trek bike 9.9

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

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.

BikePerfect Verdict

Trek’s Rail 9.9 is definitely excessive rather than essential in terms of spec but it’s a genuinely outstanding superbike with lightweight and responsive, yet unshakeably confident and controlled, Bosch Smart System boosted performance

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

AirWiz feels gimmicky

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Trek’s Rail e-MTB was already one of the best electric mountain bikes available, the 2022 9.9 gets new longer frame geometry based on the excellent Slash Enduro bike .

For information on Bike Perfect's testing procedures and how our scoring system works, see our how we test page.

It also gets a bigger battery, Bosch’s latest Smart System motor and management suite, and a full set of the latest SRAM wireless AXS componentry including unique wireless tire and suspension monitoring tech. Retailing for $13,799.99/£12,600 it’s a vast amount of money though, so does it all add up on the trail?

Design and geometry

At first glance, the new Rail frame looks the same as last year's bike. Trek’s classic rocker link, rear axle concentric ABP suspension, the RIB (Removable Integrated Battery) side entry battery system in the down tube, geometry tweaking MinoLink eccentric shock chip and Knock Block 58-degree steering lock system are all carried over. The head tube on the full carbon frame is now a massive, oversized 1.8in tube though. Reach numbers are extended significantly with the large stretching from 465mm to 491mm and the XL we tested growing to 521mm. That makes the new Rail even longer than Trek’s Slash Enduro bike and makes room for Bosch’s new 750Wh PowerTube battery on every size but the small, which gets a 625Wh cell. The small 9.9 has no space for a bottle either, but a standard bottle fits on the bigger sizes.

While you can get your Rail with any of Trek’s Project One custom options if you’re prepared to wait, the three stock finishes are all very special anyway. The metal flake Dark Prismatic finish of my sample looked stunning when the sun occasionally shone in the Lakes. 

Components and build 

There are two other big upgrades with the Rail 9.9 too. The bigger battery is joined by the latest Smart System bar remote controller and top tube mounted KIOX 300 display. Teamed with the Bosch Flow smartphone app this gives much more customization of modes and displays including biometric wattage and heart rate displays (needs a third party sensor) and servicing/software update prompts. You get one of the best eMTB motors in the form of Bosch’s well-proven Performance Line CX Gen4 motor with 85Nm of torque. This is matched to e*thirteen’s latest Carbon Race cranks with a 34T chainring (the largest the frame will take). Trek also complements the frame finish with the ‘oil’ anodized version of SRAM’s premium XX1 AXS wireless groupset including chain and 10-52T cassette.

SRAM has also given Trek two exclusives for the 9.9. The Zeb Ultimate fork and already Trek only RE:aktiv Thru Shaft Super Deluxe rear shock are both equipped with AirWiz Bluetooth pressure sensors. These let you calculate and then set your target fork/shock air spring pressures in SRAM’s AXS smartphone app. LEDs on the AirWiz fork top cap and shock top block will then flash green or red depending on whether you’re in the sweet spot. TireWiz 2.0 valve sensors do the same for the tire pressure on both wheels. These versions are also custom-shaped to sync with the Bontrager Line Pro carbon rims.

SRAM also provides the excellent Code RSC brakes with 200/180mm rotors. You should get a RockShox Reverb AXS wireless operated post too but our bike came with a Bontrager cable-operated unit. The rest of the kit is top-line Bontrager (Trek's own brand) too. That includes carbon 780mm bars, a 45mm (same on all sizes) stem, and its SE5 and SE6 Enduro tires in 29 x 2.5in sizes. That brings the whole bike in at just over 22kg which is impressively light for a bike with such a large battery.

Ride, handling and performance

I tested the Trek Rail 9.9 at the Wheelbase Cycles Demo Day so bike time was limited and they only had an XL size when I'd normally ride a large. The test trails were excellent though and riding it alongside four other eMTBs from Mondraker, Whyte and Scott meant I could still learn a lot about this flagship e-MTB.

Firstly, despite the massive reach, larger battery, and 64.6-degree head angle (I ran the geometry in the low mode) I was surprised how responsive the Rail still felt. The healthy surge from the Bosch motor certainly helps, but it consistently felt bright and precisely alive in terms of where it put its tires and responded to my weight shifts. That’s partly due to the very accurately metered mid-stroke movement of the RE:aktiv Thru Shaft shock that I’ve previously put plenty of time into on the Slash enduro bike. Despite the oversized headtube and open side of the downtube where the battery slides in, the frame has a really well-balanced feel too. Definitely decisively locked onto whatever trail target you choose but not in a brutal or bruising way. Add the Zeb Ultimate fork upfront and even the most geologically aggressive situations are smoothed very effectively with minimum speed loss. Only 150mm of rear travel, relatively short 446mm chainstays and the shock character means it’s certainly not a dumb or numb ride experience though. So while the sheer length of the XL and the down tube full of battery took some turning compared to a conventional rig or a shorter e-bike it didn’t stop me popping and playing around with whatever features I spotted. 

The welterweight Bontrager carbon wheels work well with the bike too. The lifetime rim warranty removes some of the worries about charging headlong into sharp and pointy situations. The instant pick-up freehub syncs really well with the half kick power surge of the Bosch motor to hoik the Trek up stepped, scramble climbs, or power wheelie it off drops/through puddles. Neutral ABP pedaling action and very supple top end to the suspension stroke means it charges up technical climbs with real relish too, and I could stay on line up rocky sections even when filming GoPro footage one-handed.

The Bontrager tires have largely benefitted from recent updating too. A softer TW top compound right across the tire means they roll slower and wear quicker than previous versions, but braking and driving grip are noticeably better. They’re really consistent in the grip they offer at all lean angles too, so while I was still drifting through high-speed boggy grass sections on the Rail I wasn’t wiping out in comedy 360 spins like those around me. The extended wheelbase definitely helped in these situations too, and once I’d realized how much the big Trek liked getting sideways, that became my grin guaranteeing mission for the rest of the test ride even on loose rock sweepers.

If you want a more trail happy feel as standard on your Rail, it can be set up as a mixed wheel-size mullet bike. The resulting 63.9-degree head, 336mm bottom bracket height geometry would be proper slack and slammed as well. Though the 29er wheels on both ends fitted as standard, definitely help when it comes to smoothing out the trail and keeping speeds higher.

The Rail was one of the Bosch Smart System bikes I rode over the demo weekend and first impressions are very good. There are a lot of buttons on the 3D remote, but they’re reasonably intuitive in terms of placement, and quick glance power setting color swatches are easy to read. The KIOX 300 display is super clean and while the top tube mount means more of a deliberate look down than a bar mount I appreciate the crash-proofing gains. SRAM’s AXS Eagle transmission was as flawless as ever, dramatically reducing hang up or worries when changing gears on the charge. I was nervous about the full carbon cage of the XX1 rear mech when getting loose and sideways in the hills around Staveley though. So while I respect the flagship components flex, I can’t help thinking the semi-metal X01 mech would be a smarter option. As AirWiz is just a pressure communicator, not a tuning guide like the standalone ShokWiz box, it feels more like a gimmick than a genuine gain. Especially as shocks and forks rarely lose air for fun. The TireWiz 2.0 sensors on the other hand give useful quick glance reassurance on a component more likely to lose air though.

Early verdict

Trek already had one of the best-regarded e-MTB platforms around with the Rail and this new frame literally extends its performance even further. Despite the extra reach and full-day ride battery capacity, the handling still feels lively and responsive on top of a rock-solid, surefooted baseline. The carbon frame and carbon component parade mean it’s impressively light too with instant reaction wheels adding extra pop and play. 

While the RE:aktiv Thru Shaft shock adds potential servicing complications, I’ve had nothing but outstanding precision control and smoothness on bikes using it despite several months of combined hard hammering. Bosch motors are generally regarded as the most reliable option and the new Smart System adds a lot of useful functionality and much better rider ergonomics.

While AXS was flawless and the Wiz monitors were fun, I’d certainly suggest that the $9,199.99/£8,900 Rail 9.8 GX (same frame, battery, Smart System and color options) is the sweet spot in terms of performance for the price. Then again Trek UK has already sold through its allotment of 9.9s for this year, so there’s clearly a market, so if you want one you need to start searching dealers as fast as possible.

Tech Specs: Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS

• Price: $13,799.99/£12,600.00
• Model name: Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS
• Discipline: E-enduro
• Head angle: 64.6-degree
• Frame material: EW OCLV Mountain Carbon
• Sizes: M, L, XL(tested)
• Weight: 22.2kg without pedals
• Wheel size: 29x2.5in
• Suspension: RockShox ZEB Ultimate, AirWiz 160mm travel, 44mm offset/RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft, AirWiz 150mm travel
• Drivetrain:  SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 10-52T 12 speed rear mech, chain, cassette and shifter
• Cranks: e*thirteen e*spec Race carbon, 34T chainset
• Brakes: SRAM CODE RSC brakes with 200/180mm rotors
• Cockpit: Bontrager Line Pro OCLV Carbon 780 x 35mm bar, 45 x 35 mm stem
• Wheelset: Bontrager Line Pro 30
• Tires: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue front and SE6 Team Issue rear 29x2.5in tires T7
• Seatpost: Bontrager 175mm dropper post (RockShox Reverb AXS as standard)
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada saddle

Guy has been working on Bike Perfect since launch in 2019. He started writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Since then he’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. To make sure he rarely sleeps and to fund his custom tandem habit, he’s also penned a handful of bike-related books and talks to a GoPro for YouTube, too.

Current rides: Cervelo ZFS-5, Specialized Chisel, custom Nicolai enduro tandem, Landescape/Swallow custom gravel tandem

Height: 180cm

Weight: 69kg

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Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS Review

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• Trek Reviews
• All Mountain Electric Mountain Bike Reviews
• Downhill Electric Mountain Bike Reviews
• Electric Mountain Bike Reviews
• Full Suspension Electric Bike Reviews
• Mid-Drive Electric Bike Reviews
• Trek's best long-travel electric mountain bike, designed for All Mountain and Enduro Riding. Light weight optimum compaction low void (OCLV) carbon fiber and magnesium frame comes in three sizes. Flip chip spacer in the rear swing arm further refines geometry for low and high settings.
• Available in three premium color schemes, the bike is setup with 29" wheels but can accommodate 27.5" or a mixed mullet setup (smaller rear wheel, larger front). Sturdy 12mm and 15mm thru-axles with Boost hub spacing offer stronger spoke bracing angle. Magnetic 6mm hex wrench quick release lever makes trail-maintenance convenient.
• SRAM AXS wireless electronic shifting, dropper post, and air pressure settings and alerts for the tires and suspension. Bosch Smart System LED Remote, Kiox 300 display, PowerTube 750 battery, and CX motor with eBike Flow app. Premium quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes with extra-large 220mm front extra thick front rotor. Bottle cage bosses and ABUS keyed-alike code keyset.
• Excellent weight positioning with the motor and battery low and center, but the PowerTube 750 goes from 9.7lbs to 10.8lbs with the color-matched Trek RIB cover and handle. Longer wheelbase due to longer battery design. Two smartphone apps required to configure all of the electronics (SRAM AXS and Bosch eBike Flow). No USB charging with the Bosch LED Remote despite having a USB-C port built in.

Video Review

Introduction

Body position:, suggested use:, electric bike class:, learn more about ebike classes, availability:, model year:, bicycle details, total weight:, battery weight:, motor weight:, frame material:, frame sizes:, geometry measurements:, frame types:, frame colors:, frame fork details:, frame rear details:, attachment points:, gearing details:, shifter details:, brake details:, seat post length:, seat post diameter:, tire brand:, wheel sizes:, tire details:, tube details:, accessories:, electronic details, motor brand:, motor type:, learn more about ebike motors, motor nominal output:, motor torque:, battery brand:, battery voltage:, battery amp hours:, battery watt hours:, battery chemistry:, charge time:, estimated min range:, estimated max range:, display type:, display accessories:, drive mode:, written review.

This review was provided for free, but Trek Coquitlam supplied a temporary demo bike for me to test. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Trek products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the Trek electric bike forums .

Observations:

• Trek is one of the “Big Three” North American bicycle manufacturers, along with Specialized and Giant. Trek launched in 1975, making hand-brazed steel frames. Since then, they have grown into a global powerhouse in the cycling industry with distributors in 90 different countries and hundreds of dealers that assemble and support the products. In my opinion, they are one of the very best ebike makers with high quality, support, and dealer availability.
• You might notice the Bontrager name on some of the components in this review. Bontrager is Trek’s in-house component brand, and is therefore common on many of Trek’s electric bicycles. Basically, Bontrager is the same company as Trek but they focus on accessories like rims, bars, posts, pedals, racks, bags, and lights.
• This ebike uses the Bosch Smart System generation of motor, battery, and display units. It requires the Bosch eBike Flow app to configure and track rides. None of these systems are backwards compatible with older generation Bosch ebike hardware. The Performance Line CX motor offers the same ratings, but seemed quieter than prior generations.
• While many of Trek’s products come in five frame sizes, I was very impressed with the three sizes for the Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS given how premium it is… not to mention three very fancy color schemes. When you consider the flip chip, which shortens or lengthens the rear swing arm, the bike offers a lot of adjustability. You can run it with the stock 29″ x 2.5″ tires or run 27″ and even mix for a mullet setup if you wish.
• A bit more background here, the adjustable “flip chip” washer called the Mino Link allows you to change the frame geometry on the fly, when the link is extending the stays it provides quick performance for cross country quick-handling use but when you shorten the stays it slackens the head tube angle by about 1° for stable downhill riding, positioning the suspension fork to take hits more directly. This makes the Trek Rail extremely versatile for a range of riding from heavy cross country, AM, Enduro, and even some Downhill.
• Excellent wheel and hub setup here! The rims are made from light weight carbon fiber, the rear hub uses a SRAM XD driver that allows for a super small 10 tooth cog, the rear axle is Boost 148mm wide with 12mm thru-axle, and the front axle is Boost 110mm wide with 15mm thru-axle. I was told that Trek invented the Boost standard… which is awesome. Benefits of this setup include higher weight capacity of 300lbs on this bike, easier disc brake alignment, stronger wheel support with fewer spokes (28 in this case) because of the spoke bracing angle. I love that they include a magnetic 6mm hex tool shaped like a quick release lever for use on both the front and rear wheels.
• Best air suspension I’ve ever ridden, with the easiest clickers to understand and configure. Apparently these were developed by SRAM RockShox in partnership with Penske racing shocks. Both shocks have black anodized stanchions, and the front stanchions are super wide at 38mm to handle long travel 160mm without requiring a triple crown. The SRAM AirWiz smartphone app helps you configure the proper air pressure range and alerts you with a red blinking LED when they need adjustment. The rear shock is a new design that foregoes a gas chamber (which slows rebound) and instead uses a single thru-piston. Both shocks have rebound adjust, and the rear shock has a numbered clicker that’s easier to configure and adjust. The front shock has high speed and low speed compression, and the rear has + 0 and – with an on/off lockout. The interfaces are just excellent, and I show them in the video review above.
• Trek really dials in their rear suspension and is an innovator in the space. The Active Braking Pivot (ABP) rear link reduces lockup and skipping so the rear wheel can stay more planted on the ground, the Rocker Link piece is made from light weight magnesium and positions component mass (including the rear shock) directly below the rider for better handling than if it was horizontal, they optimized the leverage rate between the rear wheel and rear shock to provide excellent mid-stroke control for less bobbing, more stable cornering, and and better acceleration.
• The SRAM AirWiz settings for tire pressure are especially useful when running tubeless, which tend to lose air quicker than tubes in my experience. It’s satisfying to check an app for precise settings vs. using a physical gauge or pump to connect to the presta valve of each tire each time you want to ride.
• Even though the demo bike I rode did not come with the SRAM Reverb AXS wireless dropper post, I read about it and watched videos to see how it performs… and it looks awesome. It’s very fast and precise. I believe that it offers the same benefits as the other wireless elements here including pressure recommendations based on body size and alerts when needing adjustment.
• Incredible drivetrain with SRAM XX1 wireless derailleur that’s precise, quick, and very reliable. It even has a self-protection mechanism that brings the derailleur in and then resets if physically bumped. The ultra wide XG-1299 cassette offers a 10 to 52 tooth spread for 502% gear ratio. I love that you can adjust the electronic SRAM Eagle AXS trigger shifter to swap which lever goes high and low, and you can configure multiple shifts for longer press/hold of the triggers.
• Light weight carbon fiber crank arms from e*thirteen with plastic protectors where the pedals mount (in case of rock strikes), and plastic chain guide to prevent drops and kickback on very bumpy terrain as the rear section of the bike travels with suspension. The chainring uses a narrow-wide tooth pattern to further prevent slippage and drops.
• Outstanding hydraulic disc brakes with quad piston calipers that provide more surface area and more even brake pad action. The two-finger brake levers both have tool-free throw (how much the pads move relative to your input) and reach adjust (how far the levers are spaced out from the handlebar), so you can refine to your hand size and braking preference. Note the very large 200mm rear brake rotor and extreme 220mm front brake rotor which offer improved mechanical advantage and cooling. The front rotor is extra thick at 1.7mm vs. 1.55mm to reduce the potential of bending and warping during use and when parking and transporting the bike.
• Great touch points here with locking grips, a very comfortable but still high performance saddle, and upgraded 35mm wide carbon fiber handlebar vs. 31.8mm. The cockpit is very clean because everything is wireless, and Trek chose to mount the Kiox 300 just behind the stem to keep it low and protected. Note that the bike can be operated without this display, and it’s very easy to remove by pulling down and then angling up from the bottom. I show this in the video review above. The headset is tapered for strength, and uses Knock Block to prevent oversteer that could damage cables in the event of a crash or rough transport.
• The Bosch Kiox 300 offers a larger 2″ diagonal screen vs. the original Kiox with 1.9″ and it runs completely off of the ebike battery vs. using its own disposable coin battery. There are no buttons on the display. It offers responsive backlighting to reduce distraction, and remembers the last menu view when the bike is power cycled (so you don’t have to hunt for it with lots of clicks each time).
• The Bosch LED Remote is a big upgrade from all other Bosch ebike control pads in my opinion, because the buttons are more reliable and predictable. The right/left and +/- buttons are rockers vs. independent, and the have icons that communicate how to activate or de-activate lights (hold +) and walk assist (hold – and push the bike). The LED remote is all you need to operate the bike, you can remove the Kiox 300 display and forego the smartphone app if you wish. I love the big colored swoosh that communicates assist level, and appreciate the ambient light detector at the top edge that reduces brightness automatically if it’s dark.
• The Bosch eBike Flow smartphone app for iOS and Android records your rides and stats, allows you to adjust Eco and Turbo assist settings (assistance, power application, top speed, maximum torque), allows you to update the bike software over time without visiting a shop, and interfaces with Apple health and Strava to track fitness. It’s a clean and simple app, but it has the potential to do a lot more in the future as Bosch innovates and third party systems are built on top of it.
• I’m a big fan of the Smart System Bosch Performance Line CX motor because it’s very powerful (up to 85nm of torque), extremely responsive (measuring pedal cadence, torque, and rear wheel speed 1,000 times per second), offers shift detection to reduce drivetrain wear, is much lighter than prior generations due to magnesium body (weighing just 6.39lbs), and is much quieter than most of the older Performance Line motors! This thing is awesome.
• I love the metal shielding below the Bosch CX motor, which has good venting and drainage, and appreciate how Trek mounted the rear wheel speed magnet onto the left side of the rear hub (with the sensor mounted on the chain stay), vs. the older design that used a spoke-mounted magnet that was easily bumped and would throw an error.
• I really like the Tour+ and eMTB drive modes that Bosch developed. They allow the motor to respond with a range of power that is based on how hard you pedal. It feels natural and precise, which is great for doing wheelies or navigating technical terrain. I think of Tour+ as just a weaker version of eMTB.
• Another feature of the Bosch Performance Line motors that I really appreciate is how they can support higher pedal rates without fading out, you can reach 120+ RPM (pedal strokes per minute) and the motor is still there for you. This is extremely important if you prefer to downshift when approaching a big climb and like to spin fast vs. pedaling super strong to climb.
• All of the Bosch ebike systems are IP54 (ingress protection) rated which means that they are protected against contamination from limited amounts of dust and other particles. In my experience, they tend to be very durable, and tend to be supported for many years… I think Bosch officially offers support for 10 years on their products from the day they are discontinued.
• The Bosch PowerTube 750 offers 20% higher capacity than the Bosch PowerTube 625, which allows for longer rides and prolonged high-power operation between charges. This is especially useful if you’re riding all mountain terrain, doing lots of climbs and replacing the chair lift. Higher capacity might also lead to longer lifespan because extreme discharge (down to zero) is hard on Lithium-ion batteries. It’s less likely to get stranded with a heavy ebike, and you can really enjoy the eMTB and Turbo modes here without as much range anxiety.
• I really like the Bosch ebike battery chargers because they tend to be compact, high speed, and fairly light weight. That is the case for the Smart System charger here, which puts out 4 amps vs. 2 amps on most competing systems. A full fill is estimated at 6 hours but a half-fill from zero only takes 2 hours because the cells don’t need to be balanced as precisely when starting out. The charger uses a proprietary plug interface that works on the bike frame or directly to the base of the battery, so you can charge on or off the bike. I recommend removing the battery during transport and for periods of storage so you can keep the pack maintained above 20% to avoid cell damage. I believe that storing Lithium-ion batteries in a cool dry environment is best, avoid extreme heat and expect a 40% drop in usable capacity temporarily in extreme cold.
• The left chain stay has a 20mm kickstand mount, which is great for handling the additional weight of this bike when parking, when removing the battery pack, and in general because the slack head tube angle that makes the bike tippy when parked.
• Excellent use of slap guards, there’s a long rubber strip on the top and bottom portions of the right chain stay, this will keep the paint job and carbon fiber in good shape while reducing noise on rough sections of trail.
• The stem is Blendr compatible to work with many Trek/Bontrager aftermarket accessories such as lights and phone mounts… this may be why the Kiox 300 is mounted to the top tube vs. the handlebar mount that Bosch also offers.
• ABUS makes the locking core that secures the battery pack, and Trek chose the premium keyset that comes with a code for ordering additional keys or getting keyed-alike accessories such as folding locks. You could mount one of these on the downtube if you wished, or use that spot for a side-entry water bottle as shown in the photos and video review.
• Trek only sells through dealers at this point, and this strategy allows them to provide the best quality control, assembly, fitting, and post-purchase support. They are one of the largest bicycle brands in the world, so they also achieve economies of scale and aren’t the most expensive (despite this being an extremely expensive model). You get a two year warranty that is emphasized by both Trek and Bosch.
• Being a top-of-the-line build, this electric bike is extremely expensive at $13,550 USD. That said, it’s neat that Trek sells such a premium product with cutting-edge technology in three frame sizes and three colors with an excellent two year warranty and vast network of shops. It’s like buying an F1 race car.
• As nice as Trek’s removable integrated battery (RIB) cover looks, and as useful as the handle mechanism at the top of it is, thic cover system adds 1.1lbs (498 grams) of weight. Also, since the RIB is also paint matched, it probably costs more to replace if scratched or damaged.
• I was a bit surprised by the overall weight of the bike at 52.6lbs (for the size Medium) given the stock 29″ x 2.5″ tires running tubeless, carbon fiber frame and air suspension setup. I think this comes back to the high capacity battery pack, weight of the cover, and thicker handlebar, suspension stanchions, and higher 300lb weight capacity rating. It’s a sturdy bike. I think it would be cool if you could split the PowerTube 750 to make a lightweight version for shorter rides or mostly downhill and then the full battery capacity for longer rides and more up and downhill.
• Both the battery charge port and battery lock cylinder are positioned on the left side of the frame. This is the side of the bike that should be facing down towards the ground when the bike is parked and laid on its side (since it does not come with a kickstand). This makes charging and removing the battery more difficult, and suggests to me that the bike should simply be leaned against a wall, which seems risky given the weight and price tag. The battery charge port is also directly in the path of the left crank arm when rotated, so it could easily get snagged and and unplugged if bumped.
• In order to mount the battery pack into the downtube bay, you actually have to insert and twist the key while holding and balancing the battery pack (which is 10.8lbs). You can’t just slam it in and have it click into place like some competing designs. This probably makes the locking mechanism more tamper resistant and may reduce rattling, but seems to require more time and balance to do properly. I wish that the first half-step of mounting the pack could initiate without having to insert the key, just to keep the pack from tipping out if your hands are full and you’re struggling to balance the bike and twist the key. since the key inserts into the left side of the frame, the whole process is a bit tricky and definitely requires both hands.
• In order to configure both suspension elements, both tires, and operate the dropper post and derailleur on this ebike, you’ll need to download the SRAM AXS smartphone app. A second smartphone app is required to configure the Bosch drive system operation. Both apps work well, but having to download and interact with two just takes more time and requires more permissions and storage space on the phone.
• Two of the SRAM AXS wireless elements are rechargeable: the SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS derailleur and SRAM Reverb AXS dropper post. But the shifter mechanism, both shocks, and both tire pressure gauges utilize disposable CR2032 coin batteries. As cool as the technology is, and as long as these little batteries last, it’s just one more thing to fiddle with, expire between long periods of travel or during the winter months, and the waste is a bit annoying for me. It would be great if all electronics were run off of the main rechargeable ebike battery.
• Considering the very high capacity 750 watt hour Bosch PowerTube battery pack and Smart System smartphone app used to track rides, and adjust Eco and Turbo assist modes, I was very disappointed to find that the USB-C port built into the LED Remote button pad is not active for charging portable electronics. It seems like a missed opportunity to me, especially given the earlier generations of Bosch displays have provided some level of charging (Bosch Intuvia, Bosch original Kiox, and Bosch Nyon).
• The Bosch Smart System components are not backwards compatible, and even use a new battery charger. If you wanted to change displays or share chargers from prior generations, you are not able to. I was surprised about the charger, because it seems to offer the same output.
• The bike frame appears to be longer than the non-electric equivalent from Trek. This may be due to the length of the PowerTube 750 and its supporting interface, as well as the mid-drive motor. While this provides some stability for climbing, it makes the bike less nimble.

Useful Resources:

• Trek electric bike dealers .
• Official Trek website.

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Comments (6) YouTube Comments

Hi, you may want to consider adding to the Con list “product availability”. Many of the Trek reviews I’ve seen lately are not available until 2023, at least here in Canada and I’ve contacted multiple dealers, both on the west and east coast. The reviews should be rephrased to “Teasers”, LOL.

Hi Chris! I like your suggestion about renaming :P and I’ve seen this same inventory challenge when visiting shops. That said, the Trek dealer I borrowed this review bike from does have lots of inventory in a range of models. I’m not sure about size availability, but they just got a bunch of new stuff in. I do my best to cover products from a range of brands and price points, this one came up as unique because it’s so fancy… I try to stay down to Earth and be honest about the shortcomings that I see. Inventory might be a temporary con for most of the bikes right now. Hope you can find the bike you want… call the Port Coquitlam Trek store if you haven’t already! Even if you don’t live in this region, perhaps they could ship products to another outlet near you?

Thank you Court! We appreciate all you do bringing our attention to all of these awesome ebikes.

Top of the line 13K and you hear a train horn when you hit the brakes. lmao 🤣

Yeah… I think it must have been the water, possibly the cold, and maybe the brakes weren’t bed in yet? I’ve heard brand new brakes squeal many times, but especially in wet conditions.

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2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS review: A widely capable trail bike with a high-end build

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I’ll admit, climbing is not my favourite part of a ride, but when you get a bike that climbs like Trek’s new Fuel EX, cranking uphill gets a lot more enjoyable! The 2023 Fuel EX will serve as Trek’s mid-travel do-everything trail bike, and it offers a near perfect ‘quiver-killer’ package with its aggressive climbing ability, slack steering angle and 140/150mm travel. Add adjustable geometry and shock progressivity to that, and you’ve got one versatile trail machine.

I picked up the Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS during Crankworx Whistler, giving me a few weeks to get a handful of rides on it. Right away I can say the bike climbs like a hyperactive goat, but my area demands a bike that can descend well too. The Fuel EXs steering angle is slack enough for any trail, so the bike only finds its limit on really rough terrain that challenges its 140mms of rear travel.

2023 Trek Fuel EX – basic specs:

In this article we’ll discuss how the new Fuel EX rides. Here’s few basic specs, but check out my launch post for all the details on the new Fuel EX’s features, geometry and build kit options.

The Fuel EX frames are offered in both aluminum or carbon, with 140mm rear travel and a 150mm fork (except the entry level EX 5 which carries over the outgoing frame with 130mm travel). Most sizes ride on 29” wheels, but the XS frames run 27.5” only and the smalls offer the option of 27.5” or 29”. The 29ers can be converted to mullet setups, but Trek recommends adding a 160mm fork.

Between Trek’s Mino Link chip and optional angle adjust headset cups for the Fuel EX, there’s plenty of variation in frame geometry depending on settings. Some angles and measurements change with frame size as well, particularly the rear end lengths which are now size-specific.

To summarize it quickly, the Fuel EX’s head tube angle can range from 63.5° to 66° with the optional cups in play. Without the cups, the Mino Link gives you the choice of 64.5 or 65°. Seat masts are pretty steep at 76 to 78.9° across all sizes/settings.

Trek stretched out some pretty lengthy reaches on the Fuel EXs; The M/L bike I’m testing measures 470mm. Out back, Trek leaned towards the middle with their new size-specific chainstay lengths. The M/L frame I rode has 440mm stays, which are not short but not long either.

The top-of-the-line Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AX S weighs 32.76lbs (with pedals).

Ride Impressions: Suspension

I am quite familiar with Trek’s suspension, as I’ve owned a Remedy for the last few years. I wasn’t surprised to find the Fuel EX climbs even better, and offers about 95% of the Remedy’s downhill prowess.

Trek’s ABP linkage is a very supportive climber, especially with the rear shock in its firm position. With the shock’s help, the rear end firms up enough that the rear wheel starts floating over pockets between roots and rocks, rather than diving into them. You’ll still use about 50% of the rear travel on singletrack trails in firm mode, so I still find traction is ample and the ride remains fairly comfortable.

What’s great is how the Fuel EX is a solid climber without any help from the shock too. Climbing technical singletrack in open mode, I only dipped into 2-3mms more travel than climbing in firm mode. The ride does get a bit more forgiving and slightly more grippy in open mode (without losing much efficiency), so it’s a practical option for rougher ascents.

Somehow, despite how supportive the Fuel EX’s ABP linkage is going uphill, it’s a whole different beast going down. It’s as if the linkage is speed-sensitive, as it responds very well to all kinds of high-speed impacts and has an impressive ability to round off sharp hits. Whether it’s small chatter or a full-on rock garden, the Fuel EX smooths out the trail very nicely. The rear wheel always feels well planted, and the linkage gives the bike a plowy feel through rough terrain. I do find Trek’s bikes aren’t super poppy on jumps, but they do have ample mid-stroke support to pump well through rollers and berms.

I have some delightfully rough trails in my area of B.C. and I did find moments where more than 140mm travel would have been ideal! That said, I don’t think you could do much better with 140mms of suspension than the Fuel EX has. While it’s really the slack steering that allows this bike to tackle pretty serious terrain, the adjustable shock rate also raises this bike’s tolerance for fast, rough riding.

I had no trouble getting full travel from the bike in its more linear LESS mode, and being a lightweight rider this is the mode I’d keep the bike in. It was perfectly dialed – I was enjoying full travel on descents but not frequently thrashing the bike with harsh bottom-outs.

When I flipped the chip into MORE mode, it did make a noticeable difference to the ride, but didn’t have much effect on how much travel I was using. I expected the bike to feel stiffer than preferred and that I’d need a good hard hit to bottom out the bike with the added progression. Instead I wound up using all the bike’s travel on any typical descent, although there was a palpable difference in how the bike felt. I could tell the linkage was resisting hard, fast impacts more than before, so I’d bet fans of coil shocks, or heavier and more aggressive riders would appreciate the difference the chip makes. In my case, it just made the ride a bit firmer than it needed to be. If I was a competitive racer I’d probably prefer MORE mode, but I ride recreationally so I keep things on the soft side!

Fit-wise, the first thing I noticed about the Fuel EX is its generous reach. At 470mm on the M/L frame, it’s about the longest bike I’ve ridden yet. This nearly straightens my arms, so I don’t think I’d want to go any longer, but it did feel roomy and comfortable on the trails. Of course the steep 77.5 degree seat mast leans you over that lengthy front end, so you wind up well centered between the wheels.

I liked the 440mm chainstay length on the M/L Fuel EX. It’s not so long that the bike feels like an enduro sled, but it is long enough to provide a stable ride and great climbing traction on steep uphill sections.

I am also a fan of slack steering angles. I didn’t have the optional headset cups for the Fuel EX so I couldn’t go to 63.5°, but my demo bike was set up at 64.5°. That’s a great number for rowdy trails, and definitely allows this mid-travel bike to take on enduro-level terrain. I have not found running a slack steering angle causes any real penalty on climbs, so I’m happy with a slack trail bike.

The Fuel EX comes with the Mino link in Low position, which is definitely the preferred setting for my local terrain. The BB does ride pretty low in this position at 335mm, but I must be getting used to low BB’s because I didn’t have any problem with pedal strikes on this bike.

Standover height on the Fuel EX is not particularly low, but not problematic for me. If I wound up near the head tube I could damage some sensitive bits, but in front of the saddle there’s ample clearance for standing comfortably.

On-Bike Tools and Storage:

In recent years, Trek has jumped on board with on-bike storage and tools. The Fuel EX, in either aluminum or carbon, offers a frame storage compartment in the down tube. The included Bontrager BITS tool roll is designed to hold a tube, co2 canisters, an inflator head and tire levers.

The high-end Fuel EX 9.9s also come with tools in the steerer tube. The Bontrager tool offers a chainbreaker, and a removable multi-tool with seven allen keys, a torx and a flathead screwdriver bit.

Components:

The Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS boasts a pretty top-of-the-line build kit, and gave me my first experience with SRAM’s AXS electronic drivetrain. I really like the feel and ergonomics of SRAM’s dropper post and shifter remotes, as the light push-button action is undeniably easier than throwing paddles on a traditional cable shifter. Performance-wise, the AXS drivetrain was great but not perfect – about once on every ride I’d get a bit of a hesitation when shifting (not always the same gear), and once the derailleur harshly jumped back into a gear after I rode a rough downhill section. Otherwise, the shifting was quick and precise, so for my short test I didn’t attempt to reconfigure the shifting. I had no real mechanical issues with any of the AXS components on my rides.

Aside from the XX1 AXS drivetrain I’d say it’s the one-piece handlebar/stem that gives the top-tier Fuel EX a really high performance look. The Bontrager RSL bar/stem offers a 27.5mm rise, 820mm stock width, and a 45mm stem length with zero rise.

SRAM’s Code RSC brakes offered ample power for any descent, but I was a bit surprised to feel how much squeeze they required to get full braking force. Of course, their modulation is great but compared to the TRP DH-R EVO’s I’ve been riding the Code RSC’s required more effort to almost lock up a wheel.

When I picked up the Fuel EX Trek’s people had it all set up for me, and I didn’t have to touch any adjustments on the fork or rear shock throughout my testing. Not surprisingly, the top-notch Fox Factory 36 EVOL fork with its Grip 2 damper left me nothing to complain about, as did the Fox Factory Float X rear shock.

Bontrager’s Line Pro 30 carbon wheelset offered that pleasant, slightly damped feeling carbon rims can provide, and survived my testing with no damage to speak of. The Bontrager SE5 Team Issue tires don’t match Maxxis’ Minions or Assegais in terms of overall grip, but they’re still fairly good for traction and they’re a fast rolling tire. To make sure you can get those wheels moving over anything, the Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS comes with a small 30t front chainring and a 10-52t rear cassette.

I had no comfort issues with the Bontrager Arvada saddle, and no other mechanical concerns with any other components.

I’ve described how well the Trek is set up for all-around trail riding, but one thing I really appreciate is the relatively low weight of the Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS. I’m a small guy, so I find lighter bikes a pleasure to climb, as they’re easy to heave up over bumps and power up steep sections. I’d bet Trek could have gone even lighter, but probably not with all the functionality plus the bells and whistles this bike includes.

The Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS retails for $10,749.99 .

Want more tech info on the new Trek Fuel EX? Check out our in-depth post here . 

trekbikes.com

Steve Fisher is a staff contributor for Bikerumor. Steve has been writing about trail, enduro and downhill mountain biking (plus a few commuter bikes) for seven years. Prior to that, Steve wrote for Whistler Traveller Magazine and Mountain Life Magazine. Steve is based in Pemberton, British Columbia, an area that offers plenty of challenging world-class singletrack and makes for great photos!

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I rode a lower end version of this bike ( 9.7?) earlier this year in Moab, and I was equally impressed. I called it a hero bike because I rode like I’ve never ridden before – my grey haired friends amazed to see me going off 5+ foot drops and riding past them when they got off to walk ( both up and down!).

The yellow is absolutely terrible. It looks like a GT. Seems like a great bike nothing but positive things to say. Good job Trek

I hope this signals a reduction the “TREK” logo size across their bike line-up. Some of the high end trek road bike have embarrassingly large logos.

32+ lbs for the very top spec seems a little heavy? Otherwise it sounds like a great trail bike.

The Fuel EX 8 (aluminium frame) has put on 1.8 kg, which seems crazy.

Nice review, Steve. While you’re at one end of the travel needs spectrum, I’m at the other, trying to figure out whether I really need a bike with this much travel.

Love the yellow. So tired of Boring Black…..

Looks like Trek outsourced frame design to Astro. A definite step backwards in aesthetics. Hopefully the bike rides much better than how awful it looks.

I am definitely out of touch with today’s standards of what’s light and what climbs well

Have Trek given up on the through shaft damper? I have an 2018 Fuel Ex which I love, wondering if it’s now obsolete.

I hope they have

I noticed that they shortened the crank arms on the larger sizes to 170mm

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Trek's Top Fuel is Reborn a Fast and Fun Trail Bike

The new Trek Top Fuel Pulls the XC-race stick out of its butt and joins the trail bike party.

The takeaway: You can ride all day without sweating the climbs.

• Reborn as a trail bike, the new Top Fuel has more travel and is more stable.
• Complete builds come with dropper posts and other trail-oriented parts.
• Aluminum frame Top Fuels start at $3,300. The most expensive carbon model is $10,000.

Weight: 24 lb. (9.9, size small)

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Hidden Adjustment

Trek's MinoLink flip chip is hidden in the upper shock mount.

Slippery Gold

This top-end model gets the extra-slippery Kashima Coat legs on its Fox fork.

State Pride

Take a bit of Wisconsin with you wherever you ride.

The Knock Block headset prevents damage to the top and down tubes.

The housing and hoses are clamped to prevent rattle.

From Cross Country to Trail Bike

While the 2019 Top Fuel featured 100mm of travel in the front and back, the new Top Fuel now has 120mm of front suspension and 115mm of rear suspension. They’ve also done away with the floating mount that compressed the shock from both ends. Instead, the lower eyelet is fixed to the downtube, a change that reduces weight and improves stiffness.

Tires are also trending wider across the industry, and the same proves true here. Instead of light and skinny race tires, the new model comes with 29x2.40-inch Bontrager XR3 Team Issue tires designed for a variety of riding conditions. The new Top Fuel 9.9 also has armor to protect the downtube against rock strikes and Trek's Knock Block headset which prevents the bars and fork from twisting backward and damaging the frame.

As for geometry, the new model is slacker and longer than the last, and it has a shorter stem and wider bars than the previous generation. One of the most notable changes, however, is the updated front suspension offset. Trek was arguably the first to get behind an increased offset—specifically 51mm—for their 29ers.

Other brands eventually followed and soon most 29ers were using 51mm offset forks. But the current trend of longer front centers and slacker head angles has reversed this tide, and the offsets are shrinking. Even Trek couldn't fight the reduced-offset trend: the new Top Fuel uses a 44mm offset fork.

All the Bells and Whistles

As a top-of-the-line 9.9 model, our review bike comes with everything you’d ever want on an endurance bike and then some. Last year’s Top Fuel family didn’t feature a single dropper post, but now, every model comes with one. The small starts with a 100mm dropper and from there dropper sizes run all the way up to 170mm on the largest sizes.

The left handlebar grip features a TwistLoc remote that lets you lock out both front and rear suspension with one simple twist. Unlocking it is even easier, you just push a small button with your thumb. I was warned about it prior to riding, to prevent me from accidentally triggering it, but I didn’t find that to be a problem at all. Maybe it’s my small hands, but I think you really have to activate it intentionally. However, near the end of the review period the fork's lockout mechanism began to stick and sometimes wouldn't open.

The bike also comes with Trek’s Mino Link, which is located on the front of the rocker, making it easier to access and change than on previous versions. In the high position, the 9.9 has a quicker-steering vibe. If you want a more stable feel, flipping it to the low position will drop the bottom bracket 8mm, and relax the head angle from 68 to 67.5 degrees.

Right now the Top Fuel 9.9 comes in two color options: All black matte (for those minimalists) or an eye-catching black and teal hybrid with neon green lettering seen here. If you’re thinking of getting the Top Fuel and really want to go all out then you might want to wait until July 25, when the new Top Fuel joins Trek's ProjectOne customizable paint and build program.

You get all of these features, and the bike still only weighs 24 pounds (size small). The only thing the Top Fuel 9.9 doesn’t come with is electronic shifting. For that you’ll want the $10,000 Top Fuel 9.9 AXS with SRAM's Eagle AXS wireless group .

Frame: Carbon Wheel Size: 29-inch Travel: 115mm Shock: Fox Factory Float Fork: Fox Factory 34 Step-Cast, 120mm Drivetrain: 1x12 Crankset: SRAM XX1 Eagle Carbon, 32t Rear Derailleur: SRAM XX1 Eagle Cassette: SRAM XG-1295 Eagle, 10-50 Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc, 180mm front/160mm rear rotors Seatpost: Bontrager Line Elite dropper, 100-170mm travel Rims: Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 carbon, tubeless ready Tires: Bontrager XR3 Team Issue 2.4 in., tubeless ready Sizes: S, M, M/L, L, XL

The Top Fuel Family

If this $9,000 9.9 falls outside of your budget, there are three other bikes in the Top Fuel family that you can get for less.

The family starts with the Top Fuel 8 at $3,300. It’s the only aluminum bike in the line-up, and it weighs almost 30.5 pounds (size medium, claimed). It comes with the same amount of travel, a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, and you’ll even get the TwistLoc remote. For $4,000, you can get the Top Fuel 9.7. You’ll get roughly the same set up as the 8 but with a full carbon frame.

The Top Fuel 9.8 comes in at just over 26 pounds (claimed) for $5,500. You’ll get better components like SRAM GX Eagle, the Bontrager Line Elite Dropper (like the 9.9), and a Fox Performance 34 fork and Bontrager Kovee Elite 30 wheels with carbon rims.

The the 9.9 and the 9.9 AXS get Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 wheels with 108-tooth Rapid Drive hubs, for near-instant engagement. At $10,000, the biggest differences between the 9.9 and the 9.9 AXS are the wireless SRAM Eagle AXS shifters and the wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper.

Reshuffling the Trek Full-Suspension Family

Trek has a number of world-class cross country racers on its mountain bike teams. With the Top Fuel no longer a race bike, those riders will need a new XC bike. And it appears one is coming soon. Trek's racers are aboard a new bike with a sock on the top tube covering up a new full suspension design.

With its new trail orientation, the Top Fuel has serious overlap with Trek's current Fuel EX, a 130/130mm trail bike. We expect that will be rectified with a new version of the Fuel EX that will launch later this year. It will likely have more travel than the current Fuel EX, as well as longer geometry, slacker headtube angle, steeper seat angle, a shorter offset fork, a stiffer frame, and will be built with heartier parts.

How It Rides

I took the new Top Fuel to the trails I'd been riding on my personal Trek Fuel EX 5 — a heavier and longer travel bike than this Top Fuel 9.9. The trails I rode during the initial test ride were flowy, with a few technical spots and long climbs.

The biggest thing I noticed? Climbing wasn't nearly as difficult as it was on my personal bike. I wouldn't call it effortless, but the difference was significant. Riding in the "cross country" setup, with the Mino Link set high and the stem flipped in the downward position, the Top Fuel is a quicker steering and faster feeling trail bike. In this form, the bike truly would be great for endurance races like the Breck Epic and BC Bike race.

In the low mode, the bike feels mellower, but still a fast and agile bike. On paper, it has a lot in common with the Yeti SB100 and Santa Cruz Tallboy, which puts the new Top Fuel in very good company.

Taking it on some rocky trails, the Top Fuel tackled them just as well. While it might not have as much suspension as other trail bikes, it can just as easily rip down most technical trails. The 29er wheels and wider tires help the bike roll over obstacles with ease, without taking away from the bike's superb climbing ability.

The new Top Fuel might not be a pure XC-race bike anymore, but it's still precise and very fast. Its new trail orientation makes it a great choice for a rider who wants a fast and light bike with most of the the efficiency of a cross-country race bike, but with bit more versatility and playfulness.

equipment Top Fuel 9.9

When she’s not out riding her mountain bike, Jessica is an editor for Popular Mechanics . She was previously an editor for Bicycling magazine. 

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• Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS

Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS

Rail 9.9 is our best long-travel electric mountain bike. You get an extra-beefy carbon frame, unbelievably smooth RockShox suspension, SRAM's best wireless electronic drivetrain, and a powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor with an extra-long range battery and the new smart system LED remote and Kiox display that pair with the eBike Flow app to give you activity tracking, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity. It's right for you if... You want to spare no expense on your e-MTB experience. You want the most adjustability, smoothest performance, longest range, and most high-tech electric assist you can get. You love customization and want all the cool features of the Bosch smart system, and you want wireless electronic shifting. The tech you get An upgraded OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with longer reach and oversized head tube and seat tube for maximum strength. An extra-long-range 750Wh battery, ultra-adjustable RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork, RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Thru Shaft shock, and SRAM XX1 AXS drivetrain. You get Bosch's new smart system Performance Line CX with a new Bluetooth LED remote for easy connectivity and all-in-one navigation and activity tracking through the eBike Flow app, plus TyreWiz and AirWiz pressure monitoring. The final word Rail 9.9 is all about top-shelf tech. RockShox's best enduro fork, Bosch's biggest battery, the smooth shifting of XX1 AXS, an updated frame, TyreWiz and AirWiz pressure monitoring, plus Bosch's latest tech with smart system. Why you'll love it - Bosch's new smart system gives you all the same power and responsiveness with a new Bluetooth-connected LED remote and eBike Flow app that puts even more control and customization at your fingertips - TyreWiz and AirWiz let you confirm your tires, fork, and shock are at the right pressure at a glance. No more getting the pump or gauge out just to check - RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft works faster than a normal shock, so it tracks the ground better and keeps you in control - The new frame is extra stout with a 34.9mm seat tube to accommodate more robust dropper posts, and an oversized head tube that works with burly eMTB-optimized forks for less flex and more precise steering - Trek's Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) system looks great and is super user-friendly: it fully hides the battery in the frame for protection, makes it easy remove the battery without tools and lets you mount a water bottle cage

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

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First Ride: 2022 Trek Rail 9.9 - More Battery Power & Updated Geometry

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• Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XX AXS Gen 2 - 2024, Medium

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Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
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• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

MOD Cargo: I tested the new Texas-based cargo electric bike for the whole family

MOD Bikes is a bit of a different type of electric bike maker, marching to the beat of its own drum, which helps the company stand out in a sea of newly released e-bikes. Look no further than the company’s popular sidecar electric bike or their own in-house designed street chargers for e-bikes . It’s obvious that MOD isn’t using the same playbook as everyone else.

But when I recently took a trip to Texas to visit the company and see their SXSW unveiling, my focus this time was on one of their more utility-based models: The newly released MOD Cargo electric bike.

Part of the company’s new 2024 launch of e-bikes, first unveiled at this year’s SXSW Festival, the Mod Cargo adds several new features to MOD’s feature list.

Chief among those features are the new color display, torque sensor, vertical parking frame, turn signal helmet integration, and more.

Check out what I mean in my test riding video below, then keep reading for even more!

MOD Cargo test ride video

MOD Cargo tech specs

• Motor:  750W (1,000W peak) geared rear hub motor
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h)
• Range:  Claimed up to 90 miles (144 km) with dual batteries
• Battery:  48V 15Ah (720 Wh) or dual batteries for 1,440 Wh
• Bike Weight:  62 pounds (28 kg)
• Battery Weight:  7.5 pounds (3.4 kg)
• Bike Max load:  400 pounds (181 kg)
• Tires: 20″x3″ semi-fat tires
• Brakes:  Hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotors
• Extras:  7-speed Shimano shifter, large color LCD screen, LED headlight and tail/brake light, thumb-throttle, up to two removable batteries, included fenders and built-in long rear rack, snap-on system for accessory mounting, and more.

Testing out the new e-bike

I love e-bikes that can do more than just take you from point A to point B. I prefer e-bikes that can be used for several roles, from mere transportation to utility and even hauling. And the MOD Cargo is definitely one of those multi-role bikes.

The design incorporates a long built-in rear rack, making it an essential part of the frame and ensuring a strong, rigid design. It can handle up to 400 lb (181 kg) of payload distributed around the bike, meaning you can easily carry two kids or some serious gear with you.

The bike also uses a snap-on system to easily mount and remove various attachments such as cargo baskets, child safety seats, and more.

Plus the vertical parking design (which, I should note, is obviously borrowed from Tern’s glorious rear rack design ), means you can park the bike vertically in your garage or the corner of your living room, taking up barely more space than a coat rack. Actually, you could probably use it as a coat rack when it’s parked. Those handlebars do double duty!

Speaking of those bars, they also fold down, which is great for loading the bike in the back of a car with step-thru seating like a mini van. You just slide the bike down the center aisle, made possible thanks to the bars dropping down so low.

In addition to the rugged design, I was impressed with the comfort of the ride. Cargo bikes are known for a lot of things, but comfortable riding isn’t usually one of them. They generally use smaller wheels to help increase cargo space, but that can impact their ride quality. With the MOD Cargo though, the combination of 20×3″ semi-fat tires as well as a suspension fork and suspension seat post, I was able to comfortably ride nature trails in the park that include dirt and gravel surfaces.

This definitely isn’t going to be the bike you take on rutted-out single track, but being able to stay in the saddle on dirt roads is still a nice feature to have.

You’re not going to get true rear suspension on a cargo bike unless you’re willing to shell out more than the cost of a decent used car, but seat post suspension helps to complement the suspension fork to give your tush some extra cushioning when you need it.

And the last feature I want to point out regarding the bike design is the inclusion of a super sturdy center kickstand. I’ve noticed that a lot of cargo e-bike makers are cheaping out on kickstands recently, so I’m glad to see that MOD put a serious, heavy-duty center stand on their bike.

This is what you want underneath you when you got kids or heavy cargo on back. You want a wide center stand that keeps the bike parked stably, not precariously pitched over to one side. Side stands work fine on a normal city bike, but a heavy-laden cargo bike needs to stand straight up when carrying that much weight.

I’m also glad to see some key components like hydraulic disc brakes and a torque sensor for better pedal assist.

The hydro brakes are important on heavy bikes that need more stopping power when loaded down, especially if trying to come to a quick stop on a downhill. And the torque sensor simply provides nicer, smoother pedal assist than a cadence sensor. There’s nothing wrong with cadence sensors, but torque sensors generally just give a nicer experience.

The inclusion of both parts helps differentiate the bike further from the lower-tier competition out there.

So the bike’s design is impressive already, but then the electronics sweeten the pot even further.

The rear motor is rated at 750W of continuous power, maxing out the legal limit in the US for street-legal e-bikes. But the peak power is even higher at 1,000W. I was able to easily hit speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h), though you can also limit the bike to 20 mph (32 km/h) if you want to keep it in Class 2 settings.

The motor also claims a torque rating of 69 Nm. Nice!

The bike’s single battery is a 48V 15Ah (720 Wh) unit, but you can double it to a maximum of 1,440 Wh. Depending on whether you double up, you’ll have 45 or 90 miles (72 or 144 km) of range. I tested the dual battery version, and if you use the throttle a lot or just want to have extra range, I’d recommend the second battery.

Rounding out the electronics are the new LED color display with USB charge port to charge your phone, LED headlight and tail light, and that torque sensor I mentioned above.

The last cool electronics feature is that they’ve designed the bike to work with the Lumos LED helmet, meaning you get wireless turn signals built right in. You can connect your helmet over Bluetooth in the bike’s display, and then your turn signal buttons on the bike control the helmet’s turn signals. They even power down together, so when you turn off the bike, the helmet’s lights turn off too. That’s pretty cool, and I definitely haven’t seen this feature on any other bikes in this class!

What are the downsides?

I’m a pretty positive guy, so I always have to remind myself to look for the downsides on e-bikes as well. And in this case, I have to look pretty hard. There’s not much to dislike here. Even the 70 lb weight with a single battery isn’t that bad, considering that many cargo e-bikes these days are between 80-90 lbs).

The main downside I keep coming back to is just the price, starting at $2,590 . And that’s before adding all the fun accessories that make use of the cool Snap-On mounting system.

That’s a serious price tag for a direct-to-consumer electric bike. But then again, you’re getting a lot for it, including a premium design. The bike also comes with a much longer warranty period than most, offering a five-year limited warranty and free returns.

But that’s still quite expensive compared to other direct-to-consumer electric cargo bikes out there. I’d argue that you get features you don’t find elsewhere (or that you do find on e-bikes that are twice this price like Tern’s vertical parking), but you’re still paying some top dollar here. I believe the price is worth it if you’re using the bike as a car replacer for your family, or perhaps to replace a second car. But it’s the one thing that keeps coming back to me when I think about what would give me pause here, when considering the more affordable cargo e-bikes out there.

So there’s what we’re working with, the MOD Cargo is a well designed e-bike with a very nice loadout of parts and features.

It’s a bit pricey, but I do believe you’re getting a heck of a lot of features and a great design for the price. There are cheaper ways to get your cargo solution solved, but they won’t do a lot of what this bike can.

So I recommend it, but only if you’ve got the extra cash to spend.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

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