Review 2021 TREK 9.7 Rail

[Third-Reef]

The Bike:

Manufacturer: TREK
Model: 9.7 Rail
Model Year: 2021
Price Paid: $7k
New/Used: Brand New
Score (out of 10): 9

Review: Just switched to the dark side. Came from a 2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29 Lb. bike. I was worried the 49 Lb bike would be clunky and slugish on the down hills. i was completely surprised at how good the Rail is. It handles soo much better, brakes are better, my times are better on the down hills and i feel much more confident. Lap times are crazy, the climbing is just insane. i am older (65) so this will really extend my riding. Where i might have done 2-3 laps on the Fuel EX, i feel like i could do 6to 8 now. it has really upped the fun factor.

 

[Third-Reef]

Added some 35mm OneUp Carbon Bars and half waffle grips. Saves my hands some, super light and i like the feel of the up swept bars Vs the flat bars that came on it

 

[Third-Reef]

Added some flat/clipless combo pedals

 

[Marley]

I whole heartily agree with your comments.
60 here on a Trek Rail 7 and started riding trails again that I've not ridden in years, bike handles outstanding and confidence inspiring.
If you see my truck, there likely be a Rail on back.

 

[Third-Reef]

I like that lock, looks pretty solid. I had some kids trying to cut through my 3/8" cable lock with a knife and side cutting pliers. They were able to gnaw about half way through before they got chased off by hotel staff. This was in Santa Barbara.

I see you are clipless, have you tired both? I have been on clipless on the non-ebike and would not ride any other way. But now on the e-bike it has blurred the distinction as I don't need the pedaling efficiency. However i have found the heavier bike getting separated from me more easily. Now i have the combo pedals and will try both. I Would like to hear other experience with flats vs clipless

 

[Marley]

Been riding Shimano spds for so long that I'd feel lost without them.......habit ,that's the only reason.

 

[The Hodge]

The Bike: View attachment 57712

Manufacturer: TREK
Model: 9.7 Rail
Model Year: 2021
Price Paid: $7k
New/Used: Brand New
Score (out of 10): 9

Review: Just switched to the dark side. Came from a 2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29 Lb. bike. I was worried the 49 Lb bike would be clunky and slugish on the down hills. i was completely surprised at how good the Rail is. It handles soo much better, brakes are better, my times are better on the down hills and i feel much more confident. Lap times are crazy, the climbing is just insane. i am older (65) so this will really extend my riding. Where i might have done 2-3 laps on the Fuel EX, i feel like i could do 6to 8 now. it has really upped the fun factor.

Maybe lost in translation ..but what do you mean by "laps"..are you just riding the same circular circuit over and over ?
I've always considered road bikes to be " the dark side" ..in my eyes moving to an emtb from an mtb is like turning on the light ..??

 

[Bennett59]

I just got the same bike a week ago and love it, came from a StumpJumper, I want to do bars next just crazy how much everything is back ordered.

 

[Trekster]

Nice looking bike! ?
Similiar experience with my Rail 9.7. I'm 61 and had all but given up most of my mountain biking, but I try to ride my Rail nearly every day. Its great fun, and i can go places again that I did when I was younger. Heres a pic of my Rail, sitting in God's country (Colorado).