Trek Rail 5
- Price: $5649.99
- Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminum
- Gear: 1×12
- Tires: 29×2.60”
What we like about it: The full suspension design and the collection of high-quality and high-capacity batteries make your ride easier and more powerful.
What don’t we like about it: Some people think it’s overweight.
Rating: (4.7/5)
Global warming, the resulting temperature rise, has caused unhealing damage to nature, so many naturalists and environmentalists advocate low-carbon travel. In this environment, we need a more healthy and environmentally friendly way to travel – cycling. However, when many people do not have enough physical strength or are unable to ride vigorously due to other factors, the emergence of electric bicycles greatly meets the needs of such people.
This electric mountain bike Trek Rail 5 with premium Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame, wide and convenient Shimano Deore M6100 1×12 drivetrain, 30tpi supple 29×2.60” Bontrager XR4 Comp tires, excellent Bosch Performance CX Motor and high-capacity Bosch PowerTube 500Wh Battery, we are amazed by its excellent climbing performance in steep and rugged mountain roads.
During a two-month riding review, the bike took us on long treks to experience its huge battery life. It accompanied us to conquer the steep and rugged mountain climbs. It also gave us a taste of how electric power can give you the courage to go forward, in addition to the feeling of relaxation after climbing with the help of electricity. Yes, the Trek Rail 5 has a superb range and an easy and comfortable climbing performance, which makes us praise it.
Below, we break down the climbing, descending, main features, components and specifications of Trek Rail 5, as well as other versions. If you want to learn more, stay tuned with us.
Climbing
Many people have the stereotype that a lightweight hardtail bike will perform better on climbs, although I’ve held that opinion before. However, on actual rides, whether it’s winding and flowing up trails or bumpy mountain climbs, this full-suspension e-bike Trek Rail 5 performs well.
In this review, we traveled to the outskirts of the suburbs, far from the city. There are unmaintained trails with not only rugged and rocky roads but also narrow trails flanked by smooth rock walls. I was worried that the smooth rock walls would hinder my turns, but the actual ride put my worries to rest.
Based on 29×2.60” soft 30tpi Bontrager XR4 Comp tires, the tires showed great cornering traction and grip on my real-world rides into smooth, tight turns, giving me confidence. With a steep seat tube angle (75.4°), I could easily pedal to get my tires rolling forward during the first half of my climbs.
And the wide and convenient Shimano Deore M6100 1×12 drivetrain allowed me to shift precisely and steadily even on such a rough route, getting a gear ratio more suitable for climbing and having a more effortless climb.
What’s more, when I didn’t have enough energy to pedal up, the high-tech Bosch Performance CX Motor and Bosch PowerTube 500Wh Battery gave me strong power by working together, allowing me to easily reach the top of the mountain while having spare energy to enjoy the pale autumn scenery below.
It’s worth mentioning that the Trek Rail 5’s sturdy Ethirteen Espec Plus crank allowed me to climb without hesitation while standing on the VP-536 nylon platform on the pedal and put pressure on it for more powerful pedaling.
All in all, this electric mountain bike showed its unique style in climbing.
Descending
If you were to ask me, a cycling veteran, “What do you worry about most on a descent?” I would probably say, “My biggest worry is that it’s not exciting enough” (that’s just a joke). I’m more worried about the bumps in the descent and all the dangerous conditions that can occur. After all, you never know what’s going to happen next.
This electric mountain bike, which stood out on the descent back from my original route, made an even bigger impression on me.
With the excellent 160mm travel of the RockShox 35 Gold RL Fork, it was able to react quickly to rebound from the potholes I encountered on my downhill journey. The air spring setup gives it relatively lightweight and the extra travel makes it more powerful.
Also, the excellent 150mm travel of the RockShox Deluxe Select+ Shock plays an integral role in the bumps. It greatly reduced the stress on the bike as it hit the ground when I was hitting small dirt piles for jumps. The softer cushioning characteristics of the air spring made my jumps easy.
Of course, I would be remiss if I neglected to mention the adjustable TranzX JD-YSP18 Seatpost, which can be a special shock absorber. But in addition to damping, it was always precisely in a perfect position on my descents, no matter what kind of riding action I was making. This allows me to jump and sprint freely without worrying about finding a comfortable and extremely supportive Bontrager Arvada saddle.
All in all, this Trek Rail 5 deserves praise for its performance, whether it’s a great climb or an exciting descent.
Main Features
Frame
I must be honest and say that I reviewed another e-bike from Trek that was much more expensive. I was impressed with the stout build and excellent performance. So I wasn’t much surprised when this bike showed up. But the paint colors of this Trek Rail 5’s two bikes did strike me as very techy, which might be more in line with the current trend.
The frame on this Trek Rail 5 is Alpha Platinum Aluminum, which many consider less advanced than a carbon frame. But I must say, the sturdy Alpha Platinum Aluminum not only allows you to ride without fear of gravel, but it is also relatively light enough to make your ride easy.
In addition, the Control Freak’s internal routing design not only gives the body a cleaner look but also allows relatively important control cables to be placed inside the safety of the car tube. It will not be damaged by exposure to sun or rain, and also makes your cleaning and maintenance more convenient.
Not only that but the stout-looking body is carefully equipped with a water bottle mounting hole so you can stay hydrated during your ride. The Frame of this Trek Rail 5 looks rugged, but it also has a detailed enough design.
Geometry
As we know, bike geometry is not only related to your riding comfort, but also to your preferences and the terrain you ride on. Generally speaking, trail bike geometry will give you better results on mountain trails, and road bike geometry will give you a more comfortable seating position and acceleration position for road riding.
First of all, we can see that this Trek Rail 5 has a steep seat tube angle (75.4°). It allows you to pedal more easily while experiencing a pure (no electricity) ride. It also allows you to get a more aerodynamic position and maintain a relatively strong speed when racing. Secondly, we are concerned about the relatively slack head tube angle of this bike (64.9°). This allows its fork to protrude forward, which not only provides greater speed stability but also makes my descents more exciting in real-world riding.
In addition, this Trek Rail 5’s 1220mm wheelbase, while making it look a bit larger than a very pair of bikes, the relatively longer wheelbase gives you a more stable ride. And the relatively standard 344mm five-way height puts your center of gravity in the right place.
What makes this different from other brands of bikes? The Trek Rail 5’s unique design, the Mino Link adjustable geometry.
This design allows you to fine-tune your bike’s geometry data by simply turning the nut. Tiny adjustments may not seem like much change, but it allows you to adapt your bike to more routes.
Components and Specifications
Shimano Deore M6100 1×12 Drivetrain
The drivetrain is a crucial part of the whole bike and when I saw that it was a Shimano Deore series drivetrain, I had nothing to worry about. The simpler and lighter 1× shifters make it easier and faster for you to change speeds and shift gears. And with the Shadow+ system, you’ll avoid the annoying wobble and slap of the chain when driving over rough terrain. You don’t have to worry about dropping the chain when shifting on rough roads. In addition, the dense gearing (10-51T) allows you to shift to the right gear ratio for a more suitable and effortless ride, whether you are facing technical uphill or exciting descents.
Shimano 4-piston Hydraulic Disc Brake
Brakes are an essential part of any bike. In the Trek Rail 5, an electric mountain bike that gets faster with electricity, I think its brakes must be strong enough in the face of a situation that requires an emergency stop.
When I first came across this 4-piston hydraulic disc brake, I was expecting a lot. In actual riding, when I encountered a situation that required an emergency stop, this brake did not disappoint me. I couldn’t help but admire its excellent braking. With stronger and better four-piston calipers than 2-piston, it can enhance your confidence and control downhill. And the improved wear resistance also makes its braking power consistent.
In addition, the hydraulic disc brake has a smoother feel, so you don’t have to spend more effort on braking. You just need to focus on riding and simply maneuver when you need to brake, and you’ll have confidence in its performance.
Bontrager XR4 Comp Tires
If the drivetrain converts your pedaling force or electrical energy into the required kinetic energy, then the tires are the receivers that receive the kinetic energy to roll forward.
This bike’s 29×2.60” Bontrager XR4 Comp Tires offer incredible traction and cornering performance on loose, rocky trails. That’s because of its unique tread pattern design, which allows it to cling to the ground with raised soft lugs even when facing tight corners, making your turns safe and fast.
In addition, the XR4 Comp is not an off-road tire in name only, so it has all the characteristics of an off-road tire. The 30tpi setting also gives it a softer tolerance for gravel, allowing you to pass over it unnoticed.
RockShox 35 Gold RL Fork And RockShox Deluxe Select+ Shock
When you encounter a bumpy downhill route, you want to have an exciting descending experience on the one hand, but don’t want to suffer from the soreness brought by the bumps on the other. At this time, the shock absorption system of the bike is an important component that we must pay attention to.
This is a full suspension bike with a 160mm long travel RockShox 35 Gold RL Fork with not only a fender brace setup but a unique height-adjustable DebonAir air spring. This not only reduces the overall weight of the shock system but also provides better cushioning and compression in the face of bumps.
Not only that, but this RockShox 35 Gold RL Fork has a lockout feature. When you feel that the 160mm of travel is causing a certain amount of kinetic energy loss in your ride and you are not getting faster, you can adjust the fork travel or just lock the fork to achieve faster speeds.
In addition to the great damping fork, let’s take a look at its RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock. The streamlined RockShox Deluxe Select+ is not only easy to install, but it offers greater adjustability. The soft but sensitive compression rebound response of the DebonAir+ air spring system gives you a comfortable and smooth ride over bumpy roads.
In addition, the increased bushing overlap maximizes shock absorption in small crashes, allowing you to experience a relatively comfortable ride in the various terrains you may encounter.
Shock And TranzX JD-YSP18 Seatpost
This Trek Rail 5, not only has these two professional shocks but it is also paired with the TranzX JD-YSP18 dropper. This TranzX JD-YSP18 dropper is equipped with an air pressure actuator. You may be wondering, “What does this do?” Well, I’ll answer you. It uses reliable and powerful technology.
You can freely and easily adjust your seat position according to the terrain you encounter. It allows you to be in the best riding position no matter what kind of terrain you are facing, so you can ride twice as hard.
Bosch Performance CX Motor And Bosch PowerTube 500Wh Battery
This is an electric bike, so its motor and battery are also a focus of our attention. The Bosch Performance CX Motor in this Trek Rail 5 has a whopping 85Nm of torque. This allows it to accelerate even faster, making your riding trips more spontaneous.
In addition, the Bosch Performance CX Motor sets certain standards for eMTB performance and can automatically adjust the assistance to the terrain. This will give you a more natural power delivery while riding and will increase battery life.
Next, let’s take a look at the Bosch PowerTube 500Wh Battery. when we’re worried about finding a long enough charging cable to charge our e-bike, and when we’re worried about the battery being exposed to the elements, the Trek Rail 5 has a better solution. the Trek Rail 5 comes with the Bosch PowerTube 500Wh Battery.
The Bosch PowerTube 500Wh battery is integrated into the frame of the bike simply and smoothly. The combination of practicality and design comes close to the aesthetics of a traditional bicycle while still providing the power of an electric bike.
And the design that can be easily disassembled solves the problem of inconvenient charging. In addition, with an integrated battery capacity of approximately 500Wh, not only does it have an impressive power density, but it is also one of the lightest batteries in relative terms. It allows you to ride longer distances and still have a relatively easy experience.
Other Versions Of Trek Rail
In this review, we have reviewed the Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame, Shimano Deore M6100 1×12 drivetrain, Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brake and other components of the Trek Rail 5. To give you a more comprehensive and intuitive experience, we have found other versions of the Trek Rail.
Needless to say, Trek has set up a total of 13 versions (including the Trek Rail 5) in the Trek Rail series to meet the needs of more people.
Here we have the relatively price-friendly Trek Rail 5 625 W, which is almost indistinguishable from the Trek Rail 5 in terms of component configuration. But if you want more battery capacity, this Trek Rail 5 625 W might be a better fit for you than the Trek Rail 5.
Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS
If, for example, you want a high-end riding experience or to make some investments, there is also a high-end price tag. $13,799.99 for the Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS, which not only has a high price tag but will also give you a high-end experience.
This Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS features a new OCLV mountain carbon main frame, which has a lighter body with stronger features, and a wireless electronic 1×12 drivetrain for faster and more precise operation.
In addition, both the hydraulic braking system and the incredible shock absorption system are made of high-end components. Giving you an unparalleled riding experience. And the extra-long battery life and new intelligent system give you a more high-tech ride.
Yes, whether it’s an e-bike for the average family or a high-end e-bike for investment purposes, you’ll find a bike for you in this Trek Rail series. While all of these versions have excellent performance, the Trek Rail 5 is the bike that gets the most recognition from us when all factors are considered.
What we like about it
- Premium, rugged Alpha Platinum Aluminum for more exciting adventure riding.
- Full suspension design allows you to ride with a smile on your face in the face of bumpy and rough routes.
- Portable and advanced high-capacity Bosch PowerTube 500Wh Battery, not only gives you enough power but also allows you not to worry about charging.
- Adjustable TranzX JD-YSP18 dropper always puts you in a suitable position for a better riding experience when riding.
- Premium soft Bontrager XR4 Comp Tires give you amazing cornering traction and grip.
What don’t we like about it
- Relatively few paint color options.
- Some people think it does not have a large enough battery capacity.
- Some people think it weighs more.
FAQ
What is the frame material of Trek Rail 5?
The frame material of Trek Rail 5 is Alpha Platinum Aluminum.
What is the tire size of Trek Rail 5?
The tire size of Trek Rail 5 is 29×2.60”.
How many height-size options does Trek Rail 5 come in?
Size chart for Trek Rail 5.
| Size | Rider Height |
| S | 153 – 167 cm5’0″ – 5’6″ 72 – 79 cm28″ – 31″ |
| M | 161 – 175 cm5’3″ – 5’9″ 76 – 82 cm30″ – 32″ |
| L | 174 – 188 cm5’9″ – 6’2″ 82 – 88 cm32″ – 35″ |
| XL | 186 – 196 cm6’1″ – 6’5″ 87 – 92 cm34″ – 36″ |
Trek Rail 5 Specs
Frameset
| Frame | Alpha Platinum Aluminum, Removable Integrated Battery (RIB), tapered head tube, Control Freak internal routing, magnesium rocker link, Motor Armor, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 12mm thru axle, 150mm travel |
| Fork | RockShox 35 Gold RL, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, e-MTB optimized, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 160mm travel |
| Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+, 230mm x 57.5mm |
| Max compatible fork travel | 170mm (580mm axle-to-crown) |
Wheels
| Hub front | Bontrager sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
| *Hub rear | Size: S, M, L, XL Bontrager Approved DC-3248, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axleSize: S, M, L, XL Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
| Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever |
| Rim | Alex MD35, tubeless compatible, 32-hole, 35mm width, presta valve |
| Tire | Bontrager XR4 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29×2.60” |
| Max tire size | Frame: 29×2.60″ Fork: See manufacturer |
Drivetrain
| Shifter | SRAM SX Eagle single-click, 12 speed |
| Rear derailleur | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Crank | SRAM X1 1000, 34T, 165mm length |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1210 Eagle, 11-50, 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM SX Eagle, 12 speed |
| Pedal | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Max chainring size | 34T |
Components
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width |
| *Seatpost | Size: S TranzX JD-YSP18, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 361mm lengthSize: M, L, XL TranzX JD-YSP18, 130mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 425mm length |
| Handlebar | Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on |
| Stem | Bontrager Rhythm Comp, 31.8mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 50mm length |
| Brake | Tektro HD-M745 4-piston hydraulic disc |
| Brake rotor | Tektro, 203mm, 6-bolt |
Accessories
| Battery | Bosch PowerTube 500Wh |
| Charger | Bosch compact 2A, 100-240V, smart system |
| Controller | Bosch Purion |
| Motor | Bosch Performance CX, magnesium motor body, 250 watt, 85 Nm, 20mph or 32km/h max assist |
Weight
| Weight | M – 23.53 kg / 51.88 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). |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Tires | Pre-trip | Battery | Click View |
| Trek Rail 7 | $6649.99 | 1×12 | 29×2.50” | 160mm | Bosch 625Wh | Click View |
| GT Force Amp+ | $6050 | 1×12 | 29 x 2.6″ | 150mm | Shimano 630Wh | Click View |
| Scott Ransom eRIDE 920 US | $5499 | 1×12 | 29×2.6″ | 180mm | PowerTube 625Wh | Click View |
| Canyon Torque:ON 8 | $5699 | 1×12 | 27.5×2.5″ | 180mm | Shimano 504Wh | Click View |
Trek Rail 5 vs Trek Rail 7
It’s easy to see that the two bikes share a lot of similarities, with some basic components being almost identical. For example, it has a Bontrager Arvada saddle on it, and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock. But that’s understandable, after all, they are both Trek Rail series.
However, I must also admit that the $1,000 Trek Rail 7 has a higher quality Shimano XT M8100 1×12 drivetrain, which makes it easier and faster to shift. It also has Shimano M6100 4-piston hydraulic brakes, which gives it stable and precise braking in all conditions.
Of course, that doesn’t mean the Trek Rail 5’s drivetrain isn’t good enough. The same wide 1×12 drivetrain is not only enough to handle more terrain, but the sheer gear ratio also allows you to shift to a more appropriate speed and get a more comfortable ride.
In addition, the Trek Rail 7 also has a larger capacity 625Wh Bosch battery, so it can travel to greater distances in terms of range.
Both of these bikes, whichever one they are, are bikes you can trust – after all, Trek is the big name in bikes. If you’re on a budget and you don’t need to ride very far, you can save $1000 to get the cost-effective Trek Rail 5.
Learn More: Trek Rail 7 Review – Long-travel Electric Mountain Bike
Trek Rail 5 vs GT Force Amp+
At first glance, the GT Force Amp+ has a slightly curved top tube that makes me feel like it will be a little softer on the bike. But in real life riding makes you feel that it is just an illusion. The overall frame is made up of three overlapping triangles, which gives it a more stable body.
However, with 150mm of fork travel compared to the Trek Rail 5’s 160mm of fork travel, the GT Force Amp+ is a little less dense. So it’s easy to see that the Trek Rail 5 is aimed more at rugged and bumpy terrain.
In addition, the GT Force Amp+’s Shimano 630Wh battery will have a larger battery capacity than the Trek Rail 5 500Wh battery, so the GT Force Amp+ can travel longer distances. But if you consider the ease of charging, the Trek Rail 5’s easy battery removal design will save you more time searching for a charging cable, so you can spend more time enjoying life.
If you have more bumpy terrain to deal with, or if you don’t like to waste time looking for a charging line, you might want to try Trek Rail 5.
Learn more: Is GT Force Sport Worth Buying? – [GT Force Sport Review ]
Trek Rail 5 VS Scott Ransom eRIDE 920 US
This Scott Ransom eRIDE 920 US has a heavier weight compared to the Trek Rail 5. But its PowerTube 625Wh battery provides extra power, allowing it to avoid the speed hindrance of heavier weight.
Although its front and rear shocks have 180mm of travel, which does absorb vibrations very well. However, when climbing, the long fork travel will bring more obstacles to the already difficult climbing. You should know that the fork will absorb some kinetic energy when working, which will make your ride less efficient.
The relatively lightweight Trek Rail 5 may not be as large as the Scott Ransom eRIDE 920 US in terms of battery capacity, but the more dense battery capacity setting will give it a stronger range. And with 160mm fork travel, it not only has excellent shock absorption ability.
And the lockable setting also allows you to lock the fork when you want to gain speed, reducing kinetic damage and achieving faster speeds. In addition, the Trek Rail 5 comfortable saddle also makes me can’t stop riding.
If you’re more focused on an exciting speed experience, Trek Rail 5 may be a better fit, even if it’s priced at $150.99.
Trek Rail 5 vs Canyon Torque: ON 8
You may not understand, but from the first moment I saw the Canyon Torque:ON 8, I thought the 27.5×2.5″ Maxxis Minion tires were no match for the rolling speed of the Trek Rail 5 29 x 2.6” Bontrager XR4 Comp. The actual ride also showed me that my intuition was correct. Because the 29er tire will have better speed maintenance, at a certain speed, the 29er tire will be much faster than the 27.5er tire.
In addition, the Trek Rail 5 has only 5Wh less battery capacity than the Canyon Torque:ON 8. In fact, on my rides, the Trek Rail 5 has a much better range. And with the Trek Rail 5’s removable battery design, you don’t have to worry about finding a long enough charging cable and have more freedom to charge. In addition, the Canyon Torque:ON 8 with 180mm fork travel is aimed at more technical professional off-road tracks.
In short, if you want more speed, and better professionalism, why not try the famous Trek Rail 5? will give you an unparalleled riding experience.
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Learn more: Is Canyon Stoic 4 Worth Buying? [Canyon Stoic 4 Review]
