Trek has introduced the new Dual Sport, an adventure-ready hybrid bike that occupies a niche somewhere between road and gravel. For 2023, Trek has swapped out the suspension fork for a lightweight, rigid carbon affair, pairing it with an all-new lighter aluminum frame and a 27.5″ wheelset able to accomodate wider tires for improved off-road grip. The changes deliver a bike that is 1.9 kg lighter than its predecessor. Let’s take a closer look.
Trek Dual Sport Adventure Hybrid
2023 sees an overhaul of the long-standing Trek Dual Sport Hybrid, bringing to market a much lighter bike designed to bridge the gap between tarmac and trail.
Switching from 29″ wheels to 27.5″ wheels, the Dual Sport is now able to accomodate 50mm wide tires (2.0″) as compared to the 40mm wide tires we saw on the previous model. Trek say the smaller wheels make for a more nimble ride, while the wider tires add comfort and control with enhanced surface area, improving grip on a variety of off-road surfaces.
Ditching the 63mm travel suspension fork, the Dual Sport now rocks a much lighter rigid fork up front. It is made from carbon fiber, and is said to remove chatter from the ride, reducing fatigue and smoothing the ride further. While it certainly saves on grams, it’s also relatively maintenance-free as compared to the suspension fork. That said, cables are now routed through the headset in a bid to clean up the cockpit. You can read what bike mechanics think about that concept here.
Meanwhile, the new fork does have the benefit of being able to carry cargo thanks to the rack-mounting bosses positioned on each leg. These complement the rack mounts on the rear triangle, while mounts for fenders (on the front and rear) will keep the commuter contingent happy (and clean).
Pricing, Sizing & Availability
The 2023 Trek Dual Sport is available in both a regular frame design, and a low-step Stagger frame design, to suit a wide range of riding styles and abilities. The regular frame is available in sizes S-XL, while the step-thru option comes in M, L & XL (geometry charts for both can be found below).
The Dual Sport is available in no fewer than seven models, with pricing ranging from £690 for the Dual Sport 1, topping out at £1,100 for the Dual Sport 3 Equipped. Head to the Trek Bikes website for more details info on pricing and specifications.
