2022 Trek Rail Review - Bigger and Better Than Ever

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Monster Truck in an ebike with massive battery. I like it so much I bought one.

[@jailbreakoverlander]

music @2:30 ish is????

[@AB-NZ]

Just listened to your review again Rob. Have to say, you do amazing reviews and content on your channel. Brilliant work!

[@stevehetherington7911]

How's it's compare to the gen 3 Levo Rob?

[@thomasgersdorf2828]

Monster Truck is the right word. Much too heavy and the Bosch control unit....common it is ugly, big and for old men. With a heavy bike you always need a lot of speed to handle it. Try a 19 or 20kg EMTB and you feel the difference. A Bunny Hop or a lift over a root with low speed on a 25kg bike is like playing with a brick.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

@@thomasgersdorf2828 So how old to you consider someone to be "an old man".

[@kimfitzpatrick6076]

I just got back from my local Trek store here in Perth Western Australia and purchased my first 9.8 Rail E bike and from the moment i took it for a spin in the car park i was siging the contract. wow i cant wait to hit the trails after seeing your review. cant wait to go chasing my son around our local tracks whohoooooo.

[@samslife8073]

There is one thing I don't like about the bike ....I can't afford it 😂 as always , great content 👍🏼

[@islandaerial3414]

Look at a Powerfly. Great value and can be upgraded later

[@samslife8073]

@@islandaerial3414 i will , thanks for the info :)

[@James-hh1lq]

@@islandaerial3414 ive got the powerfly 7 2022 and its fantastic .

[@islandaerial3414]

@@James-hh1lq I've only ever seen the Powerfly 4 around here. Thought they discontinued it. 🤔

[@jamy41]

Don't be cheap, finance it....

[@dazmtb]

What a fantastic review so thank you. I’d been looking at this bike for a while, reading review after review. Reading your review really inspired me with faith with regards to its capability and the new Bosch motor and electronic features. So now I’m a proud owner of the 9.8 and it’s totally awesome so thanks again 👌🏻👊🏼

[@chm1701]

Paid or otherwise, this was a really great review, Rob. Your editing is top notch too. Trek, for me, make the best E-Bikes. They ride incredible and use a fantastic motor too. I’m not a fan of the Bosch control unit, nor am I a fan of the display on the top tube; Shimano beats this hands down, plus, I really hope they’ve managed to sort out the chainring issue, where it constantly comes loose - even though Bosch refused to admit that this was an issue. Anyway, that aside, this is one hell of a bike, because I really like Trek geometry, their details, and their suspension kinematics is sublime. Keep up the good work.

[@Domane-mh8wg]

Great vid. I just recently bought a 2021 Rail 9.7. Upgraded from a Giant Trance X E plus 29 pro. Major performance difference between the two bikes. Enjoy your new ride.

[@IT-fr4wb]

about to pick-up this model later this week/ lightly used by t sound of it… this review makes me happy w anticipation! cheers Rob from NZ

[@jasonborne5724]

Great review Rob. Like a lot of people, I can’t justify top of the line prices, so I’d like to see reviews of the entry level 9.7., compared with the Orbea and Specialized. I’m also not ready to commit to a full sized (heavy) e bike. So I’m looking for a lighter bike as I get used to the concept. I really like Trek’s battery key concept, because there aren’t many battery thieves……yet. They’ll be here soon enough. Just keep your key with your charger, you don’t need to carry it around. Love your style of review and I especially appreciate the honest criticisms, because that is rare.

[@investorrelations9826]

So glad someone else feels the insanely better feel of the Bosch. I love the bullit I have but I’m getting a rail after one ride on one. That Bosch…. Nobody else comes close.

[@link6032]

An important feature of the tirewizz is that it will link to a Garmin so you can view live tire pressures and most importantly it will notify you on the Garmin screen if your pressures drop below the set value. That is the killer feature which is not mentioned here.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Good to know, thanks for that!

[@garysharp293]

Great video!! Got the 9.8 XT coming tomorrow. Looks a masterpiece

[@DavidSmith-wy5js]

Great review , balanced & strait to the point. as for the bike its an insane amout of money & im not sure i could tell the difference between that & a £4k bike. keep em coming .

[@getstrongby4038]

They do a rail 5 which is 4k

[@thedomesticsurvivalist]

Thanks Rob! I’m sold! Been considering this bike but wasn’t sure if I would be better with something with more travel. Your review has sealed it for me 👍

[@brad1908]

I've just bought the 9.9 xtr 😁😁😁 can't wait to get it! Fingers crossed for the end of the month 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@rudik5496]

OMG: totally agree regarding the key/lock system for the battery!!!! I have a Shimano ebike but I’m actually surprised that there’s no aftermarket replacement…

[@BurkiBikes]

I ordered a 2022 Rail 9.8 XT project one. It's scheduled to arrive in March. Can't wait :=)

[@In_dependent]

very interested in how this bike compares to a new giant reign e+

[@KevinReedAlbion]

Mine is less than 24 hours old...love it already and I haven't even taken it out on the trail yet!

[@ronlind1757]

Rob... another absolute best video! This Trek looks amazing. Your detailed description of components on the Rail.. and review of climbing, descending, and handling was brilliant. Honestly, I am so torn between this Trek.. and the new Yeti 160e. Love the Bosch power platform, but the Yeti suspension and handling... tough choice! Thanks so much for sharing this review....

[@retunedas3390]

Really shocking of how the industry talkes about pricing these days….. just go in the shop and drop 12k…. do you guys know how long a doozer has to work to can effort such a vehicle? And the end we are still talking about a bicyle!!! Crazy world!!!

[@tl8142]

I have noticed it as well…i was surprised at myself of the fact that i bought my first trek fatbike 5 years ago for 2k euros. It felt like…” once i buy this it better stay with me for the rest of my life” kinda feeling

[@davidhalson4563]

Overpriced by a long way

[@revenant6910]

The actual cost to make the bike is around $650.

[@est2000]

As a Turk, if we translate currency today for Turkey , its cost 120k :)

[@chadpetrik4292]

Should just go buy a new ktm…….same $$

[@jailbreakoverlander]

the new controller works for me, I hate having to look down at top tube to see if im in correct mode whilst climbing chunky trails.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

I think it will work fine for a load of people. I can get used to it, but still think that there is space for something more minimalist :-)

[@jailbreakoverlander]

@@RobRidesEMTB I agree, I have to give it to you on the filming and editing very well done mate.

[@steveharper4017]

Great reveiw as always Rob. Just a pity they didn't go the extra mile and really integrate the display in to the top tube. Lot of money for a messy looking control system.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Sure, would look way neater if it was integrated into the top tube. Rarely see such integration with the Bosch systems, they are closed designs so manufacturers are really limited to what they can do with them. For example, its not possible to use different controllers, screens or batteries. Manufacturers have to use Bosch only parts.

[@thierrylerinckx1340]

Great review Rob, thanks! That bike promises to be wonderful. Glad I stuck with Trek when the 2021 9.8 XT I ordered in October 2020 was cancelled and replaced by this one. Knowing that the bike delivers I hope the manufacturer will deliver as promised ...... next April (18 months waiting). Wish me luck and good luck with yours (curious to hear when yours gets delivered)

[@thierrylerinckx1340]

One question: how does the paintwork fare? I have seen comments that it's very easy to scratch and chip. So order a vinyl sticker kit at once??

[@EBikeAmateur]

Thanks for the super high quality review. I can see how much effort you put into filming, editing and choosing the right topics to discuss 👌 I can only imagine the time you spent on this video - Great stuff! I cant say much about the Rail itself, since I am not the target group at all - But what I can say is, that I appreciated your coverage of the new Bosch Smart System and how it feels like in the "real world". Especially your comments about the display, the controller and the app. I am interested in buying a hardtail with this tech and your insights were really helpful 👍

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks :-) Would you like to see more on the Bosch Smart? I might make a stand alone video on it.

[@EBikeAmateur]

@@RobRidesEMTB As much as I like the potential of the Smart System and the more or less decent launch functionality, I have to agree with what you already said in this video. There are just not a lot of features yet. I would wait to produce a separate video until there are more complex features like navigation, theft protection, fitness app integration etc.

[@raymonddelapaz7927]

@@RobRidesEMTB Yes please!

[@cambike]

I have the previous Rail 9.9 axs. My rear shock failed and unable to get parts until JULY!!!!! Only shock my LBS can find is an Ohlins at £850 inc spring. Soo disappointed that the shock spare parts are not available. Love the new tech but be warned about through shaft shock parts being unavailable. Nice vid Rob.

[@matthewlaw8268]

Great review and what an awesome bike, the Rail 2021 was already one of the best all mountain e-bikes you can buy and now the 2021 has gone one step further! The only thing that worries me with that much tech if something goes wrong its going to cost you big time!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Mo tech, Mo problems! Maybe, has been good so far, but no doubt more stuff to go wrong potentially. SRAM / Bosch seem pretty dialled with the new tech these days.

[@duffymoon3716]

Awesome review. I’m about to drop on a 9.7. Having tried a Megawatt (no complaints, another great bike but for the price the Trek is better value) and Heckler (another great bike but I preferred the motor on the Trek) I’m pretty sure I’ll have no buyers regret.

[@chrisb222]

I just picked up a 2022 demo rail 5 alloy for 3500 with 20miles on it - so happy

[@tomquimby8669]

I like the suspension movement video sequences

[@Paulmac2011]

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome, been waiting for this vid for ages. 🤟🤟

[@jailbreakoverlander]

ok be totally honest which is better rail or yeti?

[@yzlvr]

Sweet review Rob, well done! How does it compare to the Gen3 Levo?

[@jailbreakoverlander]

its ALL Robs Fault that one of these is halfway to my house on a UPS truck Now, It will be replacing my 21 rail 9.9

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Sorry 'bout that. But enjoy it!!

[@thierrylerinckx1340]

REALLY ! How did you do that ??? I have been waiting for a 2021 9.8 XT that never materialized since October 2020 and I have now been "upgraded" to a 2022 (one of these ;)) for which I will have to wait (hopefully) till April. And yours is on the delivery truck!!! That's magic! So happy for you, enjoy it and say thanks to Santa!

[@dazmtb]

Fantastic review 👍🏻

[@neilbower123]

Another great review. Cheers

[@quacker998]

I went to the dealer to order one - next September, possibly. Lucky Rob. (So I got a gen2 Levo comp on sale 1k off msrp so I’m happy)

[@pauljnicholls3929]

Please can you review the new pw x3 motor ASAP Rob. I've pre ordered the Nduro 7 and I'm desperate to know whether the motor is something I should be concerned about as I've only had Bosch before. Thank you.

[@andreijorda4598]

The PW-X3 less puncy. Something between EP8 and Bosch.

[@megboo7574]

I really want another e-Bike build, I really enjoyed the Chinese build! Keep up the great work!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

More to come!

[@tommurray5156]

Just bought a 2022 9.7. I love the locking battery, but I do live in South Africa...

[@julesharman6427]

Now then….it seems the 2022 9.8 Rail has geo figures similar to your very much favoured Kenevo S5 ( which I also ride in Mullet setup). Hence why perhaps you liked it so much ? It would be super if Trek offered this “modern” geo in a bigger range (cost wise) of models. That way riders can enter lower down if budget dictates then upgrade rather than facing a 10k cost. Rob and I are of similar height and build which means bike manufacturers haven’t catered for us in design for many years, only realised when you ride a bike that actually fits. The “planted” feel is a bike that fits and one in which you are balanced front/rear. The need for longer CS on a 29 Ebike (447) means the longer reach (521) is balanced. And boy asRob rightly says you can feel it. Trek has always been top notch on kinematic and geo since the Slash 29er; the Ebike version has finally caught up at a price. Spesh did this a couple of years ago with S sizing meaning a rider could size a bike without the penalty of a long seat post. What Spesh did was to offer the same geo across the spec range allowing riders to enter at a lower (never cheap) price and build up. Much like Rob did with his last Trek Rail. I suspect that with the rave reviews we will see Trek moving to this geo across the platform. Great review Rob….reviewed the bike….bought the bike…sang the theme tune…

[@CordlezToaster]

Hi Rob, i realize this video is a few months old now have there been any updates to the apps?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yes, see my latest video on Bosch!

[@Stace2015]

Fantastic review as always!! Keep up the good work. Ps what make are the clear glasses you wearing in the test?

[@seantaylormtb7170]

Great review Rob, such good content as always. Obv as others saying £12k is a lot and if paying that you'd expect it to be a sorted bike. Be interesting to see a side-by-side with say the 9.7 that has a much inferior spec. As a £7k bike that's more likely to be in reach for most. At top end manufacturers need to be much more aware of sustainability perhaps? Love to get your thoughts on that at some point as someone heavily involved. Be tough to be rolling a +£10k bike every 18-24months due to technology/geometry changes.

[@bwdown]

@sean I was having this exact thought deciding between a 2022 9.8XT (smart system & 750wh) vs the 2022 Rail 7. The higher model wins out due to the new smart system being upgradable and the rail 7 stuck on Purion with no chance of upgrading software or larger battery or anything else. The 9.8 is 4K cheaper than the 9.9 seen here too

[@seantaylormtb7170]

@@bwdown exactly John, that on paper looks like the better option. I’m going to upgrade my Levo at some point but more likely to got for something lighter like the Orbea Rise. Have upgraded everything on my bike but it’s frustrating no option to upgrade the battery. I get it, they’d sell less bikes but perhaps need balancing with sustainability these days!! 👍🙏

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

Geez, since when is £7K (let alone £10K) a reasonable price point?? Are you all trust fund babies? I thought $4K was a huge outlay for an ebike...

[@seantaylormtb7170]

@@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb ha, no trust fund just been working my nuts off for 30yrs so I can afford some stuff I enjoy and help some others along the way bud!!! 🙏👍

[@TubbyMTB]

Damn I got all excited thinking this would be your Orbea Rise carbon v alloy comparison video!

[@JCC-xi7jq]

Great Review thanks for all the work you put into these reviews. Question, how do you think the Rail and Bosch motor compare to the new Giant Trance X E+ / Reign and the Yamaha motor? Also how does the Rail's long wheelbase compare to the Reign and do they feel significantly different handling wise?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Initial ride on the new Yam motor has felt a little weaker than the Bosch in terms of outright power.

[@guidosperandieu4884]

@@RobRidesEMTB well, you made my choise a lot easier, was doubting between the giant trance e and the rail…. My preference goes out to the trek, not the top version but the 5 or 7. Witch is in your opinion the better choise? Great vids , love the channel

[@-ETK-]

@@guidosperandieu4884what did u choose and how has it been? I might get rail 7

[@guidosperandieu4884]

@@-ETK- got a giant trance E3, didn’t like the remote on the trek, on the giant it is allmost not noticeable, overall the giant is a good bike with the pwx motor, but on my speedpedelac i’ve got a bosch motor like you would have on the rail. I like the bosch more, but still happy with my giant

[@-ETK-]

@@guidosperandieu4884 ok, getting my rail7 in 2-3 weeks. Visited dealer today and ordered.

[@benyon76]

Great review as always. Hoping Bosch add mapping to the Kiox 300 as it seems a step backwards from the last gen.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

I think mapping is coming... I'm pretty sure I saw it on a KZbin vid (maybe even on Treks own vid on the rail) but I'd bet a lot that it'll be included.

[@benyon76]

@@RobRidesEMTB your right, found it on this vid. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYaWe6uOjJdjgcU

[@t.r.766]

The mapping on my Nyon with the way it integrates with All Trails or Komoot is one of my favorite things. My 2020 9.7 rail has everything I could possibly need for an over 60 yr old rider. It’s a game changer. You can’t take the money with you when you’re gone. I bought my wife one she’s going out with me every time we go riding it’s just pure joy.

[@brentgregory1359]

Awesome review cheers

[@riccardobiagioni9665]

I’ve been unsure between Trek Rail 9 and Turbo Levo Comp, but at the end I choose the second for the better integration and silence motor. Anyway Trek is a fantastic ebike too!

[@SB-uu3uq]

How have you found riding the Levo Comp? Any cons?

[@carljohnson161]

Good review as always , when will you be doing the review of the giant

[@robinbreeds9217]

2023 bike will it be much the same as this, will it come out in first few months of 2023 ?

[@oathsworn9426]

Great Chanel and content 👍 Just getting into this after years on a Santa Cruz analogue, decided on a levo sl as a first half way step. Have you now gone over to trek? Can I ask did you part ways with your levo sl for a kenevo sl?

[@BatSam948]

High-quality video!

[@Leetster]

Great Review, I have the new rail 5 coming in. Its not this beast, but definitely excited for it!

[@BerserkerNick]

Got a rail 5 in mint(Miami green) on order, hoping it gets here soon

[@Leetster]

@@BerserkerNick did they give you a estimate of when its coming in?

[@BerserkerNick]

@@Leetster they told me May 2022, ordered mine in July. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping the date doesn't get pushed back. My local shop owner had to wait a year for his rail 9.7

[@Leetster]

@@BerserkerNick Yeah, its unbelievable right now. I ordered on the smaller side because of the shipping date. Smaller is better than bigger so Im hoping it doesnt get pushed back! Hope your able to get yours in May!

[@goemboeck]

Looks like a super no-nonsense piece of hardware, thanks for the video! Does it have any anti-theft tech in it?

[@soham9821]

Insane world with insane prices

[@RogerDiotte]

I freakin' love this bike....nice build! Hmmm "Buy Now"?

[@philboynz]

It would be really interesting to do a back to back on this bike and the spesh comp carbon 22 🤔

[@stevem4038]

Once again a great review Rob. Balanced and honest. However, yet another 'new' bike to replace an existing model - where do all the preloved go? And while conventional componentry can be endlessly services or replaced/upgraded; brakes, front fork, shock etc. what about the motors on ebikes? I have a conventional full sus bike that is 10 years old which apart from the frame is like 'Triggers broom'. Will my ebike motor last 10 years or will it need replacing? And if so, does the facility to do this exist today? I like your new/latest bike reviews but for those of us without a £12k budget how about a feature on keeping your existing ebike running? Just a thought. Keep up the good work!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Great points Steve. There will always be a stream of new bikes, much like cars, phones, laptops. Love it or loath it that's the world we live in. Preloved bikes go back to the brands. The motors can be repaired, the best example of this is a guy in the UK called 'The Bearing Man'. He can offer solutions to motor issues out of warranty. And I'm sure that the brands will also work out an out of warranty replacement program. I'm totally conscious of the price of some of the bikes. I do try and balance this with cheaper options and make videos on them, such as DIY ebikes, Decathlon Stylus, and DIY ebike conversion kits. When brands release new bikes they (understandably) always want to send the best version they can of their product, hence the 12K price tag here. The new model can actually be had for a "cheaper" £8250. Still a lot of cash, but not £12K. Cheers for your feedback, Rob.

[@jwqc1]

The Chinese bafang motors can do 10000km with a couple of basic regrease services so surely these European Bosch can so that.

[@Greyarcher1]

Sounds like an Awesome Bike! But...can you install a speedbox? I dont have Any Hills only flat lands i cant have my ride be strangled by a limitor to 25km ,No idea with an Emtb🤔

[@stianjarnass]

This bike looks beautiful and fantastic 👏. Do You know how much "less burly" it becomes with the rockshox 35 Gold fork? The Zeb is so great in it self

[@philippeh1277]

Hello, does the tire pressure appear on the Kiox 300 ? Bob says it can be read on the smarphone ... but I'm not reading my smarphone when riding...

[@BenJamin-ou7kd]

I miss my rail 7 , easy pedaling even with the motor off

[@JCBike32]

Please tell me where I can find a Rail 7 … can’t find one ANYWHERE! Trek rep say Spring of 2023!! Really?!…. And great review btw… your review helped me decide …

[@davidjones9636]

Great vid as usual. I ride a Cube 140 TM with a 750w battery and what I am noting is that every review of this battery, including yours suggests its near limitless? I would like to see some perspective here and consideration of different fitness and weight of rider as these are key to how long the battery actually lasts? I am a fairly fit 60 year old who typically rides between 1000 and 1400m on most of my rides. I mainly use Turbo+ with eMTB only when it gets super steep. I returned from a near 4 hr ride on Sunday hitting almost 1400m with 50k ridden. I had approx 18% battery left. I think at a push i could get another 100-200m ascent using the same mode but may well limp home with little or no battery left. Is that the definition of limitless battery?

[@styrian_archer]

how are the climbing properties? Does the front wheel stay on the ground for a long time?

[@tflo8381]

Bike is looking mint! You know if there is more clearance for piggy backs on aftermarket shocks on this years models?

[@vaughanboyce3702]

Pre ordered the 9.8 xt also...

[@danielekirylo]

I have the the 2021 one and love it. The only defects I found are from Bosch not Trek, Trek did an amazing job on this bike. The plastic controller with those weird buttons also breaks very easily and is expensive to replace, the bosch software is very basic and not well designed. Why doesn't bosch invest some money in developing the software system for me is mind-blowing. The eBike connect app is just stupid honestly. The motor is great and the modes are tuned almost to perfection.

[@alexpickup8144]

Great review as walkways Rob! And the bike looks sweet. I’m surprised you didn’t put the boot in a bit harder on the integration of that screen and the bulkiness of that remote.. By now I really feel like E-Bikes shouldn’t have ‘bolted on’ tech. It should be integrated properly. Especially for 10 grand! I guess it’s more annoying for some than others. And of course how the bike rides is top priority. But it looks like zero effort has happened to integrate the tech and make a tactile remote. If you flip the bike does it rest on the remote too? Kinda looks like it would.

[@CyberPain1991]

Fast with a smooth ride

[@richslaney]

Nice bike. Would love to see you review the 2022 Mondraker Crafty XR with onlins suspension (150/170mm), carbon frame, Bosch CX motor and 750 battery and or a good price. Also the Mondraker Crafty RR SL

[@jezarnold1106]

Is the tyre wiz easy to remove if you have a flat out on the trails and need to use a tube ?

[@richardbaker7235]

Hi Rob. Thanks for another honest and informative review. One question. I love the mullet setup on my Merida and notice if you set the flip chip in the high setting on the Rail you can put a 27.5” on the rear. Although this slackens the geometry a little do you see any benefits in a mullet, such as better handling on tight switchbacks?

[@svendohrow9790]

Thank you for the detailed and very interesting video test of your Trek Rail 9.9, 2022. I myself ride a 2021 9.9 AXS. As I noticed, you have - probably due to your body size- your saddle on this bike positioned very far forward, although the seat angle in the new model year 2022 of the Rail is now 77 degrees instead of 75, so already a lot steeper than the 21er model. Do you drive the mino link system of the rear triangle in the flat or in the high position (the second would make the seat angle even steeper) ? Additionally , if you want to tell me, how many cm is your personal stride length - so I could determine in comparison, whether it could fit with the new frame geometry of the Trek also with me. I am quite tall an have a stride length of 95cm. I would be pleased about an answer. Best regards from Germany, Sven

[@michalmalanowicz7595]

Rob, please let us know if this rockshox automatic suspension system does take the temperature into account. Mine suspension (fox) works in a completely different way during the winter, so I wonder how this electronic gadget deals with that.

[@apatriotofhopedanjohn4781]

What about the new POLE VOIMA, waiting on mine…. How bout you ?

[@brad1908]

Rob I've just bought this exact model. Did you ever notice a harsh/nasty sound on big landings, sounds like a bottom out of the fork? Not sure if it's the motor but it's a lot harsher than the usually clunking

Great review as always Rob! Did you order the bike with the Rockshox Ultimate or the Select+ fork? Will this fork choice affect the front suspension a lot? A review on the new 2022 Haibike Nduro 7 or 8 Freeride, as well as the Haibike Allmtn 10 would be awesome! Also, the Scott Ransom e ride seems nice too! Keep up the good work!!Cheers!

[@CarkeekW]

At 6:30 he says it has an ultimate

[@mackellarboy7]

Dream bike now 👏😆

[@TheKobool]

When is this frame and the 750 battery comming to Fail 5 ? Wanna start "cheep" and upgrade as i go

[@59trevski]

Hi Rob,great vid as usual. How does it stack up against the Levo gen 3?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Would make a great vid!

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

@Rob Rides EMTB come on give us a commitment 😁😁😁👍🏻👍🏻🙏🙏

[@oversitesurveys6939]

Great review. Very helpful. But I must disagree with you about the battery lock/key. Some people use their bike around busy cities, (yes - these people do exist and ride ebikes too - even eMTBs!) and prefer to have the peace of mind that savvy scoundrels can’t knick the battery using just their swiss army knife multi-tool. Please leave the key there Mr Tektro. Your customers might not ALWAYS agree with EVERY word that an influencer might utter.

[@AZREDFERN]

Bosch: makes some of the shiftiest consumer grade power tools. MTB World: That’s the best we have to offer. Take it or leave it. Could you imagine if Makita or Milwaukee made E-Bike motors? They would probably have to lower the legal wattage limit because of their performance.

[@leeteemtb9587]

Rob you need your EEEB chart back to put the bike rating on or a cool wall

[@Jacqueline_nonya]

So, to be frank. I love this bike. But the price is crazy. Yes, Trek makes some good bikes. My $800 Verve 3 was supped up with a 1000W motor with a 48V battery. All in all, it cost me $1,400 to put together. It goes 35mph, has throttle, and will go full speed for a good while. Just a word of warning, I don't think adding shocks, dropping wattage, and losing throttle is worth 13,000, as much as a decent used car. If you're around Indiana, I'll help you build and save you some money. Bike companies are banking on the fact that you don't know how much an Ebike should cost.

[@karlosxzy]

It's all well and good, until the battery or charger catches on fire in your garage and burns your house down. Generic after market kits are lethal.

[@denoonsampsonndlovuinc7107]

Great review ! How does one remove and unclip the Kiox display. I have just received my new rail 9.7 and cannot remove it. WHAT IS THE SPECIAL WAY TO DO This

[@Paulmac2011]

The kiox should just twist off, it's only held in with a magnet. If it won't come off, I think there can also be a security screw that needs removing first

[@denoonsampsonndlovuinc7107]

@@Paulmac2011 thanks a lot. Yes there is a screw. I thought it was there permanently. Should I unscrew it permanently and just rely on magnets?

[@Paulmac2011]

@@denoonsampsonndlovuinc7107 most of my mates only use the magnets with no problems. But theoretically you could bash it off with your knee, and the bike wont turn on without it.

[@TimmoMcGinn]

Cheers Rob. Comprehensive review. As a '21 rail 9 owner (still loving it by the way...call it my rolls royce with the stability and confidence you talk about) I have a couple of pedantic queries about 2 points you raised. On my rail 9 when you remove the display unit you have no way to turn on the motor. I noted that you said you could ride the 9.9 without however I wonder if that is restricted to motorfree riding? The other point about the app.....I use the bosch ebike connect app and I can sync my rides with strava after a bit of jiggerypokery with permissions etc so I would be surprised if this newer version could not do that?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hi Tim. The new Bosch Smart allows you to turn on the bike / motor via the new handlebar remote. You can fully ride the bike exactly as before with all the motor support but without a display. The new Bosch Flow app is missing the ability to sync with Strava. I even tried exporting the GPX, sending it to my computer and uploading it to Strava via GPX, but it’s missing time stamp info in the GOX so Strava rejects it. Hopefully they’ll fix it soon! Cheers, Rob

[@bwdown]

@@RobRidesEMTB I read Bosch are adding support for strava and apple health very soon.

[@johnf3326]

Well glad I got the same motor and power on my much cheaper Rail 5 and never run out of the 625WH battery yet. All the rest is very expensive bells, whistles and marginal upgrades which would appeal if not so expensive. Nice review though! But how long before Trek 'upgrades' again rendering even this bike obsolete? And when I say upgrades I mean you have to buy a new bike to benefit!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

The Rail 5 is still very very good!

[@johnf3326]

@@RobRidesEMTB Yes it is and mine was pre increase price £4150. However VERY good value was the Giant Stance E+ 2 I got for my wife. Had a Rail 5 on order for her at £4600 but she was never happy about us paying that much. Meantime the Giant came available so we got that. Good points: The price £3299 and with 4yrs 0% finance! Very quiet motor. 5 power settings (configurable by app.) and one adaptive mode. 6A charger with a 60% setting for 'storage' Downsides: Suspension travel only 130/120 500wh battery. Narrower tyres (2.4). No dropper post. Only 10 speed. No controller display, only led's However none of the above is a problem to wifey as she will never do the tougher stuff I do. She still had 2 bar left after doing 47 miles Whitby to Scarborough and back and she would never have cycled 47 miles on her manual mtb!

[@jamesjetmar5475]

What size were you riding? I have the opportunity to buy a XL but at 6’1” 34 inseam I’m wondering if the xl will feel to big.

[@richslaney]

So Rob, this or the S-Works Turbo Levo or Yeti 160E?

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

ROB Hows it compare to levo Gen 3?,?

[@andreaferla5520]

Hi Rob! I always take you reviews in great consideration, I'm from Italy and I woul like to buy one. I have a Cannondale Habit Neo, I love the Bosch motor but I would like something more aggressive. I have one question: I'm 189 Cm tall, so more or less like You, what do you think Large or XL? The Cannondale habbit Neo That I have is in size Large (reach 470) and for me is a bit in the small side. Thank You in advance for your answer.

[@lancejarman1]

Giant Reign 2022 vs Trek Rail?

[@jasonfritsch8238]

Curious about a mullet setup with the new 2022 rail carbon? Did you happen to ride it with a 27.5 rear Rob?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hi Jason, not yet - I like the 29/29 so far!

[@essexhertsmtb]

Nicely shot review! With the new controller does it only show power incrimjents of 20%.... or do differing colours of the leds allow the 5 lights to show it in steps of 10%?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

10% increments. The LED colour changes. Neat touch!

[@theoterrell2010]

Just purchased a Trek powerfly, I'm hoping to max out its capability

[@BALDeBiker]

Great vid as usual Rob. I've got last years model & its a great bike. Although for the next bike probably looking for a bit more travel for some of the trails up here in Scotland. Wonder if the geo will support a 170mm/160mm combo? Also looking at the Yeti, Santa Cruz & Kelly's as alternatives, they have more travel & the geo numbers look good, but they use the Shimano & on balance I really like the bosch (minus the new controller)

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yes, its Trek rated for a 170mm fork. Also I hired Andrextr to give me more details about the frame and suspension linkage. You can over stroke the shock to run more rear travel (although its probably not warrantied to do so). See more details here: www.emtbforums.com/community/threads/2022-trek-rail-9-9-review.25778/#post-357595

[@BALDeBiker]

@@RobRidesEMTB Did you go for the 9.8 or the full monty? Was thinking the 9.8 myself

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Cheapest 9.8 👍 same frame, geo and Bosch system

[@fuellerr]

Until Boch fixes the rattling the motor makes and Trek can make sure the paint doesn't pop off every time something touches it I would not consider one of these

[@milo2324]

VERY WELL SAID!

[@sergiomonteiromotocross4601]

shut your butt up. I got a rail 5 2022 and the bike is absolutely amazing

[@fuellerr]

@@sergiomonteiromotocross4601 Glad you are happy with the mid-level Trek Rail 5 keep riding that rattling Junk bike

[@ianjohnstone1061]

Hi there Rob, This may seem to be an idiot question... But I was wondering if you do know what is the operating voltage of the Bosch motor is.. It's my curiosity as a carpenter, using 18 & 40Volt Cordless Power Tools. Interested in the torque shaft loadings & leverage comparisons between the stated figures. Cheers ;^D AU

[@RobRidesEMTB]

36v 👍

[@ianjohnstone1061]

@@RobRidesEMTB Thanx Rob, I've also worked casually as a push-bike mechanic for just over 40yrs.. A MTB mate starting importing E-bikes from China some time ago - and dobed me in to local shops where they were being sold - as some bike mechanics didn't wan't to know about E-Bikes. And working a few hours a week at Newcastle Electric Bikes NSW AU I've noticed that the 48Volt Commuter bikes really exhibit a lot more get-up-go.. Is this voltage increase on the cards with premium Mtb brands..? or would it be a quick battery drainer and not feasible..? 🙃

[@kevincoyne6319]

Looks Like Craic. 😎