Been riding this bike for a week now, and it's everything I could want in a fitness bike. It's more long distance, road bike oriented in my opinion, but rides fantastic on rail trails and light to rougher grave/dirt. It goes pretty much anywhere I want it to. It handles bumps, asphalt , concrete and rougher roads beautifuly. It's fast, light, agile and sturdy. Perfectly speced with the exception of those darn iso grips. I had to replace the handle bar to put on a nicer set of Ergon grips that fit my hands, and felt more comfortable on long rides. I upgraded the pedals as well. The stock one's are way too slick. The hex blue is gorgeous! I was thinking of upgrading to 40mm tires for gravel, but the 35's are plenty wide, grippy and stable even on loose gravel. I looked at the fx sport 4 and last years fx 3 and decided the new generation 4 bike was the best value for the money. The cues groupset is fantastic. Shifting is smooth and clean. The bike rides quiet, and seems really forgiving compared to my older Verve 2 comfort bike. The Shimano breaks work as they should with excellent stopping power even in wet conditions. The one by drive train is simple and all I need for most rides. The clutch derailleur keeps the chain nice and taught as well. The carbon fork really helps in keeping the weight down and the whole ride smooth. I'd love to get a slightly lighter frame but that's a whole lot more money to go carbon and get basically the same bike.
Hi Greg. Am having this bike for a week now and am noticing something and not sure if it is an issue or bike nature. Whenever I go to speed below 6, the pedaling is becoming slack, 6 and above are all fine. Any idea?
Have to say this is one of your most comprehensive reviews. I am currently riding the Marlin 8 Gen 2 because I enjoy my positioning on it and I don’t have to worry about anything I encountered on the road. But, this one is a great in-between bike for my City riding without all the weight of my Marlin and more speed. The preferred Road-Bike options are out of my reach financially.
I noticed the very handy bike stand you have. I think that would be perfect in my storage so I can skip mounting a fixed bike stand on my bike. Where did you buy that?
Just purchased a 2024 fx sport 5 in crimson. It's my first carbon fiber bicycle. So far I'm happy, although I do need to take it back to have the bikes shifting adjusted
I had an FX4 Gen 3 until 3 months ago when someone stole it. It was the best bike I ever owned. The only thing that concerns me about the Gen 4 is the cable routing through the top. Is this going to collect water, dust, and dirt? I will also miss the DuoTrap S compatibility, but I realize that there are other options.
Just bought a FX Sport 6 and absolutely love it. Had an older FX 2 I sold and can't believe the difference. The FX 6 weighs only 21 lbs and even with a rear rack, computer and water cages still only around 23 lbs. It just takes off, especially when you stand up to pedal up hills , it just takes off. I plan on doing a video if it ever cools down, has been almost 100 degrees for the last few weeks.
I had an FX and sold it during the pandemic. Someone offered me more than I paid for so I couldn't resist. Now im looking at buying another one but I'm also considering a DS because the trails have deteriorated some. If you don't mind me asking, I noticed you ride a medium. How tall are you James? My FX-2 was a large and I could pick up a lot of speed but I'm wondering for the DS-2 should I go with a medium? I'm 5'10 180lb. Thanks!
Why does it have a quick release lever on the rear axle, but NOT on the front axle??? If anything, I'd want the opposite. Makes it a nuisance for putting inside a car. By the way, I own this bike, and love it - except for the lack of front QR. The hex blue is beautiful.
Thanks for this detailed review. I was keen to get the FX2 disc, but now I'm thinking the extra cost for the FX3 is worth, particularly for the 1x10 gearing.
IMO, I preferred when the fx was more aggressive and had flat bar road bike parts, especially the old Fx sport 4 with Tiagra. This one is too gravel focused for my taste, and it encroaches on the new DS’s territory.
I'm debating on buying this, the verve 2, or the FX 3 Gen 3. Primarily a recreational rider in the city but I want to be able to bring my bike to trails on road trips and vacations. Eventually, I'm going to get a second bike to keep at our place in Massachusetts which will be primarily for trails and around town. Any advice?
what is the different between fx 3 and Chinese bike sunpeed keplar hybrid bike 2924,,there are same design,,little bit gear radiance and aluminium fork but half the price ,can it run smooth and durable ? is it OK buy Chinese bike ?
Depends what you value. The prior generation is a darn good bike and has the double up front. The new Gen 4 is definitely slicker, and more simple while being just as high quality. I think it's worth the extra money for CUES and the better cable routing, but that is up to you.
@@Jamesthebikeguy how different does the geometry feel, in the riding experience ? I always felt the previous fx was very endurance road bike like, how is this one ?
Still uses the dreaded proprietary through skew. That's what turned me off from FX Sport 6 that had Carbon wheelaet. It's way past time to go with a proper through axle and no walmart cranks.
@@Jamesthebikeguy are you referring to gen 2 as the double up front? the previous gen (gen 3) is a 1x chain ring like this gen 4. I too was wondering if it's still worth getting older gens, with gen 2 being cheaper than gen 3. new geometry is a major change though, but I guess we don't have info on the ride quality yet. thanks for the great bike reviews!
I haven't tried a Gen 4, but I just bought a Gen 3 and having compared the specs, there's really not very much difference. The Gen 3 doesn't have the frame bag mounts, and has that different cable routing like he said, but in terms of specifications they're extremely comparable, the only major difference being the switch from Deore to CUES, neither of which are significantly better than the other.
It depends. On a flat surface with no wind, I can get it up to about 16 mph. But if I drop it off my brother's apartment balcony, I can get it up to about 45 mph.
Excellent video! As for the FX 3, I feel like it’s a lot of money for a bike that most people who buy it will ride it around the block five times this summer and park it in the garage.
Don't believe the HYPE 😡. I have been an FX owner for over 20 plus years so I consider myself a knowledgeable owner from experience. Having said that. Here are my thoughts on the lastest FX 3. The geometry is too relaxed for my taste. It doesn't breed performance. The bike is trendy at best. Nothing special about it Component. Again trendy nothing cutting edge. For example 1X and the same H2 but the comp version. These tires look like a Pathfinder knock off Ride quality. It would be equal to that of the FX 2 capable of LIGHT off road adventures .on hard packed gravel However, not an all weather bike with those tires. Nor can it handle anything that is chucky or mud. Acceleration, would be slower due to having to dump so many gears to gain speed In conclusion. An FX was designed to be a flat bar road bike.wirh performance in mind. No matter the frame material..This is designed for comfort like the Verve.😡 Those are my thoughts from my combined experiences with the 7500Fx and FX2 2023
Maybe you should ride one... Having been a FX 4 owner, a FX Sport 6 owner, and now videoing the new model, I personally think it is a step in the right direction. You of course are entitled to your own opinion, but don't yell at new riders who love these changes.
@@Jamesthebikeguy James. I understand your point of view is biased However. Since I own the original 730 (steel) along with the 7100, FX2 (2023) and have owned the 7500Fx . I am confident I know what I am talking about. The previous versions of this bike were more road oriented in their selection of chainrings and cassette choices. With the newer generations.Its more comfort and trendy oriented All of these features are trendy. For example Shimano Cue, 1X 35c cable routing through head tube. Meh I could get all of that and more from Giant, specialized Kona, surly just to name a few. My 7500 FX had xt fd, Rd and cranks along with 11x34 cassette 9 speed paired with 48,38,28 chainrings. My 730 has a 50,40,30 biopace paired with friction shifters and a 11x32 cassette. My 730 out performs FX 2 in every way. Even can accommodate a 42c tires So there's nothing special about the FX 3. Oh wait it has a carbon fork and weighs 22.5 lbs . Meh. Again my 7500Fx weighted 21.5 lbs Btw I am not yelling at anyone I am just giving an honest unbiased, no BS opinion BASED ON EXPERIENCE
In 2 yrs trek has totally changed the FX bikes frame geometry. Why? Looks like a MTB that’s been home tweaked for the asphalt. Also trek bikes have entry level components for high end bike prices. Research & read read read. So many better bikes than trek garbage relying on a name.
Nah dont like it, gearing is too low, dont want internal cables, looks pretentious with its huge drainpipe down tube with skinny top which looks like one kick would right it off. Prefer my old Dawes hybrid 😁
Been riding this bike for a week now, and it's everything I could want in a fitness bike. It's more long distance, road bike oriented in my opinion, but rides fantastic on rail trails and light to rougher grave/dirt. It goes pretty much anywhere I want it to. It handles bumps, asphalt , concrete and rougher roads beautifuly. It's fast, light, agile and sturdy. Perfectly speced with the exception of those darn iso grips. I had to replace the handle bar to put on a nicer set of Ergon grips that fit my hands, and felt more comfortable on long rides. I upgraded the pedals as well. The stock one's are way too slick. The hex blue is gorgeous! I was thinking of upgrading to 40mm tires for gravel, but the 35's are plenty wide, grippy and stable even on loose gravel. I looked at the fx sport 4 and last years fx 3 and decided the new generation 4 bike was the best value for the money. The cues groupset is fantastic. Shifting is smooth and clean. The bike rides quiet, and seems really forgiving compared to my older Verve 2 comfort bike. The Shimano breaks work as they should with excellent stopping power even in wet conditions. The one by drive train is simple and all I need for most rides. The clutch derailleur keeps the chain nice and taught as well. The carbon fork really helps in keeping the weight down and the whole ride smooth. I'd love to get a slightly lighter frame but that's a whole lot more money to go carbon and get basically the same bike.
Hi Greg. Am having this bike for a week now and am noticing something and not sure if it is an issue or bike nature.
Whenever I go to speed below 6, the pedaling is becoming slack, 6 and above are all fine. Any idea?
What’s the gear range (esp the lowest gear?)
@@Robboa1 from 1 to 10 speeds Shimano CUES. Only one shifter on the right side
Have to say this is one of your most comprehensive reviews. I am currently riding the Marlin 8 Gen 2 because I enjoy my positioning on it and I don’t have to worry about anything I encountered on the road. But, this one is a great in-between bike for my City riding without all the weight of my Marlin and more speed. The preferred Road-Bike options are out of my reach financially.
I was close to buying one but I went with the new dual sport 3 for some extra ruggedness.
Hard to argue with the dual sport.
I'm so glad I bought a FX 4 Disc (2021) model. I've not seen an 11 speed since, in the aluminum FX line up.
That internal cable routing 🔥
I noticed the very handy bike stand you have. I think that would be perfect in my storage so I can skip mounting a fixed bike stand on my bike. Where did you buy that?
Just purchased a 2024 fx sport 5 in crimson. It's my first carbon fiber bicycle. So far I'm happy, although I do need to take it back to have the bikes shifting adjusted
I had an FX4 Gen 3 until 3 months ago when someone stole it. It was the best bike I ever owned. The only thing that concerns me about the Gen 4 is the cable routing through the top. Is this going to collect water, dust, and dirt? I will also miss the DuoTrap S compatibility, but I realize that there are other options.
This frame looks identical to my 2023 Dual Sport 3 Gen 5. Other than the tires and the CUES derailleur, are there any other major differences?
Wow, so close .I've been waiting for a
Trek FX Sport 6 carbon bike video.
I'll keep waiting patiently for it .
Great details and presentation 👌
Just bought a FX Sport 6 and absolutely love it. Had an older FX 2 I sold and can't believe the difference. The FX 6 weighs only 21 lbs and even with a rear rack, computer and water cages still only around 23 lbs. It just takes off, especially when you stand up to pedal up hills , it just takes off. I plan on doing a video if it ever cools down, has been almost 100 degrees for the last few weeks.
@gregghershberger7968 That's awesome Greg .Enjoy it, and I'll be looking forward to your video on it 🫡 I know it's hot at Orlando Fl 😳
James, thank you for another great review. Any word on updates to FX 5 or FX 6 ?
Thanks
I think you're mistaken on the 1-by. I have the previous generation FX-3 and it is a 1x10.
I just bought the Gen 3 FX3 and yes, it's a 1x10 with Shimano Deore
I had an FX and sold it during the pandemic. Someone offered me more than I paid for so I couldn't resist. Now im looking at buying another one but I'm also considering a DS because the trails have deteriorated some. If you don't mind me asking, I noticed you ride a medium. How tall are you James? My FX-2 was a large and I could pick up a lot of speed but I'm wondering for the DS-2 should I go with a medium? I'm 5'10 180lb. Thanks!
Where did you talk about the weight of the bike? I just saw it was close to the old one.
James, I’m interested in a 2025 Fx Sport 4….what’s your review date? Thanks! Mike
Why does it have a quick release lever on the rear axle, but NOT on the front axle??? If anything, I'd want the opposite. Makes it a nuisance for putting inside a car. By the way, I own this bike, and love it - except for the lack of front QR. The hex blue is beautiful.
Thanks for this detailed review. I was keen to get the FX2 disc, but now I'm thinking the extra cost for the FX3 is worth, particularly for the 1x10 gearing.
i have a fx sport 5 in blue,i love it i bought it last year.
IMO, I preferred when the fx was more aggressive and had flat bar road bike parts, especially the old Fx sport 4 with Tiagra. This one is too gravel focused for my taste, and it encroaches on the new DS’s territory.
I agree with you 💯 1000 percent See my review of the FX2 2023
This bike was more Racey now it just Trendy
Where is the weight comparison?
Somehow I missed it in editing. The FX Gen4 is slightly heavier (within 1/2 lb to the Gen3)
@@Jamesthebikeguy thanks James,…no problem
Weight!
@@JamesthebikeguyYes, what is the weight?
Another great review, James! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm debating on buying this, the verve 2, or the FX 3 Gen 3. Primarily a recreational rider in the city but I want to be able to bring my bike to trails on road trips and vacations. Eventually, I'm going to get a second bike to keep at our place in Massachusetts which will be primarily for trails and around town. Any advice?
$1000 Trek came a long way, used to be bottom barrel freewheel for the money.
What about the weight?
From Trek website - Medium is 11,50 kg / 25.36 lbs
James - would you get this or the new DS 3?
Excellent review
Tiny but great improvement
I recently got my fx3 2022 wondering why it is 38 mm the wider wheel I can get...
What IS the gear range?
i like this bike but where i like it isn't available, there is instead the trek fx2 gen 3 which costs the same as domane al 2 rim brake
The Fox isn’t a straight bar gravel bike. It’s a fitness bike unlike the Fox sport which is a hybrid of gravel with fitness.
Fx 2 gen 4 next
Your hyping up integrated cable routing as a positive feature ahahhah.
what is the different between fx 3 and Chinese bike sunpeed keplar hybrid bike 2924,,there are same design,,little bit gear radiance and aluminium fork but half the price ,can it run smooth and durable ? is it OK buy Chinese bike ?
The Chinese bike is righter. It only weighs 23 pounds.
Nice bike
Hi, having reviewed the previous generation, which is now 300 bucks less than this generation,which one would you go for?
Depends what you value. The prior generation is a darn good bike and has the double up front. The new Gen 4 is definitely slicker, and more simple while being just as high quality. I think it's worth the extra money for CUES and the better cable routing, but that is up to you.
@@Jamesthebikeguy how different does the geometry feel, in the riding experience ? I always felt the previous fx was very endurance road bike like, how is this one ?
Still uses the dreaded proprietary through skew. That's what turned me off from FX Sport 6 that had Carbon wheelaet. It's way past time to go with a proper through axle and no walmart cranks.
@@Jamesthebikeguy are you referring to gen 2 as the double up front? the previous gen (gen 3) is a 1x chain ring like this gen 4. I too was wondering if it's still worth getting older gens, with gen 2 being cheaper than gen 3. new geometry is a major change though, but I guess we don't have info on the ride quality yet.
thanks for the great bike reviews!
I haven't tried a Gen 4, but I just bought a Gen 3 and having compared the specs, there's really not very much difference. The Gen 3 doesn't have the frame bag mounts, and has that different cable routing like he said, but in terms of specifications they're extremely comparable, the only major difference being the switch from Deore to CUES, neither of which are significantly better than the other.
Have you gotten a chance to review the crux dsw yet? I am considering the crux comp or the dsw and every review of the dsw is awfulllll
It looks like you can easily fit a 45mm tire on this bike. What’s your take on that? Great review
Does anyone know if this bike is fit for child seats?
Yes it will fit child seats
@@Jamesthebikeguy Thank you for the response. Do you know if it would be a front or rear seat? And the weight limitations to them?
Max speed with this 1 by setup?
It depends. On a flat surface with no wind, I can get it up to about 16 mph. But if I drop it off my brother's apartment balcony, I can get it up to about 45 mph.
Excellent video! As for the FX 3, I feel like it’s a lot of money for a bike that most people who buy it will ride it around the block five times this summer and park it in the garage.
Don't believe the HYPE 😡.
I have been an FX owner for over 20 plus years so I consider myself a knowledgeable owner from experience.
Having said that. Here are my thoughts on the lastest FX 3.
The geometry is too relaxed for my taste. It doesn't breed performance. The bike is trendy at best. Nothing special about it
Component. Again trendy nothing cutting edge. For example 1X and the same H2 but the comp version. These tires look like a Pathfinder knock off
Ride quality. It would be equal to that of the FX 2 capable of LIGHT off road adventures .on hard packed gravel
However, not an all weather bike with those tires. Nor can it handle anything that is chucky or mud.
Acceleration, would be slower due to having to dump so many gears to gain speed
In conclusion. An FX was designed to be a flat bar road bike.wirh performance in mind. No matter the frame material..This is designed for comfort like the Verve.😡
Those are my thoughts from my combined experiences with the 7500Fx and FX2 2023
Maybe you should ride one... Having been a FX 4 owner, a FX Sport 6 owner, and now videoing the new model, I personally think it is a step in the right direction. You of course are entitled to your own opinion, but don't yell at new riders who love these changes.
@@Jamesthebikeguy James. I understand your point of view is biased
However. Since I own the original 730 (steel) along with the 7100, FX2 (2023) and have owned the 7500Fx . I am confident I know what I am talking about.
The previous versions of this bike were more road oriented in their selection of chainrings and cassette choices.
With the newer generations.Its more comfort and trendy oriented
All of these features are trendy. For example Shimano Cue, 1X 35c cable routing through head tube. Meh I could get all of that and more from Giant, specialized Kona, surly just to name a few.
My 7500 FX had xt fd, Rd and cranks along with 11x34 cassette 9 speed paired with 48,38,28 chainrings. My 730 has a 50,40,30 biopace paired with friction shifters and a 11x32 cassette.
My 730 out performs FX 2 in every way. Even can accommodate a 42c tires
So there's nothing special about the FX 3. Oh wait it has a carbon fork and weighs 22.5 lbs . Meh. Again my 7500Fx weighted 21.5 lbs
Btw I am not yelling at anyone I am just giving an honest unbiased, no BS opinion BASED ON EXPERIENCE
In 2 yrs trek has totally changed the FX bikes frame geometry. Why? Looks like a MTB that’s been home tweaked for the asphalt. Also trek bikes have entry level components for high end bike prices. Research & read read read. So many better bikes than trek garbage relying on a name.
Nah dont like it, gearing is too low, dont want internal cables, looks pretentious with its huge drainpipe down tube with skinny top which looks like one kick would right it off. Prefer my old Dawes hybrid 😁
Integrated cables has no reason to be on this bike
People who want a FX are not allowed to get nice things? Why are they not deserving?