Trek Dual Sport 1-4 Comparison!! What’s The Difference Between All 4 Bikes?

In this video I compare all the similarities and differences between the 2021 Trek Dual Sport (DS) 1, Dual Sport 2, Dual Sport 3, and Dual Sport 4 in depth. I cover every component difference like the suspension forks, frames, and drivetrains, to hopefully help you figure out which bike is the best for your riding style. Enjoy!

Follow my Instagram! @talalipop_mtb

0:00 Intro
1:10 Background
2:20 Similarities
3:11 Comparison
12:02 End Tables / Summary

The link above is an affiliate link, which means I receive a small commission if you visit it.

[TheOHenry]

I tried the DS2 and the DS3.

In my opinion, The DS2 is a very solid bike but still feels rough around the edges with the gear changes. The DS2 feels like a Mid quality bike.

The DS3 Feels like a solid good quality bike with not defects or shortfalls in it.

I got a DS3 and recommend the extra cash in order to have something that you can feel completely good about.

[gale]

These comparison videos are wonderful. Thorough and clean. Thank you.

[Futureisbright]

Your explanation on the difference between the bikes are crystal clear. Very much informative. I will buy the DS3 based on your video. Keep up the good work!

[jakedior]

That's the type of detailed comparison I was looking for. Great job.

[davidreeman]

Thanks for all your hard work compiling this comparison, much appreciated!

[edresek]

Hi Talal, thank you so much for all your Trek spec and line-up comparison videos. These have massively helped me narrow my choice. They helped me understand the hardware differences (Deore vs lower spec) and also helped me decide to go DS instead of Marlin or X-cal. Armed with that info I only needed to test ride 2 or 3 bikes at my bike store, not 10 different models... which they certainly preferred! Just waiting for the right size frames to come in and then will choose between a DS3 or DS4. Thanks again!

[richiel]

Great comparison and review. I picked up my DS4 last week and have been putting dozens of miles on it every day since. I’m loving it! I’m glad I spent the extra money for the 4. Plus it looks sexy to me lol. I might install a dropper and maybe go tubeless eventually with the way I ride since I’ve already gotten a flat smashing around local streets and trails. I recommend the DS4 to anyone thinking about getting a bike for fitness and fun. I would of course not use it for anything too technical although it might be able to take the extra beating.

[kottelkannim]

I own a Trek FX 1, which shares few components with Trek DS 1.
I would like to point out few issues concerning the components:

A. The Bottom bracket of the lower-end DS is probably VP (68mm, 121.5mm ) threaded square tapered bracket. It is of lower quality, albeit cheap, than the equivalent Shimano bottom bracket and calls for relatively frequent replacements. Please note that 121.5mm bottom bracket is not manufactured by Shimano, so replacing by a Shimano bottom bracket would result in slight change of the chain line.

B. Trying to get a cheap replacement stem (for fitting purposes) for a 25.4mm flat handlebar (DS-1/2) is a pain. BTW, the original 2 bolt stem on DS-1 is heavier than regular 4 bolt construction.

C. A 7 speed freewheel (DS-1) may cause a breakage of the rear axle.

D. The Z-series (DS-1/2) as opposed to the X-series (DS-3/4) chains by KMC tend to quickly wear down and degrade other drive-train components.

My reservations are based on the maintenance I perform on two Trek FX 1 bikes bought in 2016 and 2017:
A. Two Bottom bracket replacements. One for each bike.
B. Two stem replacements. One for each bike.
C. Two axles replacements. One for each bike.
D. Chains, freewheels and a single crank-set.

Conclusion:
For commuting purposes, I would avoid DS-1.

[ridingwithryan]

I like your videos and how clear it is to see what is different from the bikes

[freddytwotimes]

Clear and informative videos, like what you’re doing man. How would you compare the Dual Sports vs Giant Roam series?

[stevenhernandez]

Thanks for this video! bike shops and bike manufacturers do little if nothing explaining the difference in the increase in prices.

[rskbug]

Got my DS4 a few days ago, and have been doing some steep climbs on this.

Here is my take:
For downhill and normal roads this bike does very very well. Very good speeds.
However for climbing gradients, DS4 SUCKS big time. It's a big big disappointment when it comes to climbing.
My analysis is this probably due to the gears which are spaced at 3 tooth intervals.
My suggestion: If you need a dual sport, then save your money and go for the 2x9 Dual Sport 3 version instead.

[mitchm.]

Love my 2021 DS 3. Waited 2.5 months for it, but it was worth every minute. And penny!

[Scott-mzql]

Extremely excellent video, I hope everybody learns from yours. This was extremely helpful in my decision and I am going to subscribe to your channel for other videos.

[asomabird]

Thank for your video, i was not decided on which bike worth the money and I didi after watching your well done research... I bought DS3 and found it worth the money, so good bike by all mean. thanks again

[lakings]

Thank you for the awesome review! This was extremely helpful!

[subhashishmitra]

Nice compilation. Straight to the point and no deviation from the topic. Good job.

[pyroguitars]

Complete clarity. Thanks so much. I have subscribed and will go seek out your fx comparison now.

[reggiesanders]

Excellent - I've been in search of this video before buying. Seems that the Dual Sport 2 is a perfect deal.

[Sangram-IND]

Super video very nice explain. Thankyou so much.
Happy New year ❤️👍