Trek’s new FX+ 7 attempts to strike a balance between weight and practicality. In the brand’s own words, it’s an e-bike that’s, “light enough to carry up stairs, powerful enough to fly up climbs, and equipped to carry whatever riders need.”
The FX+ 7 boasts front and rear lights, full coverage mudguards and an integrated rear rack that fits both MIK rear and side panniers, but it still comes in at just 18.2kg – which is pretty lightweight for an e-bike.
A weight like that is ordinarily achieved through use of a hub motor, but Trek have eschewed this in favour of the TQ HPR-50 mid-drive.
Offering up to 50Nm of torque, this is not a mega-powerful motor, but situated at the cranks it provides the advantage of more effective power at low speeds – such as when you’re riding up a steep hill.
The main downside of a mid-motor is usually weight, but the TQ HPR-50 is just about the smallest around, adding just 1.85kg. It’s also incredibly quiet and visually inconspicuous.
> Lightweight mid-motor shootout: Bosch SX v Fazua Ride 60 v Specialized SL 1.2 v TQ HPR-50
The battery is 360Wh, but you can add an additional 160Wh with an optional range extender.
Other than that, you get a 10-speed Shimano CUES U6000 drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes and 40mm tyres.
The Trek FX+ 7 is available with either a step-over or mid-step frame and costs £4,250.
