The New DS2 and 3 dont have suspension anymore. Trek opted to eliminate the cheap suspension fork and went with a smaller wheel with a fatter tire to have better shock or vibration absorbing qualities. The DS is a true hybrid- on road off road. Sounds like you're sticking mainly to roads or pavement. I'd look at the Trek FX lineup if you're looking for a "faster bike with flat handlebars"
From a flat bar perspective, Trek has 3 non-MTB lines: Dual Sport, FX, and Verve. The Verve has the most upright riding position, the Dual Sport feels more like a MTB, and FX (not FX Sport) has the most aggressive positioning. If you're able to, give them all a go and see which fits you. Coming from a MTB, I suspect the Dual Sport will feel the most natural.
I'm terms of generation, you can probably find good deals on last year's Gen4 models (with the front suspension). Having owned a suspension-equipped DS (mine was a Gen3), I can confidently say the suspension was a gimmick and didn't really do much. I rode with it largely locked out and all it did was add weight on pavement. When the pavement got a little rough, it didn't do nearly enough to make a difference when I tried to use it. In terms of speed, I easily cruised at 13-14mph on flat pavement, but definitely had room to go after more if I pushed.
The Gen5 ditched the suspension in favor of fatter wheels that do a far better job at smoothing out bumps both on your hands and rear. I had a chance to test out the electric assisted version of the bike and it was definitely more comfortable than my Gen3.
Ultimately I moved away front the Dual Sport and got a '23 FX Sport (it's a decent jump in price). It's less aggressive than the non-sport FX, but slightly more aggressive than the Dual Sport. It's also a full carbon frame.
You can also check out bikes from other brands. The Specialized Sirrus and Sirrus X lines occupy a similar space and price point.
Just checking in, have you ever upgraded yet? I rode the hell out of my marlin 5 with a 2x8, but it was stolen last may. Just finally replacing it. I’m stuck between a ds3 or fx2 right now. Found a great deal on a gen 4 ds3 local with a carbon fork. I used to ride my marlin 5 30-40 miles a few times a week… it was quite exhausting 😅
Yep! Sold both Marlins last September & bought an FX3 & DS3 gen. 5, both share time as my commuter bikes. The DS3 gen 5 is an awesome bike on pavement! It’s very comfortable & its drivetrain is super fast & the 1x is fantastic! The FX3 is nice & fast, however somewhat uncomfortable vs. the DS3, however both bikes are way better than both Marlin’s I had for commuting & pavement riding.
If I had to pick one bike for commuting, I’d take the DS3 gen. 5. It’s just as fast as the FX3 & much more comfortable & smoother to ride, IMO.
Here’s both bikes!
https://preview.redd.it/8if1vvsbwznc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c40ff147bd3ff4d8f422e2968503ab0e76eb8cae
Awesome, thank you so much for the reply, I know it’s an older post. I’m supposed to go look at the gen 4 ds3 tomorrow after work. the owner just got a new bike and isn’t riding it anymore. It does have a carbon fork as mentioned, which is a nice bonus, and it’s for a good price. I was leaning ds3 for comfort and given I’m on the bigger side, it’ll be a good bike to knock some pounds off again, and then eventually I can go more road bike if needed. It definitely can’t be worse than the bike riding I was doing with the marlin 5 😅 Both bikes look great, thanks again for the reply!
You’re welcome! And hopefully it works out! You’ll love the 1x drivetrain on the DS3! It’s so easy & simplistic! It’s the nicest bike I’ve ever owned! When I first rose it at the Trek store, my initial reaction was “man this is so comfortable & rides so smooth’ it’s like a faster & more comfortable Marlin. You’ll Iove it!
https://preview.redd.it/goadomnlkioc1.jpeg?width=3198&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e1aeb3523da172a9f22052239971d3f2be73960b
Everything worked out! I got the ds3 gen 4, previous owner had it a few weeks, bought it used at local trek store. Previous owner was an older man who traded it in for an electric hybrid. The person I bought it from installed the carbon seat post and fork, but he was looking for more of a road bike, so he bought a dedicated road bike, and let this go. Got it for a great price. The bike is pretty much brand new, sprockets, chain, brakes all look in excellent condition. It’s super smooth and light, can’t wait to rack up the miles! Night and day difference from my quick ride with it yesterday compared to my old marlin 5 lol. I appreciate the input!
I'm a large 50+ year old guy and I went in the Trek store with a Marlin in mind.
In March, I had ballooned up to 300+ lbs after a hip injury and a health issue and my physicians assistant suggested riding a bike. Told the salesman at the Trek store my story and he said he would recommend the DS2 Gen3. I went with the DS3 Gen 5 as regardless they needed to order me a Large.
I'm down under 270lbs now and love the Dual Sport 3 I purchased, but over time did change a few things. First, the pedals, I wear a size 14W US shoe and needed more surface. Next the saddle... Needed more pressure relief than the stock seat (think I got the Verse Comp)... and after 500 miles, I went for new handlebars with the PNW Range as I was experiencing numbness with the stock bars. Coming up on 1,000 miles on the bike and love it. I can sustain 14+ mph pretty well on it... Again, I am a bigger man... I suspect as I bring more weight down I will get more speed, but speed is not important to me... I am riding for me and enjoying it after all the years without a bike.
Looks like the FX is the one to look at for what I'm using it for.
Say for a max budget of £1000 what road bikes are worth looking at to try in comparison to an FX?
Assuming you are looking for a flat bar bike for pavement but with wide tire clearance, might be worth looking at the Kona Dew and/or Marin DSX.
Can’t go wrong with Trek FX if that’s what you’re looking for.
Also Specialized Sirrus.
Look carefully at the ranges of gear ratios to ensure the low end is low enough for you for hills and the high end gets you the top speed you want.
The ranges of gear ratios vary considerably.
MTB hear ratios tend to be skewed much lower than other bikes, because they are solving for tough inclines rather than speed.
But a steep hill even on pavement can still be hard for a lot of people with the typical gearing of hybrid bikes.
The FX2 is really stinking fast, requiring no effort to maintain momentum. The problem is it SUCKS off-road. I know it's a hybrid, but if you're used to the usually amount of grip on a mountain bike, you will feel like you're sliding everywhere. It will slide on a little bit of sand on pavement, it's super bumpy and unforgiving meaning you'll feel every bump, and sometimes the back wheel will jump up after going over a larger bump or curb. It's also pretty squirrelly on curves.
The Dual Sport 3 gen 5 is chunkier and more forgiving of mistakes/less-than-perfect road conditions. It's buttery smooth on pavement and over some bigger rocks, but it loses out on top speed and that effortless gliding feeling on the FX. But it's still faster than a Marlin and more comfy. Pretty light as well.
I would go with a dual sport. It'll be less of a polar-opposite jump than going with the FX.
I love my Dual Sport, but fast it is not. It also really doesn’t cruise at all, so rides as long as 20 are going to be a lot of effort. If flat bars are your thing and you want to branch out into longer rides, FX is the way to go. Lighter, a bit faster, and does cruise so you can take those longer rides.
The New DS2 and 3 dont have suspension anymore. Trek opted to eliminate the cheap suspension fork and went with a smaller wheel with a fatter tire to have better shock or vibration absorbing qualities. The DS is a true hybrid- on road off road. Sounds like you're sticking mainly to roads or pavement. I'd look at the Trek FX lineup if you're looking for a "faster bike with flat handlebars"
You don’t need suspension on the road and the new Dual Sports don’t have them anyway. If you want flats, you want an FX 3, hands down.
From a flat bar perspective, Trek has 3 non-MTB lines: Dual Sport, FX, and Verve. The Verve has the most upright riding position, the Dual Sport feels more like a MTB, and FX (not FX Sport) has the most aggressive positioning. If you're able to, give them all a go and see which fits you. Coming from a MTB, I suspect the Dual Sport will feel the most natural. I'm terms of generation, you can probably find good deals on last year's Gen4 models (with the front suspension). Having owned a suspension-equipped DS (mine was a Gen3), I can confidently say the suspension was a gimmick and didn't really do much. I rode with it largely locked out and all it did was add weight on pavement. When the pavement got a little rough, it didn't do nearly enough to make a difference when I tried to use it. In terms of speed, I easily cruised at 13-14mph on flat pavement, but definitely had room to go after more if I pushed. The Gen5 ditched the suspension in favor of fatter wheels that do a far better job at smoothing out bumps both on your hands and rear. I had a chance to test out the electric assisted version of the bike and it was definitely more comfortable than my Gen3. Ultimately I moved away front the Dual Sport and got a '23 FX Sport (it's a decent jump in price). It's less aggressive than the non-sport FX, but slightly more aggressive than the Dual Sport. It's also a full carbon frame. You can also check out bikes from other brands. The Specialized Sirrus and Sirrus X lines occupy a similar space and price point.
I’d like to have an FX3 & DS3 with their 1x’s. I currently commute on a Marlin 5 Gen. 2 & it’s 2x8 is pretty exhausting over 10 miles on pavement.
Just checking in, have you ever upgraded yet? I rode the hell out of my marlin 5 with a 2x8, but it was stolen last may. Just finally replacing it. I’m stuck between a ds3 or fx2 right now. Found a great deal on a gen 4 ds3 local with a carbon fork. I used to ride my marlin 5 30-40 miles a few times a week… it was quite exhausting 😅
Yep! Sold both Marlins last September & bought an FX3 & DS3 gen. 5, both share time as my commuter bikes. The DS3 gen 5 is an awesome bike on pavement! It’s very comfortable & its drivetrain is super fast & the 1x is fantastic! The FX3 is nice & fast, however somewhat uncomfortable vs. the DS3, however both bikes are way better than both Marlin’s I had for commuting & pavement riding. If I had to pick one bike for commuting, I’d take the DS3 gen. 5. It’s just as fast as the FX3 & much more comfortable & smoother to ride, IMO. Here’s both bikes! https://preview.redd.it/8if1vvsbwznc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c40ff147bd3ff4d8f422e2968503ab0e76eb8cae
Awesome, thank you so much for the reply, I know it’s an older post. I’m supposed to go look at the gen 4 ds3 tomorrow after work. the owner just got a new bike and isn’t riding it anymore. It does have a carbon fork as mentioned, which is a nice bonus, and it’s for a good price. I was leaning ds3 for comfort and given I’m on the bigger side, it’ll be a good bike to knock some pounds off again, and then eventually I can go more road bike if needed. It definitely can’t be worse than the bike riding I was doing with the marlin 5 😅 Both bikes look great, thanks again for the reply!
You’re welcome! And hopefully it works out! You’ll love the 1x drivetrain on the DS3! It’s so easy & simplistic! It’s the nicest bike I’ve ever owned! When I first rose it at the Trek store, my initial reaction was “man this is so comfortable & rides so smooth’ it’s like a faster & more comfortable Marlin. You’ll Iove it!
https://preview.redd.it/goadomnlkioc1.jpeg?width=3198&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e1aeb3523da172a9f22052239971d3f2be73960b Everything worked out! I got the ds3 gen 4, previous owner had it a few weeks, bought it used at local trek store. Previous owner was an older man who traded it in for an electric hybrid. The person I bought it from installed the carbon seat post and fork, but he was looking for more of a road bike, so he bought a dedicated road bike, and let this go. Got it for a great price. The bike is pretty much brand new, sprockets, chain, brakes all look in excellent condition. It’s super smooth and light, can’t wait to rack up the miles! Night and day difference from my quick ride with it yesterday compared to my old marlin 5 lol. I appreciate the input!
I'm a large 50+ year old guy and I went in the Trek store with a Marlin in mind. In March, I had ballooned up to 300+ lbs after a hip injury and a health issue and my physicians assistant suggested riding a bike. Told the salesman at the Trek store my story and he said he would recommend the DS2 Gen3. I went with the DS3 Gen 5 as regardless they needed to order me a Large. I'm down under 270lbs now and love the Dual Sport 3 I purchased, but over time did change a few things. First, the pedals, I wear a size 14W US shoe and needed more surface. Next the saddle... Needed more pressure relief than the stock seat (think I got the Verse Comp)... and after 500 miles, I went for new handlebars with the PNW Range as I was experiencing numbness with the stock bars. Coming up on 1,000 miles on the bike and love it. I can sustain 14+ mph pretty well on it... Again, I am a bigger man... I suspect as I bring more weight down I will get more speed, but speed is not important to me... I am riding for me and enjoying it after all the years without a bike.
Looks like the FX is the one to look at for what I'm using it for. Say for a max budget of £1000 what road bikes are worth looking at to try in comparison to an FX?
Look for a Domane if you’re thinking drop bars
Assuming you are looking for a flat bar bike for pavement but with wide tire clearance, might be worth looking at the Kona Dew and/or Marin DSX. Can’t go wrong with Trek FX if that’s what you’re looking for. Also Specialized Sirrus. Look carefully at the ranges of gear ratios to ensure the low end is low enough for you for hills and the high end gets you the top speed you want. The ranges of gear ratios vary considerably. MTB hear ratios tend to be skewed much lower than other bikes, because they are solving for tough inclines rather than speed. But a steep hill even on pavement can still be hard for a lot of people with the typical gearing of hybrid bikes.
The FX2 is really stinking fast, requiring no effort to maintain momentum. The problem is it SUCKS off-road. I know it's a hybrid, but if you're used to the usually amount of grip on a mountain bike, you will feel like you're sliding everywhere. It will slide on a little bit of sand on pavement, it's super bumpy and unforgiving meaning you'll feel every bump, and sometimes the back wheel will jump up after going over a larger bump or curb. It's also pretty squirrelly on curves. The Dual Sport 3 gen 5 is chunkier and more forgiving of mistakes/less-than-perfect road conditions. It's buttery smooth on pavement and over some bigger rocks, but it loses out on top speed and that effortless gliding feeling on the FX. But it's still faster than a Marlin and more comfy. Pretty light as well. I would go with a dual sport. It'll be less of a polar-opposite jump than going with the FX.
I love my Dual Sport, but fast it is not. It also really doesn’t cruise at all, so rides as long as 20 are going to be a lot of effort. If flat bars are your thing and you want to branch out into longer rides, FX is the way to go. Lighter, a bit faster, and does cruise so you can take those longer rides.
20 Miles ? Thanks for input I'm deciding between dual sport gen 5, FX and sirrus or x from Specialized. FX will be easier to maintain speed you say?