The XM700+ is Trek’s speed pedelec offering, capable of reaching 28 mph top speeds. It’s perfect for commuting, touring or trekking but you’ll need to add a rear rack for the later two unless you’re a super minimalist or okay wearing a backpack. I enjoyed riding this model more than the less expensive Trek Conduit+ (which tops out at ~20 mph) because the geometry is less aggressive. The handlebars are swept back, you get rubber ergonomic grips with lockers and a mono-shock built right into the fork. It’s a neat setup and those comfort features really prove themselves when you get up into the higher speeds and find yourself an hour into a ride. The tires offer more comfort and are slightly wider than what you’d find on a road or city bike but they are still efficient and I love the reflective sidewalls and GreenGuard puncture protection. Both wheels feature quick release for easy maintenance and transport.
Driving the bike is a Bosch Performance Speed motor offering 350 watts of power and 60 Newton meters of torque. It’s my favorite motor on the market right now in the USA. Mounted low and center, it improves handling and balance over a hub motor design and using a smaller sprocket it spins at higher RPM’s for better response times. The Bosch Centerdrive system measures rear wheel speed, pedal cadence and pedal torque ~1,000 per second and is so fast the brake levers don’t need motor inhibitor switches. My favorite design feature is shift sensing which works better than the Shimano STePs system used on the Lift+ and Conduit+ from Trek. You can hear the motor whining in the video review above but keep in mind I was riding at the highest level of assist and spinning faster, for most steady riding the motor noise is acceptable.
Powering the motor and integrated Supernova headlight is a 396 watt hour Bosch Powerpack with Samsung cells inside. It also matches the black frame nicely and is mounted centrally for improved balance and protection. I love that Trek has managed to fit in bottle cage bosses along the seat tube here despite the battery also being mounted in the main triangle. Why not really? Many traditional bicycles have two bottle cage mounting points and the Bosch battery isn’t much larger than a water bottle. I’m just glad you get the extra storage space for adding accessories or transporting water in a reachable fashion. You could always add a rear rack but that increases weight. One thing I would add is a rechargeable rear light and if you can pick up a Micro USB cable you’ll be able to tap into the Bosch system at the Intuvia display panel (there’s a charging port with a rubber cover on the right edge)
Operating the trek XM700 Plus is intuitive, you don’t have to turn the battery on separately – just press the power button on the LCD display panel and watch it boot up quickly. The display is large, making it easy to see and includes a remote button pad mounted near the left grip. I found that it was easy to understand and operate even without looking down (the i button in the middle switches readouts on the display and the up and down arrows cycle through assist levels). This is a pedal assist only electric bike so the grips aren’t compromised with trigger or twist throttles but you will have to pedal in order to activate the motor. Using Eco or Normal will decrease power and speed, perfect for crowded areas or neighborhood riding. I noticed that there’s a walk mode button on top of the button pad but was unable to make it work… this may be a response to the new ebike classes in the US which seem to limit throttle operation on Class 3 bicycles like this. In any case, there’s a new shift assist readout that recommends when to shift up or down and a higher Eco mode output of 55% vs. just 50% on the Bosch Performance Cruise model. The display is backlit and if you press the light icon at the lower right it will activate the Supernova headlight.
For $500 more than the Conduit+ you get a lot of cool features with the MX700+ model. The Bosch drive system is better in just about every way (though the battery is slightly lower capacity). I’d probably consider adding a Body Float suspension post for longer rides (get the 31.6 mm width) but love the minimalist head shock. One extra color like silver or white would be nice and possibly a step-thru frame eventually but three sizes here is pretty good. The hydraulic disc brakes performed well and I appreciate the larger 180 mm front rotor given the higher speed operation that this e-bike is capable of. It would be a blast to ride in a variety of environments.
Pros:
- All Trek bicycles have to be shipped to a local Trek retailer but this is free of charge, from there some retailers will deliver to your house
- Awesome two year comprehensive warranty, they recommend storing the battery in a dry room at 60° to 70° Fahrenheit and keeping it fully charged, expect a 5% degrade each year
- Should be more comfortable to ride over long distances and high speeds given the monoshock suspension fork, slightly swept-back handlebar and large ergonomic grips, body position isn’t as aggressive as the Trek Conduit+
- The plastic wheel fenders offer great coverage and are reinforced in multiple places (with support arms) so they shouldn’t rattle at high speed or go out of alignment as easily, I like the mini chain guard built into the Bosch Centerdrive to protect your pants and the aluminum scuff-guard below for added motor protection (it’s almost overkill for a road bike like this)
- Premium E3 E-Bike V6S Supernova headlight helps you be seen (like the smaller LED light on the Conduit+) but offers more lumens (165 lumens) for actually tracking the road and oncoming obstacles – it’s built into an aluminum casing and features adjustable angle
- Quality Schwalbe Energize Plus tires are designed with GreenGuard to reduce punctures and have bright reflective stripes on their sidewalls to help you be seen when riding in the dark
- You get bottle cage bosses on the seat tube with this model! Perfect for adding a folding lock, presta mini pump or water bottle cage and there are mounting points on the seat stays for adding a disc brake compatible rack as well if you need more space
- High quality, light weight drivetrain with Shimano SLX derailleur for lasting performance and lighter weight build (this is an upper mid-level part), 10 gears is enough for climbing and reaching the ~28 mph top speed offered by the Bosch Performance Speed motor
- Both wheels are quick and easy to remove for transport or service (ie. fixing a flat on the road) because the skewers have quick release, as a mid-drive powered electric bike the XM700+ will be easier to service by shops because the hardware is more like a traditional bicycle
- The battery pack and LCD display unit are also removable helping to reduce weight during transport or protect against weather wear and potential vandalism
- Electronic wires, shift cables and brake cables are all run through the frame helping to reduce snags and making it look better… where they are exposed the still look good because the plastic covers are black matching the black frame
Cons:
- The battery pack can be charged on or off the frame which is great but make sure you push hard and listen for a click when re-mounting it because otherwise it could tip off and get cracked or scraped up (like the demo model I was reviewing here)
- No integrated backlight here, if you ride in the early morning or at night when it’s dark out I’d recommend adding a rechargeable light like this with Micro USB that can be charged using the Bosch Intuvia display (not when riding, just to top off when it’s light again)
- I’m glad this bike comes with a kickstand and I understand that in Europe it’s a requirement to make it spring up (so you don’t forget and trip or maybe so it doesn’t flop down as easily) but it’s just a little bit trickier to work with in my opinion
Bill Hagglund says
Thanks for all the great reviews! I finally decided on the Trek 700+ and I love it! Two things that I wanted to point out. First, the walk function is enabled on mine, maybe a difference between Illinois and California laws. Second, on the smallest frame size the bottle cage mounts are moved to the bottom of the sloping top tube, ok unless you hang your bike on a rack at home like I do, oh well. Thanks again, Bill
Court Rye says
Wow, thanks for the detailed updates Bill! Great choice, the XM700+ is an awesome ebike and the high speed is a blast. It’s great that they at least tried to include bottle cage braze-ons but unfortunate that they don’t work well in your case. Also, thanks for the tips about walk mode :D
Bill Hagglund says
Hi Court. Trek XM700+ update: After 1200 miles the bike developed a quirk. The On switch on the Intuvia module would only start the bike some of the time, other times I have to use the switch on the side of the battery. Not a major deal, and my LBS is working with Magura (Bosch’s service rep) to find a fix. Apparently there is another bike in CA with the same problem. I’ll post the fix when I have it.
Court Rye says
Interesting, that’s a new bug to me! Glad to hear you’ve got the local bike shop helping out and of course… that Bosch has the Magura partnership. To me that’s a big reason it’s worth paying more for some of these bikes and getting them local. Looking forward to your update!
Bill Hagglund says
Hi Court. My LBS working with Magura have come up with the fix for the starting problem. After replacing the Intuvia display with no results, they have replaced the main battery and the problem has disappeared. Great warranty service, I’m really happy with them. Bill
Court Rye says
That is awesome Bill! Exactly why it can be worth more paying for a quality bike and going through a local shop. So glad it’s working out for you and I wish you many more great rides!
Victor says
The Electric Bike Expo was just in town and I had the opportunity to try the Trek XM700+ and I loved it. It definitely stood out from the crowd. I liked how fast and responsive the bike (motor) was. Bosch was also there and I talked to them for a while going over the differences in their motors. I really like their shift detection. I also tried the iZip ProTour and the Scott E-Sub Sport, which made my short list. My commute is 15 miles one way, with a couple of steep and long hills. Which of the three models would you recommend?
Court Rye says
Hi Victor! I feel like I don’t have enough information to go on here… Don’t know your weight, height or budget but going off the commute distance alone and having never tried the Scott E-Sub Sport but seeing that it uses Bosch… I’d say that any of these could work. You get the higher top speed with the IZIP ProTour which is nice but will drain the battery quicker. I’m a big fan of Bosch and like that the Trek XM700+ has wired-in lights and a mini suspension as well as fenders. I think any one could fit and it might come down to your style preference or dealer availability at this point?
Chris @ Propel Electric Bikes says
I noticed there wasn’t a fix posted. The internal battery in the display can die if it sat off the bike for an extended period. You can turn the bike on by pressing the power button on the battery but sometimes the battery in the display won’t take a charge. The shop should just swap the display out and warranty it with Magura.
This is one of the rare issues that can occur with Bosch powered bikes if not stored with the display and battery on. Thankfully it’s a very easy fix.
Court Rye says
Awesome, thanks for the feedback Chris! I’ve heard that the micro USB port on the side of the display can also be used to help charge it off the bike if you are storing for longer periods. Do you know if this is true? I heard it outputs like ~6 volts and can maintain portable electronics when riding but also that it can maybe charge the small battery inside (or that this tiny battery can be replaced completely) which might fix the display issue?
Chris Nolte says
That’s true Court. However it’s common that a bike might have sat for a very long time and the internal battery in the display goes below the recommended charge threshold. It is possible to charge the battery via USB, but it’s not always possible to recover from the low charge.
Court Rye says
Great feedback Chris! I think it’s replaceable in the display right? Not sure of the exact size or what you do to get a rechargeable small battery, do you know? And maybe how much it is?
Bill Hagglund says
Thanks for posting your fix Chris. That was the first thing we tried, no help. The problem occurs more often when the bike is shut off for a few minutes in the middle of a ride than when it sits over the weekend without the main battery attached. They considered the cabling and are now talking about a main battery replacement, perhaps a software bug in there. My LBS and Magura are still working on it, I’ll post the final resolution. Thanks again, Bill
Andy says
Thanks for these reviews Court! I was comparing the integrated front lights on the Trek XM700 + with 165 lumens and the Haibike Urban LED 60 lux front headlight. Could you tell which was brighter for lighting up the road. And can both be angled downward to the road?
Court Rye says
Hi Andy, I believe they can both be angled up or down. The Urban review was done a long time ago so unfortunately I don’t remember how bright it was compared with the one on the Trek which appears to be a Supernova. I’d say the Trek is bright and more focused vs. the Haibike which is more spread out and visible to others from above and the sides. Neither one was reviewed in the dark so I’m just going to stop here… Hope it helps :)
Andy says
Thanks Court. I am narrowing my choice between this bike and the Haibike Urban S RX which I don’t see that you reviewed (I see the standard Urban).
It’s hard to believe that the they both have the same Bosch motor and battery, and both aluminum except Trek has a suspension on front, that there is a 6 pound difference between these two bikes. I wonder if the the Aluminum Hydorfoil frame is lighter than the Trek Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame? The only other difference is in wheels (DT Swiss on Haibike) and the Trek has plastic fenders. Otherwise, 6 pounds is a big difference between these two bikes.
Court Rye says
Hi Andy, I’m a bit surprised as well… They come in different frame sizes which could make a pound or two of difference but I always use the same scale (which I check using weights occasionally) so these numbers should be accurate. Maybe the frame material combined with the build technique like reinforcing some of the arms to create unique styles (on the Haibike) adds to the difference? I love the look and appreciate the availability of Haibike since they have been selling ebikes longer in the US. It’s exciting to see Trek and their XM700+ is neat because it also offers speed pedlec performance vs. 20 mph cutoff on the haibike I reviewed (maybe not the Urban S if it goes faster).
Andy says
It’s interesting that they chose to use carbon in the Haibike xDuro FullSeven Carbon PRO which weighs 40 pounds and that is with full suspension, but chose not to utilize in the Road/Uraban street lineup. I could only imagine how light the Race and Urban SX would be.
I emailed them and asked why no carbon, and the response was they are just focussing on MTB with carbon for now but will forward this to R & D.
Court Rye says
Good point… I’m not sure how common road vs. off-road accidents and drops are but I’d assume that Carbon (being more sensitive) would be best suited to road and that the weight savings would be very appreciated there. Maybe this has to do with the market for ebikes in general and the emphasis on off-road in the space and marketing vs. road where the audience could be smaller? It’s cool that they replied and are passing your suggestion along :)
Jay says
Hi Court, I’ve been watching/reading almost all of your reviews, it’s very helpful with all the info you provided. I’ve been looking into Ebike for a while but never really like any of them due to the look, weight, throttle, etc. Until trek came out with couple of the models. It sounds like the XM700 is the one, but my issue is, I’m only 5’4, and XM700 smallest is 50cm, which is still a little on larger size for me. I saw it somewhere where it said for riders between 5’4-5’10 but I still have my doubt. It looks like my only option is the Conduit+. I wonder if the frame size on this is a bit difference from trek fx that I might be able to fit on a bigger frame. I’ve a regular trek FX 7.6 size 17″.
Court Rye says
Hi Jay! In my experience, you can adapt to different frame sizes by swapping handlebars and stems but the one real challenge is stand over height… If you have a shorter inseam and end up with a high-step like the Trek XM700+ that is too tall for you to hop off comfortably there could be some instability or bruises over time as you make quick stops or have side-tips. This happened to my girlfriend Mony recently and she got big bruises on her leg and sensitivity near her crotch. I wish I could provide more specific details here for you but all the information I have is in the writeup. I hope it helps and I’d love to hear what you end up with :)
Ken says
I am very disappointed in this bike after a few hundred miles. The computer shows “:range” but that number is absolutely worthless. I called Trek and Bosch and their answer did not solve the problem. I am learning to use the charging bars to calculate range but will have to learn in each setting. That is a challenge.
The charging plug is at the very bottom of the battery and indented so you cannot visually see it without getting on the ground when plugging it in.
The front fender got some mud and tore off. There is no clearance between the fork and the fender and the tire. Mind you, I was on a sidewalk not off road. The front fender is an endless source of rattling. Both myself and another owner nearby have removed the front fender to suppress the noise since the fender was a bad design anyway.
The odometer/speedometer are inaccurate. We tested it against my Garmin with and without attached sensors. The bike shows a miles and a half per hour faster and the odometer likewise. Adjusting the computer to account for tire size is quite a hassle and one my local bike shop has been unable to crack yet. Again, Bosch could not help solve the problem.
The torque is not nearly as good as with my previous IZIP Dash.
I like the buttons on the handle bar control. Easy to use. It is lighter than my previous ebikes but the narrower tires and silly shock absorption system do little to make this a comfortable ride.
I will be changing bikes soon. This is not a good investment for the price. If it were cheaper maybe. I would get a Vado but the rack system is European and no distributors are located in the US for the bags that work. The Racktime rear rack they used is a square tube and so no after market company like Tulio panniers will snap on.
Court Rye says
Great feedback Ken, thank you for providing some constructive criticism and comparison against your friends and your previous ebike from IZIP. I am sorry that the fender and derailleur have been an issue, I will keep the points you have shared in mind as I review future bikes from Trek or with similar accessories and components.
ken goldberg says
FYI, it seems I can expect 50 miles of range in the Eco power setting on flat pavement with the 400 battery pack. If I keep this bike I may upgrade to the 500 which Bosch says will fit in my bike with no modification. The other XM owner did get a 500 and says he is getting about 40 miles in the Sport power setting
Court Rye says
Thanks for sharing these details. Yes, I have also heard that the interface for the Powerpack 400 works with a Powerpack 500 so that should not be an issue. If you upgrade, I wonder if you could sell your old pack to the shop and get a discount? Unless you plan to keep it as a backup or something, maybe put it in a backpack to carry along on those extra long rides.
ken goldberg says
I want to update my critique of this bike. I kept the bike and have gone 4,700 miles free of most problems. The range calculator is worthless but I found I can use the battery bars to gauge range. The mph and distance were faulty because the default setting on their computers does not match the wheel size. Despite a lack of help from Trek or Bosch, it was an easy quick fix using just the head unit on the bike. My bike shop fixed that once we researched it. Quite accurate once it is inputted properly. (This was not a fluke with my bike, I bought my daughter one and it was set wrong also). I got used to the kickstand spring and it bothers me not now.
So I have removed the front fender. Not a problem. You pointed out it does not come with a tail light. I am glad it did not. Bikes with integrated tail lights make it hard to change the rear racks. I use Topeak for my racks on all my bikes. I add a 150 lumen Cygolite that works pefect! If I had removed the factory racks on other bikes I would have had an issue with what to do with the wiring. The front light on this bike is quite good. I add a 800 lumen light to the handlebar for additional light and so I can us the strobe feature which the bike light cannot do.
4,700 plus miles is a good deal for an ebike. I had IZIP Dash electric bicycles before and both had battery issues which had to be resolved, under warranty, with replacements. I did buy the extra battery for the XM. It is the 500 pack and changing batteries on the road takes less than 30 seconds. It takes more time to get the key in than to change the battery itself. Snapping in seems quite simple and when seated clicks loudly enough for me to recognize it is ready.
I added a Garmin computer, a Delta air horn and two headlights to my handlebars. I have a range of about 90 miles with the 2 batteries and my Topeak pack with panniers holds everything I need for any ride including an extra battery.
court says
What a wonderful update, Ken! Thanks for taking the time to share and give some perspectives on good accessories as well as comparison to your IZIP. The part about setting the wheel diameter correctly for range is really important. I’ve created a guide on the Bosch Intuvia display that talks about how to do this (hold reset and i for the settings menu) to help others. Anyway, I hope the bike continues to serve your needs and welcome future updates :D
John M. says
THANKS to Court for doing all the reviews. I probably watched/read 20-30 before deciding on the Trek XM 700+. I just got the 2018 model, which is **exactly** the same as the 2016 reviewed here, so you can just change the year and be up-to-date with this model. With that being said this bike is not the latest and greatest. It seems to me that the Super Commuter +8S got all the innovation and attention from Trek, but the XM 700+ is still a solid performer and costs much less IMHO. I wish they had at least upgraded the battery to a 500 w/hr. So enough complaining about what it is not, and time to focus on what this bike is. As Court states, the Bosch drive system is the best feature of this bike. Adding a rack and ThudBuster seatpost were the first changes I made to make it an even better commuter. I ordered the Bosch cable and light for the rear to make it safer (can’t believe that didn’t come standard). The directions for this can be found in the forums. My previous electric bikes were built from kits so it is nice to have it all integrated.
Court Rye says
Hi John! Thanks for the update about how the bike is the same for 2017 and 2018, I have made some updates here to reflect that… and thank you for mentioning the light add-on! I’m glad you did that for safety, and tried to add a link to the forums because I did not see the link you mentioned (there was no link), feel free to reply and post your intended link as I’m sure others would benefit. And yeah, did you get the Thudbuster ST or Long Travel? Hope the bike lasts and brings lots of smiles and health to you :)
John M. says
The rear light install that I referred to was created by Jeff Backes and can be found in this post. I installed the ST Thudbuster. It provides just enough flex to take edge off rough streets. Thanks Court for the quick reply and support.
Andrea says
Hello, I have been looking at ebikes for some time and I hope to get some good advice on this post. I’m looking for a bike that is versatile. I’d like to use it for short commutes but also long touring on the weekend and light off road trails. I have been doing some research on the Trek dual sport and the Xm700. The xm700 with a bosh motor seems to be a better product. Also, the speed limit to 20 miles for the dual sport is another point in favor to the Xm. Can anyone who has owned either bike comment or provide some insight? thanks!
Court says
Hi Andrea! I prefer the XM700+ for urban riding where the roads are mostly smooth and you want the extra power. It’s nice that it also comes with fenders and integrated lights… and I prefer the Bosch motor to Shimano STePs E6000. Alternatively, if you plan to ride on gravel trails or bumpy streets, the Dual Sport is the best option because it has wider tires with off-road tread and the lack of fenders and lights will make it more durable and quiet. The bikes address two different use cases. I hope this helps and I welcome further comments here or in the help choosing an ebike section of the forums :)