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2022 Trek FX 3 Review

• by Riding With Ryan (Official)
• 56 Comments

This 2022 Trek FX 3 review covers everything you need to know about the best hybrid bike for 2022. The 2022 Trek FX 3 checks all the boxes: disc brakes, 1X drivetrain, tubeless ready wheels and more! Its a fitness hybrid, which means you can ride it like a flat bar road bike while staying comfortable, or use it to commute around town.

The FX 3 is the best value in the FX series. The FX 1 is heavy because it comes with a steel fork. There are some models of FX 1 that still have rim brakes. The Trek FX 2 has a similar price point to the FX 3, but the upgrades on the 3 are worthwhile. (We dive into those upgrades below!) Regarding the front fork, the FX 2 comes with an aluminum fork, while the FX 3 has a carbon fork. Carbon reduces vibrations, meaning the 2022 FX 3 will provide a more comfortable ride.

Trek FX vs Trek Dual Sport vs Trek Verve

The three most common hybrid bikes in Trek’s arsenal are the FX, Dual Sport, and Verve. Depending on how and where you ride, each model offers a unique set of features. The Trek FX is the Five-Star General for several reasons.

First, in a weight comparison the Trek FX is the lightest bike of these three hybrid models. The Dual Sport comes with a front fork suspension adding a lot of weight. That front fork isn’t good enough to classify the Dual Sport as a mountain bike because it has limited travel. There is more room for wider tires on the Dual Sport than the FX, but again, you aren’t going to fit a set of 2.6″ Maxxis DHF or DHR tires to make a full mountain bike conversion. At best, the Dual Sport is an over-equipped gravel bike.

The Trek Verve is also a heavier bike than the FX, and it doesn’t come with suspension. It still has a similar weight to the Dual Sport. Depending on frame size you can expect your Dual Sport or Verve to weigh in approximately 31-33 lbs, depending on frame size. The FX 3 weighs just 25 lbs, which means climbing hills and going fast will be a lot easier on the FX.

Trek FX 3 Maximum Tire Clearance

Speaking of tire clearance, the Trek FX 3 maximum tire size is listed at 38mm per Trek. Trek believes you need 6mm of clearance on each side of the tire. I run gravel tires that are 40mm wide on my FX 3 during the winter and when I know I will be riding a lot of gravel trails. They provide plenty of traction in all riding conditions, and adding an even wider tire would simply add unnecessary weight to the bike.

All three models come with rack and fender mounts. The only area the Trek Verve has the advantage is in adjustability. The stem is adjustable to an upright position, and dropped for riding aggressively. The adjustment is made with an Allen wrench. On both the Dual Sport and FX, you need to flip your stem for any adjustability. Even then you aren’t getting the same amount of adjustment range offered by the Verve.

Trek FX 3 Upgrades

There are a few upgrades covered in this 2022 Trek FX 3 review that you need to make before leaving your bike shop. The three main touchpoints almost always need an upgrade with any new bike. They are grips, pedals and saddle. This is the first new bike I’ve purchased that I am not upgrading the grips. The 2022 Trek FX 3 comes with Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Plus grips that are lock-on and ergonomic. IsoZone is a vibration dampening technology and simply put… it works.

2022 Trek FX 3 Touchpoint Upgrades

When it comes to pedals, I am an advocate for clipping-in. Clipless pedals are a must have, but even cyclists that ride flats will want to upgrade pedals on their Trek FX 3. The Bontrager City pedals do not have a lot of grip, and they are cheap plastic that isn’t durable enough for even a casual rider. I don’t believe one clipless pedal manufacturer has an advantage over the other. You should use the pedals that are easiest to get in and out of. Most bike shops will let you test a few options to help you decide.

The saddle on this bike is nice. Most beginner cyclists will complain it is too hard, but the firmness of the saddle provides increased efficiency. Also, soft saddles become more uncomfortable on longer rides, and once you buy a Trek FX 3 you will go on some long adventures. Rather than upgrading the saddle, try a pair of cycling shorts. If your concerned about the look, you can always throw a pair of casual shorts over top. The built in chamois cycling shorts offer is the number one way to increase comfort on your bike. My personal favorite is the Escape Quest short from Pearl iZUMi. Its a durable cycling short that costs $50 or less. ( Check Current Price on Amazon Here ).

2022 Trek FX 3 Tire Upgrades

As I mentioned previously, a good set of winter tires is a must for this bike if you plan on riding in all weather conditions. I really love the 700×40 Donnelly Gravel Tires. If you plan on riding a lot of gravel I highly recommend a tan sidewall. They hide the dust better than all black tires, and they look great. ( Check Current Price on Amazon Here ). The FX 3 comes with tubeless ready wheels, and the Donnelly tires are tubeless compatible.

Tubeless wheels and tires allow you to run a lower tire pressure without having to worry about getting a flat. Tubeless setups are also lighter than running tubes, so you cut weight off the bike which adds to your efficiency. Converting to tubeless is something I recommend doing before you leave the bike shop.

2022 Trek FX 3 Drive Train

Another reason I upgraded from my 2020 FX 2 to this 2022 FX 3 is the drive train. Like it or not, the biking industry is moving to simplified drive trains. That means getting rid of your front derailleur. Your rear cassette is manufactured with enough range that 2X and 3X drivetrains are obsolete.

The 2022 FX 3 comes with a 1X10 Shimano Deore drivetrain. Shifting is incredibly smooth, and there is plenty of range for climbing mountains in Colorado. With the high end drive train, carbon fork, and thoughtful upgrades the price is $150 more than the FX 2 (Read: Trek FX 2 Review ), but the upgrades make the FX 3 an incredible value. The carbon fork alone is enough to justify the added expense, and the upgraded drivetrain makes the FX 3 a no brainer.

With the upgraded drivetrain you need to be able to stop faster too. Stopping is no issue with this bike thanks to the hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano. Disc brakes make stopping easier and faster in all weather conditions. There is no debate on the better brake, because disc brakes work better than rim brakes in every scenario.

If you enjoyed this 2022 Trek FX 3 review, consider reading:

• 10 Ways To Make Your Bike Lighter
• Best Road Bike For Beginners

56 thoughts on “2022 Trek FX 3 Review”

Hello, I’m very interested in the FX 3 before I buy can I get the handlebars up a few inches with an adjustment or replacing the stem with a longer one. Btw Your video was great I will go tubeless as u recommend. Thank you , Charles

Yes there are stems available that sit higher, but if you want a gain of a few inches you will be better off replacing the bars. The amount of gain you get from adjusting the stock bars is only a centimeter or two.

Loved your review and ended you getting the bike, same color, thank you. Quick question, could you provide info on the water bottle holders? I love how they complement the FX3, both black and blue.

I went with the Bontrager Elite bottle cages because I knew the colors would match. I can’t remember the name of the blue, I just know it was NOT the Waterloo Blue.

The color is alpine blue.

Yes! Thank you!

Hi Ryan, Thanks for the review. I’m debating between FX2 and 3 (or even Dual Sport). Most of my rides will be on city roads, but my commute does have a few hills (yikes San Francisco!) and I do plan to ride on light trails and gravels occasionally. What would you recommend for this riding situation?

Thanks, Abota

I definitely recommend the FX 3. The Carbon fork on the 3 will be a big advantage over the FX 2 when you hit that occasional gravel, and the weight savings over the Dual Sport will serve you much, much, much, mmmmuuucccchhhh better than the Dual Sport on those hills. If you are worried about the comfort of the rigid frame you can always put a higher volume tire on the FX to get you more comfort.

Is this bike comfortable for uphill riding with stock tires ?

Yes, it definitely is.

Do you ever use fenders? I’m curious if fenders still fit with your 40mm tires, which Trek says is already above the max of 38mm without fenders. Thanks!

I don’t use fenders on my FX. I think with fenders it’s best to stick with treks recommendation because there isn’t as much extra clearance. I’m going off memory but I think with fenders max tire width is 35mm.

Hello Ryan, I am thinking of upgrading my 2022 Trek FX3 Disc to a 2x system. What are your thoughts?

To each their own. If you feel like your ride is less enjoyable because you don’t have enough gearing for your terrain, then it’s a good idea. I would challenge you to go for a ride and tell yourself before hand that you will enjoy your ride even if that means working a little harder or going a little slower. I think you will find after a handful of rides the 1x is pretty good.

Hello again Ryan, I got a bit of a paint chip on the top tube in the aqua blue part of my 2022 FX 3 Disc. Can this easily be fixed on your own or should I take it to a bike shop?

It depends on how you want it to look. Its really hard to color match and blend it yourself. If you take it somewhere it will probably cost a small fortune.

Ryan, I’m looking at doing my first solo cross-country back-packing trip this coming season, starting in San Francisco and ending in Hilton Head. Because of carpel tunnel, drop bars/road bikes are not an option because of weight and angle it puts the riders wrists at. This limitation is what brought me to test ride the 2022 Trek FX Sport 4 Carbon & 2022 Sport 3 at my local bike shop. Question, do you think either of these are capable of making the trip and if so which one? I’m 6’1″and 215 lbs. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

For a trip like that the carbon sport model will be better.

Correction on the second bike, I meant the 2022 FX 3 Disc.

Hello Ryan, two questions. Are you still using the stock seat or did you upgrade? Also, if you wanted to put a 12 cog rear cassette on, would there be enough room and what other parts would you likely have to change out. Thanks.

I use the stock seat. With cycling shorts on I’ve found I am comfortable on any saddle.

Very helpful review. After years riding and loving a road bike I decided to make a switch (I’m 68). I read your review, talked to my local, trusted LBS and purchased a FX3. Now for a twist…I also bought a Giant Escape 1. So far so good, and it’s too early to compare and contrast, but I’ll be back shortly after a few more rides.

I am 65 and just started biking. I bought the FX 3 and love it. You can ride nice and easy or make the ride challenging.

Ryan, any idea if the 2022 Trek FX Disc 3 can accommodate a 11 or 12 speed rear cassette?

It can be modified for sure, but in addition to a new cassette you would need new shift levers too. I think it’s a bigger project than it’s worth for a bike in this price range.

Two final questions Ryan. Can you recommend a pair of bike shorts that are not spandex? What kind of bike gloves do you wear while riding the FX3? I have a pair of Specialized gloves with padding on the inside and they don’t feel right with the ergonomic handlebars. Thanks again.

I love the Lycra shorts from Pearl Izumi. If you don’t like that skin tight feel try a pair of mountain biking shorts. My favorite are made by Zoic.

I go back and forth on gloves. With ergonomic grips I feel like I don’t need the gloves, but when I do wear them I wear either Pearl iZUMi or if I want full finger I wear Giro.

Is there a FX3 step through model?

Not a true step through or low step. They call it a stagger. The stagger has a much lower top tube but it won’t be as low as a true step through.

What’s the depth of the wheels rims if you know?

No clue on depth. I’ve always been more concerned with width. Looking at them I would guess internal is maybe 10mm. Seems to be about half the width anyway.

Bought my FX3 in August of this year to help get back into shape. At 60, with beat up knees, running wasn’t working for me. I love this bike and feel great after a few months of long rides. My only complaint was the non- adjustable handle bars as I was feeling too much pressure on my hands. I purchased Surly Sunrise handlebars and installed them at max height and rolled them back a bit to get more upright and haven’t had any issues yet. The extra weight doesn’t seem noticeable to me. Love this bike. Great article BTW. Thanks,

Hey Ryan, Great article. I am currently in the market for a new bike. I’ve only ever ridden mountain bikes and I’ve done what little I can to my full suspension Diamond Back to make it a smoother commute to work on city streets. I found an FX3 on offerup for a great deal, but im hesitant to pull the trigger. Can you advise as to what I would expect with that transition if I were to buy the FX3?

It will feel a lot faster, but it’s rigid so expect to feel more bumps.

Hi Ryan, I’m on the fence between this Trek FX3 and the Specialized Sirrus 3.0. The Sirrus has an aluminum fork and 1×9 Microshif. The brakes are Tektro. The advantage for the Sirrus is that is comes with 42mm tires and can run 45mm if you wanted to. Which bike would you pick? And do you think 42mm tires on the Trek would be possible for added comfort? Or perhaps the front tire could be 42mm and the back one 40mm? Thank you

42mm tires are definitely too big for the Trek. Both bikes are great. Trek will have more speed, specialized more comfort.

Having the ability to use a 2.1 tire is great I chose the DS3 2022, your statement about the narrow tires being faster is correct unless you hit a lot of sand like we have here in Florida then the narrow tires are going to let you down. Having the ability to mount wider tires or narrower and a carbon fork that can take up too a 2.0 700c on the DS3 makes it right on par with the FX but better because of having the option for running wider tires and something you can’t do on the FX.

Hi Ryan. I picked up the same bike last year (another n+1 added to the collection!) and for the most it’s great! Ended up upgrading pedals, grips , stem and tires (the LBS squeezed 42s on , so the bike essentially doubles as my gravel grinder). Question I have is if you have experienced any issues with the braking system? Particularly the rear brake stutters a fair bit with high speed braking or when I have my child in the Thule seat? I’ve read that it’s a bit common with the Promax brakes Trek substituted for the shimanos. Thought I would ask your experience this far. Cheers, Mike

I personally have not had any issues, but I know other commenters have reached out with complaints about Promax brakes. In this price range, I think the Promax brakes get the job done, but maybe I’ve just been lucky.

I have been riding a Trek FX 7500 for 20 years and now I am thinking about a new bike…I love my Treks I am thinking about a FX3 or a Verve 3. I am 74 years old and I am thinking about a more upright ride. What do you think? FX3 or Verve3?

Thanks Brian

I’m not a fan of the Verve, personally. The Verve 3 will definitely be more upright thanks to the adjustable stem, but you can replace the stem on an FX3 for the same result, it will just cost a little more. I think I would pay a few extra bucks on accessories that make the FX3 work versus buying the verve. The Verve is such a heavy bike weighing six pounds more than the FX.

I have a Verve 3 which is great for upright posture (which I need at 75); but I do not care for the drivetrain and weight. Can you specify how I could set up an FX3 to achieve the same posture and comfort? OTOH could I change the Verve 3 to a Deore or other drivetrain from Alevio/Acera?

Replace the stem and handlebars with something more upright. You might be able to get away with just a new stem too.

Hi Ryan. Am 54 not in great shape. Thinking of picking up cycling again to get in shape. Am from Malaysia and there seems to be a shortage of good bikes you see on internet. Now am suddenly faced with a choice of Specialized Sirrus 2 (gloss black) with Microshift set, Giant Escape 2 (cement) with the Altus set and Trek FX 3 with Deore set (matte black). The Trek is a thousand more in our currency making it the most expensive at MYR 3,899 (US 860) whereas the Giant and Specialized are around MYR 2,700. (US 650) we don’t even hv much color choices. Which of the 3 would you pick ?

The Trek. They all make a great bike but the Deore group set is the best in that bunch, by far.

Ok Ryan. Tqvm. Really good of you to reply. Decided am not going to do anything until I get your reply. Take care and all the best.

Hey, Great review.. Does the 1×10 drivetrain pick up as much speed as the 2×9 in the Fx2? I ride mostly flat trails and not much climbing. Thanks!

No, I’d say is the equivalent to having every other gear, so you are spending a little more time in each instead of ramping up quickly with multiple gears.

I found that I spinned out with the gearing and didn’t need the easier gears where I live… I replaced the crack with a 105 hollowteck .. the BB is compatible and got a 52t chainring … Of course you need a longer chain

Hello Ryan. What do you think of the FX3 for just riding down the highway on flat terrain?

Their are probably better bikes to do it more efficiently, specifically a road bike, but for just a casual rider strolling paved flat terrain the FX lineup is definitely sufficient.

Hi ryan About the FX3, 2023, with a 1×10, Would it be possible to maintain a good speed, let’s say 50 km/h, on a paved road without having to pedal like a crazy? Is the gearing low enough on a 1×10 compared to a 2×9 for example for fast riding?

Id say the 1×10 is going to feel lacking for maintaining fast speeds. It will feel like you’re missing that one extra gear.

Hi Ryan. Glad I found your page. For reference, I’m 73, 6’1″, 250 lbs working to drop 25 lbs, 1 knee replacement last Oct and the orher seems OK…for now Been out of cycling for about 10 years but wanting back in. Hoping to do both roads and solid trails…nothing to technical or extreme. I’ve been to all the local LBS and looked at most of the familiar mfrs offering. Now I’m down to the Trex FX3 and the Giant Fastroad AR. Not sure I need a 2x gearset here in SE Pennsylvania (Bucks Cnty) but I like the fatter tires on the AR. The FX is more comfortable for my tired old body. Your thoughts? TIA.

The gearset is a bummer really. Shimano 4100 Deore 10-speed A Shimano 5100 11-speed or 6100 12 speed would be a different league. agree?

It’s all relative. The group set is great for a beginner comparing their bike to one from a big box retailer. If you’ve riding high end bikes, it’s a lot harder to appreciate the quality and value of the FX.

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Trek FX3 Disc Review (A Good Investment?)

Bikes , Hybrid bikes , Other , Road bikes , Senior cyclists

Updated: April 25, 2023

Disclosure: I may receive referral fees from purchases made through links on BicycleVolt. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’re trying to decide whether the Trek FX 3 Disc is the right bike for you, then you’ve come to the right place.

Picking a new bike is never easy, so I’ve got a range of information in this guide to help make the process easier for you – a one-stop-shop for everything you need to make the right decision for you. I’ve got a full specification list for the FX3 , so you can see the details of every single component. I’ve then got a full write-up for the bike, including my own thoughts on the FX3.

First though, a spoiler:

Need to make a fast decision to either buy or not buy the FX3 Disc? Here’s my topline recommendation. If you want a light bike to go fast on smooth pavement or roads, then this could well be the perfect bike for you . I’ve looked at the FX in detail and it’s an awesome range of bikes and you can’t go wrong with any model in the range. I’ve compared the FX to the Dual Sport (which is perfect if you want a hybrid that can also go off-road occasionally, downside is that the DS is heavier than the FX). I’ve also compared the FX3 to both the FX4 , and the FX2 , and in both cases my favorite bike was the FX3 Disc.

If you’ve got time to stick around for some more in-depth analysis on the FX3 Disc, let’s dive in and take a look.

Trek FX overview

Trek’s FX range of bikes are a type of bike known as a ‘hybrid bike’ or ‘fitness bike’. I’m a huge fan of this bike type and, in particular, the Trek FX.

If you’re new to hybrid bikes, then it might be helpful to imagine a spectrum of bikes which goes from road bikes at one end to mountain bikes at the other. Road bikes are the type you’ll see that have very skinny tires. Their riders will probably be wearing tight spandex outfits and will be hunched over the handlebars zipping at high speeds along roads and pavements. Mountain bikes, at the other end, are much more rugged. They’ve got big gnarly tires, suspension on the front and maybe back wheels, and their riders will have loose-fitting bike outfits possibly teamed with a full-face motorbike style of helmet. They’ll be negotiating rocks and roots on steep uphills and downhills along backcountry trails.

Hybrid bikes occupy the large center area between these two. They’re bikes that are great for a wide range of activities. Family weekend bike rides with the kids in the park, picking up groceries, trips to the beach, commuting to the office. They’re versatile. Hybrid bike riders might be wearing anything: button down and slacks for the office, short and T-shirt, swimsuit and flip flops for the beach. Great for anything and you don’t have to get all dressed up to go out riding on one.

Sure, you might not go as fast as on a road bike (although you might if you’re on the FX6 ) but anyway you’ll be much comfier and most folks don’t look their best in spandex. You might not even be able to go onto the gnarliest of single-track near-vertical bike trails. But then you don’t have a death wish either.

To my mind, hybrids are bikes with lots of upside and very little downside.

The FX range comprises 14 different variants, with different specifications and various frame styles, including unisex/male, low-step, and women’s. At the top of the tree you have the FX Sport 6 (highly-responsive, light on its feet, and very, very fast – but not cheap) right along to the entry-level FX1 (which punches above its weight for the component list vs the price). Let’s take a look at the FX3 Disc and see if it’s the bike for you.

Trek FX3 Disc review

The FX3 seems to me to the hit that sweet spot in the FX range where the component upgrades vs the entry-level bikes aren’t met with price hikes. It’s like the Trek team said to themselves, “Let’s cram in a whole pile of extra cool features on the FX3 and hope no-one notices we haven’t upped the price to match”.

Can you tell I’m a fan?

I often finish up a review by talking about the colors that a bike is available in. But this time I’m going to kick off with them because I love them so much. There are are two colorways for the FX3, Dnister Black and Rage Red. Here’s the thing, these two colors, by themselves are the biggest difficulty I have in hitting Buy Now right away on this bike. Dnister Black? Looks awesome. Suave and yet beautifully understated (much like myself, ahem). But I also love the Rage Red. It’s vibrant. It’s powerful…It’s a tough choice either way, frankly.

Under the hood of those two classic paint jobs we’ve got a component list to-die-for.

The frame is Trek’s Alpha Gold Aluminum. The aluminum is light and flexible and one of the biggest factors in bringing down the FX3’s overall weight to sub-26 lbs. The bike’s geometry (a fancy way of describing the frame size and shape) gives a riding position that is upright, without the hunched over style that you see road bikers having to hold. This, teamed with the flat handlebars, makes for a very comfortable position that is easy to maintain for mile after mile.

Arguably the biggest upgrade that the FX3 has over the FX2 is the front forks. The alloy forks on the FX2 having been swapped out for a carbon set. This, for me, is one of the biggest reasons to get the FX3 and justifies the price difference over the FX2. The carbon strips out a decent amount of weight from the bike and that lightness allows you to pedal even faster. At the same time the carbon has more flex to it and this has the benefit of soaking up more of the unevenness in the road surface. All told, that gives you a smoother and faster ride.

Next up, let’s take closer look at the drivetrain. This is a significant upgrade for the FX3 Disc with a move up to a Shimano system. This is smooth-running set with all the gears you’ll need for easy cruising up hills and fast flats and descents. There are 18 gears – 2 cogs at the crank and 9 on the rear hub. This is worth highlighting as it’s a step up from the FX2 which has 3 cogs at the crank. That may not sound like much but it has two benefits. Firstly, it helps cut out weight and, more importantly, it makes maintenance easier as it’s an easier job to adjust the front derailleur so that it catches 2 cogs rather than 3.

When you’ve got a bike that is light, responsive, and capable of going as fast as you want it to, you also need a brake system that can get you out of trouble when vehicles swerve in front of you or squirrels dart across the road in your path. For that, Trek have fitted the very squirrel-friendly Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes. The entry-level FX1 has linear-pull brakes (which are effective but can be impacted by rain and mud). The FX2 moves to a more superior system – mechanical disc brakes. The FX3 then brings out the big guns with hydraulic discs.

Linear-pull brakes have a hard time in wet conditions because the brake pads pull against the wheel rims and these can get slippery in puddles, snow and mud. Not so with disc brakes as the brake pads pull on a separate disc which is up high near the wheel hubs. Mechanical brakes use a cable to pull the brake pads, but a hydraulic disc system uses brake fluid which is both more responsive and lighter (so it saves on bike weight).

The FX3 Disc is a 25.88 lbs thing of beauty.

It’s a great bike. But is it for you? Well, if you’re going to riding on smooth pavement or roads then a hybrid bike is an awesome choice for you. There’s no need for any suspension here because the terrain is smooth anyway. If you like riding in an upright relaxed position, then a hybrid is also great – why be hunched over when you don’t need to be? Leave that for the road bikers. The FX3 is the one to choose if you like all that and you like getting places quickly – that might be the office, or it might be outpacing the kids on a family cycle. Smooth, stylish, powerful. And that could be the bike or the rider I’m talking about.

Of all the FX range from Trek, my favorite is the FX3 Disc . You can see from the spec list that you get a whole heap of bang for your buck. Aluminum. Carbon. Plenty of Shimano. And all this at a price tag that’s around $150 less than the next model up, the FX4.

I like the FX3. I like it a lot. And I think you will too.

Happy cycling.

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Trek FX 3 Disc Equipped review

Single-ring hybrid with Shimano Deore and all the extras as standard

Steve Sayers / Our Media

Simon Withers

Lights and kickstand included; full-length fenders; very good contact points; top-notch braking; Shimano Deore gearing

Underpowered lights; only two pairs of bottle bosses; twin stem face plates; no bar ends

Trek makes numerous FX models, including a 'standard' 3.0 Disc, but the Equipped lives up to its name with its raft of practical commuter-friendly accessories.

Along with wide-ranging 1x gearing and high-quality disc brakes – both from Shimano – you get a rear rack with a 25kg capacity, mudguards, front and rear lights, and even a kickstand.

Throw in an upright ride position and 32mm tubeless-ready tyres, and you've got one of the best commuter bikes , with enough versatility for longer, more adventurous rides come the end of your working week.

Trek FX 3 Disc Equipped frame details

The FX 3 frameset features a familiar combination of a semi-compact aluminium frame and a carbon fork.

Both the frame and fork have pannier rack fittings, with one pair of bottle bosses on the down tube and one on the seat tube.

Trek has maximised its Euro-trekking credentials by speccing a kickstand bolted to the non-driveside chainstay.

The frame profiles are also quite familiar, with a flattened, sloping top tube, oversized down tube and farly slim seatstays, though these aren't dropped below the level of the seat tube (a common attempt at improving comfort).

The build quality seems fine throughout, with chunky, strong-looking welds and a 'Matte Dnister Black' finish.

If a monochrome frame with silver decals isn't for you, the 'Viper Red to Cobra Blood Fade' lives up to its much more colourful moniker.

Unlike the also single-chainring Specialized Sirrus , there's no chain catcher.

Rather than dropouts designed for quick-release axles , the fork is based around Trek's own 'Thru-Skew' axle, which features a 5mm-diameter skewer that screws into a fitting in the other dropout.

I can't see a particular advantage over a standard quick-release axle, but it worked without issue.

Trek FX 3 Disc Equipped geometry

The Trek not only shares a lot of kit similarities with the Specialized Sirrus, the two bikes also have extremely similar geometry, with only a few millimetres here or there throughout, save for the Trek having a noticeably lower stack figure.

That said, both still have pretty upright riding positions.

The Trek’s tube angles are aimed towards stable, rather than sharp, handling.

Here, the stability is boosted by the long 1,060mm wheelbase (the Specialized Sirrus is imperceptibly longer at 1,067mm) in a size medium.

Trek FX 3 Disc Equipped specifications

The 'Equipped' model lives up to its name with a full line-up of components that are usually extras.

Compared to the 'naked' FX 3 Disc that costs £1,025, the Equipped comes with full-length mudguards with mini mudflaps, a tough 25kg-capacity rear rack, and front and rear lights.

The lights themselves are modest – a USB-rechargeable AXA Greenline 35 front light that sits above the front mudguard and an AA battery-powered rear light on the back of the rack.

While it's nice to have them, I'd be tempted to use them in addition to a pair of more powerful rechargeable front lights rather than on their own.

The rack proved solid as a rock, even when quite heavily laden. The mudguards were an equally welcome addition.

My testing included an entire weekend when the rain was both utterly relentless and virtually horizontal. While I got wet, I wasn't covered from head to foot in mud and muck from the towpath and woods.

I also got on very well with the wide and short Bontrager H1 saddle. It has a similar shape to the Specialized's Bridge – fairly short and wide, with a moderate cutout. It proved a perfect companion for the bike's upright riding position.

While I'd always fit bar-end grips on a flat-bar bike, the flattened Bontrager IsoZone grips proved extremely comfortable, more so than round grips.

As with the Genesis Croix De Fer 10 FB and Specialized Sirrus I tested it alongside, the Trek comes with disc brakes , and the excellent Shimano MT201 brakes are, quite simply, excellent.

The 1x Deore gearing sees a 40T crankset, with a 10-speed 11-46t cassette.

One could argue you can never have a bottom gear that's too low, and even my short commute home has an 11 per cent section. The 46-tooth sprocket was a welcome addition.

And while a tiny detail, I prefer a single four-bolt stem faceplate rather than the pair of vertical two-bolt plates Trek has plumped for.

These are ‘Blendr’-compatible though, which enables you to fit dedicated Bontrager bases for lights, computers and cameras.

Trek FX 3 Disc Equipped ride impressions

Trek calls its FX 3 "fast, fun and comfortable" and the marketing spiel's not a million miles away from the ride I experienced.

Its 32mm tyres are just about the ideal width for riding at a decent speed on bumpy British roads.

They offer a large enough air volume for decent comfort if the road's pock-marked and potholed, but without stealing any of your speed.

The Trek will take up to 35mm rubber while still running mudguards, or 38mm when you're fender-free, should you wish to go wider.

It nips along very nicely through city traffic and proved perfect for a 16-mile commute. However, the Bontrager tyres have enough grip on their shoulders so you're not slip-sliding on unsurfaced routes.

With its long wheelbase, you're not going to be zipping around obstacles at speed, but the handling was pleasingly neutral.

That said, I found it fun as well as functional – providing enough grip for muddy towpaths, while the excellent braking means you can descend at speed safely and confidently in all weathers (bar ice, of course).

A decently low bottom gear and a reasonable weight help to make the Trek a decent climber too, though there's a bit of a jump to the largest, easiest 46-tooth sprocket.

You can stay in the saddle and if you want to get out and crank it up, the frame is stiff enough to not waste your effort.

Trek FX 3 Disc Equipped bottom line

While the Trek FX Disc Equipped lights are quite modest, straight out of the box this Trek has pretty much everything you need for the commute or day-to-day leisure riding.

The FX Disc Equipped would be great for long commutes and pretty much any day-to-day riding – and even use as a light touring bike .

Good contact points polish the build and keep it comfortable.

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Merida bikes range: which model is right for you?

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While it might sound like a fable, Merida bikes was in fact created because its founder Tseng, while on a trip to the USA, was disappointed to find a bike shop that wouldn't fix bikes from Taiwan due to alleged "poor quality".

That was back in 1972, and in 2013 the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary and today boasts three different types of road bike as well as a cyclocross and a gravel range.

The brand is also the title sponsor of the WorldTour racing team Bahrain-McLaren which currently employs big name stars such as Mikel Landa.

In the UK, Merida bikes are mostly sold via online retailers or in local stores with the brand mostly avoiding the major high street retailers.

Useful links for road bike shoppers…

Merida bikes: the Merida Reacto range

Our expert review:

The Reacto is Merida's flagship aero racing bike.

Just from looking at it, it's clear that the Reacto has all the makings of a bonafide aero bike. The higher end models feature a CF5 frame have an integrated Vision Metron cockpit that hides the Di2 junction box. The frame, meanwhile, has the complex shapes that earmark it as a whippet in the wind.

At a lower level, the frames are labelled CF3 which are a little heavier and don’t integrate the cables as cleanly. These frames do go down to a size XXS, as opposed to only XS in the CF5, and so opens the platform up to a wider range of riders.

In total, the brand offers 8 different Reacto models, but rim brake and aluminium builds no longer available. The whole range now rolls on carbon fibre and disc brakes.

The Merida Reactos feature sophisticated carbon layups , including Anti Wrinkle Technology (more on this further down the page). Apart from the CF3 and CF5 frames, the differentiating factors between the models are in the level of the components. As you might expect, those bikes with E following the names are equipped either with electronic groupsets, either Di2 or SRAM eTap .

• News: Will Merida’s new Reacto redefine the way aero bikes are designed?
• Read more: Merida Reacto Team-E review
• See the Merida Reacto range at Tredz here

Merida bikes: the Merida Scultura range

Designed to be a road racing frame, the Scultura is quick and nimble with an agressive geo, and almost all models feature disc brakes.

The 100, 200, 300 and 400 all have a hydro-formed, aluminium triple butted frames paired with a carbon fork. These also share Merida's 'smooth welding' technology and have the capability to accommodate internal cable routing.

The carbon fibre frames kick off with the Scultura 5000, and the CF2 frames - the name that the brand gives to its more relaxed geometry - are also present on the Scutlura 6000 and 7000-E.

Above this point, starting with the 8000-E, the frames get Merida's CF4 geometry which is more aggressive and race ready. All the carbon editions get the 'Flex Stay' technology, which increases the compliance of the rear triangle, smoothing out chattery roads.

Both the CF2 and CF4 carbon fibre frames also come with NACA truncated tube designs, so the higher end bikes get a nice aerodynamic touch.

All - apart from the entry level 100 - come with tubeless ready rims and for the 7000-E, tubeless tape and valves come included. At 8000-E, those metal rims turn to carbon.

• See the Merida Scultura range at Tredz here

Merida bikes: the Merida Scultura Endurance range

Finding its place in Merida's line up between the Scultura the Silex gravel bike (covered later in this guide) is the Scultura Endurance range.

It features updated geometry, namely a longer head tube for a more relaxed riding position plus an increase in clearances to fit 35mm tyres, suiting the needs of a long-distance, comfort-orientated rider. The Scultura Endurance bikes should be the choice of a leisure-focused cyclist who still devours lots of miles but wants to do so with increased comfort.

Borrowing the recently introduced ‘Wire Port’ headset, normally found on more race oriented machines, this bike is kept tidy by hiding the cable routing from handlebars into the frame.

• News: The Merida Scultura Endurance closes the gap between road and off-road
• See the Merida range at Tredz here

Merida bikes: the Merida Silex range

The Silex is the adventure and gravel bike, designed to add a bit of spice to your life and indulge your adventurous whims.

The geometry of the leans far closer to mountain biking than road cycling. Hence the longer head tube, a low stand-over-height and longer reach coupled with a shorter stem. According to Merida, the decision to extend the head tube is to make the need for spacers obsolete and to make descending on the drops safer and more comfortable.

True to mountain biking form, the brand has also adopted 1x drivetrains for simplicity in the top range models, whereas the lower tiers utilise a double chainring setup. 42mm tyres can be accommodated on a 700c rim, whilst with a 650b wheel , 50mm can be slipped into the carbon frames but only 42mm will fit in the alloy frames.

As an adventure bike, the Silex is designed to be loaded with luggage and accessories, and the bike having a unique quick-mount mudguard setup. All of the range use Merida's 'Smart Entry' technology which clamps the cables in place to stop them rattling around.

The Silex range is less expansive than its Scultura sibling, but it still manages to offer both aluminium and carbon models. To be specific, the Silex 200, 400 and 700 have the 'Silex Lite' frame which is a hydro-formed, triple butted aluminium frame with smooth welding partnered with a carbon fork up front.

The Silex+ 6000 and 8000-E come with the Merida's CF2 frames and SRAM or Shimano GRX groupsets.

• See the Mirada Silex range at Tredz here

Merida bikes' technologies

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Merida has plenty of bike technology at play across its model range, and we've touched upon a lot of them throughout this piece but we'll expand a little bit on some of the key focuses, especially to do with frame design.

Carbon fibre – Anti-Wrinkle System and Nano particles

Merida uses its Nano Matrix Carbon and carbon Anti-Wrinkle System across nearly all of its carbon fibre bikes, and both of these help increase the stiffness of the frame.

With the former, Merida enriches its epoxy resin with nanoparticles which it says makes the finished product 40 per cent stronger. Meanwhile, the Anti-Wrinkle System does exactly what it says on the tin – it stops the inside of the frame wrinkling, helping increase durability and improve stiffness.

All of the models explained here have an X-Tapered head tube, which is 1.5" at the bottom and a weight saving 11/8 at the top, thus helping to reduce weight whilst maintaining stiffness.

Aluminium – hydro-forming and triple butted

Merida also has an extensive list of aluminium technologies that are worth dipping into at this point as a lot of them are found on the bikes described above.

For starters, pretty much every Aluminium bike found here has been made using hydro-forming, which is a cost effective way of forming metal into complex shapes that retain stiffness, light weight and durability.

Merida also uses triple butted Aluminium on its Prolite 66 frames. Effectively, this is just tapering of the material, with more being used at junctions where reinforcement is needed.

Merida also has Racelite 61 aluminium that, as you might tell, is lighter but also stiffer thanks to additional heat treatment. On its aluminium frames Merida also uses 'smooth welding', which is more aesthetic than anything else but tidies up the junction areas of the tubing nicely.

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Best budget hybrid bikes 2024 – Get out and ride for less

Our pick of the best budget hybrid bikes for commuting and leisure riding

Best budget hybrid bikes: quick view

• All-terrain bike
• Most versatile

Low-maintenance urban cruiser

• Fast flat-bar bike

Stylish yet reliable

Responsive ride, comfortable option.

Best budget hybrid bikes: quick view 1. All-terrain adventurer 2. Most versatile 3. Low maintenance 4. Fast flat-bar bike 5. Stylish yet reliable 6. Responsive ride 7. Comfortable option How to choose the best budget hybrid bike

The best budget hybrid bikes are an affordable option for the commuter and leisure rider, offering versatility without a big price tag. They offer many of the features of the best commuter bikes , often being part of the same family as pricier models of the best hybrid bikes , just with a spec that's chosen to hit a lower price.

While the best road bikes and the best gravel bikes are designed for specific types of riding and include drop bars, which some riders may not feel comfortable with, the best budget hybrid bikes are usually all-rounders. 

You can expect wide tyre clearance, so you can head off-road or just fit sturdy tyres for city riding, as well as mudguards/fenders and usually a rear rack for all-weather riding. You may also want to look at the best bike lights , the best flat road bike pedals or the best road bike tyres to complete your set-up. 

When choosing the best budget hybrid bikes, we set a budget of around £800 / $1000 and tested bikes that offer a range of different characteristics to suit those looking for a commuter ride, a fitness bike, an urban cruiser or perhaps something with scope to explore off the beaten track. 

We took them out for rides on varied routes in varied conditions, comparing them to each other and other bikes we have ridden to see how they performed in terms of comfort, stability, handling and responsiveness as well as comparing their technical specifications such as weight, gearing and frame build. 

In case you want a little more help deciding what suits your needs, we have answered a few common questions on how to choose the best budget hybrid bike for your needs at the end of the article.

All-terrain adventurer

With a suspension fork and wide tyres, the Ribble Hybrid AL Trail can head off-road as well as serving commuting duties.

Read more below

Versatile budget hybrid bike

Lights, fenders, a kickstand and a robust rack set the Trek FX 2 up for everything from rides in town to overnight trips.

Low maintenance

A belt drive and 8-speed hub gear reduce the need for maintenance and offer oil-free quiet running.

Fast flat bar ride

The Speeder is lightweight for an affordable bike and has quality features such as internal cable routing.

With the feel of an urban mountain bike, the Scott Sub Cross can take to the streets or take on a variety of terrain.

The Cannondale Quick has a built in sensor for speed and distance and you can fit your phone to log your rides.

The best budget hybrid bikes available today

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

1. Ribble Hybrid AL Trail

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Ribble Hybrid Trail AL is a bike that's not afraid to get stuck in when the going gets rough. Perfectly suitable as a commuter bike that rolls smoothly over the tarmac and has a nippy enough acceleration about town, but what marks it out from some of its competitors is how comfortable it is veering off the beaten track.

Ribble offers three different versions of the Hybrid Trail AL – plus the ability to customise your own – all pairing a reasonably lightweight (1680g) 6061 aluminium frame with a suspension fork to give it more versatility.  

The middle-tier version that fell perfectly into our budget was the Enthusiast 2.0, which comes with a 1x11 SRAM NX drivetrain and 50mm-travel Suntour NEX-E25 fork, and we were immediately impressed with the smoothness of the ride. It's not quite as fast as others on this list, but it by no means has the sluggish feel of a mountain bike on the road. With the addition of Level ergonomic handlebar grips – a small detail that can make a huge difference to the comfort on a hybrid – the relaxed riding position made for supreme comfort, even on a three-hour ride. 

As we ventured further into the countryside, we had no problem riding straight over small potholes or drain covers. Emboldened, we took it on a gravelly climb that we wouldn't dream of taking a road bike on and would even consider a little risqué for our usual rigid-frame hybrid. The Hybrid Trail AL did not disappoint, even when the going got steep. Thanks to the massive 11-42T cassette and 32T chainring, we felt we were more likely to run out of grip before we ran out of gears – something that would be easily fixed with a chunkier set of tyres than the 40mm Schwalbe G-One Speed tyres it is fitted with (clearance allows for 45mm).

On the way down, the Hybrid Trail AL was equally as impressive. Descending these routes on our road bike, we would always have to be extra-vigilant to pick the right line between the ruts and bursts of gravel, but the Ribble allowed us to be more relaxed, letting go a little more while the Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes performed with great reliability when required.

Read about how I got on when I tackled my local mountain bike climb on the Ribble Hybrid AL Trail .

Most versatile budget hybrid bike

2. Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped

The Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped really does its best to answer all the questions asked of it in an effort to be the bike that does it all. Built around Trek's excellent Alpha Gold Aluminium frame, as the 'Equipped' name suggests, it comes fully equipped with lights, fenders, a very solid pannier rack and even a kickstand.  

Despite all these trimmings, we found the frame to be responsive when needed, but also extremely compliant in the right places, resulting in a smooth ride on bumpy road surfaces without the need to avoid small potholes and drain covers. It performed equally as well on bike paths and light gravel, all with just 32-inch tyres, and was certainly one of the more versatile frames we came across in our efforts to find the best budget hybrid bikes. 

The handling felt really reliable and the bike had a great balance to it, even when loaded up with a small bag on the pannier rack, making it comfortable for long rides. It is also very solid. The pannier rack is well built and Trek claims the bike can take weights of up to 136kg (for bike, rider and cargo combined), which fares well compared to others in this guide – for example, the max weight for the Merida Speeder is 120kg, and the more workmanlike Scott Sub Cross is 128kg.

It certainly ticks many boxes for bikepacking, commuting, long-distance rides, riding at night and – although we didn't get the chance to test in anything but the dry this summer – more inclement weather. It does come with ergonomic handlebar grips but we found them to be less comfortable than our favourites on the Ribble Hybrid AL Trail.  

While not immediately set up as a fitness bike, the FX range is in fact Trek's answer to the fitness hybrid bike. Stripped down without the rack, lights, fenders and kickstand, the FX 2 Disc weighs in at a more reasonable 11.73kg and, while that still makes it much heavier than the likes of the Boardman URB 8.9 or Merida Speeder 200, it is on a par with the Cannondale Quick 3, which is probably a much better direct comparison.

Like the Quick, its drivetrain is a mix of Shimano Acera/Altus components in a 2x9 set-up, and both bikes have integrated mounting systems in the stem to make it easier to attach computers or mobile phones – in Trek's case, the Blendr system, which requires additional mounts to be purchased. The Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped is also compatible with a DuoTrap S, which is a sensor that integrates into the chainstay and wirelessly transmits to a smartphone or computer to track cadence and other metrics. This is similar to the Cannondale Quick 3's integrated Garmin wheel sensor, which also requires an additional purchase. 

Personally, we felt the shifting on the Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped to be restrictive in terms of the performance we would like to see on a fitness bike, so if that is high on the list of priorities, it might be worth paying a little more for the superior Shimano Deore drivetrain on the FX 3 Disc , which also comes with a carbon fork – and upgraded ergonomic grips. 

Unspectacular but effective, that's how I described the Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped after I spent a summer riding it. 

3. Boardman URB 8.9

There are now a few different manufacturers making belt-driven bikes but they tend to be on the more expensive side. An affordable alternative, the Boardman URB 8.9 will appeal to those who prioritise practicality and want to spend more time pedalling, and less time tinkering. 

It is fitted with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive instead of a chain and an eight-speed Shimano Nexus internal gear hub, which Boardman claims makes the bike "almost maintenance free". Unlike a chain, the belt requires no lubrication, can be cleaned solely with water, and won't rust. The system as a whole is lighter than a traditional drivetrain, which helps to keep the Boardman URB 8.9 to a claimed weight of 10.7kg, making it the second-lightest bike in this round-up after the Merida Speeder 200 featured below (10.46kg). 

Testing the bike, it was noticeable how quiet the drivetrain is – and the shifting of the internal gear hub, with Shimano Alfine Rapidfire shifters, was pretty seamless. We were worried we were going to run out of gears but were pleasantly surprised that we had enough for medium-difficulty climbs (up to about 8% gradient). It was in fact going downhill that we could have used an extra lower gear, but that is certainly preferable to being one short on the way up. It's obviously not a bike for serious climbers but I did feel it had more to offer than just being a glorified town bike. 

It doesn't quite reach the status of 'flat-bar road bike' like the Merida but when we strapped on some SPD pedals and took it up one climb that had sections over 12%, its stiff, light frame allowed us to power to the top. That certainly felt like it was pushing its limits, but we wouldn't rule the URB 8.9 out as an option for a fitness bike for largely flat or slightly lumpy terrain. 

The Shimano MT-201 hydraulic disc brakes are a step up from the mainly Tektro offerings among the other bikes in this guide, especially in terms of modulated braking, and the wheelset is surprisingly aero, with 35mm-deep rims. In fact, the URB 8.9, which has a tapered carbon fork, is perhaps the raciest-looking among the best budget hybrid bikes we came across, even more so than the Merida Speeder. 

It backs that up with its performance too. In terms of acceleration and responsiveness, it was the outright leader and even reminded us of BMC's Alpenchallenge range, which are considered some of the fastest aluminium-framed hybrids available and retail at a much higher price (the eight-speed, belt-driven Alpenchallenge 01 One with alloy frame and carbon fork costs close to twice as much). 

The downside was that the stiff frame did lack comfort at times – and this is where you see – or feel – a marked difference from the likes of the Alpenchallenge. It was fine when taken on very light gravel but we felt the vibrations from any cobbles, potholes or generally uneven road surface far more than we would have liked to. It came with 700x32mm tyres and there was room to go bigger to reduce the effect of this, but it did not seem like a bike that would ever be comfortable in the rough stuff. It does have the fixings for a pannier rack, however, boosting the URB 8.9's commuting credentials.

Want to know more? Head over to our Boardman URB 8.9 review for an even more in-depth analysis. 

Fast flat-bar road bike

4. Merida Speeder 200

The Merida Speeder 200 is clearly designed with speed in mind but, for us, it is the weight that is its defining feature and why it is worthy of consideration among the best budget hybrid bikes. 

At our chosen price point, it will be hard to find a lighter bike. The frame for the Speeder 200 uses the same 6066 aluminium that the Taiwanese-German company uses in their top-end aluminium road bikes and, paired with a carbon fork, is quoted by Merida as 10.46kg (for a size S-M without pedals). 

The Speeder 200 also has internal cable routing which – combined with hydraulic disc brakes and FSA Tempo chainset – gives it a far-from-budget look.

Unsurprisingly given its weight, we found the Speeder to be most effective when climbing. It was certainly the best of the bikes in this guide on tarmac, although we found it a little rattly on anything rough and much preferred the Ribble Hybrid AL Trail for off-road climbs. The Speeder also held its own when descending, with the tapered carbon fork giving reliable, responsive handling. 

Merida redesigned the Speeder to give it a more sporty, fitness outlook a couple of years ago and we'd certainly place it in the 'flat-bar road bike' category, so this would be a great choice for someone who likes the idea of a road bike but doesn't like the idea of drop bars. 

It can fit tyres up to 37mm – a little less with fenders – so would make a decent commuter bike as well but, while it cruised along once it got up to speed, we found it lacking in responsiveness at lower speeds compared to the Boardman URB 8.9 and even the much heavier Scott Sub Cross 50, so is not necessarily any better for a fun, zippy, urban town bike alternative. For a bike at the top end of our budget, we'd also like to see it come with ergonomic handlebar grips, like the Ribble Hybrid Trail AL, a small detail that can make a big difference on longer rides in particular.

While the Sora 2x9 gearing is a decent spec for a bike at this price point, we'd be tempted to pay a little extra for the Speeder 300 that comes with Tiagra 2x10 drivetrain, which would certainly give it a more sporty feel to match its looks.

5. Scott Sub Cross 50

Scott is a brand that exudes a bit of style and class and is certainly not associated with lower-end bikes, but the Sub Cross 50 is one of the cheapest in this round-up of the best budget hybrids and shows that you don't have to break the bank to find a decent bike.

Part of Scott's touring range, it weighs in at 13kg and comes with a steel fork and Shimano's Tourney drivetrain. None of this screams sexy on paper but when we took it out for a spin, we found it to be a really fun ride. It has a kind of urban mountain bike vibe and the frame was more responsive compared to the much lighter Merida Speeder 200 for zooming around town, through the park, up curbs (safely, of course), over drains and patches of grass or whatever else came our way.

Taking it onto unpaved roads and gravel, its long chainstay and Kenda Booster 45mm tyres gave it a great amount of comfort and stability and this is where the steel fork, although adding to its weight, offered more compliance than an aluminium alternative would. 

It has the fixings for a pannier rack and felt very solid and reliable – with hydraulic disc brakes even at such a low price point – so would make a great option for a commuter bike as long as your route into work wasn't too hilly.

6. Cannondale Quick 3

We have tested the women's version of the Cannondale Quick 3 but the unisex model is not significantly different and the Quick range has a whole heap of different options to suit most requirements, including a 'Remixte' step-through frame. 

It is very much a fitness-oriented bike and one of the highlights of the Cannondale range of hybrids is their fitness-related perks. The Quick 3 comes with a built-in wheel sensor that allows you to connect to the Cannondale app and track your ride data, and an Intellimount stem that can hold any SP-Connect compatible phone cases and allow you to create a dashboard. It's a really great option for someone whose main motivation for riding is fitness and who wants to track metrics such as speed and mileage. 

We found the aluminium frame, paired with a carbon fork, to be stiff but comfortable allowing for easy acceleration when needed, while the handling was extremely responsive. Whether we were pootling around town or taking on longer, more testing rides, we found the Cannondale Quick 3 to be fun and functional, which is arguably what most people will be looking for in the best budget hybrid bikes. The combined Shimano Acera and Altus groupset did a good enough job and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes offered powerful and well modulated stopping.

While not as light as the Merida Speeder, the Quick is still a decent weight for this price range and its more responsive frame will likely make it a better option for urban riding. Unlike the Speeder, it can be fitted with a rear rack, so offers a bit more versatility as well. The metallic emerald green paintwork with reflective accents is also quite striking, giving it a point of difference from many of its rivals. 

Check out our Cannondale Quick 3 review for a deep dive into why it's on this list. 

7. Specialized Sirrus 2.0

The Specialized Sirrus is one of the most popular fitness hybrids out there and comes in a range of different options including a full-carbon version, step-through frames, and a seven-speed offering with V-brakes for less than £500. We've looked at the Sirrus 2.0 for this guide, which is still well within our budget but comes with hydraulic disc brakes and an eight-speed Shimano drivetrain. 

Without really wowing in any particular area stats-wise, it has been put together with comfort in mind – which will be high on many people's priorities for the best budget hybrid bikes, and that's not necessarily to the detriment of performance. While not the fastest or lightest ride in this list, it doesn't fall down hugely on any of those metrics. We've found the Sirrus to be a responsive, smooth-rolling ride that will climb when it needs to, within reason. That it arguably performs beyond the level its stats suggest is largely to do with that comfort focus. 

As well as the upright frame geometry, Specialized puts great stock in its 'body-geometry-tested touchpoints' which in this case largely come down to a focus on the interaction with the rider and saddle, but also extends to fitting the bike with contoured grips that reduce hand numbness and fatigue. We found these grips to be among the best and the higher-end models also include integrated bar-ends to assist with climbing. Grips are a reasonably cheap retrofit but it's nice to have them considered alongside the design of the bike and, with fewer hand positions available to the rider on a flat-barred hybrid compared with a road bike, are an important element often overlooked.

A steel fork adds to the overall weight of the Sirrus 2.0 but also adds to the comfort and the dropped chainstays at the rear promote a bit of flex at the seat cluster to take the edge off of square hits, while there is room to fit tyres up to 42mm to absorb even more shock.

The drivetrain options on the Sirrus 2.0 aren't the most impressive. The version we looked at has a mixture of Shimano Acera, Altus and Tourney, while there is also a Microshift option. If that is a turn-off, it might be worth looking at the Sirrus X 3.0 , a more gravel-focused hybrid that comes with the impressive 10-speed Shimano Deore groupset in a single-chainring setup.

How to choose the best budget hybrid bike for you

There are a few other things to think about when choosing the best budget hybrid bike for your needs, not just the price. Here, we'll run through some considerations when choosing.

What hybrid bike is best for me?

Hybrids, by their nature, tend to be quite versatile but you can still think about the type of riding you will be doing and use that as a basis for the bikes you take a look at. 

If you know you will be riding exclusively on roads, you should look at rigid-frame hybrids (which don't have suspension) that take 700c wheels. If you think you are going to be riding up hills, you should look at hybrids that are lighter in weight, perhaps with a carbon fork. However, if you are planning to carry heavy loads on your bike, want to fit panniers for carrying luggage, or have a bike seat for a child, then you might want to prioritise a sturdier frame (which is likely to mean a heavier bike). 

If you want to explore away from the tarmac, on less well-maintained roads, gravel or rutted farm tracks, there are hybrid bikes that come with suitable gearing, bigger tyres or front suspension that will make these types of journeys more enjoyable. However, if your main goal is to be riding off-road, you may also want to look at bikes that are designed specifically for this purpose, such as the best entry-level gravel bikes or mountain bikes.

Is a hybrid bike good for exercise?

Many people choose a hybrid bike for exercise, and for many different reasons. While, say, a road bike is likely to give better performance for purely road cycling, a hybrid might offer a more comfortable riding position or more versatility in terms of the conditions it can be ridden in. 

Many of the big bike manufacturers have a specific range of hybrid bikes that are dedicated to fitness and have features to support this, such as sensors for tracking metrics or mounts for cycling computers or phones. 

Fitness hybrids tend to come with 700c wheels, thinner tyres and lighter frames with rigid forks. Just like a road bike, as your riding develops, you will be able to customise your hybrid to improve its performance by upgrading to the best road bike wheels or the best road bike pedals and best cycling shoes . 

Is a hybrid bike good for long distance?

While a road bike will provide a more efficient platform for long distance riding with a more aerodynamic position and better power transfer, a hybrid bike can still be a great option for covering long distances, especially if comfort is more of a priority than speed. 

Hybrids are usually designed with a more upright riding position that, while typically slower, is also less physically taxing when in the saddle for a long time. It also allows you to look around you more easily, which can be particularly helpful for commuting.

Hybrid designs also take into account riding in a range of different conditions and will often have fittings for fenders to protect you from the rain, and better fixing points for lights and reflectors for when riding in low light. 

Many hybrids come with - or can be fitted with - pannier racks to allow for bags to be attached to the bike, which is ideal for bringing food, layers and waterproof clothing for longer journeys or when the weather looks dubious.

Can I ride a hybrid bike on trails?

Many hybrid bikes will be suitable for some trail riding but it depends on the particular focus of the bike. Some hybrids are very road-oriented, with stiff frames and thin tyres, and are better described as 'flat-bar road bikes', and will be no more suited to trails than a regular road bike. 

But the majority will be designed to take wider tyres and have more compliant frames to help to soak up the bumps and vibrations that come with straying off the road. Some, such as the Ribble Hybrid Trail AL in this guide, come with front suspension and a gearing range that makes them ideally suited to trails. There's a balance to strike though; the more suited a bike is for trails, the less well it will perform on the road. 

Also, if you are looking to regularly ride more aggressive, technical trails, you would be much better off looking at a bike specific to the discipline, such as the best entry-level gravel bikes or best budget mountain bikes .

Is a hybrid bike good for beginners?

Hybrid bikes are a great option for beginners who are making their first foray into cycling. If you want to cycle mainly on the road, the dropped bars of a road bike might seem a bit intimidating – especially if you grew up riding bikes with flat bars. 

Hybrids also tend to offer a more relaxed, upright riding position, so while you might not get as much performance out of a road-orientated hybrid, it can be safer and would be a more gradual introduction to the discipline of road cycling. 

The versatility of hybrids also means that you could buy a bike that gives you the opportunity to venture off-road, while still being more suitable for the tarmac than, say, a mountain bike. If you are not sure what type of cycling discipline you are going to end up enjoying more, it gives you an opportunity to experiment without having to buy a specialist bike straight away.  

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Ben has been a sports journalist for 16 years, covering everything from park football to the Olympic Games. As well as cycling, his passions include podcasts, tennis and speaking enough Italian to get by on his snowboarding trips to the Dolomites. A DIY rider who is almost as happy in the toolbox as he is in the saddle, he is still trying to emulate the feelings he experienced as a nine-year-old on his first Peugeot racer – he couldn’t fathom the down-tube friction shifters then and he’s still wrestling with groupsets now. When he isn’t making a beeline for the nearest Chiltern hill, he is probably tinkering or teaching his kids how to clean a bike properly. He rides a heavily modified 1980 Peugeot PVN10 Super Competition (steel is real) when the road is smooth and dry, and a BMC Alpenchallenge when it’s not.

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Once up to speed, cruising and descending can be kept relatively calm, though. I'll come to tyre choice later, but in wintry conditions I've have a few close calls with grip that's gone MIA, but the Speeder never seems to overreact. Because you can't get quite as low as on a drop-bar model, coming downhill on any flat-bar bike never seems quite as invigorating, but this is about as good as it gets with that compromise.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was with climbing. Going uphill is not my natural forte and I've discovered that I'm allergic (sweats, difficulty breathing, etc) to anything over about 5%, but the Speeder offers as much fun going uphill as any flat-bar bike I've tested. It's agile and stable enough to be flung around out of the saddle, and every pedal stroke seems to be returned with the expected amount of forward and upward momentum.

Without doubt, the heart of the Speeder's excellence is its classy – and obviously very road-orientated – 6066 aluminium frame. It's not just in performance terms that its quality is to be found. With a smart if perhaps slightly passé gloss finish and all-round internal cable routing – including through-fork routing for the front brake – there's little to complain about with aesthetics. Tubes are a mixture of shapes, although the rear triangle is round tubed throughout and a particularly pleasing study in svelte-ness.

Geometry is on the money, too. The long-ish wheelbase and slacker head tube accounts for the Speeder's stability, while the tapered steerer and carbon fork contribute to that direct front-end control. Reach/positioning is particularly good, with a slightly more stretched-out feel than on most hybrid-style bikes, meaning just a little more head-down enthusiasm.

If you'd be thinking of using it as a commuting bike, though, there is at least one speccing issue to take notice of: no rear rack mounts. With a rucksack-shod rider, it would be a fast light commuting machine, and for some reason the carbon fork features rack mounts if you want bags up front. But if you have ideas of fitting panniers you'll have to think again, which is a bit of a shame. On the upside, it will accept up to 37mm tyres or 32mm tyres if you want to take advantage of the mudguard mounts.

The frame and fork's fast road bike tendencies are certainly not hindered by the groupset. If you've got complaints about Shimano Ultegra then you've been spoilt. Shifting is light, fast and accurate, and the choice of compact 50/34t chainset with an 11-32t cassette gives plenty of top-end speed with enough options lower down to get up most climbs.

Braking is equally secure, with Shimano MT-500 (Deore) hydraulic disc brakes taking good care of stopping duties. As I mentioned, I've been testing this bike in fairly inclement conditions and even with less-than-grippy tyres, these brakes have offered good overall power. More importantly, they provide really effective modulation, so you can adjust your braking input to best match the available traction.

If I was really splitting hairs, I suppose the own-brand wheels could be seen as an example of slight under-speccing. In action, though, they don't hinder the ride experience. While the Joytech hubs and own-branded rims aren't the last word in performance, and they certainly can't match fellow Taiwanese manufacturer Giant's own-brand hoops, they roll well enough and even look quite sexy with their 28-spoke lacing.

However, there is one definite area of criticism: tyres. Initially, I was quite excited by the 32mm Maxxis Detonators. Because they can be pumped up to 100psi, it means you have exactly the same contact patch with the road as skinnier tyres at 100psi, yet enjoy just a little more comfort.

On dry roads, they are excellent. But with a bit of dampness on the floor, and maybe some slidey surface mulch, you'll want to swap to something with a bit more bite because these lose grip very quickly in poor conditions.

Rounding out the package is the sort of finishing kit you'd expect to see on a decent mainstream road bike: alloy stem, seatpost and handlebar. The 600mm bar and Merida Expert EC grips are interesting only insofar as they have left very little impression on me, which means they do their job adequately well.

More memorable is the Merida Comp SL saddle, which looks suitably svelte and serious but offers just a little bit of cushioning. For experienced riders, it will hold no concerns and suits the speedy nature of the Speeder far more than some over-stuffed leisure bike pillow.

Value and conclusion

We haven't tested many bikes at this end of the flat-bar market although Specialized does have a £1,400 carbon-framed model in its Sirrus hybrid range (I tested the £425 alloy model last year), but, as you'd expect considering its carbon frame, the spec on that is otherwise noticeably down on the Speeder 900.

> Buyer's Guide: 6 of the best new-generation hybrids

Considering the Speeder 900's zest for speed, perhaps more apt comparisons lie among drop-bar road bikes. Jon at off.road.cc loved the £1,399 Ribble CGR AL Shimano 105 and thought it was great value, which reflects very well on the Speeder 900 and its Ultegra setup. The same is even more true when compared to another drop-bar all-rounder we liked, the £1,325 Forme Monyash 1 with its Tiagra drivetrain. Against the background of bikes like that, the Speeder looks very good value indeed.

> Buyer's Guide: 22 of the best commuting bikes

In fact, you don't need to do much research to understand just how good a bike the Speeder 900 is: one ride should be more than enough. With its fantastic power delivery, handling, overall enthusiasm – and not forgetting its very decent drivetrain and brakeset – this really is a bike that delivers on the road. It does pose one question, though: who needs drop bars?

Excellent fast flat-bar road bike with awesome performance, fantastic spec and great price

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Merida Speeder 900

Size tested: Large

About the bike

List the components used to build up the bike.

Merida lists:

Frame: 6066 aluminium Merida Speeder Lite II

Fork: Carbon tapered Merida Speeder CF2

Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra

Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra

Levers: Shimano SL-RS700 (105)

Chainset: Shimano Ultegra 50-34t

Cassette: Shimano CS-R7000 11-speed 11-32t

Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-RS500 BSA

Brakes: Shimano MT500 (Deore) hydraulic discs

Hubs: Joytech

Rims: Merida Expert SL

Tyres: Maxxis Detonator 32mm

Stem: Merida Expert CC aluminium

Handlebar: Merida Expert CC aluminium 600mm

Grips: Merida Expert EC

Seatpost: Merida Expert CC aluminium

Saddle: Merida Comp SL

Tell us what the bike is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

This is a fast flat-bar road bike aimed at serious leisure riders or commuters. Merida says: "The Speeder has become more sporty. By increasing the length of the top tube, we have achieved a slightly longer reach which offers the rider a more sportive riding position while still being on the comfortable side. Furthermore, this geometry change leads to a longer wheelbase, which has a positive effect on directional stability and in combination with the slightly slacker head tube angle, improves the riding stability at speed."

Where does this model sit in the range? Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options

The Speeder 900 sits at the very top of the range, which starts with the Speeder 100 with its entry-level Shimano Acera drivetrain and progresses through the Speeder 200, 300, 400, 500 and Speeder Limited with its SRAM Apex 1x setup.

Frame and fork

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

Very well made frame and fork with nice details such as internal cable routing and a smart if slightly old-school glossy finish.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

6066 aluminium for the frame, carbon for the fork.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

Compared to some road bikes, the Speeder has a long wheelbase and slightly more relaxed head tube angle. However, compared to leisure hybrids, it's still a fairly sporty proposition with a lower, more stretched out riding position.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

Reach for me was particularly good – I have relatively long torso, so top tube lengths can feel a bit short, but this was perfect.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Yes, surprisingly so. It takes the edge off of rough surfaces well and deals with bigger bumps without crashing.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

I'd say it was about as stiff as you'd want a bike like this to feel – there's no sense of unwanted flex.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

This is one of the most efficient flat-bar bikes I've tested. It felt like all my effort was being used effectively.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so was it a problem?

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? Quite lively.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

I really enjoyed the bike's handling. Nice and direct, although not so twitchy to be tiresome at speed.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

Saddle is quite a nice combination of road bike-style shape with a bit of give, but probably the 32mm tyres had the biggest effect on overall cushioning.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?

Frame and fork are most responsible for the good balance of stiffness.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

The frameset should take most of the plaudits, although the Shimano Ultegra drivetrain is a beauty, too!

Fantastic power transfer.

It's a lot of fun getting up to speed.

Because of positioning it's not quite as good as a drop-bar for sprinting, but still enjoyable to chuck around.

This is a bike that loves to be ridden at speed.

Cruising is worry-free.

Direct and lively at low speed but no sense of instability.

Easy to manoeuvre.

Really attacks corners with confidence.

One of the highlights for me was how good the Speeder is on climbs – very rewarding.

The drivetrain

There's very little to complain about with Ultegra – it's a great drivetrain.

Ultegra is a fantastic option and, in this situation, proves it doesn't have to be the preserve of drop-bar bikes only!

Wheels and tyres

Good enough.

Should last well – they look sturdy and have happily dealt with difficult roads so far.

Compared with the rest of the Speeder 900 package, they're not the lightest ingredient.

Good enough wheels, although possibly the weakest part of the Speeder 900's build. At this kind of price point you're just entering the area of the market where third party brand wheels might be specced, so possibly these are a slight disappointment. That said, they do their job without letting down the rest of the bike.

Great on dry roads, pretty hairy on wet roads.

No problems so far.

Very good – lots of cushioning.

Had I been testing the Speeder at the height of summer, I'd have little to complain about with the Detonators. But I tested it in winter, which showed up their lack of grip on soggy and slimy surfaces.

All felt good.

Standard alloy kit.

As expected.

Saddle and grips are actually pretty good.

It's all standard own-brand alloy kit. Like the wheels, some manufacturers might spec something a bit more exciting, but in performance terms, there's nothing to criticise.

Anything else you want to say about the componentry? Comment on any other components (good or bad)

Overall, the most important parts of the componentry – the Ultegra drivetrain and the Shimano MT500 hydraulic disc brakes – are really fantastic.

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes

Would you consider buying the bike? Yes

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes

How does the price compare to that of similar bikes in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

We've tested few flat-bar bikes with quite this level of road performance, but if we compare the Speeder 900 to drop-bar road bikes, there's the £1,399 Ribble CGR AL with Shimano 105 which we thought was great value, which reflects very well on the Speeder. The same is even more true when compared to another drop-bar all-rounder we liked, the £1,325 Forme Monyash 1 with its Tiagra setup. Against the background of bikes like that, the Speeder looks very good value indeed.

Use this box to explain your overall score

This is a truly excellent flat-bar road bike that has managed to transfer all the excitement of drop-bar road cycling onto a machine with a slightly different riding position. Its fantastic Ultegra drivetrain and Deore hydraulic disc brakes just confirm that this a bike built for performance – and all at a very, very decent price.

Overall rating: 9 /10

About the tester

Age: 39   Height: 6'0   Weight: 16 stone

I usually ride: Islabikes Beinn 29   My best bike is: 25-year-old Dawes Galaxy

I've been riding for: Over 20 years   I ride: Most days   I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking, leisure

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Add new comment

11 comments.

Hi fellow two wheel fanatics,

Greetings from Belgium.

Reading the article about the Merida Speeder 900 made me enthousiastic.

I am a novice when it comes to bikes, I currently have the Decathlon Triban RC500.

Can one compare the Merida with this bike or is the Merida a class of its own?

Thank you for your feedback. 

• Log in or register to post comments

"Because they can be pumped up to 100psi, it means you have exactly the same contact patch with the road as skinnier tyres at 100psi......."

No you don't, you have a shorter, wider contact patch.

"..........yet enjoy just a little more comfort."

No you won't, the extra comfort from fatter tyres is largely due to the lower pressure you can run at.

"But with a bit of dampness on the floor, and maybe some slidey surface mulch, you'll want to swap to something with a bit more bite because these lose grip very quickly in poor conditions."

Or you could run the tyres a a pressure more suited to them so they don't lose so much grip.

I see a pinarello locked up at work occasionally. I'll leave them a note next time, tell them it's a bit much.

People, cyclists included, have lots of things they don't 'need'. If someone wants a nice bike for their commute, and has secure parking, why not?

100psi in 32mm tyres is crazy though and possibly distorts the entire review, specially for the tyres.

I know a couple of people who do club rides on flat bar bikes due to medical issues with areas such as their backs meaning they cannot use drop bars. 

Otherwise I agree, no one ever needed Ultegra for the commute! 

Struggling to see what this bike do for. It's not a road bike. It's overkill as a commuter.  

My high school physics might be a bit shady here, but wouldn't 100psi in a 32mm tyre be LESS comfortable than 100psi in a smaller tyre?

100psi applied to the larger internal area of the 32mm tyre would equal a greater overall force, so the tyre wouldn't deflect as well over the bumps?

I run 32s at 50psi for my 85kg bulk, only one pinch flat to date...

Did you check if those rims were rated to withstand 100 psi with a 32 mm tire mounted? 

It's not because the tires say they can that your rims will take that pressure.  Most rims are only rated to about 60-70 psi when used with a 32 mm tire.  Going higher is playing with fire.

And as was said, I can't imagine needing that much pressure anyway.

Xenophon2 wrote: Did you check if those rims were rated to withstand 100 psi with a 32 mm tire mounted?  It's not because the tires say they can that your rims will take that pressure.  Most rims are only rated to about 60-70 psi when used with a 32 mm tire.  Going higher is playing with fire. And as was said, I can't imagine needing that much pressure anyway.  

Clue's in the tyres' name, "Detonators"!

Sriracha wrote: Clue's in the tyres' name, "Detonators"!

Lol. I bought a Whyte a long time ago that came with Maxxis Detonators. They were thin for a commuter bike and punctures ensued.

"Because they can be pumped up to 100psi, it means you have exactly the same contact patch with the road as skinnier tyres at 100psi, yet enjoy just a little more comfort."

You were pumping 32mm tires up to 100psi? No wonder they didn't feel great...

According to the chart road.cc have posted before you'd need to weigh an awful lot to need anywhere near that much!

https://road.cc/content/feature/180830-how-choose-your-tyre-pressure-bal...

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Merida SPEEDER 300

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / XXS, XS, SM, SM/MD, MD/LG, LG, XL

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame SPEEDER LITE II, material: aluminium, 700x35C max. wheelsize, 100x9/135x9mm axle standard, BSA bottom bracket standard
• Fork MERIDA SPEEDER CF2, Tapered, material: carbon, 700x35C max. wheelsize
• Hubs Joytech D471SBT-SC-CL / Joytech D472TSBT-SC-CL, 100x9mm width front hub, 28 spoke holes, centerlock, 135x9mm width rear hub, 28 spoke holes, centerlock
• Wheels MERIDA COMP SL, 17mm inner width, 22mm height, material: aluminium
• Tires Maxxis Detonator, 700x32C, wire
• Chain KMC X10
• Crank Shimano FC-RS400, 50-34 teeth, 170 mm-XS/S/SM/ML, 175 mm-L/XL
• Bottom Bracket Shimano BB-RS500 BSA
• Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra, GS
• Shifters Shimano Tiagra
• Brakeset Tektro M275, 2 piston
• Handlebar MERIDA EXPERT CC, material: aluminium, 600mm width, Flat
• Saddle MERIDA COMP SL, V-mount
• Seatpost MERIDA COMP CC, material: aluminium, 30.9mm diameter, 12mm setback
• Stem MERIDA EXPERT CC, material: aluminium, 31.8mm diameter, 5° stem angle, 80 mm-XS, 90 mm-S, 100 mm-SM/ML, 110 mm-L/XL
• Headset MERIDA M2341 Neck

Q: How much is a 2021 Merida SPEEDER 300?

A 2021 Merida SPEEDER 300 is typically priced around £935 GBP when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2021 Merida SPEEDER 300?

The 2021 Merida SPEEDER 300 may be purchased directly from Merida .

Q: What size 2021 Merida SPEEDER 300 should I get?

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TREK FX 3 Disc Hybrid Bike Review

Anthem Advanced Pro 29 3 is a  powerful cross-country race bike. This 29er, designed with a full composite frameset, has 110mm of suspension travel up front and 100mm at the rear. Shorter chainstays are possible thanks to the single-pivot, linkage-driven FlexPoint Pro rear suspension, which enhances climbing efficiency and overall agility. New 29er-specific XC race geometry with a longer reach and a slacker headtube angle, as well as a lightweight, strong composite wheelset for rapid, accurate handling, are further improvements.

Specification

  pros & cons, check specifications here.

Specifications

Check specifications here

Trek FX 3 Hybrid Bike is perfect for you. If, you enjoy spending more time in the saddle and are a commuter or fitness rider. You want a bike that looks nice, is adaptable, comfy, and made with high-quality components so it can handle extended rides.

The Trek FX 3 Hybrid Bike can be the finest option if you’re seeking for a fantastic bike that is comprehensive in all important areas. Why? Trek FX 3 is a multipurpose hybrid bike that is incredibly comfortable and appropriate for road, mountain, and race use. It boasts strong wheels, a lightweight aluminium chassis, and powerful disc brakes that can stop the vehicle in any circumstance. Being appropriate for both paved and gravelly surfaces further demonstrates its adaptability. It is appropriate for both commutes and mountain biking and features a fairly light fork as well. A Shimano Acera 29, which is dependable to offer a stable ride whenever needed, is also supporting it in the drivetrain.

Hydraulic disc brakes for all-weather stopping power, a lightweight aluminium frame, a carbon fork, and a straightforward 1x gear that does away with the front derailleur for less clutter and simpler operation. You still have all the gears you need to climb hills and tear up flats with the wide-range 11-46 cassette, so don’t worry. Additionally, an ergonomic handlebar and grips for added comfort on every ride.

The FX line includes 14 distinct models with varying specifications and frame designs, such as unisex/male, low-step, and women’s. The FX Sport 6 is at the top of the tree and is followed by the entry-level FX1 (very responsive, light on its feet, and extremely quick) (which punches above its weight for the component list vs the price). Let’s examine the FX3 Disc to determine if it’s the right bike for you.

Alpha Aluminium Frame

This framework is lightweight. It makes the Trek FX 3 Disc capable of climbing slopes without a drag. It is perfect for transporting small fixtures that could be required during a voyage thanks to its rack and mounts. While being extremely agile, it offers the rider a strong level of support.

FX Carbon Fork

By absorbing road vibrations, the carbon fork gives you comfort and control during your ride. They also eliminate the shocks that the ride’s bumps cause, giving you a smooth ride and ensuring your safety. Due to its small weight, it is very easy to manoeuvre around corners.

1x Drivetrain

The bicycle industry is implementing more straightforward drive trains. You must do this by removing your front derailleur. The range of your rear cassette is so great that 2X and 3X drivetrains are no longer necessary. A 1X10 Shimano Deore drivetrain is included with the 2022 Trek FX 3 Disc. There is plenty of range in Colorado for climbing mountains, and shifting is wonderfully smooth. Although the Trek FX 3 Disc costs $150 more than the Trek FX 2 Disc due to the superior drive system, carbon fork, and thoughtful modifications, it represents an outstanding bargain. The updated drivetrain and carbon fork make the Trek FX 3 Disc a no-brainer, making the extra cost justifiable on their own.

Bontrager H2700×32c Tyres

These tyres are puncture-resistant, ensuring smooth, quick rides that give riders a sense of stability. A tight grip that completely eliminates skidding even on slick ground ensures smooth-rolling. Due to their strengthened threading, they also aid in preventing tyre punctures.

Shimano MT201 Hydraulic Disk Brakes

Rider safety is ensured by the ability of these Shimano MT201 hydraulic brakes to stop in any circumstance. The brakes are slick, stable, and relatively simple to maintain. These brakes have a flat mount and a 160mm rotor, and they are also appropriate for novices. This ensures smooth stops regardless of the rider’s speed or incline.

Oh! What a feeling

It is adaptable and may be used for anything, including commuting, grocery shopping at the farmer’s market, or cycling for exercise.

Internal cable routing shields the cables from the weather and enhances the bike’s clean appearance.

The 1x drivetrain provides all the gears you require without any that you do not.

When you add DuoTrap S to FX, you can connect it to your smartphone and send your trip data to your preferred fitness app.

A MIK rear rack, a kickstand, fenders, lights, and other accessories are simple to add!

Pros & Cons

Alpha gold aluminium frame provides excellent manoeuvrability on steep inclines.

Mountain racing is made possible by its large variety of gears., it has mudguards and a rack., easier to ride up hills than similar bikes, mudguard mounts are concealed in the frame., seat is uncomfortable in long rides, lack of kickstand.

It’s a cozy and pleasant urban vehicle, but because of its slow speed, it’s best used for getting around town.

How much does a trek fx3 weigh?

This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg).

How many speeds is a Trek FX 3?

The FX 3 Disc is a commuter, neighbourhood cruiser, and lightweight, quick workout bike all in one. The 2×9 drivetrain is the bike’s best technological advancement despite all its wonderful features. This 18-speed system is similar to what you’d find on a road bike: it’s quick, lightweight, and efficient.

How many gears does a Trek FX 3 have?

What size wheels does the giant anthem advanced pro 29 3 have.

The Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 3 in 2022 has wheels that are 29″.

What size Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 3 should I get?

With a terrific build that makes off-road riding fun, the Giant ATX 27.5 is the ideal introduction to the world of mountain biking. It sports a hardtail frame made of Giant’s exclusive ALUXX alloy, ensuring that weight and strength are balanced for durability and simple handling.

The sizes SM, MD, LG, and XL are available for the Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 3. Use the sizing chart below to determine the usual Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 3 size for your height after taking your height. Keep in mind that these sizes are only a basic guide, and that both riders’ and bikes’ sizes can vary. Taking a test ride is the best method to determine your size.

How does DuoTrap Bluetooth work?

The embedded sensor, called Bontrager DuoTrap, transfers ANT+ and Bluetooth® Smart signals wirelessly to your computer or phone. For a sleek appearance and preserved aerodynamics, the simple sensor attaches in a matter of seconds and fits right into the chainstay of some Trek bicycles.

Does the Trek FX3 2020 Hybrid bike only work well in mountainous terrain?

No, all terrains can use it. mountains and other natural settings.

Total score

Our rating​.

The FX 3 Disc is a commuter, neighbourhood cruiser, and lightweight, quick workout bike all in one. The straightforward yet capable 1×10 drivetrain is this bike’s biggest technological advancement despite all its wonderful features.

A hybrid bike designed for the mountainside and any subsequent trails is the Trek FX 3. The bike is a small package of awesomeness with an Alpha Gold frame, a Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brake, Bontrager H2 700X32c tyres, and a Shimano Acera 29 gear transmission. The trip FX3 is certain to deliver whether it’s on pavement or in the hills, even in extremely dangerous weather conditions.

Check latest price of FX 3 Disc Hybrid Bike

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• Bikes & Buying Advice - What Bike?

Which hybrid would you recommend and why?

• Thread starter Stevelewis44
• Start date 8 Mar 2022

Stevelewis44

Thinking of new straight bar road bike and wondered peoples suggestions/thoughts? 1. Trek FX Sport 5 vs. 2. Cannondale Quick 1 vs. 3. Canyon Roadlite 7 Many thanks, Steve  

Legendary Member

• 10 Mar 2022

bonzobanana

Also Merida Speeder and Giant Fastroad models worth considering. Those typically offer higher quality frames. Canyon, Cannondale and Trek are all reliant on third party factories in Asia but Giant and Merida make their own frames and forks. The Cannondale for example is a bog standard 6061 frame nothing special but Merida would offer 6066 and Giant 6011 both more advanced alloys.  

SkipdiverJohn

Deplorable brexiteer.

• 11 Mar 2022

A steel Raleigh Pioneer from the 1990's, because they are well built bikes fitted with decent quality components and comfortable to ride if sized correctly for the rider. The earlier ones with lugged frames have shorter top tubes than the welded ones, which means you can fine tune them to your body proportions by going for the construction variant that fits best. Not being on the potential purchase radar of most buyers means if you are patient you can still pick them up at bargain prices. Much rarer, but worth grabbing at the right money is the Raleigh Gemini with a lugged frame of Reynolds 531 main tubes. Higher spec components and good ride qualities. Expensive when new, few and far between on the secondhand market.  

bonzobanana said: Also Merida Speeder and Giant Fastroad models worth considering. Those typically offer higher quality frames. Canyon, Cannondale and Trek are all reliant on third party factories in Asia but Giant and Merida make their own frames and forks. The Cannondale for example is a bog standard 6061 frame nothing special but Merida would offer 6066 and Giant 6011 both more advanced alloys. Click to expand...

Stevelewis44 said: Thinking of new straight bar road bike and wondered peoples suggestions/thoughts? 1. Trek FX Sport 5 vs. 2. Cannondale Quick 1 vs. 3. Canyon Roadlite 7 Many thanks, Steve Click to expand...

It's worth the effort to seek out the geometry charts of any potential purchases and compare them to those of a model of bike you have ridden and know they fit you ok. The geometry of mid-sized bkes of any particular genre doesn't tend to vary massively, but sometimes those at the extreme ends of the size range have rather odd geometry, compromised to fit the wheels rather than to fit the rider! For example, small frames fitted with 700c sized wheels are often poorly designed.  

avecReynolds531

SkipdiverJohn said: It's worth the effort to seek out the geometry charts of any potential purchases and compare them to those of a model of bike you have ridden and know they fit you ok. The geometry of mid-sized bkes of any particular genre doesn't tend to vary massively, but sometimes those at the extreme ends of the size range have rather odd geometry, compromised to fit the wheels rather than to fit the rider! For example, small frames fitted with 700c sized wheels are often poorly designed. Click to expand...

MichaelW2 said: Merida went through a phase of trying to impress buyers with their frames. Are they still trying? They own Specialized as well. I don't think brand is a huge matter except to find some variation in geometry. Some bikes are longer for the height and others shorter but they all hover around simular geometries. Look for standard positioning of threaded eyelets for luggage rack and mudguards. Click to expand...

Chief Broom

Chief Broom said: I like my Dawes 201 it has a kind of retro simplicity and charm and it makes me smile View attachment 634869 Click to expand...

bonzobanana said: Looks a lovely bike, simple 1x drivetrain, easy to adjust and maintain V brakes, thick comfortable tyres and easy to get a perfect bike fit with the adjustable height of a quill stem with angle adjustment. You also have a high spoke count on both wheels plus double wall rims so the wheels look pretty bomb proof. You have foot retention without needing to use special shoes so you can walk normally when off the bike but still get improved pedalling efficiency. The only thing I don't like really is the look of the saddle but it is I'm sure a saddle that works really well for you but I don't think it would work well for me. Click to expand...

• 12 Mar 2022

The Canyon, purely because you will see less of them around.  

CanucksTraveller

Macho business donkey wrestler.

The Trek, a Giant, or a Whyte. The first two because I've owned several of each over many years and they're always top quality bikes. The latter because a couple of my friends have had them and I really wanted one after having a ride. I agree with everyone who said have a ride and decide on that. Treks and Giants have always made me smile, lovely bikes.  

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