From semi-integrated to integrated doesn't seem like a big step, but the frame of Trek's latest Powerfly has a peculiarity: instead of the battery being accessible from below or above, the battery is attached or removed from the side. The advantage of this is that the battery compartment is better protected and you don't have to reach into the dirt. The ideal access Trek's engineers studied many systems beforehand and then agreed that the best access is on the drive side.

The battery pack is released with the turn of a key - it then pops out of the side of the battery compartment, but does not fall out. The battery is then pulled out completely using a small handle. The 500 watt-hour battery can be charged both on the bike and externally.

The battery and the contacts are protected by a cover that perfectly seals the shaft. It and the battery form a single unit, whereby the cover is not a Bosch product but an addition from Trek. The system can be opened and closed without tools but with the key supplied. Another advantage of the new frame is that it offers enough space for a bottle cage.

Materials and models

The frame of the top model is 650 grams lighter thanks to the use of carbon. But that's not all: the motor mount alone can be formed from a single piece, which is easier than forging the part from aluminum. This should also increase the lateral stiffness and the design is also much more seamless. In addition, the Powerfly LT 9.9 and LT 9.7 frames offer the option of mounting a Wolf Tooth "B-RAD Strap and Accessory Mount" for small items on the underside of the top tube. Bike also comes in aluminum.

The Powerfly family is made up as follows: There are two LT-Plus models with 150 millimeters of travel in carbon and their three with aluminum frames. Six Powerfly models come as FS variants with 130 millimetres of travel at the rear, two of them in the Plus version, two with normal tire widths and two models as women's versions 7 and 5. A total of seven Powerfly models are hardtails - three as men's models and three as women's models. The Powerfly Sport version "only" comes with a semi-integrated battery and with mudguards, lights and pannier rack for touring or everyday use.

The Trek Powerfly LT 9.9 Plus is available from specialist dealers for 8,899.00 francs, the aluminum top model rolls out of the bike store for 6,399.00 francs, the short-stroke FS variant for 6,199.00 francs. The most expensive hardtail model costs just under 4,300 francs, while the sports version with everyday equipment is available for just under 3,000 francs.

Components and geometry

Trek's new Powerfly models are equipped specifically for e-mountainbikes. For example, wide 32-hole rims with downhill impact standard and robust suspension fork models from Fox, Rock Shox and Suntour are used. For the seatpost, Trek relies on Bontrager's new Drop Line seatpost, which is not only more resistant, but can also be adjusted with just one key size.

The Long Travel models also have four-piston brakes with sintered brake pads which, compared to organic pads, are not only more durable when braking for long periods but also have a longer service life. Sintered pads can be found on the LT models Powerfly 9.9, 9.7, 9, 7, 5 and 4.

For the first time, Trek is using Sram's Eagle groupset on the 9-series Powerfly LT and FS models. This is made possible by the robust NX cassette with 11 to 50 teeth, which also gives e-mountainbike fans access to the wider gear range.

Trek also doesn't do things by halves when it comes to the choice of tires: The Bontrager XR4 in 27.5 x 2.8 inch dimensions have a reinforced sidewall that is more resistant, especially for e-mountainbike use.

Not only the components but also the geometry are specific to e-bikes. But nothing is new here. The geometry of the previous models has been transferred to the new bikes, as it has proven its worth. The most important feature is the chainstay length, which is deliberately longer than that of other manufacturers. The focus is not only on agility but also on traction when riding uphill, where short stays are more of a disadvantage.

www.trekbikes.com