I have had the FX 3 and the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5. As a rider over 50 years old the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 has a more upright riding position and is allot easier for me to ride. When I ride the FX 3 I feel bend over the bicycle as I do on my road bicycle. So I returned the FX 3 to trek they have a 30 day return police no questions ask. I did this because I saw no difference in my road bicycle riding position and the FX 3 riding position. Now the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 is great on my back and knees with its more upright and nonaggressive geometry. I have a Specialized Roll and the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 is a little more aggressive than the Roll but close as you can get in a Trek to the Roll.
this is such a helpful comment. I'm currently trying to choose between FX3 and Dual Sport 3 Gen 5, I mostly ride on concrete so I actually prefer the narrower tyres and quicker profile of the FX3 but I always have issues with my back if I'm leaning too far over, so maybe the Dual Sport is the way to go. I'm just worried that the Dual Sport will be sluggish or a lot less efficient with those tyres if I'm not riding gravel and just stick to smooth roads. What's your opinion? Thanks!
@@LostInLeiden I found that I can ride the FX Sport, but not the FX. The FX has a harsh ride and is hard to balance in city. I went thru 9 bicycles at Trek and ended up with the FX Sport 4 2023, there is not generation after it. The FX Sport 4 is great and the 700cx40 tire don't slow you down, they are the perfect size for max comfort and speed. Shoot at one point I even rode a Checkpoint. Way to slow for the road for me.
@LostInLeiden I have the dual sport 3 gen 5 with two wheel sets (650b and 700c) . Road bike tires are not much faster, they do make a difference it's just not huge, as the rolling resistance is not bad with the 650b tires. I a, running teravals with. The 650bs though. The. Biggest thing I notice with the road wheel set is that it is a little quicker off the line and a little easier to maintain speed/cadence. Idk. Personal preference. I ride 15 to 25mph every day and on the. 650s I average 14 to 15 mph and on the 700 road tires I can get 15.5 to 16mph ( on a hour cruise , not sprint). So the difference is kinda negligible unless you ride all the time or are looking for eking every ounce of speed or efficiency out of it, but In that case why the dual sport. I use mine for fitness and got it over the fx cause you can put wider tires and road bike tires for more versatility.
15 to 25 miles I ride every day I meant to say, and those speeds are averages over the course of the ride. Top speed you will be limited by the gear ratios around 36ish, which is easily attained on a slight downhill. On the flats with the 650 I can maintain 15 and 16 with the 650. Alot of it comes down to fitness as well.
I purchased 2 of the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5, love them. One in green, the other in red. I ride 10-mile laps 6 days a week with them around my neighborhood. I purchased 2 so if one goes down, I can still do my laps. I ride 2 to 3 hours a day on the laps. The shocks were cheap junk. Go with Gen 5 you will not be sorry.
Regarding the DS3G5, given the choice between a low-end suspension fork on the Gen 4 and some properly inflated oversized (50c!) tires with a carbon fork on the Gen 5, I'll take the latter. Those fat tires are going to go a long way towards dampening the ride. Entry level suspension forks are of dubious quality and durability, near impossible to dial in, and impose a substantial weight penalty on the bike. Like my old steel framed Gary Fisher mountain bike from the 80's, the DS3G5's smaller wheel set and 50c tires are a simple and elegant solution for smoothing out the trail.
i just got my DS3 G4 last week and have been riding it 2x daily since then. after being at my local bike shop for about 2 hours testing out the FX 2 & 3, DS 2, 3 G4, & 3 G5. i’m beyond happy with my G4. it’s that very happy medium for me in riding style, speed, and comfort. i ride mostly gravel/dirt trail and road rec use for communing. i simply don’t care about any of the extra weight having the front suspension, even though i do live on the 5th floor of an apartment building w/ no elevator. to me, the suspension makes it totally worth it. it glides over potholes, dips, turns, bumps, etc very easily and i can’t imagine the beefier tire being able to do it as nicely as the suspension. and the comfort of the slightly more upright riding position brings me home back to the 2000s when i was younger riding bmx everywhere. and they weren’t fast! this thing kicks off compared to my last used mtb (2003 Trek 49000) which i loved, but it was definitely overdue for an upgrade. while i do admit, i felt all fancy riding the new G5 and the FX3, i honestly didn’t see a purpose in them changing it. is it really just about the weight these days? or the fancy feeling you get when you hear the words “carbon fiber…” anyways, i love mine. the deep aquatic is such a beautiful colour. i would recommend it to anyone who is just like me. function over trend. what about the little old guy?!
Bonjour ! Donc la fourche en carbone est une illusion ? J’hésite entre le DS 3 gen 4 et 5 pour mon fils. J’ai déjà un DS 3 2021 orange avec suspension. C’est bien, lourd et ça grince maintenant.
DS3 Gen4 is may favorite over DS3 Gen5. (My wife and I both have the Gen4 - we also have the FX 7.4) The weight difference isn’t as much a deal as Trek makes it out to be, in some instances it can be handy to have a little extra weight. Suspension is very useful in certain situations : roots,large gravel, uneven pavement etc. if you would like larger tires the Gen 4 max out at 700x45 with fenders and 29x2.10 without Gen 5 is only 27.5x2.0 - both are great bikes but I like my Gen 4.
As always with trek, you really need the highest model or else you're losing out a lot. I just weighed the DS 3 (Gen 4) and (Gen 5) today and it was less than 2 pounds lighter. For most that's not noticeable. However, I almost always recommend the new Gen 5 DS because its a newer, stronger frame design that can absorb more bumps and take more impacts than the old DS. The SR Coil 63mm shock on the Gen4 is actual junk. The 27x2.0 tires on the new DS can be inflated much lower to give that smooth ride, and the wider tread provides more grip on gravel/trails. And a more balanced, in-control ride. (Best of all the tire has a bald middle patch so its even faster on road too!) The only people I recommend the old Gen 4 is for very tall individuals. 6+ feet. Or if they for some reason need a shock and want the skinny tire. Hope this clears up for people. Yes this update is quite confusing, makes it much harder to sell the old models.
Im waiting for the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5, because I want a bike that I can change the tire and turn it into a faster fitness bike and can go back to the bigger tire for some off road. I think the one with the carbon fork will be faster than the last gen and more nimble.
The Gen 5 ds 3 is a lot like my Kona Rove Plus. 650b tires, no suspension and Deore 10 speee. My venture wtb tires are pretty much worn out and will be replacea with something more gravelly. Instant DS3 gen 5.
So, with all the changes to the fen 5, would it be worthwhile to add a suspension fork?? Would this make the wider tires perform even better than on the gen 4?
@all, questions to the group. DS 2 Gen 4 or DS 1 or 2 Gen 5, I am more of a pavement but I would like the versatility of gravel as well. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.
I just picked up a DS2 Gen5. I think it has the best "bang for your buck" out of the new Gen5 models. You get better Shimano components and hydraulic disc brakes on the DS2 vs the lower end components and mechanical disc brakes on the DS1. I use my DS2 Gen5 mainly for fitness rides on paved areas, but I've taken it on gravel and grass too and have had no issues. I was surprised how nice it rolled for having such a wide tire. It also has a nice upright position, which will help your body handle bumps better. Very comfortable ride. I'd go with the DS2 Gen5.
I have had the FX 3 and the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5. As a rider over 50 years old the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 has a more upright riding position and is allot easier for me to ride. When I ride the FX 3 I feel bend over the bicycle as I do on my road bicycle. So I returned the FX 3 to trek they have a 30 day return police no questions ask. I did this because I saw no difference in my road bicycle riding position and the FX 3 riding position. Now the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 is great on my back and knees with its more upright and nonaggressive geometry. I have a Specialized Roll and the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 is a little more aggressive than the Roll but close as you can get in a Trek to the Roll.
this is such a helpful comment. I'm currently trying to choose between FX3 and Dual Sport 3 Gen 5, I mostly ride on concrete so I actually prefer the narrower tyres and quicker profile of the FX3 but I always have issues with my back if I'm leaning too far over, so maybe the Dual Sport is the way to go. I'm just worried that the Dual Sport will be sluggish or a lot less efficient with those tyres if I'm not riding gravel and just stick to smooth roads. What's your opinion? Thanks!
@@LostInLeiden I found that I can ride the FX Sport, but not the FX. The FX has a harsh ride and is hard to balance in city. I went thru 9 bicycles at Trek and ended up with the FX Sport 4 2023, there is not generation after it. The FX Sport 4 is great and the 700cx40 tire don't slow you down, they are the perfect size for max comfort and speed. Shoot at one point I even rode a Checkpoint. Way to slow for the road for me.
@@Chef-Chad good to know thanks for the speedy reply. I think it's good if I can find a place to test ride a few by the sounds of it!
@LostInLeiden I have the dual sport 3 gen 5 with two wheel sets (650b and 700c) . Road bike tires are not much faster, they do make a difference it's just not huge, as the rolling resistance is not bad with the 650b tires. I a, running teravals with. The 650bs though. The. Biggest thing I notice with the road wheel set is that it is a little quicker off the line and a little easier to maintain speed/cadence. Idk. Personal preference. I ride 15 to 25mph every day and on the. 650s I average 14 to 15 mph and on the 700 road tires I can get 15.5 to 16mph ( on a hour cruise , not sprint). So the difference is kinda negligible unless you ride all the time or are looking for eking every ounce of speed or efficiency out of it, but In that case why the dual sport. I use mine for fitness and got it over the fx cause you can put wider tires and road bike tires for more versatility.
15 to 25 miles I ride every day I meant to say, and those speeds are averages over the course of the ride. Top speed you will be limited by the gear ratios around 36ish, which is easily attained on a slight downhill. On the flats with the 650 I can maintain 15 and 16 with the 650. Alot of it comes down to fitness as well.
The most unbiased and informative ds gen 5 vs 4 video I've seen so far. Thanks
I love this bike this is my daily commuter and weekend fun. I commonly go from road to gravel, dirt, grass and boardwalks effortlessly.
Definitely a pretty versatile bike
I purchased 2 of the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5, love them. One in green, the other in red. I ride 10-mile laps 6 days a week with them around my neighborhood. I purchased 2 so if one goes down, I can still do my laps. I ride 2 to 3 hours a day on the laps. The shocks were cheap junk. Go with Gen 5 you will not be sorry.
Since they removed the suspension doesn’t that mean the dual sport 3 gen 4 handles off road trail better than dual sport 3 gen 5
@@qwertyki9367 it is not a mountain bicycle try not to make it into one. Also it would depend on your skill level. I have no problems
Regarding the DS3G5, given the choice between a low-end suspension fork on the Gen 4 and some properly inflated oversized (50c!) tires with a carbon fork on the Gen 5, I'll take the latter. Those fat tires are going to go a long way towards dampening the ride. Entry level suspension forks are of dubious quality and durability, near impossible to dial in, and impose a substantial weight penalty on the bike. Like my old steel framed Gary Fisher mountain bike from the 80's, the DS3G5's smaller wheel set and 50c tires are a simple and elegant solution for smoothing out the trail.
i just got my DS3 G4 last week and have been riding it 2x daily since then. after being at my local bike shop for about 2 hours testing out the FX 2 & 3, DS 2, 3 G4, & 3 G5. i’m beyond happy with my G4. it’s that very happy medium for me in riding style, speed, and comfort.
i ride mostly gravel/dirt trail and road rec use for communing. i simply don’t care about any of the extra weight having the front suspension, even though i do live on the 5th floor of an apartment building w/ no elevator.
to me, the suspension makes it totally worth it. it glides over potholes, dips, turns, bumps, etc very easily and i can’t imagine the beefier tire being able to do it as nicely as the suspension. and the comfort of the slightly more upright riding position brings me home back to the 2000s when i was younger riding bmx everywhere. and they weren’t fast! this thing kicks off compared to my last used mtb (2003 Trek 49000) which i loved, but it was definitely overdue for an upgrade.
while i do admit, i felt all fancy riding the new G5 and the FX3, i honestly didn’t see a purpose in them changing it. is it really just about the weight these days? or the fancy feeling you get when you hear the words “carbon fiber…”
anyways, i love mine. the deep aquatic is such a beautiful colour. i would recommend it to anyone who is just like me. function over trend. what about the little old guy?!
Bonjour ! Donc la fourche en carbone est une illusion ? J’hésite entre le DS 3 gen 4 et 5 pour mon fils. J’ai déjà un DS 3 2021 orange avec suspension. C’est bien, lourd et ça grince maintenant.
DS3 Gen4 is may favorite over DS3 Gen5. (My wife and I both have the Gen4 - we also have the FX 7.4) The weight difference isn’t as much a deal as Trek makes it out to be, in some instances it can be handy to have a little extra weight. Suspension is very useful in certain situations : roots,large gravel, uneven pavement etc. if you would like larger tires the Gen 4 max out at 700x45 with fenders and 29x2.10 without Gen 5 is only 27.5x2.0 - both are great bikes but I like my Gen 4.
The suspension fork eats into your pedaling efficiency.
As always with trek, you really need the highest model or else you're losing out a lot.
I just weighed the DS 3 (Gen 4) and (Gen 5) today and it was less than 2 pounds lighter. For most that's not noticeable.
However, I almost always recommend the new Gen 5 DS because its a newer, stronger frame design that can absorb more bumps and take more impacts than the old DS.
The SR Coil 63mm shock on the Gen4 is actual junk. The 27x2.0 tires on the new DS can be inflated much lower to give that smooth ride, and the wider tread provides more grip on gravel/trails. And a more balanced, in-control ride.
(Best of all the tire has a bald middle patch so its even faster on road too!)
The only people I recommend the old Gen 4 is for very tall individuals. 6+ feet. Or if they for some reason need a shock and want the skinny tire.
Hope this clears up for people.
Yes this update is quite confusing, makes it much harder to sell the old models.
These are great points!
What other brands sell hybrid bikes that is as good as trek but I don’t have to get the latest models to not lose out a lot like you said
front suspension and thick tires is a must if you ride in city with bad bike infrastructure and curb passing. you're not racer weight does not matter
Im waiting for the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5, because I want a bike that I can change the tire and turn it into a faster fitness bike and can go back to the bigger tire for some off road. I think the one with the carbon fork will be faster than the last gen and more nimble.
The Gen 5 ds 3 is a lot like my Kona Rove Plus. 650b tires, no suspension and Deore 10 speee. My venture wtb tires are pretty much worn out and will be replacea with something more gravelly. Instant DS3 gen 5.
Yeah, Kona has had a few bikes like this over the years. I think it's a clever idea
Got the ds3 gen5 for 500usd second hand!
Those trails look really fun! Beautiful fall colors. Where is that?
Interested in knowing how the Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 rides on paved roads: too much resistance on those chunky tires?
@@LostInLeiden nah its still pretty fast
So, with all the changes to the fen 5, would it be worthwhile to add a suspension fork?? Would this make the wider tires perform even better than on the gen 4?
Probably better to get a trek marlin and modify it slightly
Thanks for the video. Do you know if the DS2+ (hybrid electric) models come with the better forks, etc. ?
Makes you wonder if they will continue with both the DS and FX series if they're doing away with the suspension fork?
exactly what i thought
@all, questions to the group. DS 2 Gen 4 or DS 1 or 2 Gen 5, I am more of a pavement but I would like the versatility of gravel as well. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.
I just picked up a DS2 Gen5. I think it has the best "bang for your buck" out of the new Gen5 models. You get better Shimano components and hydraulic disc brakes on the DS2 vs the lower end components and mechanical disc brakes on the DS1. I use my DS2 Gen5 mainly for fitness rides on paved areas, but I've taken it on gravel and grass too and have had no issues. I was surprised how nice it rolled for having such a wide tire. It also has a nice upright position, which will help your body handle bumps better. Very comfortable ride. I'd go with the DS2 Gen5.
Just brought one of those home today. Checked a lot if my shopping boxes.
The wider 650b tires are awesome 👌
Would you say a Marlin 6 with the XR2 Comp tires would be a little more durable overall?
Yes
What bike are you riding on this video just curious thanks
I hate a rigid fork on anything other than a paved road.
In your opinion, will a new version of Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 be released in 2025?
I'd be surprised, the industry in general has seen a massive slow down, at best a new color will be released
@@goodluckchrisclark I agree..thanks
Bring back the suspension as an option.
Nah mate
You have tons of others bikes with suspension ;)
I hate suspension fork when climbing hills. It just eats all of your power.
It's good to have that option at least. You can lock the suspension if you don't want to use it. There is that feature too.
fx sport 6 is a good bike too
Peace! Why Are you showing vid of a differential bike Then u talk about?
Sorry, just showing the whole line up in this video all are the new Generation Dual sport
From what minute is ds3g5?
@@goodluckchrisclark did you ride the gen 5 ds3?
@@goodluckchrisclark peace