Flat bar gravel bikes are gaining traction, which leaves the question–what to do with all the fitness hybrids? On paper, the fitness hybrid isn’t that far removed from a flat bar gravel bike, so there’s the potential for overlap.
Because of that, Trek just redesigned its FX Sport Carbon series to take riders beyond the pavement and onto the gravel. The new design focuses on hybrid urban/rural capability, with beefier tires plus more clearance, flat bars for control, and a taller head tube for a slightly more upright ride.
It packs all the new capabilities into a nimble, lightweight, Émonda-like fitness frame.
Three “gravel-ready” models, the 4, 5, and 6 — complete the FX Sport Carbon lineup. Here’s the rundown.
Full-carbon fast
A lightweight 400 Series OCLV Carbon frame and fork deliver a swift appearance and should result in snappy acceleration plus a smooth ride with dampened vibration on washboards and bumps.
Trek says it’s a lighter setup than the previous FX Sport line with the top end FX Sport Carbon 6 weighing in at a claimed 9.74 kg / 21.48 lbs.
Simple gearing, gravel-ready drivetrain
A straightforward 1x drivetrain lets riders gear up or down with the simplicity of a single shifter. The FX Sport Carbon 5 and 6 feature Shimano’s gravel-specific GRX drivetrain.
Bigger Tire Clearance for Gravel Adventures
Wide all-terrain 40c gravel tires help riders venture off-path with confidence. The 6 comes with light and responsive Aeolus Elite carbon wheels for a premium-status performance boost.
700c wheels are the standard across the line. The frames are compatible with full coverage fenders and will fit up to a 40mm tire with fenders, or a 42mm tire without.
Cargo capabilities
Trek builds the FX Sport Carbon to help folks cover longer distances, so they also give it capability for load carrying.
All FX Sport Carbon models have mounts for a frame bag inside the front triangle and a rear rack. Riders also have the option to add fenders on built-in mounts. Trek puts the bike’s weight capacity (bike plus rider and cargo) at 300 pounds.
Trek FX Sport Carbon final word and pricing
If you live in a bike-ready city like Austin, Texas (pictured), and want an affordable rig to get around (and out of) town on, the Trek FX Sport Carbon may be the ticket.
Prices range from $1,700 to $2,700 MSRP depending on capability and options.
