Trek Verve + 2 Ebike: Specifications
battery: 400 watts
Max rated range: 60 miles (economy)
Max auxiliary speed: 20 mph
engine: Bosch Active Line Motor 250 Watts
Preparing: Shimano Alivio 9 speeds
wheel diameter: 27.5 inches max
Weight: 52 pounds
Most riders will find the Trek Verve + 2 to be a little weak, especially compared to some of the best budget electric bikes from the likes of Rad Power, Juiced Bikes and Aventon. On the other hand, for those who think those ebikes are somehow exotic and want something a little more subtle, this mild ebike might be just the thing.
The Trek Verve + 2 is designed to be a day commuter and weekend traveler, and it doesn’t offer any drastic design data or excessive energy moves. This road bike is for those who want an easy rider who needs no hassle or low maintenance with reliable components. In fact, the low-step version of the Verve + 2 we tested makes it easy to get on board.
Trek Verve + 2 Ebike review: Price and availability
Founded in the 1970s in Wisconsin, Trek has a reputation for sturdy construction and reliability—a reputation the company hopes shoppers will be willing to pay a premium. Sold through retailers, Trek offers a wide selection of bikes, ranging from $13,000 carbon fiber road racers to full suspension mountain bikes, as well as a full line of e-bikes.
The $2849.99 Verve+2 is somewhere in the middle of the company’s ebike line. Compare, for example, Trek’s Domane + ALR, a more serious distance road bike starting at $5,049.99 and the Townie Go 8D EQ Step-Over bike for Sunday beach pools starting at $2449.99.
Trek bikes are not available directly online but are ordered through retailers. The benefit is that you don’t have to skin your knuckles to assemble it yourself.
Trek Verve + 2 Ebike review: Design
Trek Verve + 2 is designed for casual and commuter riders. It’s available in sizes from XS to L, the largest of which will accommodate cyclists over 6 feet tall. The bike features an aluminum frame with steel forks and wide, straight handlebars to provide rider comfort. You won’t find mountain bike-style front shocks on the Verve+2, but a Bontrager foam seat with a suspended seatpost eliminates the pit edge.
Trek also includes a stylish chain guard that extends almost the entire length and ensures that you never get bland pants or skirts caught in gear. On top of that, primary power and brake wires are fed through the downtube to keep things tidy and reduce chances of damage. For convenience, front and rear quick-release wheels are included.
To provide power assistance, the Verve+2 uses a 250W Bosch Active Line mid-drive motor to provide smooth boosting and eliminate power surges. The bike has higher pedal speeds of 20 mph and includes a Bosch control unit and a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain with a removable 400Wh battery. Completing the list of features are hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-resistant tires, a kickstand, front and rear lights, as well as alloy bumpers.
The Verve+2 also comes with a rear rack that uses the Racktime mounting system, making it handy with compatible cans and bags. One item missing: No bell or horn included, although there is a headlight and taillight.
Trek Verve + 2 Ebike review: Performance
Trek Verve + 2 delivers smooth pedaling performance and predictable handling. And its relatively light weight (52 pounds versus 70 pounds for some e-bikes) makes it more maneuverable, so riders will feel like they’re in control of the bike—instead of the other way around.
Despite the lack of full throttle, on city streets the mid-drive, which uses a torque sensor, is very responsive. The moment you hit the pedals, you’ll receive some electrical assistance. This makes it smoother than many models of rear-axle engines, which tend to lag or lag turbo. Thus, the Trek Verve + 2 helps you start from a dead end, which is very quiet compared to the rear-engined designs. To stop it all, the bike’s hydraulic brakes are responsive without being overly sensitive.
Taking trips into the countryside was an even bigger challenge. Even the moderate power assist in the upper Turbo mode may feel insufficient to help me climb hills. And if you get stuck in the wrong gear on a slope, you’ll find yourself getting out of the saddle. So if you’re looking for hillside assistance in San Francisco or Asheville, look elsewhere.
One of the advantages of Verve + 2 is that you can use it in full manual mode. Electrical support is not necessary. Compare that to big cobblestone bikes like the ones on the Aventon or the Biktrix, which are so heavy you’d never want to fall somewhere without power.
The Bosch Electric Controller displays the speed, range, the selected electric assist amount and the battery level. There’s also a walking mode button, but you’re unlikely to need it unless you’re driving by bike up a very steep hill.
We also found that the headlight could be a bit brighter for daytime visibility (at first, we didn’t realize it was on).
Trek Verve + 2 Ebike review: Battery life and range
The Bosch console on the Verve+2 is a basic LCD display that lets you choose from four auxiliary power modes: Turbo, Sport, Tour and Eco. As the naming might suggest, you’ll get maximum range from eco mode — up to 60 miles, according to Trek — and then in descending order of least distance the more electric boost you demand with Turbo mode rated for 25 miles.
Since we didn’t find the low power modes much of a help on the hills, we used the Turbo mode primarily during our testing weeks. Against the big hills and with a 170-pound rider, we got an average of 23 miles from Turbo mode. This is a reasonable result, given the challenging terrain. But depending on where you’ll ride, how much you weigh, and how much electric assist you prefer, your mileage may vary.
Trek Verve + 2 Ebike review: The competition
If you’re looking for an ebike for between $1,400 and $1,900, there are a range of options from reputable but relatively newcomers, including Rad Power Rad City 5 Plusand the City of cargo bikesAnd both cost $1,799. At this end of the market, you’ll get more power for your money, but bikes usually use a less desirable rear-wheel drive and are heavier, intended for off-road and gravel use.
If you’re considering a Trek Verve+ 2 in the suburbs and have $2,800 to spare, there are plenty of options from other brands. Cannondale, for example, offers the Adventure Neo 4 at the same price and boasts an almost identical powertrain and feature set. However, the Cannondale model has more style than a Trek bike, hiding the battery as part of the downtube, for example.
And if you want a high-end, fuss-free commuter, our first choice is still the Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB, although it is much more expensive ($4249).
Trek Verve + 2 Ebike review: The Conclusion
It’s hard to make a valuable case for Trek Verve + 2. Among the The best electric bikes And the Best budget electric bikesMany are available in similar capabilities and much more power – for much less money. On the other hand, regular, lighter riders will find the Verve+2 more manageable and maneuverable than many of those less expensive models. On top of that, the Trek is sold through traditional brick-and-mortar retailers versus models sold directly online only, so buyers don’t have to face the hassle of assembling the bike themselves.
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