Is Trek Verve 3 Disc.Is It The Best Hybrid Bike? [Review]
A comfortable riding experience can make you love cycling more. This is a comprehensive review of the Trek Verve 3 disc, a hybrid bike with a great comfort level.
If you are looking for a suitable hybrid bike, as one of the best bike brandswe have the full content of the Trek Verve review for you.
What are the features of the Trek Verve 3 disc, which is super comfortable and retails for under 1,000? Which ones do we like? What do we not like?
At the end of the article, we have a comparison of the bikes for you, so you can better understand if this bike is worth buying?
Features of Trek Verve 3 disc
Alpha Gold Aluminum frame (4.5/5)
Trek Verve have always been very strong on the versatility and comfort of the Alpha Gold Aluminum frame, and that’s exactly what happened.
Not only that, trek bikes designed trek verve 3 bike this bike, at the same time designed two models, respectively for men and women who commute or ride for fitness: the Verve 3 Disc and the Verve 3 Disc Lowstep, both with their own unique features.
The top tube of the Verve 3 Disc has a slight curve from front to back and tapers down near the seat post. This indirectly reduces the difficulty of straddling. It also has an upright geometry, which allows the rider to maintain an upright riding position and protects the shoulder and lumbar muscles from being strained.
In addition, the frame has racks and fender mounts, which are very easy to install and allow the bike to have more storage space.
Riders who like to work out don’t have to worry about the number of water bottles that can be installed. The frame has a water bottle holder mount at the downtube and seat tube for long rides or fitness rides with plenty of hydration. Keep your body healthy.
2X9 Drivetrain (4.2/5)
Trek Verve 3 Disc is not a complete Shimano Acera drivetrain, with superb robustness. And there is little to no jarring when shifting.
The KMC X9 Chain further enhances the drivetrain’s durability. If you like to ride fast, then this paired component will allow you to ride over 5,000 miles without any problems.
Front Fork and ThruSkew (4.8/5)
The alloy shock fork will keep you from damaging it over long rides and ensure continued riding stability.
Next is the quick release feature of the fork, which I was originally not a big fan of. The traditional barrel axle is more durable and ensures that the front wheel doesn’t come off easily. But the Verve 3 disc still uses the quick release feature, and to my surprise, the ThruSkew feature.
ThruSkew captured quick release skewer ensures your front wheel will never drop out unintentionally. A simple solution for added peace of mind.
Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brakes (4.5/5)
Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes are a mid-range component. But the braking effect and longevity are obvious.
In our test of mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes, it was the hydraulic disc brake that braked more easily and effortlessly.
Just a light touch of the brake lever is all it takes to complete effective braking, providing superb braking power even on rainy bike paths or smooth downhill roads.
Bontrager IsoZone handlebar (4.7/5)
As the top model 3 of Trek Verve, it is equipped with handlebars that provide easy adjustment of handlebar height to change the riding position. Adjustable components that allow your family to ride comfortably as well.
In addition, the Bontrager IsoZone handlebars make an effort to damp the vibration, and the IsoZone material absorbs road bumps and buzzes. It puts you in a good mood to ride it.
Last but not least is the traditional item that ensures a comfortable ride, the Blendr compatible, which is great for mounting a cell phone mount or navigator, or also the searchlight that will be necessary for riding. A detailed component that maintains a clean look and the friendliness of a comfortable ride.
Shock absorbing seat post (4.8/5)
This is the same accessory as the Trek Verve 2 Disc. 27.2mm of travel. It has a very good riding experience in city roads. This serves the same purpose as the shock absorbing fork.
Bontrager H5 Hard-Case Ultimate Tires (4.5/5)
Long rides are often worried about tire durability, and for this reason, the Verve 3 Disc uses Bontrager H5 Hard-Case Ultimate tires, 700x45c wide tires that also have added puncture resistance.
The only drawback is that it is not a vacuum tire. But its Bontrager Tubeless Ready Disc Rim is supported to change to vacuum tires.
Clean internal alignment
The obvious difference between a cheap hybrid bike and a mid-range hybrid bike is the presence or absence of internal alignment.
Of course, my opinion on this is arbitrary, but it’s the most proven way to tell.
Internal cable routing makes the cables less prone to damage and gives a cleaner look on the body. The absence of cable snags makes the frame smoother as well.
Limited Lifetime Warranty Aftermarket
For easily damaged components, there is a clear standard warranty length in the warranty manual.
However, there is a lifetime warranty on the frame and fork. This is the reason why Trek bikes have a good reputation and their confidence in the bikes Trek produces.
Trek Verve 3 Specs
Frameset
| Frame | Alpha Gold Aluminum, rack fender mounts, DuoTrap S compatible, IS disc brake mount, 135x5mm QR |
| Fork | Verve Alloy, threaded steel steerer, rack mounts, post mount disc, 460mm axle-to-crown, ThruSkew 5mm QR |
Wheels
| Hub front | Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm QR |
| Hub rear | Formula DC-22, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5mm QR |
| Rim | Bontrager Tubeless Ready Disc, 32-hole, Presta valve |
| Tire | Bontrager H5 Hard-Case Ultimate, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x45c |
| Max tire size | 700x45c with or without fenders |
Drivetrain
| Shifter | Size: S, M, L, XLShimano Acera M3000, 9 speed |
| Size: S, M, L, XLShimano Acera SL-M3010, 2 speed | |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Acera T3000, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Alivio M3100, long cage |
| Crank | Size: S, MShimano MT210, 46/30, chainguard, 170mm length |
| Size: L, XLShimano MT210, 46/30, chainguard, 175mm length | |
| Cassette | Shimano HG200, 11-36, 9 speed |
| Chain | KMC X9 |
| Pedal | Bontrager City pedals |
Components
| Saddle | Bontrager Boulevard |
| Seatpost | Alloy, adjustable suspension, 27.2mm, 300mm length |
| Handlebar | Size: S, MBontrager IsoZone alloy, 31.8mm, comfort sweep, 620mm width |
| Size: L, XLBontrager IsoZone alloy, 31.8mm, comfort sweep, 660mm width | |
| Grips | Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Plus, lock-on, ergonomic |
| Stem | Size: S, MBontrager alloy quill, 31.8mm clamp, adjustable rise, Blendr compatible, 85mm length |
| Size: L, XLBontrager alloy quill, 31.8mm clamp, adjustable rise, Blendr compatible, 105mm length | |
| Headset | 1-1/8” threaded, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings |
| Brake | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc |
| Brake rotor | Shimano RT26, 6-bolt,160mm |
FAQ
M-frame is 14.35 kg / 31.64 lbs.
Trek Verve 3 Disc is available in Metallic Gunmetal and Mulsanne Blue paint colors, which are very suitable for young men.
The Trek Verve 3 Disc Lowstep is available in Quicksilver and Purple Abyss.
- Which size rider does the Trek Verve 3 Disc fit?
- What is the Verve 3 Disc and Trek Verve 3 Disc Lowstep price?
Comparison Table
| Bicycle | Frame material | Wheel size | Speed Number | Price |
| 2023 Trek Verve 1 Disc | Aluminum | 700x45c | 21 | Click View |
| 2023 Trek Verve 2 Disc | Aluminum | 700x45c | 24 | Click View |
| 2023 Trek Dual Sport 3 | Aluminum | 700x40c | 10 | Click View |
| Schwinn GTX Elite Hybrid Bike | Aluminum | 700x38c | 24 | Click View |
Competition
Trek Verve 1 Disc vs Verve 3 Disc
The Trek Verve 1 Disc uses a lower-end, incomplete Shimano Altus 3X7 drivetrain than the Trek Verve 3 Disc.
Among them is the Shimano Tourney front derailleur, which is slightly less sturdy and responsive than the Verve 3 Disc.
Then there is Wellgo nylon platform, which is also of poorer quality and easily damaged. Lastly, mechanical disc brakes are used. So the trek verve 1 disc is a simplification of some core components in the Verve 3 Disc, and the riding comfort of the trek Verve 3 Disc is also more comfortable.
With a lower price tag, the trek verve 1 is suitable for riders on a lower budget. It is also slightly lighter at 0.8 lbs. If you are looking for better riding comfort, the Trek Verve 3 Disc is well worth a try.
Verve 2 Disc vs 3 Disc
Between the Trek Verve 2 Disc and the trek Verve 3 Disc, the differences are centered on the drivetrain.
The Trek Verve 2 Disc uses an incomplete Shimano Altus 3X8 drivetrain. gear counts are provided. The Trek Verve 3 Disc uses the Shimano Acera 2X9 drivetrain. Seems to be a little more high-end.
But the difference is not that big. The Verve 3 Disc is for riders on a bigger budget who are looking for an incredibly comfortable ride.
You get a lot of bang for your buck with the Trek Verve 2 Disc. The choice between these two is a toss-up for me as well.
Trek Dual Sport 3 vs Trek Verve 3 Disc
Both the Trek Dual Sport 3 and the Trek Verve 3 Disc are very close in price. The Trek Dual Sport 3 and Trek Verve 3 Disc are very similar in price, but they are two different styles of hybrid bikes. The terrain is also different.
For the Trek Dual Sport 3, there is a hydraulic locking SR Suntour NEX shock fork, Shimano Deore 1X10 drivetrain, and Bontrager GR1 Expert puncture-resistant 700x40c tires. Both of these are great bikes to buy.
In the actual riding experience, we have our own opinion about the trek dual sport 3 2022 review.If you live in the Midlands or like hilly mountain riding you’ll be well suited to the Trek Dual Sport 3. The Trek Verve 3 Disc is the model that will give you comfortable neighborhood rides or the occasional gravel ride.
So for me personally, I prefer to call it city bikes.
Schwinn GTX Elite Hybrid Bike vs Trek Verve 3 Disc
With a choice of hybrid bikes at a variety of prices, the Schwinn GTX has a decent package: 3X8 drivetrain, dual sport frame, and hard wearing tires.
Of course, this is a step down from the comfort of the Trek Verve 3 Disc.
From quick morning commutes to short trips on long weekends, the Schwinn GTX has all your riding needs covered.
With its lightweight dual-sport aluminum frame, sturdy mechanical disc brakes and multi-condition tires, the ride is always smooth. Enjoy the freedom of riding Schwinn.
That’s why the Schwinn GTX Hybrid Bike is a hybrid bike worth considering.
Final Verdict (4.7/5)
With the ultimate in comfortable riding enjoyment, the Trek Verve 3 Disc is a hybrid bike designed for commuter riders and casual riders looking for a comfortable ride. Under 1000, I would call it one of the best hybrid bicycle.It is a great bike to buy. We finally gave it an overall rating of 4.7.If you are interested in Trek, you can go to Google Trek bikes sale. Then you will get the latest Trek bikes and other information.
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The best electric bike conversion kits 2023 and how to fit them
The best electric bike conversion kits can give you an extra boost of power without the expense of purchasing a new electric bike. We’ve fitted some of the best e-bike conversion kits ourselves, so will walk you through the process, how easy it is and how the different systems perform.
E-bikes are soaring in popularity – and for good reason. The best electric bikes replace a car for running errands around town and greatly increase the distances it’s possible to ride on one of the best commuter bikes. An e-bike can also be a great tool for boosting your fitness, whether that’s enabling you to ride with a greater range of people or offering the motivation of a greater range of roads to explore.
But is an e-bike worth it,? As the best ebike conversion kits promise to add power to an ‘analogue’ bike for a lot less than a full ebike, it’s an easy, cheaper way to get an electric boost.
In this guide we’ll take you through the surprisingly broad range of benefits an e-bike conversion kit has to offer and – most importantly – how to perform an e-bike conversion, based on our hands-on experience. For a walk-through on how to do it, you can check out the video above or read on for a step-by-step guide – it genuinely is so much simpler than you would think.
When buying an ebike conversion kit there are a number of factors you’ll need to consider. Most importantly you’ll need a kit that will fit your bike. To help with this it pays to take a few frame measurements, notably the width of your forks and the width of the rear stays, as well as noting the wheel size and the type of brakes. You can then match these details to the kit specifications.
Naturally you’ll also need to consider the cost and how much you chose to spend on an ebike conversion kit will be dictated by not only your budget but also your needs. If you’re unsure of just how much you’ll use the converted bike then it’s prudent to opt for a cheaper kit. you can always upgrade down the road.
You’ll also want to consider where the motor will be located, and match this to your bike and your mechanical prowess. Front hub motors are typically the easiest to fit, while mid-drive motors require more effort. A rear hub motor lies somewhere in between the two, and like a front hub option is applicable to a wide range of bikes.
Other considerations include the type of battery and the wattage rating. 36 or 48 volt battery is standard, with wattage usually running from 300 to 600 watts.
The Swytch kit is super-simple: just swap out your front wheel, wire up the controller and battery and you’re off. The battery is also very compact, allowing you to remove it from the bike easily to carry with you.
The TongSheng kit positions the motor at the centre of the bike, so it will fit to a wide range of designs. It’s lightweight for its high torque and power output, although you’ll need to buy the battery separately.
The Voilamart kit is an inexpensive rear wheel conversion option, although you’ll have to source a battery separately. It’s slightly fiddly to fit as well and requires additional waterproofing if you plan to ride in wet weather.
The best electric bike conversion kits
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Specifications
Wheel sizes: Each wheel is custom built – specify your required size at checkout (Bromptons also catered for)
Reasons to avoid
The newly updated Swytch system is one of the simplest conversion kits to fit out there. The latest version, launched in August 2022, has a smaller, neater battery pack that improves the bike’s dynamics and lowers its weight. There’s the choice of the Air battery (700g, range 15km) or the Max battery (1,100g, range 30km). Both use the same mount, which places the battery to the front of the handlebar.
The motor sits in the front hub and we found it to be pretty discreet. Incidentally, the new batteries will work with the original motor and pedal sensor, so if you already own the original kit you can upgrade it with just a new battery without having to buy the whole kit again.
The Swytch kit is incredibly easy to fit. It took us around 30 minutes working at a steady pace.
We tested it on both a reasonably light two-speed steel bike and a heavier Pinnacle utility bike. It transformed the ride of the two-speed bike, making it fast, nimble and responsive. We also found the stated range to be conservative: after 20 miles on setting number two (medium assist) it had only used two bars out of five on the battery.
With the heavier Pinnacle on maximum assist (and on draggy routes) we were getting slightly under the 30km for the Max battery. As with all e-bike batteries, range depends on the terrain, weight of bike and level of assist.
Great customer support makes this one of the best kits for people who are new to working on their bike and who aren’t familiar with electrics. And even if you do have a strong background in both those areas, a simple system is always appreciated.
Reasons to avoid
Like the Bafang mid-drive system below, the TongSheng offers the same benefits of compatibility with a wide range of bike designs and a high torque for steep hills and off-road terrain. However, the TongSheng mid-drive does manage to be a little lighter than the Bafang for approximately the same power.
This model doesn’t come with a battery included, so you’ll have to source your own 36v item. As a rule of thumb, around 10Ah will give a range of 29km / 18mi, whereas going up to 18Ah will typically give around 53km / 33mi, so be sure to factor that in when you’re making your choice.
There’s a huge range of batteries sold on Amazon, but Green Cell is a particular brand we’d recommend.
We found fitting to be reasonably easy. As with most mid-drive systems, you replace your crank and chainring with the one provided in the kit. There’s an LCD display for attaching to your handlebars and you’ll need a battery to be hooked up to the motor.
Read more: TongSheng TSDZ2 conversion kit review
Reasons to avoid
A mid-motor drive system offers a number of benefits over hub-driven conversion kits. With the power delivered at the cranks it can produce more torque, making it more effective on particularly steep and bumpy terrain.
Another perk is that the compatibility is much greater – no concern about wheel diameters, hub widths, axle standards and brake type. No matter whether you’re running rim brakes or disc, quick release or thru-axle, the crank driven system is compatible with all.
The only proviso is that the frame material must be alloy and the bottom bracket width is 68–73mm – but that covers most bikes you’re likely to be fitting this system to.
There are a few aspects to be aware of, the first being that this system doesn’t include a battery and that typically makes up about half the cost of a conversion kit. Finding an e-bike battery is quite straightforward with many being sold on Amazon, with Green Cell being among those we’d recommend.
Just make sure to get a 36V one for this motor as a higher voltage can damage it. Also you should be aware that capacity of 10Ah will give you a range of about 29km / 18mi, while a capacity of 18Ah typically gives about 53km / 33mi – so be sure to factor in the distances you’re planning on riding.
Reasons to avoid
This radically different approach from Rubbee makes for an e-bike conversion with much fewer parts. The battery and motor are housed in a single unit which powers the bike directly turning the rear wheel with its integrated roller.
Not only is the initial installation notably fast and easy, the quick release system means that you can take off the unit for rides that you don’t wish to be assisted on. At 2.8kg, it doesn’t add much weight to that of the bike, making the bike easier to handle.
The range of this model is quite low, limited to Eco mode it only offers a range of 16km / 10mi – although taking the device off to charge at the other end is easy to do and it only takes an hour to top up. There is the option to increase your range by buying additional battery modules that fit into the base unit.
Up to three can be accommodated, which in turn increases the maximum range to 48km / 30mi, or around 23km / 14mi with moderately heavy use. However, unlike many other e-bike systems, the Rubbee X supports regenerative braking, allowing you to scrub back some power on the descents.
Reasons to avoid
Bafang is a well established maker of electric bike motors and offers a front hub based motor, if you’re not a fan of the bulky profile a mid motor conversion system creates. You can buy this kit without a battery – although why would you? – but if you sensibly also opt for a power-pack there’s a choice of amp hours, and you can select either a downtube or a rear-rack mounted version.
The setup follows the same principles as most front-wheel e-bike conversions. First you need to set up the wheel with a disc rotor, tyre and inner tube and install that into the bike. Then attach the cadence sensor – so it can tell when you’re pedalling and need assistance – then attach the battery and the LCD display and you’re essentially good to go!
It’s worth bearing in mind that although this conversion kit comes in many different wheel sizes, it is only compatible with bikes that have a front disc brake and a Quick-Release axle. If your disc brake bike is a newer, more expensive model, it might not be compatible, so worth checking first.
Remember, that in the UK electric bike laws mean that e-bikes are not permitted to have a power output of more than 250w and shouldn’t propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph – you’ll have to make sure you select the right model with the relevant limitations.
Reasons to avoid
We’ve also tested the Voilamart kit, which comes with six main parts: the replacement rear wheel, the replacement brake levers, the control screen, pedal sensor, throttle and the control box. It doesn’t come with a battery however.
On review we found the kit pretty straightforward to fit, although you’ll need to remove the bike’s crank to fit the pedal sensor and this element of the conversion was a bit fiddly. Another potential drawback is that the connectors, which link to control unit, aren’t waterproof, with only a bag supplied to house the delicate electronics. While it does a good job of keeping everything tidy, we decided to buy a plastic enclosure, cut the wires to length, solder the connections and then heat shrink for added protection.
As for the ride, the rear wheel kit delivers plenty of power. However, since the pedal sensor only detects when you’re pedalling rather than how hard you’re pedalling it delivers the power as soon as your start to turn the crank arms. Fortunately, you can quickly adjust the level assistance, with five power options available.
All in all the Voliamart rear wheel kit is an affordable way to ‘go electric’, although it requires you to be mechanical competent to fit it and you’ll need to factor in the additional cost of a battery.
How to convert your bike to an e-bike in four steps
Here’s our step-by-step guide to how to add an electric bike conversion kit to your pedal-powered bike.
Swap the tyre and tube
Firstly, remove the tyre and tube from your current front wheel and then install them on the new wheel from the kit. Make sure to check if the tyre is directional, if it is, ensure that the tyre is mounted so that the cable sticking out of the hub is on the left-hand side (non-driveside) when the wheel is installed in the bike – otherwise it’ll be powered in the opposite direction to your direction of travel!
To swap the tyre and tube over, you will need some tyre levers and a pump. If you want to go over how to do these, we have a guide that can be accessed here.
Final points are to do up the nuts on the wheel’s axle to keep it firmly in place in the forks and to check that the brakes are correctly adjusted for the new wheel. If you’re unsure how to do that, we have another guide here.
Attach the bracket to the handlebars
There is a strap that needs to be attached to the bars to keep the bracket in place and stop it rotating around. There are also some adaptors included in the kit which can be used if your handlebars are a little skinnier.
But essentially all that’s needed to be done here is a couple of screws to clamp the bracket tightly to the bars.
Attach magnet disc and sensor
The magnet disc has a split design so it can just clip around the inside of the left (non-driveside crank) and is then held in place by its retention ring. Next, stick the sensor on the frame directly in line with the magnets – this will ensure that the sensor can tell when the cranks are moving.
Plug in the cables
The thickest one is the main power cable and that just needs to be plugged into the cable extending from the hub. The other orange cable attaches to the cadence sensor and this just needs plugging in as well.
It’s then a good idea to use some cable ties to tidy up the lengths of the cables a little bit, so they aren’t flapping about and risk getting caught on the spokes or on the cranks.
The blue cables, you don’t need to worry about, these are for an optional brake sensor upgrade kit.
Why convert your bike to an e-bike?
What types of conversion kit are available?
You can get conversion kits that power your front or rear wheel or power the bikes via the cranks.
Wheel-based systems usually have a hub motor and require replacement of your existing wheel with a compatible motorised one.
The alternative is a system like the Rubbee that drives your wheel by pushing on the tyre. Tyre wear can be an issue here though.
Finally, there are systems that power the e-bike via the bottom bracket.
Usually the e-bike’s battery will bolt onto your frame or be attached to your handlebars, although sometimes you can fit a battery pack to a rear rack.
We’ve more on compatibility. which can be an issue. below.
How much does it cost to convert a bike to an e-bike?
vary depending on the type of conversion kit and the size of the battery. To give a rough Band, you can expect to pay a total of between £500 and £800 from a reputable brand, but there will be outliers at either end.
Is it worth converting a bike to an e-bike?
There are many reasons to upgrade your bike to offer a little e-assistance. On the one hand, it can greatly increase the usefulness of your bike, enabling you to replace short car journeys – such as around town, to the shops, or to work – with going by bike instead.
It’s a lot more environmentally friendly getting about on two wheels than in a two-ton metal box. It can also save you time – bikes are able to take more direct routes and are less affected by traffic, as well as eliminating the need to search for a parking space at the other end.
But beyond just their practical benefits, e-bikes can also be a potent tool for boosting your fitness. Consistency is key when it comes to exercise, so making commitments with friends is a great way to ensure you’re heading out the door. Previously, differing fitness levels could make it difficult to find a riding partner but with an e-bike levelling the playing field, getting in a productive workout (for both of you) with a friend is much easier to do.
Added to that, an e-bike can be much more motivating in that it opens up a far greater range of roads than you’d be able to access just under the power of your own two legs. Exploring new roads is part of the fun of riding a bike and an e-bike can help preserve that.
Can you convert any regular bike to an e-bike?
Most bikes can be converted to an e-bike – it just requires getting the matching the right conversion kit to match the specification.
For conversion kits where the motor is located at the wheel’s hub, you’ll need to consider the wheel’s diameter, the width and axle standard of the hub and whether it uses rim or disc brakes. For instance, a 700c (AKA, 28”) disc brake wheel with a 100mm wide quick-release hub is a relatively common spec. Once you’ve determined what type of wheel you need, the conversion is quite a straightforward process
Crank driven systems are generally easier in terms of determining compatibility; the requirements are typically just an alloy frame and a bottom bracket width of between 68 and 73mm – which is the standard for all road and mountain bikes, it’s only specialist bikes that have a different spacing there. In replacing the crankset, these systems are a bit more involved to fit than a hub system, but still well within the remit of a home mechanic.
Other kits, such as those that directly drive the rear tyre, have almost universal compatibility – provided your tyres aren’t too heavily treaded.
Are electric bike conversion kits any good?
You won’t be getting the very best motors and the largest, seamlessly integrated batteries with an e-bike conversion kit. But with that said, e-bike conversion kits are much cheaper than purchasing a whole new e-bike and they do deliver many of the same benefits.
Converted e-bikes are great for commuting and utility cycling, giving that extra boost to help flatten hills, motor along the flat and lug about heavy loads. E-bike conversions are also good for leisure cycling, helping to moderate your effort level as needed and greatly extending the range you can explore.
For more specialist utility needs, buying a new cargo e-bike would help boost your carrying capacity and range. Equally, for the aesthetically conscious, the latest breed of e-road bikes are almost indistinguishable from a non-powered bike at first glance. Then again, both those options are much more expensive than a conversion.
How we test
Where we’ve been able to link to a review, it means that we’ve put the ebike conversion kit through its paces. We’ve assessed how easy it is to fit and maintain as well other factors such as quality of the components and battery life and charge time. Riding the bike once fitted with the kit, we’ve taken into account the ride quality, the ease of use and the battery range.
Where we haven’t yet had the chance to review an item, we’re still confident in recommending it as one of the best, because we either know the brand really well, and have probably tested another product or the previous version and can still happily recommend it as one of the best.
The Trek Verve 2 is an easy ebike with for commuters who only want a little extra help getting to work
Tom’s Guide Verdict
The Trek Verve 2 is a light and well-balanced electric bike with a responsive Bosch mid-drive motor. However, its relatively limited power assistance and high price makes it a tough sell among equally capable but lower cost ebikes.
Cons
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Battery: 400 Wh Max estimated range: 60 miles (Eco mode) Max assisted speed: 20 mph Motor: Bosch Active Line 250-watt mid drive motor Gearing: Shimano Alivio 9-speed Wheel diameter: 27.5 inches max Weight: 52 pounds
Most riders will find the Trek Verve 2 a little underpowered, especially compared to some of the best budget electric bikes from the likes of Rad Power, Juiced Bikes, and Aventon. On the other hand, for those who think those ebikes are somehow outre and want something subtler, this mild-mannered ebike may be just the thing.
Designed to be a daily commuter and weekend daytripper, the Trek Verve 2 doesn’t make any radical design statements or excessive power moves. This road bike is for those who want a no-hassle, low-maintenance easy rider with reliable components. Indeed, the low-step version of the Verve 2 we tested even makes it easy to climb aboard.
Trek Verve 2 Ebike review: Price and availability
Founded in the ’70s in Wisconsin, Trek has a reputation for solid construction and reliability — a reputation for which the company hopes shoppers are willing to pay a premium. Sold through retailers, Trek offers an extensive line of bikes, ranging from 13,000 carbon fiber road racers to full-suspension mountain bikes, as well as a full line of ebikes.
The 2,849.99 Verve 2 sits somewhere in the middle of the company’s ebike line. Compare, for example, Trek’s Domane ALR, which is a more serious distance road bike that starts at 5,049.99 and the Townie Go 8D EQ Step-Over bike for Sunday beach bathers that starts at 2,449.99.
Trek’s bikes are not available directly online but are rather ordered through retailers. The benefit is that you won’t have to skin your knuckles assembling it yourself.
Trek Verve 2 Ebike review: Design
The Trek Verve 2 is designed for casual riders and commuters. It’s available in sizes from XS to L, the largest of which will accommodate riders just over 6 feet tall. The bike has an aluminum frame with steel forks and wide straight handlebars for commuter comfort. You won’t find mountain-bike style front shocks on the Verve 2, but a foam Bontrager seat with a suspension seat post takes the edge off of potholes.
Trek also includes a neat chain guard that runs nearly the full length and ensures you’re not going to get a nice pair of pants or skirt mussied up in the gears. Furthermore, the essential power and brake wiring is fed through the down tube to keep things tidy and reduce the chances of damage. For convenience, front and rear quick release wheels are included.
To provide power assist, the Verve 2 uses a Bosch Active Line 250-watt, mid-drive motor to deliver smooth support and eliminate surprise surges of power. The bike has a top pedal assist speed of 20 mph and includes a Bosch controller and a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain with a 400Wh removable battery. Rounding out the feature list are hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-resistant tires, a kickstand and front and rear lights, plus metal fenders.
The Verve 2 also comes with a rear rack that uses the Racktime clip-on system, which makes it easy to use with compatible panniers and bags. One missing item: a bell or horn is not included, though it does have a headlight and taillight.
Trek Verve 2 Ebike review: Performance
The Trek Verve 2 offers smooth electric pedal assist performance and predictable handling. Its relatively light weight (52 pounds vs. 70 pounds for some ebikes) also makes it more maneuverable so riders will feel like they’re in control of the bike — rather than vice versa.
Although there’s no full-throttle mode, on city streets the mid-drive motor, which uses a torque sensor, is very responsive. The instant you apply pressure to the pedals you’ll receive some electric assistance. That makes it more seamless than many rear-hub motor models, which tend to suffer from a delay or turbo lag. Consequently, the Trek Verve 2 helps you start off from a dead stop, and it’s whisper quiet compared to rear motor designs. To bring everything to a halt, the bike’s hydraulic brakes are responsive without being too touchy.
Taking the Trek for trips in the countryside presented more of a challenge. The mild power assist even in the top Turbo mode may feel insufficient in helping me climb hills. And if you get caught in the wrong gear on an incline, you’ll find yourself getting up out of the saddle. So if you’re looking for help on the hills in San Francisco or Asheville, look elsewhere.
One advantage of the Verve 2 is that you can use it in full manual mode. Electric support is not necessary. Compare that to big gravel bikes like those from Aventon or Biktrix, which are so heavy you’ll never want to be stuck somewhere without power.
The Bosch controller for the electrics displays speed, range, amount of electric assistance selected, and the battery level. There’s also a button for walk mode, but you’re unlikely to need it unless you’re pushing the bike up a steep hill.
We also found that the front headlamp could be brighter for daytime visibility (initially, we didn’t realize it was on).
Trek Verve 2 Ebike review: Battery life and range
The Bosch controller on the Verve 2 is a basic LCD display that allows you to choose between four power assist modes: Turbo, Sport, Tour, and Eco. As the nomenclature might suggest, you’ll get the most range out of Eco modeup to 60 miles, according to Trekand then in descending order less distance the more electric push you ask for with Turbo mode rated for 25 miles.
Because we didn’t find the lower power modes much of a help on hills, we primarily used Turbo mode during our weeks of testing. Facing significant hills and with a 170-pound rider aboard, we got an average of 23 miles out of Turbo mode. That’s a reasonable result, given the challenging terrain. But depending on where you ride, how much you weigh, and how much electric assistance you prefer, your mileage may vary.
Trek Verve 2 Ebike review: Competition
If you’re looking for an ebike for between 1,400 and 1,900, there are a raft of choices from reputable but relative newcomers, including the Rad Power Rad City5 Plus, and the Charge Bikes City, both of which cost 1,799. In this end of the market, you’ll get more power for your money, but the bikes typically use a less-desirable rear hub motor and are heavier, intended for gravel and occasional off-road use.
If you’re considering the more suburban Trek Verve2 and have the 2,800 to spare, there are plenty of choices from other established brands. Cannondale, for example, offers the Adventure Neo 4 for the same price and boasting nearly the identical powertrain and feature set. However, Cannondale’s model has more style than the Trek bike, concealing the battery as part of its downtube, for example.
And if you want a truly no-fuss, sophisticated ebike commuter, our first choice is still the Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB, although it’s considerably more expensive (4,249).
Trek Verve 2 Ebike review: Bottom line
It’s difficult to make a value case for the Trek Verve 2. Among the best electric bikes and best budget electric bikes, there are many available with comparable abilities and much more power — for a lot less money. On the other hand, lighter casual riders will find the Verve 2 more manageable and maneuverable than many of those less expensive models. Furthermore, Trek is sold through traditional brick-and-mortar retailers versus models that are only sold directly online, so buyers don’t have to face the annoyance of putting the bike together themselves.
John R. Quain has been reviewing and testing video and audio equipment for more than 20 years. For Tom’s Guide, he has reviewed televisions, HDTV antennas, electric bikes, electric cars, as well as other outdoor equipment. He is currently a contributor to The New York Times and the CBS News television program.