Rail (625Wh) Seeking opinion on Rail 9.7 Gen 2 vs Gen 4 (or possibly Rail 9.8XT Gen 3)

[matics]

Looking to buy my first EMTB after owning an eCargo Bike (Surly Big Dummy) and a eCommuter (Cannondale Quick Neo EQ). Haven't been on a proper mountain bike in a few decades. Gotten older and less fit and want to get back on the trails. I have my eyes on the Trek Rail for the greater torque and longer battery life. I'm a bit lost on where the sweet spot is for price vs performance. I've narrowed it down to these 3 and wanted to get feedback on whether it's worth going up a generation in the same model or going up the model line. Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Rail 9.7 Gen 2 $5999.99 (625Wh non-smart system) <-this one appears to be the lightest​

Rail 9.7 Gen 4 $6999.99 (750Wh with smart system)​

Rail 9.8 XT Gen 3 $7499.99 (750Wh with smart system and better fork/shock)​

All of these are carbon frames. I'm okay with going to an alloy frame, however, there doesn't seem to be much of a cost savings (~$350 between the 9.7 gen 2 and the 7 gen 3). I don't think I'd benefit from the 750Wh battery for the type of riding I expect to do. Is the Bosh Smart System on the Gen 3s and 4s a big advantage over the Kiox on the Rail 9.7 Gen 2? Confused.

 

[JP-NZ]

Forgive the questions but better to get a wee bit of understanding..

Weight?
Physical fitness (out of 10, 10 being athlete)
What sort of distance will your usual riding be?
How much elevation in the above riding?

 

[matics]

Forgive the questions but better to get a wee bit of understanding..

Weight?
Physical fitness (out of 10, 10 being athlete)
What sort of distance will your usual riding be?
How much elevation in the above riding?

170 lbs (70kg)
Fitness 6/10
Average ride distance of 10-20 miles
Max elevation of around 2,000 ft

 

[JP-NZ]

170 lbs (70kg)
Fitness 6/10
Average ride distance of 10-20 miles
Max elevation of around 2,000 ft

You'll be fine on a 625wh battery. Your right 750 would be a bit overkill BUT resale is better and if you ever went on a longer ride its more than beneficial. You can also ride in higher power modes for longer of course.

The spec on the 9.7 Gen2 and 9.7 Gen4 are very similar, main differences between those 2 and the rail 9.8 are:
9.8 has:
Better forks
Better shock
Better tyres
Better dropper
Better gearing
Better handlebar
Much Better brakes

Is all of the above worth the $500 extra from a 9.7 gen 4 then yes. Is it $1500 better than a gen 2 probably yes too depending on how much you'll use the bike and if you'll appreciate all the better equipment.

Note1: the Gen 2 has radically different geo than the gen3 and gen4 so would pay to check the geo charts before buying or go and sit on them and compare.

Note2: The smart system (gen 3 and 4) is much more future proof than the old kiox system (gen2) that came out in 2018/19.

 

[Stihldog]

If I had to replace my current bike (2020 Rail 9.7) , it would be with a Rail 9.7 CX Bosch 625w with the Kiox.
Weight; 165
Fitness; 8/10
Travel; 20-35kms each day.
Elevation; oh yah!

I’ve only drained the battery to 5% twice in 4 years so the larger 750w battery wouldn’t make much sense for me.

Over the years I’ve added the bling and upgrades when those items suited my riding style. It can be a pricey journey.

My main concern was a close proximity to the LBS. Trek it was.

 

[matics]

I've seen mention that some carbon Trek Rails have aluminum rears... Is that a thing and if so, how do you identify them?

 

[JP-NZ]

I've seen mention that some carbon Trek Rails have aluminum rears... Is that a thing and if so, how do you identify them?

That’s not a thing