When the test bike was handed over, the weather was as gray as the bike. It comes in a discreet design, metallic paint in anthracite and chrome lettering. "Please take a photo of the bike in sunny weather," we are told. The question of "why" is answered with "See then".

Two days later, the sky is bright blue, the rail is pushed out of the workshop and wow, the paintwork glistens in every imaginable color, amazing. The look couldn't be more extreme, from gray to mega mica. All right, photos are taken in the sunshine!

The bike itself has a revised geometry, as the battery size has increased from 625 to 750 watt hours. This means it needs a longer down tube, which stretches the reach and also the wheelbase. The scales display also "moves" by 1.6 kilograms and remains at 24.2 kilos.

What makes the new Rail series so special? "From model year 2022, all Rail 9.9 and 9.8 models will be equipped with Bosch's new Smart System and have a frame geometry specially optimized for use with the new, larger battery. Compared to other e-MTBs, these Rail models are therefore much more powerful and offer riders even more range. The top models are also equipped with Tyre Wiz and Air Wiz, allowing the rider to keep an eye on the pressure in the tires, fork and shock at all times - without the need for a pump or pressure gauge. So nothing stands in the way of unlimited fun on the trails."

Statement by: Veit Hammer, Content and PR Manager, Trek

Special features

• Effect paint finish
• Display on the top tube
• Mino-Link flip chip
• ABP rear suspension system
• Mounting option for side stand

On the flat

Despite its increased length, the new Rail is slightly more compact than its predecessor. This is due to the steeper seat angle. On flat terrain, the bike handles a little more sluggishly than usual, which is where the long wheelbase becomes noticeable. So instead of being a lazy passenger, you have to "lift your butt", ride actively and the bike will be fun to ride through the bends.

Up the mountain

In typical E-bike fashion, pedaling up moderate climbs is relaxed. If it gets really steep, the Rail remains unimpressed, a little push and on you go. Thanks to the sporty riding position, you can pedal hard and really "fly" uphill. A low front end increases what you can do on rough trails. You can master these with ease in E-MTB mode. If you are riding in "turbo" mode, you often hit obstacles with too much force, the suspension bounces and the risk of bumps increases.

Downhill

Like its predecessor, the new version sits firmly on the trail. The suspension offers a lot of travel and impresses with its ability to swallow. With 30 percent negative suspension travel, the rear end provides good feedback from the ground in the first half of the stroke, after which it "loses" itself in softness. If you prefer it firmer, reduce the SAG slightly and you'll be fine. The front end is high and it needs a little bit of support for enough pressure on the front wheel or you can remove spacers, otherwise the rail tends to oversteer. As mentioned above, the E-MTB likes an active riding style and rewards you with good control and a hefty portion of riding fun, even around tight bends.

Conclusion

The Trek Rail has grown: it is longer, has more range, has gained weight and also costs a fair bit more than before. It is not for "lazy" passengers, active riders benefit from an excellent chassis that delivers top performance both uphill and downhill. The liveliness of its predecessor has been lost, but there is more "juice" in the down tube. As for the paintwork, it's simply amazing and nowadays mica looks good on men too.

Recommendation

Remove the spacers under the stem and lower the front end for better control of the front wheel. Experimenting with the rebound is worthwhile at the front and rear. Just one click more or less makes a big difference and increases riding performance.

Specifications

Geometry

All data here: Link

Manufacturer

www.trekbikes.com

Test report published in issue 79 of Ride magazine.