Always expect the unexpected. If you’re looking for an analogy for this saying, you can certainly use Trek’s latest new release as an example. Or did you expect the always very sporty manufacturer to present an e-city bike featuring a TQ drive system for the first time? Although, if there is one system that lends itself to this premiere, it is definitely the HPR50.
Harmonious interplay of frame and drive
Light, quiet and slim. Trek uses these three attributes to describe the brand new FX+ 7, and the compact TQ motor plays its part in all three. The Scott Silence eRide recently demonstrated how almost invisibly this ebike system can be integrated into a bike. The extremely small motor disappears into the bottom bracket of the FX+ 7 in a similarly impressive way. With its somewhat unusual lines, the aluminium frame also attracts a lot of attention. This starts with a narrow seat stay. Its slightly curved shape is skilfully continued in the top tube.
Close to the bottom bracket, an additionally incorporated short strut livens up the design. It creates a triangular opening that you can grab onto as soon as you need to lift the bike. The area is specifically rubberised for this purpose. As a welcome side effect, the design increases the stiffness of the frame where pedalling typically exerts greater forces. However, nothing on the Trek FX+ 7 will twist at this point, so that your effort is converted into maximum propulsion.
Slight deduction for suitability for everyday use
You get support from the motor of the HPR50. With a peak output of 300 watts and a maximum torque of 50 Newton metres, it is a mid-motor that is deliberately somewhat restrained. For an ebike that primarily wants to prove itself in an urban environment, this suits it pretty well. Finally, you benefit from the low weight of the drive and the resulting 18 kilograms that the Trek FX+ 7 ultimately weighs. When cycling, you only need to accelerate a smaller mass, which reduces power consumption. In addition, the aforementioned lifting of the bike is made easier if you want to transport it to the train or your bike cellar, for example.
The ebike must be charged in the bike cellar, garage, flat or another place where you park it. The battery is permanently integrated in the down tube and can only be removed by a workshop for servicing purposes. Its capacity of 360 watt hours could very well mean that you might have to charge it twice a week. Of course, this depends on how many kilometres you cover on average, how often you face a climb and how much luggage you are travelling with. Nonetheless, it is possible to fit a range extender with a capacity of 160 watt hours to the bike. This increases the range by around 30 or 40 per cent.
Practical all round
Trek has found a good middle ground for the rest of the equipment, which promises sufficient quality and at the same time ensures that you end up in the same price range as competitors such as the Bergamont E-Vitess. In concrete terms, this means a carbon fork, hydraulic disc brakes and a Shimano derailleur system with ten gears. Here, the manufacturer uses the Linkglide groupset from Shimano. This deliberately uses slightly thicker materials in order to withstand the forces on an ebike and minimise wear.
The rear rack is slightly larger to suit a city ebike. The special design for Trek can withstand loads of up to 27 kilograms. It also features an integrated tail light that lights up more brightly as soon as you brake. You can screw MIK snap-in knobs to the sides of the rack and then securely attach panniers with the Ortlieb QL3.0 system. In our opinion, the Quad Lock holder on the handlebars for your smartphone is also a particularly practical solution. If it can be charged wirelessly, you can do this while riding. Provided the device is in an appropriate Quad Lock case.
For high demands
In Trek’s range, the new FX+ 7 is categorised as an urban ebike. Until now, the Trek FX+ 2 has taken centre stage there. However, it is based on a different concept. It is powered by the Hyena rear hub motor, which Trek modifies slightly on its ebikes using its own software. Somewhat surprisingly, the FX+ 7 and FX+ 2 weigh almost the same. However, components such as gears, brakes, wheels and lights differ more, so that the FX+7 costs a flat 2,200 euros more in the end. However, in view of the equipment and the TQ HPR50, the 4,499 euros can still be considered a reasonable price.
The Trek FX+ 7 is available with a conventional diamond frame and as the Trek FX+ 7 Midstep with a steeply sloping top tube in two different colours. According to the manufacturer, it is available now.
Trek FX+ 7 at a glance
- Variants: Trek FX+ 7, Trek FX+ 7 Midstep
- Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium
- Fork: FX Carbon
- Motor: TQ HPR50
- Battery: TQ 360 Wh
- Control unit: TQ Remote
- Display: TQ LED Display
- Drivetrain: Shimano Cues U6000
- Brakes: Shimano RS405
- Weight: approx. 18 kg (frame size M)
- Maximum permitted system weight: 136 kg
- Colours: Dark Star Matt, Liche Green Gloss, Alpine Blue Gloss
- Price: 4,499 euros
