The Verve WSD likely had a different handlebar design, which probably had both a rise and an offset to the rear, meaning the handlebars angle back towards you. This may be influencing how it feels to you. The good thing about the adjustable quill stem it has is that you have an almost infinite level of adjustability to the thing -- you can lower the quill into the steerer and also angle the stem down to lower the handlebars for more of an FX-like reach and feel. As you note, the FX 1 has the threadless headset, meaning you will likely have to buy extensions or different stems to adjust that one. I also ask about the seatpost -- I think the Verve has a suspension seatpost, whereas the FX probably has a solid one, right? The Verve's seatpost could be set so light that you compress it when you sit on the saddle, taking another inch off your saddle height.

Either way, stories like this demonstrate just how different a bike can feel, even the "same size" bike, just with different geometry. Differences of just an inch or less don't seem like much on paper, but are huge in terms of human ergonomics.

Thanks for sharing your feedback. Keep us in the loop on your next step.