2023 Trek

Rail 9.8 XT Gen 4

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension enduro e-bike with high-end components.

MSRP$8,999
Weight51.8 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 150 / 160mm
ForkRockShox ZEB Select+
ShockRockShox Super Deluxe Select+
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetXT, e*thirteen
MotorBosch 250W 85Nm mid-drive
BatteryBosch 625Wh
BrakesHydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Rail 9.8 XT Gen 4
Other Enduro bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

29 mph

Rail 9.8 XT Gen 4

26 mph

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Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Reviews
NSMB
Trek Rail Gen 4

Oct 2023

A few years have gone by since the last Rail review. Lots has changed since then. Pete reviews the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4.

Read Review

BikeRadar
Trek Rail 9.8 XT Gen 3 review

Jun 2023 · Alex Evans

Trek’s Rail is claimed to be enduro-descent ready and uses Bosch’s powerful Performance Line CX motor

Highs
  • Great geometry provides stability

  • Cornering control excellent

  • Suspension is supple and forgiving with plenty of support

  • Bosch motor

Lows
  • Tyre compound struggles on anything other than perfectly dry terrain

  • Harsh feeling ride saps confidence

Read Review

MBR
Trek Rail 9.7 electric mountain bike review - MBR

Jun 2023 · Danny Milner

The last time we rode the Trek Rail we awarded it our 2021 E-Bike of the Year crown in the shop bought category. Since then we haven’t had another chance to ride one, mainly because they’ve been flying off the shop floor. Meanwhile, Trek hasn’t rested on its laurels – the front triangle has been lengthened and the extra space used to stuff in Bosch’s biggest 750Wh battery on all but the smallest frame size. So how does it perform and is it one of the best electric mountain bikes on offer? Need to know: Mino link on the seatstay/rocker interface gives high and low geometry settings – useful if you want to run a 27.5in rear wheel Knock Block steering limiter uses interlocking stem and headset spacers, while steerer tube gets oversize 1.8in taper Top tube System controller and wireless remote are available to buy aftermarket, but they should come as standard M, L, and XL frames get 750Wh battery, while S gets a 625Wh This updated Rail is called the Gen 4, but you can still buy the old Gen 3 model. It gets the smaller 625Wh battery, non-Smart System-compatible electronics and a shorter reach. Although buying the Gen 4 seems like a no-brainer, the new large frame is a really big bike, with a 490mm reach and a yawning 35mm gap to the medium. So some riders may achieve a better fit on the old Gen 3. It’s disappointing that Trek hasn’t fitted the latest Bosch System Controller (as found on the Mondraker) to the top tube. Instead you get a measly blanking plate. To enjoy the improved integration and reduced clutter you’ll have to fork out an extra £1,600 for the next model up, which seems pretty stingy. Suspension Trek claims the Rail delivers 150mm travel, but we only measured 140mm (3mm less than the last Rail we tested). However, we didn’t notice this shortcoming on the trail, mostly because the long wheelbase of the Rail gives it excellent stability at high speeds on rough ground. Where we found it wanting was in terms of grip and sensitivity. It struggled to trace smaller bumps, so not only did it lack some comfort on long rides, but it needed more effort to hold a line on off-cambers, through slow turns, and in the wet. Having said that, there’s plenty of support, so as long as we had the energy, we could ride the Rail like a runaway train. Our bike came with a RockShox Zeb in place of the advertised Domain RC. With 38mm stanchions it perfectly matches the hench proportions of the Rail frame, but it wasn’t the smoothest or most supple fork on test. In that respect there was a symbiosis between the Trek’s front and rear suspension, even if it wasn’t quite the fairytale relationship we’d hoped for. Components Trek proffers two brake specs on the Rail 9.7 – Shimano Deore or SRAM Code R, both in four-piston guise. Given the choice, we’d take the Shimano …Continue reading »

Highs
  • Loves to go fast

Lows
  • Suspension lacks finesse

Read Review

Bikerumor
Trek Rail eMTB Gets Smarter with Bosch Smart System Upgrade

Feb 2023

Bosch has spent years touting its motor/battery/display array. Now, Trek’s ultra-high-end Rail eMTB gets the signature tech.

Read Review

Loam Wolf
Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS –, 2022 eMTB Shootout

May 2022

Trek’s updated 2022 Rail 9.9 represents a significant departure from the outgoing model. Visit The Loam Wolf to read our review of the tech-focused updates.

Highs
  • Bosch Smart System power and control

  • Loves to go fast

  • Category blending capability

  • Technical climbing prowess

Lows
  • Lengthy reach numbers are polarizing, sizing jumps

  • Firm suspension feel at slower speeds

  • Limited playfulness in tighter trails

Read Review

Vital MTB
2022 Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS E-Bike

Apr 2022 · BHowell

An excellent e-bike with a lot of electronics.

Highs
  • Well rounded ride

  • Suspension quality

  • Powerful Bosch motor

Lows
  • Seat angle could be steeper

  • Vulnerable Bosch controller and Kiox

Read Review

Bike Perfect
Trek Rail 9.9 first ride review: fully tech-loaded flagship, long travel, e-MTB

Mar 2022 · Guy Kesteven

Trek’s Rail 9.9 eMTB is loaded with carbon fiber and wireless tech. Guy Kesteven explores what the pricey Bosch powered flagship is like to ride on a wet and rocky Lake District demo loop

Highs
  • Lightweight yet super precise full carbon frame

  • Extended enduro geometry

  • Superbly controlled suspension performance

  • Latest big battery Bosch Smart System

  • Full SRAM AXS and Wiz comms componentry

Lows
  • Mega money

  • AirWiz feels gimmicky

Read Review

Outdoor Gear Lab
Trek Rail 9.7

Mar 2022 · Jeremy Benson

The Rail 9.7 is a powerful electric mountain bike from the Trek Bicycle Company. This 29er has 150mm of rear-wheel travel paired with a 160mm fork and a...

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Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, 1.8'' lower head tube, Bosch System Controller compatible, Removable Integrated Battery (RIB), Knock Block 2.0, guided internal routing, 34.9mm seat tube, magnesium rocker link, Motor Armor, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 12mm thru axle, 150mm travel

BB StandardBosch, Press Fit

Tire Clearance2.6"

ColorsDeep Smoke; Lava; Satin Baja Yellow

Fork

RockShox ZEB Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 3 RC2 damper, 1.8'' oversized tapered steerer, eMTB optimized crown, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 160mm travel

Travel160mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ RT, 230mm x 57.5mm

Travel150mm

Spring TypeAir

Bottom Bracket

Bosch, press-fit

Stem

Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, Blendr compatible, 0 degree, 45mm length

Handlebar

Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width

Saddle

Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138mm width

Seatpost

Size: S, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9mm, 345mm length; Size: M, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 150mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9mm, 440mm length; Size: L, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9mm, 485mm length; Size: XL, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 200mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9mm, 550mm length

TypeDropper

Pedals

VP-536 nylon platform

Grips

Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT M8100, long cage

Crank

E*thirteen E*spec Plus, 165mm length

Shifters

Shimano XT M8100, 12 speed

Cassette

Shimano XT M8100, 10-51, 12 speed

Chain

Shimano XT M8100, 12 speed

Brakes

Shimano XT M8120 4-piston hydraulic disc

TypeHydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready

Front Hub

Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle

Rear Hub

Size: S, M, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Rapid Drive 108, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle; Size: S, M, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle

Tires

Size: S, M, L, XL, Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.50''; Size: S, M, L, XL, Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.50''

Disc Rotors

Shimano RT76, 6-bolt, 203mm

Electric Components
Motor

Bosch Performance Line CX, smart system, magnesium motor body, 85 Nm

Battery

Size: S, Bosch PowerTube 625Wh, smart system; Size: M, L, XL, Bosch PowerTube 750Wh, smart system

Recycling Program♻️ Call2Recycle

Charger

Bosch standard 4A, 110V, smart system

Rider Notes
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Last updated June 27
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