Trek Verve+ 2
- Price: $2849
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tire: 700×45c
- Gear: 1×9
- Brake: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brake
What we like about it: An electric hybrid bike that’s easy to get out and about, has a reliable enough drivetrain and provides a comfortable enough ride.
What we don’t like about it: It can’t compete with regular bikes in terms of weight, but it’s light enough compared to regular e-bikes.
Rating (4.7/5)
Introduction
If you want a bike that can meet the needs of your daily commute and the fun of outdoor adventure. Then trust me, there is absolutely nothing better than the Trek Verve+ 2 for you.
The superior quality Bosch lithium-ion battery has an exceptionally long life, and the battery is easy to remove and quick to recharge. In addition, the Bosch Active Line’s 250-watt motor can support riding speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.
The Trek Verve+ 2 with Bosch Purion backlit display shows you how fast you’re going and how much battery life you’re getting, so you’re always protected.
The high-quality alpha gold aluminum frame finds just the right balance between stiffness and weight.
The classic Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brake can be the most responsive on any road.
With this bike, it can maximize your daily travel convenience and satisfy all your imagination of an electric bicycle.
City Riding
The Trek Verve+ 2 is an electric hybrid bike, and my first concern when reviewing it was its battery life. Therefore, I decided to evaluate the battery of the Trek Verve+ 2 by riding it for a long enough time.
The Bosch Purion backlit display on the handlebars allows me to keep an eye on my riding speed and battery range, so I don’t have to worry about suddenly running out of power in the middle of a ride.
Riding the trails in the inner city forest park, thanks to the Bosch Active Line’s 250-watt motor, I needed very little effort to pedal. As a result, I could enjoy the ride while taking in the views from the road.
The Shimano HG200’s 9-speed range of shifts is not particularly large, but with the addition of the motor, the Trek Verve+ 2 is perfectly capable of achieving the speeds I need.
Bontrager Boulevard The soft and rigid saddle with the ergonomic 70° seat post brings me absolute comfort.
Experience
On the other hand, because I don’t need to show too much explosive power on the ride, the Trek Verve+ 2 doesn’t have a huge reach value. Because I don’t need to ride at speed by depressing my body in exchange for less riding resistance, the Trek Verve+ 2 gives me more than enough riding power on its own.
In addition, riding on the winding roads inside the park puts the front-end steering to the test, but the Bontrager alloy handlebars have a comfortable grip. Its 68.5° head tube angle and long enough 95mm trail value also ensure agile steering.
Coming out of the side entrance of the park, there is a pedestrian street with heavy traffic. Here I had to control my speed to ensure a safe ride, but the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes were sensitive enough and easy to operate. I only needed to apply a little pressure on the handlebar area and the Trek Verve+ 2 was able to sense my intentions precisely and give me the best feedback.
After nearly 3h of riding, I was surprised to find that less than half of the power was consumed on the Bosch Purion display. Such a sufficient power system made me feel confident for the rest of the ride.
General Riding
Riding on the road back, because I didn’t have to put in too much physical output, my brain had enough free time for me to think about things. I wondered what the Trek Verve+ 2 was originally designed for. Was it designed with a more energy-efficient ride in mind? Or is it an opportunity for some less physically fit cyclists to exercise as well as experience the fun of riding? But I soon found out that the Trek Verve+ 2 may not have been designed with that much in mind. It just wants to provide some assistance for riding, no matter which way it is.
On the way back, visibility was greatly compromised because of the late afternoon. However, the front and rear lights on the Trek Verve+ 2 bodywork provided adequate illumination. The Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes also gave me a sense of security.
The Bontrager H5 Hard-Case Ultimate’s 700×45c puncture-resistant wider tires carried me smoothly through the occasional potholes on the road. In addition, the Trek Verve+ 2’s mudguard and internal alignment design also kept the mud out, ensuring a clean ride and bringing me great convenience.
Normally, too long a ride would have left me exhausted, but thanks to the Trek Verve+ 2’s suspension bars and comfortable saddle, they made for a comfortable enough ride. At the same time, I can’t ignore the rear rack that comes with the Trek Verve+ 2, which allows me to carry enough essentials. This has helped me to resupply my body during the ride.
Main Features
Frame
I’m already in love with the Trek Verve+ 2 just by looking at its body, which is available in a techy matte metallic gunmetal and matte alpine blue.
The lightweight alpha gold’s aluminum frame is strong while keeping the weight under control. It’s a stable enough ride without feeling like a burden.
Another point that I am satisfied with is that the Trek Verve+ 2 comes with fenders as well as a rear rack, which saves me the tedium of installing it on my own. In addition, the lights that come with the body are a great help to the ride. Even when riding on low-visibility roads, the bright lighting system will always be there to protect you.
Finally, I have to mention it. The design of the internal alignment is a great help in making the body look neater, but also in making the ride easier, and also in extending the service life.
Geometry
The Trek Verve+ 2, because of its electric-hybrid nature, does not embody too much of a design in terms of geometry that serves the purpose of faster speeds. Rather, the Trek Verve+ 2 focuses on comfort during the ride. This can be seen in the reach value, which is not as long as on a mountain bike, but rather a shorter 383mm, which ensures that the rider does not get fatigued by depressing their body during the ride.
To make it more convenient for the rider to swing the leg muscles, Trek Verve+ 2 has a steep enough 70° seat tube angle to fully save the physical output. Not only that, but the more ergonomic 68.5° head tube angle combined with a wide enough Trail value of 95mm also guarantees the flexibility of steering while increasing riding comfort.
Components and Specifications
Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake
When it comes to braking, I was more fond of Shimano than SRAM, which has been getting rave reviews in the industry, but I can’t tell the difference between the two, they both perform equally well. Just for my personal preference, I gave more credence to the Trek Verve+ 2 when I found out that its braking system is a more familiar “old friend”.
As expected, the Shimano MT200 didn’t let me down once during the four-month-long review. We worked well together and it brought more enjoyable experiences to my riding.
In addition, compared to traditional mechanical discs, the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc has a much easier and faster braking method, as well as a more technological design, and is also a ride away in terms of longevity. It deserves my love and the love of tens of thousands more riding enthusiasts.
Bosch PowerPack 400Wh Battery
The Trek Verve+ 2 is equipped with a premium Bosch PowerPack 400Wh battery, which has an absolute range of power and is fast to charge.
Not only that, but given the ease of charging, the Trek Verve+ 2’s battery pack is easy to remove and very compact, making it easy to carry.
Besides that, the Bosch Purion display on the handlebars gives you all the important information during your rides, such as battery level, riding speed, maintenance intervals, and more. With this, you can keep an eye on the status of your ride and not feel lost in the unknown.
Bontrager H5 Hard-Case Ultimate 700x45c Tire
It is worth noting that the Trek Verve+ 2, with its sufficiently wide tires, not only features robust puncture prevention technology but also has a wire bead on the surface of the tires, which improves the grip of the tires.
Compared to regular road bikes, some people may find the 700x45c tires too wide. But please don’t worry that this will cause excessive drag in the ride. Knowing that the Trek Verve+ 2 is a hybrid electric bike, the physical effort you put into the ride will not be significant.
Because of this, based on ensuring that the riding resistance will not be great, a wide enough tire will not only not be a burden. On the contrary, it can provide you with maximum protection for your ride.
Other Versions Of Trek Verve+ 2
In the previous review, we thoroughly tested the performance of the 2023 Trek Verve+ 2. But to help you make a better choice, we have also conducted a comparative review of the more recent iterations of the Trek Verve+ 2.
2022 Trek Verve+ 2
As an upgrade to the 2022 Trek Verve+ 2, the 2023 Trek Verve+ 2 not only retains the benefits of last year’s version, but also optimizes and upgrades many of the performance features of the 2022 Trek Verve, while raising the price of some of them.
The 2023 Trek Verve+ 2 continues the design with its fenders and rear rack, as well as the same 1×9 speed shifting system, etc. It also has the same comfortable saddle and grip. However, the 2023 Trek Verve has an upgraded electrical system that provides almost twice the battery life of the 2022 Trek Verve.
Other than that, the 2022 Trek Verve comes in only one body color. There are too few body color choices for me.
Therefore, after some comparative reviews, I prefer the 2023 Trek Verve+ 2 which has a longer range.
What we like about it?
- Comfortable and convenient electric hybrid bicycle, a reliable guarantee for riding outside.
- The body is made of a lightweight Alpha Gold aluminum frame that is both stiff and light.
- Convenient charging, short charging time, and super long battery life.
- The braking method is the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brake, which is easy to operate and has excellent performance.
- The body comes with fenders as well as a rear rack for easy riding.
What we don’t like about it?
- Compared to a regular bike, it weighs more. But it is light enough compared to a regular electric hybrid bike.
FAQs
What is the tire size of the 2023 Trek Verve+ 2?
The tire size of the 2023 Trek Verve+ 2 is 700x45c.
What is the drivetrain of the 2023 Trek Verve+ 2?
The 2023 Trek Verve+ 2 has a 1×9-Speed drivetrain.
What is the brake on the 2023 Trek Verve+ 2?
The brakes on the 2023 Trek Verve+ 2 are Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes.
How do I choose the size of the 2023 Trek Verve+ 2?
| Size | Rider height |
| MD | 165 – 176cm |
| LG | 174 – 187cm |
| XL | 185 – 197cm |
Trek Verve+ 2 Specs
Build
| Frame | Alpha Gold Aluminum, rack & fender mounts, internal routing, kickstand mount, 135x5mm QR Tire Clearance: 50c Colors: Matte Metallic Gunmetal; Matte Alpine Blue |
| Fork | Verve Steel, threaded steel steerer, IS disc mount, 460mm axle-to-crown, 100x5mm QR |
| Headset | VP sealed cartridge, 1-1/8”, threaded |
| Stem | Size: M, L, Bontrager alloy quill, 31.8mm clamp, adjustable rise, Blendr compatible, 85mm length; Size: XL, Bontrager alloy quill, 31.8mm clamp, adjustable rise, Blendr compatible, 105mm length |
| Handlebar | Size: M, Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, comfort sweep, 620mm width; Size: L, XL, Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, comfort sweep, 660mm width |
| Saddle | Bontrager Boulevard |
| Seatpost | Alloy, suspension, 31.6mm, 300mm length |
| Grips | Bontrager Satellite Elite, alloy lock-on |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Alivio T4000, long cage |
| Crank | Prowheel alloy, 38T steel ring, 170mm length |
| Shifters | Shimano Alivio M3100, 9 speed |
| Cassette | Shimano HG200, 11-36, 9 speed |
| Chain | KMC X9 |
| Brakes | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Bontrager Connection, alloy, double-wall, 32-hole, Schrader valve |
| Front Hub | Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm QR |
| Rear Hub | Formula DC-22, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5mm QR |
| Tires | Bontrager H5 Hard-Case Ultimate, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x45c |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano RT26, 6-bolt,160mm |
Electric Components
| Motor | Bosch Active, 250 watt, 40 Nm, 20mph or 32km/h |
| Battery | Bosch PowerPack 400Wh |
| Charger | Bosch compact 2A, 100-240V, smart system |
Video
Comparison Table
| BIKE | PRICE | DRIVETRAIN | TIRES | BRAKES | Click View |
| 2023 Electra Townie Go! 5i EQ Step-Over | $2949.99 | 1×5 | 26 x 2.35″ | Tektro hydraulic disc brake | Click View |
| Trek Verve+ 3 | $3299 | 1×9 | 700×50c | Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake | Click View |
| CUBE TOWN RT HYBRID EXC 500 | $2749 | 1×8 | 700c | Magura HS11 hydraulic disc brake | Click View |
2023 Electra Townie Go! 5i EQ Step-Over vs 2023 Trek Verve+ 2
If you look at the price alone, I believe most people will be like me and think that the more expensive ones are better. But in reality, being expensive is not necessarily good.
On top of the higher price, the Electra Townie Go has less battery range than the Trek Verve+ 2 and only 1×5 drivetrain gears, nearly half as much as the Trek Verve+ 2. Even in the size selection, there is only one size available.
Although they both have the same aluminum frame, the Trek Verve+ 2 is lighter in terms of weight.
And the standing height of the Electra Townie Go is also much shorter than the Trek Verve+ 2. If you have a taller height like me, then sitting on it you may feel tied up as I do.
For all these reasons, I think the Trek Verve+ 2 gives me a better riding experience.
2022 Trek Verve+ 3 vs 2023 Trek Verve+ 2
As a different version of the Trek Verve+ from the same brand and series, I could feel the upgraded optimization of the 2023 Trek Verve+ 2 when comparing them, even though they have a lot of similarities.
Based on the 2022 Trek Verve+, the 2023 Trek Verve+ retains some of its advantages. For example, they share the same aluminum frame, tire material, Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc braking system, and the same 1×9 speed shifting system. Both also have internal alignment and fenders and rear racks.
Although the 2022 Trek Verve+ is mature enough in many aspects of performance, the 2023 Trek Verve+ has been optimized from the ground up. In terms of tires, for example, the 2023 Trek Verve+ has narrower tires. Even if they are still considered fat tires after optimization, this already offers some advantages in terms of weight reduction. Although the 2022 Trek Verve+ has more battery life, I think the 2023 Trek Verve+ has more than enough battery life for my use. Not to mention that its removable battery is so easy to charge.
Compared to the more expensive 2022 Trek Verve+, I prefer the more cost-effective and better-performing 2023 Trek Verve+ 2.
Learn More: Is Trek Verve 3 Disc Worth Buying? [Review]
2021 CUBE TOWN RT HYBRID EXC 500 vs 2023 Trek Verve+ 2
Based on comparing prices, I feel that the CUBE TOWN RT and Trek Verve+ are comparable in terms of riding experience.
In terms of riding feel, both have comfortable enough geometry and moderately stiff and soft saddles and grips. But in terms of weight, the Trek Verve+ is lighter, which means the Trek Verve+ is lighter and faster to ride. As for the drivetrain, the CUBE TOWN RT has only 1×8 speed, while the Trek Verve+ has 1×9 speed. Although it sounds like an extra speed, if you experience it on a real ride, you’ll understand the difference.
In terms of the most important electrical system for hybrid e-bikes, both have chosen the very classic Bosch motor. It not only has a long battery life but is also very easy to disassemble, carry and charge. The difference is that the battery life of the CUBE TOWN RT is a bit longer in comparison.
Therefore, after a comprehensive review, I think that CUBE TOWN RT and Trek Verve+ are good choices.
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