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Trek’s hybrid bike lineup consists of FX, Verve, and Dual Sport. Below, I will explain their differences and advise you on which one to buy.
KEY TAKEAWAY
- FXs are more performance-oriented hybrid bikes ideal for those who want to ride longer distances or maintain fitness. Browse Trek FX bikes here.
- Verves are the best choice if you are looking for a city bike. Their upright geometry ensures comfort, maneuverability, and a great view in traffic. Browse Trek Verve bikes here.
- Dual Sports are almost like mountain bikes but not suitable for as demanding terrain. They are more versatile than FX or Verves. Browse Trek FX bikes here.
Keep reading for more information on the differences between them and much more.
Trek FX vs. Verve vs. Dual Sport
Here’s a closer look at these hybrid bike families and their main features.
| Feature | FX | Verve | Dual Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $699.99 to $3,299.99 | $679.99 to $999.99 | $749.99 to $1,149.99 |
| Ideal for | Commuting, maintaining fitness | Commuting, city riding | Commuting, bike packing |
| Geometry type | Sporty | Upright | Sporty |
| Suspension | No | No | Gen 4 Yes Gen 5 No |
| Frame materials | Aluminum/Carbon | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| More info | Trek FX Compared | Trek Verve Compared | Trek Dual Sport Compared |
| Buy | Browse FXs | Browse Verves | Browse Dual Sports |
Updated August 1, 2025
Frame & Geometry
Trek FX, Verve, and Dual Sport bikes come in various sizes and frame materials. The non-sport models feature aluminum frames, while the FX Sport models have carbon frames.
FX bikes have the most performance-oriented geometry. This means you won’t be sitting as upright as on Verves. This leads to better aerodynamics and speed.
Verve bikes have upright geometry for riding comfort, visibility, and easy maneuverability in traffic. It makes them ideal for riding in cities and for commuting.
Dual Sport bikes have a geometry similar to Verve bikes but not as upright.
I recommend using the bikeinsights.com tool to compare the geometries. It is also important to note that most FX and Verve bikes are available in a step-through version. Dual Sport is not.
Wheels and Tires
Wheels and tires are among the main differences between FX, Verve, and Dual Sports.
While FX and Verve use 700c wheels with 35-45mm tires, Dual Sports have 650b wheels with 50mm tires.
This makes Dual Sport bikes more suitable for off-road riding as they absorb larger bumps and have better traction.
On the other hand, they have higher rolling resistance, so they are not as fast on paved roads.
Gearing
The FX and FX Sport families offer different types of gearing depending on the bike model. The cheaper ones usually offer more gears, and the more expensive ones offer fewer. 1X derailleurs are modern, simple, and easier to use.
The previous Trek Verve and Dual Sport bike generations had 2X or 3X drivetrains. However, Trek slowly transitions to 1X and 2X drivetrains.
Price
FXs offer the broadest range of bikes, from affordable to more expensive (due to their carbon frames). So you can choose based on your budget and preferences.
Verve and Dual Sports are cheaper and are among the best hybrid bikes for beginners.
Trek hybrid bikes are competitive compared to other bicycle brands, although the price-value ratio may not always be the best.
Extras
All bikes from all these families (unlike Co-op CTY, for example) have at least partially integrated cable routing, improving the overall appearance.
They are also compatible with fenders and racks, thanks to the additional mounting points for fenders and racks.
FXs, Verves, and Dual Sports Gen 5 don’t have front suspension. However, Dual Sports Gen 4 had front suspension with around 60mm travel.
Trek FX and FX Sport Bikes Compared
The following table compares all Trek FXs (Sport). For more information, see the Trek FXs comparison.
| Feature | Trek FX 1 Gen 4 | Trek FX 2 Gen 4 (Mid-step) | Trek FX 3 Gen 4 | FX Sport 4 | FX Sport 5 | FX Sport 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 | $799.99 | $1149.99 | $1,999.99 | $2,299.99 | $3,299.99 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
| Fork | Steel | Aluminum | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
| Available sizes | XS-XL | S-L | S-XXL | XS-XL | S-XL | XS-XL |
| Wheels | Bontrager Connection tubeless-ready | Bontrager Connection tubeless-ready | Bontrager 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 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 | 11.90 kg 26.24 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 FX2 Gen 4 Buy FX2 Mid-step Gen 4 | Buy FX3 Gen 4 | Buy FX Sport 4 | Buy FX Sport 5 | Buy FX Sport 6 |
Specifications source: trekbikes.com, updated on July 30, 2025
Trek Verve Bikes Compared
The following table compares all Trek Verve bikes. For more information, see the Trek Verve comparison.
| Feature | Verve 2 Gen 5 (Lowstep) | Verve 3 Gen 5 (Lowstep) | Verve 1 Gen 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $879.99 | $999.99 | $679.99 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Fork | Aluminum | Aluminum | Steel |
| Available sizes | XS-XL | S-XL | S-XL |
| Wheels | Bontrager Connection | Bontrager Paradigm tubeless-ready | Bontrager Connection |
| Wheel size | 700c | 700c | 700c |
| Tires | Bontrager H2 Comp 45c | Bontrager H2 Hard-Case Ultimate | Bontrager H5 Comp 45c |
| Drivetrain | Shimano U4000/CUES 1×9spd | Shimano CUES U6000 1×10spd | Shimano Tourney/Altus 3×8spd |
| Pedals | Bontrager City pedals | Bontrager City pedals | Wellgo nylon platform |
| Saddle | Bontrager Boulevard | Bontrager Boulevard | Bontrager Boulevard |
| Grips | Bontrager Satellite | Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Plus Lock-on | Bontrager Satellite |
| Brakes | Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc |
| Weight | 13.65 kg 30.1 lbs | 14.02 kg 30.91 lbs | 13.73 kg 30.26 lbs |
| Buy | Buy Verve 2 Gen 5 Buy Verve 2 Lowstep Gen 5 | Buy Verve 3 Buy Verve 3 low-step | Buy Verve 1 Buy Verve 1 low-step |
Specifications source: trekbikes.com, updated on July 30, 2025
Trek Dual Sport Bikes Compared
The following table compares all Trek Dual Sport bikes. For more information, see the Trek Dual Sport comparison.
| Feature | Dual Sport 1 Gen 5 | Dual Sport 2 Gen 5 | Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $749.99 | $899.99 | $1,149.99 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Fork | Steel | Aluminum | Carbon |
| Available sizes | S-XL | S-XL | S-XL |
| Wheels | Bontrager Connection | Bontrager Connection | Bontrager Kovee tubeless-ready |
| Wheel size | 650b | 650b | 650b |
| Tires | Bontrager GR0 Comp 50c | Bontrager GR0 Comp 50c | Bontrager GR0 Expert 50c |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Tourney/Acera 2×8spd | Shimano U4000/CUES 1×9spd | Shimano CUES U6000 1×10spd |
| Pedals | Wellgo nylon platform | Wellgo nylon platform | Wellgo nylon platform |
| Saddle | Bontrager Sport | Bontrager Sport | Bontrager H1 |
| Grips | Bontrager Satellite | Bontrager Satellite | Bontrager XR Endurance Elite |
| Brakes | Tektro MD-U310 mechanical disc | Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc |
| Weight | 14.05 kg 30.98 lbs | 12.78 kg 28.18 lbs | 12.05 kg 26.57 lbs |
| Buy | Buy Dual Sport 1 | Buy Dual Sport 2 | Buy Dual Sport 3 |
Specifications source: trekbikes.com, updated on July 30, 2025
Conclusion
Should you buy Trek FX, Verve, or Dual Sport?
It depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some things to consider:
- FX bikes are the best option for maintaining fitness and longer distances.
- Verve bikes are the best for riding in cities or commuting shorter distances.
- Dual Sport bikes are the most versatile, allowing you to ride on and off-road.
Thanks for all of the info, very informative
Thanks Bob!