Hey gang, I’m looking for my first “real” bike for causal riding but I live in a very bike friendly area and expect to use the bike to get around town fairly regularly.
I’ve been doing some research and narrowed my purchase down to three options:
Ds3
Pros: – on sale in my size (small), carbon fiber fork, shimano hydraulic disc brakes
Cons: not sold on 1x drive train, pretty expensive
DS2:
Pros: $100 cheaper than the ds3, comes with a 2x drive train,
Cons: only $100 less than the top of the line 2023 model
Ozark gravel Bike:
Pros: cheap! Not a major theft concern, good starter bike (?)
Cons: cheap! Will likely require upgrades
Any ideas?
DS2
by scotteh9
6 Comments
Do not under any circumstances buy the Ozark. Those bikes are not worth the cost.
Buy quality, cry once.
If you have a trek dealer near you or a bike shop that works on treks 100% choose the trek. I mean otherwise I still would but a place to take the bike you bought if you have any issues or need upgrades. Not worth the Walmart bike out that towards a decent bike and you’ll be better off in the long run
If your budget allows, get the Trek. DS2 is $699 and is a great bike. DS3 at $799 is tough to find depending on your size.
1x drivetrains are great. Sometimes lacking a bit in the top speed department, but for the type of bike the DS is and the riding position that shouldn’t really be an issue.
If you can afford the ds3, and are saying the ds2 is only $100 less, then I would say it’s definitely worthwhile.
But a used bike could also be a great option
I think if you want to ride on road and gravel (canals) get the fx trek not the dual sport because that’s more for dirt trails
But the trek because you want a bike that you love and enjoy riding even after 1 year, I use my bike everyday like I got it yesterday