"Session 10" - the big bike was Trek's shooting star for the 2006 season. The much more all-round "Remedy" only played an extra role at the presentations. Despite the organic-looking hydroformed top tube and the elegantly curved rear triangle, the dark red enduro bike doesn't attract much attention. A pity, because behind the rather unspectacular exterior there are a whole lot of inner values: the "Remedy 66" weighs just 14.1 kilos - and that with enduro suspension travel of around 150 millimetres. With 62.9 Newton metres per degree of deflection, the "Remedy" chassis is also quite stiff. Trek does not even compromise in favour of lightweight construction. Stable wheels with 2.5 inch wide tyres and a Manitou "Nixon" fork with thru-axle are evidence of this. So much for the values from the BIKE test lab.
There are also mostly positive things to report in the riding test: Uphill, the long top tube gives you a stretched riding position - the power transfer is reminiscent of a cross-country orientated bike. It's just a pity that the "Nixon" fork has no levelling adjustment. Despite the sporty riding position, the bike climbs relatively early on steep ramps.
Downhill, the "Remedy" rides like it's on rails. The long wheelbase is mainly responsible for this. However, together with the stretched seating position, this ensures that angled single trails and tight, trial-like bends almost become torture.
The suspension with Manitou air suspension elements is convincing across the board: it is well balanced at the front and rear, can be adjusted perfectly to body weight and riding style and has plenty of travel, especially at the rear. If there's anything to complain about on fast downhills, it's the tyres: Bontrager's "Big Earl" tyres may be good for American fireroads, but on rocky European trails the grip is rather disappointing.
CONCLUSION: The "Remedy" is a stable, lightweight enduro bike for fast trails. Friends of technical trials are better off with something more manoeuvrable.
