Amasa Back Trail, Moab/Utah - an exquisite terrain to test the new weight-optimised Remedy Carbon 9.9 top model. Varied, flowing, occasionally blocked, with many technical climbs - ideal conditions for demanding the full potential of an all-mountain bike. The Remedy top model will cost 5999 euros.
While the 2009 Remedy with 160 millimetres of travel (Fox 36 fork) was still clearly in the Enduro class, the 2010 model with its 32 mm fork, 150 millimetres of fork travel and lightweight carbon frame has moved into the All-Mountain class. The climbing ability is correspondingly outstanding: even high steps can be negotiated almost effortlessly. Despite this, the riding position remains comfortably upright and the front wheel (with the fork lowered) is always on the ground. The Remedy has also lost very little of its reserves on downhills.
The RP-2 DRCV damper, which Trek engineers developed together with Fox, is used at the rear. It has a second air chamber that only switches on after about a third of the suspension travel. This is to prevent bottoming out. You quickly get used to the rear suspension because the bike dives less into the suspension travel than conventional suspension systems, both in fast corners and on steps. Nevertheless, it still provides full suspension travel on drops or hard hits. The Remedy, with its butted head tube and 15-millimetre front axle, has very direct handling and transmits every turn of the handlebars precisely to the front wheel. You don't feel any influence from the drive - neither bobbing nor pedal kickback spoil the riding pleasure.
In terms of equipment, the top model shines with everything that is good, light and expensive: Shimano XTR cranks, SRAM X.0 drivetrain, Avid Elixir CR Mag brakes. This leaves the scales at 12.7 kilos (with tubeless tyres - not standard), which is around half a kilo lighter than the aluminium Remedy 8 version we tested (3499 euros, BIKE 11/09 ->).
Who needs the Remedy Carbon? The 2010 Remedy won't say no to a moderate trip to the bike park, but that's certainly not its main strength. If you want to take the bike on extended tours (or cross the Alps) with crisp descents, this is the best bike for you. The entire equipment fits in with this, especially the telescopic seat post. The difference between the two carbon and two aluminium models does not seem as dramatic as the price list suggests after the first comparative rides.
Price5999 Euro
Spring travel front/rear: 150/150 millimetres*
Weight12.7 kg incl. pedals
Frame sizes15.5/17.5/18.5/19.5/21.5 inch
Fork/damperFox 32 Talas Fit RLC 15QR/Fox RP2 DRCV
BrakesAvid Elixir CR Mag
Tyres: Bontrager XDX 2.4 inch
Seat postCrankbrothers Joplin Remote
*Manufacturer information
Web: www.trekbikes.com
Photos: Craig Glasspell, Sterling Lorence, Stephan Ottmar
