Trek Rail 9.8 GX Review

The Performance Line CX Smart System from Bosch shows impressively that they shouldn't be limited to DIY and household products. The Bosch motor climbs steep ramps effortlessly. The very natural riding feeling combines the Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System with a dynamic power delivery. This great combination mixed with lots of power, is something only a few other motors at Bosch's level can achieve. Whoever enjoys longer tours will be pleased with the good range.

A good chassis sits in rugged terrain and generates plenty of traction. That's exactly what the good Rock Shox chassis in the Rail 9.8 GX hits. The thick 38mm stanchions on the fork provide an extra dose of steering precision and performance. The mid-range brakes from SRAM do their job but could be a bit firmer. The power of the four pistons setup is only average. The components and the gears are less in the spotlight with an EMTB than with bikes without motor. Nevertheless, when we take a look we find out that here, good components are always used. When it comes to the geometry, Trek does not go completely crazy. The head tube angle and reach values were chosen with care. The result: A balanced riding behaviour with a good combination of playfulness and straight-line stability. For the good geometry, the developer team of Trek definitely deserves props. Such a knack for detail in geometry is rarely seen.