I have been deliberating the purchase of either the Trek FX2 Gen 4 and the Trek FX3 Gen 4 for some weeks now. I have test rode the FX2 variant, but not the FX3. Not concerned with issues to do with weight or carbon forks or indeed the cost on the FX3, but would have liked the better range and quality of gearing that the more expensive option offers. Presumably upgrading the gears if required would be relatively simple and I do like the Lava Red which is offered with the FX2. All advice or suggestions in this regard would be welcome.
Trek FX2 Gen 4 and Trek FX3 Gen 4 - Suggestions Welcome.
- Thread starter Clemenza
- Start date
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PedallingNowhereSlowly
Über Member
The FX3 has a 10 speed 11-48 cassette matched to the 40 tooth chainwheel. That's going to give you ~22.8" bottom gear. Or ~6.1 MPH @ 90 RPM.
I don't think you need to get much lower than that unless you are carrying heavy loads or attempting Alpine passes?
The FX 2 has an 11-46 cassette, again matched to a 40 tooth chainwheel. That's a ~23.6" bottom gear. Or ~6.3 MPH @ 90 RPM.
And it is only 300 grams heavier. Alloy fork might mean a bit more road buzz over the Carbon fork of the FX 3.
And Tektro brakes instead of Shimano MT200.
IIRC some of the Gen 3 FX2 has a double chainwheel and front derailleur and with 30/40 tooth chainwheels and an 11-36 cassette has the same range.
FWIW I have a 2024 FX Sport 6 with 11 speed GRX (one by) and I find the chain line isn't the best in the lowest gears, but I don't use them very often.
Between those two, I prefer blue
And I'd probably hunt around for a gen 3 bargain because it will be more bike for the money.
I don't think you need to get much lower than that unless you are carrying heavy loads or attempting Alpine passes?
The FX 2 has an 11-46 cassette, again matched to a 40 tooth chainwheel. That's a ~23.6" bottom gear. Or ~6.3 MPH @ 90 RPM.
And it is only 300 grams heavier. Alloy fork might mean a bit more road buzz over the Carbon fork of the FX 3.
And Tektro brakes instead of Shimano MT200.
IIRC some of the Gen 3 FX2 has a double chainwheel and front derailleur and with 30/40 tooth chainwheels and an 11-36 cassette has the same range.
FWIW I have a 2024 FX Sport 6 with 11 speed GRX (one by) and I find the chain line isn't the best in the lowest gears, but I don't use them very often.
Between those two, I prefer blue
And I'd probably hunt around for a gen 3 bargain because it will be more bike for the money.
