Total Weight:
52.2 lbs (23.67 kg)
Battery Weight:
5.4 lbs (2.44 kg)
Motor Weight:
6.39 lbs (2.89 kg)
Frame Material:
Alpha Gold Aluminum Alloy
Frame Sizes:
17.5 in (44.45 cm)19.5 in (49.53 cm)21.5 in (54.61 cm)23.5 in (59.69 cm)Geometry Measurements:
69.69cm Extra-Large High-Step Measurements: 24" Seat Tube, 27.5" Reach, 32.5" Stand Over Height, 26.5" Width, 74.5" Length
Frame Types:
High-Step, Step-Thru
Frame Colors:
Matte Alpine Blue, Matte Metallic Gunmetal, Magenta
Frame Fork Details:
Verve Solid Steel, 100 mm Hub Spacing, 9 mm Skewer with Quick Release
Frame Rear Details:
135 mm Hub Spacing, 9 mm Skewer with Quick Release
Attachment Points:
Rear Rack Mount, Fender Mounts, Bottle Cage Bosses (High-Step: Seat Post Tube, Top Tube, Low-Step: Top Tube Only)
Gearing Details:
9
Speed 1x9 Shimano HG200 11-36T Cassette, Shimano Alivio T4000 DerailleurShifter Details:
Shimano Alivio M4000 Triggers on Right
Cranks:
Prowheel, Aluminum Alloy, 170 mm Length, 38 Tooth Steel Chainring with Plastic Guard
Pedals:
Bontrager Satellite City, Molded Plastic with Reflectors Steel Core
Headset:
Semi-Integrated, Steel Threaded, 1-1/8" Straight
Stem:
Bontrager Alloy, Quill Style, Adjustable Rise Angle, 31.8 mm Clamp Diameter, Blendr Compatible
Handlebar:
Bontrager Aluminum Alloy, Comfort Sweep Low-Rise, 670 mm Length
Brake Details:
Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc with 160mm Rotors, Dual-Piston Calipers, Three-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach
Grips:
Bontrager Satellite Elite, Rubber, Ergonomic, Lock-On
Saddle:
Bontrager Boulevard
Seat Post:
Verve+ Comfort Suspension, 30mm Travel, Aluminum Alloy with Steel Core, Preload Adjust
Seat Post Length:
300 mm
Seat Post Diameter:
31.6 mm
Rims:
Bontrager Connection, Aluminum Alloy Double Wall, 32 Hole
Spokes:
Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge, Black with Nipples
Tire Brand:
Bontrager H5, 700x45c (45-622)
Wheel Sizes:
28 in (71.12cm)Tire Details:
60 to 80 PSI, 4.1 to 5.5 BAR, 60 TPI, Hard-Case Ultimate Puncture Protection
Tube Details:
Schrader Valve
Accessories:
Alloy Rear Rack with Pannier Hangers and Standard Gauge Tubing (25kg/55lb Weight Limit), Blendr Compatible Stem, Plastic Fenders with Toe Strike Guard on Front, Black Plastic Slap Guard, Rear-Mounted Adjustable Length Kickstand, Fork-Mounted Hermans H-Black MR4-E Integrated Headlight (120 Lumens), Carrier-Integrated Spanninga SOLO Backlight (35 Lumens)
Other:
Locking Removable Downtube-Mounted Battery Pack, 1.3b lb 2 Amp Compact Charger, Maximum 100 RPM / 250% Motor Support, ABUS Locking Core, KMC X9 Chain, Maximum Total Weight Limit 300 lbs (136 kg)
Chris
5 years agoI’ve been commuting 20+ miles/day with this ebike since September 2019. Great overall impression. My only major complaint is the rear fender. Despite the description it is not a full fender. On rainy days the rear end of the frame and my panniers and back are coated in wet road sludge. The front headlight is passable but not great so I added a handlebar light. Otherwise this has been a great commuter ebike.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHmm, thanks for that feedback, Chris! Is the issue with the rear fender that it’s not long enough or not wide enough on the sides? Trek sells the Bontrager accessories, and they have some awesome little square lights… is that what you got for the handlebar, or something else? I like Blackburn a lot too ;)
ReplyChris
5 years agoHi Court, the fender is plenty wide. The fender isn’t long enough to cover spray coming off back of the tire. The Bontrager fenders on my road bike are clearly the right length and I’ve never had this issue with them. The bike shop said they’d replace the fenders with full Bontragers, for the cost of parts and labor. Hey Trek: having to essentially buy two sets of fenders to get the right one is not my idea of an honest business model. The handlebar light is a 2014 Cygolite. Plenty bright and it still gets me through two full commutes, or about 3.5 hours.
Rick
5 years agoAre you guys going to be reviewing the Trek Alliant 7 for 2020? I spoke with Trek USA, and they indicated any day now for availability. The photo they sent me looks similar to a combination Verve-Alliant and Dual Sport.
The description they sent shows it is Class 3 as well. Here’s the photo.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHmm, that looks very interesting. Thanks for the feedback, Rick! Yeah, I hope to cover many more Trek models in 2020. The Alliant 7 looks great with fenders, rack, lights, AND suspension fork! It looks almost like a cruiser style ebike with that taller sweeping top tube.
ReplyRick
5 years agoThanks for response: I Have learned an enormous amount from Your YouTube channel and written reviews, which I can appreciate more than most might. I am Involved in producing video content for two totally not-related to E-Bikes channels. I doubt there are many who understand all the leg work Involved just to get to the point of making the Video review, plus you are traveling all over to boot.
Not only are the reviews detailed and the information easy to absorb, you seem to have a great future in front and behind the camera. Your success is well deserved!
Thanks again
Rick
5 years agoMORE DETAILS Alliant +7 Sport https://electricbikereview.website/forums/threads/trek-alliant-7-sport-with-6-detailed-colored-pictures-class-3.31726/
David Lipscomb
5 years agoI’ve had the Verve+ 2 for 3+ months and overall I love it. I ride it to work, roughly 15 miles RT. It’s smooth and comfortable, except on the bumpiest parts of the capital crescent trail along the Potomac in DC– when front suspension really would be nice. The battery range is excellent, and I can easily go 3 days (so roughly 45 miles) without charging, even when using a fair amount of “turbo” (full) power. Turbo works very well on hills — making an easy ride out of the otherwise long slog uphill from DC into Montgomery County on the CCT. Lights are great, battery is easy to unlock and carry, step-thru design is excellent, and the weight is not too bad (given that it’s an ebike).
One issue: **derailing**. The chain has derailed four times, and each time the chain had slipped off the front chainring. It was easy to slip it back on the first three times (just turn the bike upside down and glide it back on). But the last time I had to bring it to the shop because it got jammed (not a fun walk home). Trek is aware of the issue and I’m hoping they come up with a fix. My LBS says that Trek will be replacing the front chainring with a “narrow-wide” chainring, which apparently is something that many mountain bikes use. Let’s hope it works.
ReplyTyson Roehrkasse
5 years agoHey David, thanks for the great comment! I’m glad to hear you are enjoying your Verve+ 2, although that is definitely disappointing to hear about the chain derailing issue. I like that they upgraded to a full plastic guard, but unfortunately, that doesn’t help to keep the chain in place (as you have discovered). Having a narrow-wide chainring will definitely help with that, as would having a chain guide… but there may not be room for a guide underneath that plastic cover.
ReplyChris
5 years agoCan confirm the chain derailing & jamming problem. It’s happened twice to me. The first time was on the road and somehow wrenched it free. Fortunately the second time I was at home and able to loosen the chain guard enough to get in and dislodge the well and truly stuck chain.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoThanks for the feedback here, Chris! It really helps to draw attention to the issue and I hope they resolve this in future models.
Ron Mayer
5 years agoMy local Trek dealer told me that the latest Verve+2’s are now shipping with narrow wide chainrings as a fix to the derailing problem. They said if you buy one in stock which doesn’t have the fix they will retrofit.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoWow! Sweet feedback here, Ron. Thank you so much! I’ll add a note to the review :)
BillA
4 years agoRon, did the new narrow wide chain stop the chain from coming off? I a buying one of these for the wife, picking it up on Thursday. I called Trek, they said the bike I am buying shipped April 14, 2020 to the dealer I am buying from. Do you think the new chain ring is in this bike?
Nick-from-Napa
5 years agoVery good review Court. Your site helped immensely in helping me choosing an ebike. I’m enjoying my Trek Verve+2 Low-step very much. I have put 600 miles on it, mostly riding 10 or 12-mile ‘to and fro’ distances. I have done a few 30-mile rides, which compared to using a regular bike, was pretty fast and easy.
Like you, I like the stock saddle, so I didn’t change anything out. I bought Jannd shopping panniers, and do my weekly grocery shopping without having to emit anymore CO2. I really do appreciate the step-through frame, because I have pretty tight hips. I also like the mid-motor placement, the ‘always on’ lights, and the upright handlebars. Oh, and the Magenta color almost matches my Mazda 3. Btw, there *is* a walk assist mode. You just have to ask the Trek LBS to enable it (but I’ve only used it once). Also, I get a free checkup/tuneup every 300-miles by the Trek LBS for one year. I had the chain derailing problem once, but since the last checkup, no problems.
Essentially, I use the Eco assist mode (level 1 out of 4) for most of my riding. The assist is very subtle. In that mode, I’ll use the gear-shifter a little more often. I do ride in Tour mode (level 2 out of 4), either when I’m riding with a strong wind in my face or when a decent incline is present. The extra boost is wonderful. When I come to a sizable incline, I’ll get into the Sport or Turbo modes (3 or 4 out of 4). I’ll also use it when I’m on some dirt trails. That boost is great too. Once, some young dude tried drafting behind me. Switching to turbo, this 60+ year old left him in the dust. Combined with all these modes, I’ve been getting about 40-46 miles per charge. Very satisfied. Thanks again. Happy Trails!
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHey Nick, I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the bike… and EBR! Thanks for your wonderful comment :)
ReplyRick
5 years agoHey Court are you guys going to review this Newest Verve +3 https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/hybrid-bikes/electric-hybrid-bikes/verve/verve-3/p/30979/?colorCode=black
ReplyTyson Roehrkasse
5 years agoYes, that’s the plan! Not sure when we’ll get to it as we want to cover some of their other models before circling back to the Verve :)
ReplyRon Mayer
5 years agoI just bought the lowstep model. The dealer did indeed swap the chainring for a narrow-wide Wolf Tooth brand model. Love the bike so far – so smooth and responsive! Thank you guys!
ReplyCourt
5 years agoAwesome! Thanks for the feedback, Ron. I hope you get lots of fun rides this Spring! Sounds like you’ve got a good dealer there :)
ReplyDargo
5 years agoWe are in the process of purchasing 2 of the Verve + 2, regular and low step. The dealer activated the walk mode and we had the choice of having the lights on all the time, or have it where we can turn them on, we prefer on, all of the time. My wife and I are older, so I hope Covid-19 doesn’t disrupt our riding adventures!
ReplyTyson Roehrkasse
5 years agoWonderful to hear the dealer was able to customize that stuff for you – definitely one of the perks of getting a Trek! Wishing you safe and happy rides, hope you check back here, later on, to let us know how you’re liking the bikes :)
Replyjean
4 years agoI’m reaching out because you indicated you are an “older” rider. I have been researching and test riding several low step through styles and before i make a decision, i need to know that the bike is safe. I am 5’1” and 100lbs so are the tires wide to ofer more stability? anything you can provide would be so help. thank you kindly, jean
ReplyDargo
4 years agoSorry about not replying. I haven’t been to this site for awhile. You probably have bought your bike. We have over 350 miles on the bikes and they work well on pavement and gravel bike trails. They are very stable. My wife weighs 130 lbs and is 5′ 4″ tall. She is registering about 95 miles on the Eco mode when we ride. I weigh about 230 lbs and am 5′ 10″ tall. I register about 75 miles on Eco mode. Just got back from a midweek camp trip, and rode back to back 33 mile day and 32 mile day. We could never do that on standard bikes. The great thing about the Bike, is the “quality over quantity” of the ride is what makes it so fun.
Cal Wong
5 years agoGreat review. I have a question about weight of this bike. It would be a great commuter but I’m trying to figure out where its weight is coming from. The bike is 52.2lbs. When I look at the spec of the non-e bike version it is 29.2 lbs. (Verve 2 disc). The battery and motor combine to 11.8 lbs. There’s 11.3 lbs of extra weight which seems unaccounted for. I’m not looking for carbon race bike weights but there seems to be extra weight. 50lbs doesn’t make sense if it could have been 40 lbs.
ReplyTyson Roehrkasse
5 years agoHi Cal, great question!
I believe the frame is bigger and stronger to account for the placement of the motor, as well as being able to handle the extra stress from being an Ebike. Looking at pictures of the non-electric Verve it looks like the frame is quite a bit more narrow – especially the downtube where the battery is mounted. The electric version also has a lot of extra frame around the bottom bracket area to incorporate the motor.
The tires on the electric version also come with Hardcase Ultimate protection and double the thread count at 60TPI. I didn’t go through all the components, but I’d wager that there’s a few more on the electric version that are more durable components (that will weigh more).
Lastly, the bike I used for my review was an XL frame. If you’re going for a smaller frame size, that will definitely save some weight!
ReplyBillA
4 years agoI posted an earlier comment but I just got off the phone with Trek CS. I am picking up a Verve 2+ low step for the wife this week. With an April 2020 ship date to my dealer, they could not tell me whether any fixes were installed for the chain slippage. I explained that forum members say that I need a replacement chain ring to be a narrow wide chain ring, however, the CS person said I need a “Chain Guide”. I was wondering what experiences others have. My wife is going to be 70 and we are not close to the dealer to haul the bike back so I do not want to take delivery until I am satisfied that the chain won’t come off. Thanks.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Bill! This is Court, I am not the one who reviewed this ebike in the video… but I am very familiar with Trek electric bicycles. I really don’t think that the chain is going to fall off if you and your wife are mostly riding on streets and sidewalks. The metal support arms that hold the plastic chain cover act as a guide, and there isn’t much clearance on either side of the chainring for the Bosch Active Line motors with this setup. Yes, a narrow-wide chainring would help with retention, and that is why many full suspension mountain bikes use them. However, 90%+ city ebikes that I cover do not use them. Same thing with chain guides, it’s nice to have, but they opted for a chain cover to keep your pants or dress ends clean here. I really think you’ll be just fine, and it’s probably going to be difficult to find a NW chainring or a chain guide that will work with this ebike without removing the chain cover. I’d trust that this ebike will be just fine in almost all use cases that it was designed for. Even if you did go off-road on a very bumpy section, it should hold up just fine. Trek dealers should be able to help if there ever was a drop or chain break, and that’s part of what you pay for with these products, a great network of friendly dealers ;) good luck!
ReplyBillA
4 years agoThanks Court, that makes me feel a lot better. There are a few owners who did get the NW chainring, interesting to see if working OK, but I guess I agree with your assessment, we should be OK. My wife is the rider of the bike, and she only goes on streets and paved trails. Thanks again!
Brian
4 years agoI wish I had found this site a year ago when I bought my Verve +2; great info to be learned here overall on this model but many other bikes as well. Personally, I have had two separate chain issues while riding on flat city streets/sidewalks or flat asphalt/cinder bike paths.
Brian
4 years agoAn additional point I neglected to include on my previous point. I do recognize the global supply chain for the biking sector as well as nearly every hard good supplier has been disrupted. My previous post may have implied a short-sided or an entitled perspective from me. That is far from the truth. I only wanted to share my observations and learnings I had experienced.
Thanks again for this opportunity to learn.
BillA
4 years agoUPDATE: I wanted to update my post. I spoke to the bike dealer today for the Verve +2 Lowstep. The bike we are picking up tomorrow has the narrow wide chainring already installed from the factory. I found out that this particular unit was shipped to the store in April 2020. I feel much better about that. Thanks to all that responded.
ReplyRobert de Leon
4 years agoI have the Trek Verve+ 2 and just recently had the chain come off and it got stuck – left me stranded 6 miles from home. Once I got home I was able to get it off and back on the chain ring but now it skips. That night I started doing research on this issue and luckily found this thread. I have since called TREK and as previously stated, are sending dealers the necessary upgrades to address this issue.
As of today, the Trek G3 Motor Mount which was shared during my chat with TREK, is currently not available and won’t be until mid-late October. One of the issues I have presently is that the chain skips, bad! This is something I did not experience prior to the chain coming off and getting stuck. Does anyone have any suggestions and / or recommendations to get the bike going again?
Thank you.
ReplyRobert
Zolt
3 years agoIf your chain is skipping, especially on the smaller sprocket gears on back wheel, it might be because the chain got bent sideways. It can happen if the chain comes off track at the chainring, it can put a side kink or bend in your chain. To fix it, I usually place bike upside down onto handle bar and seat, then crank the pedals, watch chain go past rear shifter, and look for where a kink or bend in the chain is located. Once I find the suspected bent links in the chain, I use two pairs of pliers to wiggle the two links to loosen them up. Use back and forth, and side to side motions with pliers. You should be able to get more use from this chain now. Of course, you can also get a new chain to solve the problem.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHI Zolt! Thanks for sharing these insights and your methodology for a fix. This is actually new to me, I always thought that a skipping chain was due to the derailleur being bent, or one of the rear sprockets having a tooth that is a little bent. Your explanation makes sense, and the chain links are probably much easier to bend than the sprockets. Great feedback :)
Lou
4 years agoWe’ve got some serious hills in this area – Asheville NC – and I’m wondering if a 250 watt motor is enough. I definitely like to peddle. Any thoughts?
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Lou! Yes, this is a confusing topic because there is more to it than just the nominal watt rating. Bosch makes a line of five motors right now, and they are all rated at “250 watts” but the Active Line is their weakest, with low pedal RPM support. Since this is a mid-drive motor system, it can be surprisingly effective if you pedal using a low gear. If you’re okay pedaling and are going to be on mostly flat, paved, mild neighborhood conditions… it is probably enough. I personally prefer the Active Line Plus or Performance Line motors because they provide more torque and “zip” but in general, all Bosch motors are very good and capable if you shift gears thoughtfully or just maintain some speed going into a climb :)
ReplyThomas
4 years agoI have a question: Can the motor of this bike be upgraded to, say, a Bosch Performance Line later?
Sarah
4 years agoI just bought my trek verve+ 2 step through electric bike and I am super excited. I appreciated your review. I wonder about the water bottle placement though. I see two small bump outs in your review and yet mine doesn’t have that. I went to Treks website and they don’t show it either. Perhaps it’s just not on the step through bike?
ReplyTyson Roehrkasse
4 years agoHi Sarah, you are correct that some versions of the Verve+ 2 don’t come with the bottle cage bosses. I’m not sure which ones have it and don’t, but I think it was the two smaller sizes of the step-through version that don’t. There are still bottle cages that can mount without the bosses but they may not secure as well or require some adhesive to stay in place.
Replycharlie
4 years agoYou can use the walk mode… you first have to hit the walk button then you have to hold the + button and it will work. No need to adjust anything. Lights on are a stock setting and can be changed by any Bosch Certified Service center. Very easy change.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoThanks for the clarification, Charlie! I think you’re correct… though I have seen some older Trek models that had walk mode disabled by default, maybe we missed the detail on this review or just got it wrong. Being able to get a software update from the local shop is awesome, and get their help learning how to use the bike systems better. Cheers!
ReplyDave
3 years agoHave you heard of any complaints around the different modes? I’m experiencing with my bike that Eco and Touring give good assistance, but the Sport and Turbo mode gives minimal (if any) additional power. I’ve been told its because my RPM’s aren’t high enough, but I don’t agree as I’m getting sufficient power from the other settings.
Also, the chain derailing is an issue on mine also. I ended up taking the plastic guard off because I couldn’t get the chain out and had to push it uphill for 2 miles to get it home.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Dave! This is Court replying to you and I am not the one who filmed this review (Tyson was). I have experienced the Active Line Cruise motor (most basic from Bosch) and agree that there seems to be minimal assistance increase from the lower to higher levels. The torque rating is lower than the other Bosch mid-motors (up to 40nm max). In my experience, pedal RPM is a small part of what increases motor output, pedal force seems to be the bigger driver. I don’t think there is something wrong with the motor, it’s just meant for lighter neighborhood use and is not as dynamic as the Active Line Plus or Performance motors that provide higher pedal rate support (105 and 120 RPM vs. just 100 RPM for your motor) and up to 50nm or 65nm and then 85nm for the Performance Line CX, Cargo, and Speed. That’s a very big difference. Your motor is quieter, uses less energy, and weighs a bit less, but it offers more limited output in my experience. I hope this helps!
ReplyTonyCarpinelli
3 years agoCan anyone confirm that the Verve +2 chain coming off issue is now fixed. I test rode this bike last week and could hear the chain rattling around a concerning amount and then started reading reviews and see that it (was) or is still an issue.
Can anyone comment how the bike performed on light dirt trails since it does not have front suspension. I am really wanting this bike but have a few concerns.
ReplyTyson Roehrkasse
3 years agoHi Tony, for the chainring you would need to make sure it has the narrow-wide chainring. You could ask one of the reps at the shop, or visually inspect it yourself – the teeth should alternate in size narrow-wide-narrow-wide (and so on). If the bike doesn’t already have the right chainring the shop should swap it at no cost to you.
I think it would do well on light dirt trails, but that really depends on personal preference and comfort level. I normally ride a road bike with no suspension at all, so bikes like the Verve+ 2 feel very comfy to me, what with the bigger tires and suspension seatpost.
ReplyJames E
2 years agoI bought my 2021 Verve 2 in Sept 2021. First off, I LOVE the bike, I love the seat, the suspension seatpost, the adjustable height handlebar post, and the assist is great, it surprises other riders and motorists as well. I commute 20 miles plus each day. I probably have well over 3,000 miles on it.
Now for the ugly:
I had regular and constant derailing issues. Trek put in a guide, which kept the chain from continuing to get wedged between motor and sprocket which leaves me stranded because the chain guide prevents me from pulling the chain back out. Then the only derails I had would fall on the outside of the sprocket, which are easy to get back onto the chainring. Then I purchased a narrow wide chainring from the local trek dealer and had them install it and a new chain and a new cassette (I ride lots of miles and chain and rear cassette were worn). ZERO derailing issues since.
Next, I am a fairly big guy and I’m certain my pannier and I at times will exceed the 300lb design load for my bike. Combine that with the horrible, cracked up roads, and this bike takes a bit of abuse, which is certainly not Trek’s issue.
I have never popped a spoke on a bike before, so when I popped my first spoke, I did not know what it was, and when the second spoke on the same wheel popped, the bike was unrideable! Ended up the wheel had to be trashed because I had cracked it. I bought 2 new bontrager (Trek) wheels so I would have spares. I popped spokes on both of them just 2 weeks ago! I have a third spare that I pulled off of my other 700c bike that is fairing much better. I think the bontrager wheels have alloy spokes and they have been popping right at the nipples.
The wheel from my other bike is a cheaper wheel that has stainless steel spokes, and it seems to be holding up much better.
I see the new Treks coming in and they appear to have the wider, stouter wheel design. I will be working with the dealer to see if those wheels can be retrofit to my Verve 2.
Again, I love my Verve 2!
ReplyCourt
2 years agoGreat feedback James! It sounds like you have a good attitude and are finding solutions. The tip about switching to a narrow-wide chainring is awesome, so glad to hear that helped your chain stay on track. I’ve experienced chain drops many times when reviewing ebikes and have become a big fan of guides and the NW setup.
Hopefully the new wheelset will resolve your spoke issues. I’ve heard about spoke loosening and breaking on some bikes based on the weight being carried or the use (like off-road or the rough roads you described). Thanks again for sharing :)
Patrick O'Brien
3 years agoI LOVE my new Verve+2! Don’t know how it compares to other ebikes but compared to my quality 24 gear hybrid, the Trek is a joy to ride. Only complaint is the fact that it takes longer to get users manuals online from Trek than it takes to learn how to ride a bike. Thought Trek could do much better with manuals given the quality of their bikes.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHmm, hopefully they make the manuals easier to find in the future! I’ve been able to get help from the local Trek store when issues came up, which is nice. Glad you’re loving the bike itself :D
Reply