The Trek Rail+ is a Trek classic and has always been equipped with Bosch's Performance Line CX. The bike has received numerous updates over the years. In 2020, the Rail+ was positioned as a sporty trail machine between the tamer Powerfly and the more aggressive Enduro Slash+. Two years ago, the Geo was modernised and the battery capacity was upgraded from 625 to 750 watt hours. The e-bike received its last update for the 2023/2024 model change, but the changes were marginal. The Americans said goodbye to Bosch's Kiox display. Instead, there was the Bosch Smart System with mini-remote and Bosch system controller in the top tube. The suspension travel of 160/150 millimetres and the 29er wheels remained constant throughout this development.
The latest generation was far more than just a model upgrade. Because of course the Americans are now also focussing on the new Bosch Performance Line CX with a long-range 800 watt-hour battery and additional range extender option. The rear suspension travel has also been increased to 160 millimetres. Last but not least, the geometry of the Trek Rail+ has been adapted to modern trends, and the geo is also adjustable thanks to MinoLink.
The Trek Rail+ at a glance
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85 Newton metres
- Battery: 800 watt hours, removable
- Option of Bosch "PowerMore" range extender
- Suspension travel: 160/160 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Adjustable geometry
- Frame: Carbon
- Sizes S, M, L, XL
- Weight: n.a.
- Six model variants from 6499 to 12,999 euros
Which target group is Trek addressing with the Rail+?
With an extra large battery capacity (800 battery plus range extender option), powerful Bosch drive and modern geometry, the new Trek Rail+ presents itself as a high-performance big mountain bike. Target group: Riders who want to cover long distances on rough trails with plenty of support power and lots of suspension travel for confidence and control. Trek is thus positioning the Rail+ as a powerful all-mountain bike for demanding terrain.
Bosch Performance Line CX: the new Bosch drive unit in the Trek Rail+
The Trek Rail+ is powered by the new Performance Line CX from Bosch. With a maximum of 85 Nm and 600 watts, it is very similar to the previous model. However, the motor is lighter and quieter, and the ride feel has become even smoother. The fact that the motor no longer rattles downhill makes a high-quality impression. Trek relies on the large 800 battery for the Rail+, which can be folded forwards out of the frame in the classic way. At 3.9 kilos, the 800 battery is significantly lighter than the previous Bosch Powertube with 750 watt hours and 4.3 kilos. Unfortunately, Trek does not specify the total weight, so it is not yet clear to what extent the weight saving pays off in total. For particularly long rides, you also have the option of attaching the PowerMore range extender from Bosch to the down tube. You then have 250 extra watt hours in the tank. If you don't need this super range, you can also switch to the smaller 600 battery from Bosch. It can be stowed in the down tube of the Trek Rail+ using a special adapter. The command centre on Trek's big mountain bike consists of Bosch's mini remote on the handlebars and the Bosch system controller in the top tube. This guarantees quick mode changes and a clear view of the support level and battery life, while the cockpit remains clean.
The geometry of the Trek Rail+
Trek has adapted the geometry of the Rail+ to current trends, and there are also multiple options for adapting the geometry to individual preferences and physical conditions. Thanks to MinoLink, for example, the height of the bottom bracket can be adjusted by 7 millimetres and the steering angle by half a degree. The Rail+ is also compatible with angle-adjustable headset shells (available separately) - this allows the steering angle to be set one degree steeper or slacker.
For more downhill performance on steep slopes and manoeuvrability on technical trails, the Rail+ comes with a mullet wheel mix, i.e. 29˝ front wheel and 27.5˝ rear wheel. A 77.5 degree steep seat angle (size L, MinoHigh) should guarantee good climbing characteristics. The reach is long at 495 millimetres in size L, while the chainstay length is moderately short at 446 millimetres.
Geometry data
Models and prices of the Trek Rail+
Trek is launching six model variants of the Rail+. It starts with the entry-level model Rail 8 for 6499 euros and ends with the top model Rail 9.9 XX AXS for 6499 euros. The Rail 5 with Bosch Gen 4 drive for 5499 euros also remains in the programme. The three cheaper models Rail 8, Rail 9.7 and Rail 9.8 GX AXS are each available in two colour variants, while the three more expensive models Rail XT, Rail XO AXS and Rail XX AXS are each available in five colour variants.
Trek Powerfly+: E-Hardtail and E-SUV with new Bosch CX drive for everyday use and tame terrain
Trek has also adapted its Powerfly models to modern trends - with a new drive and revised geometry. The centrepiece of both the Powerfly fully and hardtail is the new Bosch Performance Line CX drive.
More suspension travel for better trail performance
With the Powerflys, Trek is targeting the widest possible target group. The e-bikes should be equally suitable for commuting as well as epic mountain adventures. The full suspension models now offer 120 millimetres at the rear wheel (previously 115 mm) and 130 millimetres at the front (previously 120 mm). The hardtail still comes with a 120 mm suspension fork, but now with modern geometry dimensions. This should ensure dynamic handling and a confident riding experience on single trails. Both the fully and the new Powerplay hardtail are equipped with mounts for pannier racks, mudguards and side stands, so that they can be flexibly configured as robust utility vehicles or trail-optimised bikes.
Motor and battery integration as with the Rail+
Both bikes are available with either a 600 Wh or 800 Wh battery. The Bosch battery on the Powerfly models is also fixed in place with Trek's own RIB 2.0 technology (Removable Integrated Battery). According to Trek, the battery mount should be particularly secure and prevent battery rattling. If you want to increase the range even further, you can also fit the PowerMore Range Extender from Bosch on the down tube - this provides an extra 250 watt hours.
For more comfort, better rollover behaviour and more riding stability, the Powerfly+ is equipped with 29-inch wheels. The frame also offers sufficient space for wide, high-traction tyres. Size S models, on the other hand, are fitted with 27.5-inch wheels, which gives smaller riders more standover height and agile handling.
Models and prices of the Trek Powerfly+
The full-suspension Powerfly+ as well as the hardtail come in three model versions, each also in a version with complete equipment for everyday use. The model versions 4 and 6 come with a Bosch Purion 200 display, the 8 models with Bosch Kiox 300. The everyday equipment includes mudguards, pannier rack and kickstand.
Powerfly+ HT
- Powerfly 4: 3,299 euros; aluminium frame, Shimano Cues, SR Suntour XCR 34
- Powerfly 4 EQ: 3,599 euros; aluminium frame, Shimano Cues, SR Suntour XCR 34, everyday equipment
- Powerfly 6: 3,999 euros; aluminium frame, Shimano Deore/XT, RockShox Recon Silver, telescopic seatpost
- Powerfly 8: 4,999 euros; aluminium frame, Shimano SLX/XT, Fox AWL Rail, telescopic seatpost
Powerfly+ FS
- Powerfly FS 4: 4,499 euros; aluminium frame, Shimano Cues, RockShox Recon Silver, telescopic seatpost
- Powerfly FS 4 EQ: € 4,799; aluminium frame, Shimano Cues, RockShox Recon Silver, dropper post, everyday equipment
- Powerfly FS 6: 5,699 euros; aluminium frame, Shimano Deore/XT, Fox AWL Rail, telescopic seatpost
- Powerfly FS 8: 6,999 euros; aluminium frame, Sram GX Eagle AXS, Fox Rhythm 36 Float, telescopic seatpost
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
