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Trek Verve 2 vs Verve 3: Head-to-Head Comparison

Trek Verve 2 vs Verve 3
Written by James Jordan
Last Update: August 16, 2023

Both Trek Verve 2 and Verve 3 are great hybrid bikes. They have some stuff in common but are different in wheel quality, weight, and speed.

The Verve 2 is faster and lighter while the heavier Verve 3 has less speed. Although it weighs more, it does have puncture-resistant tires, tubeless-ready rims, and improved cord casing. Because of that, it usually costs more than the Verve 2.

But which one will suit you most? Let’s take a deeper dive and find that out.

Trek Verve 2 – Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages of TREK Verve 2

Advantages

  • Lightweight frame
  • Multiple accessories available
  • Comfortable and ergonomic
  • Adjustable suspension seat post that absorbs shock
  • Steel fork reduces vibrations
  • Good braking power in multiple weather conditions
  • Affordable pricing

Disadvantages

  • Steel fork rusts easily
  • Not a very powerful motor
  • Shorter range
  • Labors when scaling large hills or steep terrain

Trek Verve 3 – Advantages & Disadvantages

Trek Verve 3 -Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Comfortable and versatile
  • Upright geometry to stop lumbar and muscle strain
  • Dual battery option available (for double the range)
  • Multiple frame sizes
  • The low step frame option is easy to mount
  • High step frame has added stability
  • LCD provides riders with good information

Disadvantages

  • The 250-watt motor isn’t mighty/you have to pedal uphill
  • 50 Nm of torque is considered lower end for its price range
  • A 250-watt motor is a legal limit

Trek Verve 2 vs Verve 3: How Do They Differ?

1. Shifters and speed

Verve 2

This hybrid electric bike comes with a 24-speed shifter and can gain speeds up to 20 mph.

Verve 3

This type of bike usually comes with 18-speed shifters and can drive up to 20 mph.

Winner

Both bikes can obtain the same amount of speed. The Verve 3 comes with fewer gears, but they are high quality. It’s a toss-up in this category depending on whether you care about the number of shifters or quality.

2. Frame technology

Verve 2

Made from gold alpha aluminum. It’s strong and lightweight and offers a quality ride that outshines its carbon competition. It’s DuoTrap S compatible when you buy an accessory for your frame.

Verve 3

Made from gold alpha aluminum as well. What’s cool, though, is you can pair your Bluetooth device because it has a DuoTrap S Sensor, meaning you can listen to your music while you travel. The sensor also tracks your progress right from the frame.

Winner

Both frames are made from the same material and have the same technological compatibility.

3. Rims

Verve 2

The Trek Verve 2 only comes with Bontrager connection alloy for its rims. It’s not tubeless-ready.

Verve 3

The Verve 3’s is mostly tubeless ready, and you can fit tubeless tires if you desire. That will help with the weight of the bike.

Winner

The Verve 3 has better rims in this case.

4. Tire size and quality

Verve 2

The tire size for the Verve 2 is 700 x 45c. This is the same diameter as the standard road bikes. The Verve 2 comes with 30 TPI (threads per inch) and good casing quality.

Verve 3

The Verve 3 also has a tire size of 700 x 45c. This bike comes with 60 TPI (threads per inch). It has a more supple ride, but the casing quality is not as excellent as the Verve 2 bikes.

Winner

It’s a draw for tire size, but they are different in casing quality. The Verve 2 end up being the stronger of the two tires.

5. Handlebars and grips

Verve 2

Comes with standard, comfortable handlebars with grips that are shock absorbing. The handlebars help you sit with an upright posture, and the grips absorb the bumps along your ride.

Verve 3

Comes with shock-absorbing grips, but the handlebars are different because they are made with the IsoZone technology that absorbs vibrations from the road.

Winner

Both handlebars are made for your comfort, but if you are on rougher terrain, the Verve 3 bikes edge out over the Verve 2s.

6. Weight

Verve 2

This type weighs around 30.26 pounds.

Verve 3

This version weighs a little more, clocking the scales at 31.64 pounds.

Winner

Trek Verve bikes use alpha gold aluminum technology, making a great, lightweight frame; however, the Verve 2 weighs less than the Verve 3. It wins this battle of the bulge.

7. Bike comfort and fit

Verve 2

It comes in 4 different sizes:

  1. Small (fits 5’1 to 5’5 inches)
  2. Medium (fits 5’5 to 5’8 inches)
  3. Large (fits 5’8 to 6’1 inches)
  4. Extra-large (fits 6’1 to 6’6 inches)

The frame fit comes in low step and high step options.

Verve 3

It comes in the exact 4 sizes:

  1. Small (fits 5’1 to 5’5 inches)
  2. Medium (fits 5’5 to 5’8 inches)
  3. Large (fits 5’8 to 6’1 inches)
  4. Extra-large (fits 6’1 to 6’6 inches)

The frame fit also has low-step and high-step options to choose from.

Winner

For comfort and fit, it’s a tie since they have the same options available: small, medium, large, and extra-large, as well as high step and low step benefits. The high step choice is a unisex bike. Although men can use the low step choice, it often favors women giving them a more comfortable and easily maneuverable bike.

8. Longevity

Verve 2

Trek Verve 2 comes with a limited lifetime warranty. You are essentially guaranteed a sturdy bike frame for many years.

Verve 3

Trek Verve 3 also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The frame is also expected to last for years to come.

Winner

Trek claims that they make their bikes last. Although, you should investigate a new bike if you have used it for 5 years, every day. Both earn a gold star for this classification.

9. Price

Verve 2

Can vary in price, but on average, the Verve 2 retails for around $769.99.

Verve 3

Has different price points, but the price hovers around $929.99 or more.

Winner

The Verve 2 takes the prize in this category as it’s the cheaper option of the two bikes. Don’t be afraid to research and shop around for the best price on either version though.

Trek Verve 2 vs Verve 3: What’s best for you?

The Verve 2 has an exposed 400Wh battery, 40Nm of torque, and uses 700x45c Bontrager H5 tires. The Verve 3 has an integrated battery with 500Wh, 50Nm of torque, and 700x45c Bontrager E6 tires.

There aren’t huge differences since they both are great for fitness, recreation, and commuting in and around the city. The Verve 2 is usually recommended for the beginner or casual rider while the Verve 3 suits routine and daily use better.

FAQs

1. Is there a Verve 4 model?

Ans. Yes, there is a Verve 4 model. It’s used by riders who want to travel far and have more fun on their daily commute. The trustworthy Bosch Performance line drive unit is a fully integrated, 500Wh power tube battery that can cover a longer distance on a single charge.

About the author

James Jordan

As a kid I inherited the love for mountain bikes from my father who used to ride for weeks through the Colorado trail in the city of Denver. He had his gang, and I followed pretty much the same track.

Later on, my interest in biking grew more after joining the Enduro race back in 2013. My buddies and I also participated in the Downhill racing for the third consecutive year, and it’s been an amazing experience.

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