Trek Dual Sport vs FX Series! What’s The Difference?

Trek Website: bit.ly/3OGJp4e
In this video I compare and contrast the Trek Dual Sport and FX bikes in depth. This includes the Dual Sport 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the FX 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, with some points about the stagger, disc, and sport versions. I cover everything about how these bikes handle in different environments and help you figure out which bike is the best for your riding style!
Follow my Instagram! @talalipop_mtb
Dual Sport vs Marlin: • Trek Dual Sport vs Mar...
2020 vs 2021 Trek FX: • 2020 vs 2021 Trek FX S...
2020 vs 2021 Trek Dual Sport: • 2020 vs 2021 Trek Dual...
0:00 Intro
2:26 Main Points
4:19 Comparison
8:12 End Tables

[@TalalipopMTB]

Hello everyone! Quick update. I had originally posted the below comment (in quotations) when I first uploaded this video, but I realize that it is not relevant here and I did not explain it well. Wider tires at slightly lower pressures can be faster than thinner tires at higher pressures when comparing 2 road bike tires with each other, but in this case the tires are different enough that it is not very relevant. The Dual Sport's tires will pretty much always be slower than the FX tires due to how many knobs they have for providing extra traction on gravel, while the FX's smoother tires will have less resistance and be able to help you go faster. "The FX bikes do use thinner tires, but in reality the wider tires on the dual sport can provide the same amount of speed if setup at a lower psi. However the FX will still be faster because of the other component differences."

[@Cesarz28]

Am trying to decide on which bike to get. When you say faster... my question is how faster ?

[@jonathanb1987]

Could you please do a video on the Trek 820?

[@TalalipopMTB]

@@jonathanb1987 I haven't had anyone ask that before! I'll consider it :)

[@jonathanb1987]

@@TalalipopMTB thanks!

[@jerryhorn3621]

Harder tires ( inflate to max) roll easier! If you want to prove it to yourself - just put 15 psi and take a ride.

[@SASCaesar]

Your videos have been EXTREMELY helpful in figuring out which bike to buy hubby for his birthday, great work, thank you!!!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Aw thank you!!

[@marissat404]

Thanks for the video. I just ordered a 2021 Dual Sport 3 women’s - can’t wait for it to come in to my local bike store.

[@billhaynes5388]

Very good comparison of the Trek models and summary of the "road vs. Gravel or mountain " basics. I Appreciate your time.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!! I appreciate you watching as well :)

[@fernandocantu6966]

My first bike had front shock forks. I did ride the bike alot on the street. Once in great while I would ride on the dirt. After several years my shocks went out and get a new bike . I got the trek fx It rides really good on the street.

[@harpreetsandhu2550]

An A+ presentation. Very well put together, keep it up.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!!

[@fhrusnssk]

You should have way more subs this is simple and straight to the point.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!! I appreciate that :)

[@VViatro]

@@TalalipopMTB too bad you only do one brand

[@Jydmd]

I've been riding a 2009 Trek 7.2 FX for over 10 years, averaging 500-800km a year, and is still going strong. Didn't upgrade anything on it either, except for added rear pannier rack and fenders. Also ran clipless pedals for a while when I also had a road bike.

[@basedpatriotLT]

It should be going strong as that is not that much of riding. 50km is a good few hour Saturday ride, so 10-15 rides like these per year. It will hold strong till year 2035 (except some rubber components and may be drive trains etc) :)

[@vaccinatedanti-vaxxer]

You didn’t upgrade to a road bike yet? Dang I was a trek 7300 (made in usa) rider until I got a road bike. I thought I’d use both but the trek only collects dust now.

[@Jydmd]

@@vaccinatedanti-vaxxer Still using my 7.2 FX. Since I mainly use it for commuting and running errands, I'm a little bit less worried about locking it up outside in the city. I'd like to try a more modern road bike with more comfort features, but I don't have the storage or money to get another bike anyway, and definitely wouldn't use a brand new road bike for commuting.

[@lostmykeysagain]

Excellent review and provides the comparison I was looking for.

[@chetansrivastava618]

Was waiting for this one- thanks

[@Chris-un4jn]

I really enjoyed your video, many thanks. The from suspension fork made my mind up, agree with others about speed bumps and generally bad road conditions, plus I would like to travel on moderate tracks. I have ordered the last DS 3 2021 model available in Melb this year, it arrives in Dec 2020, the next available was Mar 2021. Top video and great presentation, i just subscribed.

[@davidbuckwitz5408]

Talalipop, excellent video as always...thanks for your research, it is very helpful.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thanks man!!

[@96shocko]

awesome vids bro, Appreciate the effort you put into these.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching!

[@inkarico]

thanks for the great reviews! simple and to the point

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!

[@rayr.1305]

Fine review, especially for someone setting out to understand these bikes and make a selection among hybrids. Tks.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you too!

[@timkerwin6886]

Great video. I own an fx bike and your video is helping me make a decision for buying my next bike.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Glad it could help!

[@darenfitzpatrick1270]

Thanks for the great info. I'm trying to make up my mind on a new bike and your video is making it easier.

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome! Happy it helped :)

[@dpcmrmoore]

Great video bud. These are the exact to bikes I’m looking at. Thanks!

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome!

[@danrichman1]

Great job! Clear and detailed. Thank you.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Glad you liked it!

[@jcam783]

The Dual Sport seems to be the way I'm leaning , thank you for posting this video .

[@ipersuade]

Helpful review! Thanks.

[@TalalipopMTB]

No problem! Glad it helped

[@ogikay7056]

I went with Dualsport for the suspensions.

[@icspi1970]

Nice, concise review. You helped me with my buying decision. Thank you. 👍

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome!

[@yourhairlineisgone]

Congrats on hitting 2k sub, I swear you were at 500 last week. At this rate you will become sponsored by trek in no time. Keep up the good work.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thanks!! I hope so :)

[@nawaal4452]

This comment aged well

[@user-sl7yn1bv1k]

Why am I barely finding your channel. Good work 👍🏽

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!

[@Rocky4719]

I chose the fx 2 because I wanted speed over “comfort”. The fx is extremely capable, and can ride most of the same terrain the Dualsport can. The key is learning how to use your own body as the suspension. I tried a Dualsport, but the suspension was pretty useless imo. That being said, buy the bike that’ll make you ride more

[@tanishqsagar3440]

why not buy a road bike then?

[@Rocky4719]

Tanishq Sagar if someone wants to buy a road bike for outright speed, and the multiple hand positions for longer rides, I encourage that. I don’t really ever go far enough to warrant a road bike, so hybrids are my preferred bike. That being said, I’m open to trying an entry level road bike in the future, just to see what it’s like

[@neroetal]

Yes ..ride more

[@Holgrinator]

I just rode the dualsport 2 and the fx 2 at the local Trek shop. I found the fx2 more comfortable, faster, and had better brakes (perhaps the brakes are the same but less rotating mass). I went in interested in the dual sport and I left wanting the fx. I too found the dualsport shocks to be almost useless and kept them either locked out or almost locked out but I'm a big dude so a skinny person might disagree. I also have short legs (30" inseam) but I'm 6'2 with gorilla arms. As far as comfort goes I think it all boils down to body shape and preference but I found the fx to be the better bike for speed and comfort

[@nathanchava1218]

Is it good for some light trails?

[@jamesxu3840]

this is really helpful! save me lots of time. good information as well!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!! Happy I could help out :)

[@Tommmmmmmmmmmm]

Hey mate, loving the content. Very handy for some of us newer guys who aren’t too educated on all the different models and their purposes etc. do you think you could also do some comparisons with Specialized? Specifically, the Epics and Epic Evos? Cheers.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Yeah I’m thinking about it now since a lot of people are asking. I’ll look into those soon hopefully!

[@Tommmmmmmmmmmm]

Talalipop MTB sounds good. hopefully you’ll get sponsored by one of them eventually 😉

[@VonSC2]

Thanks - nice comparison, I bought a 2020 DS2 to ride back in March. I have a carbon Orbea trail bike but I needed a different bike for local city, park trails and gravel country roads. A few upgrades (saddle, egron grips, gravel tires, nice flat pedals) and she's exactly what you say: just right for 50% road / 50% gravel. The front fork and geometry are perfect for that. I ride it pretty hard and honestly, I have zero problems with it and it was 1/5th the cost of my Orbea even after all the upgrades and accessories!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Nice!!

[@Pedro_Jr_Gravel]

Nice video dude , i am about to get the FX 3 . Thanks !

[@TalalipopMTB]

Nice! Hope you like it :)

[@davidkang6663]

I'm now getting the dual sport 4. thanks you Talalipop.

[@TalalipopMTB]

No problem :D

[@ironmikelo.8839]

Good luck finding one ✌️

[@krucdfumv]

Thanks for making this video, wasn't aware they still made the dual sport riding a 2016 model, rn Was told the bicycle was "worn" by a mechanic was interested to see what i might want to get next, maybe after another 2,500 miles into this new drive train.

[@unimz6669]

Great vid, im not interested in the bikes but your comparasions are really great

[@TalalipopMTB]

Aw thank you :)

[@kurtzbradley]

Thanks for the quick and to the point analysis. So hard to buy a bike right now just crazy....anyone else over the Corona mess...ugh.

[@TalalipopMTB]

You're welcome! And yeah I definitely agree with that.

[@danimoosakhan]

U made everything clear. Thanks 👍

[@gale212]

These videos are really handy. Thank you

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome :)

[@jeremyfisher3508]

brilliant review, you've just made my mind up.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you :)

[@chrisrob722]

Thank you for this video. I'm picking up a DS2

[@VonSC2]

Good choice I

[@kristania411]

Nice videos! can you please do a comparison with Trek Verve?

[@ShowsOn]

Exactly what I needed. Thanks!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Of course!

[@slowsteadysteve6565]

Great video just need the uk shops to get them in stock now

[@Hockeyfan9884]

Great and informative video. Can front shocks be attached to the Trek fx, instead of the steel forks ?

[@firdauzjumari363]

Thanks for showing the difference 😊

[@jamesduff6937]

Awesome review. Thank you.

[@TalalipopMTB]

No problem!

[@tartagalarecre]

I❤️my FX. The FX can do everything

[@HawkGTboy]

I thought so as well, until my FX 3’s seat post broke when I took on some bumpy terrain! 😳 Not the bikes fault, I was taking it somewhere that it didn’t belong!

[@nbidi5353]

Nice and very informative video, thank you

[@TalalipopMTB]

Of course!

[@mattystefani6352]

Hey bro! Just subscribed and screen recorded it so I can prove that I subbed to you at 2k subs when you are famous!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Hahaha aw yay!

[@CristianHernandez-mz5xp]

Thanks friend, In this video, I would say that both bikes are the same, but again I would choose fx disc. for the simple fact that the frame can be converted in the future, in a gravel bike or simirlarly. I would be left wondering what is the maximum width of wheel that fx disc supports. That way, if the fx disc is too uncomfortable you can install more balloon tires. The question is to find out the maximum width. In any case, thanks for the video, I will wait for the next one. Could we see some video with giant escape?

[@jerryhorn3621]

Mostly complete. BUT when you get the the 3 Series The FX3 has a carbon Fork, different grips and upgraded derailleurs. Small jump in price, larger jump in components.

[@user-bn7cg5kz9p]

For anyone wanting to know it’s possible to have your Trek store swap out the grips on the FX 2 with those on the FX 3 if that is the only point of consideration between the 2 and 3. As of June 2021 the gel grips are $49 per set from Trek.

[@praneelpandit4665]

@@user-bn7cg5kz9p the fx3 does have a carbon fork which significantly improves weight and movement ability. only correction i had to point out

[@odinswolf1969]

I have a trek 7.1 fx, I'm wondering if going for 700x40c tyres would add a bit of a bounce to the ride on rough roads rather than going for a dual sport to get the suspension?

[@garvitgupta2737]

This was a great video! I just want to know how is the posture compared in the two models. I tried fx 2 once, and it felt too much upright.

[@sunsunminmin3847]

I was impressed by the beauty of the dual sports silhouette and bought it.

[@eduardomarcosserquen8280]

Just an amazing job. Shut out from Perú. Keep going the same way :)

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!! :)

[@vika0194]

Shout* not shut.

[@maurocastillo1769]

I love your comparison, but I'm still having some doubts about this; Can you fit a thicker tire on the dual-sport? I'm mean, I saw that conversion chart that said "700C x 38mm = 698mm = 27.5 x 2.25” " I'm about to buy that model for a gravel bike conversion since there are no gravel bikes in my place.

[@paulm9706]

Good video. Nailed it!

[@veeraldogra5684]

Can you please do a video between Dual sport 4 vs X-Caliber 7, Thank you.

[@CherieFNP]

good job explaining differences. I just bought my first Trek, a verve. Now after your video, I wish I bought a Dual Sport :(

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you! Also I'm sorry to hear that :( the verve isn't too far off from the dual sport at least, but maybe in the future you could end up selling it and getting the DS, especially since right now a lot of people seem to be wanting bikes.

[@Samuel_G07]

I loved this keep up nice video

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thanks!!

[@stretfordender321]

Great analysis. This video has persuaded me to go with the Dual Sport, seems like the perfect mix of being good on and off-road.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you! And yes those bikes are awesome :)

[@nickmarietta777]

Love this, thank you!

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome!

[@john-markwargent8840]

Brilliant video, thank you

[@TalalipopMTB]

No problem!

[@ThuanVanNguyen]

Trek FX 2 and Trek Dual Sport 2, which have a stiffer frame, and which frame has the greater maximum limit total weight? Thanks.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Those bikes both use the same aluminum for construction so one is probably not too noticeably stiffer than the other, but considering the bikes as a whole the FX is stiffer because of the rigid front fork. Both bikes have a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds or 136 kilograms.

[@iamanay]

Add about the sitting posture in your next video, like which one is better for touring purpose. I personally think that the dual sport is a bit more on the aggressive side.

[@matthewkluge5441]

I would like to see the FX series come out with a version that uses the Gates Carbon belt drive 👍

[@matthewkluge5441]

@Joe Kinchicken I have a 7 speed Nexus hub a with a Gates Carbon belt drive on a bike made by Brilliant bicycle company . Top end speed is not the issue , it is the low gears that are limited if you need to do any climbing . Fortunately I live in the Florida panhandle so my rides are mostly flat , I just would prefer the frame geometry of the FX .

[@ironmikelo.8839]

I just purchased a fx3 I wanted a ds 3 or 4 but nothing available till later this year they say, wondering if you know where or if I could purchase the fork assembly with the shocks ? Thanks Mike 😊

[@nidheeshrv8207]

How often we have to change or service fork on dual stoprts 1

[@technician-xr9dy]

Hi, thanks for your helpful videos, please make a video about Farley series❤🙏🙏

[@NELSONG12]

Great video! You actuality helped me by answering my questions and didn't confuse me more like the others. Thank you!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Awesome!! Glad I could help out :D

[@NELSONG12]

@@TalalipopMTB the DS 3 is the one for me in gray. Now I have try to find one, lol.

[@talalsohail4853]

@@NELSONG12 Hahaha yeah that's unfortunately the hard part now :(

[@TheBistrot82]

thank you very much ,for your great explanation

[@TalalipopMTB]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it :)

[@BabaDeyTri]

Any chance you can compare the trek verve to the Fx?

[@thisguy2659]

I should have went I bed 2 hours ago but I’ve been watching your vids lol. Thanks they have been very helpful especially this video. 3 Quicks question for you, can the dual fork be locked? Can these both pull a baby trailer, and if so which one do you think would be better to do so? Thanks.

[@TalalipopMTB]

HAHA I appreciate your support! The Dual Sport 2 and above should have lockouts, but the DS 1 does not. Both bikes have many mounting points so they should both be able to pull a trailer, but in terms of which one is better I'm not entirely sure. The FX is lighter so with the added weight of the trailer that one might be better, though you might have some more stability with the DS since it has wider tires and the suspension. Probably isn't a huge difference though!

[@arthurmilholland9502]

To adjust for more upright position, it is easy to change the stem on FX and Duo Sport models?

[@ml11545]

Very helpful! Ty!

[@TalalipopMTB]

No problem!

[@Walterconv]

Hello. Do you know if the DS G5 is good for the city, for every day use? (I have a old Dahon Boardwalk). Thanks.

[@abdulhadihadi5631]

Thanks brother you are best teacher

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you too!

[@Metalshark100]

how would you compare a Dual sport to the X-Calibre, i currently ride an X-Cal but i'm thinking of getting a DS for commuting. are the DS much faster?

[@TheNewMexicoMan]

I have had my Trek FX Sport 6 fitness bike since May. My main goal in buying this bike, was trying to get the best of all worlds. A comfortable upright positioning bike with a smooth comfortable ride that is light weight and fast enough to keep up with road bikes. Once I dialed in all the fit adjustments, I had a bike that would allow me to ride more efficiently, a little bit faster, a little bit harder and a little bit longer. With out feeling beat up after my rides. It comes with hydraulic disc brakes. The cables are routed internally, which protects them from the elements and adds to the bike's clean look. FX Sport 6 is the lightest and fastest bike in the FX lineup. It has a lot of the performance feature of a high-end road bike, with the added benefit of a flat handlebar. A lightweight 400 Series OCLV Carbon frame with a road-smoothing IsoSpeed decoupler which means the seat tube is not connected to the top tube or seat stay. It can flex independently to absorb vibration and diminish the fatiguing impacts of the road, allowing the rider to remain fresher longer. It has 700c by 32mm tires that do well on asphalt but not so well on dirt. A 38mm tire will fit if you want to go wider and in the gravel. The group set is Shimano 105 Shifters are R7000 thumb shifters, The crank set has 50/34 chain rings. The cassette is Shimano 105 CS-R7000, it’s an 11 speed 11-32 cassette consisting of a cog configuration of 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 32. Shimano also makes 12 to 25, 11 to 28 and 11 to 30 configuration cassettes so you can customize this if you would like a tighter group in your cassette. It has a place in the chainstay to install a DuoTrap integrated sensor that wirelessly transmits ANT+ and Bluetooth® Smart signals to your computer or phone. The frame is stiff and responsive. The carbon fiber does a good job absorbing some of the vibration you get from the road. I always overdue things so I have changed the handlebars to Trekking bars, installed a red shift shock stop seat post suspension, as well as a Kinekt handlebar suspension stem to take care of whatever the frame and the IsoSpeed de-coupler doesn't. The bike sells for $2,099 and is worth every penny!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Wow nice description!! I agree and I'm so glad you're enjoying the bike!

[@TheNewMexicoMan]

@@TalalipopMTB Those are the details your viewers want to know when you are reviewing a bike. I looked everywhere for them, like the cassette cog configuration that came standard and could not find it anywhere online. You have a great channel!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!

[@adrianoneuberger7910]

Thanks for video.

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome!

[@MRkingSaLeH]

So if swap Dual Sport tyres with thinner tyres like Fx 35 or 32 will it be faster on the road or it’s just waste of money?

[@HQvideos100]

Can I change the tires on the dual sport 1 to the fx 1 tires? I like the suspension on the dual but I would like to go faster that’s why I ask. Thanks

[@kennethalarcon440]

Man I really wanted the dual sport but it’s impossible to find rn. The FX sounds like a great bike tho! There’s barely a difference

[@jedimasterspidermad5173]

I actually bought the FX 4 two months ago.

[@hmdhmd4887]

HOW IS IT SO FAR ?

[@ontheside5942]

I buy Giant bikes because that's what my local bike shop sells, but I swear they are the same bikes with different brands. My Escape 2 disk looks exactly the same including the frame, and cost the same.

[@dansouthcomb5439]

I did not get the dual sport as most of the time I ride with it lock out on my Raleigh i 11 trail.

[@lordmed9989]

Can you take a look at bianchi Turkey bikes and compare it to the entry trek bike pls?

[@vivekpurshottam6601]

Hi, I am vivek from India, I have to choose between fx3 and dulesport 3 bikes, I have to do long 50-150 km ride on road. Two concerns ... what will be the speed difference ( I consider fx is little faster... But how much) second how is the carbon fork compared to suspension of duel sport. ( will carbon fork is at least half as effective as suspension on bad roads pot holes.. etc.)

[@gulfcitynd]

Fx 2 uses a cassette where as some dual sport uses a freewheel

[@merlinuxp]

How do these compare to Decathlon's Riverside 920 hybrid bike?

[@shiftintohigh5564]

This was good!!👍👍👍 3 in orange!! wow👍 Subbed. I think the Ds just easier on the hands.🤔🤔

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thanks :DD

[@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN]

Can you make a video on best first bike?

[@troy5163]

This helped me decide between the 2 styles. I will be buying a FX 4 Carbon. Thank You!

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome! Thank you for watching :)

[@yasirpunathil7143]

How is scott sub cross 40 comparing to these two, in general?

[@dmmngs2]

Ok. I think I have decided on the dual sport. How bad is it to get a bike from a different shop (like out of town), but ask my LBS to repair/service it? Thank you for your supremely thorough comparisons/information.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Not bad in my opinion! You’re still supporting your local shop and I’m sure they understand because they didn’t have the bike you wanted. If they sell that same bike in their store or similar bikes to that one it’s even easier :)

[@kevinking1750]

I just got a Top Fuel but need another bike for commuting to work. I'm leaning toward a cheap dual sport. Thank you for the video, it helps!

[@TalalipopMTB]

No problem! Glad I could help :)

[@joshuawest5967]

How did that go?

[@DRM1891]

This is a tough choice. I am going to be test riding both soon to see which I prefer. My use will largely be commuting/ going to town/ going to the gym etc so would maybe assume the FX. However I also want to get a pannier rack so I can carry some loads too - which the DS looks maybe better for (from what I have researched so far). Let’s see how I get on with the testing.

[@bryandasilva5318]

Howd it go? which one did you prefer and end up purchasing

[@DRM1891]

@@bryandasilva5318 hey - I tested both and both bikes seemed comfortable rides. I remember preferring the DS, but in the end I chose not to get one. Thought again and didn’t feel like I needed one that much! So my decision wasn’t based on the actual bikes, just more my personal circumstance.

[@nikkoymana934]

Random question, anyone know the helmet that guy is wearing @ 2:33 ?

[@mariathithuthaonguyen9667]

Thanks heaps! I know which I'll buy

[@TalalipopMTB]

No problem!

[@DatBoiE]

Is the speed and weight noticeably different between the two? I’m willing to give up a little bit of speed for comfort, but if differences are noticeable ima just stick with the FX because I want the speed but also I’d like to be able to ride light trails on my adventures which is why I’m conflicted between the two

[@robertrenfrow8621]

The trails that you will be riding on the dual sport will be very light indeed. It is just a touch above a street bike. The term "dual" is very misleading.

[@Holgrinator]

I found the fx to be more comfortable and a lot quicker. The dualsport shocks had to be locked out or almost locked out on smooth pavement but I'm a heavy guy

[@sangramchavan4816]

Brooooo, I have question. Trek Ds 2 frem is med in China???

[@stelightfoot9185]

Mmm my dual sport 4 only has 2 front gear drives