{"id":4510,"date":"2022-08-09T04:17:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-09T04:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=4510"},"modified":"2022-08-09T01:17:42","modified_gmt":"2022-08-09T01:17:42","slug":"trek-3500-vs-3700-mountain-bike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/trek-3500-vs-3700-mountain-bike\/","title":{"rendered":"Trek 3500 Vs 3700 Mountain Bikes ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Trek 3500 and 3700 aren’t just entry-level MTBs. These two hardtails have everything to suit even the most experienced trail riders. But how do Trek 3500 vs 3700 compare?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trek 3500 comes with linear-pull brakes, a 75mm suspension fork, and a 21-speed drivetrain, while Trek 3700 comes with mechanical disc brakes, a 100mm suspension fork, and a 24-speed drivetrain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, essentially, Trek 3700 is a better climber as it offers you more suspension and gears and better brakes. In the end, the advantages make Trek 3700 slightly costlier than Trek 3500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of weight and stability, however, Trek 3500 scores a massive win as it’s lighter by at least 1 pound and enjoys a shorter standover height that makes it more stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But overall, these two hardtails have so much in common, making them almost inseparable. So, we’ll look at the things that separate them and those that make it hard to decide between them (the similarities).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Trek<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Trek 3500 Vs 3700 Table Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below is a table summary to compare Trek 3500 and 3700.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Features<\/strong><\/td>Trek 3500<\/strong><\/td>Trek 3700<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Brakes<\/td>Tekro alloy linear pull<\/td>Mechanical disc Tekro Novella<\/td><\/tr>
Suspension Fork<\/td>SR Suntour with 75mm travel<\/td>SR Suntour with 100mm travel<\/td><\/tr>
Drivetrain<\/td>3×7 Shimano drivetrain<\/td>3×8 Shimano drivetrain<\/td><\/tr>
Shifters<\/td>7-speed Shimano shifters<\/td>8-speed Shimano shifters<\/td><\/tr>
Gearing<\/td>21 speed<\/td>24 speed<\/td><\/tr>
Stand-Over Height<\/td>Shorter standover height<\/td>Longer standover height<\/td><\/tr>
Average Weight<\/td>31.3lbs<\/td>32.5lbs<\/td><\/tr>
MSRP<\/td>$350.00<\/td>$467<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About Trek 3500 \u2013 Trek 3500 Review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trek 3500<\/strong><\/a> bike in an affordable entry-level hardtail bike with a 75mm SR Suntour suspension fork for exceptional bump absorption. It comes in an alpha aluminum frame, which is pretty lightweight and stronger and enjoys a longer life. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trek 3500 is a decent performer off-road, bragging its exceptional high-traction tires, stronger wheels, and decent linear-pull brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hardtail has a shorter standover height, making it more friendly to shorter people and women, but more importantly, it offers you a neutral handling position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, the bike comes with a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain, characterized by a 7-speed cassette and triple chainset to enable you to maneuver across challenging terrains smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Trek<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

About Trek 3700 \u2013  Trek 3700 Review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike Trek 3500, Trek 3700<\/strong><\/a> promises more suspension, speed, and better disc brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With its 100mm suspension fork, this hardtail allows you to take on just about any terrain. So, if you are a serious trail rider looking for something decent on a budget, you can never go wrong with a Trek 3700.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its 8-speed cassette and triple chainset give you a combined 24 speeds, making trail riding fun. The gearing enables you to quickly and efficiently shift when taking on different terrains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the brakes, you get a mechanical disc type, which outperforms their linear-pull siblings in performance and life. Their only issue is that they are costlier to maintain and even replace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, Trek 3700 does not have the standover advantage that Trek 3500 has. In that case, it has a slightly longer standover height, making it more ideal for taller people. Some shorter people may find it somewhat uncomfortable to stand over. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"How<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Trek 3500 Vs 3700 Differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although the two Trek bikes share the most common features, they are not identical. Below is a list of the notable differences between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Brake System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Trek 3500 comes with Tekro linear-pull brakes, while Trek 3700 features Tektro disc brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tekro linear-pull lever brakes are decent. They stop on a dime with the correct adjustments, especially on dry surfaces. Their primary issue is that they are less responsive in wet conditions. But cost-wise, they are cheaper to replace than disc brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, disc brakes, especially Tekro, are ever-reliable. They stop the bike almost seamlessly and generally offer you better control in all conditions. They are, however, costlier to replace and maintain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Fork Suspension<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Trek 3500 comes with a 75mm suspension fork, while Trek 3700 enjoys a 100mm suspension fork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, a longer suspension travel range promises more comfort over longer periods. Therefore, you can count on Trek 3700 for a smoother cycling experience off-road, more when taking on bumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, it enables you to ride much faster without succumbing to fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That, however, doesn’t make Trek 3500 a bad choice. No! It’s just that it doesn’t match Trek 3700 off-road, but the bike is a decent performer in other terrains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Drivetrain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is where Trek 3500 and 3700 differ most, explaining why Trek 3700 is costlier than Trek 3500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While both bikes offer you a Shimano drivetrain with a triple chainset, Trek 3700 comes with an 8-speed cassette. That gives you a combined gearing of 24 speeds, which is enough to shift across just about any terrain smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trek 3500, on the other hand, comes with a 7-speed cassette, which combines with the triple chainset to offer you a 21-speed gearing. While you have fewer gears on Trek 3500, the shifting performance is undisputable, and you may not even realize the difference when riding both bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Average Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is at least a 1-pound weight difference between the two bikes depending on the MTB generation. On average, Trek 3500 weighs 31.3 pounds, while Trek 3700 averages 32.5 pounds.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That makes Trek 3500 more lightweight and thus a better commuter choice as it’s more portable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Stand-Over Height<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is another area where Trek 3500 has an advantage over Trek 3700. Overall, Trek 3500 has a shorter standover height than Trek 3700, making it more beginner-friendly and better for shorter riders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though the difference is marginal, it’s easier to stand over a Trek 3500 than over Trek 3700.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, that is not the only advantage of standover height. A shorter standover height means the bike is more sturdy and offers you a more neutral standing position.      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Trek 3500 Vs Trek 3700 Price<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Overall, Trek 3700<\/strong> is slightly more expensive than Trek 3500. On average, Trek 3500 retails at $350.00 while Trek 3700 cost about $467.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you are on a budget, Trek 3500 is the best fit for you.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"What<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Similarities between Trek 3500 and Trek 3700<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now, here are the specs that the two Trek bikes have in common<\/p>\n\n\n\n

a. Frame Material<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Both Trek MTBs feature alpha aluminum, which relishes a few advantages. For one, alpha aluminum is pretty lightweight, making the bikes more comfortable to pedal<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondly, alpha aluminum is more fatigue-resistant and stronger. It allows you to load huge weights without yielding to excess stress or fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

b. Weight Limit and Limited Lifetime Warranty<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Due to their stronger and fatigue-resistant alpha aluminum frames, Trek 3500<\/strong> and Trek 3700 all enjoy a 300-pound load capacity. You can count on the bike to hold your vast weight and load, as long as your combined weight doesn’t exceed 300 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best part is that Trek warrants the frame for life. You can count on its outstanding strength and performance for as long as you own the bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

c. Wheelset<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Both Trek 3500 and 3700 come with 26-inch wheels with a 2.0-inch width and enjoy the same rim and tire types. Their Bontrager 36-hole alloy rims are sturdy, offering strength and off-road stability.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, their Bontrager connection tires come with a much smoother profile that enables them to roll smoothly off-road. As a result, these bikes are faster on trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trek 3700 Vs Trek 3500 Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both hardtail bikes come with the same frame sizes, as shown in the table below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frame Size (Inches)<\/strong><\/td>Preferred Rider’s Height<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
13\u201d<\/td>161cm<\/td><\/tr>
16\u201d<\/td>165cm<\/td><\/tr>
18\u201d<\/td>176cm<\/td><\/tr>
19.5\u201d<\/td>180cm<\/td><\/tr>
22.5\u201d<\/td>192cm<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

These two bikes also share the following features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n