In-depth Look at Trek's Most Comfortable Bike | 2022 Trek Verve 3 Disc

The verve 3 is Trek's nicest version of their Trek Verve series. It is an upright and comfortable hybrid with a wide range of capabilities.
Price and more info: bit.ly/3xRKlZB
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00:00 Introduction
00:30 2022 Trek Verve 3
02:38 Trek Hybrid Lineup
04:26 Parts & Components
06:08 2x9-Speed Drivetrain
07:52 Wheels & Tires
08:34 Weight
DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. I work within the cycling industry, and the views are not representative of the views of my employer. Jamesthebikeguy videos are produced outside of employment obligations and are made of my own volition unless otherwise stated.

[@PennCoveFinancialLLCOakHarbor]

I'm seriously considering this for my next bike. THx for the video

[@tomj7461]

My wife gave me the Verve 3 for my 65th birthday and I really like it. It is incredibly comfortable and the gearing let’s me ride on pavement or gravel easily.

[@rfishrfish4242]

I went out and bought a step through after watching this. It’s amazing how they’re putting bikes together today mixing them up the best of both worlds I want to put a rack on the back it’s much easier to get on that one love it keep it up great videos, great channel, and you’re really good at what you do with the detailing of each bike. Thanks for all your hard work I appreciate it.

[@ryanmcg5439]

Very informative video and helpful for my quest for a new bike. Thanks!

[@bobclapper2672]

Just Bought this bike based on your info and other research. It had all the correct equipment. It is comfortable, a little heavy . I’m not sure I love the 2x9 , but I’ll adapt. Thanks for this information!

[@stevebarnes9345]

At 69 years--I was looking for comfort and stability. My racing frame days are long over. After researching in the trek family the low step Verve 1 came up- got one--- then got a Verve 2 a month later. I alternate them. With MIK racks.... they have been exactly what I was looking for! Everytime I mount the step through I am energized! Bravo Trek.

[@dr.gregorysweitzer1460]

Been riding 60 years, this is my all-time favorite. Comfortable, good handling, fast.

[@ltilkens3198]

Try riding a recumbent trike. Got one 5 months ago and have more comfortable fun driving it. Tucson has over 130 miles of paved bike trails.

[@arthurmilholland6852]

@@ltilkens3198 What brand and model? I am considering a Catrike Villager

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

How can a 33 Lb bike be fast?

[@williamcobb6322]

James, your video reviews are awesome! Thanks for your analysis of the many great bikes out there in the market. The hardest part is selecting the bike that's right for me.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I know choosing the bike is maybe the hardest part. I'm hoping this winter to get in to making videos explaining how to choose between different bikes

[@larrypiazza4909]

Great video I’m currently looking at trek E Caliber 9.8XT do you have any videos on this bike ?? I really enjoy your videos !!

[@Colonial-lg4gn]

I replaced the huge tires with 700x32 gatorskins. Nice bike.

[@mikefrancais]

Just bought a new one in blue. Love it. Like any bike, once you do the little adjustments to suit your own body, it becomes part of you.

[@davidaubuchon7309]

Congrats on your purchase. Looking at one myself. Enjoy!

[@SergeiGolubev]

Thanks so much James - very helpful! I've had two Trek mountain bikes before (yet, mostly using them on the road), and was looking for a more upright position on the next bike, as I've got back- and neck- pain after riding Trek 930 and Trek 3700 for a long time. Hopefully this Verve will be much more comfortable.

[@paulbonaventura4969]

I too have a 3700 that i beat up from downhill stuff, how's the Verve now? I can get one used for almost half price so thinking of grabbing one for me and one for the wifey.

[@SergeiGolubev]

@@paulbonaventura4969 UK-edition of Verve was unfortunately too pricey (£1200) as they only sell «equipped» version that has all the bells and whistles, which I don't actually need. Hence I ended up getting Cannondale Treadwell 2 - the same comfortable upright position as Verve offers, also hybrid - quality specification and very cool BMX-y design for £850 (watch out it's sold without pedals though, which you need to buy separately!)

[@malikrthr1]

Awesome review, I have the 2022 Trek Verve 3 size S in Mulsanne Blue. I got it a few months back and have put in so far around 700 miles. It is an excellent commuter bike and got me through the NYC 5 boro bike tour. This bike rides very smooth. The more I cycle, I notice it is quite nimble on pavement, reaching speeds of 15-20mph with ease. I like how the Verve 3 combines features from the FX and dualsport and still allows for a comfortable ride

[@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN]

Looking to get the verve 1. Would you recommend the verve over the fx1 and dual sport 1? Just looking for a bike to ride.... no need for super fast speed or crazy mountain biking

[@malikrthr1]

I'd prefer the Verve 1. I have never ridden the dual sport but have test rode rhe FX. With the FX, you'll reach higher speeds with ease but you would be sitting in a neutral position while cycling. With the Verve, it is more comfortable in my opinion but requires slightly more effort to pick up speed, but still the Verve is a quick and comfortable bike. I'd go for the Verve series if your looking for a bike to ride

[@gustavogo2915]

Nice! I got an FX3 but returned it since my back is messed up. What’s the furthest you take your verve 3 on a single ride? I’m planning on 30 to 40 mile rides but not sure if the Verve 3 is good for such distances. I used to do 30 milers on my folding bike but it made my back worse

[@malikrthr1]

The FX3 looks like a great bike but for the back, I am not sure how it would be long term. I do sometimes get back spasms so I thought the Verve 3 would be a good alternative to the FX3 since it is designed for both relaxed rides and fitness rides.I have been able to keep up with a few FX bikes on my Verve 3. The furthest I have been on my Verve 3 for a single ride is 45 miles. The Trek Verve 3 is definitely good for distances of 30-40 miles. I exchanged the stock seat for a more comfortable seat from Amazon because the stock seat had no cushion. Padded bicycle shorts may also help as well for a bit more of a comfortable ride.

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

I rarely go 20mph on my Carbon hybrid which weighs only 20.5lbs. This bike is 33 lbs.

[@DexQuin]

I just bought the 2023 Verve 3 and I must say, it’s one of the best bikes that I have owned. I’m still making some small adjustments to tune the bike to my liking, but it’s all good! Thanks for an outstanding video.

[@SergeiGolubev]

How's the build quality, Dex?

[@DexQuin]

@@SergeiGolubev Sergei, the build quality is really good, I like it a lot!

[@SergeiGolubev]

@@DexQuin That's great to hear, thanks! I can't seem to find Verve 3 in the UK that's not «equipped» edition (that comes with old-fashioned metal mudguards, rear luggage rack, and other bells and whistles); I prefer the original one, which James reviews in this video

[@DexQuin]

@@SergeiGolubev Sergei, I tried sending you contact information for the dealer here in Austin, TX, but I think KZbin deleted it. The reason being I thought you might could order it from the same dealer I bought mine from. They had a few on the floor, I bought the blue and yellow one. Good luck!

[@SergeiGolubev]

@@DexQuin Thanks Dex, what's the store name? I'd try to look it up here in London. As otherwise shipping costs from the US will be astronomical :-)

[@Livelife8898]

What's your thought on the carbon fork for the dual sport 3 Gen 5 model? Been thinking about it but concerned about the carbon fork? Thanks

[@iLuvNegrosO.]

Can you please make a review on the trek xcaliber 8 and 9 2022 as well?

[@EatLotsOfCurry]

I always get confused when switching gears and end up shifting to the opposite gear I need by accident.

[@rplaughl]

Does the low step version compromise anything? Strength? Flex? Also, does the lack of front shocks really matter that much? Is the lack of front shocks a benefit in any way besides weight?

[@Elephantine999]

Good overview. I want one! (At 32 pounds, it's a little heavy, though.)

[@glennparker2124]

James, I really enjoy your bicycle videos. Would you consider including a clip showing yourself (and/or someone else) riding the bike so we could see how it fits a human (are you straight up, slightly bent, very bent?) Thanks. I love my TREK 4300 from 2003 but am considering upgrading to a new bike.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I tried to add in to this video and explanation of positioning on the bike. Typically I'm not able to ride these bikes as many are awaiting their owners pickup

[@glennparker2124]

@@Jamesthebikeguy Thanks for the explanation.

[@Isaiah-ft5nx]

I just got my wife a verve 3 because I wanted her to be comfortable when she rides. I tried it out and liked it so much I went the next day to buy one for myself!! Now the Marlin MTB is for sale 🤣

[@Steven_Falcon]

So how do you like the Verve 3? Any pros & cons? I’m on the fence. I have a a few rails to bike trails near me. I’m looking to do 40 - 50 mile rides. I don’t like being in drops on a road bike, so I’m thinking the Verve or FX.

[@imprisonedone8054]

⁠@@Steven_Falcon The pros its comfortable against back and neck pain and has an upright position, this bike is like the Dualsport model but except its upright, it can also take rough terrain and also you can destroy people uphill. Cons you may feel that the saddle is terrible I got the Sell Royale that came with the bike and that almost destroyed my perineum (but this is different for everyone else), so you gotta buy a new saddle if it doesn’t fit your ass, You have too many gears its understandable, because this is an trekking bike, but so confusing for me, you don’t have a lot of speed and its a pretty heavy bike in comparison with the ds and fx models, but great for commuting.

[@KBP18]

I want one now 😍

[@scottthomas1195]

I'm hoping to pick mine up today. Interesting that not only the grips are swapped out due to supply chain issues, but also the disc calipers were switched from the Shimano ones shown on Trek's website. Are these cheaper components? Should we be paying less because of that?

[@Mike-up6go]

If you would complain hard enough to your Trek dealer, they more then likely will order the original spec'd parts for you and swap them out when they come in. I have personally seen that happen . If not, I would demand somewhat of a price reduction since the parts substituted for the most part are always a cheaper build and price.

[@paul_domici]

I just purchased my new Verve 2 today and I Love it!!!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Congratulations, enjoy

[@malikrthr1]

Out of curiousity, does having a rear rack with utility trunk bag mounted to the Trek Verve 3 weigh down the bike or wear out the frame over time I was just curious because as I had my rear rack with the utility trunk bag on back, it added some weight to the bicycle when it was full. Debating between using a drawstring bag vs utility trunk bag for picnics.

[@imprisonedone8054]

Its does not weigh down the frame. The frame of the verve is build with quality and is durable like always with Trek.

[@malikrthr1]

Adding the rack and packing the trunk bag will increase the overall weight. The bike alone without the rack/frame bag will have a reduced total weight. I agree, the quality of Trek is high with their alpha gold aluminum

[@jennifercorrea8890]

Hi James, do you know if the 2022 Verve 2s and 3s are actually coming with a a Blendr stem that holds the handle bar? It appears the one you show on this video does not have one.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

It depends on the exact when you get. Right now it's supply chain issues

[@shawndo771]

How do you adjust the stem angle? Which side do you loosen? The left side in on very tight. The right side just has a screw in it. Same stem in the video.

[@DerekHoiem]

I discovered this on my own. Loosen the right side, then there’s a smaller (hidden) hex bolt at the base on the front of the stem. Loosen that! Then you can easily move and rotate the stem.

[@angelafournier4820]

I've got this bike for almost 6 months. Everything is fine, except that I feel it is too heavy and slow. I also have a 2018 DS2 and it feels lighter to ride. I am thinking of maybe changing tires to something like the FX tire, 700x35. Do you think that would be OK or is it too slim for the body of verve 3?

[@Mike-up6go]

Thinking same thing. I have the Verve 3 in XL frame Mulsanne Blue. I called Trek dealer and was told you can go as narrow as 700x32 in tire size. ( I will probably go to the 700x35) Also loosen the quill stem, drop the entire handlebar down as far as it will go and rotate the stem extension so it is parallel to the ground. That way I will be stretched out more forward on the bike and in a much more efficient aero type position ( as much as one can be on a bike like this ) Also, the Trek website states the rims on the Verve 3 are tubeless ready. A bit more weight can be lost going that direction. If you want to ride really upright you can plus with a couple minutes of adjustments you can make your position more stretched out and aerodynamic. Very versatile that way.

[@angelafournier4820]

@@Mike-up6go thank you. I will try to play with the stem and see how it works.

[@fortyforfree]

Love my trek fx 3. It feels fast, could prob do without the 2x drivetrain though. The tire size is perfect. Quick enough, thick enough. Shifts great. Great brakes It’s in between a road bike and this bike. Comfy

[@Blgtn43]

Thanks

[@sango5884]

Hi, what would you recommend between dual sport and verve?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

The one that's right for your riding. Think about where and how you are going to use it and get your local bike shop's advice

[@richiebe3002]

TUBED? or TUBELESS? on The Verve3 H5 Hardcase Ultimate tire...

[@roadrules3671]

I have a Trek Verve 3. It's like pedaling a tank in quicksand.

[@bruceclark5627]

Try airing the tires up and getting some exercise

[@roadrules3671]

@@bruceclark5627 ; Got a new Bike; Trek X3; Much better. Used to pedal the Schuylkill River Trail everyday minimum 20 - 25 everyday last Summer.

[@_ManojMadhavan]

Can someone name a few competitor brands for this Trek Verve ?

[@scottgallup875]

What happen to the re-curve front fork that’s on the 2020 model. Does it change the ride now?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

The fork goes in combination with the frame update

[@PJSinohin]

i'm starting to like this kind of bikes. Comes with age i guess.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Lol, so true

[@peterbaskind9872]

Not my kind of bike, but it works well for my wife. Too bad that Trek can’t spec it with the Shimano M200 brakes anymore. For budget brakes, they’re amazing. My wife was taken off guard by how strong those brakes are the first time she tried them.

[@fivehundrediq5212]

What’s a “Budget Brake?” You’re not riding a car

[@Unicus1]

Looks like this isnt available in Germany. Im searching for alternatives to this comfortable bike with hub dynamo and fenders. I dont see much bikes like this here.

[@polarisoutdoors3105]

I've owned my verve 3 (dad's bike) for a few years now. Ride it 4 days a week. Very comfortable and does a great job for me being a fitness bike. It's held up very well, no issues

[@fivehundrediq5212]

I’ve owned this bike for over 2 months & I can easily say The Verve 3 is the best bike I’ve ever ridden, it’s easy to ride, When I first tested it at the bike shop I thought i was riding an E-Bike

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Nice. Congratulations on your verve3! It's an awesome bike

[@andredo4880]

Waiting for some bikepacking Trek

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I've got a video on the 520 and the 520 grando, give those a watch

[@andredo4880]

@@Jamesthebikeguy yeah, i know. 520 grando not available in Europe,.520 out of stock, cannot order. I hope they made something new for 2023

[@youvebeenmilked2893]

The Checkpoint is perfect for bikepacking. They also make the 1120 for bikepacking. They have a not small selection of bikes. If you can’t find something from trek for bikepacking, you’re not waiting on Trek, you’re waiting on something else.

[@ItsMeHammie]

Good bike for bike packing? Or a little too casual?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

You can do anything on any bike, but this is not the bike I would choose for bikepacking

[@getsmoked7735]

I have the trek verve 1 2022 and i gotta say its the most uncomfortable bike ive wver rode i lifted the stem up and still have back pain and my shoulders oull foward from the handle bars beeing to foward . Im thinkin about switching my stem for a verve 2 stem . Anybody have any suggestions

[@Cp6uH_]

Verve 1 doesn't have an adjuatable stem.

[@getsmoked7735]

@@Cp6uH_ i know that im thinkin about switching stems

[@getsmoked7735]

@N T the dude at trek said thats how they would do it so who knows but at this point ima sell mine and just get a ebike

[@Nick-nr3yt]

Please tell me more about the handles you have not matching the specs on Trek's website saying it should be Isozone handles because the same think happened to me and right after I saw the specs online after the purchase I went back to the retailer that sold me the handles you and I have asking for a replacement from him or even a warranty replacement of Isozone handles and he said the handlebar I have would not be able to fit the Isozones and he offered me some other brand of handles to make peace, but I am certain the handlebar I have is the exact same one you and everyone else has, so why could it be that my handlebar could not hold Isozones now? Do you think he lied to me?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I highly doubt the shop that sold you the bike lied to you. With that said, though, I don't understand what you're asking.

[@Nick-nr3yt]

@@Jamesthebikeguy well you mentioned something in this video about the shortage of the Isozone grips and something about what was done to the handlebar under the grip in order to put the gel there which sounds like it may have altered the original surface of the handlebar so I wonder if this could be relevant to what my retailer told me regarding how it was not possible to take off the existing handles and replace with the Isozone handles. so please just go deeper into your knowledge of your brief comment you made on that

[@Nick-nr3yt]

I listened again, you said 'a Z shaped cut out'', so I am asking more detail about that

[@wicked-witch-of-the-west]

Is this good for someone with spine issues?

[@ForGlory1]

Yes

[@arthurmilholland6852]

@@ForGlory1 As good as a recumbent?

[@ibrahimm4325]

شكرا

[@FlashOhJoy]

I just bought a Verve 3… I think I spoiled myself, a verve 2 would have sufficed…LOL

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

You'll never regret having something as nicer nicer than you want. You only regret when you have something that you wish you got better

[@GHarris218]

I just did the same thing!

[@patriotstar2790]

I am currently debating between the 2 and 3. Just curious why you think you should have gone with a 2?

[@FlashOhJoy]

@@patriotstar2790 the price difference… about $300 more for the 3

[@FlashOhJoy]

March 2023, just got email from Trek, the Verve 2 is on Sale …$100 less

[@mello021]

casual riders don't want to deal with gear adjustments, they should put a 1x drive train on it.

[@EatLotsOfCurry]

That’s the only think keeping me from getting this.

[@imprisonedone8054]

@@EatLotsOfCurry This is a trekking bike meaning its for uphill areas, great for where I live. If your in an area without uphill don’t buy the Verve . I mean if you don’t want any gear buy a fixie bike, Gears are essential for different type of riding situations.

[@EatLotsOfCurry]

@@imprisonedone8054 thanks for the insight. I’ll look into these options.

[@tomwalters2385]

Love my Verve 3. Super simple and comfortable. Shifts like a dream.

[@bruceclark5627]

Do you realize how retarded that statement was?​@@EatLotsOfCurry

[@notree666]

I really like the look of this bike but over 30 lbs is crazy.

[@fivehundrediq5212]

Trust me it feels very light

[@notree666]

@@fivehundrediq5212 I'm sure it does while riding .But I think the types of people who ride commuter bikes would appreciate it being a bit lighter. Nice review tho. Always so informative.

[@malikrthr1]

I agree, with the alpha gold aluminum frame and handlebars, this bike feels very light. It begins to get heavier when more accessories are added. At one point, it felt heavier when I had the folding lock mounted to my frame, back rack mounted and frame bag. The bike is at it's lightest when the accessoires are removed.

[@Sneaadler]

Why is gears soo important to people, gears was thing we bragged about when we were kids. Yet we still only use like 3 diffrent combinations

[@Isaiah-ft5nx]

PSA!! The Verve 3 is $200 off at my local trek store right now.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Nice

[@minnesnowtan9970]

The 11-36 will mess up cadence, big gaps in gearing especially in low gears. "Hard gear for better workout" is stupid. Good workout is a steady cadence and whatever speed you can handle on the terrain. Hard gear and less than 65 rpm (pedals) is hard on knees, a bad idea. Cadence should be 70+ rpm on pedals and faster if you have shoes with cleats that lock in.

[@danwaller5312]

I guess the big question is WHEN AND IF WE CAN BUY ONE!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Depends on your dealer. My local bike shop has these in stock

[@danwaller5312]

@@Jamesthebikeguy where is your local shop.? What is the bikes cost? Thanks

[@joshuas.8239]

I’d rather have an FX series

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Fair enough. Different bikes for different riders. That's why they make them

[@KcityMikeThomas]

The FX is faster but doesn't take bumps well at all. The Verve is more comfortable. I switched from FX to Verve 3

[@pizzasaurolophus]

It really needs a 1x drivetrain, fortunately the Norco Indie lineup is much like this bike, but with a 1x.

[@bruceclark5627]

Then don't use the front derailleur, problem solved

[@rickm8456]

I’m surprised nobody has mentioned the parts switch out here. “Power” brakes? That saddle is a no name knock off. You mentioned the grips, and also the stem. Oh, and the wheels aren’t spec. Disappointing!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

During the time of this review, it was incredibly common for spec changes like that. For the most part the spec changes are working their way through, but certainly something to look at for those of us buying used bikes over the next couple of years

[@rickm8456]

@@Jamesthebikeguy good point. Yeah I was looking a used 2022. Had all the same substitutions.

[@thebarak]

The handlebars are too far in front of the seat. So a rider has to lean forward with straight arms, elbows locked, and bend their neck back to see ahead. Just like a road racer. So I would say it cannot be defined as a comfort bike because the rider cannot sit upright and still reach the grips.

[@bruceclark5627]

Never been on the bike have you? I sit upright and comfortable on mine no problems.

[@888ssss]

the trek puffster.

[@sandorfarkas2100]

Biene armada la visicleta si o no

[@Montblanc1986]

100% Cambodian yo

[@michaelsherwin4449]

It is exactly what I am looking for -- except I find it , ugly.

[@bruceclark5627]

That's what my last wife said about me.

[@deetles98]

I tried the Verve one…oversized and very uncomfortable…tried a Momentum Vida…WAY better…night and day… I’l take my Vida ANYDAY over the Verve

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Nice, glad you found the one that fit right for you