Trek has proven in recent years that it can build fast and efficient full-suspension mountain bikes with the Fuel EX, the Remedy and the Slash. Only at the last Eurobike did Trek with the Re:aktiv damper technology underpinned its pioneering role. At the same time, Trek has launched its new Powerfly+ FS e-mountainbike line presented (BIKE reported). Unlike the Fuel EX, Remedy & Co., the Powerfly+ was not developed in the USA, but exclusively in Europe. This makes sense, as Trek is targeting the European market with its E-Fullys, which is the largest in the world when it comes to sporty electric mobility on two wheels.
Trek Powerfly+ FS: The special features
Trek's rear suspension is based on its full-suspension range. The Powerfly+ FS is a so-called "full floater". This means that the shock sits between two moving mounts. This is intended to eliminate drive influences that occur when pedalling as far as possible and at the same time make the rear triangle sensitive to small impacts. Trek gives the Powerfly+ FS 120 millimetres of travel with the Rock Shox Monarch shock, which is used in all three models. The lower pivot point should not be placed too far back and as far down as possible. Trek has achieved this by making the cover for the Bosch mid-motor slimmer and smaller. Another advantage of this slimmer motor cover is that the chainstays are relatively short for a 27.5-inch fully with an e-drive. They measure exactly 470 millimetres.
Centrepiece of the Powerfly+ FS: The Bosch motor
However, the slimmer motor cover is just one detail. The cable routing has also been integrated into the cover and a small guide has been integrated to prevent the chain from jumping off. Another Trek-exclusive detail is the solid aluminium protective shield (motor armour) on the underside of the motor, which protects the electric drive from damage and impacts when it is touched down.
Nice gimmick: A nose protrudes from the front of the protective shield, which can be used as a bottle opener. The two models Powerfly+ FS 9 and 7 are fitted with the powerful Bosch Performance motor and 400 Wh battery. The entry-level version, the Powerfly+ FS 5, features the Active motor from Bosch with slightly less torque. But also the 400 Wh battery, i.e. the large one. In addition, all models are "Lightning ready". This means that cables for additional lighting are already routed inside the frame and are powered via the battery.
The three models of the Trek Powerfly+ FS
With three models, Trek caters for the e-mountain biker who doesn't want to do without a fully. The aluminium frame is the same on all three bikes. The top model with Rock Shox Revelation fork and Reverb dropper post costs 4499 euros. For this you get 1x11 gears with a Sram X1 drivetrain and the reliable Shimano XT stoppers. The Powerfly+ FS 9 comes in at 20.9 kilos.
The 7-series version comes with the same Bosch motor and Fox 32 Evolution fork. As Trek has dispensed with the dropper post, the bike weighs just as much as the top model despite its weaker equipment. Shifting is done on 10 gears with a Shimano XT. Like all three models, there are five different frame sizes from 15.5 to 21.5 inches. The Powerfly+ FS 7 costs 3699 euros in the shop.
Trek offers the entry-level model for 3299 euros with the Active drive from Bosch. 10 gears of the Shimano SLX, RST F1rst fork and Shimano M395 brakes add up to a weight of 21.1 kilos. Thanks to the low standover height of all bikes, you can get off comfortably and quickly in any position.
All e-mountainbikes in the e-bike catalogue
The three Trek Powerfly+ FS models and many more e-mountainbikes with all technical data and detailed purchasing advice can be found in the E-bike catalogue from 18 February at the kiosk. Here is all the information: E-bike catalogue 2015
Ride report: The Trek Powerfly+ FS 9 on tour
We have already been able to test the top model of the Trek E-Fully extensively on damp trails around Granada in the Sierra Nevada. With its compact, relatively upright riding position, the bike is reminiscent of classic all-mountain bikes. You can only feel the difference when you have to lift the fully over a few steps. Because 21 kilos is simply not something you can carry up somewhere quickly. On our 40-kilometre tour through the Spanish mountains, the E-Fully had to prove itself on 1250 metres of altitude: steep ramps with loose ground, gravel tracks, slightly ascending single trails with blocked steps and technical single trails on muddy ground. Instead of whistling at the top of my lungs on the climbs, the motor buzzes diligently, which I mostly let work in Eco mode (2 out of 5). On a conventional bike, the ramp at the start of the tour would have whipped me into a brutal cold start with a pulse of 180. Instead, I clicked two support levels higher into Sport mode (4 out of 5) and chirped over the concrete water channels as if I was just going there. Let's not get the wrong idea: You still have to pedal hard, but instead of fighting the descent, you can concentrate on the right line. However, the battery indicator acknowledges this intermediate sprint with a time-lapse battery loss.
On narrow single trails in hilly terrain, the Powerfly+ FS rides like a normal bike. The suspension is plush (not least because of the impressive overall weight), the motor kicks in with pinpoint accuracy on short intermediate bursts and the handling is agile and follows my commands on the handlebars with precision. Only when the going gets really steep can you feel that there is very little weight on the front. This is because the front wheel rises relatively quickly or tends to slip on loose ground if you don't ride actively. Downhill, I'm still hesitant at first because I don't know the bike. But a few bends further on, you can feel that the E-Fully is firmly planted on the trail and follows every steering movement. Berms, small jumps and bumps over boulders: The E-Fully's 120 millimetres of travel are easy to use (at 25% sag) and respond sensitively. But the motor also makes perfect sense downhill, as it allows you to accelerate explosively out of tight bends with half a turn of the pedals. The extra boost helps you to get back up to speed quickly after braking.
At the end of the tour, I'm wondering whether the battery will last. But with two kilometres remaining range in Sport mode, we reach our starting point after 40 kilometres and 1250 metres in altitude. It didn't feel like so much climbing. I can still feel my legs and the E-Fully is fun to ride downhill too. Despite its 21 kilos including pedals.
