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Tested: Trek District 4 Equipped Stagger

A Fully Equipped European-style Commuter for Bike Lovers

Takeaway: Fully equipped, the District 4 Stagger includes almost every amenity imaginable, stripping away off-bike maintenance and preparation in favor of a polished on-bike experience. Arriving at work or the grocery is more graceful than ever on this quiet, maintenance-free cruiser. With a belt drive system, internally geared rear hub, and quick-stopping hydraulic brakes, it highlights the reason so many of us prefer to commute by bike: the joy of motion.

• Purpose built and well appointed commuter bike.
• Silent running Gates Belt Drive system and Shimano internal hub.
• Front dynamo hub with front and rear lights.
• Swept back handlebar makes climbing difficult.

Price: $1,730 Weight: 34lbs (Large)

Trek District 4 Equipped Stagger

Trek District 4 Equipped Stagger Build Details

Style: Commuter bike Frame: Alpha Smooth Aluminum, internal cable routing, belt compatibility, post-mount disc Fork: Rigid Aluminum Hub front: Shimano 3.0 watt dynamo hub Hub rear: Shimano Alfine S7000, 8-speed Rims: Bontrager Connection, alloy, double-wall, 32-hole Tire: Bontrager H2 Comp, reflective, wire bead, 30 tpi, 700x40c Shifter: Shimano Alfine S7000, 8-speed Crank: Gates CDX S250, 46T Cassette: Gates CDX, 22T steel ring Saddle: Bontrager Commuter Comp Seatpost: Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length Handlebar: Alloy, 31.8mm clamp, 25mm rise, 630mm width Grips: Bontrager Satellite Elite, alloy lock-on Stem: Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree rise Headset: 1-1/8'' threadless, sealed cartridge bearings Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc Brake rotors: Shimano RT10, Centerlock, 160mm Rear Light: Herrmans H-Trace ECO dynamo LED Front Light: Herrmans MR8, 180 lumen, 60 lux Extra: Rear mount alloy kickstand, SKS front & rear plastic fenders

Trek District 4 Gallery

European-type city bikes are increasingly in popularity in the United States, so much so that Trek decided to bring their top-of-the-line city bikes from Europe to market stateside. The District 4 Equipped Stagger offers geometry similar to the flagship Trek Townie with larger wheels, a shorter wheelbase and longer seat tube to adapt more easily to mixed urban terrain. The success of e-bikes in the category has cleared space for more aggressive cruisers like the District 4 that emphasize the simplicity of on-bike experience instead of decreased physical exertion.

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For many riders in major American cities, Trek is a controversial name. The brand has seen public outcry and boycotts in the wake of the 2020 racial justice protests for supplying police departments across the country with bikes designed for crowd suppression. However, Trek is not alone in their contentious affiliation, as others have also received condemnation for their ties to law enforcement and military contracts.

Though the online discourse is decidedly not in their favor, Trek maintains an outsized presence in cycling due to the breadth and quality of their products. Their bicycles are fitted with high-end components and backed by top-notch repairs and customer service, while their global brick-and-mortar presence makes the brand well-suited for first-time riders and avid cyclists alike.

The District range offers two bikes, a step-over model with flat bars and a step-through (Stagger) bike with swept-back cruiser bars. Each are available in Europe with the addition of an electric motor under the District+ name, though these e-bike variants have yet to make it to American shores. Both District models provide an upright riding position, while the Stagger offers more comfort at the expense of climbing ability. They are only available fully equipped (meaning with rack, fenders, and lights), as many of the accessories are integrated with the frame.

The District 4 Equipped Stagger is curated at the component level to make daily rides easier and more comfortable. It features a silent internal gear rear hub, a clean-running belt drive system, powerful disc brakes, and a dynamo front hub which powers the front and rear lights. No creature comfort is spared, and though the price point makes that apparent, the ability to commute safely right out of the box is tremendous.

The District 4 has ergonomic Bontrager Satellite Elite grips, which project down to support the palm, and offer dual-density pressure distribution to make holding the bars as gentle on your hands as possible. The partially-split Bontrager Commuter Comp saddle pairs well, allowing an extended upright position without sacrificing soft tissue protection. Both components are waterproof to handle any conditions.

The bike also comes equipped with front and rear SKS plastic fenders to keep your pants clean in the event of an unexpected drizzle. Combined with the internal hub and belt drive, it’s easy to dismount the District 4 Equipped Stagger in approximately the same state of composure as when you got on.

Though the Stagger model sacrifices the seat tube bottle mount found on the non-step through District, the down tube mount has plenty of room for a large water bottle. The loss of storage capacity is also barely missed since the large aluminum MIK-compatible rack has the size and durability to attach multiple panniers with room to spare.

As a frequent bike commuter from Brooklyn into Lower Manhattan, I was eager to run the District 4 through its paces to see if I could really get to work as clean and sweat-free as the lifestyle commuter promised. Mounting the bike is as easy as sitting down on a chair and the upright cruiser bar position makes back strain negligible.

I set off and was immediately awed by the silence of the belt drive system. My jangling keys were the loudest thing on the bike. Allure shortly became alarm when I realized that my silence made no impression on the pedestrians or vehicles around me. Then I noticed that the bike lacked a bell. On most bikes, the bell is a user-added preference but on the District 4 I couldn’t help but feel its absence among the included buffet of commute accessories. Plus, a bell is required in many places.

My ride into the city begins with a non-trivial mile-long incline, which proved the greatest challenge to the District 4. On a bike with a more traditional flat bar, one can adjust their posture to tackle an incline with only a little added exertion. The step-through Stagger model with its cruiser bar makes climbing slow at best. At 34lbs, the bike isn’t outlandishly heavy, but it bears close to 10 pounds more weight than my daily ride. I made a mental note to re-draw my route and avoid roads over a 5° incline.

On flatter roads and downhills, the District 4 really shines. The internal hub shifts are responsive and offer decent range, though I found myself topping out the highest of the bike’s 8-speeds on a few descents. Though the bike is comfortable reaching speeds up to 20mph, I experienced front wheel wobble as I neared 25mph and consequently had to readjust the fenders. Slowing down from high speed is a piece of cake for the District 4, with quick-action hydraulic disc brakes ideal for defensive urban riding.

The District is a head-turner, too. Fellow cyclists loved seeing the disc brakes, belt drive, and front hub dynamo-integrated lighting system. Loaded up with my groceries and bar-mounted burrito pouch, I found myself knocking out errands including an overzealous trip to the hardware store with ease.

Though I only had to perform superficial maintenance and the bike promises little need, the internal hub and belt enclosure make DIY maintenance unappealing. If something goes wrong on the District 4, you’ll probably be taking it to the shop. Luckily, there’s at least one brick-and-mortar Trek location in most major cities, including one right en route to my office.

The District 4 Equipped Stagger doesn’t necessarily make cycling more appealing to newcomers, but it does provide plenty of amenities for those who already enjoy the ride. The missing accessories are easily added and the route indelicacies avoided. Fender and lighting integration reduce the likelihood of theft and encourage biking for all manner of local travel.

The District 4 is the distilled essence of urban cycling without the grime, noise, or inconveniences. If you’re a regular cyclist who wants a polished, high-end, out of the box solution for easy commuting and errands, this is a bike for you.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Aithne is a commuter and urban bike tester of mountain bike experience. Between rides, she produces experimental stories at The Atlantic and organizes media labor. 

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2022 Trek District commuter bike brings premium belt drive, dynamo hub model to U.S.

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Already popular in Europe, Trek’s bringing their well-equipped District 4 commuter bicycle to North America for “serious” commuters who appreciate a low-maintenance, well-equipped, and fully-featured city bike.

Equipped with a clean, quiet Gates CDX Belt Drive, it needs no lube or grease and claims 3x the lifespan of a typical chain.

That feeds power into a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internally geared rear hub for easy shifting and a wide gear range. Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes should be similarly problem free for years.

Up front, a Shimano 3-Watt dynamo hub powers premium Herrmans MR8 (180-lumen/60lux) front and H-trace Eco rear lights so you won’t ever need to add (or charge) batteries.

Fenders, a kickstand, and pre-installed rear rack come standard, too. Basically, it’s everything we’d want on a commuter bike, ready to roll straight out of the shop.

The frame is a lightweight aluminum that comes in standard and “Stagger” (step-thru) designs. It rolls on 700x40mm tires, with reflective sidewalls for safety, which should provide the right blend of comfort and speed. Retail is $1,699 USD and has a lifetime warranty on the frame…and they actually have inventory right now at TrekBikes.com .

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links that may earn a small commission for Bikerumor if you click on them and buy something. This helps support our work here without costing you anything extra. You can learn more about how we make money here . Thanks!

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com , where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

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I’m not a big brand bike kind of guy, but I love the practical utility of this. It checks most of the boxes for a commuter, errand running, short jaunt kind of bike. Well done.

Hydro discs, gates belt drive, and a dynohub are definitely wins. Still not sold on the Shimano 8 speed internal hub’s durability.. I’ve just seen to many of them explode, but maybe they’ve improved in recent years.

Hmmmm “ they actually have inventory right now” seems wrong. I am seeing them having an ETA June 2022…. Might wanna check that source

I work at Trek, there actually is inventory. Warehouse gets them in mid-late July, which is much sooner that most other bikes

just get a Priority Continuum Its nearly identical but costs $430 less

I wish they had sprung for the alfine 11 spd. The 8 spd has some big jumps between the gears.

I never had problems with derailleurs,but recently got an Alfine 11 after being curious about it forever. It is everything I expected it to be. A big plus is the ability to shift from a stand-still. ..helpful when you are zipping along in high gear, but suddenly get stuck at an intersection and want to get going quicker. These bikes are ok. My style is more of a packback, rechargeable light, removeable fenders, etc,(to cut some weight), as opposed to generator hub/rack,etc. If you want a bike ‘loaded’ , these seem to check all the boxes.

Too bad this is basically identical to a priority continuum but $400 more expensive

I’ve been riding & loving the Priority Continuum Onyx for almost a year. Essentially the same as this (heavy and loaded) except it has continuously variable tranny hub instead of the 8 Alfine. Bulletproof BUT: It can only be operated by a grip shifter which I do not like (wrist action etc…) and cannot be adapted for triggers….. I may switch to the Trek District just to get the trigger shifters back….

Cannot agree more: I’ve been riding my Continuum Onyx trouble-free for over a year (5,000+ miles)…. & love it. But even after a year, I just cannot intuitively adapt to the twist shifter after 30+ years of rapid-fires….. I will likely get this Trek when it hits my local bike shop for that reason alone….

why would I ever buy this when I can get the nearly identical (it actually has better lights then the trek and a usb phone charging port) Priority Continuum Onyx for $430 less

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Trek District 4 Equipped

District 4 Equipped is a hip and stylish high-end city bike designed for fun on cruises, commutes, and trips around town. It has a quiet, low-maintenance Gates CDN belt drive system with an 8-speed Shimano Alfine internal hub for smooth, crisp shifting. It's right for you if... You're looking for a city bike that has it all—style, speed, and super nice parts. You want a hip, high-end bike with an awesome drivetrain and loads of ride-ready accessories. The tech you get A lightweight Alpha Smooth Aluminum frame with a comfortable upright geometry, a quiet Gates belt drive with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub, and a Shimano dynamo front hub that powers your lights. Plus, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, fenders, comfortable ergonomic grips, an adjustable stem, MIK-compatible rear rack, and wide, stable tires with reflective sidewalls. The final word District 4's sleek, streamlined look lets you hit the town in style. Plus, every ride you take will be filled with fun, thanks to high-end parts like the quiet Gates belt drive and the smooth-shifting Shimano Alfine internal hub. Why you'll love it - The Gates belt drive system is more durable than a standard chain, virtually maintenance-free, and almost silent while you're riding - The premium-quality Shimano Alfine internal hub gives you a clean look, effortless shifting, and a wide gear range - It comes equipped with lights, fenders, a kickstand, and a rear rack so you're ready to ride right from the start - This bike is exceedingly versatile, and capable of everything from leisurely cruises to weekday commutes - When your bike is dependable, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the ride

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

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• District 4 Equipped

Trek District 4 Equipped

District 4 Equipped is a hip and stylish high-end city bike designed for fun on cruises, commutes, and trips around town. It has a quiet, low-maintenance Gates CDN belt drive system with an 8-speed Shimano Alfine internal hub for smooth, crisp shifting. It's right for you if... You're looking for a city bike that has it all—style, speed, and super nice parts. You want a hip, high-end bike with an awesome drivetrain and loads of ride-ready accessories. The tech you get A lightweight Alpha Smooth Aluminum frame with a comfortable upright geometry, a quiet Gates belt drive with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub, and a Shimano dynamo front hub that powers your lights. Plus, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, fenders, comfortable ergonomic grips, an adjustable stem, MIK-compatible rear rack, and wide, stable tires with reflective sidewalls. The final word District 4's sleek, streamlined look lets you hit the town in style. Plus, every ride you take will be filled with fun, thanks to high-end parts like the quiet Gates belt drive and the smooth-shifting Shimano Alfine internal hub. Why you'll love it - The Gates belt drive system is more durable than a standard chain, virtually maintenance-free, and almost silent while you're riding - The premium-quality Shimano Alfine internal hub gives you a clean look, effortless shifting, and a wide gear range - It comes equipped with lights, fenders, a kickstand, and a rear rack so you're ready to ride right from the start - This bike is exceedingly versatile, and capable of everything from leisurely cruises to weekday commutes - When your bike is dependable, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the ride

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

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Trek District 4 Equipped

District 4 Equipped is a hip and stylish high-end city bike designed for fun on cruises, commutes, and trips around town. It has a quiet, low-maintenance Gates CDN belt drive system with an 8-speed Shimano Alfine internal hub for smooth, crisp shifting. It's right for you if... You're looking for a city bike that has it all—style, speed, and super nice parts. You want a hip, high-end bike with an awesome drivetrain and loads of ride-ready accessories. The tech you get A lightweight Alpha Smooth Aluminum frame with a comfortable upright geometry, a quiet Gates belt drive with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub, and a Shimano dynamo front hub that powers your lights. Plus, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, fenders, comfortable ergonomic grips, an adjustable stem, MIK-compatible rear rack, and wide, stable tires with reflective sidewalls. The final word District 4's sleek, streamlined look lets you hit the town in style. Plus, every ride you take will be filled with fun, thanks to high-end parts like the quiet Gates belt drive and the smooth-shifting Shimano Alfine internal hub. Why you'll love it - The Gates belt drive system is more durable than a standard chain, virtually maintenance-free, and almost silent while you're riding - The premium-quality Shimano Alfine internal hub gives you a clean look, effortless shifting, and a wide gear range - It comes equipped with lights, fenders, a kickstand, and a rear rack so you're ready to ride right from the start - This bike is exceedingly versatile, and capable of everything from leisurely cruises to weekday commutes - When your bike is dependable, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the ride

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

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• District 4 Equipped

Trek District 4 Equipped

District 4 Equipped is a hip and stylish high-end city bike designed for fun on cruises, commutes, and trips around town. It has a quiet, low-maintenance Gates CDN belt drive system with an 8-speed Shimano Alfine internal hub for smooth, crisp shifting. It's right for you if... You're looking for a city bike that has it all—style, speed, and super nice parts. You want a hip, high-end bike with an awesome drivetrain and loads of ride-ready accessories. The tech you get A lightweight Alpha Smooth Aluminum frame with a comfortable upright geometry, a quiet Gates belt drive with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub, and a Shimano dynamo front hub that powers your lights. Plus, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, fenders, comfortable ergonomic grips, an adjustable stem, MIK-compatible rear rack, and wide, stable tires with reflective sidewalls. The final word District 4's sleek, streamlined look lets you hit the town in style. Plus, every ride you take will be filled with fun, thanks to high-end parts like the quiet Gates belt drive and the smooth-shifting Shimano Alfine internal hub. Why you'll love it - The Gates belt drive system is more durable than a standard chain, virtually maintenance-free, and almost silent while you're riding - The premium-quality Shimano Alfine internal hub gives you a clean look, effortless shifting, and a wide gear range - It comes equipped with lights, fenders, a kickstand, and a rear rack so you're ready to ride right from the start - This bike is exceedingly versatile, and capable of everything from leisurely cruises to weekday commutes - When your bike is dependable, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the ride

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

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Trek District 4 Equipped

District 4 Equipped is a hip and stylish high-end city bike designed for fun on cruises, commutes, and trips around town. It has a quiet, low-maintenance Gates CDN belt drive system with an 8-speed Shimano Alfine internal hub for smooth, crisp shifting. It's right for you if... You're looking for a city bike that has it all—style, speed, and super nice parts. You want a hip, high-end bike with an awesome drivetrain and loads of ride-ready accessories. The tech you get A lightweight Alpha Smooth Aluminum frame with a comfortable upright geometry, a quiet Gates belt drive with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub, and a Shimano dynamo front hub that powers your lights. Plus, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, fenders, comfortable ergonomic grips, an adjustable stem, MIK-compatible rear rack, and wide, stable tires with reflective sidewalls. The final word District 4's sleek, streamlined look lets you hit the town in style. Plus, every ride you take will be filled with fun, thanks to high-end parts like the quiet Gates belt drive and the smooth-shifting Shimano Alfine internal hub. Why you'll love it - The Gates belt drive system is more durable than a standard chain, virtually maintenance-free, and almost silent while you're riding - The premium-quality Shimano Alfine internal hub gives you a clean look, effortless shifting, and a wide gear range - It comes equipped with lights, fenders, a kickstand, and a rear rack so you're ready to ride right from the start - This bike is exceedingly versatile, and capable of everything from leisurely cruises to weekday commutes - When your bike is dependable, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the ride

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

• District 4 Equipped Stagger