Never rode a Verve so am not familiar with that line of bikes. But I'm on my second FX (recently bought an FX5 Sport which replaced my 2012 7.5FX) and I love it. I ride for fitness so no ride is more than an hour or so which suits me fine. I like to ride fast and the FX frame is basically a road frame with upright handlebars. I changed out the stock 700Cx32 tires and installed larger 700Cx35 tires and they are amazing. Very smooth ride and I feel like I can go faster because of it. I also ride on light gravel paths but am not interested in mountain biking at all as 90% of my riding is on tarmac. I'd say if your style of riding is more casual and slow, go with the Verve. If you're more in to fitness and riding faster, go with the FX. That's about all I can think of at the moment.