It’s Trek’s flagship long-travel full suspension e-mountain bike and has been hugely popular with our customers since its launch in 2020. Now, as Trek Rail evolves from its original iteration, we look at how the spec has been tweaked and remind ourselves what makes this range so good.
Rail made quite the impact when it was first launched in 2020, earning Mountain Bike Rider’s E-bike of the Year award. Since then, it has been flying off the shelves in our Pickering store, earning raving fans of its aggressive geometry and the way it simply handles everything you throw at it.
The range now runs from the Rail 5 500W at £4,600 up to the new-for-2023 Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS (see componentry below) at £12,600. In this blog, we’ll be focusing on the Rail 7 (pictured above in Miami green and nautical navy), a great value model that delivers heaps of spec for the £5,800 price.
If you’re into Enduro, sending it down gnarly descents or hitting huge drops, Rail takes it on with confidence but it’s equally at home on gravel and cinder track. If you want one bike that’ll let you rip it up but also mix it up, this bike is spot on. Rail is the way to make those days of endless fun last even longer.
Rail was Trek’s first full suspension e-bike designed from scratch, as opposed to an adapted existing model. That means the techies are constantly learning and the Gen 2 models have a couple of key upgrades on their older brother. The RockShox Domain RC fork is 38mm diameter, stiffer and more robust than the 35mm on its predecessor. Secondly, the new Bontrager XR5 Team Issue tyres feature a deeper, more effective tread pattern that gives grip on even the rootiest and rockiest terrains. Feedback from customers is that these two upgrades really have taken Rail up a notch, which has been great to hear.
Aside from that, Rail 7 features a burly alloy frame with 150 mm of rear travel that fully encases a 625 Wh battery, a powerful new Bosch Performance Line CX 250 W motor that assists up to 25 km/h and a Purion controller. A smooth-shifting 1x12 Shimano SLX/XT drive train, dropper post, powerful Shimano 4-piston brakes for confident descents and Bontrager Line Comp 30 29er wheels that are already completely tubeless-ready, including sealant.
Trek Rail gives you everything you already love about trail riding but more of it. Even when you’re using the assist, you still feel connected to the trail. Each mode delivers power naturally and predictably - the e-MTB mode gives you a little bit more punch; e-MTB Lite takes a step back and lets you do the punching.
The 625Wh battery offers three hours range on harder, more difficult terrain and five hours on easier, smoother terrain. That’s up to 50 miles continuous assist. Rip through rugged terrain, pin your descent, then turn straight back up the mountain for another lap. Over and over again.
Rail rider Alex says: “There are so many reasons this bike has been a massive hit with riders. It’s got a great spec, it’ll look after you if you’re pushing it to the edge of your ability but it’ll also happily glide along on gentler tracks. The colour ways are just brilliant and it really is the kind of bike you need to see in person to appreciate it. Trek has also come up with a couple of upgrades in the Gen 2 model that have genuinely improved the bike and to actually hear from customers that they’re doing what they’re supposed to out there in the real world is absolutely fantastic.”
Come and see our range of Trek Rails in store in Southgate, Pickering. We have stock of all sizes and colours right now, so no long waits for your dream bike. You can also check out the range here.
