Trek Rail 9.9 XTR
- Price: $12,549
- Category: Full-suspension electric off-road
- Frame: Carbon
- Gear: 1×12
- Tires: 29 “x2.6”
What we like about it: The simple, adjustable RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork with the powerful Bosch Performance Series CX motor brings efficient power to your long trips, helping you conquer every rugged trail.
What we don’t like about it: The battery rumble makes a not insignificant amount of noise.
Rating (4.9/5)
Introduction
Bumps and variable terrain are a hindrance on most trail rides. Every rider wants a bike that absorbs shock and has a comfortable ride. Our best e-bike, the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR, meets that need. The ultra-precise Shimano XTR drivetrain is extremely responsive, adjusting its fighting stance to your instructions. Of course, you can’t underestimate the powerful Bosch Performance Series CX motor, which is also the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR’s secret killer. If you feel overworked from long rides, the power Tube 750 provides 20% more range to help you conquer every gravel trail.
We have had two months of riding experience with the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR. To make the results more informative for you, we’ll elaborate on the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR’s performance while riding, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the series. If you’d like to see more versions, please refer to our review.
Trek Rail 9.9 XTR Climbing Review
I can confidently say that the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR is the king of climbing, and the extremely light weight of the OCLV carbon makes the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR agile and fast enough to provide me with more fun than ever before on the trail.
I took the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR on an adventure to a wild forest road area this weekend. It’s no exaggeration to say that it must be an absolute conqueror of mountain weaving.
The Bontrager SE5 tires didn’t show a yielding stance when faced with rocky forest singletrack trails, with a proprietary TM-Grip compound and 120 TPI construction providing excellent traction and tire feel. And the RockShox ZEB Ultimate Fork has a locking feature that allows it to be adjusted to work at lower travel, and with the DebonAir spring, it was able to compress the gravel bumps to a great extent for my hard impact.
Experience
It’s worth mentioning that I was pleasantly surprised by the Shimano XTR M91001x12’s power delivery system as I glided from the wet mud trails to the dense jungle sections of the mountains. It was smooth enough that I was able to quickly change combat form with a simple paddle shift instruction.
The Bosch Performance Line CX Motor also brings no small help in this process. Compared to its predecessor, it weighs about 3kg less, which greatly reduces travel impediments. So it can be converted at 25km/h with extremely smooth results, providing me with plenty of power to face the next 100m of rugged road sprint.
Of course, I have to admit that the Bosch engine does make noise during transport. This is indeed a bit of a shame, and I would expect a quieter ride.
When the going got tough, I didn’t have to worry about the E*thirteen E*spec Race carbon bouncing more force back at me because the crank arm doesn’t have a strong surface like metal. This is an extremely clever design for mountain racers, and it avoids excessive force exertion in mountain travel.
As photographer jack mentioned, “This is a high-end bike that is all about efficiency, and every aspect of its design is designed with off-road riding in mind”.
Trek Rail 9.9 XTR Descending Review
If there is no twisting and rugged climbing, then there is no thrilling and exciting descent. So the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR shows in action that it is still a master on the descents.
Perhaps, there will be those who question the geometry of the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR and how the extreme shape might not be suitable for their riding. But the mino link adjustable construction won’t let you down. In my case, I felt that the 34.1cm bottom bracket height was not suitable for my sprinting on muddy surfaces before descending into the ride. So, I carefully rotated the nut a little lower by 10mm to give it a lower center of gravity, therefore allowing me to have a more stable grip on the bike.
And, I believe the Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston hydraulic disc braking also gives me enough confidence in the face of too high-speed descents. In addition, the 34.9mm seat tube, which accommodates a more robust dropper, is a powerful weapon for tackling rough single-track trails. With the soft saddle, I was able to counteract the bumpy feeling caused by the collision of rocks and hills. I didn’t feel the soreness that came as promised during last week’s short trail speed descent test in the mountains. It worked with the RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft to make my speed descents easier. If you wish to fly as I did, I am sure it will not disappoint you.
Others
Of course, aggressive roads are not possible without the Bontrager SE5 tires. The dual-gear center tread with aggressive side knobs provides reliable cornering and braking traction. The aggressive tires cling to the road like calloused hands as you descend through winding roads, maintaining great traction even when faced with rocky and rough trails. Trust me, you will be amazed at the insanely compressive feel of the Bontrager SE5 tires if you get them. At the same time, I don’t have to worry about durability, as the professional TM-Grip compound adds to the longevity. The Trek Rail 9.9 XTR saves me from having to worry about that, knowing that I spent a lot of money on the previous service.
The Trek Rail 9.9 XTR also appeals to me because of the ease of component inspection. Because TyreWiz and AirWiz allow me to confirm at a glance that my tires, forks, and shocks are at the correct pressure. That’s why I call it the best electric bike out there because the designers considered the rider’s needs.
Main Features
Frame
The upgraded mountain oclv carbon frame is lighter and faster than previous versions, so you can take the Trek Rail 9.9XTR on any thorny trail adventure. It also has a longer reach and an oversized head tube and seat tube to better face the hardships of mountain riding. The powerful Bosch Performance Series CX motor can handle mountain rides of up to 140km, and you’ll be fully charged in just a few hours.
Moreover, the new smart system LED remote and Kiox display can accurately record your current ride and quickly adapt to complex surfaces via navigation and Bluetooth links.
Of course, you can also choose to add water bottles and fender settings according to your needs. If possible, I hope Trek Rail 9.9 XTR will give me a little more surprise in the next color setting.
Geometry
As a conqueror on the trail, I think the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR also has a very far-reaching geometry. It is set at an extreme angle (77.1°) to cope with the desire of those skilled off-roaders to conquer extremely steep rocks, which gives it a more agile control without overreacting. This allows for better steering when encountering twisty roads. The slack angle also allows you to actively lower the angle of gravity for a more stable ride when climbing.
One more thing, to counteract the obstruction of wide tires in the turns, Trek Rail 9.9 XTR has chosen a shorter wheelbase (123.6cm), which makes the body more compact and more responsive in the winding turns. With these settings, you can ride the XC track at will.
Components and Specifications
Shimano XTR M9100, 12-speed Drivetrain
The Shimano XTR M9100 raises the performance level and options of the industry’s original mountain bike components. With the XTR M9100, Shimano offers XTR-level features that enable you to take on thrilling and intense ascents on moving trails. Thanks to the 1×12 and 2×12 crank options, it allows you to not only make flying jumps over off-road hills but also perform extremely well even on wet, rainy, muddy sand. It also has a wide range of speed options for maximum cadence control in a variety of terrain. What’s more, the 12-speed cassette expands Shimano’s 1×12 gear range, making it relatively suitable for aggressive trail riding.
Bontrager SE5 Tires
The Bontrager SE5 is an aggressive conqueror with the durability of an enduro tire and the traction of a downhill tire to deliver superior performance under extreme conditions. Core strength with sidewall and tread protection gives you the confidence to go all the way on your journey. The strong tread surface allows for confident cornering and braking on wet, slick, demanding tracks.
Meanwhile, Bontrager SE5 offers a complete tubeless system including tires, sealants, valves, and rim strips. Each part is designed to work smoothly together after complete measurement for optimal performance and ease of use.
Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston Hydraulic Disc Brake
The Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston hydraulic disc has excellent braking ability thanks to its top-notch configuration. The Shimano BR-M9120 has 10% more braking power than the M9020, with adjustable and extendable levers to better suit your needs.
After a period of sprinting experiments, we found that the Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston hydraulic disc was able to brake more safely and efficiently on steep and rough hills. This is amazing!
RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft Shocks
The most important feature of the RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft is its adaptability, it can adjust its posture instantly according to different complex terrain and quickly adapt to terrain changes. At the same time “fully checked” damper is its secret weapon, it can be quickly compressed and work independently according to the mountain collision. Even with an extremely large bounce effect, it can maintain a relatively smooth setup. At the same time, Trek’s specific trunnion ThruShaft 230×57.5 and 230×62.5 configurations make it more compatible and can bring you a very comfortable shock absorption experience on ascents and descents.
Bosch Standard 4A, 230V Battery and Motor
As the latest Bosch battery technology, we were pleasantly surprised by the power it brings. Its 750Wh battery gives you the ability to ride your e-bike for longer. According to our field tests, the Bosch Performance Line CX allows the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR to reach up to 32 km/h. It can also cover distances of up to 140km on full power. If your goal is the next cross-country race, you don’t have to worry at all about being troubled by insufficient power. Because in terms of charging, it only takes about 6 hours to fully reach 0 to 100 power recovery according to our test.
Other versions of Trek Rail
To give you more options, we tested other models in the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR series for a certain period, including the Trek Rail 9.8 XT, in an objective and fair manner.
We found through actual measurements that both have the same configuration in many aspects, including body materials and the choice of components have very similar settings. Therefore, it is difficult to judge the two models simply by their appearance.
Also under the NEW OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, the Trek Rail 9.98 XTR has a heavier body weight. This may not be good news for mountain biking, especially if you encounter some obstacles that you cannot meet. Meanwhile, the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR has opted for the more advanced Shimano XTR M9100 in terms of drivetrain, with a new gearshift system for faster lever access and lighter handling power that the Trek Rail 9.8XT may not be able to match. If you’re looking for the ultimate mountain riding experience, then the Trek Rail 9.9XTR is probably the best choice for you. But it also means you’ll have to pay a lot more in dollars.
FAQ
- What is the body material of Trek Rail 9.9 XTR?
The body of the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR is made of carbon.
- What is the price of Trek Rail 9.9 XTR?
The Trek Rail 9.9 XTR is priced at $12,549.99
- What is the tire size of Trek Rail 9.9 XTR?
The Trek Rail 9.9 XTR has a tire size of 29xx2.6″.
Trek Rail 9.9 XTR Size Chart
| Size | Rider Height |
| S | 153 – 167 cm 5’0″ – 5’6″ |
| M | 161 – 175 cm 5’3″ – 5’9″ |
| L | 174 – 188 cm 5’9″ – 6’2″ |
| XL | 186 – 196 cm 6’1″ – 6’5″ |
Trek Rail 9.9 XTR Specs
Frameset
| Frame | NEW OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, 1.8” lower head tube, Removable Integrated Battery (RIB), Knock Block 2.0, guided internal routing, 34.9mm seat tube, magnesium rocker link, Motor Armor, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 12mm thru-axle, 150mm travel |
| Fork | RockShox ZEB Ultimate, AirWiz, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC2 damper, e-MTB optimized crown, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 160mm travel |
| Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft, AirWiz, 230×57.5mm |
| Max compatible fork travel | 170mm (580mm axle-to-crown) |
Wheels
| Wheel front | Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru-axle |
| Wheel rear | Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru-axle |
| Skewer rear | Switch thru-axle, removable lever |
| Rim | Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru-axle |
| Tire | Size: M, L, XL, Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50” |
| Max tire size | Frame: 29×2.60″ Fork: See manufacturer |
Drivetrain
| Shifter | Shimano XTR M9100, 12 speed |
| Rear Derailleur | /, Shadow Plus, long cage, 51T max cog |
| Crank arm | E*thirteen E*spec Race carbon, 34T, 165mm length |
| Cassette | /, 10-51, 12 speed |
| Chain | Shimano Dura-Ace/XTR M9100, 12 speed |
| Pedal | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Max chainring size | 34T |
Components
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138mm width |
| *Seatpost | Size: M, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 150mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9mm, 440mm length; Size: XL, /, 200mm travel, /, 550mm. |
| Handlebar | Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width |
| Grips | XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on |
| Stem | Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, Blendr compatible, 0°, 45mm length |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8” top, 1.8” bottom |
| Brake | Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston hydraulic disc |
| Brake rotor | Shimano RT86, 6-bolt, 203mm |
Video
What we like about it
- carbon creates a lightweight body that protects you on your off-road adventures.
- Extra-long range 750Wh battery guarantees you long-distance trail riding.
- Tire Wiz and AirWiz pressure monitoring monitors tire operation in real-time.
- RockShox’s best enduro fork eliminates the bumps that occur when the body travels.
- The Shimano xtr’s ultra-refined shifting lets you go all the way on gravel roads.
What we don’t like about it
- The more expensive price.
- Rarer color options.
- Noise from the motor roar.
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Tires | Front Fork Travel | Drivetrain | Click view |
| Santa Cruz HECKLER GX AXS / Carbon C / 29 | $11,749 | 29 “x2.5” | Front: 160mm | SRAM GX AXS Eagle, 12spd | Click view |
| Pivot Shuttle SL Team XTR | $11,599 | 29 “x2.4” | Front: 150mm | Shimano XTR SGS 12-Speed | Click view |
| Yeti 160E C1 | $10,700 | 29 “x2.5” | Front: 170mm | SHIMANO SLX 12speed | Click view |
| Bianchi e-SUV Rally – XTR | $11,847 | 29 “x2.6” | Front: 150mm | Shimano CN-M8100, 12sp | Click view |
Trek Rail 9.9 XTR vs Santa Cruz HECKLER GX AXS / Carbon C / 29
I have to admit that the Santa Cruz HECKLER GX AXS / Carbon C / 29 is a strong competitor to the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR. With the same carbon material, both of them can perfectly handle the obstruction brought by travel in the mountain and forests.
In terms of fork selection, the Santa Cruz HECKLER GX AXS / Carbon C / 29 takes a different approach and uses the Fox Performance Elite Float 36 as its fork. In our actual ride, the two have the same damping experience, so you don’t have to worry about the bumpy sections in the mountains and forests.
However, if you notice the battery capacity, I think you will find that the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR has a 750Wh battery capacity. this is higher than the Santa Cruz HECKLER GX AXS / Carbon C / 29 720Wh battery capacity.
If, however, you need a longer range, I think the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR is worth a look.
learn more：Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV Review – The Perfect Bike In My Mind
Trek Rail 9.9 XTR vs Pivot Shuttle SL Team XTR
Pivot is the latest brand to join the crowd with their Shuttle SL, which weighs a claimed 36.25 lb (16.44 kg). The carbon design of the frame gives it a very light body condition.
Of course, it is not a connoisseur of long-distance endurance racing. This is because the 430 Wh battery makes it lacking in penetrating distance. In actual riding, if you want to ride longer distances, it may not satisfy you. However, if you want more battery boost, this Trek Rail 9.9 XTR 750Wh battery capacity may be the point that attracts you.
In addition, the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR’s extra-large 34.9mm dropper gives you more confidence to take on tougher terrain. So whether you need more range or prefer a more exhilarating ride, the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR is the one to try.
Learn more : Is Pivot Mach 6 Pro X01 Splendid – [Pivot Mach 6 Pro X01 Review]
Trek Rail 9.9 XTR vs Yeti 160E C1
In terms of price, the Yeti 160E C1 may have a relatively good price. First of all, the Fox Performance Float 38 damping effect after our test, although also belongs to the high-end accessories, but compared to Trek Rail 9.9 XTR RockShox ZEB Ultimate, AirWiz is still a bit inferior.
Secondly, the Yeti 160E C1 is suitable for medium to long distances as it does not have a high-powered Battery like the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR (tested at 630Wh). For some long endurance rides, you will have to go to a charging store to refill your Yeti 160E C1.
If you are planning a long trip, the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR will be a reliable companion for you.
Learn more : Is Yeti SB150 C1 Splendid ?- [Yeti SB150 C1 Review]
Trek Rail 9.9 XTR vs Bianchi e-SUV Rally – XTR
The Bianchi e-SUV Rally-XTR is equipped with all the top accessories for trail riding. Since the Fox Factory Float 38 is the latest model available, it absorbs vibrations from the ground so much that you can climb smoothly even on flowing gravel ascents. Unlike the typical 29er tire size, it comes with a 27.5″ tire size. This also means that you will get more responsive steering in sharp turns.
If you notice the tires on the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR, you may notice that it is a 29″ tire diameter, which may suggest that it is slightly sluggish in steering. But in practice, I didn’t feel that way. On the contrary, it rolls more efficiently.
Also, in my opinion, the 2x system is not standard for mountain bikes. the complicated and cumbersome speed setting of the Bianchi e-SUV Rally-XTR is not very friendly for race speed selection.
If you are looking for a simple, smooth and uncomplicated drive, then I think the 1x that comes with the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR will meet your needs at the moment.
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