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The Trek FX+ 1S is a versatile and well-designed urban e-bike that excels in ride quality, comfort, and technological integration. Its thoughtful sizing options, stable handling, and feature-rich app make it a standout choice for both casual riders and tech enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed summary of its key aspects:
Sizing and Fit
The FX+ 1S is available in two frame styles: a high-step and a mid-step design. The mid-step frame offers three sizes, catering to riders between 5’1” and 6’1”, while the high-step frame, tested in this review, comes in four sizes, accommodating riders from 5’1” to 6’6”. The large high-step frame, designed for riders between 5’9” and 6’1”, provided an ideal fit for the reviewer at 5’11”. The bike’s proportions, including a 6.5” saddle height and balanced reach, ensured proper leg extension and a comfortable, forward-leaning riding position. This design strikes a perfect balance between sportiness and comfort, making it ideal for urban commuting.
Ride Quality and Handling
The FX+ 1S features a rigid fork, wide handlebars, and a design that distributes some of the rider’s weight to the handlebars, resulting in crisp handling and precise steering. These characteristics make it a favorite among city e-bikes. The Bontrager GR-Zero tires stand out for their versatility, with a smooth central band for efficient rolling on paved surfaces and knobby shoulders for dirt and gravel. The tires provided excellent stability and traction across various terrains, including challenging gravel, while also adding a layer of cushioning to the ride.
The motor performance is another highlight, offering smooth power delivery and quick adaptation to changes in pedal pressure. Remarkably quiet, the motor is barely noticeable, with the rear wheel hub’s clicking often being the more audible sound.
Components and Upgrades
The bike’s saddle, handlebars, and grips received positive feedback for their comfort and functionality. However, the plastic pedals were noted as a potential upgrade, as they lack adequate grip. Trek offers a wide range of pedal options, allowing riders to customize based on their preferences. The cockpit is straightforward, featuring a functional color display, throttle lever, and shifter, all within easy reach. The integrated lights and turn signals are a welcome addition, enhancing safety without cluttering the bike’s design.
App and Technology
The FX+ 1S shines in its integration with Trek’s app, which is one of the most feature-rich and user-friendly in the e-bike market. The app allows users to:
- Customize motor output for a personalized riding experience.
- Track ride data, either manually or automatically.
- Access turn-by-turn navigation and tire pressure recommendations.
- Control the battery’s lifespan and charging through four unique features:
- Charge Alert: Notifies the user when the battery reaches a desired charge level.
- Extended Life Mode: Slightly reduces range and maximum charge to extend battery longevity.
- Optimized Charging: Uses trickle charging for bikes kept plugged in.
- Long Term Storage Mode: Puts the battery into a “sleep” mode to preserve charge during extended inactivity.
The app also includes a “range cloud” feature, which displays two boundaries on a GPS map—a thin red line indicating 50% battery and a thick red outline marking the bike’s maximum range. While the app generally performs well, occasional pairing issues were noted when opened before turning on the bike. Restarting both the app and the bike resolved these glitches.
Design and Practicality
The FX+ 1S is designed to be simple and approachable out of the box, with minimal reliance on technology for basic functionality. However, its optional accessories and app integration make it highly customizable for those who prefer a more tech-driven experience. The bike’s integrated lights and turn signals are particularly noteworthy, adding a layer of safety for urban riding.
Conclusion
The Trek FX+ 1S is a well-rounded urban e-bike that combines comfort, stability, and advanced technology in a user-friendly package. Its versatile tires, smooth motor performance, and thoughtful design make it suitable for a variety of terrains and riding styles. While the plastic pedals may require upgrading, the bike’s overall ride quality and feature-rich app make it a compelling choice for both casual commuters and tech-savvy riders. Whether navigating city streets or exploring gravel paths, the FX+ 1S delivers a responsive, stable, and enjoyable riding experience.
