With Gravel really taking off I made some changes to my “Fitness bike” (at least that’s what Trek calls it). I gotta say it’s a fun Hybrid especially on the flats. It really reminds me of a 90’s rigid mtb.
That’s awesome! It’s a pretty versatile bike for sure. Now that I have gravel tires on it I feel like it can handle a lot more too. Thanks for the comment!
Last year I gave my FX to a friend and bought a Checkpoint for single-track and gravel riding after I moved to northwest Arkansas. Made me realize how "bad" the FX was. It got my through four years of riding in SF, so I can't knock it too hard, but holy cow is there a difference between a budget bike and a mid-level as far as heft, drivetrain, and handling goes. I would think beyond the $3,000 mark you get rapidly diminishing returns. RIP my sweet FX.
I agree, I have a mtb background so normally I’m on one of my mountain bikes for singletrack. When the trails are wet I’ll run the FX on gravel and pathways just thought it would be fun to give it a go for this video. I pulled off the entry level drivetrain from my FX and upgraded it with a Deore 1x10. If I got into more gravel riding I would likely invest in a proper gravel bike. For now this one checks all the boxes. Enjoy the Checkpoint!! That’s a nice bike!
Long live my trek 7500 FX combined speed comfort flexibility durability. A true all around bike My new FX 2 2023 is close but those crap hydro RUSH disc brakes are what holds this bike back. Will be upgrading soon. Watch out for video entitled TREK FX 2 1000 MILES
Honestly it’s pretty decent on gravel, Trek says 38c is the max tire but I fit some 40’s and there is still good clearance. I also flipped my stem so I have a better aero and aggressive riding position. I think the biggest thing I would gain from a true gravel bike is the more hand positions drop bars offer.
You can achieve both with old school bar ends and a flipped stem From my experiences, adding old school bar ends pulls you forward a little,opens up your chest, while at the same time allows you to get into an aero position. As long as the bar ends have 0 degree tilt.
I've often wondered. Do the quoted max tire sizes include the ISO 4mm clearance standard? My Hybrid states 35 mm Max but at measured 36 mm I have 7mm minimum clearance. I suspect if you were willing to settle for 2mm clearance 40s would be a nonissue.
The bike came factory with 35mm and spec sheet says max without fenders is 38mm. Right now with the 40mm tires I have 4-5mm on the drive side and I think 6mm-ish on the non-drive side (if I remember right). I think frame manufactures are measuring with a side of caution. I could have likely squeezed in a 42mm tire and still be fine. I also looked at gravel bikes and it looks like majority come with 38-42mm from factory. I figured if I need more then that I’m likely better off on one of my mountain bikes.
Nice bike! Even a 35mm gravel tire would do pretty good. I rode the factory Bontrager tires on some singletrack and gravel and it was fine. The new tires are better but I think it’s more the tread then the width.
This is the base model FX1. I have made some upgrades to it (1x10 Deore drivetrain, brake pads, tubeless gravel tires, new rear wheel). The FX6 is a great bike, carbon frame, nice components, disc brakes. It’s in the price point where I would also check out drop bar gravel bikes as well unless you have decided on flat bars.
I’ve had the FX6 for 3 months now and love it. I modified it a little. First thing I did was reverse the stem so I am less upright. Then switched the grips to ergonomic combo grip with short bar ends for an extra hand position. I switched the tires to Specialized Pathfinder S-Works tubeless 42mm. (Big difference) Then got Bontrager carbon handlebar & seatpost which takes a bit of the edge off the bumps. It reminds me a little of my old Kestrel mountain bike from the late 80’s. A bit lighter I think. It’s just under 21lbs. Living in a city, I use it mostly on the road. Ivan is right…..this can move on the flats and climbs bridges easily. I’ll be heading up to the mountains next month to do some gravel.
