The dual-sport lineup is amongst Trek’s best performing and high-end hybrid bike lines. On top of the ladder are Dual Sport 3 and Dual Sport 4. But how does Trek Dual Sport 3 vs 4 compare?
Trek Dual Sport 3 runs on a 10-speed drivetrain, while Trek Dual Sport 4 runs on an 11-speed drivetrain. Moreover, Dual Sport 4 is lighter, slightly costlier, and has better tire clearance than Dual Sport 3.
The differences aside, despite being a generation apart, these two high-performance hybrid bicycles have so much in common. Their highlight features include puncture-resistance tires, tubeless-ready rims, hydraulic disc brakes, and alpha aluminum frames.
After checking online, I could only find the Dual Sport 4 2021 model but was lucky to find the Dual Sport 3 2022 Model. So, I’ll compare the two generations.
Let’s get into the comparison in detail to help you choose between the two hybrids. Before that, below is a table to compare Trek Dual Sport 3 and 4.
| Details | Trek Dual Sport 3 (2022 Model) | Trek Dual Sport 4 (2021 Model) |
| Retail Price | $979.99 | $1,269.99 |
| Weight | 28.68 pounds | 27.52 pounds |
| Drivetrain | 1X10 Shimano drivetrain | 1X11 Shimano drivetrain |
| Shifters | 10-speed Shimano shifters | 11-speed Shimano shifters |
| Tire Clearance | Good tire clearance | Better tire clearance |
| Chain | 10-speed KMC chain | 11-speed KMC chain |
About Trek Dual Sport 3
Trek Dual Sport 3 upgrades the previous generation (Trek Dual Sport 2). For that reason, it comes with better specs, a more comfortable geometry, and a more rugged build.
This high-performance bike can take on just about anything you lay on its path. From gravel surfaces to city roads, there is no surface you cannot conquer with Dual Sport 3.
Its 1×10 drivetrain promises a wide gear range, while its hydraulic disc brakes promise reliable all-terrain stopping. For a more aggressive ride, you can count on its tubeless-ready rims and puncture-resistant tires.
Overall, this hybrid is perfect for urban commuting, trail adventures, and fitness cycling.
About Trek Dual Sport 4
Dual Sport 4 is the newest entrant into the Trek Dual Sport line, and it’s the highest-performing Trek Dual Sport bicycle. This hybrid bike comes with incredible specs to allow you to conquer an array of challenging terrains.
Its alpha aluminum frame promises a much lighter bike, while its 1×11 drivetrain promises quick shifting and optimum speed.
The hybrid bike also features hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping and a front fork with remote lockout to offer you unparalleled off-road and on-road adventure.
As a result, this hybrid bike is best for serious commuters, trail adventurers, backpackers, and fitness cyclists.
The Difference Between Trek Dual Sport 3 and 4
1. Trek Dual Sport 3 vs Dual Sport 4 Weight
There is a marginal difference in weight between Dual Sport 3 and 4. While Dual Sport 3 weighs 28.68 pounds, Dual Sport 4 weighs 27.52 pounds. That makes Dual Sport 4 more maneuverable and comfortable to ride.
But compared to most hybrid bikes, it doesn’t make Dual Sport 3 heavy. It’s not often that you get a hybrid bike under 30 pounds, and Dual Sport 3 qualifies as such.
2. Trek Dual Sport 3 Vs 4 Groupset
This is where these two bikes differ most, and it’s why you pay more for Dual Sport 4 than Dual Sport 3.
Both bikes feature a Shimano Deere drivetrain, but Dual Sport 4 offers you 11-speed, while Dual Sport 3 offers you 10-speed. So, you have a much wider gear range with Dual Sport 4 than Dual Sport 3.
Overall, that allows you to smoothly shift and conquer hills more confidently with a Dual Sport 4 than a Dual Sport 3, but again, the shifting is seamless on Dual Sport 4 because of the Shimano 11-speed shifters.
The other difference is that Dual Sport 4 comes with an 11-speed KMC chain while Dual Sport 3 features a 10-speed KMC chain.
3. Trek Dual Sport 3 vs Trek Dual Sport 4 Tire Clearance
While both bikes enjoy a 700c wheel diameter, they differ slightly in tire clearance (the distance between the bicycle tire and the mudguard or fender). Dual Sport 4’s 700x45c tires mean more tire clearance than Dual Sport 3’s 700x40c tires.
The advantage is that Dual Sport 4 allows you to inflate the tires more, which translates to more stability and ground traction. It also means a reduced chance of mud impeding your riding.
4. Trek Dual Sport 3 vs Trek Dual Sport 4 Retail Price
Owing to its groupset superiority and lighter frame, Dual Sport 4 costs more than Dual Sport 3. While Dual Sport 3 costs $979.99, Dual Sport 4 costs $1,269.99.
Note, however, that with Dual Sport 4, you are paying for better specs.
Trek Dual Sport 4 vs Dual Sport 3 Similarities
Now, here are the specs that these two bikes have in common:
1. Weight Limit
Both of these hybrid bikes enjoy a 300-pound load limit. That includes your weight and that of the cargo. So, even though these bikes weigh differently, their alpha aluminum frame promises a more robust build, which can take on heavy loads.
That’s also the case with Trek Dual Sport generations before them.
2. Frame Type
Dual Sport 3 and Dual Sport 4 all feature an alpha gold aluminum frame, which enjoys a few advantages over regular aluminum.
For one, alpha gold aluminum has a higher tensile strength. Though it’s lightweight, it’s capable of bearing huge loads.
The frame material is also rust-resistant and generally makes the bike lightweight and more comfortable to ride.
3. Brake Type
Trek includes hydraulic disc brakes in both hybrids to safely ride in challenging conditions. Simply put, the brakes are reliable all year round. They are more responsive and have immense stopping power.
Their only downside is that they’re expensive to maintain and replace.
4. Suspension
Trek adds a 63mmm front fork to both hybrid bikes to enable you to absorb smaller vibrations. Remarkably, you can lock out the suspension to make it rigid or loose.
Overall, a lockout suspension improves your pedaling efficiency, depending on the terrain.
5. Tire
Trek employs hard case Bontrager tires with puncture-resistance properties to allow you to take on harsher terrains. The tires slow down flats, making them more reliable when tackling off-road.
They are generally why Trek Dual sport bikes are perfect for adventure cycling.
6. Rims
Though Dual Sport 3 and 4 wheels are not tubeless, they come with tubeless-ready rims that allow you to upgrade to tubeless tires. In that case, you can enjoy the advantages of tubeless tires, such as lighter weight and more puncture-resistant tires.
7. Handlebars
Both bikes come with low-rise flat bars that offer you a more upright posture. The handlebar also allows better bike control, essential when negotiating challenging trails.
The best part is that they both come with lock-on ergonomic grips that improve your handling comfort.
8. Frame Mounts
These two bikes feature ready mounts for racks, fenders, kickstands, and water cages. That allows you to turn them into a touring, commuter, or fitness bike.
9. Cable Routing
These bikes enjoy a sleeker look, mainly because of having an internal cable routing design. The brake cables are not exposed or loose, which gives the bikes a sleeker look.
Additionally, it makes the hybrid bikes more aerodynamic, thus faster.
10. Duo Trap Compatibility
These two bikes allow you to fit a Duo Trap S (which you buy separately) that offers you the chance for wireless integrations such as ANT+ and Bluetooth. In that case, you can listen to your favorite tracks from your phone while cycling.
11. Stem Technology
Trek employs a Bontrager’ Blendr’ stem technology to fit lights, cycling computers, and other cycling gears to the stem. The stem gives the bike a much cleaner look in the long run.
12. Bike Size
These two hybrid bikes come in four different frame sizes as follows:
- Small (best for 5’1″-5’5″ tall)
- Medium (best for 5’5″-5’8″)
- Large (best for 5’8″-6’0″)
- Extra Large (best for 6’1-6’5″)
Overall, there is a suitable bike size for all adults in Dual Sport 3 and 4.
Trek Dual Sport 3 vs 4 Pros and Cons
Dual Sport 3
Pros
- Wide gear range
- Cheaper than Dual Sport 4
- Slicker look
- Fairly lightweight
- Powerful disc brakes
- Good suspension
- Ergonomic handlebar
- Puncture-resistant tires
- Good load capacity
- Multiple Sizes
- Tubeless-ready
- Easy to accessorize
Cons
- Fewer gears than Dual Sport 4
- Slightly heavier than Dual Sport 4
Dual Sport 4
Pros
Dual Sport 4 generally enjoys all the advantages of Dual Sport 3, other than that it’s costlier than Dual Sport 4.
Other advantages that Dual Sport 4 enjoys over Dual Sport 3 are:
- Lighter
- Has more speed
- Slightly better specs
Cons
- Costlier than Dual Sport 3
People Also Ask
1. How Many Gears Does Trek Dual Sport 4 Have?
Trek Dual Sport 4 has 11 gears, which is one more than Trek Dual Sport 3. Overall, the 11 gears make shifting lighter and more seamless.
2. Is Trek Dual Sport Comfortable?
All Trek Dual Sport bikes are comfortable. For one, they enjoy an upright cycling position that feels comfortable. Their 63mm front suspension absorbs significant amounts of bumps, and they come with ergonomic handlebars to improve their handling.
Moreover, these bikes come with lighter frames that are comfortable.
3. How Much Does a Trek Dual Sport 4 Weigh?
Trek Dual Sport 4 weighs 27.52 pounds, making it lighter than its predecessor.
4. How Many Gears Does a Trek Dual Sport 3 Have?
A Trek Dual Sport 3 has ten gears.
5. Does Trek Dual Sport 3 Have Tubeless Tires?
Trek Dual Sport 3 does not come with tubeless tires. What it offers you are tubeless-ready rims to allow you to fit tubeless tires if you wish to.
6. What Are the Types of Trek Dual Sport Bikes?
Trek Dual Sport bikes exist as Dual Sport 1, Dual Sport 2, Dual Sport 3, and Dual Sport 4. Dual Sport 1 is the most affordable entry-level choice, while Dual Sport 4 is the most high-end.
Relevant:
The Trek Dual Sport 3 vs 4 Closing Thought:
There is no denying that Dual Sport 3 and 4 are comfortable to ride and commuter-ready. The difference is that Dual Sport 4 is lighter and offers you slightly better specs, though at an extra cost, while Dual Sport 3 is a more affordable choice and a decent performer.