mkwdrs

Has anyone test rode both bikes? Which one did you end up buying? Does one feel more spritely or lively than the other? Any feedback appreciated. I hope to test ride them within the next month or so. Let the analysis paralysis begin.

Thinking about buying one of these bikes. Overweight rider in descent shape. Most, if not all, riding will be on paved path's or sidewalk's. I do encounter some steep and/or long hills from time to time, but no mountains. Typical rides would be approximately 15 miles on mostly flat terrain. I am not a high cadence rider, so I'll not be a speed deamon on either. I am a pedal when you want/have to and coast when you can type of rider ha ha ha.

FX has the "Silver" frame whereas the Verve has the "Gold" frame. "Gold" frame is supposedly a step up in frame from the "Silver" though I doubt that there is that much difference. FX has a little taller head tube length. Both would have the steel fork.

For the sizes that I am considering, the Verve has a very slack 70.0° seat tube angle whereas the FX has 73.5 °. Both have a head tube angle of 71.5°. What does this slack of a seat tube angle do to riding position? Any advantages/disadvantages to the 70.0° vs 73.5 °. Would this slack of a seat tube put more weight on your bottom versus the hands? Sometimes when pedalling up a long hill I will stand to pedal for a bit .. would either seat tube angle be preferable to standing to pedal?

FX has eff top tube of 568 vs 606 (about 1.5 inch difference) for the Verve and I assume this difference is due to the slack seat tube angle. How is the Verve considered the "comfort" version with that much difference in the eff top tube length? Does anyone know if one of them has a taller stack height than the other? The Verve has a longer wheelbase by about 26 mm so I'm guessing it will feel a tad more stable?

Verve has the adjustable height quill type stem vs the normal type stem for the FX. I assume the FX stem type would allow more flexibility if you wanted to change or try out different length/height stems.

Verve has wider tires 45 vs 35 though I've read the FX can take a slightly wider tire than the stock tire. Being 330 lbs, I'd probably like at least a 38mm tire.

My body is not very flexible, so I'm even considering the women's version of the Verve as they have sizing large enough for me. The FX that is easier to step over stops the sizing one size to small for me. I'll probably end up with the typical men's style frame, but I'm open minded enough to at least try the model that is easier to step over thanks a hip that's probably going bad.


I'll hush now. Any feedback appreciated.

MRT2

I believe the 7.1 and 7.2 are discontinued. Replaced by FX 1 and FX2.

hokiefyd 

I have a Verve 3. The adjustable quill stem is nice for being able to dial in a balance of handlebar height and reach (from the saddle). Of course, the saddle is adjustable fore-aft as well. Mine's a 2015 model, so it has a front suspension fork (as well as a suspension seat post). The 2017 Verves have a rigid fork, so factor that in if it matters to you.

I don't disagree with you on a step-through frame. I recently bought my wife a used 2007 model Trek 7100 WSD, which is similar to the Verve WSD, and it's actually very comfortable to mount and to ride. Any reduction in rigidity is not a factor for me and how I ride. If you're relatively tall (and need a taller frame), but don't have good flexibility, a step-through frame might be a great idea.

The Verve and lower-trim FX should have very similar component sets. Mine has Acera shifters, derailleurs, and cassette. It has a Suntour 28/38/48 chainring. I think the Verve 2 is similar (I think the Verve 1 has Tourney and a freewheel). I imagine this is very similar to the FXes you're considering.

Verve may also have a wider saddle than the FX. This may or may not be more comfortable to you. It is to me. I'm 6'0", 240 lbs, and would say I have moderate flexibility. I love my Verve (with the straight top tube), but I also wouldn't argue with the correct-sized step-through version of it.

katsup

You really need to compare the 2017 versions as the 2017 verve changed (wider tires / no suspension). I am not sure of the differences between the 7.1/7.2 and the FX1/FX2.

Both bikes will ride differently though, the verve being more comfort oriented (upright) while the FX aimed at fitness.

mkwdrs

Yes, to be more specific ... I'm talking all 2017 and Trek FX 1 or FX 2 vs the verve 2 (no suspension fork)

2017 Trek FX 1
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b.../1320010-2017/

2017 Verve 2
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b.../1312600-2017/

2017 Verve 2 Women's
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b.../1312601-2017/

mkwdrs

Yes, you are correct. I meant the FX 1 or FX 2. I edited the original subject line of the thread make the correction. Thanks for catching that goof on my part.

hokiefyd 

The FX 1 has a Sunrace freewheel vs. the Verve 2's Shimano cassette. The FX 1 is also a 7-speed rear vs. the Verve 2's 8-speed. In general, a cassette is more desirable than a freewheel. The FX 2 is going to be more comparable to a Verve 2 in terms of price and equipment spec, with the FX 2 having the same 8-speed Shimano cassette as the Verve 2, an upgrade from the FX 1's freewheel. The FX 2 has a Shimano Acera rear derailleur, which is largely equivalent to the Verve 2's Altus rear derailleur. Both sport a Shimano Tourney series front derailleur.

I would ride them all. An FX will likely feel quite different from a men's Verve (with the Verve likely feeling a bit more upright, the FX feeling a bit more nimble), and the women's Verve will even feel different than the men's Verve (again, likely feeling a little more upright). They all look to have similar shifters and grips and saddles -- the geometry of the bike frames should be the deciding factor for you in my opinion.

mkwdrs

I went and test rode the 20" Trek FX 3 and the 19" Verve 2 step thru model (i'm not very flexible esp in the right hip/back area). The fx 3 was the only model that they had in size 20, but I would purchase the FX 1 if I was going to buy an FX.

The Verve felt very comfortable. Big cushy tires and nice wide seat. Very upright posture. Reach to bars were good though the adjustable rise stem was somewhat upright. It would be perfect for comfy crusing, but I don't know if I would get enough exercise using that type of bike. Meaning, the temptation is just to cruise along in comfort vs get a good aerobic workout. I did like the step thru version, but with a water bottle cage attached it might not work at all. The pedalling position was totally differnt than the FX. It's almost like at one point in the pedalling position it was almost a little cramped even though I felt like I had the seat height correct. The model has a slack seat tube angle (70).

The fx was not as comfy, but more fun. The bars are too low and the reach too far. If I put on a steerer tube extender and a shorter stem, then it might get close to comfy. Or maybe some bars that reach back towards the rider. This model could take a slightly wider tire than the stock 35mm tire. My legs felt like they had more room to pedal on this bike vs the verve.

The eff top tube length is 30mm longer on the Verve WSD, yet the reach felt shorter. I guess it would be b/c the adjustable rise stem was in a more vertical position versus horizontal.

So, not really sure what to do. I am also considering a Surly LHT/Cross check, but there are not any of those nearby to test ride.

hokiefyd 

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.

bikehoco

Which bike did you end up buying, why? I have similar physical attributes as you and am also trying to decide between the FX2 and Verve.

mkwdrs

Since I couldn't make up my mind I did not end up buying either. I would have sided with the verve 2 just due to my weight and how stiff my back is b/c it really allowed an upright riding position. I just recently purchased a used Jamis Satellite road bike to give a try.

JerseyShore

Check out the Verve 3 - a phenomenal bike , I tried the 2016 Verve 2 and it was okay -- the V3 is a completely different- superior ride.

A must test

finch204

If you're use case really is for exercise and fitness rides, then the FX is the better choice. The Verve is great for casual rides, but once you start getting fitter and want to go faster, you'll find out that the bike is not really meant for that.

bikehoco

Just purchased a 2017 FX 2 for $399; the price was reduced because the 2018's are coming out.

sh00k

that's an amazing deal. good eye on finding a nice discount like that

BGoldFSA

I did my research, wanted the FX 3 but couldn't justify the extra $250 price over the FX 2 (after the TrekBike website discounted their outgoing 2017 FX 2's from $489 to $399). I test rode both in a parking lot today, and I expected the FX 2 to have me in a more bent over riding position with longer reach but with an easier ride, but the two bicycles felt the same to me (I'm a 60+ year old whose last bike was purchased more than 20 years ago, a 3-speed). This dealer wasn't ready to discount the FX 2, so the choice to get the Verve 2 was easy for me. Also, my research indicated a large percentage of FX buyers eventually have to replace the FX saddle for comfort, whereas the Verve 2 saddle was more cushioned with a seat suspension system, so I could keep the original saddle. Maybe if I had tested the two bikes trying to go 15-20 mph, I would have seen some advantage in the FX bike. When I got the Verve 2 home, I rode it in the hilly area iwhere I live and had no regrets with my purchase.