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Trek is one of the biggest, most trusted, bicycle companies in the world. Since ~2003 they have been developing ebike systems and I first saw them enter the US market around 2015. The bikes they put out are usually purpose-built around custom frames, available in multiple sizes that use leading components and come with excellent dealer availability and support. You get what you pay for, but that means their electric bikes tend to cost more… The Verve+ aims to lower the entry point price wise, without sacrificing a lot of feature. To be honest, it’s my favorite model in their line right now! This thing isn’t the fastest or most powerful, but it is extremely lightweight at ~45.6 lbs (especially considering that it has aluminum alloy fenders), and it’s very comfortable and safe. Trek marketing told me about their ABC’s campaign (always be seen) and I definitely noticed the integrated lights and shiny metallic color schemes with white accents. This is a neighborhood / city oriented product with efficient hybrid tires and upright geometry. It allows you spot for traffic while staying visible, and I would recommend a light colored helmet and reflective clothing if you do plan to ride through traffic regularly, especially at night. The headlight produces 400 Lumens, which is very bright, it’s aimable to let you see where you’re going as well as be-seen, and the rear light produces a strobe flash pattern that is attention grabbing. So many e-bikes use basic lights that aren’t bright and don’t flash… but there is one compromise here. The headlight is built into the steering tube vs. mounted to the fork or handlebars, and that means it doesn’t aim where you turn, it just goes straight. Given the toughness of these lights, the fact that they run off of the main battery pack, and the option of adding your own aftermarket light on the handlebar with the Blendr plastic mount… it’s not the end of the world. Let’s say you’re someone who might get groceries occasionally or commute to work with a laptop and other gear. the Verve+ will not only keep you dry and seen, but it can help sherpa your load because it has bottle cage bosses and rear-rack compatibility. I was told that it supports the Bontrager (a Trek brand) BackRack Disc which can be found here. There’s so much to say about this electric bicycle, even though I was given a grey high-step frame to test ride (because I’m a 5’9″ guy) there’s also a mid-step grey frame that would be easier to mount and stand over… and it looks pretty masculine. For those who like the bright fun colors, there’s a bright red option in step-thru as well. The tires are a bit wider and softer than average, which provides stability, and they have puncture protective layers to help reduce flats. I was able to ride around Fort Collins, Colorado through some snow, puddles, grass, and bumpy sidewalks without issue, even riding with no hands to test stability. The bike works great and is very quiet and smooth.
Part of what makes the Verve+ lightweight, efficient, quiet, and smooth is the base-level Bosch Active Line Cruise motor. It’s rated from 250 watts to 295 watts and can deliver up to 40 Newton meters of torque. Mid-drives tend to be more powerful in practice than their numbering portrays, because they rely on your gears to maximize torque or power. If you shift to a lower gear, not only will it be easier for you to pedal, but the motor will also get a mechanical advantage and have an easier time. The 9-speed cassette offers more than enough pedaling options for urban use and the mid-level Shimano Alivio derailleur is crisp and reliable. Unlike some the off-road and high speed motors that Bosch produces, the Active Line and Active Line Plus have a one-to-one chainring that does not require a reduction gear. This means that there is no friction if you decide to pedal with the bike powered off, or if you work hard and pedal beyond the top assisted speed of 20 miles per hour. As a Class 1 electric bicycle, this bike is allowed in the most places, and is treated as a bicycle vs. a moped, so you don’t need a license or insurance to ride. Trek has gone out of their way to disable the walk mode feature that Bosch usually offers, in order to avoid having regulators and cyclists feel like there is any kind of throttle support. I admire their purist bicycle background, and I feel that this motor choice is perfect for the Verve+ platform. Trek has many other city or hybrid city+trail models worth exploring, but they all weigh more and cost more. When you’re able to go from an 8.8 lb Bosch Performance Line motor to a 6.4 lb ActiveLine, and you make some compromises on the battery, display, and are able to produce ultra lightweight hydroformed aluminum frames… you get a good end result.
And so, the battery on this ebike is also lightweight, because it is one step down from the higher-level Powerpack 500. Bosch has been offering the Powerpack 400 since ~2013 in the United States, and it is highly trusted and appreciated by all of the shops and end-customers I have visited with over the years. There aren’t really many compromises to discuss here, except that the battery is visually obvious on the frame. It looks great on the Antracite Grey frame I was loaned for this review, because the top portion of plastic is grey… but it doesn’t blend in quite as well on the Coral Red or Deep Dark Blue. People might not be able to hear the motor, or even see it very well behind the standard 38 toot chainring, but they can see the battery. The upside however, is that the pack is easy to reach for charging and safer to mount and dismount. Yes, you can take it off to reduce weight of the frame or to charge it separately (away from extreme cold and heat if you can help it). This pack has a nice big loop handle at the top, making it easy and safe to carry. It has a little 5-LED power indicator on the left side, so you can tell if it’s charged up before mounting to the frame. And, it uses the same proprietary plug design as the mount, which means you don’t need to keep track of special adapters or extra wires. The motor, the battery pack, and the charger for this bike have all been specced down just a bit, and what that means for the charger is that it puts out 2 Amps vs. 5 Amps and may take longer to fill this 396 watt hour Lithium-ion pack. Something like 5.5 hours from complete empty, but the first half fills much faster than the last because the cells aren’t being balanced as carefully. You can extend the life of this battery by keeping it around 50% full when not using for months on end. And, if you break, lose, or simply run the battery completely dry after 1,500+ charge cycles, you will easily be able to find a replacement… or even upgrade to the 20% higher capacity Bosch Powerpack 500, because it’s built into the same case design, and fits into the same mount. Finally, a word of caution, if you are charging the battery on the frame, be careful not to move the crank arms because the charging plug enters near the left crank and could get snagged or bent.
Operating this bike is pretty simple, and fast. Once the battery has been charged and mounted, you can press the little minus sign on the left side of the battery or press the power button on the top edge of the compact display panel. This display is called the Purion, and it’s usually found on less expensive Bosch powered bikes or mountain models, where they want a sturdier and less obvious display. It’s not as large as the Bosch Intuvia, does not swivel, is not removable, and does not have an active Micro-USB port… which is sad, because that can be useful for maintaining a phone or other portable electronics, and there is a port, but it’s apparently only used for diagnostics by the shop. Even though we are already dealing with the lower capacity battery, and it’s running the lights here, it would be nice to at least have the option to charge mph phone for GPS while I was riding. Perhaps Bosch will offer this someday? Other than those gripes, the display is actually really good. It’s positioned within reach of the left grip, so you can click the + and – buttons while riding to raise or lower motor support. There are four drive modes: eco, tour, sport, and turbo, and they increase both the starting force and zip feel as well as the maximum supported speed. If you’re riding for fun, or maybe through a crowded area, the lower levels can be very satisfying. I have actually heard some people complain about how other electric bikes feel overwhelming or too fast, but that won’t be an issue here. Some of the other features of this display are that it has a faint white glow which is always active and helps it be read at night or in low lighting conditions, it can show your trip distance, odometer, and range estimate by holding the minus key, and it activates the front and rear bike lights by holding the plus key. For those who wish to have an even larger display with additional readouts and removability (perhaps for commuting situations), I have been told that some ebike shops will upgrade the Purion to Intuvia for $200+, but this will take up the space where the Blendr accessory mount would otherwise fit on.
In my experience, ebikes are the most fun when they are comfortable. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Verve+ because it has an all-Aluminum frame with a rigid fork. In practice, the slightly fatter tires, larger saddle, suspension seat post (basic as it is), and adjustable stem, won me over. It feels stable and maneuverable, the lighter overall weight makes it easier to walk with and lift when necessary, and the fenders and lights are so well done. Keep an ear out when watching the video review above, I was amazed by how quiet the fenders were. Perhaps Trek could offer a chain protector, to keep your pants even cleaner, but the alloy chainring guard is good enough. I love how frame tubing is molded to look cool, even flattening out where the battery mounts to keep it lower and appear more streamlined. some wires are internally routed, but not all, and I did notice a plastic slap guard to protect the paint on the rear right chain stay. This is an electric bike that could be fun for couples, or “imbalanced couples” where one rider enjoys non-electric cycling and the other stresses about wind and hills or has some hip or knee sensitivity as I do. Yes, the Active Line motor is weaker than some other brands and even some options from Bosch, but it still performs well and can climb. The maximum weight rating for the Verve+ is an impressive 300 lbs, which is above the average 250 lbs from other companies. Considering that this is Trek’s most affordable electric bike, it really doesn’t feel like they sacrificed on the parts that matter (the drivetrain and safety). One happy benefit of the smaller more efficient motor here, is that it uses energy slower, and should get 30 to 80+ miles per charge depending on your weight, terrain, wind etc. Big thanks to Lee’s Cyclery in Fort Collins, Colorado for receiving this bike and letting me hang out and review it. And, to Trek, for partnering with me on this post and providing other demo opportunities in the past. You can explore all of my Trek ebike reviews here and post your comments and questions below, or visit the Trek Forums here to connect with others. Ride safe, and have fun!
Pros:
- The frames are totally custom and purpose-built to electric, notice how some of the cables are internally routed and the downtube flattens to create strength for the battery mount interface
- I love that you can get the Verve+ in four sizes, four colors, and two different styles (high-step for taller people and step-thru for people who might have a hip or knee sensitivity and want easier mounting)
- It’s nice to have fenders to stay dry and clean, these ones were sturdy, quiet, and painted to match the frame color, I love how the light is built into the back fender
- The lights on this ebike are very nice, the headlight is aimable up and down while offering 400 lumens! both lights run off of the main battery so they are very convenient (just hold + to turn them on or off), the rear light blinks for added visibility
- For those who want to mount a Garmin GPS, GoPro, additional headlight or cycle computer, Trek includes a couple of “Blendr” plastic mounts that fit seamlessly into the stem cap
- The drivetrain is is pretty nice, nine speeds is more than most value city bikes I test and the Alivio groupset is three steps up so it will shift smoothly and require fewer tuneups
- The new Bosc Active Line Cruise motor is the lightest in the line at ~6.4 lbs and operates very quietly and efficiently, it felt satisfying to ride and always under control, starting and stopping quickly as I pedaled
- With the motor and battery mounted low and center, these bikes handle very well, I was able to ride with no hands for long stretches and the larger tires tracked beautifully
- As someone with a sensitive back and neck, the upright geometry here felt excellent, it allowed me to spot fellow cyclists, pedestrians, and cars as I performed the review ride
- Minor pro here, but the black spokes, grey accent on the battery casing, and traditionally sized chainring with alloy guard (which helps to hide the motor) look nicer than a lot of competing products, Trek pays attention to details
- Even without a suspension fork, the bike feels pretty comfortable because of the wide PSI range on the tires (60 to 80 PSI) and adjustable suspension seat post, I also like the ergonomic grips and medium-width saddle
- Performing maintenance should be easy with quick release wheels, the mid-drive motor stays out of the way of the drivetrain more than hub motor powered electric bikes, you shouldn’t get flats as frequently because the tires have “Hardcase Ultimate” puncture protection
- The pedals here aren’t my personal favorite because I like extra wide with metal pins like these for maximum power transfer and grip… but they are still a nice upgrade from cage pedals that bend easily, I like that they are stiff and have extra rubber tread for grip that won’t cut your shins if you slip off
- Weighing in at ~45 lbs, this is one of the lighter electric city bikes that I have seen with a mid-drive and metal fenders, it will be easier to walk with and lift up stairs etc. but you can also remove the battery pack easily to shave another ~5 lbs off
- So many electric bikes forego bottle cage bosses and don’t have extra mounting points for front or rear racks, but the Verve+ does! And you can use the official Bontrager BackRack Disc which is disc brake compatible for a guaranteed fit here
- With a maximum rider+cargo weight of 300 lbs, this electric bike can handle more weight than a lot of competing products, most others are rated to ~250 but Trek makes durable frames that are tested more rigorously
Cons:
- The Bosch Purion display panel is sleek and durable, but you cannot remove it easily for protection and the smaller size makes it harder to read than the Intuvia display, it also doesn’t have an active USB charging port built in
- Trek has disabled walk mode on all of their electric bikes, this isn’t a big deal for a lightweight city model like the Verve+ but could still come in handy if you got a flat or were pushing the bike with a rack and a bunch of gear added
- As nice as the headlight is, the beam is permanently focused forward because it’s built into the head tube, it won’t turn as you steer
- The battery charger is slower than the other one Bosch includes with more expensive products, it puts out 2 amps vs. 4 amps and is only slightly smaller and 0.4 lbs lighter
- Minor consideration here… it would be nice if in addition to the chainring guard and fenders, the Verve+ also had a full chain cover to keep your pant legs or skirt from touching the greasy chain
- It feels like the new Bosch Active Line motors kind of stick when trying to pedal backwards and almost catch for a second when the motor cuts out, perhaps theres gearing inside that caries the spindle, chainring, and crank arms forward for a moment? Not a huge deal, but just not as smooth as the Bosch Performance line
- The Bosch Active Line Cruise motor only supports up to 100 RPM, so if you’re in a low gear or just trying to spin really fast, the motor won’t keep up as much as it would on the Active Line Plus or Performance Line motors… so you have to shift gears and keep your cadence a bit slower for support (many other mid-drive motors also cut out around 100 RPM, so this is par for the course with city bikes and an efficient drive system vs. speed or power setup)
Resources:
John Utter
7 years agoWe bought this model (the step-through version) for my wife and it is super smooth and ultra-quiet. The torque is decent. It’s a great cruiser. It’s also surprisingly light. The 400 ah battery pack lasts about as long as my 500 ah pack for my Bulls Six50 which is heavier, faster, and has more torque. But the two bikes are very different animals. The Verve is a street/pavement/smooth trails kind of bike and it’s really hard to tell your being powered by something else. You just feel magically strong. The integrated headlight is decent for a be-seen kind of light and might also do for a seeing light in most conditions if you’re not going too fast. We like the Bosch systems for ease of use and the warranty.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoFantastic, thanks for the summary John! I’m glad to hear that you and your wife are enjoying the e-bikes so much. It’s cool to hear your description of performance given that you have two to compare side by side. It sounds like the Verve+ has been a great fit for her :)
ReplyAnand Nathan Somasundaram
7 years agoDo you think the xm700 is worth the 1300 premium over verve+ if I am riding in boston, hauling groceries.
Terri Laughlin
5 years agoHi, Court. Can you please do a Verve +2 review since the bike was redone for 2020? My 6’1″ daughter is wanting to buy one for herself. I love your reviews…your Liberty Trike reviews cinched a sale for Liberty Trike since I have epilepsy and cannot ride a bicycle any longer after crashing a couple of times. Even a brief petit mal seizure is enough to cause a crash on a 2-wheel bike. I watched your many trike reviews and settled on the LT. Thanks again, and Happy Holidays from South Florida. God Bless.
Natalie
5 years agoA Verve+ 2 review would be amaaaaazing, Court! I am a huge fan of your YT channel, and can’t wait to see your review of that bike. I watched your video of the “original” Verve+, but there are enough things that are different about it this year to make me a little concerned. I wish I could check one out in person, but so far, no luck. Your review would be the next best thing to that, for sure. I already own two Trek bikes (an X-Caliber 8 and an FX hybrid), so I know that this one will feel comfortable at least. I am just interested to see all of the other details, and to hear your overall opinion of the bike. I am planning to purchase one within the next 1-2 months. Anyway, thanks!!!!! :D
Roger T.
7 years agoGreat review, Court. Based on your review, we bought this bike from a local Trek dealer for my wife recently, and we are very happy with it so far. We first bought a Voltbike Elegant online, but had unresolved electrical issues and returned it for a full refund. That experience emphasized to me the importance of local support for an e-bike, as they are definitely more complicated than a conventional bike. Also, for the brief time that the Voltbike Elegant worked, it was way overpowered for what my wife required. I’m also now sold on the smoothness and quietness of the mid-mounted Bosch motor-battery combination as compared to the hub motor on the Elegant. Even though this is the least powerful Bosch motor, my 60 year old wife had no problem beating me up a short, but steep hill this past weekend. Overall I’m impressed with the build quality and the light weight of the bike. Even after adding a rear rack, the total weight of the bike is about 47 pounds. Paid about $2100 for the Verve+ on sale. The extra cost over the Elegant is worth it in my opinion, both for the quality of the components, and also the peace of mind with local support.
Replycourt
7 years agoHi Roger! So well said, thank you for taking the time to share your story and include details about how the VoltBike Elegant felt a little too zippy for your wife. I really love the Trek Verve+ because it uses quality components and feels natural. I’m sure your post will help others who might be weighing the cost savings against the performance and support. Having a local shop makes a big difference :) hope you two continue to enjoy riding together, thanks again!
ReplyAdriano
4 years agoHi, I’d like to buy the first electric bicycle. I will use it especially when traveling around the city. The roads are often a bit steep and bumpy. Can you tell me if this electric bicycle (Verve+) is also convenient to use in the city? I would not want to spend more than the price of this electric bicycle. I would like a nice electric bicycle, but sporty and above all comfortable even for the city with slightly uphill and somewhat bumpy roads. Do you recommend it or do you recommend a different electric bicycle for me? 1000 thanks for your valuable advice.
ReplyStephen Mercier
7 years agoHI Court. Question; We live in a really hilly area and my wife and I both have ebikes currently. Mine has plenty of hill climbing capacity (twin batteries = 17 Ah and a 500 watt motor) but my wife has a simple Yunbike C1 (which is a cool little bike and she has manged to climb some steep grades in it). Do you think the Trek Verve is a suitable upgrade at hill climbing and range capacity?
Replycourt
7 years agoCool! I remember the Yunbike, cute little thing :) yearh, the Trek Verve is going to be more efficient and capable of climbing because it utilizes the Bosch mid-drive. The Trek Verve+ is one of my favorite ebikes in general, great value, and even though the motor produces a little bit less torque than the Performance Line models, it should still work well if she shifts gears down and uses the higher levels of assist for climbing. I’d love to hear how it works for you guys, if you go for it! And, you should be able to find one to test ride at a dealer beforehand, to confirm power, which is nice.
Replyjack
6 years agoHad mine for a week now, it’s great. Everything it claims and more. So I’ll just make a few new observations. The walk mode works (maybe as of 2018). The pedals are 1-2″ higher than on a non + version. That means you need to raise the seat higher for the same leg extension, which can lead to a lesser upright posture. The post below the cross bar (the one that holds the seat post) on my 18.5″ is too short to hold my 24oz polar water bottle. The gearing is the best I have every had. The 9 gears work flawlessly and in conjunction with the 5 (including off) power modes essentially gives you 45 speeds. With the power assist off, it preforms exactly like a non e-bike. The battery holds a charge. (I ride 15+ miles/day with about 5 mile using e assist, and probably only need to charge the battery once a week). I love ergo grips and these are the perfect shape and size, but I find them rough on the hands and also sweaty. One last thing, when I finally found one my color and size, about 50 miles away, I couldn’t decide. This bike shop said I had 14 days to return for full refund. Sure made my decision to buy a lot easier.
p.s. non e-related, I wish Verves (and +’s) had the front suspension back. Any suggestions on how to replace front fork with suspension one and where to get it? Maybe from a 2016 Verve, or older Navigator or Shift?
Replycourt
6 years agoHi Jack! Thanks for all of your feedback, I agree that the Trek Verve+ is an awesome electric bike. Was thinking about your interest in upgrading from rigid to a suspension fork and found the RockShox Paragon that should fit the 1-1/8″ straight steering tube. You could get one of these (compatible with your 700c wheels and disc brakes) and have a shop install it for you :) I hope this helps and I welcome your feedback if you do it, and pictures if you do the install yourself or have a great looking final product. You could share in the Trek ebike forums :D
Replyjack
6 years agoI talked to my bike shop and suggested the Paragon too, but now they are saying I also need to replace the stem. Does that seems right?
Gary Grall
6 years agoMid-August this year I purchased two Verve + Bicycles at a local TREK dealer in Mishawaka, IN on sale, I could not pass up the deal. After shopping for about a month and test riding about three other bikes, I decided on the BOSCH mid drive used here. The following weekend, I took them on a family camping trip up north. The bikes performed excellently… on hard packed trails. I’m 63, long time cyclist, now I can extend my range once again. One of best entry-level ebikes on the market… thanks again for your review and professionalism, keep up the good work.
ReplyCourt
6 years agoHi Gary! What a great testimonial, thanks for spending the time to share your experience here with us. I hope the Verve+ continues to ride well for you! Enjoy your time with family outdoors, sounds great :)
Judy Reckart
6 years agoHey Court: A general, but sincere, thanks for your candid and informed reviews – especially helpful to e-bike noob me. Have watched probably 15 of your reviews while researching my first e-bike purchase, which I’ll make within the week. Am leaning toward the Trek Verve+ step-through after considering similar Rad City and Populo models: the Verve’s 45-ish lb. weight, disc brakes, Bosch system AND local dealer support are calling! Again, truly appreciate your pointing out details and features (both pro and con) that I’d surely overlook if I were buying without your guidance. Ride on – and keep up the good work!
Replycourt
6 years agoFantastic! I’m so excited for you, Judy. It’s wonderful to be in a position where I can help people and also provide a space for interconnection. Ebikes are such a positive technology, but I realize they can also be quite expensive. Reach out anytime, hope you have a great day!
ReplyGlenn
6 years agoHi Court: First, I want to say thank you for your excellent reviews of so many e-bikes. I am looking to move into e-bikes for my wife and I. We are both 64 and would like to extend our riding years and distance. In addition, I will be 65 next month and used to commute to work about 12 miles each way on my road bike (2006 Trek Madone 5.5 CD). I haven’t bike commuted in a few years but would like to bike commute most days for the next couple of years while still working daily. As a Type-1 diabetic for 34 of my 64 years I can confirm that cycling and good blood sugar management has extended my life! We have direct access both from home and from my office to the the beautiful American River Bike Trail which I would ride for about 10 of those 12 miles (no cars!). For me, I think I am most interested in the Trek Super Commuter +7 (Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on the AR Bike Trail). For my wife, I was thinking about the Trek Verve +. She is a fit and active and also rides a 2006 Trek Madone 5.2 triple, but at the end of our rides we have a short 12% (confirmed today with my Garmin) hill leading up to our house from the bike trail. On occasion, if we have ridden over 15 miles, she will need to walk up that hill. She is about 5’3″ and about 130 lbs. My question is “Do you think the Trek Verve + is capable of assisting her up that 12% grade short hill at the end of a longer ride ride?” She has never ridden an e-bike, but I think if the gearing and power are adequate to assist he up that last hill, she will love it. Thanks again!
Replycourt
6 years agoSorry for the delayed reply here Glenn! I’ve been traveling and a bit behind on comments and posts of late. Yes, I do think that the Trek Verve+ will handle the 12% grade, especially if she’s under 150 lbs. I weigh ~135 lbs myself and haven’t had any issues with climbing as long as the bike is shifted into a lower gear (which means you go slower) and the assist level is up high in Sport or Turbo. Even though this ebike uses the Active Line motor, it is still VERY capable when used appropriately with the 9-speed cassette :) please share back if/when you guys buy this bike and get a chance to test ride together!
ReplyGlenn
6 years agoThanks for the detailed reply. The Trek Verve + sounds like it is a very capable e-bike. I went to my LBS “Trek Bicycle Sacramento Midtown” last Friday to buy the Trek Super Commuter +7 (for me) and the Trek Verve + Step Through (for my wife). I was able to pick up the SC +7 but the Verve + was out of stock and evidently Trek has a 1 1/2 to 2 month backlog. The crew at the Trek store was very helpful and were able to work out a great deal for us on the SC +7 and an Electra Townie Commute 8i for my wife, which they ordered and could get in 1 week. I will post comments on the EBR review sections for those two bikes. I think she will be very happy with the Electra Townie Commute 8i. Thanks again.
Replycourt
6 years agoAwesome! Yes, I agree that the Electra Townie Commute 8i is an excellent choice as well. I believe that Trek now owns Electra, so you’ll still get great service and also benefit from the similar Bosch drive system. Excited to hear your feedback down the line and I hope the bike arrives soon so you can both ride together this summer :D
ReplySJT
6 years agoI have had the VERVE step thru for a month now. It allows me to ride a bike on trips that were impossible on normal bikes. I commute to work a couple of days a week and for 90% of the trip, it is heaven. My three unfortunate gripes:
I was not able to activate the walk feature, but will try again after reading another post saying it now works.
Replycourt
6 years agoThanks for the feedback SJT! The Active Line motors are less powerful than the Bosch Performance Line but much lighter… I wonder if you’ve shifted to the lowest gears when trying to climb steep hills? I didn’t have any hills nearby during my ride test. As for walk mode, it seems like some Trek models have it enabled for 2018 but maybe not all. You would need to be in one of the four levels of assist (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo) then press walk mode then hold +. I hope this helps :)
ReplySJT
6 years agoI was able to make it up the hill by following your direction to go to lowest gear! thanks a million
Laura
6 years agoThis is a GREAT review and I loved your very comprehensive video. Thank you so much! I just purchased this bike and now have to patiently wait for delivery. It is back-ordered!
Replycourt
6 years agoCool! I’m glad the review helped and am excited for you, this is a nice electric bike :D feel free to chime in again someday when it has arrived and you’ve had some time in the saddle, I’d love to hear your thoughts :)
ReplyLaura
6 years agoSo, I now own this bike and I love it! This is coming from someone who has traditionally not liked bike riding. An ebike takes away all of the “pain points” that I used to have with riding bikes — mainly hills. One thing that I love, too, is that it’s so much easier to ride an ebike in high traffic situations b/c you can get up to speed from a complete stop much faster.
On to the Trek: I rented another ebike before I purchased the Verve. One thing I like about the Verve is the amount of power it produces. The bike I rented produced too much power on the 2nd setting. I felt out of control very quickly. This bike is super comfortable to ride , with the exception, perhaps of the saddle. It’s just “ok”.
This is a great bike for someone who wants to use an ebike for commuting, running errands, pleasure riding. I put a rear rack on the bike and have a grocery pannier and it’s been a pleasure to start biking for some errands rather than driving.
pirx
6 years agoHey Court, thanks for this great review! I’ve spent so much time researching (mostly through your reviews and forum, so thanks again!), and I think I may have narrowed it down between this and the Raleigh Misceo iE Sport 2017 which is just $1,699 right now. On one hand the Raleigh looks like a pretty good deal, but on the other, I do like the Verve specs overall. Care to weigh in?
Replycourt
6 years agoHi Pirx! That’s a tough call, both drive systems are great… Bosch is usually my favorite but I haven’t heard about any issues from Shimano with their E6000. You’ll have more battery availability and probably a wider dealer network to get help from with Trek but the lower price of the Raleigh Misceo iE Sport is pretty tempting. Perhaps it comes down to aesthetics, local dealers (or maybe you were planning on buying from the Raleigh website). If price were no issue, I’d go for the Verve+ because I like the frame and brand better but they should both perform pretty well for most situations :)
ReplyStephen Mercier
6 years agoQuestion Court : If you could have your choice of the 2018 Verve + or the the 2018 powerfly 5 for the same price which would you take ?
ReplyCourt
6 years agoHi Stephen! I’d definitely go for the Powerfly 5 because the larger tires and suspension offer great comfort. The body position is a bit more aggressive, but that can be changed by swapping the handlebar and stem. I actually ride a full suspension plus sized tire mountain bike most days (in the city) just for comfort and the ability to ride across grass and off of curbs. I work harder because of the tire drag, but that’s worth it to me in exchange for comfort. I have my own rechargeable lights from Cygolite, I wear a hydration pack from Osprey pack with hydration bladder, and I added little plastic mud guards to stay safe, hydrated, and dry-ish :P
ReplySarah
6 years agoI just took the Verve+ for a test ride yesterday and loved it, but am wondering if it’s powerful enough for kid hauling. My current set up has a Yepp seat on the back rack for my 3 year old, and a follow-me tandem on the back axle for towing my 6 year old when he’s worn out or the roads are too busy. I’m considering an e-bike because of a steep hill that is often fun on my road bike but impossible with little passengers (and leaves me looking rather a mess on arrival). Do you think the Verve+ can handle the extra work of carrying kids and their cargo? Or should I be looking for more of a cargo bike, or even another ebike with more torque? Thanks for any feedback!
ReplyCourt
6 years agoGreat question, Sarah! There are lots of variables to consider here, but yes. I do think that if you shift to the lowest gears and bring the assist level all the way up, this bike would be able to tackle moderately steep hills without leaving you exhausted and sweaty. There are indeed, more powerful ebike motors out there (like the Bosch Performance Line), but they add to the cost and weight of the bike. I’m not sure how heavy you and your child are, because weight does make a difference, but the motor is very capable when operating in combination with bike gears. This has a lot more to do with how you ride than how the motor performs alone. As a fairly active rider myself, I strongly prefer a lightweight nimble ebike like this than a heavy V8 type of setup. However, if that’s more of what you want, consider moving up slightly in power to the Electra Townie Go models or a lot with a Pedego or Electric Bike Company model.
ReplySummer
6 years agoIs there any suggestions to help new knee cap pain while using recently acquired Verve+ ? I’ve tried adjusting the saddle height and moving it back and forth. Noted that the Verve+ crank arms are 5mm longer and distance between pedals are wider than my road bikes. Never get knee pain on road bike.
ReplyCourt
6 years agoHmm, I’m not a doctor but the first things that crossed my mind were IT Band tightness in your legs… perhaps you’ve been riding more frequently or further? Maybe pushing harder or perhaps the saddle and pedal position are creating an angle in your hips and knees that is causing pain? Might be worth visiting the bicycle shop for proper fitting and maybe consider your shoes? I’m interested to hear back as you work through this. My own knees tend to be sensitive when riding bicycles up steep hills or hike down hills or walk down stairs but I started Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM joint relief supplement daily to help. I think it does help, do you do anything like that?
ReplyRande Shaffer
6 years agoHi Court, just discovered your website in my research for the purchase of our first electric bikes and I have to tell you how terrific your reviews are in hitting every point of consideration. We have narrowed our search down to this model (Trek Verve +) and the Electra Townie Go 8i. I am 5’10” and my wife is just under 5’2″ so it seems like we can get a better fit on the Verve given the various size choices. The Townie seems more comfortable with its flat foot technology, but we are also looking to get the exercise benefits (had to stop running due to hip/knee issues) so any input is appreciated.
ReplyCourt
6 years agoWonderful! Thanks for the encouragement and great feedback Rande. I definitely work hard on these and do my best to be thorough and accurate. Both of the ebikes you’re considering are great. The Verve+ is my personal favorite because of the value price point, additional sizes, and great accessories. You’re correct that it is not as relaxed as an Electra Townie Go, but the seatpost suspension helps and it will be fine if you’re mostly on smooth paths and streets. it’s actually more comfortable to pedal with because it’s not a flat foot design, and the sporty saddle won’t chaff your legs. It sounds like you’re fairly healthy, and it will be wonderful to ride with your wife. I got into ebikes because of knee sensitivity, so I feel like I can relate to your situation. I think you’ll be very happy with the Verve+ but it would be great if you could test ride both! Most Trek dealers also have an Electra Townie (even if it’s not electric) that you could sit on and get a feel for. Try to visit a dealer if you can :) I’d love to hear what you choose and how it works out for you two someday!
ReplyLaura
6 years agoI’m trying to decide between The Trek Verve+, The Gazelle Medeo T-9, and the Aventon Pace 500. I really like the lightness of the Trek and the Hybrid aspect to ride on packed dirt trails, and the hydraulic brakes, but also like the more powerful motor of the Gazelle and really like their color selection and its appearance much more. Any advice between those two? I’m test riding the Aventon as well this weekend. Thanks so much for your helpful previews.
ReplyKarin Clifford
5 years agoMy husband decided to buy a Trek Super Commuter 8 for work. He encouraged me to look at the Verve+, saying if I had an e-bike we’d be able to do long rides together on trails and all over our hilly town. Reading reviews from people in my age group is what convinced me that this is exactly when I need to enjoy riding more and no longer dread falling way behind. Well, was thrilled and amazed when we made a trip to Boise, Idaho, and brought our bikes to ride on the Greenbelt! We rode longer and further than ever! All the slight uphill sections on trails that you encounter in an underpass no longer slowed me down! Riding into the wind is no longer a problem. And I am excited to do local rides on our trails here in Moscow, Idaho, which I have avoided because of hills or riding into the wind. I still ride my commuter bike to exercise classes three mornings a week because it’s a flat and short ride, plus I love my other bike (my retirement gift). Now I have two wonderful step-through bikes that I alternate between, depending on my destination, and I plan to ride for many, many years!
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Karin! This is wonderful to read. I’m so glad you decided to give ebiking a try and have had such great results. Thanks for sharing your feedback here with us :)
ReplyKevin B
5 years agoAfter test riding several different ebikes including the Electra Townie Go! (3 different versions), the Specialized Como and Vado, a Giant and the Trek Verve+, I decided to go with the Verve+.
I’ve had the bike for a few days and have put 30 miles on it on local streets, trails and bike paths. I’m in my early 50’s and don’t bike as much as I should because of the discomfort I experience on my hybrid bike, however, after using an Electra Townie Go! (loaner from a hotel in Portland I was staying at last month), I was totally hooked on the ebike concept and the Comfort styling of the Townie. The only questions were, what can I afford?, and what is going to suit me best?
I’m coming from a decent standard hybrid bike, that despite every conceivable adjustment of the bars and seat I’ve made, my hands, thumbs and backside get quickly fatigued, go numb or cramp up after about 5 miles or riding. I even got an extra squishy gel seat. . . . and still I was enduring pain in the hands and backside. After riding the Townie and being able to crank out 20 miles pretty easily without pain and numbness, it seemed like I found my solution.
After a lot of test rides and advice from a few different bike shops, I went with the Trek Verve+. This was in part because it was one of the few in the Comfort class that had any suspension at all (seat suspension).
The bike has the same Bosch system as the Townie and operates well. While not exactly the same level of comfort as the Townie (or Como), the Verve+ can get close to the same riding comfort PLUS it does have some suspension support in the seat. So far the Verve+ performs well and the assist from the Bosch system has made a tremendous difference in my range. The bike is quite, shifts well, is solid and so far, seems to do what it’s supposed to do.
I live in Michigan where our roads are terrible! I travel a lot for work and I can say, we may have the worst roads in the country as far as I can tell. The Townie that I did 20 miles on was in Portland, OR where the roads are a heck of a lot better than they are where I am. And wile I did test ride all of the bikes on local streets and a few paved paths, I didn’t really see how they would perform on some of our potholed, shoddy patched roads. This is where my caution comes in.
Because the Verve has no suspension other than in the seat, you feel EVERYTHING! If you’re riding on a rough road, path, street, etc. it is shockingly jarring. Yesterday I thought I cracked my tooth when I hit a rather modest hole on a gravel trail and my teeth slammed together HARD!
On well groomed limestone or gravel trails, asphalt or concrete paths, the bike is wonderful. On poor Michigan roads, or any surface that is not smooth, be prepared to get beat up by the road.
Overall I like the bike very much, however, I will have to carefully consider where I can and cannot ride it for fear of losing teeth. It would be great if bikes in this class came with a front suspension option. I would gladly pay a bit more for a comfort style bike that had some form of shock absorption.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Kevin! Thanks for sharing some of your time to write this great review. I hope you have a great time riding this summer :D
ReplyKevin Breslin
5 years agoUPDATE: After less than 1 year, I’ve broken 2 spokes on the rear tire. and NOT, I’m NOT taking the bike off road, doing jumps, hitting curbs, etc. I ride on limestone and asphalt trails, yet I’m breaking spokes. I’m not that heavy and definately do approach the max weight rating of the bike.
Even with my added GOLD service plan from the reseller, it’s a $65 trip to the bike shop for a repair and this year because of C-19 that’s a 4-6 week WAIT.
At this rate, this bike is going to get VERY expensive to own.
Also, I finally broke down and bought a replacement seatpost (SATORI Animaris Bicycle Suspension Seatpost) which has helped with the jarring bumps. That was an additional $65.
My wife purchased a Specialized Turbo Como and rides along side me everywhere and thus far hasn’t needed any repairs or upgrades. . . .
In total, less than 1 year into having the bike I’ve already spent almost $200 in repairs and necessary upgrades.
Had I known this from the start, I would have likely purchased a different bike.
ReplyJimmy
5 years agoTrek must have read this review and took everything to heart because I bought the Trek Verve+ 2 which addresses a lot of the issues in this review. Headlight is now mounted on the front wheel and there’s a chain guard. The model is now just step through apparently. Very comfortable for my 50km total commute.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoWonderful! Thanks for the updates, Jimmy! I’m excited to review some of the new Trek models, including the Verve+ 2 and will keep an eye out for the changes :D
ReplyCheryl Lombardi
5 years agoWhat would the range difference be if you bought the higher battery? I am only 111 pounds so looking at the 2018 model however my other concern is where the water bottle is placed, on my test ride I kept bumping my legs into the water bottle frame, can this be mounted somewhere else? I loved the feel of the bike (probably because its lighter and it does not feel overly aggressive (I also tested the vado and como but I felt like those were a little too much power. Looking to have a 50 mile plus radius on a battery. Thank you!
ReplyRich
2 years agoI’m considering purchasing this bike used but in excellent condition. Does the 45 lb weight include the battery pack? Meaning it would weigh less without it. Wondering if it is light enough to transport on a Thule trunk mounted bike rack.
ReplyCourt
2 years agoHi Rich! Trek and Bosch products are both super reliable with excellent support, from what I’ve seen and heard. It’s one of the few ebike products I’d consider buying used, since they are easier to repair if needed… including battery replacements. To answer your questions about weight, I covered the size Medium and weighed it at 45.6lbs with the battery included. The pack itself is 6.4lbs, so you’d be able to subtract that much for lifting and transporting on a bike rack. Ideally, you’d keep the battery cool and dry, avoid extreme cold and heat, and maintain at 50% when not in use or between 20% and 80% at all times… though I’d probably fill to 100% and just avoid going all the way to zero. This will help it stay balanced and get more full cycles over its lifespan. The pack it uses is the Bosch Powerpack 400 which can easily be replaced with a Powerpack 500 someday! These are the lightest, most durable, easiest to manage batteries from Bosch and some of my favorites industry wide. If the bike is in good shape, it sounds like a winning combination to me, and I hope that you enjoy it! Happy New Year.
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