Trek is a leading bike manufacturer. Today, we are discussing the two popular hybrid bikes from Trek and the differences between them. Trek Dual Sport bikes are hybrid bikes and quite popular. Trek Dual Sport 2 and 3 are two bestselling hybrid bike variants in the market. Trek has also launched the Trek Dual Sport 4 recently. Let’s look at the Trek Dual Sport 2 vs 3 differences and which one you should buy.
Trek Dual Sport 2 Hybrid Bike: Overview and Features
Trek Dual Sport 2 is a hybrid bike from Trek. It has been around for a few years and has steadily gained a good repute. Trek Dual Sport 2 hybrid bike is perfect for those looking to bike on a number of terrains.
Be it paved road or gravel paths, Trek Dual Sport 2 will offer a comfortable ride. The good thing is that it comes with good features at an attractive price point. Dual Sport 2 has full suspension fork which make the bike ride less bumpy by absorbing shocks.
The Dual Sport 2 has hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes are top notch and provide a smooth stopping experience without making the bike slip. Hydraulic disc brakes are usually preferred over rim brakes for this very reason.
Trek Dual Sport 2 is made of aluminum frame which is quite sturdy. This sturdy frame is great for off road cycling as it provides good support on rough trails. The bike is also quite lightweight, weighing just 29.15 lbs.
One thing to note about Trek Dual Sport 2 hybrid bike is that it has only 9 gears. Low number of gears may work well on the road but on the trails and steep climbs, you may want a bike with more gears.
| Frame | Alpha Gold Aluminum |
| Fork | SR Suntour NEX |
| Tire | Bontrager GR1 Comp, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x40c |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Altus M2000 |
| Crank | Forged alloy, 46/30 |
| Brake Set | Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc |
| Weight | 29.15 lbs |
| Shifter | Shimano Altus M2010, 9 speed |
| Price | $789.99 |
Trek Dual Sport 3 Hybrid Bike: Overview and Features
Trek Dual Sport 3 hybrid bike is the upgraded version of the Trek Dual Sport 2. Just like the previous version, you can ride the Trek Dual Sport 3 on a number of terrains, including roads and gravels.
Trek Dual Sport 3 comes with 1×10 drivetrain. This is the upgraded version of the drivetrain found on Dual Sport 2. It makes shifting the gears very smooth. Dual Sport 3 comes with 10 gears which is an improvement over the Dual 2.
Another standout feature of Dual Sport 3 is the puncture resistant tire. This makes it great for people going on trails as you know your tires won’t get a puncture.
Dual Sport 3 comes with a hydraulic disc brake setup. This is quite good and you are able to stop the bike in all weather conditions with ease. Normally, the bike may slip a bit in wet conditions but thanks to the superior brakes on Dual Sport 3, this won’t be an issue.
| Frame | Alpha Gold Aluminum |
| Fork | SR Suntour NEX |
| Tire | Bontrager GR1 Expert, Hard-Case Lite, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x40c |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Deore M5120, long cage |
| Crank | Prowheel alloy, 40T narrow-wide ring, 170mm length |
| Brake Set | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc |
| Weight | 28.69 lbs |
| Shifter | Shimano Deore M4100, 10 speed |
| Price | $979.99 |
Trek Dual Sport 2 vs 3: Key Differences
Trek Dual Sport 2 vs 3: Price
The obvious difference between the Trek Dual Sport 2 vs 3 is the price. Dual Sport 3 is $200 more expensive than Dual Sport 2. On paper, there does not seem to be too much difference between the Dual Sport 2 and 3. Hoever, Dual Sport 3 comes with upgraded components. Hence the high price tag. You are definitely getting a superior bike in Trek Dual Sport 3. However, if you are a beginner and have limited budget, Trek Dual Sport 2 will be better for you as you won’t really be able to tell the differences.
Trek Dual Sport 2 vs 3: Weight
The next difference between Trek Dual Sport 2 and 3 is the weight. Both bikes are made of aluminum which is quite lightweight. The Dual Sport 3, however, is slightly lighter than Dual Sport 2. This means a better riding experience as you are controlling lesser weight. The weight of Trek Dual Sport 2 is 29.15 lbs while the weight of Trek Dual Sport 3 is 28.69 lbs.
Trek Dual Sport 2 vs 3: Gears
One key difference between Trek Dual Sport 2 vs 3 is the number of gears. Large number of gears help to control the bike better. Gears also make climbing hills much easier. In respect to both these bikes, the Dual Sport 3 has more gears than Dual Sport 2. Dual Sport 3 has 10 gears while Dual Sport 2 has 9 gears.
Trek Dual Sport 2 vs 3: Usage
Both the Trek Dual Sport 2 and Trek Dual Sport 3 are hybrid bikes. This means that these bikes can be used on a number of different terrains with ease. You can ride hybrid bikes on paved roads as well as loose trails. When it comes to these 2 bikes, both are hybrid bikes. However, Dual Sport 3 has better bike components. They are much newer than Dual Sport 2. This means that with Dual Sport 3, you can go into more advanced trails. You can go on looser trails with more inclines and bike with ease. Trek Dual Sport 2 is also a good bike but will suit those more who are beginners and buying their first bike.
Trek Dual Sport 2 vs 3: Tire
Both Dual Sport 2 and 3 have similar tires. However, Dual Sport 3 comes with the upgraded Bontrager GR1 Expert tire. This tire offers great grip on looser surfaces like gravel and sand. The extra grip makes Dual Sport 3 very pleasing to bike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Trek Dual Sport 2 good?
Yes. Trek Dual Sport 2 is a very good hybrid bike, especially for beginners. It offers good value for money. Dual Sport 2 is great for those starting out on their cycling journey and looking for an efficient hybrid bike.
Which is better between Dual Sport 2 and 3?
Dual Sport 3 takes the Dual Sport 2 and upgrades almost everything in it. This makes the Dual Sport 3 better than Dual Sport 2. However, you will have to pay $200 extra for Dual Sport 3. So depending on your goals and cycling style, you can pick any one of the two as both are very good hybrid bikes.
Is Dual Sport 3 worth it?
This depends on your experience and what you want from your bike. If you are an experienced biker and looking to head to more challenging routes, then yes, Dual Sport 3 is definitely worth it. Trek Dual Sport 3 is an excellent hybrid bike.
Conclusion
Both Trek Dual Sport 2 and 3 are excellent hybrid bikes. Dual Sport 3 has upgraded components compared to Trek Dual Sport 2.
If you are an advanced biker and looking to upgrade your bike, then Dual Sport 3 is a good option for you. However, you have to consider the extra $200 you will have to pay for it and if it is worth it for you.
As a beginner biker, Dual Sport 2 is definitely recommended. It is cheaper than Dual Sport 3 and more or less has the same features.
At the end of the day, deciding which bike to get all comes down to your personal preference, goals, riding style, and budget.
Read more about Trek bikes here.
