between Toranaga and Hiromatsu, first and foremost, but also for the crowd around them to interpret their performance of ritual — and the weight of the act comes through completely. Though Mariko’s seppuku doesn’t happen exactly (more on that later), both she and Hiromatsu demonstrate their willingness to commit to Toranaga’s cause, to register their very real purpose with an act. And Shōgun treats both of these moments as sacrifices that are respected but mourned: Nishioka and Sanada both look on the verge of tears throughout their scene, both desperate to aid the other, yet unable to do more than they can muster here. Even Mariko’s declaration is met with a bowed head from Toranaga’s wife and the other ladies at court.

Through that lens, Kondo and Marks came along a similar journey to Blackthorne’s: He originally sees Mariko’s choices purely as Toranaga’s manipulation, having observed her somewhat performative attempt at an exit and generally fearing for her life. He even seeks to exploit his connection with her, begging, “Would you consider living for me?” She takes his hand and looks at him with pity and sadness, breaking him when she walks away. Ultimately he listens to her, and accepts that he may not understand her choices, but he can support her in the only ways he knows how: following her lead (and seconding her, so as to save her mortal soul from Christian hell). Without knowing, he has done the thing her husband never could: giving her the freedom of a life beyond anyone else’s understanding, logic, or control.

In an episode all about pawns and the people that move them, Mariko’s steadfastness is remarkable, and even those who can’t understand have no choice but to stare. It’s her journey that defines “Crimson Sky,” even just in the way the camera meets her gaze. After declaring directly to the camera that she was “ready” for her part in Toranaga’s plan, “Crimson Sky” holds Mariko in the center of the frame and the story, ferociously asserting herself as she stares right back into it. Even when she glides past it after failing to battle through Ishido’s men, there’s a sense that she’s seeing further down the line than we are. With her final sacrifice, she is, in her own way, exerting her control over history as best she can. It may be Toranaga’s master plan, and Ishido’s kidnapping attempt, but it’s Mariko who sends the final blow.

Shōgun ’s series finale drops next Tuesday.

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How Does the Original 'Shōgun' Miniseries Compare to the FX Show?

Paramount and NBC's epic production launched the miniseries as we know it, but there are key differences between it and FX's series.

Editor's note: The below contains spoilers for Shōgun Episode 8.

The Big Picture

• There are key differences between the original version of Shōgun from 1980 and FX's modern adaptation, even though both follow the same plot.
• The 1980 series has a slower pace and a longer runtime, which lets it include more side characters and highlight Blackthorne and Mariko's romance.
• Despite the actors' superb performances, the original Shōgun underutilizes its Japanese characters to the story's detriment.

FX's Shōgun has taken the world by storm, and rightfully so. Although the series isn't a remake, 2024 isn't the first time the story induced cultural fervor . Rewind the clock 44 years, and the original adaptation of James Clavell 's novel scored 120 million viewers , according to Time. A venture co-funded by Paramount Television and NBC and shot entirely on location in Japan , the social enormity of 1980's Shōgun can't be overstated. Starring Richard Chamberlain as John Blackthorne, Toshiro Mifune of Seven Samurai and Rashomon (and many more Akira Kurosawa features) as Lord Toranaga, Yôko Shimada as Lady Mariko, and none other than Orson Welles voicing an intermittent narrator, Shōgun won Emmys, Golden Globes, a Peabody Award, and helped pioneer the miniseries format alongside 1977's groundbreaking Roots . Clavell's 1975 novel caused almost the same level of captivated hubbub . The one-two punch of epic book and epic limited series increased Western audiences' interest in Japanese culture , history, and media.

From the beginning, the co-creators of the FX incarnation, Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo , drew inspiration from the book instead of modeling their take after the NBC series. Speaking to Variety earlier this year, Marks revealed that despite their engagement with Clavell's text , he questioned whether a second Shōgun needed to exist. "It was the subject matter," Variety wrote, "or Marks’ impression of it, from the book’s reputation and from its famed 1980 miniseries adaptation: his notion of a story about a white European arriving in a strange land ." This time around, Marks and Kondo, the production crew, and executive producer/leading man Hiroyuki Sanada chose to retain the story's core elements, capture historical accuracy, and expand Shōgun 's rich world past Clavell's Eurocentric perspective — likely well-intentioned, given the depth of Clavell's own research, but still inappropriate. Although the narrative beats between versions are nearly identical, their approaches and focus very much differ . When FX has altered the plot, their reasons — and the successful results — are tellingly significant.

Shogun (2024)

When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales of power and devastate his enemies.

The Original ‘Shōgun’ Has a Slower Pace

From a falcon's eye view, some may find the 1980 Shōgu n worth watching despite its flaws (your mileage may rightly vary) when armed with the context of its cultural significance and its small-screen achievements. Directed by Jerry London and adapted by Eric Bercovici , Shōgun 's $22 million budget boasts spectacular costume, set, and prop design, and breathtaking location use that includes historical monuments as important as the Hikone Castle. The era's stylistic nature means this Shōgun feels more theatrical than its grounded, pristine, and luxurious FX counterpart, but dated doesn't equal bad ; just different. Shōgu n is an immensely impressive accomplishment that's still engrossing and effective where it matters most.

Clocking in at around 14 hours compared to FX's 10-episode run, Shōgu n 's pacing is slower, even if most events are the same . Extra scenes add additional detail, such as Blackthorne attempting seppuku (a turning point for the character), more of the Catholic priests' scheming , and Blackthorne barely avoiding a sea battle with Portuguese ships. There's much more of the rogueish Vasco Rodrigues ( John Rhys-Davies ). Initially, he tries to kill Blackthorne by tossing him overboard during a storm. John saves Rodrigues's life regardless, which leaves Rodrigues guilt-ridden when the priests order him to kill Blackthorne. His attempt doesn't get far, and the two stay frenemies until the end.

Another large alteration is both the time afforded to Blackthorne and Mariko's star-crossed romance , which t akes center stage enough to qualify Shōgu n as a historical romance , and how said love story unfolds. Episode 9 of the modern iteration might gift us with another intimate scene before Mariko ( Anna Sawai ) leaves for Osaka, but the original Shōgu n has them routinely sleeping together before Mariko insists they conclude their secret affair. Their love scenes are a sweet and genuine delight in their 1980s-appropriate fashion.

Toranaga Just Sacrificed One of His Biggest Allies on ‘Shōgun,’ But at What Cost?

In comparison, the Shōgu n of 2024 condenses the action, rearranges timelines, and swaps minor exchanges with synonymous situations . Perhaps the most surprising similarity is its groundbreaking violence and sexual content. Overall, incidents are tame by today's standards, but the first episode features an onscreen beheading on par with the same instance in FX's pilot. The nudity involves a topless woman, and there are frank discussions about pillowing preferences .

The Original ‘Shōgun’ Makes Everything About Blackthorne

The key difference, then, lies not in tonal presentation but in narrative positioning. John Blackthorne is unquestionably the protagonist : solo, not part of the modern version's trio. Toranaga and Mariko exist in proxy to him and receive little if any individual screen time. Although Blackthorne isn't technically a white savior, Shōgu n sidelining its Japanese characters in a story about Japanese history is egregiously inappropriate. Unfortunately, that's not surprising for the time, but context doesn't absolve critique .

Having said that, it's impossible to not fall for Richard Chamberlain's Blackthorne. He's the ultimate nobleman: self-sacrificial, a hopeless romantic, and a damn good sailor. Blackthorne's transformation from everyman to hero is a traditional arc that Chamberlain, once described by the New York Times as "the king of the miniseries" and "the Robert Redford of the living room," plays with full-stop conviction. From the moment Shōgu n opens with a showstopping depiction of the shipwreck that strands the Erasmus crew, we're in the thick of it beside Blackthorne. Such loyalty intensifies when he falls for Mariko. (Fun fact time: Chamberlain's other popular miniseries, The Thorn Birds , makes him one of the first fictional Hot Priests , and he originated the role of Jason Bourne in 1988's The Bourne Identity limited series.)

Although the entire Japanese cast is superb, by nature of their limited screentime and interiority, their characters lack the same gravitas, pathos, and complexity of their FX counterparts . This Shōgu n doesn't depict the ways Toranaga's past informs his present choices , nor does it explore his relationship with the other lords beyond Ishido's ( Nobuo Kaneko ) power-grab creating conflict. Toranaga's meeting with his brother Saeki is tense, but witnessed by Blackthorne and Mariko from afar. Likewise, Toranaga's pivotal fake surrender doesn't cause emotional upheaval.

Toshiro Mifune’s Lord Toranaga Is a Standout

Toshiro Mifune, who needs no introduction, sets the bar for a Toranaga performance despite underwhelming material. He's dignified, regal, and awe-inspiringly imposing; those sharp eyes suggest a dangerous intellect that Shōgu n doesn't fully reveal until the end. Even though we don't witness the breadth of his calculations, Mifune is every bit the powerhouse of his reputation , especially when his rousing speech to Yabushige 's ( Frankie Sakai , stylized here as Kashigi Yabu) men inspire them to chant his name instead of Yabushige's. Instead of Hiroyuki Sanada and Cosmo Jarvis 's competitive swimming act, the unlikely allies bond when Blackthorne overcomes the language barrier and teaches Toranaga a bawdy song-and-dance. It shows the implacable strategist's lighter side and gives Mifune a wider palette with which to play.

Yôko Shimada's Lady Mariko personifies reserved grace, quiet cunning, and empathy. On the page, she's much more welcoming to Blackthorne and confident enough in her sexuality to share a naked bath with him before they become lovers. That rings like a male fantasy more than historical truth. The series reveals her backstory and depicts the aftermath of her husband Buntaro's ( Toru Abe ) physical abuse, and these weightier moments are when Yôko Shimada truly shines. For all her superb work, however, Shōgu n never gets into Mariko's head . For example: why does she love Blackthorne enough to repeatedly risk her life? Because the plot requires it. Through no fault of Shimada's, her Mariko lacks the character detail that makes Anna Sawai's rendition sing: the immense emotional strength, the haunting heartbreak, the combat savvy, and her relationship with Lady Ochiba ( Atsuko Sano ).

The same misguided underutilization applies to the rest of the Japanese cast. Shōgu n chose not to subtitle the Japanese dialogue so Western audiences would be as confused as Blackthorne. Even if we grant the creatives the benefit of the doubt, distancing these characters and exotifying Japanese culture through the lens of a fascinated English foreigner is Orientalism . Sometimes it's difficult to have patience with this take even with the "it was 1980" viewpoint, especially since we have the modern series' correctives. Rachel Kondo notes in her and Marks's Variety interview, "What we had to come to learn was that by approaching authenticity , it just made the storytelling better."

FX’s ‘Shōgun’ Is the Version We Deserve

Marks and Kondo's reinvention, supervised by Hiroyuki Sanada 's daily on-set observations, lets the world breathe. T he series soars because of its unerring commitment to exacting accuracy and its embracing of all perspectives . Shōgu n depicts Japanese society teetering on the brink of a civil war that reshapes the country. Blackthorne is just one part of a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. He contributes, but it isn't his story to tell. This version, the one that enriches its source material and layers politics, greed, suspense, romance, and deadly strife, is the Shōgu n we always deserved.

Delightfully enough, Richard Chamberlain told TV Insider in February 2024 that "I can't wait to see [the new series], actually. That was one of the great experiences of my life." A flawed adaptation with ambitious production feats and remarkable performances, Shōgu n is a time capsule. Admittedly, it's impossible to argue with Toshiro Mifune as Toranaga. But now, 44 years after NBC aired the original Shōgu n , the world is finally listening more responsibly.

New episodes of Shōgun premiere each Tuesday on FX and Hulu in the U.S.

Watch on Hulu