Trek Powerfly 7
- Price: $5,299
- Gears: 1×11
- Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminum
- Travel: 130mm rear, 130mm front
- Drivetrain: 1 × 11
- Tires: 27.5 x 2.80˝
What we like about it: The combination of full shock design and the high-end battery is suitable for anyone (except minors). Gives you plenty of boosts whether you’re going downhill or climbing.
What we don’t like about it: The single paint color.
Rating: (4.8/5)
I call the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus the Black Knight. With its all black paint, understated luxury, and its huge body, I think the name is apt enough.
At first glance, I didn’t think it would shock me much anymore, after all, I had seen the Powerfly 5. But I still underestimated the power of the 2019 Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus.
Because we had the relevant experience, we were prepared to plan a shorter review time. However, I didn’t expect the Powerfly FS 7 Plus’s excellent Shimano HG600 1×11 speed transmission, stable SHIMANO DEORE hydraulic disc brakes, and wide enough Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tires to attract us for a four-month-long review.
The Powerfly FS 7 Plus followed us up the scarred and steep mining waste areas, led us through punchy descents, and accompanied us on leisurely rides. Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus showed us its strong and reliable side, as well as its considerate and gentle side. Yes, I think the Powerfly FS 7 Plus is really a must-have for home adventures.
Here’s our breakdown of the Powerfly FS 7 Plus for descending performance, climbing performance, and casual riding, key features, components and specs, and other versions in the series.
If you want to learn more about the Trek Powerfly, you can refer to our detailed explanation.
Descending Performance
Generally speaking, full-suspension bikes do have an advantage on intense steep descending terrain, not to mention this Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus which is a full-suspension electric trail bike. Whether it’s normal descending terrain or technical descending forest roads, this full-suspension e-bike performs better than bikes in its price range.
Details
We would initially think the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus 51Ibs is too heavy, but I’m afraid you wouldn’t think so if you have real world riding experience as I do. In addition, the Powerfly FS 7 Plus wide 27.5×2.80˝ Bontrager XR4 Team Issue vacuum tires, slack head tube angle (66.9°), steep seat tube angle (72.4°) high-end battery, and motor can compete with pro riders even when descending on technical tracks.
Shimano HG6001 x 11 speed and SHIMANO DEORE oil-operated disc brakes and a shock with 130mm front and rear travel. You don’t have to worry about it giving you a bumpy experience like a hardtail when facing this abandoned mining area single-track road full of gravel with obvious undulations, and it handles the bumps perfectly.
While newcomers may have some difficulty descending at high speeds, this won’t be a major hindrance if you pay attention to the center of gravity and gear shifting.
We noticed that the pedals on the Powerfly FS 7 Plus are VP-536 nylon platform, which looks a bit cheap and may even be considered by some to have a smooth surface. We would also be concerned about the pedal not being able to keep up with your perfect pedaling.
However, in the review we did here, the pedal was very stable and did not suffer from these conditions. If you are going very fast and the terrain is very bumpy, it may still fall short.
The design of the dropper also absorbs the feeling of vibration in steep terrain. All in all, the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus has much better descent damping than the XC.
Climbing Performance
On long uphill climbs, it is the second half of the climb that is important. Normal mountain bikes, even if they are good at climbing, may not be able to maintain consistent power on the second half of the climb due to the rider’s age and physical limitations.
But if you are climbing with the Powerfly FS 7 Plus, I think you can use its high-end Bosch Performance CX motor with speeds up to 20 mph even in the second half of the climb. It will give you plenty of boosts and allow you to easily pass other riders.
While the shape of the 019 Powerfly FS 7 Plus may give you the illusion that it is bulky and sluggish, its Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame has great impact resistance. Even in the face of some unavoidable accidents, it has a degree of protection.
Also, we took the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus to trails where most of the highlands are scarred. There are places on this area that leave steep slopes. With the help of the battery, the Powerfly FS 7 Plus was much faster than its counterpart in terms of speed.
Such challenging trails still take some toll on the Powerfly FS 7 Plus, but that’s really hard to avoid. What we found amazing was the grip of the tires on the Powerfly FS 7 Plus, even when facing steep slopes it stayed close to the ground, allowing me to just think about going up as I climbed.
Save Effort
The most intuitive feeling I got from riding the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus was that it saved me a lot of effort. Normally, the second half of a climb is usually tough for me because of the loss of energy.
In riding the Trek Powerfly 7 Plus I experienced what it means to go uphill with a smile on my face and with ease. Although the Trek Powerfly 7 Plus looks bulky, I would really say it is a nimble “fatty”.
Leisurely Riding
I believe I am an absolute off-road enthusiast, but that doesn’t stop me from equally enjoying watching sunsets at the beach, listening to birdsong in the park, and feeling nature’s touch on me in the wooded trails. So for casual riding I value the same.
The Powerfly FS 7 Plus allows me to enjoy the ride more. I don’t have to exert too much physical effort, just with its motor and battery, it makes it easier for me.
The full shock design makes me not want to get out of the saddle. The wide tires are firmly pinned to the road even when driving on a loose beach, allowing me to move steadily forward, enjoy the gentle kiss of the sea breeze, and appreciate the sunset.
SHIMANO DEORE oil disc brakes allow me to ride in the rain without worrying, because the braking ability of SHIMANO DEORE oil disc brakes is obvious to all. Not only is it lighter, but it can also brake steadily even on the slippery ground after rain.
If you want to experience the exciting and challenging track, but also want to enjoy the gentle and relaxing leisure, you can try the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus.
Main Features
Frame
Aluminum frames are known to be popular in bicycles, but some people find them a bit stiff in comparison, which makes many riders hesitant, Trek engineers have made an upgrade.
The Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus uses Alpha Platinum Aluminum, Trek engineers stealth welded the Alpha aluminum frame, a revolutionary welding process. Not only does it reduce weight but it also improves structural integrity while providing finely tuned welds that are both aesthetically pleasing and strong. This has led more people to choose Alpha Platinum Aluminum.
Even though the Powerfly FS 7 Plus only comes in one paint color, its quality baking process still makes it look even more gorgeous in black.
The clean interior alignment of the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus allows you to keep the bodywork clean at all times. And, with the inclusive Reach, anyone can try it out.
With only one water bottle mounting hole, some may find it too few. But in real-life riding, you will find that you won’t need water to refuel as the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus won’t drain you much.
In actual riding, I think the frame design of the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus is suitable.
Geometry
Riding comfort is largely related to geometry. A geometry that fits your body’s characteristics will give you an unexpected riding experience.
The Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus has a steeper seat tube angle (72.4°) that allows you to pedal more efficiently and stay comfortably upright. The looser head tube angle (66.9°) provides greater speed stability, perfect for fast downhill riding. And, it allows you to extend your arms more naturally without having to bend your back.
I have to say that the Powerfly FS 7 Plus’s Stack (59.8cm) will deter people of short stature. I think the height is a bit large and it may be inconvenient for people with mismatched stature to get on and off the bike.
Moreover, the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus has a shorter chainstay length (47.4cm). Its rear wheel is closer to the rider, which helps increase speed and also improves your agility.
In my opinion, the geometry of the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus is ergonomically designed, which makes for a better riding experience.
Components and Specifications
Shimano SLX M7000 1×11 speed Drivetrain
In fact, many riders default to a 1×12 drivetrain which can be very good in terms of speed. I certainly started out with that stereotype, but the Shimano SLX M7000, 1×11 speed drivetrain of the Powerfly FS 7 Plus is no slouch in many ways.
The Shimano SLX M7000, 1×11 speed drivetrain, also has a wide range of speed options. Not only that, but it allows for maximum cadence control in a variety of terrains. 11-speed flywheel has an efficient transmission that is relatively suitable for aggressive trail riding.
In addition to the speed, it is very smooth and silky when shifting, while the flywheel’s lightweight spider web structure design is very technical.
Finally, I don’t get a noticeable sense of chain wobble when I use the shifters. The harmonious shift shifting will save you a lot of effort if you know the characteristics of climbing and descending very well.
Shimano Deore M6000 Hydraulic Disc Brake
Those of you who have read previous reviews should know how much attention I pay to braking. Braking is an important protector to ensure that I can stop in time in the event of an unsafe situation.
The SHIMANO DEORE M6000 hydraulic disc brakes on the 2019 Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus provide great braking power for a wide range of riding styles. I have a deep appreciation for this, but I would consider the weight of the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus.
Because of the weight of the bike itself and the weight of the rider, this creates large inertia, so I think my concerns are reasonable and normal. For this reason, I not only reviewed the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus myself for braking, but also got volunteers of different weights to do so (personal privacy prevents me from revealing names).
The end result was that both myself and the other volunteers were satisfied with the braking of the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus. Even on a flat surface that had just been sprinkled with water, its braking remained stable. One very heavy volunteer said he didn’t just like the braking of the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus, he was also very fond of its transmission. He said he would get one because it rekindled his hopes for riding fitness.
Overall, the smooth and predictable control balances out the braking forces and maintains consistent braking performance in all conditions.
Bontrager XR4 Team Issue Tires
I started to turn my attention to the tires. 2019 Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus has Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 27.5×2.80˝ tires and I feel like it’s a confident shredder.
The facts will tell you that you are not wrong in your feelings. The aggressive Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tire with its new tread pattern provides more traction than you can imagine, even on wet and muddy trails or loose and rocky mountain passes. It also sticks to the ground when facing corners, making it one of the top choices for off-road riders who enjoy the thrill of the ride.
In addition, the lightweight 120 TPI casing provides an excellent ride feel and lightweight sidewall protection. The ready-to-run vacuum tires provide superb abrasion resistance and are lighter and softer.
RockShox Shocks
The Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus uses a RockShox travel 130mm fork with an air spring. This design reduces weight and provides better cushioning and damping in the face of bumps, making it smoother in the face of descents.
However, there is a small point that you need to pay attention to, and that is the pressure setting of the air spring. If you want to get the most suitable pressure, you have to adjust it according to your weight and the weight of your equipment. You can follow the data sheet, or go to the relevant store to adjust.
Not only that, it also has a locking function. If you ride over a bumpy road and start to go flat, you can lock the fork to reduce your wear and tear and get faster.
Bosch PowerTube 500 Battery
As we all know, electric bikes are becoming more and more popular in the US and Canada, and we find that convenience and new energy are the trends now. That’s why bikes are now becoming more and more versatile.
It was a great surprise when we saw the Bosch PowerTube 500 battery for the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus.
The Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus is designed to be very convenient, the Bosch PowerTube 500 battery is removable and can be built into different types of frames. The battery alone is suitable for all kinds of bikes.
In addition, it has a safety device to prevent the battery from dropping and can be charged directly in the Powerfly FS 7 Plus.
Its battery capacity is 500Wh, but its size is only 13.7” x 3.3” x 2.6” and its weight is only 6.2Ibs. You may wonder how it How does it store so much energy in such a small size?
I’m afraid I would have wondered the same thing if I didn’t know any better. the PowerTube 500 has an impressive power density, one of the lightest batteries on the market today, and the new lithium-ion battery that can also be used in combination with the DualBattery is what makes it what it is.
All in all, I have a good feeling about the Powerfly FS 7 Plus. Its battery makes me think I can get one for my 70 year old grandfather who is also a “teenager” with a heart that wants to ride freely.
Other Versions of the Trek Powerfly
As far as Trek’s Powerfly series are concerned, they have received rave reviews and are not only suitable for young people but also popular with those who love riding but cannot sit in the saddle for long periods of time.
We take a deeper look at the brakes, brakes, tires, and other components of the 2019 Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus and affirm the performance of each of the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus. The Trek Powerfly is also available in other versions.
We found that the 2019 Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus is not only lighter in weight but also upgraded in some key components from the Trek Powerfly 4 and Trek Powerfly 5.
That must be said about the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus drivetrain, which has also been upgraded to a wider range of 1×11, while I also experienced smoother and more stable braking.
The 2019 Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus will cost a little more, but the quality component upgrades that allow me to enjoy the ride more are worth it in my opinion.
We will continue to look forward to the latest version of the Trek Powerfly.
Learn More: Trek Powerfly 5 Review – Heavyweight CrossCountry Electric Bike
What do we like about it?
- Plenty of reservoir power to take you anywhere.
- The full shock design won’t fear any bumps.
- The lockable fork design will give you more speed.
- Professional wide tires are a shredder.
- A fitted geometry design allows you to ride more comfortably.
What we don’t like about it?
- It may have felt a little bulky.
- The single color may feel a little stubborn.
FAQs
- What is the frame material of the Powerfly FS 7 Plus?
The frame of the 2019 Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus is Alpha Platinum Aluminum.
- What is the drivetrain of the 2019 Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus?
The drivetrain of the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus is Shimano SLX M7000, 1×11.
- What is the fork travel of the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus?
The Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus has 130mm of fork travel.
Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus Specs
Frameset
| Frame | Alpha Platinum Aluminum, ABP, Removable Integrated Battery (RIB), EVO link, tapered head tube, Knock Block, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, G2 Geometry, Boost148, 130mm travel |
| Fork | RockShox Revelation RL, DebonAir, Motion Control RC damper, tapered steerer, Boost110, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset, 130mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | RockShox Deluxe RL, 205x50mm |
Wheels
| Wheels | Bontrager Line Comp 40, Tubeless Ready, 54T Rapid Drive, Boost110 front, Boost148 rear, tubeless strips included, valves sold separately |
| Tires | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, 120tpi, aramid bead, 27.5×2.80˝ |
Drivetrain
| Shifters | Shimano SLX M7000, 11 speed |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Deore XT M8000, Shadow Plus |
| Crank | Race Aeffect, 15T w/chainguard |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX M7000, 11-46, 11 speed |
| Chain | Shimano HG600, 11 speed |
| Pedals | VP-536 nylon platform |
Components
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada |
| Seatpost | Dropper post, 31.6mm, internal routing |
| Handlebar | Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on |
| Stem | Bontrager Rhythm Comp, Knock Block, 31.8mm clamp, 0 degree |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom |
| Brakeset | Shimano Deore M6000 hydraulic disc |
Accessories
| Battery | Bosch PowerTube 500Wh |
| Controller | Bosch Purion |
| Motor | Bosch Performance CX |
Weight
| Weight | M – 23.13 kg / 51 lbs (with tubes) |
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). |
Comparison Table
| BIKE | PRICE | TRAVEL(mm) | TIRE | DRIVETRAIN | CLICK VIEW |
| Trek Fuel EXe 9.5 | $6,499.99 | 140/150 | 29×2.50” | 1×12 | Click View |
| Giant Trance X Advanced | $7,000 | 140/150 | 29×2.6″ | 1×12 | Click View |
| Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 2 750 | $4599.99 | 140/140 | 27.5 | 1×11 | Click View |
| Focus THRON 6.7 | $4999.99 | 130/130 | 29×2.5’’ | 1×11 | Click View |
Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus vs Trek Fuel EXe 9.5
Both of these bikes are Trek and the Trek Fuel EXe 9.5 is also a full-suspension electric mountain bike. Its frame is carbon fiber, it has 150mm and 140mm of front and rear travel respectively, and has a 1×12 drivetrain.
I can say that it does an excellent job in terms of damping and I think I would prefer the Trek Fuel EXe 9.5 if you don’t consider the battery and price.
When it comes to price, you will find that the Trek Fuel EXe 9.5 is $1200.99 more expensive than the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus. The Trek Fuel EXe 9.5 has a battery of only 360Wh, which is 140Wh less than the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus. I would be willing to pay $1200 less for the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus, even though it weighs a little more.
Learn more:Is Trek Fuel EX 7 Gen 5 A Good Bike? [Trek Fuel EX 7 Gen 5 Review]
Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus vs Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 2
We can see that the Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 2 uses a carbon fiber frame, which gives it a relatively heavier overall weight. It also has a 1×12 drivetrain, which will give it a relatively large speed range, but I don’t think the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus 1×11 drivetrain will be much worse. My actual riding tells me that the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus is just as good at speed as it is at shifting.
Also, with the Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 2 2.6″ tires compared to the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus 2.80˝ tires, I felt the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus had more grip on the uphill.
Also, we can see that the Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 2 costs $1701 more than the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus. if you are looking for carbon fiber lightness, you can go for the Giant Trance X Advanced E+ 2. if you are looking for good value for money like me, I suggest you try the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus. If you’re looking for a good value, like me, I suggest you try the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus.
Learn more : Is Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 Worth Buying? [Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 review]
Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus vs Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 2 750
The Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 2 750 is available in three paint colors, making it a bit more selective than the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus. The same aluminum frame, but the upgraded aluminum frame of the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus will provide a better riding experience.
I have to say that the Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 2 750 140mm front and rear travel is a bit better than the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus. In terms of damping, the Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 2 750 will be a little better.
But if you notice the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus, you will notice the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus has an ABP (Aggressive Braking Shaft), which allows you to maintain good shock performance at all times, especially when braking as well. I would endorse the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus more if we are talking about shock absorption.
If you want a more functional bike with better braking, you should try the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus.
Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus vs Focus THRON 6.7
At first glance, I focused on the Focus THRON² 6.7 2.5” tires, which made me question its ability to climb in the mountains. In comparison, the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus 2.8” tires would be more suitable for climbing. With the same 1×11 drive, I don’t think they are comparable, but I prefer the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus.
In terms of paint color, I prefer the understated black, so I’m not too interested in the Focus THRON² 6.7 paint. But it is certainly attractive for riders who like this color.
I also noticed that the Focus THRON² 6.7 weighs 56.9Ibs, which is almost 6Tbs heavier than the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus. In terms of lightness, I’d pay for something a little lighter, which would make it less difficult for me to descend.
If you prefer a lighter and more versatile e-bike, you can go for the Trek Powerfly FS 7 Plus.
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