Why not to get the Trek Verve!! | Replacement video!! 

Nathan, you should have stopped after your introductory statement. Other people's needs are indeed different. I had to give up road biking 15 years ago because I couldn't take the beating on my back, shoulder and neck. Mountain bikes were out of the question, so I became a walker. Now I know for 40 years I've been battling Ankylosing Spondylitis which attacks the spine, neck, hips, etc. with arthritis. After a hip replacement last year, finding the Verve 2 has been a game changer for me. I can finally ride again. The joy of biking is back and I can't tell you how liberating that feeling is. When you can ride anything you want, it's hard to grasp what it's like not to be able to ride anything. I get it. I was young too. A long time ago.

If you become fatigued after only 1/4 mile on a gravel path (as you claim while riding a Verve) perhaps you should be reviewing Lazy Boy recliners instead of bikes.

I have the fx as well as the verve 3 and I can tell you that the verve is FAR better as a commuter bike than the fx. Way more comfortable and just as quick. I do agree that It's not really and offroad bike but with the tires being a little wider it can handle very light trails. I hope this helps!

I love my Verve 2, it’s great for easy 5 miles around the neighborhood as well as 50 miles days on the trail. Everyone has their preference.

I recently discovered the joys of riding a more upright bike. Most people talk about comfort, but it's the fact that I have much better visibility/ability is what I really enjoy. On my previous bike my head was naturally angled to look at the ground, now more upright I can sightsee much better!

The Verve provides an upright riding position that The FX and Dual do not...Verve is Comfy and plenty fast. it's like riding in a Cadillac

Why are so many people convinced that you will get a "better" workout on a lighter/faster bike? I never understood this. I will never enter a race, and my goal is fitness. I do not see how a lighter bike with skinny tires will improve that. If I am comfortable on a heavier bike, and I will ride longer, why would I trade that for an uncomfortable bike that just gets me there faster?

Nathan, thanks for your thoughtful review. I'm going to assume you're a younger guy. I'm 52 now and spent a lot of my youth on mountain bikes. Mountain bikes that were full rigid back then (1980s), 26" wheels, 1.75" tires, cantilever brakes, thumb shifters and narrow flat bars. Suspension forks didn't become a thing until I'd been riding for 10 years at least. I broke plenty of parts and a few frames (but no bones) with my trail riding shenanigans. My current touring bike is a Surly Long Haul Trucker and with my racks and other gear last time I weighed the "Truck" it came in at around 47 lbs - that's without my loaded pannier bags lol. At his point in life my riding isn't about speed or efficiency and I don't obsess over weight (obviously). Riding for me is about the journey, comfort, seeing places, meeting people, staying fit, being able to bring stuff with me (cloths/food), or, in case I get too near a brewery, bring some beer home with me ;). Again thanks for the review but my point is people have different bike needs and different ideas and expectations when it comes to their rides. When I was a young fella I would have laughed at the bikes I love at 52 - upright heavy tanks with racks, bags, baskets. There may come a day for you as well when speed takes a back door to comfort. Keep the rubber side down Nathan. New SUB here ✌🏼

Verve seems better than fx. The prick is telling us nonsense. 99% of bikes are "fitness" oriented, so the ones that provide us with comfort, adjustable stem are a rare jewels. Not everybody is interested in sweating and racing. Some of us like a relax ride and comfort that are unmatched in upright seating position.

Do you not realize how many people prioritize comfort over anything else? I ride my verve on gravel regularly so whatever issues you’ve had sound like you problems, not bike problems.

Getting back into biking at 50 after a long layoff I started with a Specialised Sirrus X2.0 which is alot like the Trek FX. I found the riding position extremely uncomfortable on my joints - and after much switching out of parts I ended up with something that looks alot like the Trek Verve - elongated stem for a more upright position, swept-back bars for less wrist pain, bigger saddle for more comfort. Horses for courses.

I just got the Verve 2 , love it very smooth riding bike No complaints 8 miles every night 👍

I am a weightlifter and weigh around 260. My FX 7.7 os fast but puts too much weight on my shoulders. It gets uncomfortable riding with friends who go at cruising speeds. The Verve takes the weight off the shoulders making the cruise rides way more comfortable. The Verve is about comfort. People who are big, older, have injuries, just want a comfortable cruise on pavement or hard-packed, semi-hard packed bike trails etc. will find the Verve a good bike.

Bro comfort is the most important thing! Biking is just for fun and entertainment around the neighborhood.

As you noted, different riders need different things. I bought my Trek 2 Lowstep about a month after turning 60. I had originally wanted an FX, as it as it seemed like a good counterpart to my Electra Townie, but one short test ride later I was convinced that I didn't want to lean that far forward. I test rode a Verve 2 Lowstep and found it to be a good compromise, it felt sportier and more efficient than the Townie but still comfortable enough that I could ride it for long distances. I generally ride on city streets and paved bike trails and the Verve, hits a sweet spot for me. I would have loved the FX, or possibly a road bike, when I was a speed crazy teen and if my attempt to get back into riding in my early 30s had worked out, I could have seen myself trading up to something like an FX. It's just that at this stage in my life, I need something a little more comfortable.

As I've aged I realized I needed an easier bike to mount and dismount on. Both the 2022 Verve Lowstep and the 2022 FX Stagger solve that issue (unfortunately there's no equivalent sub-model in the Dual Sport line). With test drives I found the FX to be 'faster' on asphalt while the Verve simply didn't have the same get-up-and-go, which I attribute to its upright seating position and bigger tires. Take note: for sizing both the FX, the FX Stagger, the Verve and the Verve Stepthru all have different frame geometries beyond the obvious ones. To wit: being 5'10" I preferred the Verve Stepthru in medium over the large (which was too ungainly) but I ultimately settled on a FX Stagger in large (which is a bit smaller than a standard FX in large). Unfortunately there's simply no substitute for test riding before buying.

I have a verve 2 disc I've been using for a few years, I have a messed up lower back so I need the comfort, I use my bike to make short commutes and to go fishing with, by far best bike I've ever owned

I absolutely love my Verve. Its a comfortable bike to get outdoor and enjoy riding. Who is riding gravel on a Verve?

Thanks man, you saved me from buying a Verve. Gonna look into a dual sport.

My Trek FX was stolen and I replaced it with the Verve 3. The Verve is a slightly more heavy and not quite as fast, but, I like it better than the FX. I use it to commute to work, to the store and on paved trails. The wider tires make for a much more comfortable ride and the bike just feels more sturdy.

I love my trek verve 1

The Verve isn't for me but it does serve a purpose. For some people, it would be an ideal bike.

Test rode all three, and the Verve is the best fit for upright riding. At least for me,….

Of course this video is clearly personal opinion, bias, & speaking as a younger person hasn’t experienced joint pain that’s goes along within getting older, And personal opinion/bias should never dictate another’s buying decision

I have a Verve 2. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I have access to a network of 100 miles of concrete trails in my city. Verve 2 is amazing. I won’t cave to the bike snobs.

I love my 2021Verve 2 Disc. It goes fast, even with a Wheehoo trail attached. It is extremely comfortable! No wrists pain, no lower back pain. Tires are so earful. I do not like the 2021 Verve 3 Disc. It feels bulky and it is not as smooth as the 2021 V2. That is my experience after returning the Verge 3 and getting the Verve 2!

My Verve 2 is fine for 20-40 miles. It’s super comfortable. I can get a pretty good workout. And it’s fast. Street bike have trouble catching me on rail trails.

I don't have alot of safe places to ride, maybe 5 miles one way so 10 miles when I get back. My local bike shop has verve's and fx's, no dual sports this year. Everything else equal, which bike will I get more exercise from in those 10 miles, verve or fx? Thank you.

I have Verve 1 and 2 bikes and largely agree. The Verve 1s I got for free via corporate reward program. Both needed fixes of drivetrain upon arrival. Verve 1 seat is uncomfortable for more than casual or short rides. Riding position is poor for taller riders. The Verve 2s are better. Drivetrains worked fine. Seat more comfortable. Riding position good for taller rider. I used to ride road bikes and MTB so hybrids are a learning curve. Verve 1 is cheap and variable. Verve 2 is a decent rec ride for 30 minutes. My next hybrid purchase will be higher end for fitness and longer rides as recommended here. YMMV buy what suits you but know Verve is entry level, my experience.

I’m a year late, but Here goes. I wouldn’t just write this bike off. I’m a fitness cyclist and ride both road and gravel. I have an Orbea road bike and a Trek FX3. My wife wanted to join my rides, but suffers from arthritis in her hands. She’s not that old, early 50’s. The Verve 3 was a great choice for her. Of course I have to dial it back while riding with her, but that is equally due to my fitness level and bike type. She rides 20-30 mile rides with me, and can hold an 11-12mph pace. The Verve 3 was a perfect choice for her. I do wish that this came in a 1x drivetrain. 1x isn’t great for most bikes but I do appreciate the simplicity on my FX3.

The main reason people will buy these bikes are because they enjoy riding upright, looking around enjoying the scenery. I love my upright bike and it is no problem at all to ride twenty miles in a day.

Dual sport with carbon fork instead of suspension would be the best

Isn’t that the handle bar in Verve can be lowered if you’re in for faster more aggressive ride? And then can upright again when tired of leaning forward.

My argument would be the verve can use wider tires than the FX making it a better gravel bike. And that the shocks on the dual sport are awful Suntours. I think it could be better if it came with rigid forks and let the owner purchase good suspension. Or am I being to hard on coil spring Suntours?

Hi! Actually, I bought a Verve 2 lowstep two months ago and I really like this bike! I would like to know if I could convert it to electric with a front hub kit?

What difference does the quill stem make?

I think VERVE is for upright riding...

Great review. Definitely helped us decide. Cheers!

Thanks your opinion is same as mine . And made my mind more clearer what to get

Trek for life!!!!

I'm tired of waiting on the Dual Sport 4. And I want the 4, not the 3. So I was thinking of maybe the Verve 3. I think you have saved me from making a mistake with your comments about riding this in gravel. Oh, well, I'll just keep waiting. Come ON, Trek.

I prefer the fx its lighter and faster. I changed the seat and added a stem riser so its quite comfortable. I ride mostly on paved trails and rail trails.

This was your best video yet for me because of my biking needs. Thank you.

Damn this dude really hates the Verve for some reason lol