TrekWarMachine

I spoke with Trek yesterday via chat and told the rep about my disappointment, he responded by saying that Trek made a running change this year with the tires on the FX models and he said that there were none in stock for Trek to send to my shop to swap out. I would have even gotten the H2 hard case ultimates, but those are out of stock too. The H2 comps are fine (at least 30 tpi), but I understand that due to COVID, supply chain issues are a mess. Trek just increased the bike price by $50, but put cheaper tires on it, whatever (at least I got mine before the price hike). prime winner, let me know what tires your FX 3 has on it when it comes in, good luck.

prime winner

I will be sure to let you know what tires I get with it when my bike comes in. I put the deposit on mine the day before the $50 price hike.

On a side note, if anyone is interested there is a Trek FX Owners page on FB. I have not read of new tire issues there though.

prime winner

I apologize Trek War Machine, I'm not able to give a report like I said I would. Yesterday I changed from the FX 3 I had on order to a Verve 2 that was in stock.

sh00k

For the last decade or so, Trek has been increasing the prices of bikes and at the same time putting cheaper components on. Bike shop margins on these bikes are HUGE as a result - nearly 50% in some cases. Older higher end trek fx's had race lite wheelsets (the same that used to come on $3k road bikes), higher front and rear deraileurs and even nicer (although still crap) pedals than the ones that come on it now. I'm still a fan of the FX series but really dislike trek for being so blatently money hungry. I still own two fx's and would probably buy more in the future but from craigslist or facebook market place. the price for what you get now on new bikes is astronomical. what's the point of buying a $1500 bike when you now have to spend $500 or more to get it to a nicer level as they previously came?

I'll quit my angry man yelling at the clouds routine for now. In short, don't be surprised if the bikes are coming with cheaper/inferior parts as this is a trend trek started years ago. And I feel like they're taking advantage of it during the pandemic citing 'supply constraints' and not adjusting bike prices accordingly.

diggida

Hey guys!

I just snagged a 2018 FX 3 in viper red as an upgrade to my finicky Giant Escape 3. Its a vastly superior bike. Lighter, WAY smother shifting (something was wrong with my Giant but I replaced it rather than figuring out the problem), and the geometry is a bit better for me, I think. Here's to putting some miles on it! :-)

TrekNGolf

I ride a 2021 FX3 Disc, 18 speed (2x9), 700 x 32, large, matte black.

Add-ons:
· Bontrager Line Pro aluminum pedals
· BV strap-on bike saddle bag
· Cygolite Hotshot 100 lumen LED tail light
· Topeak Road Morph G mini pump
· Ibera silver water bottle cage
· Mirrycle original bike bell
· Cat Eye Padrone wireless bike computer with out front bracket
· Padded seat cover

Looking forward to share information with FX Series owners and potential buyers.

fad3r

Hi,
First post. Found this forum while researching bikes. I am in Miami Beach and plan to ride on the boardwalk (concrete, cobble stone and mostly pavement). I called Trek 3 times, explained my situation 3 times, spoke to 3 different reps and got 3 different bike recommendations lol. First i got told Domane and I passed on that because i do not want sunken handlebars. Then I got recommended a Roscoe and then I got recommended a Dual Sport.

I ended up buying a FX Sport 2 (for now because they had in the store), a Roscoe 8 (which they told me I should get next June) & a FX Sport 6 (which they told me I should get in december...... of 2021).

Really enjoying this thread and gave me a lot of insight on what to upgrade on the bikes. Specifically the FX Sport 2 has the thinnest tire I have ever used (I grew up on mountain bikes and trails) and seems shakey on grass and dirt. I worry the FX Sport 6 with even thinner tires will do even worse (I get it is a road bike but I can't be going over a patch of sand and having the bike come out from under me).

Anyway I will probably do some kind of tire, seat and possibly pedal upgrade. Who knows, we are talking about almost 2022 at that point lol.

TrekNGolf

TrekWarMachine,

My 2021 FX3 also came with the cheaper H2 COMP tires. My rim just says “Bontrager” not “Bontrager TLR” as shown in the FX3 photo on Trek’s website. I think TLR means Tubeless Ready as described in Trek’s FX3 specs.

Does your rim also say Bontrager (without the TLR)?

TrekWarMachine

Yes, my outer rim just says 'Bontrager', but there is a sticker on the inside of the rim (between the spokes) that states:
'tubeless ready
disc brake only 622 x 17
6000al made in cambodia'

TrekNGolf

Everything you state above here is the same on my FX3 Disc.

Stand by. Today I spoke with a Trek Corp. representative. He was aware H2 COMP tires was put on 2021 FX3 Disc bikes before the change was made to the H2 Hard Case Lite tires. He seemed unaware my rims were also the 'Bontrager' and not 'Bontrager TLR'. Per his request, I emailed him photos of my tires and rims and bike's serial number. I will Post back when I know more.

raymellott

I've rarely put my FX on gravel; and each time I've been more than convinced that in no way would it ever be anything other than a pavement bike. That said, the Sport you speak of has, fatter tires than my FX; and that might make a difference, along with a lockable suspension fork. Your tires are 'regular' 40mm ones, according to the Trek website. What you might do is think hard about getting hardcases or another kevlar lined type tire. (The Sport 6 you mention does have them - or is supposed to... Hmmmm.). Trek also says you can go to 1.8" tires. Which would be .2" fatter than the stock ones, although for the life of me, I can't think that 2 tenths of an inch are going to provide you any more meaningful stability off pavement. Support on sand.... Cobblestones? But then... if you are going to swap out tires..... You could do it. Right? Good luck!

TrekNGolf

I have been confused about the rim and tire names on my 2021 Trek FX3 Disc and different names shown on Trek’s website.
I have had phone and email contacts (with photos) with Trek Customer Service.

Rims:
My rim name (on the outside) says ‘Bontrager’ (photo). Trek’s website photo and specs say ‘Bontrager TLR’ (tubeless ready) (photo).
There is a decal on the inside of my rim (photo) that says:

“Tubeless Ready
Disc Brake Only 622 x 17
6000AL Made in Cambodia”

Per Trek Customer Service: If your 2021 FX3 Disc rims say Bontrager and has no decal on inside of the rim, you will need to take the bike to your Trek shop to have them test to see if they are TLR rims as it is possible you received TLR rims without the decal on them. If they do not hold sealant then your shop will need to issue a warranty claim so we can replace those wheels.

Bottom line:
· All 2021 FX3 Disc bikes should have TLR rims.
· There are two possible rim names on the 2021 FX3 Disc. (1) ‘Bontrager’ on outside rim with a tubeless ready decal inside the rim or (2) ‘Bontrager TLR’ on the outside rim. Both rim types are correct.

Tires:
My 2021 FX3 Disc was shipped with Bontrager H2 Comp 700 x 32 tires (photo). Trek’s website photo and specs say ‘H2 Hard Case Lite 700 x 32’ (photo) come with this bike.

H2 Comp tire: $27.99 retail.
· Referred to in product description as “…great for a variety of conditions and offers basic puncture protection and durability”.
· Referred to in product details as a “Budget friendly replacement tire..."

H2 Hard Case Lite tire: $37.99 retail.
· Better quality tire than the H2 Comp tires.
· The 700 x 32 tire (non-reflective) is no longer available on Trek’s website.
· Per Trek Customer Service: The 2021 FX3 Disc 700 x 32 tire will change to the ‘Bontrager H2 Hard Case Lite Reflective Hybrid Tire’ (it has a reflective stripe around the tire).
· Bontrager’s H2 Hard Case Lite Reflective Hybrid Tire product information and details are shown Trek’s website.

Bottom Line:
· 2021 FX3 Disc bikes should have been shipped with H2 Hard Case Lite tires.
· Call Trek Customer Service if your 2021 FX3 Disc was shipped with H2 Comp tires (or any other tires).
· Trek Customer Service will need your bike’s serial number and an emailed photo of your H2 Comp tires.
· Trek will ship at no cost Bontrager’s H2 Hard Case Lite Reflective Hybrid Tire, 700 x 32 as the H2 Comp replacement.
· Bontrager’s H2 Hard Case Lite Reflective Hybrid Tires are on back order until Dec 20, 2020. You should check status of your order with Trek Customer Service when “in stock” is known.

My experience with Trek’s Customer Service was outstanding. They understood my confusion and willing to make sure everything is correct.
Like everything else with COVID, be patient with orders.

TrekNGolf


My 2021 FX3 Disc Shipped with Bontrager rim and H2 Comp Tires

2021 FX3 Disc with Bontrager TLR rim and H2 Hard Case Lite Tire from Trek's website.

My 2021 FX3 Disc with Tubeless Ready decal on inside of Bontrager rim.

raymellott

For a while I've had my eye on a Sport 5. Tiagra groupset. And all that. Listing at a little under $1,500. All I needed was to talk my wife into letting me spend the $. But then a few days ago, I saw that this bike doesn't exist any more at that price point. Now, it's about $1,900. Same everything. A little too rich for my blood. I'm going to look at other brands, again.

freeranger

Hoping that once the Covid induced bike boom is over, that perhaps prices will recede. For a while I've been considering adding a hybrid. One I was considering was a Cannondale Quick CX (don't go into sprung vs rigid forks-that another thread!). The model I looked at went from $900 to $1100 in a short time frame. Don't really need another bike, and unless the prices come down, I can do without, or buy used and upgrade. Like many, I'm disappointed in the current prices of bikes with the lower level of components that come stock. Most I could upgrade easily, but I can remember when bikes came with decent components at decent price levels, even considering inflation. Should mention that also considered a Trek FX3, price jump not as much, maybe it depends on the model within each mfr?

raymellott

You're right. Cannondale or Trek... or Giant, for that matter, I guess.... seem to have similar price points. You're also right, I think that if you have a bike, it'd be wise to wait.. Instead, I'm going to upgrade my 5yo Trek FX again. With a new straight bar I can cut down yet again to my preferred 45 or so CM. and an adjustable stem; so I'm not nearly so upright as I'd otherwise be. Trek's loss, yeah??

TrekNGolf

For anyone who purchased a 2021 Trek FX3 Disc with H2 COMP Hard-Case Lite 700x32 tires:

• The factory H2 COMP tires are not the correct tires for this bike (see Trek’s website).
• Trek Corp. will ship for free two H2 Reflective Hard-Case Lite 700x32c tires.
• Call Trek Customer Service. They will need your bike’s serial number and a photo of your H2 COMP tires.

I don’t know if this issue also applies to 2020 Trek FX3 Disc bikes. Call Customer Service if you’re 2020 FX3 Disc has the H2 COMP tires.

Today, I received my two H2 Reflective Hard-Case Lite 700x32c tires (photo). The non-reflective H2 Hard-Case Lite tires are no longer shipped.

TrekNGolf


H2 Reflective Hard-Case Lite 700x32 tires.

sh00k

Sorry to hear about this. I want to also suggest you look at craigslist or facebook marketplace for folks that bought an fx and may be wanting to get rid of it now. there are great deals to be had out there despite bike prices shooting through the roof due to the pandemic. I wish you best of luck on your hunt! And the price bump proves and is evidence of trek really robbing everyone blind. the customer is paying through the nose for a bike that would cost several hundred dollars less in other years. I get it that they have competition but they can be less blatent about it...

Awesomeguy

Compared to the 2020 fx 3 , how much different is the rider position on the domane line without any alterations to stems angle or height?
is it significantly more bent over and more pressure on the hands when riding on the hoods?

raymellott

The Trek website should help you with this. According to it, if you take a bike of a certain size or size class, - like what I'd be having - in my case - an 'L'...

a Domane SL4 has an 'effective top tube length' of about 54cm. and uses a 90mm (9cm) stem. That would put the bar at 63CM from the seatpost. Right? The FX would have a 57cm top tube length of 57cm; and a 100mm stem; putting the bar at 67cm.

So, if your hands were on the bars on each, hmmmm.... You'd be more upright on the Domane!!! Because that top tube is shorter than with the FX... Could that be? I'm thinkin' it could be.... But that wasn't the question, was it. You want your hands on the hoods, not the cross bar, but with the FX, you don't spec bar ends. So, yeah, Put those hoods into the mix, and then add maybe 10cm or so.... About the length of a long cig... And it puts your hands on the hoods a touch further out on the Domane than on the FX. (63+10=73-67=6cm). Unless, of course, you have bar ends on the FX.... In which case.... Maybe you are further stretched on the FX when your hands are on the bar ends.... but that won't be all the time.... But then there's that actual stem angle that is also different between the two bikes. Which while it doesn't materially change the reach numbers, does, indeed, affect your body angle to the bike. Right?

Of course, this all depends on how you have your seats positioned, the size of the bikes you are comparing, the specific bars you are using on your FX, the size of the drop bar, the phase of the moon, and more.. So, apples to apples, you can set your Domane so you are more upright than on an FX and you can be more laid out on an FX than on a Domane. It just depends on how you set things up on the bike you have, and to me the question you ask, while it's important, is a question you can deal with, with either bike.

I've gone round and round on the question of which bike I really really wanna have. (I have a really cheap Aluminum FX, now) And frankly I just can't see how drop bars do anything for me. Because, apples to apples, THAT is the crucial difference between the two bikes. I just don't see myself riding in the drops at all. So that aspect of the question is moot. I don't see me riding on bar ends all the time, either. So, for the FX side, that's not a determinant.

FX is a somewhat longer bike (@4cm) than the Domane, so it'll be a touch less 'twitchy'. It's also a somewhat less expensive bike - apples to apples - I think. But I think you have somewhat more handlebar customization opportunities with the FX than with the Domane. Of course, maybe it just isn't as 'cool' as a roadie, right? Because that's what they all ride? Drop bars? I'm sticking with a flat bar bike, after market cut down bars and shortened grips so it's as if I was riding on a 46CM drop bar, controls moved in as far as I can get them.... 110mm, angle adjustable after market stem, slammed.... bar ends... Seat positioned far enough back and angled appropriately.... And I have a configuration that works for me. Kinda aero like I'd be on a Domane.... but on a cheapo low end FX. That is, until, this mess we have in the world goes away and I can actually test ride that Domane... Maybe I'll change my mind, right??

mr,grumpy 

mom it a big advocate of violence but i might make an excepting for a guy who recommends a Domane to ride on the boardwalk. What a dope. I would have quit that dealership right then and there.

fad3r

The problem was it was not a dealership.... this was trek itself. I called their 800 number.

mr,grumpy 

that is incredibly disheartening to hear. If the corporate position is that you you need a bike like that to ride on a bike path, why do they even bother to make less expensive, more comfortable and more appropriate bikes?

fad3r

I think what it points to is the ineptitude of the people answering the phone (who in their defense are probably only making minimum wage). I told the same story to 3 different people and got 3 different answers.

altondavis2

The Giant Escape, Cypress and Roam all offer a more upright riding position.

ceelint

Anyone know the seatpost clamp size on a '09 7.3fx? Trying to add some color accents to my wife's bike