Hey everyone! Just an FYI, I made this video several weeks ago, but Trek only allows me to release videos on bikes after they have been released in the US. Therefore, this video will be released tomorrow morning (01/19)!

I just purchased the DS 3 Gen5. I had a specialized Roll 2.0. I rode it for little over 1 month and did 202.4 miles and destroyed the drive train and rear hub. So I just purchased the DS 3 Gen5 to replace it. The bicycle has not disappointed. It is so much better than the specialized roll bicycle. My first ride was 14 miles doing 2.2 mile laps around the neighborhood. I did add a riser stem on the DS 3 to bring the handle bars up some. I think next I will get narrower handlebars with a 15 mm rise to add more height so I am not so stretch out. I have ridden Road bicycles, raced road bicycles up until I was 45 years old in amateur races. Then my 16 year old son died and I just sat on the couch for 5 years and went from 170 pounds to 280 pounds. Now After riding the bicycles since 13 Feb 2023 until now I have lost down to 265 from 280. So I lost 15 good pounds in little over a month. I ride 5 to 6 days a week doing the 2.2 mile laps around the neighborhood, I am up to 5 laps at this time. Anyways hope I don't destroy the DS 3 like I did the specialized roll, LoL

Wife just got the DS2g4 and she is pretty happy with it; I lock up the suspension when I ride it as I am much heavier than her and feel like it is useless. I went with the DS3g5 (and it came in today) and so glad I did, the wider tires and rigid suspension make me feel like a kid again (even though it was quite cold and windy in the upper midwest today). Looking forward to warmer weather and getting out riding like we did when our kids were young.

Wow, I’m surprised they removed the front suspension. Why even bother have the FX line anymore? For as much as people rag on the dual sports suspension, I love it. I strictly ride gravel / atv trails and it’s a godsend on 50k+ rides.

What is the point of this bike now?!? What’s the difference between a FX 3 and a DS 3? Tire clearance? I was daily commuting on a ‘22 DS3 and upgraded to a FX Sport 6 to save weight and didn’t need a fork. Thanks for the video, you have been a great source of information for me.

The main reason I went to Dual Sport last year instead of the FX is because of the front suspension. Now that they removed the front suspension with Gen 5, FX and Dual Sport are now kinda similar in my opinion. I still love the front suspension on my Dual Sport. Great review by the way :)

Keep making videos like this young bro! This is your niche!!!💯

I was thinking to buy 2023 trek dual sport gen 5 bike today and was not sure should I get a medium or large. Visited the store and did the test drive. The medium runs OK, but I did not feel the hydrolic breaks are better than traditional mechanical breaks (I have an old one with mechanical breaks). Overall my subjective grade for the bike is: 7 out of 10 . Then I drove the L size , which looks much better fit for me. However, I paid attention that there is wierd sounds while switching gears. The transition goes with jumps. Told the store manager about it, and they trid to fix it. They did not explained me what is the problem and how common it is for the bikes. I also paid attention that the pedals are very poor quality, the hand bar is somewhat primitive....so I thought that it does not worth $1000 more to buy a bike , when the first thing you would like to do is to buy a new set of pedals. My gut feeling was ...to enjoy my current bike and be contented what I already have.

Your great review was just in time. I was about to pull the trigger on a DS3 -G4. The loss of the front suspension seems disappointing but it's not highly thought of apparently (I have zero experience with one anyway). Thanks for the through rundown.

I have a Gen 4 DS3 and the adjustable suspension is one of my favourite features of the bike, the other is the single drivetrain. Nice video BTW, I really liked the other one I think you did going over the various DualSport versions, that helped me decide on the drivetrain as I was looking at the 21 model (2x9) and the 22 (1x10) DS3s.

I love these videos. Thank you. I need the verve next

Very nice comparison that is hard to find anywhere else. I wish you could do the same with the different verve line up and different generations. In my opinion, as a middle age man, the verve is the most comfortable and it's great for the few short fun rides I do around the neighborhood once in a while. I also think they are big bicycles, so you might need a medium size even if everything tells you that a large is your size. I only wish the verve had front suspensions. Also a rear frame suspension would be better than the seat suspension since it limits you from lower the seat past a certain point.

I bought a DS3 gen 4 nd I love it. I thought the whole point of the lockout fork was the versatility. Thus the name DUAL Sport. Other than that it's just a FX.

That was very informative! Good job, thanks.

Went by the local Trek shop and stood over one yesterday (DS3 gen 5 - didn't have the time to test ride). Seems like it'll be a comfy ride but something I could still do some light gravel rides, and hop off some curbs on my daily commute. Nice and light-ish. This is definitely on my top 3 when I go to purchase a new commuter for myself. Love the mounting options and the 650b size tires for mixed terrain. The old Diamondback Haanjo is a bit long in tooth so looking for a new bike that is a bit more modern in geo and spec (1x drivetrain!!) and this looks like it could be the one. Actually glad that Trek went with a rigid fork - for me mostly commuting and urban exploring, makes more sense. Thanks for detailed comparison on the DS lineup!

Thanks for the review.

You know how loud teen girls used to scream at Justin Bieber concerts? That’s how loud I screamed. I mean, Specialized has been doing it for a little while already, so Trek gotta catch up, but I’m happy to finally see the DS get the upgrade away from those horrid forks.

I bought an FX rather than a DS in 2017 because the Suntour NEX fork was a lot of extra weight and, to my mind, not much more than a false moustache. The choice now between a DS 2 Gen 5 and the FX 2 is more difficult. The latest DS is chunkier and weighs about 1kg more than the FX (same is true of this rider, compared to 2017), but the wider, deeper tyres of the DS would be welcome. I have 700 x 38c tyres on my FX.

I bought the Dual Sport 3 in 2019 & that was a 3 x 9 set up, with tubeless ready rims & tyres & only cost me £650 new.

Superb news…pretty much perfect bikes but need to check impact of 650 vs 700 Tyres…the ds3 is incredibly light too…thanks again

Nice video! Why might someone choose this over a gravel bike?

DS was originally the Gary Fisher hybrid. It was sort of controversial at the time.

Serious question. Why would anybody want rigid front forks? I've been riding Trek Mtn bikes for 15 yrs with front suspension and never thought about it. Is there some benefit to rigid front forks ? Seems like all the bumps go directly to your hands & arms , no?

Not sure why anyone would recommend the ds 2 over the ds 1. The alloy ds 2 fork is lighter...but I have owned two trek hybrids with alloy forks (trek 7.3 fx 2014 and trek zektor 2017) and they are just way too uncomfortable compared to the cheaper steel fork and the more expensive carbon fork (2015 trek 7.4 fx). DS 3 for serious cyclist or DS 1 for casual cyclist is how I look at it.

Gen3 used is the way to go. Get it for 500

Comparing the Geometry on 99spokes, The new Dual Sport and the 2022/2023 FX Sports have very similar geometry and intended gravel use. Nothing wrong with that per say, but I do wonder if trek will address the lack of a road oriented flat bar bike? I test rode a 2023 FX 6 last year and hated how lazy the geometry was, so I picked up a Marin DSX 2 (best flat bar gravel bike on the market in my opinion).

Why are the ergonomic grips different from the one that is advertised online when you purchase the bike?

I like the rigid forks.

I am between FX 3 and Dual Sport 3 Gen 5. I will ride everyday from home to school (total 20 mins a day - 4 miles). I am 44 and just learned how to ride a bike :). Although I will mainly use the bike for going school/home, I still think a bike that can also go on gravel would be a better option. What do you think?

I've started shopping for a new mountain bike. I'm interested in rigid for the simplicity and weight savings. I'll likely do more single-track riding than the bike is designed for. Nothing too rough, and I'm a conservative rider. Will this bike be up to the challenge? I'm looking at the DS3 Gen 5 with the carbon fork.

Thanks for the review. I am trying to decide between trek ds 3 gen 5 and Marin dsx1. But I am unable to find a direct comparison. Would you be so kind to give your opinion regarding main differences between those 2 bikes? Which would be more suited for what purpose.

Not sure about the aesthetics of the new forks…Also that new style cable routing looks more challenging in terms of servicing…Any idea when you’ll be getting to try them out?…They’ve had them on the road in Vietnam for months at this stage.

I have one,had the 22 ds 3 that front fork sucked.The new ds 3 Gen 5 is way better and it's faster on the street too cause of different tires.

I guess Trek did not want people to know that an all aluminum DS 2 Gen 2 weighs about 27 pounds fork and all. More of a real hybrid because this thing is turning into a road bike.

Hi Talalipop, Could you compare this DS 3 with the FX 3 in real life test, not a specs comparaison, as these 2 bikes are now very close...it will help me to decide if I should buy the DS 3 or the FX 3?...Thanks, Olivier, Belgium

@Talalipop MTB have you had a chance to ride on DS 3 Gen 5? If yes, how does the carbon fork combined with wider tires make up for the lack of suspension? I am very tempted to buy this bike. I'd love to see your review on that specific model in detail. If you were to change some parts of it, what would that be? M4100 shifters seem dated a bit.

Brooooo♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 so so awesome love ur review

I am going to look at the DS2 gen 5 and the DS 3gen 4 this weekend. I am leaning towards the DS3 gen 4 because it's on sale for $50 more thanks the DS2 gen 5 and has the same setup as the DS3 gen 5. What do you think about these choices?

Been planning on getting a fx 3 until I saw this. DS 3 5th gen...about time they got rid of the heavy suspension forks. Only reason I've had two FX models and never a DS is because suspension forks are simply useless for a commuter bike given how heavy they are and the annoying maintenance you should do with suspension forks

Hi. I am in the market for a crossover bike and the Trek DS is one that i am reviewing. I am super curious of Trek's fork change to the rigid type setup and adding wider tires. Were you able to ride both of them? Thoughts? Thanks.

Great work

What is up w/ DS3 for 2024?

Ayo, thanks for the vid. I have dual sport 2 years now and my main issue with this bike is front suspension so i thought about putting bigger fork like rockshox judy on it, do you think its worth that upgrade and on this new model can u put drops to make it like a gravel bike?

Hello. Is the DS G5 good for the city, for every day use? (I have a old Dahon Boardwalk). Thanks.

Might be a dumb question, but would a 2020 Dual Sport one be classified as a Gen 3? I can’t seem to find any history on the line up

@Talalipop MTB Hi, great video. Just wanted your thoughts on something. I have the DS4 gen 4 with an upgraded SLX drivetrain. Wanted to put a rigid carbon fork on it, the bike shop is saying it’s a waste of money just buy a new DS3. My thoughts are even the new DS9 is a downgrade in components compared to my bike. Also would you say the new DS’s are basically rigid fork mountain bikes now with their change to 27.5 wheels? I think a better upgrade would be to an FX with higher specs than my bike, I don’t want to go down in specs. Your thoughts? Thank you

Should have had 700 x 50 Wheels in the larger sizes.

I want the DS3 Gen 5. I Heard that die to supply chain issues, Trek is putting Tektro brakes and different stems and seats on the bike as opposed to what is listed in the specs. If they do replace the Shimano brakes with Tektro, will they still be hydraulic?

So is gen 5 ds3 better for trails than gen4

Was literally about to pull the trigger on a 2023 FX 3 and now no see this. Basically the same bike component wise aside from the totally different geometry + tires. Thoughts on the two?

Mine came with tektro !

Can someone help me in picking out a quality bike? Im coming from a trash schwinn taff. Total trash bike,...Anyways Im thinking of getting something lighter & faster. I felt like the taff was heavy and i could barely get any speed...Ive decided I want to get a quality bike as I normally bike around 3 days a week almost yr round. Im sick of having to fix things. The taff has been in for repairs 3 times since Ive owned it and it still cost me around 280 and shockingly im seeing it selling for 330 on amazon lol So Im wanting something quality in the 400 to 500 range if possible if not then 600?

Can I put something wider than a 2.0 inch wide tyre on this model? I'm looking to pick up 2 of these. Thank you.

It went together easily in less than an hour. kzfaq.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.

Please one test drive ! 🙏😉

Between the Trek FX Sport 5 w/ 35C's and the new Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 w/1.5", which do you think would make a better fitness bike?

It's slower, it's heavier, it has no suspension, and there is no duotrap s, and it costs more. Does it at least have a dropper internal routing?

I’m actually curious, but what difference does it make between having flat mounts vs post mounts? Honestly, I’m likely considering the Gen 4 Dual Sport 2 but I’ll probably change the tires as an upgrade.

They removed the front fork? This is just a Trek FX with wider tires. What a down grade. I hope they don't stop making the Gen 4s.

small wheels only? May as well just get a regular mountain bike

Do you know if they are adding a dual sport 4?

Did they discontinue the DS4?

No front sus, interesting 🤔

I just saw on my shop's page a Dual Sport 4 Gen 4. Is that real? It has a 1 x 11 and front suspension (which is the same 63mm but they say it's "better"). Will you be getting this in and reviewing?

isnt this new gen just a borderline entry gravel/commuter/bikepacker?

No duotrap?! No upgrade for me.

Makes the current FX 1 , 2 and 3 less desirable unless changes are made to them also for 2023

WTF ?? Price in Poland 1310$

The new dual sport 3 removes the shocks. Comparing a 2 grand bike to a 9 hundred dollar bike is hilarious 😂😂😂

In my opinion it's a downgrade. Losing the front shock makes the bike useless to me since i would spend half of my time on dirt trails.

Gen 5 seems worse

Is your channel no longer active?

Those things are quite porky for a rigid!

USA version Trek is made in China

R.I.P DualSport..