Is the Trek Verve +3 for me?

[retired2X]

I am looking to purchase my first e bike. I am a fit 70 year old male. I have narrowed my choices down to the Trek Verve +3. My research suggests that the bike components (Bosch Power Tube 500 battery and Active Plus motor, Shimano Drivetrain) are top of the line. I also appreciate that the bike comes with fenders, lights, and cargo rack. The cost here in Canada ($3999.99) gave me pause, but when comparing offerings from the Big Three, it seems very competitive. I ride primarily for recreation and exercise. My routes are typically flat with a long hill to my home at the end.

Most reviews of the Verve +3 have been complementary. The cons seem to center around the bike's lack of oomph when it comes to acceleration and hills. Given the fact that the assist is limited to 20 mph, acceleration doesn't seem to matter. I am confident I can climb the hills home given the capability of the Bosch components.

Am I missing something? Should I be considering another bike.... another manufacturer?

 

[Johnny]

Nothing is top of the line for Verve 3+, it actually is very expensive for what it is, its components are entry-mid level, its motor is also same.

In Canada I believe you are limited to 20mph in that case if you want to stick with Trek and can extend your budget a bit Trek Powerfly 5 seems to be a far better option. Much better generation 4 CX motor + a good drivetrain (Sram 12 speed) better brakes, a mid-good front fork suspension that will improve your ride quality significantly and good tire clearance.

If you are not tied to Trek I think you can do significantly better for your budget(probably a full suspension bike).

Good luck.

 

[PatriciaK]

Have you ridden the Trek on some hills? It's important to ride as close to the conditions you'll be riding in real life as possible before purchase, if at all possible.

Have you looked at these:

LaFree E+ (2019) | Giant Bicycles US

Here’s a totally unique and invigorating new way to ride. This new E-bike lets you ride farther with less effort. Explore neighborhood streets, ride for fitness...

www.giant-bicycles.com

Price point is similar; even less if you choose the E+2 (which is what I have).

It's a great bike, wonderful on hills, comfortable ride, and quality components. My one caveat is that the Ride Control App is not the greatest. Check out the Giant forums for details on that.

It checks all the same boxes as the Trek, with more power and possibly lower price point, so you might want to take a look.

 

[Johnmj1]

I am looking to purchase my first e bike. I am a fit 70 year old male. I have narrowed my choices down to the Trek Verve +3. My research suggests that the bike components (Bosch Power Tube 500 battery and Active Plus motor, Shimano Drivetrain) are top of the line. I also appreciate that the bike comes with fenders, lights, and cargo rack. The cost here in Canada ($3999.99) gave me pause, but when comparing offerings from the Big Three, it seems very competitive. I ride primarily for recreation and exercise. My routes are typically flat with a long hill to my home at the end.

Most reviews of the Verve +3 have been complementary. The cons seem to center around the bike's lack of oomph when it comes to acceleration and hills. Given the fact that the assist is limited to 20 mph, acceleration doesn't seem to matter. I am confident I can climb the hills home given the capability of the Bosch components.

Am I missing something? Should I be considering another bike.... another manufacturer?

I am a new e-biker, age 67, and I bought a new Trek Verve +3, over a Specialized Como due to Specialized‘s attitude of “ask no questions, we’ll let you know when it ships.“ Love my Trek after about 100 miles, and really impressed by my local Trek dealer. Looks great, comfortable, and enough power for Santa Fe’s geography, which has plenty of hills. I’m not a component junkie, but for me, I think it’s a winner.

 

[retired2X]

Nothing is top of the line for Verve 3+, it actually is very expensive for what it is, its components are entry-mid level, its motor is also same.

In Canada I believe you are limited to 20mph in that case if you want to stick with Trek and can extend your budget a bit Trek Powerfly 5 seems to be a far better option. Much better generation 4 CX motor + a good drivetrain (Sram 12 speed) better brakes, a mid-good front fork suspension that will improve your ride quality significantly and good tire clearance.

If you are not tied to Trek I think you can do significantly better for your budget(probably a full suspension bike).

Good luck.

I stand corrected. What I should have said is that it is the best value with good components when compared to other introductory models from the Big Three. Thanks for the response.

 

[retired2X]

I am a new e-biker, age 67, and I bought a new Trek Verve +3, over a Specialized Como due to Specialized‘s attitude of “ask no questions, we’ll let you know when it ships.“ Love my Trek after about 100 miles, and really impressed by my local Trek dealer. Looks great, comfortable, and enough power for Santa Fe’s geography, which has plenty of hills. I’m not a component junkie, but for me, I think it’s a winner.

Thanks.

 

[retired2X]

Have you ridden the Trek on some hills? It's important to ride as close to the conditions you'll be riding in real life as possible before purchase, if at all possible.

Have you looked at these:

LaFree E+ (2019) | Giant Bicycles US

Here’s a totally unique and invigorating new way to ride. This new E-bike lets you ride farther with less effort. Explore neighborhood streets, ride for fitness...

www.giant-bicycles.com

Price point is similar; even less if you choose the E+2 (which is what I have).

It's a great bike, wonderful on hills, comfortable ride, and quality components. My one caveat is that the Ride Control App is not the greatest. Check out the Giant forums for details on that.

It checks all the same boxes as the Trek, with more power and possibly lower price point, so you might want to take a look.

The LaFree is not available here. Yes I will take it for a spin up the hill before buying.
Thanks

 

[PatriciaK]

The LaFree is not available here. Yes I will take it for a spin up the hill before buying.
Thanks

Everyone has different desires for riding, and as long as you're happy with the performance, that's what matters .