Eric Bangeman
When it got here time to purchase our son his “grownup” bike, the Trek FX 2 was a straightforward alternative. Not solely is the candy-red coloration eyepopping, however the hybrid provides hydraulic disc brakes and an aggressive using place for $749. So when Trek provided us the prospect to evaluate the FX+ 2, we jumped on the probability to take it for a trip or three.
It isn’t usually that we get to evaluate an electrified model of a motorcycle we’re accustomed to, so we’ll begin with the variations between the FX+ 2 and the FX 2. Let’s get the largest one out of the best way: the value. The Trek FX+ 2 retails for $2,499, over 3 times the value of its unelectrified sibling (additionally considerably greater than some hybrid e-bikes, lots of that are made by new corporations most of us have by no means heard of). A few of the worth distinction comes from the motor and battery—the motor itself sells for $450—however you are additionally getting an built-in bike pc with cadence and pace sensors together with an influence meter. All it is advisable to entry the built-in gear is the Trek Join app.
Eric Bangeman
Element-wise, the FX+ 2 is similar to the FX 2. They use the identical Shimano shifter and cassette, the identical aluminum wheels, and the identical Alpha Gold aluminum body. The variations between the 2 largely come right down to modifications wanted for the electrical bits and the tires. The FX+ 2 comes with 700×40 mm tires as an alternative of 35s and has a max tire measurement of fifty mm, whereas the FX 2 is capped at 38 mm. Lastly, the FX+ 2 has a rear rack, fenders, and built-in headlight and taillight.
Eric Bangeman
Out there with a step-over and step-through body, the FX+ 2 has a Hyena Gen 2 250 W motor positioned within the rear hub powered by a 250 Wh battery that’s built-in into the downtube. Trek additionally sells a variety extender that attaches to the downtube and doubles the bike’s vary to 70 miles. It is a Class 1 e-bike, providing pedal help as much as 20 mph with no throttle.
It doesn’t appear to be an e-bike
Eric Bangeman
In a world of heavy e-bikes with clunky frames, the streamlined FX+ 2 with its inner cable routing appears very similar to its completely human-powered sibling. If you understand the place to look, you may spot the variations. Trek has additionally ignored the large shows widespread to e-bikes, as an alternative selecting a minimalist management system consisting of three buttons and eight coloured lights. 5 inexperienced lights present the remaining cost, and the three purple lights present the enhance degree. Holding down the plus button for 2 seconds may even flip the headlight (120 lumens) and taillight on.
My first trip on the FX+ 2 was 19 miles of motorcycle path and street from a suburban Chicago Trek retailer again dwelling. I did not trouble launching the Trek app and configuring the bike; I simply hopped on and began using. At 40.13 lbs (18.2 kg), the FX+ 2 is about 15 lbs (7 kg) heavier than the FX 2, however I by no means acquired the sense that I used to be working tougher than regular. I experimented with the three help modes and ended up utilizing Excessive for a lot of the trip, largely as a result of I wanted to get again to my desk—and going quick is enjoyable.
