First Ride Review: Trek’s All-New Gen 5 Rail+ eMTB Gets More of Everything

Treks Rail+ has been the brand’s mid-travel, full-power eMTB offering since it was first introduced back in 2019. Since then it has evolved with category trends with each version becoming more advanced than the next. The fifth generation Rail+ was a mature well-rounded design bike but to stay ahead of the highly competitive ebike landscape, Trek has redesigned the Rail+ with an updated drive unit, increased travel, and more adjustability to keep it at the forefront of the eMTB category.

Trek sticks with Bosh’s Performance Line XC drive unit for the new Rail+ but switches to the new fifth-generation design. The latest updates focus on reducing weight, refining mounting, and minimizing noise. The motor is now claimed to be 0.2 pounds lighter and features a new two-bolt mounting system, replacing the previous three-bolt setup. Additionally, the drive unit’s gearbox has been redesigned to reduce rattle and noise while providing 50% less pedaling resistance.

Trek’s new RIB 2.0 battery mounting system is designed to ensure larger batteries stay firmly in place without rattling. The system is made to allow for quick battery removal, making it easier to charge off the bike, transport on a rack or fly with the bike. With just a ¼ turn of an 8mm hex key, the battery releases, while an optional extra tension bolt provides added stability for riders tackling extra-aggressive terrain. A secondary retention latch is designed to further prevent accidental drops.

Bosch has introduced two new PowerTube batteries designed to complement the motor system, utilizing higher energy density cells for improved performance. The new 800-watt-hour PowerTube weighs 8.6 pounds, making it nearly a pound lighter than the previous PowerTube 750, which weighed 9.5 pounds. The 600-watt-hour version is even lighter, coming in at just 7.9 pounds. Trek chose to use the 800-watt-hour battery in the new Rail but the lighter 600-watt-hour can be used thanks to a spacer that goes in the top battery mount.

Bosch’s PowerMore 250 is fully compatible with the system too, providing extra range for those going on really long rides. This compact 3.3-pound extender quickly swaps in place of Bosch’s side-loading bottle cage using a quick-release mount, allowing for installation in seconds. The new Bosch system uses a Bluetooth wireless handlebar Bosch Mini Remote in conjunction with a top tube display and as with the previous systems, this one is fully customizable via Bosch’s Flow app.

Trek’s new Gen 5 Rail+’s carbon frame now adopts a mixed-wheel (MX) setup except for the size small which sees 27.5-inch wheels front and rear. Geometry is similar to the previous model with a 64.5-degree head tube angle, but it’s now adjustable by ±1 degree with angle-adjust cups for customized handling. It also comes with a 77-degree effective seat tube angle and a 450mm reach in size medium. The upper Mino Link suspension rocker arm is adjustable with a flip chip that comes set in the Low position, giving the bike a 338mm bottom bracket height. Switching to the High position steepens the head tube angle to 65 degrees and raises the bottom bracket to 345mm, allowing riders to fine-tune handling and crank/pedal clearance.

Increased dropper post insertion allows for the use of longer travel posts and all four frame sizes allow for at least a 21 ounce water bottle. The frame also includes a mini fender, chain guide, and noise reducing chainstay guard.

Suspension travel has been increased from 150mm to 160mm on the new Rail+. It still relies on Trek’s Active Braking Pivot (ABP) suspension design that features a concentric pivot point at the rear axle, which allows the suspension to remain active and independent of braking forces much like a four bar Horst Link design. New on this bike is a Leverage rate flip chip located on the shock’s lower mount. It comes in the less progressive 19% progression position while Trek says the the more progressive position (24%) is for those running coil shocks or looking for more bottom-out resistance. Trek matches all Rail+ frames to a 160mm travel fork.

There are five different Rail+ models ranging in price from $5,500 for the Rail+ 5 to $11,500 for the 9.9 X0 AXS version.

ON THE TRAIL

We have been riding a Rail+ 9.8 GX for a week and have been impressed with its overall performance. Our size medium test bike hit the scales at 52.4 pounds. With one of the more powerful drive units in the market, the Rail is naturally a good climber. But it’s not just the abundant torque and power of the Bosch system that makes it good. The Rail+’s rear suspension pedals efficiently and actively over rough uneven trails making it easy to keep forward momentum on smooth and rough accents alike.

Downhills are just as impressive as the climbs. In the standard settings, it has a do it all feel that let’s the rider charge hard. We just started playing with the flip chips and most riders seem to be preferring the more progressive rear suspension setting so far. Overall, this bike has a lot in common with the Santa Cruz Vala and that’s a very good thing but there are a few key differences that we will be exploring the the long term review.

For more inforation, please visit https://www.trekbikes.com