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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.
| Trek FX 1 Gen 4 | Trek FX 2 Gen 4 (Mid-step Gen 4) | Trek FX 3 Gen 4 | FX Sport 4 | FX Sport 5 | FX Sport 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 | $799.99 | $1049.99 | $1,799.99 | $2,099.99 | $2,999.99 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
| Fork | Steel | Aluminum | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
| Available sizes | XS-XL | XS-XL S-L | XS-XL S-XXL | XS-XL | S-XL | XS-XL |
| Wheels | Bontrager Connection tubeless-ready | Bontrager Connection tubeless-ready | Bontrager Connection tubeless-ready | Bontrager Paradigm tubeless-ready | Bontrager Paradigm tubeless-ready | Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 tubeless-ready |
| Wheel size | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c |
| Tires | Bontrager H2 Comp 35c | Bontrager H2 Comp 35c | Bontrager H2 Comp 35c | Bontrager GR1 Expert, tubeless-ready 40c | Bontrager GR1 Expert, tubeless-ready 40c | Bontrager GR1 Expert, tubeless-ready 40c |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Tourney/Acera 1×8spd | Shimano U4000/CUES 1×9spd | Shimano CUES U6000 1×10spd | Shimano CUES 2×10spd | SRAM Apex 1×11spd | SRAM Apex XPLR eTap 1×12spd |
| Pedals | Wellgo nylon platform | Bontrager City pedals | Bontrager City pedals | Bontrager City pedals | Bontrager City pedals | Bontrager City pedals |
| Saddle | Bontrager Sport | Bontrager Sport Bontrager Sport Women’s | Bontrager H1 | Bontrager H1 | Bontrager Montrose Comp | Bontrager Montrose Comp |
| Grips | Bontrager Satellite | Bontrager Satellite | Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Plus | Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Plus Lock-on | Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Plus Lock-on | Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Plus Lock-on |
| Brakes | Tektro MD-U310 mechanical disc | Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc |
| Weight | 13.00 kg 28.67 lbs | 11.81 kg 26.04 lbs | 11.50 kg 25.36 lbs | 10.50 kg 23.15 lbs | 10.30 kg 22.71 lbs | 9.50 kg 20.95 lbs |
| Buy | Buy FX1 Gen 4 Buy FX1 (old) Buy FX1 Step-through (old) | Buy FX2 Gen 4 Buy FX2 Mid-step Gen 4 Buy FX2 (old) Buy FX2 Step-through (old) | Buy FX3 Gen 4 Buy FX2 (old) Buy FX2 Step-through (old) | Buy FX Sport 4 (new) Buy FX Sport 4 (old) | Buy FX Sport 5 | Buy FX Sport 6 |
Specifications source: trekbikes.com, updated on March 25, 2025
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.
- 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)
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 have an aluminum frame and are available in XS-XXL sizes. The forks are made of steel, aluminum, or carbon.
FX Sport bikes have a high-end carbon frame and carbon fork, which results 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, FX bikes are also available in a step-through version that is 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.
Groupset
While the FX family offers a broader 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.
Brakes
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.
Extras
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.
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.
My Verdict
So, which bike should you choose, Trek FX or 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.
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
Thank you for the informative comparison. I’ve been going back and forth between the FX Sport 5 and 6. The 6 is more appealing but seemingly the only difference is the wheels and I’m not sure it’s worth the up-charge.
The wildcard is the Specialized Sirrus 6.0. As I believe it’s been discontinued, it’s now marked down to $2,250 from the original $3K msrp.
How would you compare this to the FX Sports?
Unfortunately I’m unable to find one close enough to test ride but have found some that can be shipped.
Thanks!
Hi David,
Apologies for my late reply. Yeah, the price difference is pretty big considering the only major change are the wheels.
I honestly don’t like the Sirrus 6.0 design. But the truth is most of these bikes from Western brands are basically the same in terms of quality. Keep in mind that the Sirrus has SRAM, not Shimano. That can be a deal breaker for some (some prefer Shimano, some SRAM).
I hope it helps.
– Petr