Trek Verve Disc Series Review

Trek’s Verve range of hybrid bikes has received excellent reviews since its release. The majority of users say they offer excellent value for money, providing high-quality parts and materials at a low cost. For work commuters, weekend riders, or those looking to do short tours with light loads, you’ll struggle to find better-priced bikes of the same quality.

Who Is The Trek Verve For?

Trek’s new range of Verve hybrid bikes is aimed at urban commuters and recreational riders looking to do short trips around town. They have comfortable seating positions, straight handlebars, and frame mounts for fitting pannier racks and fenders. All bikes in the Verve range come in both standard and “low-step” models for cyclists who require easier mounting.

Best for: Urban commuting
Top features: Bontrager components, Alpha Gold aluminum frame, DuoTrap S compatibility, Rack/fender ready, Mechanical/Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Trek Verve Disc Top Features

	Verve 1 '2020	Verve 2 '2020	Verve 3 '2020
Weight	L - 13.73 kg / 30.26 lbs	L - 13.20 kg / 29.1 lbs	L - 13.73 kg / 30.26 lbs
Tires	Bontrager H5, wire bead, 30 tpi, 700x45c	Bontrager H5, wire bead, 30 tpi, 700x45c	Bontrager H5 Hard-Case Ultimate, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x45c
Stem	Bontrager quill, 25.4mm clamp, 25 degree	Bontrager alloy quill, 31.8mm clamp, adjustable rise, Blendr compatible	Bontrager alloy quill, 31.8mm clamp, adjustable rise, Blendr compatible, (S,M 85mm / L,XL 105mm length)
Shifters	Shimano Altus EF500, 7 speed	Shimano Altus M310, 8 speed	Shimano Acera M3000, 9 speed / SL-M3010, 2 speed
Seatpost	Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset	Alloy, adjustable suspension, 27.2mm	Alloy, adjustable suspension, 27.2mm, 300mm length
Saddle	Bontrager Boulevard	Bontrager Boulevard	Bontrager Boulevard
Rims	Bontrager Connection, alloy, double-wall, 32-hole, schrader valve	Bontrager Connection, alloy, double-wall, 32-hole, schrader valve	Bontrager Tubeless Ready Disc, 32-hole, presta valve
Rear hub	Formula DC31 alloy, 135x5mm QR	Formula DC22 alloy, 135x5mm QR	Formula DC-22, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5mm QR
Rear derailleur	Shimano Altus M310	Shimano Altus M310	Shimano Acera M3000, Shadow design, long cage
Pedals	Wellgo nylon platform	Bontrager Satellite City pedal	Bontrager Satellite City pedal
Headset	1-1/8" threadless, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings	1-1/8" threadless, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings	1-1/8'' threadless, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings
Handlebar	Trek Urban alloy, comfort sweep, 25.4mm, 45mm rise	Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, comfort sweep	Bontrager IsoZone alloy, 31.8mm, comfort sweep (S,M - 620mm L,XL - 665mm width)
Grips	Bontrager Satellite	Bontrager Satellite	Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Plus, lock-on, ergonomic
Front hub	Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm QR	Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm QR	Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm QR
Front derailleur	Shimano Tourney TY510, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull	Shimano Tourney TY710, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull	Shimano Acera T3000, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull
Frame	Alpha Gold Aluminum, DuoTrap S compatible, disc brake, rack & fender mounts, 135x5mm QR	Alpha Gold Aluminum, DuoTrap S compatible, disc brake, rack & fender mounts, 135x5mm QR	Alpha Gold Aluminum, DuoTrap S compatible, disc brake, rack & fender mounts, 135x5mm QR
Fork	Steel, disc, rack mounts, 415mm axle-to-crown, ThruSkew 5mm QR	Alloy, disc, rack mounts, 415mm axle-to-crown, ThruSkew 5mm QR	Alloy, disc, rack mounts, 415mm axle-to-crown, ThruSkew 5mm QR
Crank	Forged alloy, 48/38/28, chainguard	Forged alloy, 48/38/28, chainguard	Shimano MT210, 46/30, chainguard (S,M 170mm / L /XL 175mm)
Chain	KMC Z51	KMC Z7	KMC X9
Cassette	SunRace MFM300 freewheel, 14-34, 7 speed	Shimano HG31, 11-32, 8 speed	Shimano HG200, 11-36, 9 speed
Brakeset	Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc, 160mm rotor	Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor	Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc, Shimano RT26, 160mm, 6-bolt
Bottom bracket	VP BC55P, 68mm, threaded	VP BC73, 68mm, threaded

Shimano Acera Groupset

The Verve 3’s benefits from the smooth and efficient gearing provided by Shimano’s Acera components. Both the front and back derailleurs are Acera as well as the shifters. Trek has downgraded the front crank to a 2-speed ring but put a 9-speed Shimano HG200 cassette on the rear, with 11-36 cogs. This gives the rider 18 gears overall with the added range provided by the extra-large 36t rear cog.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Trek has also decided to go with Shimano in the braking department this time around. Shimano’s MT200 hydraulic disc brakes are a firm favorite amongst hybrid and MTB riders alike. They provide great grip, instant reaction time, and no slippage even in wet weather.

Bontrager Hardcase Wheels

Bontrager’s Hardcase Ultimate tires are the real deal when it comes to tackling hazardous city streets. These things will carve through rubble or broken rocks without trouble and should even keep you safe against glass shards or small nails. The 700c x 45 wire-beaded tires also have reflective sidewalls for safer night riding.

Alpha Gold Aluminum Frame

The Alpha Gold aluminum frame is compatible with Trek’s DuoTrap S sensor system for tracking your progress. It also has a front and rear rack and fender mounts if you wish to convert the Verve 3 into a decent touring bicycle. With the strong frame and alloy fork, the Verve 3 can carry up to 300 lbs (136 kg) of overall weight (rider and luggage).

DuoTrap S Compatible

DuoTrap S is Trek’s unique frame-integrated wireless computer system that tracks your statistics while you cycle. It can be installed neatly into the frame on the inside of the rear wheel for a clean and aerodynamic finish. The DuoTrap S device (sold separately) tracks your cycling statistics and sends the information wirelessly to a Bluetooth or ANT+ enabled cycling computer or smartphone.

Trek Verve 1 Disc

MSRP $530
Best Features: Mechanical disc brakes, Bontrager Tires, DuoTrap S compatible (Not included)

Verve 1 is an excellent introductory hybrid bike at an attractive price. Its comfortable geometry is perfect for first-timers or casual recreational riders. It’s built from tough, reliable components that are simple to clean and repair, making maintenance an easy task for new riders. It doesn’t have the suspension required for heavy off-road riding but it does have extra-large tires to absorb the shock of small rocks and bumpy roads. This makes it a decent bike for riding on dirt tracks in parks or along country lanes.

• Men’s Trek Verve 1 Disc comes in two colors: Factory Orange and Trek Black, and four sizes: S, M, L, XL. 
• Women’s Trek Verve 2 Disc comes in four sizes: XS, S, M, L and in two colors: Era White, and Dnister Black

Main Features

Aluminum Frame and steel fork

The strong Alpha Gold aluminum frame is built to carry weight and take abuse so it won’t break on you anytime soon. Attach a rack to the rear so you can carry groceries or go on short weekend camping trips in the countryside. This is complemented by a steel front fork with rack and fender mounts.

Mechanical disc brakes

Disc brakes provide much-improved stopping power in wet weather so you won’t have to worry about cycling in the rain. These Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc brakes are highly rated and quality tested. 

Shimano Gearing

The Verve 1 has good value Shimano Altus and Tourney derailleurs making up its 21-speed drivetrain, with a SunRace 14-34t freewheel cassette. The combination offers a wide range of gears so you can tackle any hills without trouble.

Extra-large tires

Bontrager supplies the extra-large 700x45c tires on the Verve 1 so you can comfortably attack even the most cobbled streets. The thick wire-bead tires offer maximum puncture protection and have reflective sidewalls for safer night riding.

DuoTrap S Compatible

The Verve 1 is compatible with Trek’s proprietary DuoTrap S wireless computer system (sold separately). The system tracks your cycling statistics and sends the information wirelessly to a Bluetooth or ANT+ enabled cycling computer or smartphone.

Trek Verve 2 Disc

MSRP $670
Best Features: Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Bontrager 700x45c wheels, Alpha Gold aluminum frame, Suspension seat post

The Verve 2 is an intermediate hybrid bike for casual riders with some nice components upgrades from Verve 1. Most notably, the Verve 2 is fitted with a higher-quality Shimano 8-speed cassette that offers a wider range of gears. It benefits from the same solid aluminum frame material but with a lighter alloy fork at the front.

• Men’s Trek Verve 2 Disc comes in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and two colors: Rage Red and Lithium Grey. Coming in at about 29 lbs (13.2 kg), it’s a bit lighter than the Verve 1 but equally strong and reliable.
• Women’s Trek Verve 2 Disc comes also in four sizes (XS, S, M, L) and two colors: Teal and Quiksilver. Weighing 28.8lbs (13kg).

Main Features

Shimano Groupset

The Verve 2 has a full Shimano drivetrain comprised of Altus and Tourney derailleurs and an 8-speed Shimano HG31 cassette. Combined with the triple cog on the crank gives you 24 gears in total, enough to tackle steep hills or hit the tarmac with speed.

Hydraulic disc brakes

The Verve 2 enjoys improved braking power with Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic brakes provide quicker and more reactive braking power with less pressure required, ensuring you always stop in time and avoid accidents.

Suspension Seatpost

While Verve 2 doesn’t have any suspension on the front or rear wheels it does get a nice touch with seat post suspension. The alloy adjustable seat post has a small added spring that gives up to 27.2mm of travel that will absorb any sudden bumps that creep up on you.

Aluminum Frame and Alloy Fork

The Verve 2 has the same Trek Alpha Gold aluminum frame as the Verve 1 with a lighter 415mm alloy fork. The comfortable frame geometry puts the rider in an upright position, with a 71.5-degree head angle and an average 70-degree seat tube angle.

Bontrager Wheels

The wheels on the Verve 2 are Bontrager Connection with size 700x45c Bontrager H5 wire-bead tires. The thick-treaded, reflective and puncture-protected tires are strong and resilient in all types of weather, ensuring you stay safe and visible even in low-light conditions. 

Trek Verve 3 Disc

MSRP $820
Best Features: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, Bontrager Hardcase wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Acera Groupset

The Verve 3 is Trek’s top-dog in this range of hybrid bikes and ensures you get all the best quality parts for an excellent price. The inclusion of a full Shimano Acera groupset really gives the Verve 3 an extra touch of class.

• Men’s Verve 3 Disc comes in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and two colors: Metallic Gunmetal and Mulsanne Blue. It weighs on average 30.2 lbs (13.7 kg), making it slightly heavier than the Verve 2 and about equal to the Verve 1.
• Women’s Verve 3 Disc weighs about 13.54 kg / 29.85 lb, comes in two colors: Quicksilver, Purple Abyss. Four sizes: XS, S, M, L

What Can Be Better?

It’s hard to find any cons about those bikes, and we really couldn’t find anything major. If you are willing to sacrifice the speed and ease of riding, you might want to swap the rigid fork to a front suspension with at least 50mm travel.

Another not-so-good fact about these bikes is that they look really nice and glossy, which means you have to take good care of it by not getting the frame scratched. We also recommend investing in a solid bicycle lock too as this bike simply won’t get unnoticed!

Trek Verve Disc Sizing Chart

Conclusion: Why Is The Verve So Popular?

1. Built by Trek
2. Outworldly beautiful design
3. Unbeatable value in terms of geometry and components
4. Super comfortable and easy to ride
5. Rack & fender ready for maximum versatility

Buy on TrekBikes.com

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About the Author

Sam Millers

Sam Millers is the guy behind Bikexchange.com. From the early days of three wheels to conquering challenging mountain trails, Sam's love for cycling knows no bounds. With a background in web development, Sam seamlessly combined two of his greatest passions – cycling and technology. As the creative force behind Bikexchange.com, he shares insightful stories, expert tips, and engaging content for fellow cycling enthusiasts. When he's not exploring new biking routes or tweaking website codes, Alex enjoys sipping on a post-ride espresso and planning his next cycling adventure.