Trek FX 3 for Touring - My 1500 Mile Review
06-13-17, 10:37 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Trek FX 3 for Touring - My 1500 Mile Review
After 1500 miles of riding, I've tweaked my setup over time and created a little blog post about it. If anyone is considering possible using a fitness bike for lightweight touring, perhaps this will give them some ideas on some of the things I've done.
It's by no means perfect, but I've sure had a good time doing it!
https://captainbobadventures.wordpre...0-mile-review/
- Cpt. Bob
It's by no means perfect, but I've sure had a good time doing it!
https://captainbobadventures.wordpre...0-mile-review/
- Cpt. Bob
11-07-17, 10:18 AM
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Vacaville, CA
Posts: 947
Bikes: 2011 Trek FX 7.3 | 2015 Trek FX 7.4 | Lotus Classique
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ah so you're captain bob! i found your youtube videos. great details on the fx!
11-07-17, 02:50 PM
#3
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I am Captain Bob 
Thanks. Yeah I've used the FX for touring and it works fine. I like that it is multipurpose! Fitness, rail trail, short tours, so many uses. Fun bike. Glad you like the youtube vids
- Cpt. Bob
Thanks. Yeah I've used the FX for touring and it works fine. I like that it is multipurpose! Fitness, rail trail, short tours, so many uses. Fun bike. Glad you like the youtube vids - Cpt. Bob
11-08-17, 10:11 AM
#4
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Zebkedic, I am not surprised it did well on a tour. Many of the European trekking bikes are the same basic style.
Brad
Brad
11-24-18, 09:28 AM
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Captain Bob, I've watched most of your cycling videos and appreciate your time in producing them. I've been in the process of looking at purchasing a touring bike. I have kinda settled on the Fuji Touring bike, but have also been looking at the Trek FX 2 or FX 3. You mention that your FX 3 has been good for light touring, what exactly is considered light touring? Is it the overall weight, only using 2 panniers rather than 4, or what? (I hear that term a lot, but not sure I really understand it). I would think most of my trips will be short overnights (maybe 2) or hopefully a week long trip a year.
- PJ
- PJ
11-26-18, 09:25 AM
#6
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Well I'm sure light touring is in the eye of the beholder, but to me, it's 40lbs of gear or less. Hopefully less, haha. I run two of the Arkel Dry-Lite panniers, a frame bag and handle bar bag, which I'm sure you've seen a bit of if you've watched the videos. I think the bike can definitely handle more than that, but to me, it defeated the purpose of a light weight fitness bike. Fuji makes a great bike though, so I'm sure that will serve you well!
- Cap'n Bob
- Cap'n Bob
12-04-18, 12:18 AM
#8
Junior Member
Hey Bob - got a 2018 fx 3 Disc which I’ve put around 3000 km or so on mainly commuting. It’s been pretty solid. I’ve made a few tasteful additions of accessories and run a rear bontrager deluxe pannier rack to carry stuff. I’m just wondering if you have had any issues with the rear wheel blowing spokes? I’ve broken 2 spokes so far at the nipple which some suggest isn’t out of the norm and others think is a bit much (I’m about 220 and don’t carry too much weight on the rear rack while commuting ) - I’m gonna get some Velocity Dyad 36 hole wheels built up to replace the stock wheels.
I also upgraded the the disc brakes to shimano metallic pads with appropriate shimano rotors as the stock resin pads didn’t last very long. The metallic pads and rotors made a reasonable improvement in braking power and have lasted much longer so far. The bike spec is pretty solid so far - really can’t complain at all.
I also upgraded the the disc brakes to shimano metallic pads with appropriate shimano rotors as the stock resin pads didn’t last very long. The metallic pads and rotors made a reasonable improvement in braking power and have lasted much longer so far. The bike spec is pretty solid so far - really can’t complain at all.
12-11-18, 07:36 PM
#9
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I've not personally had any issues with blown spokes. I"m still on the original wheels and my 2nd set of tires. That being said, my buddy had a Trek FX 7.3 and he did have some issues with that on his rear wheel. I'd say it is worthy to upgrade the wheels honestly.
