Trek FX 3 (2018)

Solid fitness bike backed by one of the top names in cycling

Pros

- all-Shimano drivetrain with a 9-speed cassette
- all-round reliable kit
- comfortable with a capacity for speed

Cons

- short on accessories
- braking power modest
- a little hefty

Review

If you’re in the market for a fitness bike suitable for commuting, general training and a bit of weekend fun then you’re spoilt for choice – there are literally hundreds of models to choose from within this category. Given that most of them carry a price tag of between $350 and $750, price variation may not be as big an issue as it is at the top of the range. So what distinguishes one bike from another? Many of them share common components and groupsets, so the thing that sets one apart from another is the pedigree of the manufacturer.

The 2018 version of Trek’s FX 3 is a good example; it sits mid-range in terms of price and shares components with plenty of bikes from lesser-known manufactures... and it’s a Trek.

If and when something goes wrong with the bike, the owner can feel confident that Trek’s vast network of dealers and support staff will honor any warranty issues.

The bike itself features an FX Alpha Gold Aluminum frame, complete with rack and mudguard mounts. The Bontrager Nebula carbon fork absorbs some of the vibrations coming up from the road and provides accurate, precise and responsive steering.

The frame features Bontrager’s DuoTrap S, an integrated sensor that wirelessly transmits ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart signals to your computer, tablet or phone. Mounted within the chainstay for a clean look and preserved aerodynamics, the DuoTrap is compatible with all ANT+ training devices including Garmin, Polar and Suunto, as well as Android and IOS smartphones.

Stopping power is courtesy of a set of Tektro alloy linear-pull brakes. For commuting and general rolling-around-town these brakes are fine, but they lack the power and precision to pull the bike up quickly when travelling at higher speeds.

Wheels and tires are provided by Trek’s perennial partner Bontrager – the rims are tubeless-ready, and the Bontrager H2 Hard-Case Lite 700×32c tires offer a good combination of traction, speed, width, and toughness.

Shimano are responsible for the drivetrain, a 9-speed HG20 11-34 rear cassette teaming up with a Shimano Acera M371 48/36/26 crankset to offer a huge range over the 27 possible gear selections. The Shimano EF65 shifters are solid and reliable, as are the front and rear derailleurs (Shimano Acera and Alivio T4000 respectively).

The Bontrager Satellite Plus IsoZone handlebars with a 15 mm rise are particularly easy to ride, and strike a nice blend between comfort and efficiency. Bontrager’s H1 saddle and SSR alloy seatpost also work nicely together, and the H1 lives up to its reputation for providing a comfortable ride, even after hours on the road.

A solid mix of value, quality and performance, the FX is a best-of-both-worlds combination of road bike speed and city bike versatility. If it’s a fitness hybrid bike you’re after, don’t look past the FX3 from Trek.

- Review by Marcus Speed.