Uncovering the Surprising Features of the 2023 Trek Dual Sport Gen 5!

[@HatmanXIIX]

I love this bike, I just bought mine about 2 hours ago. I couldn't fit it in my car so I had a friend drive my car home and I rode it 18 miles back home. I went through urban, off-road, gravel, bad roads, smooth roads, uphill, downhill, in the 95⁰ heat. It was a great ride. Best bike I've ever owned

[@lerico536]

The Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 *is* a mountain bike. At least for me it is. I ride it just like I rode my Trek Singletrack 980 steel frame mountain bike back in the early 1990s. I take my DS3 on some gnarly single-track trails in the hills around Osaka and it does just fine.

[@RH-nk7eo]

After testing one I have to agree.

[@Subfrequenz]

What tyres did you fit on it? Tempted by one of these but want some tyres to run at low enough pressures for off road. Thanks

[@lerico536]

@@Subfrequenz I use the stock tires - I inflate them to 55 psi for riding on roads and drop them to 30 psi for dirt trails

[@Subfrequenz]

@@lerico536 thanks. Got a Kona Mahuna in the end. But I loved the handling of this trek. If I see one 2nd hand in the future might have to get one anyway!

[@midnightrambler4004]

I bought this exact bike a month ago. Added a couple of things including clipless pedals and a 4 lb Seatylock. I ride it in hilly Charlottesville VA with no problems and I'm 67. Love it. I don't care about the weight, the way I look at I'm getting a better workout

[@jmydy]

Dual sport is a great looking bike, especially versions with no front derailleur.

[@marky59]

Good Vid - I have done a bit of changes to mine, stem,handlebars, front forks, brakes, pedals and bottle cages. I love the geometry of this bike it feels so comfortable to me, I can actually do 15/20 miles without padded shorts, just normal shorts. for what I do this bike is ideal for me.

[@ashurany]

Nice looking bike. I think everyone should own a "do it all" hybrid/commuter/fitness etc. kind of bike, even "serious" riders.

[@sharky442]

That's a REALLY BEAUTIFUL bike, It almost looks like my 2020 Trek FX3 with wider tires.

[@kottelkannim4919]

Thank you. Judging by my trek fx 1, there is no need for disc specific rack when the brake caliper is attached to the chain stay.

[@tmayberry7559]

And low maintenance on rim brakes along with on the fly adjustment 😊

[@mjcalais]

To me, the Gen 5 dual sport 3 is the one bike that makes sense in the DS lineup with its 1x drivechain, carbon fork, hydraulic brakes, and lower weight. On the low end, I'm not sure how the dual sport 1 competes when you can get a Sirrus x 2.0 with hydraulic brakes, weighs 4-5 pounds less, and costs $130 less right now.

[@marlonm396]

@mjcalais, I ended up getting the dual sport 3 gen 5. I’m still getting used to the gears, but the ride is much nicer

[@rickiehoxton]

@@marlonm396do you recommend the gen 3 without the front derailleur ⚙️? Or do you think the gen 2 with one is better especially for riding in the city (which I’m planning). Thx

[@marlonm396]

@@rickiehoxton, let me try to answer your question best i can after having the DS 3 Gen 5 for a month already. I rode the DS 4 Gen 4 and all three (3) in the Gen 5 line up. The Gen 5 was more responsive, and it had a more balanced weight to it. In other words, it did not tip over the front as the Gen 4 with the suspension. For city driving i would definitely choose Gen 5, but do not pick their entry level. I think the middle one in the G5 line up is the sweet spot with the better quality to cost ratio. However, if you shop around various shops, you might end up getting a good deal on the DS 3 Gen 5 as I did. Conversely, and you might know this, but i would also look at the FX model if city driving is your main requirement. Good luck and let me know what you choose. Cheers!

[@harimau298]

​@@rickiehoxton Please change front gear into single gear.

[@mblegend3056]

The wider 650b x 50c will be a good suspension 👌

[@chrisp9859]

I took the level 3 version of this on some proper MTB trails and it was really fun , though a bit scary.

[@webaggregat]

Enjoying your vids always and Many Thnx for your inputs. I am not a pro but a ciclist and now I am realy wanna figure out why the hell this thing is heavier than 11 kg.

[@Mazelcom]

I own a gen 4 dual sport 2 ... I love it and do use it more for fitness 18 miles 4 times a week . I LOVE the front shock for going over road debris. .. did they do away with the dual trap hook up for wahoo computer?

[@harimau298]

How much did you buy it for ?

[@Mazelcom]

@@harimau298 If I remember correctly $750.00

[@leviaguonie1383]

Can the handle bar b raised a bit more?

[@chuckwalla2967]

No fat tire can replace the suspension. And this steel fork is not even that much lighter than the suspension fork.

[@MP19861]

I do some trails and a mix of street/subdivision. Looking at a Roscoe 8? Am I crazy?

[@marcsaint-pierre8775]

Hi James, great review as always. Will this fit 700c wheels (even though it is specced with 650)? And can you run a internal dropper post?

[@tjj5337]

I have FX 3 and it’s much faster than my Brompton. I love it

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

Very nice Trek DS,just a pity about the 25mm dia handlebar and stem but it's absolutely a bombproof frame and fork with super internal cable routing.

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

@MDBD Maybe the steel fork on this one is better than carbon,definitely won't crack.

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

@MDBD Tell Trek them about it if it's under warranty.

[@harrygrimley4352]

Nice. I think it's the same colors ad my marlin 6. I like. Reviewing a few treks of late. Changing your opinion? Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@thebluebell89]

This video would have been amazing for me when i forst started riding, everything is so well explained. I like the new DS set-ups. For me its gotta be hydro brakes though.

[@StanEby1]

Very well done review. Personally, I prefer a 3x8 setup. BTW Box Components is coming out with their Gen 2 Prime in September. All the best.

[@richardwolf6269]

I have a one by Box group. It sucks! Difficult to get rear wheel in and out. Stiff shifting. Big gaps in gearing (9 speed) Shimano from here on out!

[@timurpapba520]

Yes absolute beauty of a bike 🫣

[@photoholohan]

Another great video James 😊 👍🏻 Would you personally go for one of these new Dual Sports?? And if so, which particular model?

[@pundlikneeraj]

Hi James, I just brought a DS3 Gen 5 with Shimano Cues. i graduated from Polygon Cascase 2 (MTB) to this. I wanted something very fast and also one with quick gearing. Just got the bike yesterday so will ride soon and let you know the feedback.

[@Unicus1]

How is it?=)

[@pundlikneeraj]

@@Unicus1 its superb. Huge change from my Polygon. Gearing system is very smooth and overall I am completely satisfied. If you are planning to buy fo ahead.

[@Unicus1]

@@pundlikneeraj thanks. I'm now deciding between ds3 and fx3. Both seem great 🙏

[@ras864]

Wow! I’m riding a Marlin 8 Gen 2 w/ 29” wheels and I think it’s lighter than the Dual Sport. Geez!

[@poker_18rs92]

I love it! James, which do you think would be a better commuter bike on pavement, a DS1 or FX1?

[@poker_18rs92]

@@GNMi79 Thanks! I’ve learned so much over the last year…. I’m currently commuting on a Marlin 6 & it’s just slow & id really like to have a better fitness/commuter bike for pavement only.

[@weedfaya959]

Superbe velo , mais quelle taille de cadre a prendre pour 1.80m avec un entre jambe de 83 cm ?

[@harimau298]

How much is this bike ? I think it would better if the front gear was Fixed in First gear.

[@Robboa1]

A small front gear at about 24 would make the bike far more versatile.

[@marlonm396]

Sir, thank you for the video. Today I rode the DS 2, Gen 4 and the DS 1, Gen 5. I checked out the specs of these two bikes and the DS 1, Gen 5 is a pound heavier than the DS 2, Gen 4. I wasn't expecting that; however, I noticed differences in ride quality. In my humble opinion, the Gen 5 was a total redesign to previous version so the ride experience was totally new/different. I am torn at which one to buy, but I am trending to getting the new one due to changes Trek made in such redesign. Thoughts? Thank you!

[@marlonm396]

@jamesthebikeguy, I've seen both of your review s between the DS 1 Gen 5 and Giant's Roam 3. Both have the same price, so which one would you get?

[@harimau298]

DS1 Gen5 !!! This is excellent & safety.

[@demri123]

Get the DS3. worth it to have shimano dyraulic brakes and a carbon fork

[@stevenhernandez2108]

It weighs as much as my marlin 6, you would think with the alpha gold it would be lighter than that

[@PrivateEyeYiYi]

Weight could be due to the wheels and tires it uses

[@dakisgravvanis8016]

Excellent review man, how much it costs?

[@ApeJayy]

Around 750

[@Sangram-IND]

❤❤❤❤ thankyou so much bro

[@garyz0611]

Unless I missed it what were the things that were a little bit controversial?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

No front shock, some love it some hate it.

[@demri123]

No front suspension. But most dont need it anyway

[@WheelcraftBicycles]

This bike leads me to belive that the next gen FX and Verve will be all internal too. This is bad news for bike mechanics everywhere.

[@paddyotoole2058]

Don’t you mean good news?! Most bike mechanics charge by the hour / time it takes then to complete a job. More complicated and fiddly means more time spent repairing, which means more money for them.

[@guchypoo]

What's the fitting on the location for old school kick stands... It looks like a threaded fitting?

[@WheelcraftBicycles]

fender mount

[@NelsonWillis-kt8ck]

This bike is an affordable easy to use fully loaded bike

[@KwokamoleVlogs]

I still like the ruggedness the gen 4 can possibly offer. Not a fan of the headset routing for the cables whatsoever as I think it looks a bit uglier. Still gonna save up for the Gen 4 Dual Sport 2.

[@paddyotoole2058]

You think a neater, less exposed internal cable routing is uglier than having all the cables exposed and wrapping all around the head tube? Most people think the opposite.

[@TheKos2Kos]

The gen 4 suspension is below average at best to me. Much rather have the maintenence free rigid fork

[@jibinbabub2080]

Can we upgrate it to carbon fork later

[@demri123]

Get ds3, it has one

[@Chef-Chad]

It just came to me what is crappy about this bicycle. The 650B wheelset, which is a step backwards.

[@paddyotoole2058]

Disagree. 650b will be a lot more nimble on the trails. Also will provide more cushioning due to higher tyre volume and more grip due to larger contact patch with the road surface. It also means they can get rid of that heavy front suspension fork, which means bike Is lighter also, and also there is also less to go wrong. It’s a well thought out progression and definite improvement in my book.

[@Chef-Chad]

@@paddyotoole2058 I think you read the brochure and just typed it in here bro.

[@paddyotoole2058]

@@Chef-Chad yes, that and I actually own this bike (4 months), and also a 650b gravel bike (as well as a hardtail mountain bike with 29er wheels and 4 road bikes with 700c wheels). With all that and 40 years plus experience of riding bicycles on all sorts of terrain under my belt I think I’m more than qualified to make the assessment 🙂.

[@Chef-Chad]

@@paddyotoole2058 I own a Trek Daul Sport 3 5th Generation, the red or crimson one. I have ridden it over 500 miles now. So yes, I know, had to change the seat post, seat, and stem to get the odd geometry to fit right.

[@lambertj.2892]

Do you work for Trek, James?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I do not

[@lululirac]

Fx 2 or DS2 Gen5 for a first bike? :) I want to just ride for fun at parks and bike trail and bike paths. The DS2 G5 doesn't have a quick release wheel right?

[@paddyotoole2058]

Ds2 Gen 5. More comfortable ride all round. The rear wheel is quick release. The front isn’t.

[@mb9996]

Should work great for what you want to do. The fx might be a little quicker on pavement, but if your intent is to cruise around or use it for exercise then it doesn't really matter. The nice thing about the duel sport is you have those wider 650 tires, you can also get a 700 wheel set if you want a more road specific wheel set and then swap out if you want to go on gravel roads. Which you can't do that on the fx line .

[@mb9996]

The dual sport is also more upright seating position, which you can get inner or outter bar extensions to ride more aggressive and then have your normal handles for a upright position.

[@JoeCnNd]

I like the gen 4 better

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

Nah, bigger wheels and no front shocker on the entry version is a no, no for me. I dont like having my teeth shaken out by bumps and holes in the road so a from shocker is essential. These big tyres just wont give the same shock absorbency for me.

[@joelrussell1662]

Trek backed lance to the point of calling the truth talkers crazy & set out to ruin them. 🤮 Also the fact that they are talked up over priced bikes with entry level components compared to price. Never ever!!!

[@nyreppin1]

Trek should get rid of the other trims. On the DS1 you get better gearing, a cheap but solid fork and brakes that are good enough for the riding it'll be used for. People should save their money and force trek to consolidate the color choices to just the DS1

[@paddyotoole2058]

Huh? If folks want a higher spec and they are prepared to pay for it then what’s the problem? You want to limit consumer choice to just one model? Sounds like silliness.

[@jasonw3287]

That weight of 31 pounds is more than mountain bikes with both a front and a rear suspension. The weights of these low end bikes are totally unacceptable and I would always recommend buying a used bike instead of this.

[@robo1989]

This is 11.88 kgs brother

[@jasonw3287]

@@robo1989 he weighs it at 31 pounds which james does at the end of every video with tires and peddles. That’s an absolute crap ton. My mountain bike loaded is less than that.

[@robo1989]

@@jasonw3287 okay I got it, how is trek roscoe 8 2023 for daily commute in city?

[@richarde1355]

Totally agree. My girlfriend’s stock Cannondale Flash 3 mountain bike, stock, weighs just over 26 pounds. It has stock 26” wheels on it right now, and will run 650b. 2x10 Deore XT and XT brakes, the bike in awesome shape cost $300. So, spending less for a more versatile (in my mind) bike. The only place where this Dual Sport Gen 5 has more options are all the connection points for racks, bike packing, etc. It appears Trek may have missed the mark on this one.

[@webaggregat]

I would not wonder if the parts around the frame expect the nice fork and handlebar woulds safe at least 1 kg from 13,5 kg. On alloy-wheels.

[@Customercf]

The fork looks like its put on backwards. Weird looking bike.

[@the.communist]

No.

[@nikhil23911]

bike looks ugly though

[@paddyotoole2058]

Disagree. I think it looks superb. Clean modern lines and a very tidy front end with the integrated cable routing through the headset. Paint jobs look stunning in person too. They are selling well here in the U.K.

[@lambertj.2892]

I agree. It's ugly.

[@miffachan123]

its ugly. my kona dew plus 2013 looks better and i only got it for $300 used.

[@akgustavson4026]

Very stupid move from Trek to eliminate the suspensions from Gen 4 ! With all the variants in Dual Sport, they can just keep the suspension option to one of them.

[@miffachan123]

looks slow