The Trek Powerfly set standards in the E-MTB sector early on, and now the US brand has presented the new models. The innovations in brief: Trek relies on the slim Powertube battery from Bosch, which disappears completely into the down tube. There will also be an elegant, lighter carbon version of the sporty Powerfly LT. According to Trek, the proven, classic geometry remains untouched.
Until now, Trek had the conventional, shorter and slightly lighter Bosch standard battery intelligently packed into the down tube and was therefore ahead of its time when it was launched on the market. When integrating the Powertube battery for the new model series, the engineers placed particular emphasis on uncomplicated handling. The result is a very slim down tube and a visually strong integration. The charging hatch opens without tools and is located on the drive side of the down tube (right), making it easy to reach when the bike is lying down or leaning against the ground. A convenient folding handle is attached to the battery and the cover plate is also firmly attached to the energy carrier. This should prevent a complicated puzzle from following the removal of the battery or the individual parts ending up in the dirt. The downside: If you want to take a spare battery with you, you also have to carry the cover and the handle twice.
The Trek Powerfly range 2019
Trek is equipping the long-travel Powerfly LT models (160/150 millimetres of travel), the Powerfly FS (130 millimetres) and the hardtails with the new Powertube integration. There will be an affordable model of all bikes that uses the old battery integration with Bosch Powerpack. All Powerflys will continue to rely on the Bosch Performance CX drive. Top: The new models should be available from dealers immediately.
Trek Powerfly LT: The highlights of the new models
- 12-speed SRAM Eagle on all models
- E-MTB-specific add-on parts (4-piston brakes, robust wheels, E-specific suspension forks, reinforced tyre carcasses)
- 27.5 x 2.8 inch tyres
- Bontrager dropper post now with 150 millimetre stroke
- Space for a large water bottle in the frame triangle
- Proven Bosch Performance CX drive
The carbon version of the Powerfly LT (the other Trek Powerflys are only available in aluminium) is said to save around 650 grams. According to Trek, a lot of weight has been reduced, particularly in the area of the motor mount.
Riding impression: How the Trek Powerfly LT rides on the trail
We have already had the opportunity to test ride the new Powerfly LT 9. The trails in the home of Trek athlete René Wildhaber offered perfect conditions for this. In the Heidiland region, there was a mix of rocky and wooded terrain and moderate to challenging uphill and downhill trails. As usual, the Trek Powerfly LT impressed with its enormous safety. Uphill, even steep climbs are possible without much weight shifting, and the bike makes it easy for less experienced riders in particular to tackle even nasty climbs. Professionals benefit when it comes to pushing the limits of what is possible. This is largely due to the long chainstays. The wide plus tyres also play their part and provide enormous traction with the right air pressure.
Even downhill, safety and riding stability are at the top of the list. The suspension is plush, the wide tyres provide comfort and the long geometry takes the fear out of steep climbs. However, the 70 millimetre stem was clearly too long for us. We achieved better handling and more control with a 50 mm model. The Trek Powerfly LT feels comfortable at high speeds, but tight bends require a lot of physical effort. If you are looking for an e-mountainbike that is as playful as possible, you will find more manoeuvrable companions.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
