SC Heckler vs Trek rail 9

[Motohawk75]

Hi guys
Trying to decide between
2020 Heckler s at a good discount price vs Heckler MX S (not so good price lol) vs Trek rail 9xt .....
Will be riding U.K. natural trails and occasionally the odd bike park ....

the SC 2020 gets some not so good reviews so any advice and input if anyone’s ridden the above bikes would be mega

 

[Zimmerframe]

I think you saw Rob's reply :

My new 2021 Trek Rail 5 Purple Flip

Btw I went with an ohlins on a large frame.

www.emtbforums.com

definitely the Rail (better motor, bigger battery, prob a better riding bike but I've not ridden heckler) vs old Heckler.

Hmm, you could easily ride either. XL isn't a massive bike to be honest. What bike / size you on currently? Prefer nimbleness or stability?

The rail doesn't feel lazy at all compared to some other eebs so I don't think its going to feel like a ship if you did go for XL.

Hopefully there's others out there who've ridden them both and can give you some more insight.

 

[Motohawk75]

I think you saw Rob's reply :

My new 2021 Trek Rail 5 Purple Flip

Btw I went with an ohlins on a large frame.

www.emtbforums.com

definitely the Rail (better motor, bigger battery, prob a better riding bike but I've not ridden heckler) vs old Heckler.

Hmm, you could easily ride either. XL isn't a massive bike to be honest. What bike / size you on currently? Prefer nimbleness or stability?

The rail doesn't feel lazy at all compared to some other eebs so I don't think its going to feel like a ship if you did go for XL.

Hopefully there's others out there who've ridden them both and can give you some more insight.

Thanks yep all very helpful just concerned on the Trek being available in XL only and feeling like a large would be better possibly.... like i said I’m 61.5 bare foot ?

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Hi guys
Trying to decide between
2020 Heckler s at a good discount price vs Heckler MX S (not so good price lol) vs Trek rail 9xt .....
Will be riding U.K. natural trails and occasionally the odd bike park ....

the SC 2020 gets some not so good reviews so any advice and input if anyone’s ridden the above bikes would be mega

The Heckler is no doubt a great bike. The reason for the some of the reviews was that it was 1) a crazy high priced bike 2) offered nothing revolutionary to what you could get elsewhere for 40-50% less.

I definitely wouldn't be purchasing an E8000 based 500Wh battery bike in 2021, unless its an absolute rock bottom bargain and you really need it now

 

[Motohawk75]

The Heckler is no doubt a great bike. The reason for the some of the reviews was that it was 1) a crazy high priced bike 2) offered nothing revolutionary to what you could get elsewhere for 40-50% less.

I definitely wouldn't be purchasing an E8000 based 500Wh battery bike in 2021, unless its an absolute rock bottom bargain and you really need it now

Thanks Rob
That’s what I’ve been thinking this morning, I can get the newer version 2021 mx but it’s super expensive and still smaller battery.
Also most reviews show the bosh as being slightly stronger which is appealing
I’m having an email around to see if by any luck anyone has a large Trek if not I’ll have to go XL with shorter stem
As I said I’m 6’1.5 with out pumps on

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Thanks Rob
That’s what I’ve been thinking this morning, I can get the newer version 2021 mx but it’s super expensive and still smaller battery.
Also most reviews show the bosh as being slightly stronger which is appealing
I’m having an email around to see if by any luck anyone has a large Trek if not I’ll have to go XL with shorter stem
As I said I’m 6’1.5 with out pumps on

Have you tried Blazing Bikes?

 

[Zimmerframe]

@Kernow bought a medium the other day, he's in Cornwall though, so probably related to the shop owner - might be able to put a good word in for you.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Trek Rail 9.7 2021 Electric Mountain Bike

PRE-ORDER YOUR 2021 TREK RAIL FROM BLAZING BIKES, THE U.K'S LEADING TREK RETAILER AND DEMO CENTRE- PLEASE GET IN CONTACT FOR THE LATEST ETA The Trek Rail 9.7 2021 Electric Mountain Bike available from the U.K's number one Trek e-bike dealer and demo centre UP TO 48 MONTHS 0% FINANCE AVAILABLE...

www.blazingbikes.co.uk

 

[Motohawk75]

Have you tried Blazing Bikes?

Yep there mega but no large unless I go up to the x01 model which is £1500 more and not where I want to be price wise

 

[Motohawk75]

@Kernow bought a medium the other day, he's in Cornwall though, so probably related to the shop owner - might be able to put a good word in for you.

Hi which model did he get in a medium ? Any help would be ace ??

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Yep there mega but no large unless I go up to the x01 model which is £1500 more and not where I want to be price wise

Will they do a deal? Tell them how much you've got to spend, see if they can get close.

 

[Motohawk75]

Will they do a deal? Tell them how much you've got to spend, see if they can get close.

Yep that can get it down to £7450 but it’s still way over my £6 ish budget unfortunately

 

[Zimmerframe]

Hi which model did he get in a medium ? Any help would be ace ??

Rail 9 Alloy : £5700

An expensive trip to the Trek shop

That’s what happens when you take the missus to make best use of her Nhs discount card came away with my rail 9 and a power fly 4 625 for her I wasn’t expecting to even be in stock let alone buy . hey Good nurse saved me 10% anyway

www.emtbforums.com

Why is the Rail so bloody expensive?

I mean, I like the geo on this bike, it strikes a good balance as a descent smasher while maintaining good agility and lightness on the trails, but I don't understand why they are charging so much for it. Looking at the Rail 9.7 which is about 8,500$ Canadian, for around the same price you can...

www.emtbforums.com

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Someone needs to make a carwow for bikes

 

[Zimmerframe]

But someone's already taken the carwow name !

You have to select single track when you get to type of riding ..

Trek Bike Finder - Trek Bikes (GB)

Our Bike Finder is the easiest way to find the right Trek road, mountain or city bike. It simplifies your search and answers the question, 'What bike is right for me?'

www.trekbikes.com

 

[Superkoochy]

I borrowed a SC Heckler from a friend for a few weeks earlier in the year, I really enjoyed it (a mixture of Trail Centres and Off-piste riding in Scotland), the only reason I didn't go for one was the cost over other brands, although the customer support from SC is amazing, and the smaller battery size. I have also ridden the Trek and I loved everything about it, I ended up getting a cube as I didn't want to wait for Trek UK to have an XL rail 9 in stock. If you have any specific questions, I will happily answer them if I can.

 

[Superkoochy]

I'm 186cm and the Trek XL was perfect for me, the stand over is pretty low.

 

[Motohawk75]

I borrowed a SC Heckler from a friend for a few weeks earlier in the year, I really enjoyed it (a mixture of Trail Centres and Off-piste riding in Scotland), the only reason I didn't go for one was the cost over other brands, although the customer support from SC is amazing, and the smaller battery size. I have also ridden the Trek and I loved everything about it, I ended up getting a cube as I didn't want to wait for Trek UK to have an XL rail 9 in stock. If you have any specific questions, I will happily answer them if I can.

Thanks buddy that’s really helpful
Out of the Trek and SC if money were no object which would you choose and why ?
Was the Bosh noticeably better / stronger than the shimano motor ?
If the SC came with the newer ep8 would it be enough to tip you away from the Trek ?

If I am going to spend £7k plus then I would really like the new MX Heckler but again price vs travel and spec it’s hard to ignore how good the rail xt is ....

 

[Superkoochy]

I had an e8000 powered merida one-sixth 900e and I liked the motor but the Bosch is far superior although the purion interface is hideous to look at. The SC would be a much better bike with the EP8 motor and bigger battery, I've got a Bullit on order so when that arrives I will be able to have the best of both worlds. Given your current needs and budget I would sadly go for either a Trek or a Whyte, new school tech and less than old school SC prices.

 

[Motohawk75]

I had an e8000 powered merida one-sixth 900e and I liked the motor but the Bosch is far superior although the purion interface is hideous to look at. The SC would be a much better bike with the EP8 motor and bigger battery, I've got a Bullit on order so when that arrives I will be able to have the best of both worlds. Given your current needs and budget I would sadly go for either a Trek or a Whyte, new school tech and less than old school SC prices.

Brilliant thanks for the great insight.
I know the Whyte great but I don’t like the look / colour or battery removal, it’s defo between the 21 Mx SC vs Trek rail 9.8xt and with discount on the Rail it’s £1700 cheaper !

I have just had a chap trying to sell me a new 2021Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT 27.5 625 Kiox 2021 Electric Mountain Bike

Spec is unbelievable for the money tbf ?

 

[Velociraptor]

I've had a Heckler since last spring. I would not advise getting one now. As Rob said, it is a good bike and very well made, but the E8000 and 500wh battery are borderline obsolete now. One other issue was the 27 inch front. The bike was a handful for me on very steep downhills with roots. I ride with friends on 29ers and they were having a much easier time rolling over that stuff. I put a 29 on my Heckler and that really transformed the bike for me and made it much easier to ride on challenging trails. I always have to carry a spare battery though. I have a Santa Cruz Bullit on order which addresses a lot of the Heckler's issues, but it still really pricey. Can't say anything about the Trek. Good luck!

 

[Superkoochy]

You're not wrong about the value for money on the Cubes. I am a SC fan boy so even if I had to sell family members to pay for the Bullit I would have, I cant wait for it to arrive. I went pikey spec as I have a full AXS groupset and dropper to go on it and some fox 38 factory forks

 

[Motohawk75]

Ok guys so much help I can’t thank you enough, dirt bikes I’m good to go but emtb and I’m spooked !
Quick update ive found a Rail 9.8xt in large !! And at a great price but also my guy with the 21 SC Heckler MX -S has given me a mega deal and now there is a £1000 between them with SC obviously being the more expensive..... I’m stoked but still stuck between the two ! I know the Rail is excellent value and great spec but equally the SC has that mega desirability for me..... 140 vs 160 Pike vs Zeb , ep8 vs bosh 6k vs 7k ..... ?‍?

 

[Superkoochy]

Lol, it is crap when people make your decisions harder rather than easier. I love Bosch, just wish SC would use them, would save me ending up with 2 Bosch batteries for one bike and then probably 2 shimano ones for the SC.

 

[Zimmerframe]

When the e-bike decision is so close .. you have to go with the one which excites you the most .. that sounds like Penélope Cruz in this case ..

 

[Kernow]

@Kernow bought a medium the other day, he's in Cornwall though, so probably related to the shop owner - might be able to put a good word in for you.

I found my rail 9 in shock at the Bike Cellar in plymouth . The superfly my wife bought was also in stock . they told me they could see the supply problems coming and ordered hundreds of extra bikes . They were great to deal with and did us a great deal despite the shortage of supply . They had a size small rail 9 but not a large they said the next orders weren’t arriving until June
2 other local bike shops wanted payment up front for unconfirmed delivery dates and wouldnt do any deals due to demand

 

[Motohawk75]

Was super lucky today and found the rail in a large ! Which is the size the Heckler Mx is also I might be in the middle or large and XL but I just like a slightly smaller bike over something slightly large.... must be from Bmx and mx
Anyway decider tomorrow so it will be a shit nights sleep again choosing ......?‍

 

[JMD]

Was super lucky today and found the rail in a large ! Which is the size the Heckler Mx is also I might be in the middle or large and XL but I just like a slightly smaller bike over something slightly large.... must be from Bmx and mx
Anyway decider tomorrow so it will be a shit nights sleep again choosing ......?‍

Don't lose any sleep, 2021 SC or Rail & you'll have a top bike.

Will probably be sold by the time you make your mind up though.??

 

[Motohawk75]

Don't lose any sleep, 2021 SC or Rail & you'll have a top bike.

Will probably be sold by the time you make your mind up though.??

Haha luckily there both with people I know ? ??

 

[itsanebikething]

I got a 2020 heckler S discounted. I’m very happy with it. Rides beautifully - climbs well and descends like it’s glued to the trail. I’ve had a number of SC bikes over the years and like how they ride plus the warranty is excellent- that said I’ve never had an issue with any of my SC bikes.
As for the motor (E8000) more than powerful enough for me - I’m pretty light. The bike shop mentioned software issues with the new EP8 motors so I’m happy to have and older motor that most problems are already known and can be fixed easily. Saw some reviews on the EP8 and it seems to have a rattle/clatter like some of the Bosch motors. Who wants to spend thousands on an ebike when it sounds like a bag of spanners when going downhill? The heckler is a fair bit lighter than the rail which for a lighter rider is a benefit especially when loading onto the bike rack on the car. As for the battery being smaller with less range- this isn’t much of an issue for me as my limiting factor in ride length is my trail dog ?. You can always carry a spare battery.