rower trek verve 1

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review – a great ebike for first-time riders

Approachable, easy-riding and plenty peppy.

Tom's Guide Verdict

The Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT is an approachable, easy-riding and comfortable ebike that's great for beginners and anyone with apprehensions about motor-assisted cycling. Its 250W motor isn't the most powerful but it's plenty peppy enough for cruising around at speeds up to 20 mph with little effort. Pricier than other entry-level options, the Verve+ 1 Lowstep includes a two-year warranty on the battery and a lifetime warranty on the bike.

Approachable upright riding position

Stylish and constructed with high-quality components

Hydraulic disk brakes are very responsive

Peppy motor, even on steep hills

Lots of accessories available/frame attachment points

Non-removable battery with somewhat limited range

E-assist lags slightly

Pricier than the competition

No throttle

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• Price and availability
• Riding experience
• Battery life and performance
• Accessories
• The competition

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT: Verdict

Weight: 44 pounds Max rider weight: 300lb Tires: 27.5 x 2.0 Drivetrain: Eight-speed, chain Motor: 250W rear hub motor, 40Nm torque Battery:  48V, nonremovable, (250 Wh) Max advertised range: 35 miles Assist levels: Three

The Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT is the brand's entry-level, upright-style electric bike for beginners, commuters and joy riders. Featuring a step-through frame, a large comfortable seat, grippy handlebars and a riding position that makes it easy to keep an eye on traffic, the Verve+ 1 LT is one of the best beginner-friendly ebikes available.

It's a bit pricier than the competition, but Trek makes up for it with high-quality components, including hydraulic disc brakes, integrated lights and fenders, oversized tires and a reasonably lightweight (44 pounds) design, with an all-aluminum frame construction. 

Powered by a modest yet capable enough 250W motor integrated into the rear wheel hub, users can select from three e-assist levels and eight gear speeds. At $2,300, it may not be a contender for our best budget electric bikes guide, but it's a strong contender as one of the best ebikes for newbies.

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review: Price and availability

The Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT is available for $2,300 from Trek directly, including Trek retail stores. You can also find it in a lot of local independent bike shops. The cost of the bike includes professional assembly, which is a huge plus. I recently tried to build an ebike at home and ran into several issues, despite working confidently on traditional bikes. 

For U.S. customers, all Trek bikes, electric or not, come with Trek Care , which covers the frame and main mechanical components for life. The battery, on the other hand, has a two-year warranty . While it's not meant to be removed by customers, Trek shops can easily switch it out if/when it does need replacing. 

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review: Design

The Trek Verve+ 1 LT comes in three sizes, small, medium and large — I tested the latter —  and three colors: Galatic Grey, Viper Red, and Baja Yellow. All variations feature the same low-step-style frame with no upper crossbar to contend with. Built out of Trek's Alpha Gold Aluminum, the bike weighs in at a manageable 44 pounds. 

With handlebars that are positioned high and wide, riders are seated upright rather than hunched over, like on a performance bike. The rubber grips on the handlebars are also super comfortable with lots of real estate to accommodate even the largest hands. The brake levers are also long and easy to grip. 

You'll find the e-bike controls on the inside of the left handlebar. A long press on the on/off switch gets things going, while the plus and minus buttons allow you to jump between no e-assist and the three powered settings.

The green LEDs indicate how much charge the battery has left while the red LEDs represent the e-assist setting. It's a lot more basic than the displays on the Ride1Up Turris or the RadPower RadCity 5 Plus , but it gets the job done. 

In addition to three e-assist settings, the bike has eight geared speeds which are adjusted using two levers located on the inside of the right handlebar. A small window facing riders indicates the current gear via an orange strip.

The bike seat features a quick-release lever making it easy to adjust the height for different riders on the fly. Trek equipped the Verve+ 1 LT with the wide and comfy Bontrager Boulevard Bike Saddle, which is a nice upgrade over the saddles that come on most entry-level models. 

Power comes from the 250W, 40Nm motor tucked in the rear wheel hub. The eight-speed drivetrain uses all high-quality Shimano components, including the shifter and derailleurs. The disc brakes, meanwhile are made by Tektro. 

The tires are a hybrid affair, making them suitable for pavement and trail riding. I was easily able to cruise over loose gravel and dirt on the bike without issue. And while they offer basic puncture protection, they are far from the Kevlar-reinforced tires I default to on my own bikes.

Last but not least, the Trek Verve+ 1 LT comes with wide, grippy Bontrager City pedals which provide decent traction even in wet weather (I mostly rode around wearing sneakers or hiking boots). 

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review: Riding experience

In addition to riding the Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT across the world's longest floating bridge and up the steepest hill in Seattle , Washington, I also used it to get around town while running errands and taking midday breaks. Here's how it faired.

The bike is extremely easy to get on and off of, and feels stable while riding, even at fast speeds. First-time riders should start with e-assist in the lowest setting before cranking it up, as the bike accelerates quickly at maximum power.

However, there is a slight delay between when you start to pedal and when the motor kicks in, about two pedal strokes, which is worth keeping in mind when taking on big hills. 

The max e-assisted speed is 20 mph, which you can easily surpass with some help from gravity. Going up hills is fairly painless, especially in the bike's easiest gear and with maximum e-assist. However, unlike some of its competitors, the bike lacks a throttle, so you can't get a free ride.

Both the seat and handlebars are plenty comfortable. I rode on numerous occasions in inclement weather and had no issues gripping the bike or keeping my feet on the pedals. The tires also provide ample traction on wet pavement.

It's worth noting that there's no suspension, so, expect to feel some bumps and knocks as you cruise around. That said, I wouldn't call it a stiff ride. Also, lowering your tire pressure a bit below the recommended PSI will give you a little more cushion, if needed.

The brakes are very responsive, so resist gripping them too tightly your first several times stopping or you may send yourself into orbit. That said, the stopping power is fantastic, even under wet conditions. 

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review: Battery life and performance

The bike's battery is integrated into the downtube on the frame, making it pretty damn difficult for someone to steal. The downside is that you can't carry an extra. However, Trek sells a battery range extender for $499, which more than doubles the total advertised distance to 75 miles — the advertised range without it is 35 miles. The extender does add an extra 3.5 pounds of weight, though. 

Without the extender and in everyday riding conditions, versus the ideal conditions these batteries are tested in, I got closer to 16 miles of range while using maximum e-assist (and climbing 1,400 ft). While riding more conservatively, switching between the three power settings as needed, I was able to squeeze out closer to 25 miles, again with ~1000 ft climbed. 

I do reckon that on flat terrain using only the lowest e-assist setting, I could make it to 35 miles on a single charge, but where's the fun in that? Fortunately, as long as your destination has a power outlet and you're sticking around for a bit, I found the battery can be charged up fully in just over two hours.

The bike charges via a covered port at the base of the downtube and the included charger has plenty of length for hard-to-reach outlets. 

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review: Accessories

While accessories like front and rear rain/mudguards, lights and even a MIK-system compatible rear cargo rack come standard on the Trek Verve+ 1 LT, you'll need to shell out extra coin for goodies like the detachable bike bag shown above, the mountable battery extender (obviously) or a water bottle holder. Fortunately, the Verve+ 1 LT is covered in mounting points to accommodate all sorts of accessories, allowing you to customize it to your heart's content. 

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review: The competition

The Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus is the best ebike for most people and a solid low-step-style alternative to the Trek Verve+ 1 LT. It features a more powerful motor, greater range and a lower price in a similar package. However, it is 20 pounds heavier with one less gear.

The Ride1Up Turris is about $1,000 less than the Trek and also offers a comparable range with a more powerful motor. However, it too is about 10 pounds heavier. 

If you want a low-step bike with maximum range, consider the incredibly named NIU BQi-C3 Pro . It's good for an advertised 90-mile distance but also weighs a hefty 70.5 pounds and doesn't have any gears, which might be a deal-breaker if you live somewhere with lots of hills. 

The Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT is the most approachable and well-equipped beginner-friendly ebike I've encountered. Professional assembly is included in the price of the bike, as is a lifetime warranty on the major parts, except the battery, which has a two-year warranty. 

Easy to ride and appropriate for folks of all statures, the built-in motor has three speeds; the lowest setting is great for getting used to the electric-assisted lifestyle. However, the motor is nothing short of zippy with maximum power. 

Battery life could be better, but for trips under 20 miles, the Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT is a great option. The eight-speed drivetrain makes it appropriate for even the hilliest terrain. Plus, the battery recharges in about two hours and an accessory range extender can be picked up, doubling your distance.

Ultimately, if I were a man of many dollars, this is the ebike I'd buy for my parents to enjoy because it's safe, built from quality components and a lot of fun to ride. I also dig Trek's incredibly helpful customer service. However, it's hard to ignore its price, which is much higher than some of our other favorite bikes, including those with specs and features that meet or exceed what Trek offers.

Dan Bracaglia covers fitness and consumer technology with an emphasis on wearables for Tom's Guide. Based in the US Pacific Northwest, Dan is an avid outdoor adventurer who dabbles in everything from kayaking to snowboarding, but he most enjoys exploring the cities and mountains with his small pup, Belvedere. Dan is currently training to climb some of Washington State's tallest peaks. He's also a big photography nerd. 

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• Frame Alpha Gold Aluminum, rack & fender mounts, DuoTrap S compatible, IS disc brake mount, 135x5mm QR
• Fork Verve Steel, threaded steel steerer, IS disc mount, 460mm axle-to-crown, 100x5mm QR
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• Wheels Bontrager Connection, alloy, double-wall, 32-hole, schrader valve
• Spokes 14g stainless steel
• Tires Bontrager H5 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 700x45c
• Chain KMC Z7
• Crank Forged alloy, 48/38/28, chainguard, 170mm length
• Bottom Bracket Sealed bearing, 68mm threaded
• Front Derailleur Shimano Tourney TY510, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Altus M310
• Shifters Shimano Altus EF500, 7 speed
• Brakeset Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc, 160mm rotor
• Handlebar Trek Urban, alloy, 25.4mm, comfort sweep, 45mm rise, 620mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Boulevard
• Seatpost Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length
• Stem Bontrager Quill, 25.4mm clamp, 25 degree rise, 100mm reach
• Grips Bontrager Satellite
• Headset 1-1/8'' threaded, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings

Q: How much is a 2021 Trek Verve 1 Disc?

A 2021 Trek Verve 1 Disc is typically priced around $559 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2021 Trek Verve 1 Disc?

The 2021 Trek Verve 1 Disc may be purchased directly from Trek .

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Review: Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT E-Bike

The bike offers a sleek integrated look with solid shifting and braking, gets many things right, but the battery life is an issue..

• Upright seating position is relaxed and elegant
• 40-something pounds (light for an e-bike)
• Great brake feel and stopping power with Shimano M200 hydraulics
• Solid/thoughtful component choices
• Limited display doesn’t have a speedometer
• Steering is on the “twitchy” end of the spectrum, takes some getting used to
• Battery life isn’t long enough
• Pedal sensor lag, especially noticeable on uphills

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The Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT E-bike from Trek is the American bike manufacturer’s newest entry-level comfort-focused hybrid e-bike. In the Verve+ lineup, the “1” is the budget option with a smaller/ lighter battery that results in a significant weight savings and a lower price point.

The bike offers a sleek integrated look with solid shifting and braking. It is not a cargo bike and not designed to carry a passenger but it does come with a rear cargo rack, kickstand, and front and rear fenders. It’s the perfect townie e-bike for cruising down to your local art walk or dropping off your teenager’s homework assignment that they left at home.

Quick Hits: Standout details of the Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT

• Rear hub drive e-bike with proprietary Trek “Coyote” electronics, 40 Nm motor, and integrated internal frame battery.
• Class 1 motor assist, pedal sensor (no throttle), up to 20 mph.
• Hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano eight-speed shifting.
• Upright Dutch-style riding position.
• Factory chain guard, fenders, front and rear lights, and rear rack.
• Plenty of frame mounting points for added carriers and customization.
• For more: trekbikes.com

Build details

Brakes: Online specs currently show the Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep coming with Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic discs, but the tester came with a Shimano M200 set, which I personally love. This is exactly the brake set I would recommend to manufacturers looking to cut costs without making e-bikes unsafe, like low-end cable discs do. I’ve always been impressed by the feel and stopping power of the M200s, even more so given how inexpensive they are. They’re also dead-simple for home mechanics to bleed and change pads on, which e-bikes require more often, given the increased speed and weight of the bike.

Tires: Good quality Bontrager tires with a very functional tread profile for everything this bike could reasonably see. I especially like the thick center for durability and flat protection.

Drivetrain: Sora 1×8 speed, which I think makes perfect sense for the Verve+. Sora isn’t sexy, but it does its job very well. Shifts are effortless and precise, and the ergonomics on the shifter are great. Like many e-bikes, the gear range is skewed a little too far towards the top end. Being a Class 1 bike, the motor stops helping above 20 mph, at which point it doesn’t make much sense to have another three gears up top. On the other end of the cassette, a lower first gear would help get the throttle-less bike started on uphills. So, if it were my bike, I’d be thinking about a slightly smaller chainring down the road, unless the stock setup somehow grew on me over a few months of use. Another nice thing about a Sora 8-speed setup is that it’s very easy to maintain. Any shop can tune or replace it quickly and cheaply.

Battery / Motor / Controller: Here’s where things get a little less sunny. The 40 Newton-meter motor output is enough, but just enough. It doesn’t rise to the level of being a problem, but you’ll need to run the assist level on 2 or 3 an awful lot if there are hills on your route. My wife also points out that the charging port access hatch on the frame seems like it could let water in if the bike gets rained on. The problem is that Trek installed the hatch to have the hinge on the downhill side of the opening, so any water running down the downtube could trickle right into that port, which doesn’t seem to be weather-sealed.

The tiny handlebar-mounted controller is minimalistic, feels to be of good enough quality, and the buttons are large enough to use with thick gloves, which matters so much. There is no annoyingly bright display backlight to blind you at night, just a total of eight small colored LEDs on a black plastic surface. But we found ourselves missing a speedometer, which comes on most other systems (Note: The Trek Central app will connect to your e-bike and provide data including speed, range, ride time, etc. but requires use of your smartphone).

The integrated front and rear light setup is bright and effective, and almost all of the wiring around the frame is tucked safely out of harm’s way.

But there are two issues with the electronics package that are holding this bike back: 1. The pedal sensor that kicks in the motor assist routinely needs me to pedal 1.5 – 2 full rotations before it kicks the motor in. Downhill you won’t notice it. On flat ground it’s a minor annoyance. But starting from a full stop on an uphill, it sometimes feels like a tiny eternity waiting for that motor to wake up and pitch in as you grind through two rotations. 2. The battery life from the hidden downtube battery seems to be much shorter than anything else I’ve owned or ridden.

When I received the test bike, it showed full on the controller (5 of 5 little green dots). My commute is 1.7 miles each way, with 374 feet of elevation difference between home and work. After two days of that ride (7 total miles, half of them uphill) I was down to 1/5 dots on the battery meter, aka 20%. I charged it fully overnight and repeated the process Wednesday and Thursday, hoping that maybe the initial charge wasn’t really a good one, but I had the same results two days later on Thursday evening – 1 dot left.

I double-checked for brake drag (none) or bearing issues (none), and the bike rolls smoothly. I’ve only got a week of experience with this bike, but as far as I can tell it’s only good for about 10 miles per charge anywhere with hills. Trek offers an optional range extender which was not tested as part of this review.

Appearance: The bike looks gorgeous. Modeled after the modern Dutch step-through city bikes, this is a classic city bike with some modern touches. The step-through frame makes getting on and off easy for everyone, and the upright riding position means most of your weight is on the saddle, not on your wrists. The stock saddle was a pleasant surprise and not something I found myself wanting to swap out.

Trek went pretty far at trying to visually integrate all the electronic bits, with a plastic nacelle covering the headlight, and the battery is hidden inside the downtube. I heard “That’s an e-bike?!” more than once as people searched for a battery, a motor, or visible wires. Those up-swept handlebars don’t have much real estate for any bar-mounted accessories, though. So if you’re looking to mount a phone, a cup holder, and maybe clip on a Bluetooth speaker, there’s not a lot of flat space for it, compared to actual Dutch-style back-swept bars that have long, flat sections.

Riding the Trek Verve+

The seating position is 100 percent vertical, with no weight on your wrists. That’s part of why the handling is so nimble that it borders on “twitchy”… there’s very little weight on the front wheel, and the squirrely handling may take a few rides to get used to. Standover height is incredibly low, due to the step-through frame, so mounting and dismounting is a breeze. The motor controls are minimalistic. I read the manual, but it’s not well written, and not of much use.

Fortunately, the controls work the way you’d think they do. Hold the power button down, and the LEDs come on showing the charge level as a 5- light line. Hold it down again and the controls shut off. The only other buttons are a large, banked + and -, which take the assist from Off to 1, 2, or 3. Holding the + button down for a few seconds turns the lights on and off, just like Bosch systems. These buttons are large and sloped just enough to be easy to use with gloves on, which is so important I consider it a safety issue.

Hit the + button to put the bike on assist level 1, start pedaling, and a very gentle nudge kicks in after 1-2 pedal strokes. This delay between pedaling and the onset of motor assist is longer than other systems we’ve tested, but it doesn’t cause serious problems. It’s something Trek needs to dial in with future versions, though, if they want to be competitive with the established drive makers.

Something that Trek got right with this Coyote drive system is that levels 1, 2, and 3 all do their thing through the entire assistance speed range (1-20 mph). Some manufacturers like Pedego program their controllers to have level 1 only help up to 10 mph, for example, then level 2 helps up to 15 mph, and finally levels 3-5 help all the way to the governed limit.

In practice, that setup is really annoying – when I select level 1, I’d like a little bit of motor help throughout the entire speed range, not just the bottom – so I was pleasantly surprised to not find that programming choice on the Trek. Commuting to and from work with steep hills, I found the motor on level 3 to be just enough to get home without working too hard, but the steeper hills still required effort at the pedals.

The rear rack held my Ortlieb commuter bag just fine, but my wife points out that the top flat section of this rack is pretty narrow, which makes it harder to bungee things on top of it without them wobbling to one side. It’s not uncommon to score “curb handups” when you bike commute, be it yard sales, free goodies on the sidewalk, etc., and if you’ve got a wide rear rack and a bungee, you can bring that “Still works!” toaster oven home with you. This rack holds bags just fine, though, and I was glad to have it.

The tires roll perfectly smoothly on asphalt, and yet have enough tooth on the edges to give some reassurance if you ride on hardpacked trails. The brakes are easy to modulate, and have plenty of power for stopping this bike. The Acera 8-speed shifting was light at the lever, with crisp, perfect shifts every time. The headlight provided a broad, full spread of light on the road in front of me, making it easy to commute on darker roads.

Overall I found the bike to be a pleasant, well-sorted companion, and I looked forward to riding it every day to and from work. My only real disappointment was the battery life. I was shocked to see 20 percent battery left after only 7 miles of riding. Here in hilly Hood River, I don’t think I would be able to get 3 rides to work on it without running out of juice, and my commute is short. I have a friend who commutes almost exactly my route here in town, and the Shimano drive system on her Kona lets her commute for 2 weeks at a time without needing to recharge.

If you live somewhere flat, and only need assist level 1 or 2, you should be able to squeeze something more like 15 miles out of a charge, but that is still not a long distance compared to the Bosch and Shimano drive systems that are prevalent among the Verve’s competition. Compounding the issue slightly is the battery placement inside the downtube. If you wanted to buy a second battery and bring it with you to make longer rides possible, you would have to flip the bike on its side, open an access hatch at the bottom bracket, and extract the dead battery from inside the frame in order to swap them.

The Verve vs the competition

Gazelle is at the top of the food chain in the step-through city bike segment. They cost more than this Trek Verve+, but they come with proven Bosch drive systems that have more power and much greater range. Many Gazelles also have clean belt drives, integrated head shocks and seat post shocks that smooth the road out, and many other small touches that add up to great ownership experiences.

On the other end of the price spectrum, inexpensive city bikes like Blix or Radwagon have inexcusably bad brakes, mediocre shifting, cheap tires, and limited support down the road as things begin to fail. They cost less, but they’re not great from day one, and they will be difficult to keep on the road for the long haul.

Trek got so many things right with this Trek Verve+, but the battery life is puzzlingly short. Their deep experience designing all the traditional aspects of bikes shows here; brilliant component choices to cut cost without cutting safety or joy, high-quality tires, a good saddle, a sturdy rack and fenders, and zero squeaks or rattles.

They have nothing to learn about how to design and assemble bikes extremely well at a competitive price point. But they do have things yet to learn about designing and assembling an electronic drive system, and it is here that Bosch and Shimano show their hard-earned experience. That’s probably why you will find the Bosch mid-drive motor on the Verve+ 2, 3, and 4s.

Crank sensor lag is a minor annoyance, but short battery range is a much larger issue. If the bike we tested is typical and operating as designed, I suspect the market feedback will be critical of this one aspect. And it’s a shame, because the rest of the bike is great.

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Trek Verve 1 Review: Is It A Good Bike To Have?

• By Daniel Shakibaie
• Hybrid Bike , Trek Bikes

Welcome to my Trek Verve 1 Review of 2020.

I tested nearly two dozen hybrid bikes over the years. The Trek Verve 1 is my go-to for any looking for an entry-level/Beginner hybrid bike.

Trust me, you do not want to buy the wrong product. It’s better to get it right the first time, or you’ll waste over $500 like I did when I start riding bikes.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Hybrid Bike

If you’re considering buying a hybrid bike, there are many important features to remember throughout the buying process. Here are some of the top ones to bear in mind.

Not every cyclist will need the same number of gears on their hybrid bike. When deciding on the number that’s right for you, consider your fitness levels and the terrain you’ll be riding on. For example, if you’ll regularly choose a route with lots of hills and rocky surfaces, you’ll want to opt for more gears. This is especially true with hills as you’ll need an extensive range of gears to help you climb and descend safely and easily.

On the other hand, if you’ll primarily be riding on flat terrain, you won’t require as many gears as those planning on climbing uphill . In fact, the fewer gears you have, the lighter your bike will be since it won’t have as many components. Bikes with only one speed can be perfect for some, especially as the rear hub enables you to coast like on a standard bike.

Suspension System

Next, consider what type of suspension system you’ll need. Commonly, many hybrid bikes don’t have a suspension. In fact, suspension forks add weight and can make pedaling more difficult. Plus, if most of your routes are on smooth pavements, you won’t benefit from this feature.

Alternatively, a front suspension helps to absorb impacts on the front wheel, making the overall ride smoother and more comfortable for the cyclist. This feature is certainly appropriate if you’ll be riding on off-road conditions and require the additional support.

More: Best Hybrid Bike Under $1000

Frame Materials

The frame’s material has a huge impact on performance and durability. There are several to choose from, but the top three are aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber. 

Aluminum is affordable, strong, stiff, and lightweight. With newer developments, this material can improve shock absorption to make riding on tough terrain smoother and avoid cyclists from feeling the impact.

Alternatively, steel is beneficial for its strength and durability, although it is heavier than aluminum. Steel is less expensive to make and purchase, which is ideal for those on a budget. Plus, this material can handle a larger maximum weight, making it great for commuters adding a basket and belongings to their bicycle.

Finally, carbon fiber is another preferred frame material. It’s lighter than aluminum and much stronger than steel, although, these beneficial factors can make it more expensive. Although, you can purchase a hybrid bike that features only carbon fiber forks or seat posts, rather than the entire frame is made of this.

Finally, it’s time to decide if you’ll choose rim brakes or disc brakes. Rim brakes are the most common on hybrid bikes and feature pads that grip onto the wheel rims. This brake system is more economical, and it’s easier to replace worn pads, leading to less maintenance.

However, this brake system can wear out the wheel rim over time, meaning you have to replace the wheel if you don’t monitor its progress. Compared to rim disc brakes, this brake system is less effective in wet and muddy conditions. It also requires more effort to apply your fingers on the levers if you want to brake aggressively.

Alternatively, hydraulic disc brakes provide stronger braking and less finger effort. This makes it more user-friendly and beneficial for riding in tough environmental conditions. Or mechanical disc brakes require manual adjustments as the pads can wear. If you don’t keep an eye on mechanical disc brakes, they can become worn quickly, leading to other areas of damage on your bike.

Features and Benefits of the Trek Verve 1

In order to conduct this Trek Verve 1 review, we needed to thoroughly research and analyze the Trek Verve 1 spec. Below, you’ll find the top features to pay careful consideration to when deciding if this particular model is the right choice for you. 

Trek hybrid bikes can be trusted, but we’re particularly impressed with the Verve 1’s features, in particular, its high-quality frame. It’s designed with a lightweight aluminum frame, which has many incredible benefits to it.

First, this aluminum frame is stiff, enabling an even weight transfer of human power to forward motion. As a result, this makes the Trek Verve 1 bike ideal for sprints. Although it’s light, this certainly doesn’t mean it can’t handle well. In fact, the Verve 1 uses its frame to absorb any road vibrations, creating a smoother journey for the rider.

The Verve 1 features a front suspension fork that contains a spring and a damper to enhance the rider’s experience.

The bottom part of the fork is held onto the wheel and fits over the tubes connected to the frame. Inside of each tube is a shock absorber. As the fork moves up, which happens when the bike hits a bump, the spring becomes compressed and the piston forces fluid through.

This front suspension system can dampen traveling over a slight bump in the road, but it can’t comfortably handle traveling over tree stumps or riding up and down pavements with intent.

More: Trek Dual Sport 2 Review: Is DS2 Worth It?

This bike features 700x40c tires and has what could be commented as a medium tread count. In essence, the Verve 1’s tires aren’t designed for intense weather and environmental conditions.

These tires have less rolling resistance on smoother surfaces, which makes the bike agile and nimble. As a result, you can travel faster and farther on smoother surfaces, than a bike with thicker and larger wheels. 

The Verve 1 can comfortably handle terrain, although you’ll likely encounter some difficulties when cycling over mud and tough terrain. In fact, it’ll slow down immensely and you’ll lose control and stability when cycling in these conditions. 

The Verve 1 comes with 21 speeds, which allows you to shift through gears as you please. Plus, with a variety to choose from, the Verve 1 has a wide range for climbing steep hills or leisurely cruising on smooth pavements. This hybrid bike can navigate throughout all types of terrain at a comfortable gear speed, and adjusting is easy and user-friendly. 

Having multiple speeds on a bike isn’t a necessity for all riders as it depends on your riding preferences and the conditions you’re exposed to. A 21-speed bike features three gears on the front and seven in the rear. Its positioning can actually increase the wear on your bike and the risk of your chain jumping off the gears as you ride. So, if this isn’t necessarily a feature you need or will make the most of, the gear risks and maintenance might be too much for some.

The Verve 1 uses a derailleur to switch between different gears. This system is controlled by shifters that are positioned on the handlebars. In a nutshell, you need to continue pedaling to shift gears, which is great for enabling you to keep at your top speed and not have to slow down to adjust your gears.

Finally, the bike comes with Tektro alloy linear-pull brakes, which are highly beneficial for the rider. When purchasing a hybrid bike, its components and materials must be from brands you can trust. Fortunately, the Verve 1 uses brakes designed by a company that’s been established for over 100 years.

There are many features and advantages of linear-pull brakes. First, they’re inexpensive to make, enabling the Verve 1 to be reasonably-priced. They’re also easy to maintain and replace, even if you’re on the go. Most importantly, they don’t add any strain to the bike’s hubs, spokes, or frame. 

However, you should consider that these brakes can be easily affected by water and mud, so you can’t expose the Verve 1 to all weather conditions. Plus, depending on how often you ride the bike, you may need to replace the brake shoes regularly.

Customer Review

We’ve searched the Internet to see what past customers and owners had to say about the Trek Verve 1 . Fortunately, we were happy to discover that most of the reviews were positive and reflected some of the benefits of owning this bicycle.

Alternatives

Are you looking for more reasons to purchase the Verve 1? Or perhaps you’d like some information on how it compares to similar models.

Trek Verve 1 vs Verve 2

When comparing both models of Trek’s Verve bikes, we took into consideration the speed factor. The Verve 1 lets you maintain a leisurely pace without having to put too much effort into pedaling and handling. 

Alternatively, the Verve 1 has a wider range of gears, and the 8-speed component enables you to easily conquer steep inclines and helps you to reach your destination quicker—a factor that might be important for those lengthy commutes.

Also, the adjustment stem on the Verve 2 means you can raise and lower the handlebars for easier steering. This feature also makes the bike ideal for a growing person or switching between multiple riders of different heights.

On the other hand, the Verve 1 doesn’t allow you to easily adjust the handlebars, as it comes fitted with a quill. 

Trek Verve 1 vs FX1

Next, we looked at comparing the Verve 1 with the FX1. The FX1 is a fitness hybrid bike that is lighter and has narrower tires, enabling you to reach your top speeds with less effort. Plus, the saddle design allows you to reach a more aggressive riding position; an important factor for riding quickly and with intent.

The Verve 1 offers riders stability, comfort, and better traction than the FX1. The Verve 1 can also handle gravel trail rides and features wider tires to absorb bumps easily. Check our detailed review of Trek FX1 here

Trek Verve 1 vs Verve 3

Finally, the Verve 3 features a 9-speed drivetrain that comes in handy for daily commutes. Plus, the Verve 3 provides you with the option of mounting tubeless tires on the bicycle to reduce its overall weight. These tubeless tires come with sealant liquid, which makes them less susceptible to dry punctures.

Compared to the Verve 1, this feature is a top highlight for those searching for a hybrid bike and makes it more durable when riding over bumps and rocks.

The Trek Verve 1 is a hybrid bike that has everything you need for fitness and commuting. Hybrid bikes are highly beneficial for those who aren’t looking to travel at their fastest, but need a model that can withstand tough terrain and far distances.

We recommend the Verve 1 for many reasons. Firstly, its lightweight aluminum frame makes it durable and long-lasting. Secondly, the bike’s wheels can handle intense weather and environmental conditions, enabling you to ride your bike whenever you please, and with no issues of longevity or performance. Finally, the Trek Verve 1 size measurements make it ideal for adults of all heights.

About The Author

Daniel Shakibaie

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• Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT

Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT is a lightweight electric city bike made for helping you ride more and feel better doing it. Your daily cruises, commutes, and workouts get just enough boost from the light-duty Hyena motor. Plus, this e-bike is equipped with parts that put your comfort and safety first, like ergonomic touchpoints, reliable hydraulic disc brakes, wide and stable tires, front and rear lights, and an easy-on, easy-off low-step frame. It's right for you if... You want to do more by bike and have more fun on every ride. You know the extra boost of an e-bike will help you see more and go farther, and you're looking for one that's comfortable, built to last, and equipped with the latest e-bike technology. The tech you get A lightweight Alpha Gold Aluminum frame with lowstep geometry, an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, a Hyena (250W, 40Nm) motor capable of sustaining speeds up to 20mph, an LED Bluetooth controller, and a 250Wh battery. Plus, hydraulic disc brakes, an adjustable integrated cockpit, extra wide 27.5 x 2" tires for stability and traction, ergonomic grips, fenders, lights, an MIK-compatible rear rack, and a lock. The final word Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT's light-duty pedal-assist system opens up a world of possibilities. You can adventure longer, commute quicker, and climb hills more easily. The extra boost makes riding your bike even more exciting and enjoyable, and quality components and comfort features make going farther and faster more fun than ever. Why you'll love it - Electric bikes amplify your power so you can enjoy the best parts of riding even more - The lowstep geometry gives you more confidence when mounting and dismounting - The hub drive motor and 250Wh battery give you just enough push without going overboard - Its 27.5" wheels are super stable and maneuverable, and 2" tires boost cushion and grip for a smoother ride - A Hyena LED controller makes changing between ride modes seamless and easy

* Subject to change without notice.

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Trek Verve 1, 2, and 3 Compared: Which One to Choose?

CyclistsHub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links.

In this article, I’ll help you navigate the Trek Verve hybrid bike family by comparing the Verve 1, 2, and 3. You’ll learn about the differences between each model, who they are best suited for, and more. 

Plus, I’ll tell you which model gives you the best value for your money to help make your decision easier.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Trek Verve bikes are ideal for city riding and short commutes thanks to their upright geometry. They offer a great view in traffic and won’t cause lower back pain. However, due to their upright position, they are unsuitable for fast or long rides.

I believe the Trek Verve 2 provides the best value for the money because it has hydraulic disc brakes and is lighter than Verve 1 and 3.

Trek Verve 1 vs. 2 vs. 3

The following table summarizes the main differences between all Verve bikes that belong to the Trek’s hybrid bike families .

Verve Pros & Cons Summary

I summarized the pros & cons of the Verve series below.

• Very relaxed geometry for a comfortable ride and excellent visibility
• Suspension seatpost for better riding comfort
• Availability in multiple sizes and colors
• Pedals included
• Compatible with racks, kickstands, etc.
• Compatible with DuoTrap S sensor
• Partially internal cable routing
• Lifetime warranty
• Not suitable for performance-oriented riding

Also available as a step-through

Verve Main Features

Let me now explain the most important features of the Trek Verve bikes and compare them.

Frame and Geometry

All Verve bikes come with an aluminum frame and are available in S-XL sizes but with forks made of either steel or aluminum.

They have a very relaxed geometry (more than the Trek FX family ), so you can sit upright and have an excellent view of your surroundings. This is particularly helpful in traffic.

Moreover, with the Verve’s upright geometry, you shouldn’t experience much pressure on your neck and lower back.

However, the bike’s upright position is unsuitable for quickly riding longer distances because it is less aerodynamic and requires more pedaling.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that Verve bikes also come in a lowstep version suitable for women.

Wheels and Tires

The wheel size on Verve bikes is the same as that of most hybrid bikes—700c—but with wider tires than those found on road bikes—45mm, which is also the maximum tire clearance.

Verve’s high-volume tires make them better at absorbing bumps and road vibrations, providing a more comfortable ride. They also allow you to tackle off-road terrain.

However, the tires have higher rolling resistance , so you won’t be able to reach the same high speeds on paved roads as you would with road bikes.

It’s essential to note that only the Verve 3 Disc has tubeless-ready wheels but doesn’t come with tubeless-ready tires . Therefore, you may need to swap them later if you wish.

The Verve family of bikes offers a wide gear range thanks to their 2X and 3X drivetrains. However, I prefer the simplicity and lower weight of the 2X drivetrains.

The 3X drivetrains are outdated and have a higher risk of cross-chaining, especially for beginners who may not be familiar with a proper shifting technique.

All Verve bikes come with reliable and relatively precise entry-level Shimano groupsets, such as Tourney, Alivio, Altus, and Acera.

If you decide to purchase a bike with a 3X drivetrain, use all gears depending on the terrain you are riding on. This will help evenly distribute wear on the components and prolong their lifespan.

Verve bikes have different types of brakes depending on the model. The entry-level Verve 1 has mechanical disc brakes, while other models have hydraulic brakes from Tektro or Shimano.

Hydraulic disc brakes require less effort to apply and have a more controlled stopping power. If you want to learn more about the differences between these types of brakes, you can read this article .

However, all Verve bikes provide sufficient braking power, so you don’t have to worry about running through a red light.

Verve bikes have a partially integrated cable routing, except for the handlebar area, to improve the appearance.

They also have a suspension seatpost that can absorb minor bumps and vibrations and improve riding comfort.

All Verve bikes are compatible with the DuoTrap S sensor , which measures speed, distance, and more. This sensor is sold separately and can be paired with a speedometer or bike computer .

Verve frames come with mounts for kickstands, racks, and fenders , making it easy to install these accessories.

Lastly, Verve bikes come with slip-on grips , while the top-tier model, Verve 3, has IsoZone lock-on grips that are easier to install, more comfortable, and help alleviate pressure on your hands.

So, which Trek Verve bike is the best?

I believe the Trek Verve 2 provides the best value for the money. This is due to its use of hydraulic disc brakes and its lighter than Verve 1 and 3. You can also easily replace the grips for a more comfortable ride for just a few bucks, and the tubeless wheels on the Verve 3 may not be worth the extra money.

Trek Verve FAQ

Trek Verve bikes are designed for city riding, traffic, and cruising. Their upright riding position provides an excellent view of the field. These bikes are also comfortable due to the suspension post and high-volume tires that can be run at lower pressures to better absorb road vibrations. However, these bikes are not limited to riding paved roads or bike paths. The wide tires also allow you to ride on light terrain.

The Trek Verve and Trek FX bikes have differences in their frame geometry. The Trek Verve bikes are designed for city riding with a very relaxed geometry, allowing you to ride upright and thus providing better visibility, especially in traffic. Furthermore, Verve bikes are equipped with a suspension seatpost for improved riding comfort and maneuverability. In contrast, the Trek FX has a relaxed yet more aggressive geometry, making it ideal for maintaining fitness and riding longer distances.

The Trek Verve and Trek Dual Sport bikes have different geometries and intended uses. The Trek Verve has a relaxed geometry compared to the Dual Sport. The Dual Sport bikes are more suitable for performance-oriented riders who want to experience fun on and off-road. Unlike the Verve, they don’t have suspension seatposts but a suspension fork with short travel to absorb small bumps.

About The Author

Petr Minarik

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Trek Verve+ Review

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• Trek Reviews
• City Electric Bike Reviews
• Light Electric Bike Reviews
• Mid-Drive Electric Bike Reviews
• A versatile city electric bike with sturdy paint-matched aluminum fenders, a bright and aimable headlight as well as a flashing backlight (both are powered by the main battery), and mounting points for a bottle cage and rear rack
• Surprisingly comfortable, the wider tires provide cushion and stability, the saddle and suspension seat post reduce back pain, and the adjustable angle riser stem works perfectly with the swept back handlebars and ergonomic grips
• The most affordable electric bike model from Trek, it comes in three fun colors, two frame styles (high-step and step-thru), and three sizes each for optimal fit, hydraulic disc brakes require less hand strength and have adjustable-reach levers for smaller hands
• Uses the proven Bosch Powerpack 400 battery (the mount is compatible with the Powerpack 500), smaller Purion display is simple and durable but not removable, compact portable charger, efficient Active Line motor with shift detection

Video Review

Introduction

Body position:, suggested use:, electric bike class:, learn more about ebike classes, availability:, model year:, bicycle details, total weight:, battery weight:, motor weight:, frame material:, frame sizes:, geometry measurements:, frame types:, frame colors:, frame fork details:, frame rear details:, attachment points:, gearing details:, shifter details:, brake details:, seat post length:, seat post diameter:, tire brand:, wheel sizes:, tire details:, tube details:, accessories:, electronic details, motor brand:, motor type:, learn more about ebike motors, motor nominal output:, motor peak output:, motor torque:, battery voltage:, battery amp hours:, battery watt hours:, battery chemistry:, charge time:, estimated min range:, estimated max range:, display type:, display accessories:, drive mode:, written review.

EBR charges a service fee to manufacturers to produce ebike reviews and videos, this began in 2018. It’s the same flat fee for each bike, and it helps us to keep the site going while limiting ad clutter. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you with our opinions and data but respect your right to know that we receive compensation :)

Trek is one of the biggest, most trusted, bicycle companies in the world. Since ~2003 they have been developing ebike systems and I first saw them enter the US market around 2015. The bikes they put out are usually purpose-built around custom frames, available in multiple sizes that use leading components and come with excellent dealer availability and support. You get what you pay for, but that means their electric bikes tend to cost more… The Verve+ aims to lower the entry point price wise, without sacrificing a lot of feature. To be honest, it’s my favorite model in their line right now! This thing isn’t the fastest or most powerful, but it is extremely lightweight at ~45.6 lbs (especially considering that it has aluminum alloy fenders), and it’s very comfortable and safe. Trek marketing told me about their ABC’s campaign (always be seen) and I definitely noticed the integrated lights and shiny metallic color schemes with white accents. This is a neighborhood / city oriented product with efficient hybrid tires and upright geometry. It allows you spot for traffic while staying visible, and I would recommend a light colored helmet and reflective clothing if you do plan to ride through traffic regularly, especially at night. The headlight produces 400 Lumens, which is very bright, it’s aimable to let you see where you’re going as well as be-seen, and the rear light produces a strobe flash pattern that is attention grabbing. So many e-bikes use basic lights that aren’t bright and don’t flash… but there is one compromise here. The headlight is built into the steering tube vs. mounted to the fork or handlebars, and that means it doesn’t aim where you turn, it just goes straight. Given the toughness of these lights, the fact that they run off of the main battery pack, and the option of adding your own aftermarket light on the handlebar with the Blendr plastic mount… it’s not the end of the world. Let’s say you’re someone who might get groceries occasionally or commute to work with a laptop and other gear. the Verve+ will not only keep you dry and seen, but it can help sherpa your load because it has bottle cage bosses and rear-rack compatibility. I was told that it supports the Bontrager (a Trek brand) BackRack Disc which can be found here . There’s so much to say about this electric bicycle, even though I was given a grey high-step frame to test ride (because I’m a 5’9″ guy) there’s also a mid-step grey frame that would be easier to mount and stand over… and it looks pretty masculine. For those who like the bright fun colors, there’s a bright red option in step-thru as well. The tires are a bit wider and softer than average, which provides stability, and they have puncture protective layers to help reduce flats. I was able to ride around Fort Collins, Colorado through some snow, puddles, grass, and bumpy sidewalks without issue, even riding with no hands to test stability. The bike works great and is very quiet and smooth.

Part of what makes the Verve+ lightweight, efficient, quiet, and smooth is the base-level Bosch Active Line Cruise motor. It’s rated from 250 watts to 295 watts and can deliver up to 40 Newton meters of torque. Mid-drives tend to be more powerful in practice than their numbering portrays, because they rely on your gears to maximize torque or power. If you shift to a lower gear, not only will it be easier for you to pedal, but the motor will also get a mechanical advantage and have an easier time. The 9-speed cassette offers more than enough pedaling options for urban use and the mid-level Shimano Alivio derailleur is crisp and reliable. Unlike some the off-road and high speed motors that Bosch produces, the Active Line and Active Line Plus have a one-to-one chainring that does not require a reduction gear. This means that there is no friction if you decide to pedal with the bike powered off, or if you work hard and pedal beyond the top assisted speed of 20 miles per hour. As a Class 1 electric bicycle, this bike is allowed in the most places, and is treated as a bicycle vs. a moped, so you don’t need a license or insurance to ride. Trek has gone out of their way to disable the walk mode feature that Bosch usually offers, in order to avoid having regulators and cyclists feel like there is any kind of throttle support. I admire their purist bicycle background, and I feel that this motor choice is perfect for the Verve+ platform. Trek has many other city or hybrid city+trail models worth exploring, but they all weigh more and cost more. When you’re able to go from an 8.8 lb Bosch Performance Line motor to a 6.4 lb ActiveLine, and you make some compromises on the battery, display, and are able to produce ultra lightweight hydroformed aluminum frames… you get a good end result.

And so, the battery on this ebike is also lightweight, because it is one step down from the higher-level Powerpack 500. Bosch has been offering the Powerpack 400 since ~2013 in the United States, and it is highly trusted and appreciated by all of the shops and end-customers I have visited with over the years. There aren’t really many compromises to discuss here, except that the battery is visually obvious on the frame. It looks great on the Antracite Grey frame I was loaned for this review, because the top portion of plastic is grey… but it doesn’t blend in quite as well on the Coral Red or Deep Dark Blue. People might not be able to hear the motor, or even see it very well behind the standard 38 toot chainring, but they can see the battery. The upside however, is that the pack is easy to reach for charging and safer to mount and dismount. Yes, you can take it off to reduce weight of the frame or to charge it separately (away from extreme cold and heat if you can help it). This pack has a nice big loop handle at the top, making it easy and safe to carry. It has a little 5-LED power indicator on the left side, so you can tell if it’s charged up before mounting to the frame. And, it uses the same proprietary plug design as the mount, which means you don’t need to keep track of special adapters or extra wires. The motor, the battery pack, and the charger for this bike have all been specced down just a bit, and what that means for the charger is that it puts out 2 Amps vs. 5 Amps and may take longer to fill this 396 watt hour Lithium-ion pack. Something like 5.5 hours from complete empty, but the first half fills much faster than the last because the cells aren’t being balanced as carefully. You can extend the life of this battery by keeping it around 50% full when not using for months on end. And, if you break, lose, or simply run the battery completely dry after 1,500+ charge cycles, you will easily be able to find a replacement… or even upgrade to the 20% higher capacity Bosch Powerpack 500, because it’s built into the same case design, and fits into the same mount. Finally, a word of caution, if you are charging the battery on the frame, be careful not to move the crank arms because the charging plug enters near the left crank and could get snagged or bent.

Operating this bike is pretty simple, and fast. Once the battery has been charged and mounted, you can press the little minus sign on the left side of the battery or press the power button on the top edge of the compact display panel. This display is called the Purion, and it’s usually found on less expensive Bosch powered bikes or mountain models, where they want a sturdier and less obvious display. It’s not as large as the Bosch Intuvia, does not swivel, is not removable, and does not have an active Micro-USB port… which is sad, because that can be useful for maintaining a phone or other portable electronics, and there is a port, but it’s apparently only used for diagnostics by the shop. Even though we are already dealing with the lower capacity battery, and it’s running the lights here, it would be nice to at least have the option to charge mph phone for GPS while I was riding. Perhaps Bosch will offer this someday? Other than those gripes, the display is actually really good. It’s positioned within reach of the left grip, so you can click the + and – buttons while riding to raise or lower motor support. There are four drive modes: eco, tour, sport, and turbo, and they increase both the starting force and zip feel as well as the maximum supported speed. If you’re riding for fun, or maybe through a crowded area, the lower levels can be very satisfying. I have actually heard some people complain about how other electric bikes feel overwhelming or too fast, but that won’t be an issue here. Some of the other features of this display are that it has a faint white glow which is always active and helps it be read at night or in low lighting conditions, it can show your trip distance, odometer, and range estimate by holding the minus key, and it activates the front and rear bike lights by holding the plus key. For those who wish to have an even larger display with additional readouts and removability (perhaps for commuting situations), I have been told that some ebike shops will upgrade the Purion to Intuvia for $200+, but this will take up the space where the Blendr accessory mount would otherwise fit on.

In my experience, ebikes are the most fun when they are comfortable. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Verve+ because it has an all-Aluminum frame with a rigid fork. In practice, the slightly fatter tires, larger saddle, suspension seat post (basic as it is), and adjustable stem, won me over. It feels stable and maneuverable, the lighter overall weight makes it easier to walk with and lift when necessary, and the fenders and lights are so well done. Keep an ear out when watching the video review above, I was amazed by how quiet the fenders were. Perhaps Trek could offer a chain protector, to keep your pants even cleaner, but the alloy chainring guard is good enough. I love how frame tubing is molded to look cool, even flattening out where the battery mounts to keep it lower and appear more streamlined. some wires are internally routed, but not all, and I did notice a plastic slap guard to protect the paint on the rear right chain stay. This is an electric bike that could be fun for couples, or “imbalanced couples” where one rider enjoys non-electric cycling and the other stresses about wind and hills or has some hip or knee sensitivity as I do. Yes, the Active Line motor is weaker than some other brands and even some options from Bosch, but it still performs well and can climb. The maximum weight rating for the Verve+ is an impressive 300 lbs, which is above the average 250 lbs from other companies. Considering that this is Trek’s most affordable electric bike, it really doesn’t feel like they sacrificed on the parts that matter (the drivetrain and safety). One happy benefit of the smaller more efficient motor here, is that it uses energy slower, and should get 30 to 80+ miles per charge depending on your weight, terrain, wind etc. Big thanks to Lee’s Cyclery in Fort Collins, Colorado for receiving this bike and letting me hang out and review it. And, to Trek, for partnering with me on this post and providing other demo opportunities in the past. You can explore all of my Trek ebike reviews here and post your comments and questions below, or visit the Trek Forums here to connect with others. Ride safe, and have fun!

• The frames are totally custom and purpose-built to electric, notice how some of the cables are internally routed and the downtube flattens to create strength for the battery mount interface
• I love that you can get the Verve+ in four sizes, four colors, and two different styles (high-step for taller people and step-thru for people who might have a hip or knee sensitivity and want easier mounting)
• It’s nice to have fenders to stay dry and clean, these ones were sturdy, quiet, and painted to match the frame color, I love how the light is built into the back fender
• The lights on this ebike are very nice, the headlight is aimable up and down while offering 400 lumens! both lights run off of the main battery so they are very convenient (just hold + to turn them on or off), the rear light blinks for added visibility
• For those who want to mount a Garmin GPS, GoPro, additional headlight or cycle computer, Trek includes a couple of “Blendr” plastic mounts that fit seamlessly into the stem cap
• The drivetrain is is pretty nice, nine speeds is more than most value city bikes I test and the Alivio groupset is three steps up so it will shift smoothly and require fewer tuneups
• The new Bosc Active Line Cruise motor is the lightest in the line at ~6.4 lbs and operates very quietly and efficiently, it felt satisfying to ride and always under control, starting and stopping quickly as I pedaled
• With the motor and battery mounted low and center, these bikes handle very well, I was able to ride with no hands for long stretches and the larger tires tracked beautifully
• As someone with a sensitive back and neck, the upright geometry here felt excellent, it allowed me to spot fellow cyclists, pedestrians, and cars as I performed the review ride
• Minor pro here, but the black spokes, grey accent on the battery casing, and traditionally sized chainring with alloy guard (which helps to hide the motor) look nicer than a lot of competing products, Trek pays attention to details
• Even without a suspension fork, the bike feels pretty comfortable because of the wide PSI range on the tires (60 to 80 PSI) and adjustable suspension seat post, I also like the ergonomic grips and medium-width saddle
• Performing maintenance should be easy with quick release wheels, the mid-drive motor stays out of the way of the drivetrain more than hub motor powered electric bikes, you shouldn’t get flats as frequently because the tires have “Hardcase Ultimate” puncture protection
• The pedals here aren’t my personal favorite because I like extra wide with metal pins like these for maximum power transfer and grip… but they are still a nice upgrade from cage pedals that bend easily, I like that they are stiff and have extra rubber tread for grip that won’t cut your shins if you slip off
• Weighing in at ~45 lbs, this is one of the lighter electric city bikes that I have seen with a mid-drive and metal fenders, it will be easier to walk with and lift up stairs etc. but you can also remove the battery pack easily to shave another ~5 lbs off
• So many electric bikes forego bottle cage bosses and don’t have extra mounting points for front or rear racks, but the Verve+ does! And you can use the official Bontrager BackRack Disc which is disc brake compatible for a guaranteed fit here
• With a maximum rider+cargo weight of 300 lbs, this electric bike can handle more weight than a lot of competing products, most others are rated to ~250 but Trek makes durable frames that are tested more rigorously
• The Bosch Purion display panel is sleek and durable, but you cannot remove it easily for protection and the smaller size makes it harder to read than the Intuvia display, it also doesn’t have an active USB charging port built in
• Trek has disabled walk mode on all of their electric bikes, this isn’t a big deal for a lightweight city model like the Verve+ but could still come in handy if you got a flat or were pushing the bike with a rack and a bunch of gear added
• As nice as the headlight is, the beam is permanently focused forward because it’s built into the head tube, it won’t turn as you steer
• The battery charger is slower than the other one Bosch includes with more expensive products, it puts out 2 amps vs. 4 amps and is only slightly smaller and 0.4 lbs lighter
• Minor consideration here… it would be nice if in addition to the chainring guard and fenders, the Verve+ also had a full chain cover to keep your pant legs or skirt from touching the greasy chain
• It feels like the new Bosch Active Line motors kind of stick when trying to pedal backwards and almost catch for a second when the motor cuts out, perhaps theres gearing inside that caries the spindle, chainring, and crank arms forward for a moment? Not a huge deal, but just not as smooth as the Bosch Performance line
• The Bosch Active Line Cruise motor only supports up to 100 RPM, so if you’re in a low gear or just trying to spin really fast, the motor won’t keep up as much as it would on the Active Line Plus or Performance Line motors… so you have to shift gears and keep your cadence a bit slower for support (many other mid-drive motors also cut out around 100 RPM, so this is par for the course with city bikes and an efficient drive system vs. speed or power setup)
• Official Site: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/hybrid-bikes/electric-hybrid-bikes/verve/verve/p/1348000-2018/
• More Pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/OCuyHvzEzpJytfE03

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Comments (53) YouTube Comments

We bought this model (the step-through version) for my wife and it is super smooth and ultra-quiet. The torque is decent. It’s a great cruiser. It’s also surprisingly light. The 400 ah battery pack lasts about as long as my 500 ah pack for my Bulls Six50 which is heavier, faster, and has more torque. But the two bikes are very different animals. The Verve is a street/pavement/smooth trails kind of bike and it’s really hard to tell your being powered by something else. You just feel magically strong. The integrated headlight is decent for a be-seen kind of light and might also do for a seeing light in most conditions if you’re not going too fast. We like the Bosch systems for ease of use and the warranty.

Fantastic, thanks for the summary John! I’m glad to hear that you and your wife are enjoying the e-bikes so much. It’s cool to hear your description of performance given that you have two to compare side by side. It sounds like the Verve+ has been a great fit for her :)

Anand Nathan Somasundaram

Do you think the xm700 is worth the 1300 premium over verve+ if I am riding in boston, hauling groceries.

Terri Laughlin

Hi, Court. Can you please do a Verve +2 review since the bike was redone for 2020? My 6’1″ daughter is wanting to buy one for herself. I love your reviews…your Liberty Trike reviews cinched a sale for Liberty Trike since I have epilepsy and cannot ride a bicycle any longer after crashing a couple of times. Even a brief petit mal seizure is enough to cause a crash on a 2-wheel bike. I watched your many trike reviews and settled on the LT. Thanks again, and Happy Holidays from South Florida. God Bless.

A Verve+ 2 review would be amaaaaazing, Court! I am a huge fan of your YT channel, and can’t wait to see your review of that bike. I watched your video of the “original” Verve+, but there are enough things that are different about it this year to make me a little concerned. I wish I could check one out in person, but so far, no luck. Your review would be the next best thing to that, for sure. I already own two Trek bikes (an X-Caliber 8 and an FX hybrid), so I know that this one will feel comfortable at least. I am just interested to see all of the other details, and to hear your overall opinion of the bike. I am planning to purchase one within the next 1-2 months. Anyway, thanks!!!!! :D

Great review, Court. Based on your review, we bought this bike from a local Trek dealer for my wife recently, and we are very happy with it so far. We first bought a Voltbike Elegant online, but had unresolved electrical issues and returned it for a full refund. That experience emphasized to me the importance of local support for an e-bike, as they are definitely more complicated than a conventional bike. Also, for the brief time that the Voltbike Elegant worked, it was way overpowered for what my wife required. I’m also now sold on the smoothness and quietness of the mid-mounted Bosch motor-battery combination as compared to the hub motor on the Elegant. Even though this is the least powerful Bosch motor, my 60 year old wife had no problem beating me up a short, but steep hill this past weekend. Overall I’m impressed with the build quality and the light weight of the bike. Even after adding a rear rack, the total weight of the bike is about 47 pounds. Paid about $2100 for the Verve+ on sale. The extra cost over the Elegant is worth it in my opinion, both for the quality of the components, and also the peace of mind with local support.

Hi Roger! So well said, thank you for taking the time to share your story and include details about how the VoltBike Elegant felt a little too zippy for your wife. I really love the Trek Verve+ because it uses quality components and feels natural. I’m sure your post will help others who might be weighing the cost savings against the performance and support. Having a local shop makes a big difference :) hope you two continue to enjoy riding together, thanks again!

Hi, I’d like to buy the first electric bicycle. I will use it especially when traveling around the city. The roads are often a bit steep and bumpy. Can you tell me if this electric bicycle (Verve+) is also convenient to use in the city? I would not want to spend more than the price of this electric bicycle. I would like a nice electric bicycle, but sporty and above all comfortable even for the city with slightly uphill and somewhat bumpy roads. Do you recommend it or do you recommend a different electric bicycle for me? 1000 thanks for your valuable advice.

Stephen Mercier

HI Court. Question; We live in a really hilly area and my wife and I both have ebikes currently. Mine has plenty of hill climbing capacity (twin batteries = 17 Ah and a 500 watt motor) but my wife has a simple Yunbike C1 (which is a cool little bike and she has manged to climb some steep grades in it). Do you think the Trek Verve is a suitable upgrade at hill climbing and range capacity?

Cool! I remember the Yunbike, cute little thing :) yearh, the Trek Verve is going to be more efficient and capable of climbing because it utilizes the Bosch mid-drive. The Trek Verve+ is one of my favorite ebikes in general, great value, and even though the motor produces a little bit less torque than the Performance Line models, it should still work well if she shifts gears down and uses the higher levels of assist for climbing. I’d love to hear how it works for you guys, if you go for it! And, you should be able to find one to test ride at a dealer beforehand, to confirm power, which is nice.

Had mine for a week now, it’s great. Everything it claims and more. So I’ll just make a few new observations. The walk mode works (maybe as of 2018). The pedals are 1-2″ higher than on a non + version. That means you need to raise the seat higher for the same leg extension, which can lead to a lesser upright posture. The post below the cross bar (the one that holds the seat post) on my 18.5″ is too short to hold my 24oz polar water bottle. The gearing is the best I have every had. The 9 gears work flawlessly and in conjunction with the 5 (including off) power modes essentially gives you 45 speeds. With the power assist off, it preforms exactly like a non e-bike. The battery holds a charge. (I ride 15+ miles/day with about 5 mile using e assist, and probably only need to charge the battery once a week). I love ergo grips and these are the perfect shape and size, but I find them rough on the hands and also sweaty. One last thing, when I finally found one my color and size, about 50 miles away, I couldn’t decide. This bike shop said I had 14 days to return for full refund. Sure made my decision to buy a lot easier.

p.s. non e-related, I wish Verves (and +’s) had the front suspension back. Any suggestions on how to replace front fork with suspension one and where to get it? Maybe from a 2016 Verve, or older Navigator or Shift?

Hi Jack! Thanks for all of your feedback, I agree that the Trek Verve+ is an awesome electric bike. Was thinking about your interest in upgrading from rigid to a suspension fork and found the RockShox Paragon that should fit the 1-1/8″ straight steering tube. You could get one of these (compatible with your 700c wheels and disc brakes) and have a shop install it for you :) I hope this helps and I welcome your feedback if you do it, and pictures if you do the install yourself or have a great looking final product. You could share in the Trek ebike forums :D

I talked to my bike shop and suggested the Paragon too, but now they are saying I also need to replace the stem. Does that seems right?

Mid-August this year I purchased two Verve + Bicycles at a local TREK dealer in Mishawaka, IN on sale, I could not pass up the deal. After shopping for about a month and test riding about three other bikes, I decided on the BOSCH mid drive used here. The following weekend, I took them on a family camping trip up north. The bikes performed excellently… on hard packed trails. I’m 63, long time cyclist, now I can extend my range once again. One of best entry-level ebikes on the market… thanks again for your review and professionalism, keep up the good work.

Hi Gary! What a great testimonial, thanks for spending the time to share your experience here with us. I hope the Verve+ continues to ride well for you! Enjoy your time with family outdoors, sounds great :)

Judy Reckart

Hey Court: A general, but sincere, thanks for your candid and informed reviews – especially helpful to e-bike noob me. Have watched probably 15 of your reviews while researching my first e-bike purchase, which I’ll make within the week. Am leaning toward the Trek Verve+ step-through after considering similar Rad City and Populo models: the Verve’s 45-ish lb. weight, disc brakes, Bosch system AND local dealer support are calling! Again, truly appreciate your pointing out details and features (both pro and con) that I’d surely overlook if I were buying without your guidance. Ride on – and keep up the good work!

Fantastic! I’m so excited for you, Judy. It’s wonderful to be in a position where I can help people and also provide a space for interconnection. Ebikes are such a positive technology, but I realize they can also be quite expensive. Reach out anytime, hope you have a great day!

Hi Court: First, I want to say thank you for your excellent reviews of so many e-bikes. I am looking to move into e-bikes for my wife and I. We are both 64 and would like to extend our riding years and distance. In addition, I will be 65 next month and used to commute to work about 12 miles each way on my road bike (2006 Trek Madone 5.5 CD). I haven’t bike commuted in a few years but would like to bike commute most days for the next couple of years while still working daily. As a Type-1 diabetic for 34 of my 64 years I can confirm that cycling and good blood sugar management has extended my life! We have direct access both from home and from my office to the the beautiful American River Bike Trail which I would ride for about 10 of those 12 miles (no cars!). For me, I think I am most interested in the Trek Super Commuter +7 (Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on the AR Bike Trail). For my wife, I was thinking about the Trek Verve +. She is a fit and active and also rides a 2006 Trek Madone 5.2 triple, but at the end of our rides we have a short 12% (confirmed today with my Garmin) hill leading up to our house from the bike trail. On occasion, if we have ridden over 15 miles, she will need to walk up that hill. She is about 5’3″ and about 130 lbs. My question is “Do you think the Trek Verve + is capable of assisting her up that 12% grade short hill at the end of a longer ride ride?” She has never ridden an e-bike, but I think if the gearing and power are adequate to assist he up that last hill, she will love it. Thanks again!

Sorry for the delayed reply here Glenn! I’ve been traveling and a bit behind on comments and posts of late. Yes, I do think that the Trek Verve+ will handle the 12% grade, especially if she’s under 150 lbs. I weigh ~135 lbs myself and haven’t had any issues with climbing as long as the bike is shifted into a lower gear (which means you go slower) and the assist level is up high in Sport or Turbo. Even though this ebike uses the Active Line motor, it is still VERY capable when used appropriately with the 9-speed cassette :) please share back if/when you guys buy this bike and get a chance to test ride together!

Thanks for the detailed reply. The Trek Verve + sounds like it is a very capable e-bike. I went to my LBS “Trek Bicycle Sacramento Midtown” last Friday to buy the Trek Super Commuter +7 (for me) and the Trek Verve + Step Through (for my wife). I was able to pick up the SC +7 but the Verve + was out of stock and evidently Trek has a 1 1/2 to 2 month backlog. The crew at the Trek store was very helpful and were able to work out a great deal for us on the SC +7 and an Electra Townie Commute 8i for my wife, which they ordered and could get in 1 week. I will post comments on the EBR review sections for those two bikes. I think she will be very happy with the Electra Townie Commute 8i. Thanks again.

Awesome! Yes, I agree that the Electra Townie Commute 8i is an excellent choice as well. I believe that Trek now owns Electra, so you’ll still get great service and also benefit from the similar Bosch drive system. Excited to hear your feedback down the line and I hope the bike arrives soon so you can both ride together this summer :D

I have had the VERVE step thru for a month now. It allows me to ride a bike on trips that were impossible on normal bikes. I commute to work a couple of days a week and for 90% of the trip, it is heaven. My three unfortunate gripes:

• VERY steep hills are almost impossible, I wish it had a bit more assist
• Gear changing is very clunky, I am going to take it to a shop to look into this further
• The pedals are very slippery with just a bit of water, these need replaced

I was not able to activate the walk feature, but will try again after reading another post saying it now works.

Thanks for the feedback SJT! The Active Line motors are less powerful than the Bosch Performance Line but much lighter… I wonder if you’ve shifted to the lowest gears when trying to climb steep hills? I didn’t have any hills nearby during my ride test. As for walk mode, it seems like some Trek models have it enabled for 2018 but maybe not all. You would need to be in one of the four levels of assist (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo) then press walk mode then hold +. I hope this helps :)

I was able to make it up the hill by following your direction to go to lowest gear! thanks a million

This is a GREAT review and I loved your very comprehensive video. Thank you so much! I just purchased this bike and now have to patiently wait for delivery. It is back-ordered!

Cool! I’m glad the review helped and am excited for you, this is a nice electric bike :D feel free to chime in again someday when it has arrived and you’ve had some time in the saddle, I’d love to hear your thoughts :)

So, I now own this bike and I love it! This is coming from someone who has traditionally not liked bike riding. An ebike takes away all of the “pain points” that I used to have with riding bikes — mainly hills. One thing that I love, too, is that it’s so much easier to ride an ebike in high traffic situations b/c you can get up to speed from a complete stop much faster.

On to the Trek: I rented another ebike before I purchased the Verve. One thing I like about the Verve is the amount of power it produces. The bike I rented produced too much power on the 2nd setting. I felt out of control very quickly. This bike is super comfortable to ride , with the exception, perhaps of the saddle. It’s just “ok”.

This is a great bike for someone who wants to use an ebike for commuting, running errands, pleasure riding. I put a rear rack on the bike and have a grocery pannier and it’s been a pleasure to start biking for some errands rather than driving.

Hey Court, thanks for this great review! I’ve spent so much time researching (mostly through your reviews and forum, so thanks again!), and I think I may have narrowed it down between this and the Raleigh Misceo iE Sport 2017 which is just $1,699 right now. On one hand the Raleigh looks like a pretty good deal, but on the other, I do like the Verve specs overall. Care to weigh in?

Hi Pirx! That’s a tough call, both drive systems are great… Bosch is usually my favorite but I haven’t heard about any issues from Shimano with their E6000. You’ll have more battery availability and probably a wider dealer network to get help from with Trek but the lower price of the Raleigh Misceo iE Sport is pretty tempting. Perhaps it comes down to aesthetics, local dealers (or maybe you were planning on buying from the Raleigh website). If price were no issue, I’d go for the Verve+ because I like the frame and brand better but they should both perform pretty well for most situations :)

Question Court : If you could have your choice of the 2018 Verve + or the the 2018 powerfly 5 for the same price which would you take ?

Hi Stephen! I’d definitely go for the Powerfly 5 because the larger tires and suspension offer great comfort. The body position is a bit more aggressive, but that can be changed by swapping the handlebar and stem. I actually ride a full suspension plus sized tire mountain bike most days (in the city) just for comfort and the ability to ride across grass and off of curbs. I work harder because of the tire drag, but that’s worth it to me in exchange for comfort. I have my own rechargeable lights from Cygolite , I wear a hydration pack from Osprey pack with hydration bladder, and I added little plastic mud guards to stay safe, hydrated, and dry-ish :P

I just took the Verve+ for a test ride yesterday and loved it, but am wondering if it’s powerful enough for kid hauling. My current set up has a Yepp seat on the back rack for my 3 year old, and a follow-me tandem on the back axle for towing my 6 year old when he’s worn out or the roads are too busy. I’m considering an e-bike because of a steep hill that is often fun on my road bike but impossible with little passengers (and leaves me looking rather a mess on arrival). Do you think the Verve+ can handle the extra work of carrying kids and their cargo? Or should I be looking for more of a cargo bike, or even another ebike with more torque? Thanks for any feedback!

Great question, Sarah! There are lots of variables to consider here, but yes. I do think that if you shift to the lowest gears and bring the assist level all the way up, this bike would be able to tackle moderately steep hills without leaving you exhausted and sweaty. There are indeed, more powerful ebike motors out there (like the Bosch Performance Line), but they add to the cost and weight of the bike. I’m not sure how heavy you and your child are, because weight does make a difference, but the motor is very capable when operating in combination with bike gears. This has a lot more to do with how you ride than how the motor performs alone. As a fairly active rider myself, I strongly prefer a lightweight nimble ebike like this than a heavy V8 type of setup. However, if that’s more of what you want, consider moving up slightly in power to the Electra Townie Go models or a lot with a Pedego or Electric Bike Company model.

Is there any suggestions to help new knee cap pain while using recently acquired Verve+ ? I’ve tried adjusting the saddle height and moving it back and forth. Noted that the Verve+ crank arms are 5mm longer and distance between pedals are wider than my road bikes. Never get knee pain on road bike.

Hmm, I’m not a doctor but the first things that crossed my mind were IT Band tightness in your legs… perhaps you’ve been riding more frequently or further? Maybe pushing harder or perhaps the saddle and pedal position are creating an angle in your hips and knees that is causing pain? Might be worth visiting the bicycle shop for proper fitting and maybe consider your shoes? I’m interested to hear back as you work through this. My own knees tend to be sensitive when riding bicycles up steep hills or hike down hills or walk down stairs but I started Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM joint relief supplement daily to help. I think it does help, do you do anything like that?

Rande Shaffer

Hi Court, just discovered your website in my research for the purchase of our first electric bikes and I have to tell you how terrific your reviews are in hitting every point of consideration. We have narrowed our search down to this model (Trek Verve +) and the Electra Townie Go 8i. I am 5’10” and my wife is just under 5’2″ so it seems like we can get a better fit on the Verve given the various size choices. The Townie seems more comfortable with its flat foot technology, but we are also looking to get the exercise benefits (had to stop running due to hip/knee issues) so any input is appreciated.

Wonderful! Thanks for the encouragement and great feedback Rande. I definitely work hard on these and do my best to be thorough and accurate. Both of the ebikes you’re considering are great. The Verve+ is my personal favorite because of the value price point, additional sizes, and great accessories. You’re correct that it is not as relaxed as an Electra Townie Go, but the seatpost suspension helps and it will be fine if you’re mostly on smooth paths and streets. it’s actually more comfortable to pedal with because it’s not a flat foot design, and the sporty saddle won’t chaff your legs. It sounds like you’re fairly healthy, and it will be wonderful to ride with your wife. I got into ebikes because of knee sensitivity, so I feel like I can relate to your situation. I think you’ll be very happy with the Verve+ but it would be great if you could test ride both! Most Trek dealers also have an Electra Townie (even if it’s not electric) that you could sit on and get a feel for. Try to visit a dealer if you can :) I’d love to hear what you choose and how it works out for you two someday!

I’m trying to decide between The Trek Verve+, The Gazelle Medeo T-9, and the Aventon Pace 500. I really like the lightness of the Trek and the Hybrid aspect to ride on packed dirt trails, and the hydraulic brakes, but also like the more powerful motor of the Gazelle and really like their color selection and its appearance much more. Any advice between those two? I’m test riding the Aventon as well this weekend. Thanks so much for your helpful previews.

Karin Clifford

My husband decided to buy a Trek Super Commuter 8 for work. He encouraged me to look at the Verve+, saying if I had an e-bike we’d be able to do long rides together on trails and all over our hilly town. Reading reviews from people in my age group is what convinced me that this is exactly when I need to enjoy riding more and no longer dread falling way behind. Well, was thrilled and amazed when we made a trip to Boise, Idaho, and brought our bikes to ride on the Greenbelt! We rode longer and further than ever! All the slight uphill sections on trails that you encounter in an underpass no longer slowed me down! Riding into the wind is no longer a problem. And I am excited to do local rides on our trails here in Moscow, Idaho, which I have avoided because of hills or riding into the wind. I still ride my commuter bike to exercise classes three mornings a week because it’s a flat and short ride, plus I love my other bike (my retirement gift). Now I have two wonderful step-through bikes that I alternate between, depending on my destination, and I plan to ride for many, many years!

Hi Karin! This is wonderful to read. I’m so glad you decided to give ebiking a try and have had such great results. Thanks for sharing your feedback here with us :)

After test riding several different ebikes including the Electra Townie Go! (3 different versions), the Specialized Como and Vado, a Giant and the Trek Verve+, I decided to go with the Verve+.

I’ve had the bike for a few days and have put 30 miles on it on local streets, trails and bike paths. I’m in my early 50’s and don’t bike as much as I should because of the discomfort I experience on my hybrid bike, however, after using an Electra Townie Go! (loaner from a hotel in Portland I was staying at last month), I was totally hooked on the ebike concept and the Comfort styling of the Townie. The only questions were, what can I afford?, and what is going to suit me best?

I’m coming from a decent standard hybrid bike, that despite every conceivable adjustment of the bars and seat I’ve made, my hands, thumbs and backside get quickly fatigued, go numb or cramp up after about 5 miles or riding. I even got an extra squishy gel seat. . . . and still I was enduring pain in the hands and backside. After riding the Townie and being able to crank out 20 miles pretty easily without pain and numbness, it seemed like I found my solution.

After a lot of test rides and advice from a few different bike shops, I went with the Trek Verve+. This was in part because it was one of the few in the Comfort class that had any suspension at all (seat suspension).

The bike has the same Bosch system as the Townie and operates well. While not exactly the same level of comfort as the Townie (or Como), the Verve+ can get close to the same riding comfort PLUS it does have some suspension support in the seat. So far the Verve+ performs well and the assist from the Bosch system has made a tremendous difference in my range. The bike is quite, shifts well, is solid and so far, seems to do what it’s supposed to do.

I live in Michigan where our roads are terrible! I travel a lot for work and I can say, we may have the worst roads in the country as far as I can tell. The Townie that I did 20 miles on was in Portland, OR where the roads are a heck of a lot better than they are where I am. And wile I did test ride all of the bikes on local streets and a few paved paths, I didn’t really see how they would perform on some of our potholed, shoddy patched roads. This is where my caution comes in.

Because the Verve has no suspension other than in the seat, you feel EVERYTHING! If you’re riding on a rough road, path, street, etc. it is shockingly jarring. Yesterday I thought I cracked my tooth when I hit a rather modest hole on a gravel trail and my teeth slammed together HARD!

On well groomed limestone or gravel trails, asphalt or concrete paths, the bike is wonderful. On poor Michigan roads, or any surface that is not smooth, be prepared to get beat up by the road.

Overall I like the bike very much, however, I will have to carefully consider where I can and cannot ride it for fear of losing teeth. It would be great if bikes in this class came with a front suspension option. I would gladly pay a bit more for a comfort style bike that had some form of shock absorption.

Hi Kevin! Thanks for sharing some of your time to write this great review. I hope you have a great time riding this summer :D

Kevin Breslin

UPDATE: After less than 1 year, I’ve broken 2 spokes on the rear tire. and NOT, I’m NOT taking the bike off road, doing jumps, hitting curbs, etc. I ride on limestone and asphalt trails, yet I’m breaking spokes. I’m not that heavy and definately do approach the max weight rating of the bike.

Even with my added GOLD service plan from the reseller, it’s a $65 trip to the bike shop for a repair and this year because of C-19 that’s a 4-6 week WAIT.

At this rate, this bike is going to get VERY expensive to own.

Also, I finally broke down and bought a replacement seatpost (SATORI Animaris Bicycle Suspension Seatpost) which has helped with the jarring bumps. That was an additional $65.

My wife purchased a Specialized Turbo Como and rides along side me everywhere and thus far hasn’t needed any repairs or upgrades. . . .

In total, less than 1 year into having the bike I’ve already spent almost $200 in repairs and necessary upgrades.

Had I known this from the start, I would have likely purchased a different bike.

Trek must have read this review and took everything to heart because I bought the Trek Verve+ 2 which addresses a lot of the issues in this review. Headlight is now mounted on the front wheel and there’s a chain guard. The model is now just step through apparently. Very comfortable for my 50km total commute.

Wonderful! Thanks for the updates, Jimmy! I’m excited to review some of the new Trek models, including the Verve+ 2 and will keep an eye out for the changes :D

Cheryl Lombardi

What would the range difference be if you bought the higher battery? I am only 111 pounds so looking at the 2018 model however my other concern is where the water bottle is placed, on my test ride I kept bumping my legs into the water bottle frame, can this be mounted somewhere else? I loved the feel of the bike (probably because its lighter and it does not feel overly aggressive (I also tested the vado and como but I felt like those were a little too much power. Looking to have a 50 mile plus radius on a battery. Thank you!

I’m considering purchasing this bike used but in excellent condition. Does the 45 lb weight include the battery pack? Meaning it would weigh less without it. Wondering if it is light enough to transport on a Thule trunk mounted bike rack.

Hi Rich! Trek and Bosch products are both super reliable with excellent support, from what I’ve seen and heard. It’s one of the few ebike products I’d consider buying used, since they are easier to repair if needed… including battery replacements. To answer your questions about weight, I covered the size Medium and weighed it at 45.6lbs with the battery included. The pack itself is 6.4lbs, so you’d be able to subtract that much for lifting and transporting on a bike rack. Ideally, you’d keep the battery cool and dry, avoid extreme cold and heat, and maintain at 50% when not in use or between 20% and 80% at all times… though I’d probably fill to 100% and just avoid going all the way to zero. This will help it stay balanced and get more full cycles over its lifespan. The pack it uses is the Bosch Powerpack 400 which can easily be replaced with a Powerpack 500 someday! These are the lightest, most durable, easiest to manage batteries from Bosch and some of my favorites industry wide. If the bike is in good shape, it sounds like a winning combination to me, and I hope that you enjoy it! Happy New Year.

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Trek Verve+ e-bike review: Is it for you?

The Trek Verve+ is an e-bicycle that was built with the idea of giving the rider the most enjoyable and convenient commute.

A solid aluminum frame offers great convenience as you can ride fast enough to reduce commute time significantly.

On the cost side, I believe it is an affordable electric bike , even though it has superior components.

For this reason, most users love it because it still comes with many features that make it excellent value for money.

However, would you think the same?

The above question helped the brand to work on many improvements. As a result, they recently launched a new model with the Trek Verve+ 2. Read our review to see what changes were made .

– Excellent frame design comes in three (3) color options.

– Comfortable thanks to its ergonomic saddle.

– It has good maneuverability as the handlebar curves towards the rider’s body.

– Lights are always on for the rider’s safety, including daytime.

– Available in a variety of sizes, from 15 to 17″ frame , therefore for 154 cm to 187 cm people tall.

THINGS THAT CAN BE CONSIDERED

– It has no front suspension.

– The headlight is mounted on the frame (steering tube), and thus it only illuminates straight ahead.

– The control display is a bit too small, so it may be hard to read some of its metrics.

– The battery may drain faster with the lights on all the time.

– Despite having an aluminum frame, it is still considered heavy at 23 kg .

Table of Contents

Pedal Assist System

This electric bike is classed among Pedelecs, as its power assist is limited to 15 mph (25 km/h) . This is where the motor stops providing power, therefore, it is within the electric bike legislation for all countries. Of course, this doesn’t limit you from riding faster, especially if you’re going downhill.

I was very satisfied with their assistance efficiency of the motor when using PAS 1. I was not expecting less, of course, because Bosch has always pride in their motor efficiency and torque power. In addition, it felt like a smooth push after having the first tyre spin when the motor was activated. There was not much of a difference when using PAS 5, but considering its speed limitation, I don’t think you need such a massive difference between pedal levels.

Bosch 250W Mid-Drive Motor

One of the significant features of the Verve + is its power system, which is fitted with a 250W mid-drive motor built by Bosch.

Mid-drive motors have a significant advantage, as they provide a good balance and usually tremendous torque to go uphill.

A lthough the Bosch Active Line motor is smaller than the average, it still performs efficiently. 

I have to say that the motor may not be the latest built by the brand, so it will be heavier than newer versions.

Despite the above, its efficiency provides very smooth rides and sufficient support with a torque of 40 Nm . I’m surprised that this motor is sitting on the lower range for torque performance however, it was good enough when ride riding on flat terrain.

Unfortunately, this torque rating is not gonna be the best when climbing hills, so if this is the case, then the Trek Super Commuter +9 would be a better fit for you.

Read More: Electric Motor Bike Guide for Beginners .

Bosch Li-Ion Battery

Another vital part of the power system is the Bosch lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries are superior because they have a long lifespan, with 1000+ cycles before they need replacement.

Read More: eBike Batteries – The Beginner’s Guide

The 300Wh battery found in this Trek model is not the highest one on the market either, but it is decent enough to last for a few years.

A thing to consider here is the battery not being waterproof . This could be potentially an issue if you live in a region where there is constant rain.

On the design side, it sits on the down tube, which doesn’t make it look like the most beautiful model, but it has a lot of conveniences to detach it from the frame.

But not everything is bad about this battery; it actually charges between three and four hours from fully empty. That is actually convenient if you don’t have enough time but need enough power for your next ride.

Remember that the headlights were configured to be on constantly, so ensure the battery has enough energy for the entire trip. Lastly, it can provide a range between 70 and 80 km if you use PAS 1.

The Controller System

Bosch has also reliable controllers to operate electric bikes. In this case, the Verve+ is controlled by the Purion version, which is a minimal device providing basic metrics. Although it comes from a good manufacturer, I believe the controller is a little bit smaller than I would like making it hard to read some of the parameters .

Even though that is my personal opinion, it shows an essential metric, and that is the battery range.

The brakes and drivetrain

The Trek Verve+ is fitted with quality Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. Even though the rotors are 160 mm, this is more than enough power for a bike that is not going to travel too fast, and it is in the mid-range weight. Though this is the case I was expecting a little bit better from the brand.

The Trek Verve+ lighting system

A great feature of the Verve plus is the lighting system designed to guarantee safety during the day and night.

This bike was configured so that the light would switch on automatically.  From what we know, it happens when the motor is engaged. In addition, the lights were designed to stay on continuously when you are riding. The difference between them is that the front headlight constantly illuminates, whereas the rear light flashes.

Trek designed the lights to be on throughout, including in the daytime, for the rider’s safety.

Design and Comfort

For the liking of many potential buyers, Trek customized the frame suitable for men and women. When compared to other commuter electric bikes like the Vyron Cumulus Pro , I think it is much more appealing and statically pleasing.

The Bontrager commuter tires

As a commuter e-bike, the tires needed to provide good grip and great rolling features. For this reason, the manufacturer decided to use the quality of Bontrager tires. In this case, 27″ by 2.1″ tires were used.

Looking at the inside elements, a puncture protective layer helps to reduce the occurrence of flat tires during cycling, however, this one fully prevents this issue.

The only thing that I would’ve loved from Trek was having a slightly stronger rear rim as it looked a little bit thin, which makes it looks a bit weak.

Read More: Electric Bike Tires Buying Guide .

Suspension and comfy seat

Your comfort is guaranteed by the wide leather saddle of the Verve+.

Further, this electric bicycle has a suspension seat post and adjustable stem that allows you to alter its height to a more comfortable level.

This is an awesome feature because not many e-bikes offer these.

Available sizes

Trek has ensured that most of the riders can find the right size. Having said that, these are the measurements:

  Should you Buy this Trek eBike?

Electric bikes make riding not only convenient but also so much fun. This model can work perfectly for you if you are looking for a durable, smooth-running, and efficient machine.

What I like most about it is the inclusion of the suspension in the seat post. I don’t think it is the best quality, but there is something there, at least.

On the upside, the motor, the battery, and the controller were built by reliable manufacturers.

Although it comes with almost all the gadgets, you might have to make a few additions, such as getting a rear rack to carry stuff.

All in all, I think the Trek Verve+ is an excellent investment for people looking for a sturdy and reliable low-step electric commuter bike.

All Images courtesy of Trek

I'm Felipe, founder and driver of Electric Bike Advisor (EBA). With the support of a few friends, who are also passionate about riding their bicycles every day and everywhere, I started this website to offer a way for riders to find insights about the industry. My reviews are subjective, and offer a none bias opinion. Thanks for reading.

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I have a Trek Verve + which I love, but I don’t love that the headlight is always on. Is there a way to turn it off in the daytime?

Hi Sue, thanks for your question.

Unfortunately, the Trek Verve+ front and rear lights were configured to stay on once you start using the ebike. Having said that, it is not possible to turn it off (unless you run out of battery). I know could be a bummer but Trek also sees this feature as a safety measurement. Regards, Matt.

We are seniors and find the access to charging port extremely difficult. You have to lean down, or lie on floor, to hold flap with one hand and insert a plug which is difficult to see/orient for insertion.

I am an engineer and could have designed far better ergonomics for charging. Shame…I thought e-bikes of this power/range would be ideal for older people… in this one thing you failed.

Hi Jim, thanks for sharing your opinion with the community. Surely, it will be notice by Trek.

You can always detach the battery for easy charging point access.

Regards, Mat.

Just remove the battery and you can charge it any place you like. It doesn’t have to be charged while on the Trek. I charge mine on a counter top. I’m 70.

My husband decided to buy a Trek Super Commuter 8 for work. He encouraged me to look at the Verve+, saying if I had an e-bike we’d be able to do long rides together on trails and all over our hilly town. Reading reviews from people in my age group is what convinced me that this is exactly when I need to enjoy riding more and no longer dread falling way behind. Well, was thrilled and amazed when we made a trip to Boise, Idaho, and brought our bikes to ride on the Greenbelt! We rode longer and further than ever! All the slight uphill sections on trails that you encounter in an underpass no longer slowed me down! Riding into the wind is no longer a problem. And I am excited to do local rides on our trails here in Moscow, Idaho, which I have avoided because of hills or riding into the wind. I still ride my commuter bike to exercise classes three mornings a week because it’s a flat and short ride, plus I love my other bike (my retirement gift). Now I have two wonderful step-through bikes that I alternate between, depending on my destination, and I plan to ride for many, many years!

An e-bike is indeed a great alternative if you are encountering some difficulties while riding on standard bikes. I have an e-bike and a standard one, which I alternate depending on where I need to go.

Thanks for sharing your experience with other bike and e-bike lovers. Regards, Mat

Hello can you tell me the cost of the Trek Verve e bike please.

Hi Lorraine, thanks for contacting us. We are not a direct distributor of electric bikes. Our suggestion would be to check your nearest e-bike store where the Trek Verve is available and compare that price with what Trek ( https://www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/bikes/hybrid-bikes/electric-hybrid-bikes/verve/f/F436/ ) can potentially offer online. The good thing is that you just need to click on Shops (top right corner of Trek’s website) and they will identify your location to advice on stores near you.

Regards. Tim.

If I attach a dog cart – will it impact the long term effect on the motor? I weigh about 120 lbs. Two dogs combined weight about 50 lbs

Hi there, thanks for your question.

The Trek Verve+ 250W Bosch active line mid-motor is powerful enough to carry up to 300 lb (136 kg total weight). Based on the details you provided, the motor should be able to carry the full weight (I’m also including an average dog cart weight of 28 lbs). Now, the more weight you have to carry with your e bike, the more effort the motor has to do, which translates into a long term torque reduction and motor wear. In addition, the motor will have to use more power out of the battery, which will reduce the lifetime of the battery in the long term.

Hope I answered your question. EBA.

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Powertube battery stuck in frame, key not turning.

• Thread starter yorkshire89
• Start date Nov 25, 2020

yorkshire89

E*powah master.

• Nov 25, 2020

I've got a new issue on my Mondraker Level ? My powertube battery is currently stuck in the frame. I can insert the key, but it won't turn to unlock the battery. I noticed the lock now isn't quite central to the hole in the frame, and there is a little bit of play so I can insert the key and move the lock barrel 2-3mm towards or away from the battery, it's always had this bit of play but guess this is not normal? Anyone have an idea of how I can get it out? There is a pair of allen bolts externally for both battery mounts but I'm not sure this will help if the battery is already stuck. Shop I bought the bike from are a few hours drive away so would like to avoid if possible. I do have a Bosch service centre nearby if needed (bike is in warranty). Thanks  

E*POWAH Elite

Sometimes I have to wiggle the battery at the same time as turning the key to get mine out. Or push the battery in slightly to activate the latching mechanism as I'm turning the key.  

• Thread starter

Mteam said: Sometimes I have to wiggle the battery at the same time as turning the key to get mine out. Or push the battery in slightly to activate the latching mechanism as I'm turning the key. Click to expand...

Active member

See if pushing down on the battery (as if you were re fitting) while gently turning the key helps. A squirt of WD40/GT85 into the lock may help as well.  

E*POWAH Elite World Champion

How does the lock usually work? Does unlocking it turn a barrel or does it release a barrel outwards? The fact you can fully insert the key means the key is lifting the pins in the lock barrel OK so it is rotation of the barrel that is stuck. Applying lube inside the lock is not going to help therefore. Lube..or preferably wd40 needs to be applied to the external barrel. I suggest you squirt some wd 40 between the lock and the frame and also gently repeatedly tap that area to dislodge what is probably dust or grit causing it to stick.  

• Nov 26, 2020

Zimmerframe

Just a quick point .. NEVER ! EVER EVER squirt wd40 in locks, clocks or anything else with intricate small moving parts. Whilst WD40 is great for freeing up rusty crappy stuck stuff, it leaves behind a sticky residue. Small particles stick to this and build up turning it into a mix of sandpaper and grinding paste, eventually wearing away all the delicate bits. A silicone or teflon (ptfe) lube would be more appropriate.  

Update - It's out! ? Didn't end up spraying anything, but pushing the battery into the frame and wiggling the barrel up and down a bit while turning the key it hit a spot where the key would turn easily and out it popped. Weird, I spent 10 mins trying the same yesterday... Since the barrel isn't lined up with the hole in the frame, I'm wondering whether it's worth trying to adjust the mounts at either end of the battery in the frame to set them up right. I'm not sure if there is any adjustment or whether they are fixed in place though. Off to go look for some diagrams/ youtube vids...  

Just out of interest was there a change in ambient temperature since you first tried to get the battery out. My LBS mentioned to me last year that they had a couple of bikes with sticky batteries when the Power Tube batteries first came out. Their theory was that the battery was expanding slightly, so if there was a temp rise since the battery was installed, it was causing the battery to jam in the frame due to very tight clearance. Never heard mention of it on any forum since, so not certain if that theory is correct.  

@Gigha - I tried taking the battery out mid-ride to swap for my spare. It was 10-11degC ambient at the time. I then tried again yesterday when it was 7-8degC and failed. This morning it was a bit cooler 3-4degC and the battery popped out with some wiggling. I've been swapping batteries fairly regularly before this without any issues.  

yorkshire89 said: Update - It's out! ? Didn't end up spraying anything, but pushing the battery into the frame and wiggling the barrel up and down a bit while turning the key it hit a spot where the key would turn easily and out it popped. Weird, I spent 10 mins trying the same yesterday... Since the barrel isn't lined up with the hole in the frame, I'm wondering whether it's worth trying to adjust the mounts at either end of the battery in the frame to set them up right. I'm not sure if there is any adjustment or whether they are fixed in place though. Off to go look for some diagrams/ youtube vids... Click to expand...

• Apr 27, 2021

the problem is the small white plastic bit next to the latch its not a barrel thats the issue as im having same problems myself  

SwissMountainLeader

• Aug 23, 2021

I’ve just had a similar problem, in fact the lock has been getting more and more reluctant for a few weeks. It had got to a “one of us won’t survive this” stage ? I took the assembly apart which is quite simple. That made clear it was the lock barrel and not the catch/lever which I had thought it might be. I cleaned the lock, put it back together and it’s pretty smooth now opening every time, first time. I think a new lock isn’t expensive, 20-25 euros I think. I’m not much impressed with the quality of it, it’s made by Abus and not up to their usual standard I’d say.  

• Sep 12, 2021

I’ve had a similar issue on a Trek Rail where I got the key stuck and the battery jammed in position. I also spent a while trying to push and pull various things, with eventually the battery coming out. There are various causes, but generally a bracket alignment issue. I found the screws holding my bottom battery bracket were loose, which allowed the bottom bracket to tilt and jam the battery. These screws (for both the top and bottom brackets) can be tightened from the outside of the frame, so worth a check if your battery gets stuck. Once you get the battery out, follow the battery alignment guidelines to get the brackets in the correct position again.  

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2018 Trek Verve 1

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