The FX Series of Bicycles hosts a variety of models from the FX 1 to the FX Sport 6. In this article, we are going to pit FX Sport 4, FX Sport 5, and FX Sport 6 against each other to help you determine the best model for your wants and needs. The FX series of bicycles offer a relaxed hybrid geometry delivering the best of both worlds meaning high speed and maneuverability coupled with increased comfort and performance. This upright and relaxed geometry makes it easy to see the world around you while quickly getting you to your destination!
The FX Sport 4 is a lightweight carbon fiber hybrid bike for those riders looking for the speed of a road bike but the geometry and comfort of a flat handlebar. The FX Sport 5 is upgraded with tubeless-ready rims, hydraulic disc brakes that stop on a dime, and a higher-quality drivetrain. The FX Sport 6 serves up all the performance features of a high-end road bike, improving upon both the FX 4 and FX 5 while retaining the comfort and control of a flat handlebar all for under $2600.
| Type | FX Sport 4 | FX Sport 5 | FX Sport 6 |
| Price | $1,699.99 | $1,999.99 | $2,599.99 |
| Category | Hybrid/Fitness | Hybrid/Fitness | Hybrid/Fitness |
| Weight | 10.74kg / 23.689lbs | 10.10kg / 22.27lbs | 9.47 kg / 20.88 lbs |
| Frame | 400 Series OCLV Carbon | 400 Series OCLV Carbon | 400 Series OCLV Carbon |
| Fork | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
| Wheel/tire size | Bontrager Paradigm tubeless-ready rim w/ 700x40c Bontrager GR1 Expert Hard-Case Lite tires | Bontrager Paradigm tubeless-ready rim w/ 700x40c Bontrager GR1 Expert Hard-Case Lite tires | Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 OCLV Carbon Tubeless Ready rim w/ 700X40c Bontrager GR1 Team Issue tires |
| Brake type | Promax DSK-927 hydraulic disc brakes | Shimano hydraulic disc brakes | Shimano hydraulic disc brakes |
| Groupset | Shimano Deore M4100, 10 speed | Shimano RS700, 11 speed | Shimano RS700, 11-speed |
| Drivetrain | 1×10 | 1×11 | 1×11 |
| Max. gear inches | 104.16 | 99.20 | 99.20 |
| Min. gear inches | 24.91 | 25.98 | 25.98 |
| Gear ratios | 0.91 – 3.82 | 0.95 – 3.64 | 0.95 – 3.64 |
FX Sport 4
If you already own an FX and love it or are looking to get into the FX lineup but with a little more oomph then this is the best place to start! The FX 4 provides the same comfortable geometry as the FX 1, 2, and 3 but on a much higher quality frame built from 400 series OCLV carbon.
This carbon frame not only reduces the weight but also creates more compliance reducing road vibration and improving ride quality.
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Equipped with Promax hydraulic disc brakes for confidence-inspiring stopping power and a reliable yet simple 1 x 10 drivetrain for effortless gear selection.
The FX Sport 4 takes everything you love about the FX series but just makes it better!
The FX 4 provides a comfortable geometry on a high-quality carbon frame and quality components. It's a serious step-up in ride quality in the FX line-up.
FX Sport 4 highlights at a glance
- Carbon Fork – carbon is the go-to for veteran road riders. Carbon also helps to soften the bumps more than other materials making the ride that much nicer.
- 1X10 Shimano Deore Drivetrain – 1 bys make for simplified shifting while still providing the gear ratio needed.
- Promax Hydraulic Disc Brakes – providing stopping power in all weather conditions.
- 700X40c Bontrager GR1 Hard-Case Lite Tires – these go everywhere gravel grinders are top-notch and can tackle asphalt and dirt with ease! They also provide the best in flat protection.
Who is the FX 4 for?
The FX Sport 4 is the perfect bike for a commuter seeking the speed and nimbleness of a lightweight road bike but with the control and comfort of a flat-bar bike.
The FX 4 blends the best of both worlds adeptly while still providing an affordable price for many. The 1-by drivetrain makes shifting simple while still providing the gear range for a high-performance bike.
Whether it’s leading the pack, a solo workout, hauling the kids to school, or grabbing some groceries on your commute the FX 4 has got you covered!
FX Sport 5
The FX Sport 5 takes everything that makes the FX 4 great and improves on just about every aspect.
Using the same 400 series OCLV carbon frame as the FX 4 the FX 5 adds some upgrades to the components reducing weight and improving ride quality across the board. The FX 5 sports a Shimano RS700 1X11 drivetrain which is an improvement over the Deore on the FX4. It also has Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes which are a significant upgrade over the Promax found on the FX 4.
Many of the components have been swapped for lighter yet stronger ones making for a very lightweight bike at just a smidge over 22 pounds!
This bike has an amazing lightweight carbon frame, high-quality components, and a very comfortable geometry for long rides. It's a great bike for those who want to ride regularly on a reliable bike.
FX Sport 5 Highlights
- Carbon Fork – carbon is the go-to for veteran road riders. Carbon also helps to soften the bumps more than other materials making the ride that much nicer.
- 1X11 Shimano RS700 Drivetrain – 1 bys make for simplified shifting while still providing the gear ratio needed. The 11-speed is an upgrade from the 10-speed!
- Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes – upgraded disc brakes made by what many consider the best in the biz!
- 700X40c Bontrager GR1 Hard-Case Lite Tires – these go everywhere gravel grinders are top-notch and can tackle asphalt and dirt with ease! They also provide the best in flat protection.
Who is the FX 5 for?
If you have a bit more cash to spend and want something just a tad better than the FX 4, then the FX 5 might just be what you are looking for. With an awesome frame shared by both but with a full complement of upgraded parts, you can be sure you are getting every bang for your buck.
Best of all the FX Sport 5 slides in just under $2000 making it an awesome bike for those on a budget but still seeking a high-performance machine! The only thing that beats the FX Sport 5 is, of course, the FX Sport 6!
FX Sport 6
In this side-by-side comparison, it is easy to say who the clear winner is, and that hands down are the FX Sport 6. Taking all of the awesome features of the FX 4 and FX 5 and improving upon them quite a bit.
The FX Sport 6 is by far the lightest and fastest FX in the entire lineup. It provides every high-performing characteristic of a state-of-the-art road bike but retains the comfort and control of a flat handlebar bike. This means that you will get to your destination with speed and finesse while also maintaining an upright and relaxed stance.
The FX 6 has the best-in-class features such as a lightweight carbon frame, tubeless-ready carbon rims, 1X11 Shimano GRX drivetrain, Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes, and an impressive 20.88lb weight!
This bike is equipped with best-in-class components. It's the top-of-the-line bike in the FX series. It's a hybrid bike built to be ridden on paved roads as well as gravel.
FX Sport 6 Highlights
- Carbon Fork – carbon is the go-to for veteran road riders. Carbon also helps to soften the bumps more than other materials making the ride that much nicer.
- 1X11 Shimano RS700 Drivetrain – 1 bys make for simplified shifting while still providing the gear ratio needed. The 11-speed is an upgrade from the 10-speed!
- Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes – upgraded disc brakes made by what many consider the best in the biz!
- 700X40c Bontrager GR1 Team Issue Tires – these gravel grinders are the same spec as the ones issued to the world-class Trek racing teams. They can tackle asphalt and dirt with ease all while being as light and strong as possible.
- Lightest and fastest model in class!
Who is the FX 6 for?
The FX Sport 6 is for the serious bicycle! It’s a high-performing road bike but with the comfort of a hybrid bike. The FX 6 combines the best from both categories and gives you a bike with the high performance of a carbon road bike with the comfort of a city commuter.
This is bike is not for you if you are cash-strapped or if you can just barely afford to buy it and you want to use it as a commuter. While it’s a fantastic bike, leaving it locked up anywhere outside is probably a bad decision.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to pick up cycling as a hobby or you have a long commute where you’re looking for more than just the essentials, then the FX Series of bikes is a fan favorite for commuters and hobby cyclists of all skill levels and walks of life.
The truth is no matter which FX you decide to go with you will have one of the most loved commuters in your stable. Whether it be the FX 1, 2, 3 4, 5, or 6 you can be sure that you have one of the most robust and reliable commuters in the industry.
If you love the FX series but don’t quite have the budget for the FX Sport 4, then check out my comparison of the FX 1, 2 and 3 in this article.
However, if you are looking for the best, and money is no issue, then the FX Sport 6 cannot be beaten!
Happy Pedaling!