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Our verdict: The ideal choice for touring enthusiasts
Now is the perfect time to hunt for bargains: full stock levels, new model releases and the end of the season are driving prices down significantly. The Trek Rail+9.8 is a flagship all-mountain bike and is particularly well suited to touring enthusiasts.
The price is now Reduced from 7,499 euros to 6,299.99 euros. However, only available in frame sizes L and XL. Subject to availability.
In our test, it impressed as a full-suspension bike suitable for touring, with a long range and high-quality spec. The long, smooth-riding geometry instils a great sense of confidence, and the comfortable suspension makes even long days in the saddle a pleasure. However, on extremely technical terrain, the bike reaches its limits both uphill and downhill. Despite the many adjustment options, we were unable to find the ideal balance in terms of handling.
Great value for money: excellent spec at a fair price
For 6,299.99 euros, it offers the Trek Rail+ Plenty of carbon: the main frame, rear triangle and shock mount are made of carbon fibre, as are the Bontrager carbon wheels. Despite the removable 800 Wh battery, the bike weighs just 23.9 kilograms in size L, which is a good figure for this class.
The spec is impressive too: the Fox Performance Elite and SRAM GX drivetrain leave little to be desired. The weak point is the now rather dated SRAM Code brakes. Compared to the significantly more responsive Maven models, their braking performance on the e-bike feels rather tame. There’s room for improvement here.
The Trek Rail+ is a long-range all-rounder
The riding position is sporty and forward-leaning: a steep seat angle, long reach and flat cockpit put pressure on the front end. Fast-rolling Bontrager tyres and the durable Bosch drive system make the Rail+ a powerful partner for long, hard-pedalling rides.
On steep technical climbs, however, the bike’s potential goes untapped. As the gradient increases, the rear end sinks deep into the suspension travel, and the mid-travel support is insufficient. The effective seat angle becomes flatter, and the front end becomes difficult to control. At the same time, ground clearance decreases, leading to more frequent pedal strikes on rocky terrain.
Rating: E-All-Mountain category
positive:
- top-of-the-range features
- comfortably tuned suspension
- smooth-running geometry
- long warranty
negative:
- loud background noise when going downhill
- sluggish handling
- Not a bike for very challenging trails
Facts and figures on the Trek Rail+ 9.8 GX AXS T-Type Gen5 (BIKE measurements)
| Price | €7,499.00 >> currently available here in sizes L and XL for €6,299.99 |
| Suspension travel | 160 mm |
| Weight | 23.92 kg |
| Engine | Bosch Performance Line CX |
| Battery | Bosch Power Tube 800 |
| Fork | Fox 38 Float Performance Elite |
| Damper | Fox Float X Performance Elite |
| Circuit | SRAM GX Eagle AXS drivetrain |
| Front brake | SRAM Code Bronze |
Laurin Lehner
Editor
