The fifth-generation Trek Dual Sport range features a redesigned frame, prioritising capability and on-bike storage.
The hybrid bike is positioned as a mid-way point between a road bike and a gravel bike, with increased tyre clearance and updated, upright geometry to suit.
There will be three models in the range – the Dual Sport 1, 2 and 3. The 2 and 3 will also be offered in ‘Stagger’ variants, which feature a step-through frame. The Stagger models do not appear to be available in the USA at the time of writing.
Pricing starts from £690 / $749.99 / €749 for the Dual Sport 1, rising to £1,110 / $1,049.99 / €1,199 for the Dual Sport 3 and Dual Sport 3 Stagger. Full availability is to be confirmed.
Rigid fork and 27.5in wheels
Trek has removed the suspension fork found on the outgoing Dual Sport range, now opting for a rigid fork.
The fork features mounting points for a low-rider front rack. The fork is manufactured from steel on the Dual Sport 1, alloy on the Dual Sport 2 and carbon fibre on the Dual Sport 3.
The carbon fibre fork on the 3-series bikes is said to save 1.9kg over the previous Dual Sport 3’s suspension fork. Trek claims it better absorbs surface vibrations, reducing fatigue and boosting comfort.
Trek is moving away from the 700 x 40c tyres found on the previous Dual Sport to 27.5x2in tyres. The brand says the 27.5in wheels better soak up potholes and rough roads, and improve traction. This is also its maximum clearance with and without mudguards.
Nods to versatility
Trek has also included mounting points under the top tube for its Bontrager Adventure Boss frame bag.
Like the bike's previous incarnation, the Dual Sport 2 and 3 include dynamo lights, a rear pannier rack and a kickstand.
Trek advises the included rack is not compatible with a child’s bike seat due to the 25kg maximum weight rating. However, it says you can use a bike trailer, provided there is enough axle thread/nut engagement if using an axle-mounted hitch.
Frame details
The new Dual Sport retains its Alpha Gold Aluminium frame construction.
The Dual Sport 3 Equipped Stagger is claimed to weigh 14.1kg in a size large.
Trek has also made revisions to the cable routing. The previous Dual Sport had cables routed internally through ports in the down tube.
The new Dual Sport sees the cables entering the head tube and passing through the upper-headset bearing. Trek says this is to reduce maintenance while making the bike’s appearance sleeker.
The Dual Sport frame continues to use post-mounts for the disc brakes and has a 68mm threaded bottom bracket shell.
