Trek has made a significant move away from its traditional e-bike offerings with the launch of the FX+ 1, its inaugural electric bicycle featuring a throttle. This launch addresses growing customer demand for more diverse and user-friendly e-biking options, particularly in the North American market.
The FX+ 1 is a versatile hybrid electric bicycle engineered to seamlessly blend urban navigation with leisurely excursions and occasional forays into moderate terrain, offering a uniquely enjoyable ride experience. At the heart lies a robust 500W Hyena rear hub motor, generating 60 Nm of torque, providing ample power for traversing diverse terrains while not quite rivaling the high-performance capabilities of 750W e-bikes dominating US roads. The e-motor is meticulously paired with a UL-certified 540 watt-hour battery seamlessly integrated into the downtube, offering an impressive range of up to 50 miles on a single charge.
The maximum speed can be tailored by users to either 20 miles per hour or 28 miles per hour, corresponding exactly to the maximum limits set for Classes 2 and 3 electric bicycles in the United States.
Riders can choose between two options: the FX+ 1, a Class 2 e-bike offering both pedal assist and throttle assistance up to 20mph, or the FX+ 1S, a Class 3 variant that extends pedal-assisted speeds to 28mph while maintaining the same throttle limit.
The FX+ 1 features a sleek, lightweight aluminum frame available in both mid-step and high-step formats, catering to riders of varying heights from 5’1″ to 6’6″. The bike rides smoothly on 27.5-inch wheels equipped with 50mm Bontrager GR0 gravel tyres, delivering a harmonious blend of speed and comfort as it navigates both asphalt and more rugged terrain.
The bike comes equipped with integrated front and rear lights, as well as a brake light and turn signal system. When a Trek battery reaches 0% depletion, it still retains enough energy to power the bike’s lights for a further three hours, according to the manufacturer.
The bike comes equipped with an 8-speed Shimano ESSA drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes featuring 180mm rotors, as well as mounts for racks and fenders, enhancing its versatility for daily commutes and errands.
Trek’s innovative EasyMag magnetic charger simplifies the charging process, efficiently replenishing the battery to its full capacity in approximately 5.5 hours. The system boasts a wall-mountable unit equipped with clear and prominent LED indicators, streamlining the charging process for effortless use.
Historically, Trek’s focus has been on pedal-assist e-bikes, highlighting the importance of rider engagement and skill, rather than relying on throttles that enable motorized propulsion without pedalling effort. The introduction of a throttle-equipped mannequin marks a significant shift in strategy, catering to the demands of numerous North American e-bike consumers who have consistently preferred e-bikes with throttles.
The distinction lies in their design and functionality: “Many e-bikes on the market claim to be pedal-assisted but don’t prioritize actual cycling experience; they’re merely motorized bicycles with a misleading label.” This isn’t that. “It’s a Trek bike at its core, designed for the joy of riding, augmented by a discreet and adaptable assist when needed.”
As Trek enters the e-bike space, it directly competes with newer companies that have successfully targeted this burgeoning market segment. The Trek FX+ 1 seamlessly blends revered craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and accessible pricing ($1,999), making it an attractive option for a diverse range of cyclists.
Electrek’s Take
The FX+ 1 is a bold expansion of Trek’s e-bike lineup, likely to delight enthusiasts by combining traditional cycling dynamics with modern electric assist capabilities. The corporation demonstrates an astute understanding of American cyclists’ preferences for throttle control on their e-bikes, and has taken steps to meet this demand.
It appears that Trek’s sister company, Electra, launched two years ago and likely entered the throttle market simultaneously with Trek, providing a strategic opportunity for Trek to establish itself in this new area. As the corporate behemoth pondered the surge in riders seeking out Electra’s innovative, throttle-equipped e-bikes, it couldn’t help but covet a slice of this lucrative market for itself?
