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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

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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 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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16.500.000 VND

It's right for you if...

Raining cats and dogs? That doesn't keep you from riding. You want a high-value hybrid bike with the superior all-weather stopping power of disc brakes, plus a lightweight frame and quality parts that will hold up over time.

The tech you get

A lightweight aluminium frame with hydraulic disc brakes for all-weather stopping power, a Shimano drivetrain with 18 speeds and a wide range of gearing so you're never pedalling too hard or too soft and mounts that make it easy to accessorise your ride!

The final word

FX 2 Disc is a go-anywhere hybrid bike with parts that perform on training rides, trips to the market or your morning commute. It has endless options for accessories, but what really sets this model apart is the disc brakes, which provide great stopping power in all weather conditions.

1- More confident braking means that bad weather doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying your ride

2- It’s versatile and does whatever you want it to do, whether that’s riding for fitness, commuting or cruising to the farmer’s market to do the weekly shop

3- It’s easy to accessorise with racks, a kickstand, mudguards, lights and more!

4- Like every Trek hybrid, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty and supported by a wide network of retail partners

5- The cables are routed internally, which protects them from the elements and adds to the bike’s sleek look

• SPECIFICATIONS

Alpha Gold Aluminum

Our high-performance lightweight aluminum is continuously cold extruded and butted, and formed into manipulated tube shapes to balance strength and weight saving.

Specially designed grips take your hand shape into account for more comfort and greater control.

Blendr stem

Bontrager stem technology lets you clip your gear directly to the stem for clean looks, maximum user friendliness.

DuoTrap S compatible

DuoTrap S integrates a Bluetooth®/ANT+ sensor into the frame. Log routes and track fitness progress on your computer or smart phone with no external sensor. Works with all major ANT+ wireless players, including Bontrager, Garmin, PowerTap, and SRM.

Rack & fender ready

Built-in mounts make it easy to add racks and fenders for added versatility.

More options

Domane AL 2 Rim

14.900.000 VND

FITNESS. SIMPLIFIED

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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.

Trek FX2 vs FX3 (Comparison)

Bikes , Hybrid bikes , Other , Road bikes

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.

If you’re looking for advice in choosing between Trek’s FX2 and FX3, then you’ve come to the right place.

Trying to pick from one of these two great hybrid bikes is never going to be easy, so my intention today is to make that decision a little more straightforward for you.

I’ve previously compared the FX3 and FX4 and, on balance, felt there was a clear winner (Spoiler: it was the FX3). With the FX3 and FX4 there’s around a $150 price difference, so it’s important to be clear about what you get for your extra bucks. With the FX2 and FX3, there’s an even bigger price difference ($200), so what’s the deal? What do we get on the FX3 for our 200 dollars? Is that a worthwhile investment? Or should we keep the cash and get the FX2 instead?

Decisions. Decisions.

But, like I said, I’m trying to make this easier for you not harder. So, firstly I’m going to give you a side-by-side comparison of the spec list for these two bikes. Then I’ll highlight what the big differences are between the two with a review of each to show you where your money is being spent. Finally, I’ll give you my opinion on which bike gives you the best value for money.

If you just need an answer RIGHT NOW! then here’s my recommendation. My view is go with the FX3. I said it before in my comparison with the FX4 and I’ll say it again: it’s got to be one of the most perfect hybrid bikes out there. For leisure riding or commuting, when you’re looking to zip along smooth pavement, this is a great bike at a great price.

If you’ve got time for a bit more detail, then stick around and we’ll discuss these bikes further.

Trek FX overview

Hybrid bikes, like Trek’s FX range, are the unsung heroes of the bike world and I’m a huge fan.

When you want an ‘everyday’ bike that’s perfect for commuting to work on city streets, or zipping to the beach along smooth pavement, or loading up with groceries to bring back home…then a hybrid is the one you reach for. Sure, road bikes might be faster (though they’re not as comfortable to ride), and mountain bikes might be more rugged for shooting down black-graded bike trails, but they’re specialists. Generalist bikes i.e. hybrids are suited to a wider range of activities so they’re much more versatile.

That aside, they’re also a helluva lot of fun to ride.

Trek is a manufacturer with an awesome heritage (they’ve been on the go since 1976) and they’re FX range of hybrids is fantastic. Light aluminum frames with an upright and comfy riding position. An excellent set of components for each model and pricing to suit every pocket. Whichever FX you buy you know you’ll be getting a great hybrid bike and, with the top end models, you’ll get a bike that is capable of matching the speeds of many semi-pro road bikes.

As an aside, if you decide you need a bike that is more capable of taking on single-track bike trails, then hop on over to my article comparing the FX with Trek’s Dual Sport bikes . These are hybrids that come with an extra injection of ruggedness in the form of a front suspension fork to handle rough and bumpy terrain.

There are 14 models in the full FX range and these incorporate different component sets and a variety of frame shapes (male/unisex, step-through, and women’s). These go from the entry-level FX1 (under $500 and ideal for a variety of cycling activity) right up to the FX Sport 6, which has a drool-worthy carbon frame and spec list.

Let’s take a detailed look at the FX2 and FX3 to see how they compare to each other. Which has the best specification for the price? Which bike should you choose?

Trek FX2 review

The FX2 Disc is a big step up from the entry-level models, the FX1 and FX1 Disc. Many of the components have been given upgrades with the biggest improvement being the brakes.

The FX1 has a linear-pull brake system – a simple to operate (and maintain) braking system where the brake lever operates a cable which pulls brake blocks against the rims of the wheels slowing the bike down. Linear brakes work well in dry conditions where the wheel rims are in good condition. Unfortunately, they tend to fall down somewhat in wet, slippery conditions and where the rims are warped or dented.

A step up from linear-pull systems are mechanical disc brakes (as the FX1 Disc has). These have a separate brake disc near the wheel rims which the brake pads pull against. They’re operated by a cable from the brake lever and are less affected by water and mud than the linear-pull brakes.

The FX2, by comparison, has an even superior system: hydraulic disc brakes. These operate by pulling the brake lever which presses the brake pads against a brake disc near the wheel rims. Sounds similar to the mechanical disc brakes on the FX1 Disc? Well it is, but the difference lies in the bit that goes from the lever the brake pads. Mechanical disc brakes use a cable to transfer the braking force, whereas the hydraulic disc brakes use fluid. There’s lots of physics and technical jargon which explain the differences but in layman’s terms hydraulic brakes are more responsive, need less pull on the levers to operate, are less impacted by complex brake cable routing, and far lighter. In fact, the combination of the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with the other improvements that the FX2 has, bring the bike in at nearly a pound and a half lighter than the FX1.

The FX2 Disc is a fantastic all-round package at a great price. It’s fast, responsive, and fun to ride. In fact, if the FX3 Disc didn’t exist, then I’d definitely recommend it as my bike of choice from the FX range.

Trek FX3 review

…I like the FX3 Disc. Cutting to the chase, this is my recommendation. However, there’s a $200 difference from the FX2, so is that price hike justified? Where are the differences with the FX2? Are they sufficient? (Another Spoiler Alert: yes, I think they are)

The FX3 is, I think, the tipping point where the FX goes from being an excellent hybrid bike for leisure cycling to something that is so much more than that. Take a look over the specification list above and you’ll see a number of critical upgrades. The ones I’d like to highlight are the forks, the brakes, the drivetrain, and the tires.

The FX3 has a bike weight of less than 26lbs and one of the main drivers for this is the front fork. This is the upgrade that, I feel, takes the bike into serious commuter bike territory. Swapping the alloy fork of the FX2 and below, for a carbon fiber fork gives a number of benefits including cutting weight and also giving more flexibility in order to soak up lumps and bumps in the road (to give you a more comfortable ride, particularly at higher speeds).

As with the FX2 the brakes are hydraulic disc brakes – with all the benefits that these provide in terms of responsiveness and stopping power. The FX3’s brakes are a step up though, swapping the Tektro HX-R280’s for Shimano’s MT201 braking system. As an aside you’ll see a number of Shimano upgrades throughout the FX3 spec list, notably the gear shifters and front/rear derailleurs.

Speaking of gears, the FX3 has a 2×9 system which is simpler to operate and less prone to niggles than 3 cog systems like the FX2 has. 2×9 gear systems also help to shave off a little extra bike weight as well. All of which helps you get places faster.

Something else that can get you there faster is the slimmer tires on the FX3. 700x32c Bontrager tires in comparison to the FX2’s 700x35c. Less rubber means less weight and it also reduces road friction which translates into higher speeds.

All of which goes to say that the FX3 Disc is my recommendation of these two excellent hybrids from Trek. And, my color of choice for the FX3? That would be the Rage Red. Awesome.

Conclusion – which one to go for?

Hopefully you’ll have got the message that I think the FX3 is the one to go for? But, look, here’s the deal. There’s a significant price gap between the two bikes so you need to be sure you’re choosing the right one for you. If you’re strictly an occasional leisure rider who likes to pedal along gently, then pocket the difference and grab yourself the FX2 (you’ll be delighted). If you ride regularly, you like going fast (possibly beating some of those road bikers in their tight spandex), and you do commuter miles during the week and more miles at the weekend, then I’d choose the FX3 Disc. You’ll be delighted and you’ll leave a trail of heartbroken “roadies” in your wake.

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Chưa có sản phẩm trong giỏ hàng.

Xe ??p Trek FX 2

16.500.000 ₫

• T?ng kèm gói ph? ki?n 350k
• Giao xe mi?n phí

Xe ??p ???ng Ph? Trek FX 2 Th??ng Hi?u M?

Xe ??p Trek Fx 2 phiên b?n m?i nh?t 2022 ?ã có m?t t?i Vi?t Nam. T? lâu xe ??p Trek th??ng hi?u M? ?ã ???c ?u thích t?i Vi?t Nam b?i ?? x?n xò ,ki?u dáng ??c l?. Trong phân khúc giá r? th??ng hi?u Trek tung ra siêu ph?m xe ??p ???ng ph? Trek 2022 siêu ??p.

xe ???ng ph? Trek FX2 Disc là m?t chi?c xe hybrid ?a d?ng v?i các ph? tùng thích h?p cho t?p luy?n hay ?i làm, ?i d?o. V?i nh?ng tùy ch?n vô cùng phong phú cho ph? ki?n l?p thêm, b?n s? có m?t chi?c xe tuy?t v?i.

B?n ?ang tìm n?i bán xe ??p FX2 chính hãng t?i Vi?t Nam?. ??n v? nh?p kh?u tr?c ti?p Minh Nh?t Bike s? giúp b?n mua ???c xe ??p Trek chính hãng giá t?t nh?t.

• ?/c : 42 Lê Thái T?,ph??ng Ninh Khánh,TP. Ninh Bình
• Hotline : 0916 999 522

Nh?ng ?i?m N?i B?t Có Trên Xe Touring Trek FX2

Xe ??p Trek FX 2 r?t phù h?p v?i b?n, ngay c? khi tr?i m?a nh? trút n??c c?ng không th? ng?n b?n ??p xe. Chi?c xe có s?n ?i?m ch? ?? cho b?n có th? l?p thêm ch?n bùn và baga r?t ti?n l?i, b?n có th? ??p xe b?t k? th?i ti?t nào.

Trang b? công ngh? tân ti?n hàng ??u trên th? gi?i

• Khung nhôm Alpha Gold ??c bi?t c?c nh? và b?n, th?ng ??a th?y l?c an toàn, b? chuy?n ??ng Shimano 24 t?c ?? giúp b?n chuy?n s? m??t và duy trì t?c ?? v?a ph?i.
• Dây cáp ???c l?p ??t âm s??n, nh? v?y b?o v? chúng t?t h?n kh?i các va ch?m bên ngoài, gia t?ng ?? b?n và t?o ra nét ??p c?a s? ??n gi?n thanh l?ch cho chi?c xe.
• B?n có th? k?t n?i chi?c xe Trek FX 2 Disc v?i ?i?n tho?i thông minh c?a mình và g?i d? li?u ??n ?ng d?ng th? thao yêu thích c?a b?n khi b?n thêm DuoTrap S
• H? th?ng th?ng ??a th?y l?c ho?t ??ng t?t trong m?i th?i ti?t, cùng v?i h? khung s??n nh? và các ph? tùng b?n b? theo th?i gian.
• B? chuy?n ??ng shimano Acera cao c?p

Nh?ng t? khoá tìm ki?m nhi?u nh?t v? chi?c xe ??p Trek

Xe p trek fx xe p trek fx 1 trek fx2 xe p trek fx3 xe p trek fx3 2022 trek fx2 2022 mua bán xe p trek xe p trek émonda.

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• Rider Notes

2018 Trek FX 2

A 700c aluminum frame fitness bike with modest components and rim brakes.

Manufacturer Price

For This Bike

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Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

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