Trek Rail 9.9 Review | 2021 eMTB Shootout

After taking the top spot in our 2020 eMTB shootout, we had high expectations of the refreshed Trek Rail 9.9. Much of the bike is familiar, which isn’t a bad thing since the 2020 model blew us away. That said, things move fast in the eMTB world so will the 2021 refresh have what it takes to hold its own against a stacked field of completely re-designed competitors? We threw everything the desert had at the Rail to see if it could defend the top spot.

It was a close competition in the Trail category this year. Several bikes stood out in certain areas, but nothing could match the Rail in overall performance. The Bosch system will get you up any trail with battery life to spare, and likely let you clean sections you never thought possible. The geometry is also as close to perfect as we have found for all around riding. The Rail is just long enough to hold any line you choose but retaining the liveliness and pop of the best trail bikes. While we would like to see slightly more powerful brakes and possibly a Fox suspension package, that would not hold us back from buying the Rail as our only bike. Yeah, it is that good.

The Rail’s total package is nothing short of impressive. Code brakes offer the best SRAM has to offer regarding both modulation and power, which is needed at the speeds you will be going on the Rail. As mentioned, the new rear shock tune is just about perfect, with enough support in the mid travel to always allow for a big drop or jump, while still maintaining ground tracing sensitivity off the top. When you combine all of that with the top shelf of Bontrager parts and wheels, the price tag seems to be justified.

On the way back down, the Rail performs on par with many of the bikes sporting more travel. While we did knock the travel ring off the rear shock several times, none of us could tell we were bottoming as the ramp up is both supportive and very aggressive. The stiff frame and fork allow for laser-like accuracy in line choice and the Bontrager wheels are flexible enough to hold side hill options with ease. Off big, slow speed drops, the Rail needs a little extra effort to get the long wheelbase balanced. The low bottom bracket and taller stack give the feeling of riding in the bike rather than on it, and provide the confidence to tackle whatever. We rarely find bikes that flick through switchbacks just as well as they hold tight inside turns, but the Rail does exactly that. Whether you like to scandi turn into big berms or just get off the brakes and rail the corner, the snappy rear end and long, low geometry make it happen.

We cannot end without discussing the dark matte grey and gloss candy red carbon. It is both understated and refined at the same time. In darker light, the carbon weave pops through the paint, but in full sun, the red pops and impressed us all. This is one good looking machine.

Check out the full review here:
https://theloamwolf.com/2021/03/12/20...

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Supporting Sponsors:
Schwalbe Tires | https://www.schwalbetires.com//
Bontrager Shoes | https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bo...
G-Form | https://g-form.com/
Smith Optics | https://www.smithoptics.com/
Velocirax | https://www.velocirax.com/
Greater Zion, Utah | https://greaterzion.com/

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