Klaista2k

Looking at getting one of these bikes soon for fitness purposes.

How do they compare overall?

Is the DS 3 a big enough step up over the DS 2 to justify the the price increase?

s2000zr

I bought my wife a verve 3 and I can't tell the difference in my verve 2. I was looking at ds2 for my son. I doubt I can tell the $200 different between ds2 vs3.

ColonelSanders

Unless you prefer the colour scheme of the Trek DS's, you would be better off looking at the Giant Roam 2 or 1.

hokiefyd 

I think I would prefer the DS 2 myself. The DS 3 is another $200 to get a 9-speed drivetrain and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes vs. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. The DS 2 comes with an 8-speed drivetrain; chains are the same as 6- and 7-speed systems and they're less expensive than 9-speed chains. You likely will never notice the difference in the number of rear cogs -- not for 200 dollars, anyway.

jase33

If you're looking at price point I would say the DS 2 is fine. But if you wanted a bit more I would take a serious look at the Giant Roam 1.

s2000zr

What's the difference in the Giant Roam 1 vs escape disc?

mcours2006

$300, if you're talking about the Escape 1.

Roam has 10-speed Deore vs a mish-mash of parts Altus/Alivio/Acera on the Escape 1. Roam has suspension fork and wider tires, presumably better for going off-road,

Roam 1 is better equipped and cheaper than DS 3, as others have already mentioned.

Klaista2k

I would look at the Roam 1 but I already made a down payment at my local bike shop (which is Trek). So I probably have to go with Trek at this point unless I ask for a refund. lol

What would you suggest between the DS 2 and DS 3? I wouldn't mind paying the extra money if the upgrades are worth it.

Klaista2k

So you'd recommend going with the DS 2?

Will the DS 3 be better for climbing with the extra gear?

Klaista2k

I also might look into getting a model from last year. Like the DS 8.4

Anyone know if those are still available or would they be out of stock?

mcours2006

No. The top and bottom gear will likely be the same--11/32, I'm guessing. One more gear means the gears are more closely spaced.

Klaista2k

The DS 2 is 11-32 and the DS 3 is 11-34.

mcours2006

Assuming it has the same chainring numbers the 11-34 will give you a lower climbing gear. But the cassette can changed easily. Eight speed cassettes are cheaper than nine-speed as well.

hokiefyd 

The DS 3 will certainly give you a lower climbing gear. The small chainring on the DS 3 is a 26 and the largest cog on the cassette is a 34. There are about a million and one ways to express "gear ratio" on a bike, but a very basic one is to divide the cassette by the chainring -- or 34/26. In this case, that number is 1.31.

The DS 2's smallest chainring is a 28, and the largest cog on the cassette is a 32. The lowest "gear ratio" on the DS 2 is 1.14. As with cars and trucks, a higher number means a "shorter" gear ratio, or one that multiplies the input torque the most. Pedaling is easiest and the speed is slowest. The DS 3 offers you a 15% easier climbing gear.

(We can directly compare the two bikes because they use the same tire diameter. If you're trying to compare effective gear ratios on bikes with different tire diameters, there are formulas that account for that.)

This is a good point -- I overlooked the difference in the chainrings. If you live where there are hills, the DS 3 would be an easier bike with which to climb.

ColonelSanders

I suspect they would be out of stock and if there are any left, you then have to get lucky to have one in your size.


I know it costs more, but the only DS model I would consider is the DS4.


Save up the money, wait an extra month if you have to, but that is so much more bike than the DS 2 or 3.


It has literally better everything other than the frame and is almost 3lbs lighter than the DS3

travbikeman

Can't tell where you live, but if you happen to be near MD, check out this deal:

Trek 8.4 DS - All American Bicycle Center - Damascus, MD

Klaista2k

The DS 4 does sound pretty impressive. I may have to consider it.

Klaista2k

If by chance I'm able to find a DS 8.4 what color do you guys prefer?

The matte black or viper red?

I like both so it's tough!

hokiefyd 

I prefer glossy paint vs. matte, only because I think gloss paint is easier to keep clean. Matte tends to hang on to dirt in my experience. Is the Viper Red a gloss or a matte finish?

fietsbob

Parts pick cost is reflected in the higher price..

Klaista2k

It's a gloss finish.

hokiefyd 

So, because you asked for opinions, I'd get the red. I'm generally not much for black in general, and certainly not a matte black. Personal preference, of course.

Klaista2k

Thanks for the input.

1911bg

I just bought a DS 2 and I am happy with both the looks and performance.

MRT2

9 speed cassettes are pretty cheap as well. The difference between 8 and 9 speed is small. Certainly nothing like the price of, say, 11 speed.