Post-pandemic, my creed ended up being “Bicycles deliver the freedom that auto ads promise.” That belief is why I’ve nearly specifically utilized a bike to move myself around Portland, Oregon because (yes, I have actually ended up being a Portlandia stereotype).

That way of life is a lot more difficult without some pedal support. For a couple of summertimes, I appeared sweaty to visits after pedaling on a $200 single-speed. In 2024, I bought the FX+ 2, based mostly on my handling editor’s evaluation. It’s because been a workhorse for my everyday transport requires for the previous year; I’ve put more than 1,000 miles on it in 8 months.

Provided my experience with that bike, I was the natural option to examine Trek’s updated variation, the FX+ SEVEN.

A premium pedaler

Off, my time with the FX+ 2 has actually been fantastic– no remorses about that purchase. My one quibble is with the battery. Due to the frequency and length of my trips, I require to charge the bike usually, and I often experience variety stress and anxiety riding to the opposite side of town. Although both e-bikes are thought about light-weight at 40 pounds, they’re still not the most convenient things to pedal sans help, and I’m dependent on their integrated lighting systems after dark.

I didn’t have to fret about my staying charge with the FX+ 7 and its 360 Wh battery. Its additional capability provides me much less variety stress and anxiety, as I can ride without worry of losing juice on the path home. And the LCD on the frame provides you a clear sign of just how much range and time you have actually left in your trip, which is constantly convenient. I would warn, nevertheless, about relying excessive on your approximated range staying.

Throughout a 15-mile, hour-long trip while changing in between the very first 2 help levels I had actually customized, I drained pipes 61 percent of the battery. While the approximated time staying on my trip corresponded and precise, the anticipated mileage dropped periodically, although that’s most likely since I was altering the help level regularly.