$12,000 Trek Rail 9.9 e-MTB - Is It Worth It?

Watch our full-length e-MTB Test Sessions Video where we compare the Norco Sight VLT 29, Trek Rail 9.9, Santa Cruz Heckler and Specialized Turbo Levo SL - • E-MTB Group Test! - Fo...
If you're new to e-MTB, make sure you're riding on trails designated for e-bike use. Ask your local bike shop or advocacy group if you're unsure.
Our e-bike test was filmed in Boise and Idaho City, Idaho, using only off-road and motorcycle trails.
#electricbike #emtb #trek
Trek Rail 9.9 Specs
Travel: 150mm (5.9-inches) rear // 160mm (6.3-inches) front
Wheel Size: 29-inch
Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX Gen4 // 250 Watts // 75Nm torque (updatable to 85Nm)
Battery: 625Wh
Suspension Design: ABP (Active Braking Pivot)
Frame Material: Carbon
Measured Weight: 48.9-pounds (22.2kg, without pedals)
Size Tested: Large
Model Tested: 9.9 X01 AXS
Warranty: Lifetime
MSRP: $11,999 USD as tested // Models start at $4,999
More Info: www.trekbikes.com
Within just a few minutes of riding, the Bosch CX-equipped 29-inch Trek Rail gives the immediate impression of e-MTB dominance. Extra effort on this bike is rewarded more than any other since the motor just keeps on pulling, giving that a little bit of consistent extra torque that makes it amazing in scenarios where you're pushing things to the max. The Rail also won the Energizer Bunny Award for the best battery longevity in our test.
Ultimately, the Trek Rail does everything pretty well, making it one of the best all-rounders in the test. With descending characteristics you'd expect from your favorite Trek mountain bike, the Rail is easy to ride and even easier to climb with its snappy torque and steady pull. If budget is of no concern, the 9.9 build is near the top of the pecking order in the E-MTB landscape. It's not as playful or charismatic as some of the others, but this tuxedo-looking bike symbolizes class and intention with a big win on battery life.

[@vitalmtb]

Our e-bike test was filmed in Boise and Idaho City, Idaho, using off-road and motorcycle trails. Watch our full-length e-MTB Test Sessions Video where we compare the Norco Sight VLT 29, Trek Rail 9.9, Santa Cruz Heckler and Specialized Turbo Levo SL - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmqQZaV_atd1qaM

[@galawanglalaki4739]

Are you open for sponsorship sir?

[@pnwmotocross]

Put those bikes up against the S-Works Turbo Levo. Specialized is years ahead of the curve. Or the Kenevo expert.

[@WillieGSTi]

I own Rail 9.9 and I regret buying it. Front suspension hits carbon body causing damaged to paint and carbon fiber. Seems like there is design issues with suspension that they pick 2021 model. Simple washed out crash Knock Block will not protect your carbon fiber frame. Trek manager just walk out on me when mentioned about the issues. But customer service on their part.

[@WillieGSTi]

Bad customer service on their part.

[@JacobTJ1]

great review, I am convinced..Ii am going to go pick the $200 Walmart Bike

[@rambo64bit82]

$25 thrift store bike

[@donkingdonkey4764]

😂 exactly

[@antcramp]

I’ve had the 2021 aluminium Rail9 for a month now, demoed the Levo, Decoy and SightVLT. The Rail was an easy winner. Bontrager tyres and dropper can go straight in the bin though.... Great videos, cheers.

[@gifiuddyafinchhhhhcjfkfjcx5184]

That’s a cool motorcycle

[@scality4309]

Sorry, but 12K for a bike is absurd.

[@charliehugo]

12 grand and the shock is still terrible typical trek overpricing the hell out of everything

[@mixalis6168]

Hmmm typical cycling industry, overpricing all

[@lukasbormann4830]

@@mixalis6168 nope not all brands 😂

[@RyanMcNatt]

Curoius why you say it is terrible

[@granterickson7588]

ez, than dont buy it

[@Paulo-zr5zo]

Wait a little longer and the next gen batteries will do wonders to these.

[@gdog4323]

Are there new batteries on the horizon?

[@bernieboi8943]

@@gdog4323 not yet. Will take atleast 2 years imo. Tesla has a nice battery update incoming. Perhaps those will trickle down towards ebike.

[@leereiyuu]

"little longer" Since nothing has changed in 3 years and still no news in sight; this comment did not age well. :D

[@BMfins]

Well I can dream.

[@hi9580]

Buy used.

Beautiful bikes! May I ask your height guys and what size bikes did you test?

[@vitalmtb]

all that info is on our in-depth report here - www.vitalmtb.com/features/Vital-MTB-Test-Sessions-Four-Exciting-Electric-Mountain-Bikes-Reviewed-Head-to-Head,2924

[@jamessones4044]

Let’s hope the price comes down so we can all maybe enjoy these.

[@tylerbacklund9315]

these comments don't realize that this bike is not meant for the average person haha

[@tl8142]

Well yes i agree… this kind if bike was made for a specific purpose/people.

[@Banannalands]

I refuse to “download an update” for my mountain bike.

[@chaxologist2024]

2:58 Cornering tips on Trek Rail

[@LifeisGood-ye8rl]

Can I carry a passenger with this bike?

[@justsayin3600]

I'm 220lbs. With a 50lb bike and all my gear I would have to have a freaking motor on it just to get around.

[@SpencerBaum]

thats...why it has a motor

[@adityamarfa4928]

Bike for a millionare 😉😉😉

[@cmarkme]

12k ..its a great bike for 8k, at a push..

[@pnwmotocross]

Sorry but put that thing up against the S-Works Turbo Levo and my guess is the Trek gets left in the dust.

[@smattgoss]

No the trek is the better bike best motor too

[@pnwmotocross]

@@smattgoss haha ok. Whatever you say.

[@dignamshane]

@@pnwmotocross kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHXZqHxpabKNqMU. That’s a link to a comparison between a Specialized Levo ( not S Works) and a Rail Aluminium. The Levi got 7/10 while the Rail got 9/10.

[@denicetonetti5991]

I own both, Trek Rail FTW

[@noejuliansaavedra]

$12,000 HAHAHAHAHAHA. 😂😂😂😂😂👎👎👎👎👎

[@noejuliansaavedra]

@@doodsmxmtb8811 At that price I buy a tesla.😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@tylerbacklund9315]

@@noejuliansaavedra teslas are like 30 grand minimum lol

[@noejuliansaavedra]

@@tylerbacklund9315 😂👌

[@charliehugo]

12 grand and the shock is still horrible

[@riteandleft]

I think it's amazing value. You don't. We're all different.

[@mrlaforgephysics]

Ya know, there are cheaper options...

[@rabrumf]

Never use anything from Titanic to describe anything....ever.

[@howejohn1]

I like how your dropper post can run out of battery on an e-bike.

[@ianmangham4570]

Wow, 12k for a tank

[@stusrambles]

1/2 the price of my first house in Cape Town

[@Jamarkus_Delvonte]

this is a good budget bike but is there one better?

[@djblast101]

Heh heh bosch'd it get it

[@jimmykatsaounis3476]

Great review. I would beg ,borrow,steal to be on a e bike . At this age it’s better than sex .

[@dano727]

Nope !

[@jasonw820]

That suspension looks underpowered for the weight

[@slayden633]

Yt decoy........ that is all

[@TylerOnF1re]

Hi

[@tylerbacklund9315]

hi

[@dialledalloyedits3469]

hi

[@chriskros8858]

12000? it is crazy two such bikes equal my Mercedes c class 3 years old.

[@MinskUK]

My Mercedes was rubbish on trails though 🙂

[@chriskros8858]

@@MinskUK of coarse but every car has many many of expensive components and bicycle not. The relation of prices seem crazy and much exaggerated.

[@BobRooney290]

i mean, $13k and 5 seconds to chop off the lock with a grinder. great job, trek. not worth it.

[@lukerisser9163]

That is one of the ugliest bikes I’ve seen

[@krispewkrem3]

You could buy a Ducati. Orrrrr a mountain bike that has some pedal assist…. The fuck? Mountain bikes are insane.

[@joeyolaes2474]

Effin cheaters!!!!!!

[@DeeJayEll]

Who are they racing?

[@jasonlewis6914]

E mountain biking is not mountain biking.

[@Kromer0]

Alas, the gatekeeper! Probably arguing cars with an automatic are not real cars.