I too am going to get back into riding bike. I’m going to get a Trek.Here’s the question. I will be riding on paved bike paths or on a street. I’m looking at the Verve 3, smaller tires, or the Shift 3 with larger tires. Is there an advantage or disadvantage with either? Help me out bike experts.
Thanks
For sure get on both and take a test spin if haven’t already done so. These are my thoughts for what it’s worth.
If you plan to run on pavement there’s no real need to go with a mountain bike frame similar to the Shift unless you simply like it better. I had an old mtn bike I converted for commuting. I ditched the front suspension and went straight fork. Put the smallest road slick tires I could for the rims at 26×1.5″. As a general rule you can run a higher tire pressure with the smaller tires. The whole thought being trying to convert as much of your energy going forward. You don’t need extra flotation for muddy trails, rocks, sand, etc. Personally I think suspension on the road just robs energy (or knobby tires). A shorter wheel base is also more nimble in the handling.
I would lean to the Verve unless you don’t find it comfortable.
Smaller tires meaning width or skinny vs fat? or in diameter meaning 26″ vs 29″?
Are you going to ride for leisurely pleasure? to push your body and heart rate? Commuting? Other?
Looking for a little more info here. I would recommend two very different choices if this is for leisure or for pushing harder. For instance unless I’m Sunday cruising no bike of mine will ever have a suspension seatpost. If I’m out for Sunday fun then large diameter wheels, shocks every where to make it comfy, and just enjoy the sunshine.
X2 with Tegg on doing test rides. If you like it you might keep up with it after the new toy buzz is over.
I’ve been out of the bike world for too many years. Can’t tell from Trek’s website what the important differences are between the two other than frame size choices which can matter greatly for fit. I couldn’t tell on wheel diameter(this two would influence me). Looks like most of the components are the same or at lease comparable. They look similar enough that if you’re choosing between the two then it’s probably personal preference. Good call for a few upgrades that get you better rims.
The narrower the tires, the faster the bike will travel with the same amount of energy used. The narrowness comes with some loss of stability in turns as the bike will lose traction easier. The diameter of the tire is based on the size of the bike frame used and the frame should be sized to your height.
After dealing with the hassle of external gear derailers, I have come to really enjoy the newer in the hub gears with the gear shift on the hand grip. Be sure to get double walled tire rims also based on experience. Toe clips are for racing, if not, I would stay away.
I bought a Trek 7.2 FX a few years back, and I have been happy with my choice. It really does come down to personal preference, and any worthwhile bike shop will let you try out the bikes you are interested it.
In my case, I ride on the road/paved trails 99% of the time, so I didn’t want a suspension, and I wanted skinny tires, but I didn’t want to go as extreme as a road bike. While serious road-bikers fly by me, my “fitness hybrid” clips along pretty well.
So, like the others said, try them out, and be realistic about how you’re going to use the bike. The two you mentioned look fairly similar. Try to get a feel for a few other bikes, too (suspension vs. non-suspension, etc).
Thanks for all of the input guys, very helpful. I will be taking both for a spin soon. Right now I’m leaning towards the Verve 3, but we’ll see. I will just be using the bike for a couple miles of leisurely riding two or three times a week. Great paved trails in Qwatonna.
Enjoy!
There are two bikes shops near my house. Penn Cycle and Erik’s.
Any reason to choose one over the other?
Brand.
Penn deals Trek. I don’t think Erik’s does. Not that it matters, but if you have a preference on brand, you need to find a shop that carries that bike. Personally, I’d check out both and see which you like better.
Suzuki, another shop to check out is spokes and pedals in downtown Hudson. Been in buisness around 30 years great variety to choose and like those other shops they know their stuff inside and out.
I bought a Trek 7.2 FX a few years back, and I have been happy with my choice. It really does come down to personal preference, and any worthwhile bike shop will let you try out the bikes you are interested it.
In my case, I ride on the road/paved trails 99% of the time, so I didn’t want a suspension, and I wanted skinny tires, but I didn’t want to go as extreme as a road bike. While serious road-bikers fly by me, my “fitness hybrid” clips along pretty well.
So, like the others said, try them out, and be realistic about how you’re going to use the bike. The two you mentioned look fairly similar. Try to get a feel for a few other bikes, too (suspension vs. non-suspension, etc).
The Trek FX 7.2 is a great cross bike, thinner tires for less drag but not too thin like a road bike so they still have some cushion in them.
Thin tires do not mean you will lose traction to the road, have you ever seen road bikes corner, they can lay way flatter than you will ever want to. You want to stick with an aluminum frame to cut down on weight. The FX series from Trek are a very nice bike for the price.
Suzuki, another shop to check out is spokes and pedals in downtown Hudson. Been in buisness around 30 years great variety to choose and like those other shops they know their stuff inside and out.
Thank you. I’ll check them out.
I got a Specialized about 10 years ago… looks great in the garage… OUCH !! 
Call Mark at the Bike Works in Albert Lea as I see you’re in Owatonna
He is honest and sells great Bait too.
http://www.thebicycleworksmn.com/
http://www.thedambaitshop.net/
The Bicycle Works
807 East Main St.
Albert Lea, MN 56007 Email: [email protected]
Phone: 507-383-8580
Owner: Mark Conley
I’ll be in there tomorrow
PS: I’ll throw this out too, The Minneapolis Police Auction off bikes the retrieve and cannot locate the owners. I got a nice Trek last year for $40 for my Spinner.
Also bought my son a bike he uses to get to and from work, an 18 speed Releigh for $50.
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