Trek Rail 9.9 vs Rail 7 Review - Is it worth the upgrade? How much better does the 9.9 ride?

[@gingersendermtb]

It’s good to hear someone finally say carbon isn’t everything

[@williamtorrington7522]

I bought the Rail 7 a week ago and was immediately impressed by the natural feel it has over other similarly priced full suspension EMTBs. Granted that as a entry level e-bike to a 68 year old, it seemed like overkill but this bike gives everything I ask of it and I’m extremely happy with it. I’m out on it almost everyday and appreciate your comparison to the 9.9. No brainer happy choice for me!

[@norcalchrismeister]

I have the Rail 7 in red and black and I've never had so much fun on a bike before. I still ride my regular mountain bike two times a week to keep up the power, but I most look forward to riding my Rail. It's a beast!

[@kisielDH]

Great review! But for me, the bike to buy in the whole Rail family is the Rail 9 - robust alloy frame + Zeb fork and Deluxe ultimate, GX groupset and Code R brakes. There is nothing in this bike that needs to be changed. I own one for a while now and I'm 100% happy with it :)

[@TheLoamWolf]

The 9 is a great option for sure.

[@bimmerfan729]

Love this comparison. Great to see the top spec that everyone tests pitted against the one we can actually kinda afford.

[@txf192]

Super insightful video! Thanks for breaking it down and providing real life feedback on the bikes!

[@mightywallaby]

Well done on the review guys. Love my Rail 7. First upgrade was a one-up 170mm dropper. Works a treat. Owners of Rail 9’s are putting coil shocks on, so was able to get a near new Rail 9 shock upgrade for a good price. Next up will be the Lyric internal upgrade. You can also ask the dealer to update software to replace Tour mode with EMTB Lite to get the EMTB feel with less battery consumption. Thanks for taking the time to do this comparison for everyone.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@danieltorres3576]

Awesome review and comparison. I got to ride the Rail 7 in California and fell in love with the performance and handling of the bike...

[@amazingspiderc]

Great video thank you very much. I would love to get my hands on one of these bikes.

[@briankoehn1647]

Thanks for the comparison! There needs to be more model specific comparisons for bikes like this as they are expensive and hard to find in a demo configuration. I also loved the way the video turned out, I am taking notes...LOL You guys have great dialog, which is difficult for me to do on my videos. As a single guy, I can save up for either model, the difference is the time it will take and the length of sacrifice to bring one of these home. Often times the bottom tier brands are noodly do to the components out there to match the pricepoint goals of the manufacturer. It's nice to near you all talking about that and finding out it was not that big of an issue on the front end! Job well done!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks so much for the kind words Brian. Keep plugging away on your own vids and they'll just get more natural and better with time. Trust us, we hated the camera at first, and are just starting to accept it. haha

[@mac16a]

Just ordered 9.8 XT. Can't wait it's arrival

[@rcilluminati26]

Glad you mentioned the 9.8XT, thats what I just picked up and I love it. I think its the best bang for the buck. I threw an insert in the rear tire, replaced the grips and saddle with my preferred components and its well sorted. The 108 Rapid drive freehub and responsiveness of the Bosch system is sweet on techy climbs, super easy to boost the front end over anything in your way. Great vid, without being able to demo these bikes its very difficult to decide. Its a lot of cash to drop on a bike and this really helps.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Awesome to hear it. Definitely what we'd buy if we had the cash.

[@brianhoyne6011]

As a 49 year old (soon to be 50) rider I love the comparison. I feel an E-MTB is in my future just not sure if I could spend the money on either. Currently riding a Fuel EX 5 and love it! Maybe a Rail 5 who knows. Or maybe if you do a giveaway with one of these! Love the channel and the content!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you for sharing. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tomwagner6334]

Ordering a blue and yellow next week. Going from a Trek remedy 8. Stoked!

[@ionut.h]

Awesome comparison! Maybe another option would be buy the rail 5 and upgrade de suspension and breaks. In Europe you can find a rail 5 with 625Wh battery.

[@HooligansCycling]

I bought the Rail 7 and I've made some changes. My fork was damaged in shipping, so I upgraded to a Zeb Ultimate (44 offset). I swapped out the SRAM DB8 brakes for SLX 7120, personal preference. The stock dropper has been replaced with a 170mm PNW Loam. I swapped in my favourite PNW Range handlebar with Ergon GE1 grips. I installed a pair NOBL TR37 wheels that I had built for my enduro bike, and they are wrapped in Schwalbe BB and MM tires. I'm not a fan of the Deluxe+ shock because it doesn't do so well on technical descents, so I'm swapping a coil shock in this weekend. My long term plan is to replace the drivetrain with Shimano XT Linkglide.

[@yoterryh_JTH]

This was timely. I've been thinking for a while that there's a Emountain bike in my future. This past weekend I got to ride a Trek Rail 7 for the first time and that future might be closer than I thought!

[@robertbaillie2948]

Put deposit on 9.8xt back in january, still waiting. This was the comparison I was wanting to see, glad you guys did it. Your very good at breaking down the differences of the key componets and ride feeling of bikes. Thanks.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Our pleasure!

[@medicus9360]

Nice comparison. I bought a rail 7 and went down the upgrade route, It's such a joy to ride

[@mattwoods8872]

G'day mate, can you list your upgrades, and approximate cost, and why you chose the parts you did, have fun enjoy ya bike, yeeeew

[@SB-uu3uq]

Could you have updated from the 5?

[@SiWos100]

It is awesome to see someone finally making this kind of comparison. Great Video!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad you liked it!

[@thealohahour3234]

Long time fan, first time poster. Bought some knee pads from your online reviews - always enjoy!

[@danielbuchanan2224]

Loved this comparison. Still day dreaming about the rail after I was able to demo it!

[@ejfishman]

Great content & impartial reviews which is rare these days. Keep up the great work.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you! We do our best

[@Silvafox69]

Thanks for your guidance. Ended up buying a Rail 7 today. Was going to buy a 9 when my Norco Fluid VLT A1 deal fell through due to a bunch of battery technical issues and was the last one in New Zealand. So, needed to get something instead before Christmas.. Haven’t ridden it timer but will do tomorrow. Cheers guys, great video.

[@dannyj893]

Great comparison video. I have a traditional bike but my Dad recently got the V2 Pivot Shuttle which I’ve had the pleasure of taking out a few times. E-Bikes are super incredible and I would definitely love to own one!

[@drc226]

What a great review and comparison video. Great job

[@richJimZ888]

The exact video I was looking for! I had been wanting an e-bike and Trek is what I want. The questions answered were the ones I had. Thanks for making the vid and look forward to your future videos.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad I could help!

[@johnnydangerously9426]

I was just lucky to find a nice Trek to buy . I was able to test ride it . And I got a discount as a demo bike . $ 57. For a 9.7 😎love it !

[@duanehundley]

As a dad I don't get a lot free time to ride so E-bike is making more sense to me. I love my Trek Fuel so maybe ill love a 9.8 Rail with XT.

[@peterward8135]

My situation was and still is the same. So that influenced me to buy an ebike and I don't regret it. Now I can go for a quick hour ride or less, ride further so I feel like I've had a good ride out and get back still feeling fresh to spend time with my family/kid.

[@gerryg1151]

Great comparison, just what I was looking for. I’d go for a carbon base model, add a fox 38 & probably a coil 🤙🏻

[@yakbiker75]

Upgraded my rail 7 with a lyrik damper and a brand new rear shock from a 2021 trek slash off pinkbike classifieds.

[@grahamkinrade1049]

Great video and channel. Rail 9.7 here. Awesome bike.

[@tomtran9442]

Spot on guys! Definitely 9.8xt if you don’t want to tinker much. Or the 7 is the way to go and upgrade down the road.

[@jacksonhodges942]

Appreciate you breaking down where you’d spend your money. Great reviews

[@TheLoamWolf]

Awesome, glad it helped.

[@Drcheeser79]

Great video, thanks for the unbiased approach to bike reviews!! 👍

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you, means a lot!

[@Drcheeser79]

Will you be testing any Husqvarna (Mountain Cross) or Mondraker (Dusk or Crafty) bikes in the near future? Very interested to see your opinion as the Mondraker have both Shimano and Bosch motors, but longer reach. Both are new to North America and priced very competitive.

[@gclaytony]

Just got a 2022 Rail 7 (Large) upgraded from a Powerfly 4 after I started thinking about a fork upgrade. I’ll be getting it setup over the next couple of days, trying out a PNW stem/bar combo and I’ve a pair of Dissectors sitting back if the OEM tires become an issue.

[@KristianOakesGolf]

Great video. Ive just bought the Rail 7 and plan to do the dropper, fork and shock. Cheers LW for the honest advice!

[@jameshoward4900]

Great video, haven't quite made my mind up which one yet but this has helped and answered a few questions I had. 👍👍

[@JCBike32]

Just spent 4 days on a rail 7 in Bentonville. Factory stock, 80+ miles, fun fun bike, no issues whatsoever. Would do it again.

[@jessevassallo]

Can’t go wrong with either one. They both get you out on the trails and let you shred for hours. Win win for Trek!

[@MrLOOYSEN]

Great comparison, i was very interested myself about the difference between the 2. Thanks guy's. I appreciate it

[@TheLoamWolf]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@seantaylormtb7170]

Great review guys. I'd love to see more manufacturers offer frame and build options. Clearly Orbea heading in that direction, but most people who have been riding a while (so target customer really), have preference on forks, shock, tyres etc etc. Obv they have specific OEM agreements but should still be possible. And in these times maybe more sustainable?

[@grundy1973]

Great vid, I also watched the 2022 shootout, was toying with a 9.8 2022 model but glad I went for a Rail 9👍🏻

[@TheLoamWolf]

Good choice!

[@jayefyve9212]

The comparison is very informative. I just got back from a local trailhead and asked a rider if they allow ebikes now. The answer was yes and here I am again looking at a Rail 7. Perfect timing.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Right on!

[@gbarton800]

Powerfly FS7 owner. Love the Trek emtbs. After riding new 2022 Specialized and Orbea offerings, I’d still choose a Trek.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@michael3743]

Great video and a thoughtful analysis of both models. This is definitely going to help my wife and I make a decision. Thank you!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hakanjohansson89]

Interesting comparison! Looking forward to the day they are available in the local store...

[@statusserigraph6610]

In for the giveaway, thanks for the comparison guys!

[@scvsmokee4188]

Thanks for the overall comparisons

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ianjohnstone1061]

I agree with you guys with your honest and intuitive conclusions - having demo both, my next bike will be purchased that resolving fiscal outcome.. The Rail 7 with Factory Fox upgrades.

[@jsurfking1]

Great review, I was just thinking about trying to get my hands on a 9.9

[@TheLoamWolf]

Definitely one of the best bikes out!

[@codybootes2118]

Awesome comparison of performance vs price point. Thanks for the great video!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for watching!

[@grandviewguy18]

I'm in the market for a Rail 7.... my dealer said March 2022. It was either Rail or the new Giant Reign... I'm thinking Rail though. It'd be way more bike than I'd need but wowza, it'd be grateful to have it. Definitely put my name in a hat for a drawing haha.

[@RustyR1]

Great informative break down.. helped me steer clear of the yari

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad it helped

[@jeddartjusticemtb6676]

I found this a honest and accurate review having had a 2020 rail 7 and then purchased a 2021 rail 7 . A shop bought 7 is good value for money IMHO with a Good warranty . I feel it has a few weak points so I chose to sell the fork ,seat post and 12 speed drive train new on eBay . This funded the purchase of 170mm Zeb RC charger ,One up components 210 seat post and Micro shift advent x 10 speed drive train . For approx £200 extra I get a better fork ,gar superior seat post and a cheap reliable drive train that cost only £65 to replace cassette and Sram ebike chain . I'm happy with the bike and the changes have worked out well

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing. That’s almost exactly what we’d do.

[@Scott.Hadley]

Really liking both those bikes. Looking forward to more trails being E-bike friendly in the near future too.

[@TheLoamWolf]

You and me both!

[@richardmason4705]

I went with the rail 7 and very happy with it. Wife would not have been happy with me spending 10+K on a bike, I still hear about spending 6 on my rail 7. Besides I bought a remedy 9.8. My first all carbon bike. 2 for the price of one. One for the chair lifts One for the rest!! Win win!!!

[@Lee-ic2yn]

Never tell your wife the real price Richard 😆

[@armandomoreau2596]

Thanks for this video, I’ve been looking for a budget bike and this convinced me to buy an entry level bike and upgrade to my own likes. Please test out the Scott ransom eride. Some sort of under 6k under ebike comparison video and highlight the probable upgrades off the gate

[@tonycortez876]

Very informative... Appreciated the review. Helped me make a decision of which direction to go in picking one of them.

[@jeroenymous82]

Awesome video guys! Been waiting for this one.. love your video's so far 🤙🏼 I'll be getting my 9.8 in about 2 weeks.. (finally after 6 months) Been having my doubts about which one to choose but my decision was pretty easy because my wife works @Trek haha There were like 6 backorders before me on the 9.8 version, and there were like 3000 in backorder on the 7.. so that was easy haha

[@getstrongby4038]

3000 back orders!? Wow

[@Lyzarr]

Great video. Thank you for the honest comparison between the 7 and the 9.9, as well as the general material question. I find it very interesting that you could really see a noticeable difference in handling between aloy and carbon.

[@vitalii1372]

I have a Rail 9 (Europe) and think its price/spec is really spot on! Kiox on top tube is a main weak point.

[@jzdyrko]

I love my Rail 7, Fox 38 Grip2/DHX2 upgrade, SC Reserve 30 Wheels, Magura MT7 Brakes, and a oneup 210mm dropper. Bike is a beast

[@jerremyvinson6310]

How do you like the Magura mt7 did you go 220 front 180 rear ? Just ordered a 2022 9.8 gx rail with new 750 battery and new motor and controller. Probably going to order the magura mt7 with 220 and 180.

[@jzdyrko]

@@jerremyvinson6310 I went 220/203, brakes are amazing but more difficult to bleed and need more maintenance that the 4-piston XT’s I’m used to. I like the mdr-p rotors.

[@jerremyvinson6310]

@@jzdyrko thanks for the info, I just figured might as well go as big as possible since ebikes are a good amount heavier.

[@jzdyrko]

@@jerremyvinson6310 I'm a huge dude and they stop me just fine...

[@PeteSobolev]

Great video! The info about what you would do to upgrade the 7 was particularly helpful.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Great to hear!

[@LIQUIDFIRE888]

Loved your comparison. I can go with either!

[@wyric]

More reviews like this please, comparing the same model but different specs.

[@Shawn-wt4kh]

Fantastic video. I searched for "Trek Rail 9.7 vs 7" and this popped up. Answered all my questions 💯

[@TheLoamWolf]

Great to hear! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@gclaytony]

Local dealer recommended an upbike move to a Rail rather than spend money on upgrading suspension on my PowerFly4. This was a very timely and useful video and I agree about the 7 vs the 9.x. About the only thing I want from the display is power level and setting, speed is OK but not necessary as that is what I have the Roam Elemnt for.

[@jamiestead5187]

I have the 9XT & what a great bike its basically the 9.8 but Aluminium & bright orange

[@leatherneckadventures9296]

It nice to see the comparison between top of the line and bottom of the line.

[@smckenna12]

Awesome video as always, guys! I demo'd a rail 7 and it was awesome. I totally agree, either that with upgrades or the 9.8 XT is the better overall buy compared to the 9.9. But, if you've got the ability, go for it!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Nice to hear you agree. Thanks for sharing.

[@SubmarinersDive]

The Yari is easily upgradable to a Lyrik Ultimate with the Charger 2.1 Damper and the upgraded DeBonAir spring for less than $500. Night and day difference in ride quality! Rail 7 FTW!

[@cpalmermn]

Came here to say the exact same. The newer Yari already has the Debonair spring and you can dig up a charger 2.1 for $250 if you try…easy install if you ever do your fork oil.

[@jeddartjusticemtb6676]

I found selling the yari new on eBay ,Then purchased a 170mmZeb charger cheap from Germany a better option .

[@MastaFRO1]

Made this upgrade for around US$ 300…absolutely worth it

[@zaleskip]

@@MastaFRO1 which one ?

[@MastaFRO1]

@@zaleskip Yari Motion controller RC damper to Charger 2.1 damper and new airspring. Ordered the parts on Amazon.

[@TravisANichol]

Nice comparison. The 7 seems like the winner in price without losing too much of the fun factor.

[@RichardsRockFamily]

This made my decision so much easier. You guys do great videos.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Awesome to hear that. Hope you enjoy the new bike. Be sure to let 'em know we sent ya! haha.

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

Nice video as always! For me, it is the 9.8 XT or the XTR version because I am checking on the bike. You should also consider making a video, if you had only one bike and that would be an e bike, which 3 e bikes would be in your list, as your one and only bike for all kind of trails ( including bike parks or not). Also, an update review on the Shuttle would be great! Keep up the good work!!!

[@TheCesWilliams]

Great comparison. I'm looking at getting an eMTB in the next year or so. Definitely the 7 for me

[@TheLoamWolf]

Good choice!

[@wchangose]

Excellent review. You answered the questions I had and I appreciate it.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad to hear it!

[@thomassobelman8350]

Thanks for the insight! I might pick up a Rail 7 as a spare bike.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Nice! would be a great one.

[@robertennis5220]

Great video, the 7 was top of my list until i got the lead time. Once more come in stock, i will be selling my Cube and getting a Rail

[@Ponypal1966]

The 9.7 seems to be the obvious choice. I would be able to make those upgrade suggestions right off the bat, if I won it. Thanks for the great content.

[@Vegasrider75]

New wheelset was the first upgrade on my Rail 7, Flow ex3's.

[@nigelamesbury2924]

Great video boys just bought the trek rail 5 500w can't fault it brilliant for the money

[@douglasanderson2502]

I bought the rail 7 and upgraded my dampener RC 2 MEGNEG on back shock Magura MT 5 BRAKES with emtb rotors PNW handlebars ergon 2 grips one up seat post wolf tooth seat post lever 108 points of contact cheap to do DHR2 2.4 IN BACK ASSEGAI 2.5 IN FRONT love this bike have told my brother to get the 9.8 xt easier for him I like to monk on bikes

[@billycarroll4230]

I got a rail 7, upgraded to a 170mm zeb fork, coil shock is next with some Vittoria mazza tires and that baby rips highland with the vengeance.

[@shingnosis]

Great comparison. I've had every frame material there is, titanium is probably my favorite followed by high-quality steel. But for my e-MTB's I'm sticking with alu and if there's any money left I'm spending it on carbon wheels, top notch tires and upgraded suspension.

[@toddchernesky9589]

I’ve put a lot of miles on a 7 and a 9.8xt and Id say get the 7 and then go tubeless with better tires like agressors, fox dpx2 and 36 factory , carbon handle bar, carbon wheels then carbon cranks in that order for upgrading. You’ll shave off a few pounds that way from stock and the suspension will be better than the stock 9.8xt. The carbon frame is nice but the biggest difference is going to be the shock and fork. We got the weight down to 52 pounds on the 7 and 49 on the 9.8xt

[@ProjectingMTBBanter]

Got the 9.8xt and planning to upgrade the fork damper and might increase it to 170mm, completely happy with the bike! I’d say if you were planning on purchasing carbon wheels right off the bat, go for the 9.9 as your all in price might not be too far off plus you’ll take advantage of all the other upgrades.

[@coldsteeloffroad]

What about the Rail 5? I picked mine up for around $4,600 US, chucked a FOX 38/FLOAT X2 & some tires on her & LOVE it! $4,600 Vs. $10K+...there's best bang for your buck. Perfect platform for upgrading & total customization to your personal specs/preferences 🤘🏻

[@thierrylerinckx1340]

Oh man oh man! Very useful comparison. So Trek is able to get some bikes.... 🙃 I have been waiting one year for my 9.8XT to be delivered and they just added another 6 months to the waiting time 🙄🙄. It's probably going to be 'upgraded' to a 2022 model. So far the closest match is the 2022 9.7. Almost the same with cheaper suspension units.... But more expensive than the price agreed when I ordered the 9.8XT.. No wonder they keep delaying....

[@seans4018]

I have a 2020 9.7. was happy with it overall. The dropper was the first to go as its performance was questionable. I bent my handlebars on a crash, so nice new carbon bars are now on it. Lastly I put on the 220 Magura brakes for some extra power. Fork is next, not sure what it will be! Btw, that Bosch motor is a blast!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Nice! Sounds like you are living our exact recommendations. See if you can find a 38 for that thing.

[@Superrun357]

I have a 9.9. best "upgrades" I made where putting the carbon wheels on my Slash (replaced with Stans MKS) and yanking the Lyric off and putting on a ZEB) . 100% agree , its all about the motor and the battery. if I had to do it all over again I'd buy the cheapest 630 watt/85nm torque one I could get and save my money for suspension and IPA's (preferably from Deschutes brewery)

[@TheLoamWolf]

Haha. nice! Good upgrades for sure and sounds like you're still having fun, and that's really what matters most.

[@MrTomp22]

Love my rail 7. Already had a zeb on the way before this video aired. Also the “megneg” aircan makes a huge difference for 90$. And somehow I got a 2020 model this summer which was 5999 instead of 6,499 for the 2021.

[@robertpaulsen5114]

I"d go back to an APA frame for sure. Carbon is nice to have, but I think it tends to mute the trail a bit too much sometimes. APA frame has a nice "trail feedback". The other thing with APA.... you don't have to be as careful about rock strikes.

[@TomKennedyUSA]

I bought a 2021 Rail 5 for $5,000 (now priced at $5,500). Same frame as the Rail 7. I'll upgrade the components as time goes on. I didn't want a carbon frame. I wanted the Rail 7 but it wasn't in stock. Note - I prefer the easy to reach Purion control on the handlebar over the frame mounted Kiox. I have 1200 miles on the Rail 5 so far, in all conditions, love it!

[@FaunNR1]

Not enough money in my pockets so I bought the 5 myself, so far no need for upgrades, but the brakes feel a little spongy, especially on rough downhills. Happy with the bike though.

[@johnlewis2947]

Love the fox 38,s and float shock on my rail 7

[@downundermtb4744]

We got the rail9 no stuffing around great bike straight up..

[@richardjablinski4486]

Very cool comparison video!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sethcal88]

Like this comparison!

[@straykatt1101]

Another good video both bikes are awesome.

[@tsalesto]

Very informative. Thanks guys. A great one.