Woochifer, thanks for the input here. I agree, if I go the Verve 3 route I'll definitely look for the 14 model if available. I have not had a chance to ride any of the bikes so far but plan too and the Verve 3 is on the list to evaluate. The bottom line is that I have to make a choice based on trade-off's including speed, stability, purpose etc.

I've read a ton here on this forum and beyond. I can't thank you all enough for posting your experiences. It's all fantastic info for decision making.

I read in one thread here that a gentlemen riding a DS had to keep breaking so he wouldn't pass his friends on their rode bikes, and that no way a DS was insufficient for the road or trail. I'm obviously paraphrasing not quoting here, but the point he made hit home for me.

I'm used to a wider tire on my Bridgestone, so will likely feel more at home on the Verve or DS. But the FX is taunting me as I am into fitness on indoor RealRyder International bikes. The more I read, I'm starting to think I might want to leave speed and fitness where it is in my life (which is in the gym) and get to know outdoor riding for pleasure.

My bike ride back and forth to the gym is 4.4 miles. Town rides for errands and such are .5 to 2-6 miles tops. And the Cape Cod rail trail is only 22 miles long. This will be my kind of riding reality for a while... and we'll see where that takes me.

If anyone has any experience, I'd love to hear more reports on the DS as well.

Still, the test ride will be the decision maker for me.

8.4 DS - Trek Bicycle

FX - Trek Bicycle /

Trek Verve 3 - Landry's Bicycles


Thanks again for all the responses here and in other forum threads...

Ride Safe!

Eddie