trek rail 9 motor

Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS – In our big 2022 eMTB group test

The new Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS has both muscles and brains. With its new Bosch Smart System motor, networked RockShox AirWiz suspension and countless electronic components, the Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS is determined to secure the Best in Test as the best eMTB all-rounder of the year in our big 2022 eMTB group test. Will it succeed?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

The new Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS 2022 relies on the same successful concept as its predecessor , combining 29″ wheels and 160/150 mm travel. Our test bike in size L tilts the scales at 23.52 kg and retails at € 13,599. The big news for 2022 is the brand-new, neatly-integrated Bosch Smart System , the sole example of which in this test is found on the Trek. The system includes Bosch’s bar-mounted LED remote and new Kiox 300 display. The latter sits well protected on the top tube but operating the many small buttons on the remote takes some getting used to. In typical Trek fashion, the new 750 Wh battery is secured with a lock and can be removed from the side of the down tube, leaving a big 50 cm opening in the frame. Inside the downtube, foam inserts are intended to prevent the battery from rattling. However, at high speeds the battery develops a life of its own, shifting and vibrating inside of the frame.

Fully networked – The spec of the Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS in detail

All the electronic SRAM and RockShox components on the Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS are networked. The RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork and proprietary Super Deluxe shock with Thru Shaft technology come equipped with the new AirWiz system, which monitors the air pressure in the fork and shock and displays it on your smartphone via Bluetooth. Simultaneously, the TyreWiz sensors on the wheels allow you to check tire pressures in real time and can alert you if the pressure drops below a predetermined value. That’s a must with the puncture-prone Bontrager SE5/SE6 tires, where the thin casing could potentially lead to irreversible damage to the Bontrager Line carbon wheels if the pressures drop too low. Unfortunately, having to run fragile tires at high pressures comes at the expense of traction. A wireless XX1 AXS drivetrain delivers silky smooth shifting while SRAM CODE RSC brakes with a 220 mm front rotor and 200 mm disc at the rear ensure powerful and reliable deceleration. Although our test bike was delivered with a Bontrager Line Elite dropper post, the production bike comes with a high-quality, wireless 170 mm Reverb AXS dropper post.

Overkill! While all the electronic gadgets make setup easier, they don’t bring any real advantages to the trail.

Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS

Specifications.

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 Nm Battery Bosch PowerTube 750 Wh Display Bosch Kiox 300 Fork RockShox ZEB Ultimate 160 mm Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe ThruShaft 150 mm Seatpost Bontrager Line Elite 170 mm Brakes SRAM CODE RSC 220/200 mm Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 1x12 Stem Bontrager Line Pro 45 mm Handlebar Bontrager Line Pro 800 mm Wheelset Bontrager Line Pro 29" Tires Bontrager SE5/SE6 Core Strength 2.5"

Technical Data

Size M L XL Weight 23.52 kg Perm. total weight 136 kg Max. payload (rider/equipment) 112 kg Trailer approval yes Kickstand mount yes

Specific Features

TyreWiz AirWiz

One Trek to go, extra long, please! The geometry of the Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS in detail

The Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS is only available in three sizes, M to XL, because the long battery doesn’t fit into a size S frame. A flip-chip in the seat stays allows you to adjust the seat tube and head angle by 0.4°. However, in most situations, the steep setting doesn’t improve handling, which is why we recommend sticking with the slack one. At 487 mm, the Rail has the longest reach in the entire test field, suggesting a stretched and sporty riding position. That being said, the huge spacer stack under the stem ensures an upright riding position on the trail. With its firm suspension, the Trek doesn’t have the same plush touring qualities as the FOCUS JAM² or the Norco Sight VLT C1.

A fair-weather bike? The Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS uphill

The Bosch motor packs a punch from the very first pedal stroke and takes the edge off steep ramps. With its lively character, the Rail allows experienced riders to play with the terrain on their way to the trailhead and accelerate out of corners with great momentum. If you’re less experienced, you should actively weight the front to prevent the delay in motor response when off the pedals from pushing you out of corners. That being said, that lag helps you overcome obstacles on technical climbs, provided the conditions are right. Simply put, the Trek is an excellent climber on grippy terrain but reaches its limits on loose and wet terrain, where the rear wheel slips easily out of control. The firm suspension sits high in its travel, keeping the front wheel tracking on steep climbs.

The Trek Rail carves through berms as if on rails.

An (un)balanced downhill machine – The Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS downhill

Downhill, the Rail has a penchant for man-made flow trails and offers a balanced riding position. The efficient suspension and excellent freedom of movement make it easy to pump through rollers and berms. On steep gnar with tight switchbacks, the low and central riding position prevents you from diving into the loam head first. Unfortunately, the tires generate little traction, making it hard to hold your line on slippery off-camber slabs – here the Orbea holds its line far better despite having similarly-firm suspension. On rough and fast descents with big compressions and nasty rollers, the excellent suspension releases its huge reserves efficiently and never bottoms out, even on nasty hits. However, with fast consecutive hits and hard landings, the battery rattles loudly against the frame, creating vibrations that travel all the way into the handlebars, robbing you of confidence on fast descents.

Tuning tip: more robust tires with soft rubber compound (Doubledown or Super Gravity casing)

Riding Characteristics

Motor feeling, motor power, value for money, application, forest road, flow trail uphill, flow trail downhill, technical single trail uphill, technical single trail downhill, downhill tracks.

In our 2022 eMTB group test, the Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS wasn’t able to assert itself against the competition in any situation. In dry, grippy conditions, it has the potential to be a very decent climber while experienced riders will be able to use the excellent suspension and freedom of movement to have fun downhill. Unfortunately, the battery rattling loudly against the frame on downhill tracks is a major issue. As a result, the Rail emerges as the clear loser in this 2022 eMTB group test. Hopefully Trek will do something about this soon.

• suspension offers plenty of reserves
• performance on technical climbs

• battery rattles loudly against the frame
• spec doesn't do justice to the potential of the bike

You can find out more about at trekbikes.com

The test field

All bikes in test: FOCUS JAM² 7.0 (Click for review) | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10k (Click for review) | Norco Sight VLT C1 (Click for review) | Orbea Rise M-Team (Click for review) | Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 (Click for review) | ROTWILD R.E375 PRO (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 Z ST XT (Click for review) | SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL (Click for review) | Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS | Yeti 160E T1 (Click for review) | YT DECOY MX CORE 4 (Click for review)

Relaxed and comfortable riding on surfaced roads, both uphill and downhill. ↩

Easy climbs up trails with few obstacles, wide turns and a moderate incline. ↩

Active and playful descents on easy trails with few obstacles, wide turns and a moderate slope. ↩

Single-track climbs on challenging terrain. Loose ground, steps, roots, tight corners and occasionally extreme inclines. ↩

Singletrack descents on challenging terrain. Loose ground, steps, roots, tight corners and small jumps as well as some very steep descents. ↩

High speed descents on sometimes very rough trails with large jumps and obstacles that you can’t roll over. ↩

The rating used for riding characteristics refers to the bikes in the group test and the current state of development of eMTBs. The best bikes managed to blend supposedly opposite riding characteristics, feeling both lively and stable at the same time. The handling describes the balance of the bike on downhill sections. The information regarding motor-power refers to the ride-feeling in the overall context of the bike and not exclusively to the motor – that’s why the same motor can present different values. ↩

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more .

Words: Rudolf Fischer Photos: Robin Schmitt

You may also like

New Canyon Neuron:ONfly on test – What is Canyon’s first light eMTB capable of?

The Lab: Cardo Systems Packtalk Outdoor Duo two-way radio on test – Loud and clear?

One ebike, three different motors – Which is the best SIMPLON Rapcon?

The FOX Transfer Factory 2025 seatpost with 240 mm travel in review – Is the new FOX dropper worth its weight in gold?

New 2025 FOX dampers on test – GRIP X2, GRIP X and GRIP SL

Light eMTB or just a lighter eMTB? The new Mondraker Dune Carbon in review

About the author.

Rudolf Fischer

In his previous life Rudolf was a dab hand at promoting innovation, putting his brain behind big-ticket patent assessments that easily ran into six-or-seven-plus figures. These days, the self-confessed data nerd’s role as editor at DOWNTOWN and E-MOUNTAINBIKE is no less exciting. Given his specialism in connectivity, Rudolf’s often placed on the front line of future mobility conversations, but he’s also big into testing new bikes–both on the daily as a committed commuter and intensively for our group tests. The business economist graduate is as versatile as a Swiss penknife, and that’s no hyperbole. Away from two wheels, his background in parkour means he’s a master of front, side and backflips, plus he speaks German, English, French, Russian and a touch of Esperanto. Japanese remains woefully unmastered, despite his best home-learning attempts. Good to know: Rudolf’s sharp tongue has made him a figure of fear in the office, where he’s got a reputation for flexing a dry wittiness à la Ricky Gervais... interestingly, he's usually the one laughing hardest.

• Rocky Mountain
• Specialized
• YT Industries
• Allied Cycle Works
• Black Market
• DALLINGRIDGE
• Diamondback
• Early Rider
• EVO Bicycles
• Growler Bikes
• Guerrilla Gravity
• iGO Electric
• Intense 951
• Juiced Bikes
• View all brands
• Production Privee
• Rad Power Bikes
• Rambo Bikes
• Riese & Müller
• Soul Fast E Bikes
• Spark Cycleworks
• State Bicycle Co.
• Structure Cycleworks
• Surface 604
• Van Nicholas
• Vintage Electric
• We Are One Composites

• Cross Country

• All Mountain

Trek Rail 9

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / SM High, SM Low, MD High, MD Low, LG High, LG Low, XL High, XL Low

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Alpha Platinum Aluminium, Removable Integrated Battery (RIB), tapered head tube, Control Freak internal routing, magnesium rocker link, Motor Armour, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle, 150 mm travel
• Fork RockShox ZEB Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC damper, eMTB optimised crown, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 160 mm travel
• Shock NEW RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3, DebonAir spring, Thru Shaft 3-position damper, 230x57.5 mm
• Motor Bosch Performance CX, magnesium motor body, 250 watt, 85 Nm, 25 km/h (15.5 mph) max assist, 32 km/h for New Zealand
• Battery Bosch Performance CX, magnesium motor body, 250 watt, 85 Nm, 25 km/h (15.5 mph) max assist, 32 km/h for New Zealand
• Wheels Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle
• Wheel Size 29"
• Tires Size: S, M, L, XL, Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.50"; Size: S, M, L, XL, Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 29x2.60"
• Chain SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• Crank SRAM X1 1000, 34T, 165 mm length
• Rear Derailleur SRAM GX Eagle
• Shifters SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• Brakeset SRAM Code R hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 780 mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138 mm width
• Seatpost Size: S, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 340 mm length; Size: M, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 150 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 440 mm length; Size: L, XL, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 480 mm length
• Stem Bontrager Elite, 35 mm, 0-degree, 45 mm length
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on

Q: How much is a 2022 Trek Rail 9?

A 2022 Trek Rail 9 is typically priced around $10,999 AUD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2022 Trek Rail 9?

The 2022 Trek Rail 9 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2022 Trek Rail 9 have?

The 2022 Trek Rail 9 has 29" wheels.

Q: What size 2022 Trek Rail 9 should I get?

No comments on this bike yet. Why not be the first?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want more MTB in your mailbox?

The latest on mountain bikes delivered straight to your mailbox.

More Bikes in Range View All

Trek Rail 9 GX

Trek Rail 9.5

More e-mountain bikes view all.

Santa Cruz Bullit XT Air Carbon CC MX

- Lower-link VPP suspension system - Mixed (“Mullet”) wheels: 29″ front, 27.5″ rear - Internal cable routing - Shimano E-Tube app connects to STEPS system via Bluetooth-enabled smartphone - SRAM…

Cannondale Moterra Neo 4

Rose MAYOR PLUS 2 SUV MidStep

Deals view all, view all deals, recent posts view all.

Blackburn Honest Digital Pressure Gauge Review

It's 2020 people. The squeeze and bounce test doesn't cut it anymore (and this is…

Comparing Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes are complicated machines. They have parts from hundreds of different manufacturers, come in…

Undomestic Mountain Bikes: Here’s what we know

Update March 2020: Undomestic has announced that they are manufacturing frames "at this moment" and…

Send Feedback

Have a suggestion? Looking for a bike that's not on MTB Database? Or perhaps you've spotted an error?

We'd love to hear from you. Let us know with the form below.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible. Learn more.

About MTB Database

Explore, search and compare thousands of the world’s best mountain bikes here on Mountain Bike Database.

Compare prices, components, suspension, reviews, images and more on current and past MTB’s. You can even share reviews, comments and questions on mountain bikes. View and compare a huge selection of bikes from brands such as Trek , Specialized , Giant , Santa Cruz , Norco and more .

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information for mountain bikes on MTB Database. If you’ve spotted any issues, please let us know . We also include helpful tools, such as our frame size calculator, to assist you in choosing the right mountain bike. Bear in mind that these tools serve as a guide and simply provide a general indication. Refer to information provided by your bike manufacturer for the most applicable information for your bike.

Bikes By Brand

Bikes by year, bikes by riding style, bikes by wheel size, popular bikes.

• 2022 Specialized Epic EVO Comp
• 2022 Trek Marlin 6
• 2022 Specialized Enduro Comp
• 2022 Specialized S-Works Epic EVO
• 2022 Specialized Epic EVO Expert
• 2022 Giant Fathom 29 1
• 2022 Trek Marlin 7

Latest Bikes

• 2023 Commencal SUPREME DH V5 SIGNATURE 70'S
• 2023 Orange Phase 29 Factory
• 2022 Commencal META SX V4 TEAM Frame
• 2023 Commencal SUPREME DH V5 SIGNATURE LTD
• 2023 Commencal META SX V4 - Frame
• 2023 Riese & Müller Swing4 vario
• 2023 Riese & Müller Swing4 silent

Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 Review

Are you an avid mountain biker looking for the perfect trail companion? Look no further than the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4.

This top-of-the-line electric mountain bike is packed with impressive features and cutting-edge technology that will elevate your off-road adventures to new heights.

Mountain biking has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with that, the demand for high-performance bikes has soared.

Trek, a renowned name in the cycling industry, has consistently delivered exceptional bikes that cater to the needs of avid riders.

The Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 is their latest offering, and it promises to revolutionize the way you experience the trails.

In this review, we will delve into the key features of the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 and explore why it has garnered such rave reviews from biking enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner looking to upgrade your gear, this bike has the potential to take your mountain biking adventures to the next level.

So, let’s dive in and discover what makes the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 a force to be reckoned with in the world of electric mountain bikes.

– Full suspension design: The Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 features a full suspension setup with 150mm of travel. This allows for a smooth and controlled ride, even on rough and challenging terrain.

– Carbon frame: The bike is constructed with a lightweight and durable OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, providing strength and stiffness without adding unnecessary weight.

– Advanced drivetrain: Equipped with the SRAM X0 Eagle AXS, T-Type electronic drivetrain, the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 offers precise and effortless shifting. This system allows for seamless gear changes, ensuring optimal performance in any situation.

– Powerful brakes: The bike features SRAM Code Silver 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, providing reliable and powerful stopping power. Whether you’re tackling steep descents or navigating tight corners, these brakes offer excellent control and confidence.

– Adjustable suspension: The suspension system on the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 is fully adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune their setup to match their riding style and preferences. This ensures maximum comfort and efficiency on the trails.

– Tubeless-ready wheels: The bike comes with Bontrager Line Pro 30 wheels that are tubeless-ready. This allows for lower tire pressures, better traction, and reduced risk of flats, enhancing overall performance and confidence on the trails.

– Integrated battery: The bike features an integrated Bosch PowerTube 750Wh battery system for the medium and larger sizes, the small frame gets a 625Wh battery, providing power to the electronic drivetrain. This design keeps the battery securely in place and maintains a clean and streamlined appearance.

– Modern geometry: The Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 is designed with modern geometry, featuring a slack head angle and a longer reach. This provides stability at high speeds and improved handling in technical terrain.

– Suspension lockout: The bike is equipped with a suspension lockout feature, allowing riders to quickly and easily switch between fully active suspension and a more efficient rigid mode. This is especially useful for climbing or riding on smooth surfaces.

– Dropper seatpost: The bike comes with a RockShox Reverb AXS dropper seatpost, allowing riders to quickly adjust their saddle height on the fly. This is particularly beneficial when transitioning between uphill and downhill sections, improving comfort and control.

Nukeproof Megawatt 297 Factory Review

Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS Gen 1 Review

REI Co-op Cycles DRT e3.1 Electric Bike Review

One of the standout features of the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 is its powerful motor.

Equipped with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, this bike delivers a smooth and consistent power output from the 85Nm of torque.

Whether you’re climbing steep hills or accelerating on flat terrain, the motor provides ample assistance to make your ride more enjoyable.

The bike also features a high-capacity Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh battery on the small frame and a 750Wh for the others, which provides impressive range for long rides.

With this battery, you can expect to cover more ground without worrying about running out of power.

Additionally, the battery is easily removable, allowing for convenient charging both on and off the bike.

The suspension system on the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 is another highlight.

It comes equipped with a RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork with 160mm of travel, providing excellent control and absorption of bumps and obstacles on the trail.

The rear suspension is handled by a RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft shock, which further enhances the bike’s ability to handle rough terrain.

When it comes to components, the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 does not disappoint.

It features the new and nearly indestructible SRAM X0 Eagle AXS, T-Type 1×12 drivetrain, which offers precise and smooth shifting.

The bike also comes with SRAM Code Silver 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring reliable stopping power in all conditions.

The combination of these high-quality components ensures that you can ride with confidence and control.

Another notable feature of the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 is its sleek and modern design.

The frame is made from lightweight and durable OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, providing a sturdy and responsive ride.

The bike also features integrated cable routing, which not only adds to its aesthetics but also protects the cables from damage.

Overall, the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 is a top-of-the-line electric mountain bike that delivers exceptional performance and reliability.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking to take your skills to the next level or a beginner wanting to explore the world of mountain biking, this bike is a great choice.

With its powerful motor, long-range battery, advanced suspension system, and high-quality components, the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4 is sure to provide an exhilarating and enjoyable ride on any trail.

2024 Kona Dew Review

2024 Kona Dew Plus Review

2024 Kona Dew Deluxe Review

Related posts.

2022 Marin Rift Zone 1 27.5 Review

2023 Cannondale Habit HT 3 Review

2023 Marin Nicasio Review

Cannondale Habit 4 Review

• Rider Notes

2024 Trek Rail 9.8 XT Gen 4

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension enduro e-bike with high-end components. Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

Rail 9.8 XT Gen 4

Rail 9.8 XT Gen 4 - 2024, Medium

In Stock: MD

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Similar Bikes

(descending)

Add custom gearing

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Rail model range

A few years have gone by since the last Rail review. Lots has changed since then. Pete reviews the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4.

Read Review

Jun 2023 · Alex Evans

Trek’s Rail is claimed to be enduro-descent ready and uses Bosch’s powerful Performance Line CX motor

Great geometry provides stability

Cornering control excellent

Suspension is supple and forgiving with plenty of support

Bosch motor

Tyre compound struggles on anything other than perfectly dry terrain

Harsh feeling ride saps confidence

Jun 2023 · Danny Milner

The last time we rode the Trek Rail we awarded it our 2021 E-Bike of the Year crown in the shop bought category. Since then we haven’t had another chance to ride one, mainly because they’ve been flying off the shop floor. Meanwhile, Trek hasn’t rested on its laurels – the front triangle has been lengthened and the extra space used to stuff in Bosch’s biggest 750Wh battery on all but the smallest frame size. So how does it perform and is it one of the best electric mountain bikes on offer? Need to know: Mino link on the seatstay/rocker interface gives high and low geometry settings – useful if you want to run a 27.5in rear wheel Knock Block steering limiter uses interlocking stem and headset spacers, while steerer tube gets oversize 1.8in taper Top tube System controller and wireless remote are available to buy aftermarket, but they should come as standard M, L, and XL frames get 750Wh battery, while S gets a 625Wh This updated Rail is called the Gen 4, but you can still buy the old Gen 3 model. It gets the smaller 625Wh battery, non-Smart System-compatible electronics and a shorter reach. Although buying the Gen 4 seems like a no-brainer, the new large frame is a really big bike, with a 490mm reach and a yawning 35mm gap to the medium. So some riders may achieve a better fit on the old Gen 3. It’s disappointing that Trek hasn’t fitted the latest Bosch System Controller (as found on the Mondraker) to the top tube. Instead you get a measly blanking plate. To enjoy the improved integration and reduced clutter you’ll have to fork out an extra £1,600 for the next model up, which seems pretty stingy. Suspension Trek claims the Rail delivers 150mm travel, but we only measured 140mm (3mm less than the last Rail we tested). However, we didn’t notice this shortcoming on the trail, mostly because the long wheelbase of the Rail gives it excellent stability at high speeds on rough ground. Where we found it wanting was in terms of grip and sensitivity. It struggled to trace smaller bumps, so not only did it lack some comfort on long rides, but it needed more effort to hold a line on off-cambers, through slow turns, and in the wet. Having said that, there’s plenty of support, so as long as we had the energy, we could ride the Rail like a runaway train. Our bike came with a RockShox Zeb in place of the advertised Domain RC. With 38mm stanchions it perfectly matches the hench proportions of the Rail frame, but it wasn’t the smoothest or most supple fork on test. In that respect there was a symbiosis between the Trek’s front and rear suspension, even if it wasn’t quite the fairytale relationship we’d hoped for. Components Trek proffers two brake specs on the Rail 9.7 – Shimano Deore or SRAM Code R, both in four-piston guise. Given the choice, we’d take the Shimano …Continue reading »

Loves to go fast

Suspension lacks finesse

Bosch has spent years touting its motor/battery/display array. Now, Trek’s ultra-high-end Rail eMTB gets the signature tech.

With its updated frame and bigger battery, is this the best electric mountain bike going? Read on for our Trek Rail review.

Incredible suspension performance

Hugely confidence-inspiring ride quality

Powerful & intuitive Bosch Smart System

Big battery offers big range potential

Powerful brakes

Solid wheels & tyres

Battery mount failure

Longer wheelbase has reduced agility

Seat angle could be steeper

Limited size range

Trek’s updated 2022 Rail 9.9 represents a significant departure from the outgoing model. Visit The Loam Wolf to read our review of the tech-focused updates.

Bosch Smart System power and control

Category blending capability

Technical climbing prowess

Lengthy reach numbers are polarizing, sizing jumps

Firm suspension feel at slower speeds

Limited playfulness in tighter trails

Apr 2022 · BHowell

An excellent e-bike with a lot of electronics.

Well rounded ride

Suspension quality

Powerful Bosch motor

Vulnerable Bosch controller and Kiox

Mar 2022 · Guy Kesteven

Trek’s Rail 9.9 eMTB is loaded with carbon fiber and wireless tech. Guy Kesteven explores what the pricey Bosch powered flagship is like to ride on a wet and rocky Lake District demo loop

Lightweight yet super precise full carbon frame

Extended enduro geometry

Superbly controlled suspension performance

Latest big battery Bosch Smart System

Full SRAM AXS and Wiz comms componentry

AirWiz feels gimmicky

Last updated April 20

Trek Rail 9.9 first ride review: fully tech-loaded flagship, long travel, e-MTB

Trek’s rail 9.9 emtb is loaded with carbon fiber and wireless tech. guy kesteven explores what the pricey bosch powered flagship is like to ride on a wet and rocky lake district demo loop.

BikePerfect Verdict

Trek’s Rail 9.9 is definitely excessive rather than essential in terms of spec but it’s a genuinely outstanding superbike with lightweight and responsive, yet unshakeably confident and controlled, Bosch Smart System boosted performance

Lightweight yet super precise full carbon frame

Extended enduro geometry

Superbly controlled suspension performance

Latest big battery Bosch Smart System

Full SRAM AXS and Wiz comms componentry

AirWiz feels gimmicky

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

Trek’s Rail e-MTB was already one of the best electric mountain bikes available, the 2022 9.9 gets new longer frame geometry based on the excellent Slash Enduro bike .

For information on Bike Perfect's testing procedures and how our scoring system works, see our how we test page.

It also gets a bigger battery, Bosch’s latest Smart System motor and management suite, and a full set of the latest SRAM wireless AXS componentry including unique wireless tire and suspension monitoring tech. Retailing for $13,799.99/£12,600 it’s a vast amount of money though, so does it all add up on the trail?

Design and geometry

At first glance, the new Rail frame looks the same as last year's bike. Trek’s classic rocker link, rear axle concentric ABP suspension, the RIB (Removable Integrated Battery) side entry battery system in the down tube, geometry tweaking MinoLink eccentric shock chip and Knock Block 58-degree steering lock system are all carried over. The head tube on the full carbon frame is now a massive, oversized 1.8in tube though. Reach numbers are extended significantly with the large stretching from 465mm to 491mm and the XL we tested growing to 521mm. That makes the new Rail even longer than Trek’s Slash Enduro bike and makes room for Bosch’s new 750Wh PowerTube battery on every size but the small, which gets a 625Wh cell. The small 9.9 has no space for a bottle either, but a standard bottle fits on the bigger sizes.

While you can get your Rail with any of Trek’s Project One custom options if you’re prepared to wait, the three stock finishes are all very special anyway. The metal flake Dark Prismatic finish of my sample looked stunning when the sun occasionally shone in the Lakes. 

Components and build 

There are two other big upgrades with the Rail 9.9 too. The bigger battery is joined by the latest Smart System bar remote controller and top tube mounted KIOX 300 display. Teamed with the Bosch Flow smartphone app this gives much more customization of modes and displays including biometric wattage and heart rate displays (needs a third party sensor) and servicing/software update prompts. You get one of the best eMTB motors in the form of Bosch’s well-proven Performance Line CX Gen4 motor with 85Nm of torque. This is matched to e*thirteen’s latest Carbon Race cranks with a 34T chainring (the largest the frame will take). Trek also complements the frame finish with the ‘oil’ anodized version of SRAM’s premium XX1 AXS wireless groupset including chain and 10-52T cassette.

SRAM has also given Trek two exclusives for the 9.9. The Zeb Ultimate fork and already Trek only RE:aktiv Thru Shaft Super Deluxe rear shock are both equipped with AirWiz Bluetooth pressure sensors. These let you calculate and then set your target fork/shock air spring pressures in SRAM’s AXS smartphone app. LEDs on the AirWiz fork top cap and shock top block will then flash green or red depending on whether you’re in the sweet spot. TireWiz 2.0 valve sensors do the same for the tire pressure on both wheels. These versions are also custom-shaped to sync with the Bontrager Line Pro carbon rims.

SRAM also provides the excellent Code RSC brakes with 200/180mm rotors. You should get a RockShox Reverb AXS wireless operated post too but our bike came with a Bontrager cable-operated unit. The rest of the kit is top-line Bontrager (Trek's own brand) too. That includes carbon 780mm bars, a 45mm (same on all sizes) stem, and its SE5 and SE6 Enduro tires in 29 x 2.5in sizes. That brings the whole bike in at just over 22kg which is impressively light for a bike with such a large battery.

Ride, handling and performance

I tested the Trek Rail 9.9 at the Wheelbase Cycles Demo Day so bike time was limited and they only had an XL size when I'd normally ride a large. The test trails were excellent though and riding it alongside four other eMTBs from Mondraker, Whyte and Scott meant I could still learn a lot about this flagship e-MTB.

Firstly, despite the massive reach, larger battery, and 64.6-degree head angle (I ran the geometry in the low mode) I was surprised how responsive the Rail still felt. The healthy surge from the Bosch motor certainly helps, but it consistently felt bright and precisely alive in terms of where it put its tires and responded to my weight shifts. That’s partly due to the very accurately metered mid-stroke movement of the RE:aktiv Thru Shaft shock that I’ve previously put plenty of time into on the Slash enduro bike. Despite the oversized headtube and open side of the downtube where the battery slides in, the frame has a really well-balanced feel too. Definitely decisively locked onto whatever trail target you choose but not in a brutal or bruising way. Add the Zeb Ultimate fork upfront and even the most geologically aggressive situations are smoothed very effectively with minimum speed loss. Only 150mm of rear travel, relatively short 446mm chainstays and the shock character means it’s certainly not a dumb or numb ride experience though. So while the sheer length of the XL and the down tube full of battery took some turning compared to a conventional rig or a shorter e-bike it didn’t stop me popping and playing around with whatever features I spotted. 

The welterweight Bontrager carbon wheels work well with the bike too. The lifetime rim warranty removes some of the worries about charging headlong into sharp and pointy situations. The instant pick-up freehub syncs really well with the half kick power surge of the Bosch motor to hoik the Trek up stepped, scramble climbs, or power wheelie it off drops/through puddles. Neutral ABP pedaling action and very supple top end to the suspension stroke means it charges up technical climbs with real relish too, and I could stay on line up rocky sections even when filming GoPro footage one-handed.

The Bontrager tires have largely benefitted from recent updating too. A softer TW top compound right across the tire means they roll slower and wear quicker than previous versions, but braking and driving grip are noticeably better. They’re really consistent in the grip they offer at all lean angles too, so while I was still drifting through high-speed boggy grass sections on the Rail I wasn’t wiping out in comedy 360 spins like those around me. The extended wheelbase definitely helped in these situations too, and once I’d realized how much the big Trek liked getting sideways, that became my grin guaranteeing mission for the rest of the test ride even on loose rock sweepers.

If you want a more trail happy feel as standard on your Rail, it can be set up as a mixed wheel-size mullet bike. The resulting 63.9-degree head, 336mm bottom bracket height geometry would be proper slack and slammed as well. Though the 29er wheels on both ends fitted as standard, definitely help when it comes to smoothing out the trail and keeping speeds higher.

The Rail was one of the Bosch Smart System bikes I rode over the demo weekend and first impressions are very good. There are a lot of buttons on the 3D remote, but they’re reasonably intuitive in terms of placement, and quick glance power setting color swatches are easy to read. The KIOX 300 display is super clean and while the top tube mount means more of a deliberate look down than a bar mount I appreciate the crash-proofing gains. SRAM’s AXS Eagle transmission was as flawless as ever, dramatically reducing hang up or worries when changing gears on the charge. I was nervous about the full carbon cage of the XX1 rear mech when getting loose and sideways in the hills around Staveley though. So while I respect the flagship components flex, I can’t help thinking the semi-metal X01 mech would be a smarter option. As AirWiz is just a pressure communicator, not a tuning guide like the standalone ShokWiz box, it feels more like a gimmick than a genuine gain. Especially as shocks and forks rarely lose air for fun. The TireWiz 2.0 sensors on the other hand give useful quick glance reassurance on a component more likely to lose air though.

Early verdict

Trek already had one of the best-regarded e-MTB platforms around with the Rail and this new frame literally extends its performance even further. Despite the extra reach and full-day ride battery capacity, the handling still feels lively and responsive on top of a rock-solid, surefooted baseline. The carbon frame and carbon component parade mean it’s impressively light too with instant reaction wheels adding extra pop and play. 

While the RE:aktiv Thru Shaft shock adds potential servicing complications, I’ve had nothing but outstanding precision control and smoothness on bikes using it despite several months of combined hard hammering. Bosch motors are generally regarded as the most reliable option and the new Smart System adds a lot of useful functionality and much better rider ergonomics.

While AXS was flawless and the Wiz monitors were fun, I’d certainly suggest that the $9,199.99/£8,900 Rail 9.8 GX (same frame, battery, Smart System and color options) is the sweet spot in terms of performance for the price. Then again Trek UK has already sold through its allotment of 9.9s for this year, so there’s clearly a market, so if you want one you need to start searching dealers as fast as possible.

Tech Specs: Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS

• Price: $13,799.99/£12,600.00
• Model name: Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS
• Discipline: E-enduro
• Head angle: 64.6-degree
• Frame material: EW OCLV Mountain Carbon
• Sizes: M, L, XL(tested)
• Weight: 22.2kg without pedals
• Wheel size: 29x2.5in
• Suspension: RockShox ZEB Ultimate, AirWiz 160mm travel, 44mm offset/RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft, AirWiz 150mm travel
• Drivetrain:  SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 10-52T 12 speed rear mech, chain, cassette and shifter
• Cranks: e*thirteen e*spec Race carbon, 34T chainset
• Brakes: SRAM CODE RSC brakes with 200/180mm rotors
• Cockpit: Bontrager Line Pro OCLV Carbon 780 x 35mm bar, 45 x 35 mm stem
• Wheelset: Bontrager Line Pro 30
• Tires: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue front and SE6 Team Issue rear 29x2.5in tires T7
• Seatpost: Bontrager 175mm dropper post (RockShox Reverb AXS as standard)
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada saddle

Guy has been working on Bike Perfect since we launched in 2019. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Since then he’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. To make sure he rarely sleeps and to fund his custom tandem habit, he’s also penned a handful of bike-related books and talks to a GoPro for YouTube, too.

Current rides: Cervelo ZFS-5, Forbidden Druid V2, Specialized Chisel, custom Nicolai enduro tandem, Landescape/Swallow custom gravel tandem

Height: 180cm

Weight: 69kg

Lewis LH4 Brake Set review – an eerily familiar looking brake

Schwalbe SOS Mini Pump review – small, super portable and rock-solid

Manitou Mezzer Pro MTB fork review – smooth, lightweight and excellent tuning options

Most Popular

• Search forums
• Manufacturer Specific

Trek Rail 9.7 Motor Mount Part Number

• Thread starter Lecollazo
• Start date May 7, 2021

• May 7, 2021

• May 8, 2021

Lecollazo said: Hi, Looking for the part number of left and right motor mount brackets for my Rail. The local dealer is moving slow on finding the part number. View attachment 60825 Click to expand...

• Thread starter

JMD said: You might struggle, I tried a few service/dealers & was told not available separately. The bolts worked loose & damaged plate tightened & was good for 5 months came loose again last week, happens again will have to reluctantly take to bike shop for warranty (motor?) Click to expand...

Lecollazo said: Thanks, right know the bicycle is at the dealer. One mount is broke and one of the screw cannot be removed because the nut is spinning. They are working on that. I will update as soon new information is provided by the dealer. Click to expand...

• May 9, 2021

JMD said: You'll be getting a new motor, I'm assuming it's under warranty Click to expand...

• May 22, 2021
• Sep 15, 2021

Lecollazo said: As you mentioned the brackets are not sold separately. Warranty will cover and a new motor will be installed. Click to expand...

A new motor was covered under warranty. It takes 4 months to have the bike running again. The photo shows the broken bracket. The motor was on back order from Bosch.  

• Sep 18, 2021

Maybe Buy Bosch Mounting Plate Motor Unit For. Active/Performance - Gr at HBS  

The new motor ws received and installed.  

Richiefromboston

Active member.

• Nov 25, 2021

I need the bolts part number that hold those plates on or at least the size pitch etc. two of mine sheared right off I just discovered.  

Richiefromboston said: I need the bolts prat number that hold those plates on or at least the size pitch etc. two of mine sheared right off I just discovered. Click to expand...

• Jan 8, 2024

My 2020 Rail 9.7 had a creaking noise for some time. The creaking was minor at first but got progressively worse to the point others riding near me could hear it. I had taken all the pivot points apart and cleaned and retorqued them and cleaned seat post but still did not fix the creaking noise. Finally the only thing left was the motor mounting. I had noticed while holding the brake and stepping on the crank that the motor had a slight movement to it. I removed the motor and found the bolts for the motor mounting bracket were loose and one had broken off. I was able to remove the broken bolt. For some reason Bosch had installed them with tamper proof bolt heads and did not have any lock-tite on them. I removed the other 3 loose bolts and installed 4 new M5-18 X 16mm bolts with regular allen heads. Installed them with lock-tite blue and torqued them to 6 nm. Reinstalled them motor and have 2 rides for 40 miles and not more creaking. Bracket shown in the attachment.  

Attachments

• Mount.pdf 73 KB · Views: 68

Handheld Power Tool

Similar threads

• themonkster
• Nov 7, 2020

• dixie600mhz
• Jul 17, 2021

• Feb 14, 2023
• Jun 9, 2020
• shredlymcshredface
• Aug 13, 2021

EMTB Forums

The World's largest electric mountain bike community.

Latest articles

The lightweight Canyon Neuron:ONfly CF is here!

• Yesterday at 10:00 AM
• Reaction score: 2
• Comments: 1

New Sight VLT and Range VLT joins the 2024 Norco lineup

• Apr 9, 2024
• Comments: 2

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

Featured city guides.

An evolution not a revolution | Trek refines the Rail for 2022

The Trek Rail was first launched in 2020 as a successor to the Powerfly LT. Basically designed to be an electrified Slash, with 150mm of rear travel and a 160mm fork, it was one of the first bikes we saw equipped with Bosch’s 4th gen motor.

For 2022 the top-spec models get an update, with the 9.9, 9.8 and Project One builds seeing refined geometry, Bosch’s latest Smart e-Bike suite and some never before seen electronic ‘Wiz’ardry.

• Trek Rail 2021 Review | A powerful, long travel e-MTB with ALL of the confidence
• Trek Slash Review | The all-new Slash is the iron fist in a velvet glove q
• First Ride Review | The New 2020 Trek Rail 9.8 Is Trek’s Best E-MTB Yet

2022 Trek Rail Overview

This update is only coming for the top-end models of the Rail, with the 9.7 and below continuing in their current form . The bike is still based around 150mm of rear travel, a 160mm fork and comes stock with 29in wheels.

The frame also sees the Knock Block 2.0 headset with an expanded 72-degree steering radius.  Should you dislike the abrupt steering stop, you can remove the steering limiter, and Trek has ensured the fork crown will clear the top tube.

Also carried through is the RIB battery mount. Here the battery integrates almost seamlessly into the downtube but can be removed from the bike with the turn of a key, and there is even a carry handle.

Rail Geometry

Following on from the new Slash that launched last year, the Rail has been brought more in line with its analogue enduro stablemate.The overall changes to geometry are not a full ground-up rebuild, they are more subtle.

Starting at the reach, the 2022 frame is an average of 19mm longer than its predecessor across the size range. The reasoning for this is twofold; added stability, and to create extra space for the larger 750wh battery. The seat angle has steepened by 2-degrees, the head angle is 0.3-degrees slacker, and the stack height has increased by 7mm.

Trek has brought through its Mino-link flip-chip, and the figures above are all in the high position. When you flip the chip, the BB drops by 5mm, slackening the head angle to 64.2-degrees, and the seat angle to 76.7-degrees.

Trek should have renamed its Mino-link flip-chip the ‘Mullet’ link because swapping it into the high position makes the bike compatible, with a 27.5in rear wheel. This of course also has an effect on the geometry, bringing the headtube angle to 63.9-degrees and the seat angle to 76.4-degrees.

The new Rail won’t be sold as a mullet, but the frame has been designed to accommodate the smaller wheel if you so please.

Bosch Smart System

The new Rail is one of the first bikes equipped with Bosch’s updated Performance CX Smart suite. This was an incremental update to the Gen4 drive system, that added Bluetooth connectivity to the components that give the motor directions, and saw a new eBike Flow app to make it all work.

Through the app, you will be able to run over the air firmware updates, customise assist modes, and it give you reminders about service intervals.

The Performance CX Smart System motor is largely unchanged from its ‘dumb’ sibling, however, all the ancillary parts received a much needed revamp. There’s the new 750Wh Powertube battery, the LED Remote, and the full-colour Kiox display.

You can read more about Bosch’s new Performance CX Smart System here.

Launching along with Rail is RockShox’s new AirWiz. This electronic pressure gauge measures the air pressure in your shock and fork, and flashes a red or green light depending if the reading matches what you’ve set in the SRAM AXS app. AirWiz does not offer the auto damping you get with Flight Attendant , nor does it offer tuning suggestions like ShockWiz, it’s purely a diagnostic tool.

The AirWiz sensors are integrated into the RockShox Zeb fork and custom Super Deluxe, which is also brought across from the Slash. This specially built rear shock sees Trek’s Thru-Shaft damper, and also receives the offset rebound adjuster complete with the numbered dial

The other new Wiz that’s launching alongside the Rail, is the Bontrager Line 30 carbon wheel with an integrated TyreWiz. Previously these tyre pressure sensors have only been integrated into the Zipp 3ZERO MOTO.

Initially, we were quick to turn our noses up at the thought of more batteries to look after, especially in the name of tracking parameters experienced riders don’t need constant reminders to check. However, for newer riders, or for shops setting people up, the AirWiz especially, will make life so much easier. There is only a sliver of the market dropping the cost of a used Toyota Camry on a new bike that doesn’t know how to set sag, but those folks are out there, and this will help them ride better. For the rest of us and beginner riders with a modest budget, it’s also likely to trickle down at some point.

Anything else we should know?

We’ve seen a few e-MTB’s adopt the 1.8in tapered steerer (gasp!), and the Rail is the latest to jump on board with this new standard, promising to make the front end more stout and help the tubes blend better aesthetically.  New standards are always annoying, but for a 23kg e-MTB, it makes sense to use the widest possible tubing to prevent unwanted flex, especially given the type of riding for which this bike is designed. Also getting fatter is the seat tube, which like the Slash, has moved to a 34.9mm internal diameter.

Inside the front triangle, the sizes M, L and XL have room for a water bottle, but the size S frame will only take the Bontrager Voda 15 (444ml) bottle. Worse, if you’re a small rider who wants the AirWiz rear shock, you’d better have a backpack because the sensor takes up that prime real estate.

2022 Trek Rail pricing and spec

As we mentioned at the top, this update only applies to the 9.9, 9.8 and Project One models of the Rail. The remainder of the range has the same frame, and standard Bosch Performance CX e-Bike kit.

Given these are the most Gucci builds Trek offers it should come as no surprise pricing starts at $12,299.99 AUD for the 9.8 and $15,999.99 AUD for the 9.9. There is a jump from XT to XTR in drivetrain components between the models, but the main difference is whether or not it’s Wiz equipped. Read on for the full spec.

Trek Rail 9.8 XT

• Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, 1.8″ lower head tube, Removable Integrated Battery (RIB), Knock Block 2.0, guided internal routing, 34.9mm seat tube, magnesium rocker link, Motor Armor, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 12mm thru axle, 150mm travel
• e-Bike system | Bosch Performance Line CX for smart system, 250 watt, 85 Nm w/ Bosch PowerTube 750
• Fork | RockShox ZEB Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC damper, eMTB optimized crown, tapered steerer, 44mm offset
• Rear Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3, DebonAir spring, Thru Shaft 3-position damper, 230×57.5mm
• Drivetrain | Shimano XT M8100, 12 speed
• Brakes | Shimano XT M8120 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Crankset | E*thirteen E*spec Plus, 34T, 165mm length
• Handlebar | Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width
• Stem | Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, Blendr compatible, 0 degree, 45mm length
• Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp
• Dropper | Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, MaxFlow, 34.9mm, S – 100mm, M – 150mm, L – 170mm, XL – 200mm
• Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138mm width
• Cassette | Shimano XT M8100, 10-51, 12 speed
• Tyres | Front: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″, Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Wheelset | Bontrager Line Comp 30
• Weight | 23.4kg
• Price | $12,299.99 AUD

Trek Rail 9.9 XTR

• Fork | RockShox ZEB Ultimate with AirWiz, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC2 damper, 160mm travel
• Rear Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3 with AirWiz, DebonAir spring, Thru Shaft 3-position damper, 230×57.5mm
• Drivetrain | Shimano XTR M9100, 12 speed
• Brakes | Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Crankset | E*thirteen E*spec Race carbon, 34T, 165mm length
• Cassette | Shimano XTR M9101, 10-51, 12 speed
• Wheelset | Bontrager Line Pro 30 w/ TyreWiz
• Weight | 22.77kg
• Price | $15,999.99 AUD
• Submit for Review
• Terms & Conditions

Enjoy reading this?

Get similar articles delivered directly to your inbox

Most Beautiful Metro Stations in Moscow

Visiting Moscow? Get yourself a metro card and explore Moscow’s beautiful metro stations. Moscow’s world-famous metro system is efficient and a great way to get from A to B. But there is more to it; Soviet mosaic decorations, exuberant halls with chandeliers, colourful paintings and immense statues. Moscow’s metro is an attraction itself, so take half a day and dive into Moscow’s underground!

The best thing to do is to get on the brown circle (number 5) line since the most beautiful metro stations are situated on this line. The only exception is the metro stop Mayakovskaya one the green line (number 2). My suggestion is to get a map, mark these metro stops on there and hop on the metro. It helps to get an English > Russian map to better understand the names of the stops. At some of the metro stops, the microphone voice speaks Russian and English so it’s not difficult at all.

Another thing we found out, is that it’s worth taking the escalator and explore the other corridors to discover how beautiful the full station is.

Quick hotel suggestion for Moscow is the amazing Brick Design Hotel .

These are my favourite metro stations in Moscow, in order of my personal preference:

1. Mayakovskaya Station

The metro station of Mayakovskaya looks like a ballroom! Wide arches, huge domes with lamps and mosaic works make your exit of the metro overwhelming. Look up and you will see the many colourful mosaics with typical Soviet pictures. Mayakovskaya is my personal favourite and is the only stop not on the brown line but on the green line.

2. Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya metro station is famous for its yellow ceiling. An average museum is nothing compared to this stop. Splendour all over the place, black and gold, mosaic – again – and enormous chandeliers that made my lamp at home look like a toy.

3. Novoslobodskaya Station

The pillars in the main hall of Novoslobodskaya metro station have the most colourful stained glass decorations. The golden arches and the golden mosaic with a naked lady holding a baby in front of the Soviet hammer and sickle, make the drama complete.

4. Prospect Mira Station

The beautiful chandeliers and the lines in the ceiling, make Prospekt Mira an architectural masterpiece.

5. Belorusskaya Station

Prestigious arches, octagonal shapes of Socialistic Soviet Republic mosaics. The eyecatcher of Belorusskaya metro station, however, is the enormous statue of three men with long coats, holding guns and a flag.

6. Kiyevskaya Station

The metro station of Kiyevskaya is a bit more romantic than Belorusskaya and Prospect Mira. Beautiful paintings with classical decorations.

7. Taganskaya Station

At the main hall Taganskaya metro station you will find triangle light blue and white decorations that are an ode to various Russians that – I assume – are important for Russian history and victory. There is no need to explore others halls of Taganskaya, this is it.

8. Paveletskaya Station

Another and most definitely the less beautiful outrageous huge golden mosaic covers one of the walls of Paveletskaya. I would recommend taking the escalator to the exit upstairs to admire the turquoise dome and a painting of the St Basil’s Cathedral in a wooden frame.

Travelling with Moscow’s metro is inexpensive. You can have a lot of joy for just a few Rubbles.

• 1 single journey: RMB 50 – € 0,70
• 1 day ticket: RMB 210 – € 2,95

Like to know about Moscow, travelling in Russia or the Transsiberian Train journey ? Read my other articles about Russia .

•   161 Shares

You may also like

Hunting for the best coffee in irkutsk, amsterdam forest: a day trip for nature..., a romantic amalfi coast road trip itinerary, complete weekend city guide to maastricht, olkhon island: siberian sunsets over lake baikal, 8 great reasons to visit mongolia in..., trans-siberian railway travel guide, all you need to know for your..., food & drinks in moscow, why we love grünerløkka in oslo.

Wow! It is beautiful. I am still dreaming of Moscow one day.

It’s absolutely beautiful! Moscow is a great city trip destination and really surprised me in many ways.

My partner and I did a self guided Moscow Metro tour when we were there 2 years ago. So many breathtaking platforms…I highly recommend it! Most of my favorites were along the Brown 5 line, as well. I also loved Mayakovskaya, Arbatskaya, Aleksandrovski Sad and Ploshchad Revolyutsii. We’re heading back in a few weeks and plan to do Metro Tour-Part 2. We hope to see the #5 stations we missed before, as well as explore some of the Dark Blue #3 (Park Pobedy and Slavyansky Bul’var, for sure), Yellow #8 and Olive #10 platforms.

That’s exciting Julia! Curious to see your Metro Tour-Part 2 experience and the stations you discovered.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

More ways to optimize your ride Charge into the unknown with rugged power and tons of travel. Rail is here to deliver serious versatility, range, and torque for shuttling your own enduro laps, and now features Bosch’s smart system across all models. You get more customization for the ultimate e-MTB adventure machine, plus aggressive geometry, and a big battery for taking on endless mountain miles.

Assist Up to 20 mph

Torque 85nm, range up to 6 hours, battery 500 to 750wh, built to perform.

Since 1886 (you read that right) Bosch has been building technology based around two driving principles — precision and quality. Today, they make some of the most revered motors in the e-bike world. They deliver powerful, natural-feeling assist that’s backed with a global network of support that’s there for you no matter what.

Intelligent assist

The Performance Line CX motor gives you 85Nm of torque to get you up steep climbs and accelerate to top speeds. Choose from 4 ride modes depending on the level of support you want. The Tour+ and eMTB modes automatically adjust the assist based on your pedaling input and the terrain so you get predictable, natural-feeling power.

Our Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) system lets you pull your battery off quickly and easily. No awkward reaching under your downtube or digging in the toolbox required.

Rail might get a lot of praise for being powerful, but you can put a big motor on just about anything these days. What really makes Rail rip is its progressive geometry, long travel suspension, and fine-tuned features that come together to make one hell of a mountain bike.

Long travel legend

With 150mm of rear and 160mm of front suspension, Rail is built to soak up big hits. Go ahead, point it down steep, chunky granite slabs. It’ll show you what it’s made of.

• Watch the walkthrough

Tuned in with you

Quickly and easily adjust the fit and feel of your Rail with Mino Link, so your bike is always dialed to the terrain and your riding style.

• Learn more about Mino Link

Travel that won’t throw in the towel

Trek’s exclusive Active Braking Pivot keeps your suspension active while you’re braking, boosting traction and control even when the trail gets hairy.

• Learn more about ABP

Rips like a monster truck

Big 29˝ wagon wheels reduce rolling resistance so you can charge straight through the chunder on loose and wily trails.

Carbon Rail takes the trail up a notch with a light but burly OCLV Mountain Carbon frame and longer, slacker geometry that crushes through the gnarly stuff. Inspired by Slash, carbon Rail is built to elevate stability and speed on descents so you can cut loose and push it to the limits.

Intuitive integration

Bosch’s System Controller sits flush on Rail 9.8 and 9.9’s top tube for a clean look at your charge level and currently-selected assist mode.. Easily toggle through modes, or turn on walk assist with the compact new Mini Remote.

More power, more fun

All carbon Rail models feature longer new geometry that makes room for a lofty 750Wh battery. Head out for sun-up to sun-down adventures. We’ll wait.

Built for the hard knocks

An oversized head tube and seat tube give you the durability you need for big trail days, and offers room for bigger, more durable dropper posts.

Perfect pressure

Keep pressure under control with TyreWiz and AirWiz pressure monitors that track your tire and suspension pressure. Set desired pressures in SRAM’s AXS app and check the lights before each ride — red means you need to dial in the pressure, green means you’re ready to let it rip. Available on Rail 9.9 models.

On e-MTB race days Rail CXR is your ticket to the top step. Built with Bosch’s new limited-edition Performance Line CXR motor, this race-ready e-MTB accelerates faster off the line than any other Rail, so you can get you in front of the pack and stay there. Pair that with sustained power that keeps you moving up and over technical climbs, and you’ve got the recipe for gold in your pocket.

Power up your ride with a more pocket-friendly hard-hitter on Rail alloy. It loads you up with the same capable 150mm/160mm of travel as its carbon counterpart, but with an Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame that rips up the trail and not your wallet. Plus, you still get the new Bosch smart system with all the connectivity you want, so you don’t have to miss out on a customized ride.

LED visibility

Easy to access with your hands on the bars, this new remote features color-coded ride modes for instant recognition. It also auto-adjusts the brightness of the remote’s display depending on ambient light levels so you can always see your support level.

• Learn more from Bosch

Sleek setup

Rail alloy skips bulky displays for a clean cockpit that’s fuss-free and tidy. Smart system capability means you can easily add a display later if you want more details on the go.

• Bosch eBike Flow app

Built to elevate your e-bike experience, Bosch’s eBike Flow app lets you take control of your ride. It works with both iOS and Android phones, auto-updates your remote and display with the latest features, and the home screen gives you a quick overview of your most important ride data like battery status and range.

Customize your assist

Fine-tune assist modes to your liking. Get the most support on your climbs or stretch out the miles on longer rides with more efficient power use.

Set your record

Tracking starts as soon as your foot hits the pedal and pauses automatically when you take a break. Plus, your data synchronizes with integrated apps like Apple Health in real-time.

Tech built for Trek

Trek-exclusive integration means the eBike Flow app automatically recognizes your Trek e-MTB, provides service recommendations, and will even help you find your local Trek shop.

Gen 2 Rail gets you the same rugged, high-power machine as the latest generation, but skips Bosch’s smart system, Mini Remote, and LED display for a simple, app-free ride. It still features Active Braking Pivot, RIB, and 85Nm of torque, so you get plenty of bike for the buck with a legacy e-system.

Rail with smart system

Gen 3 alloy and Gen 3/4 carbon Rail give you Bosch’s smart system with a streamlined LED System Controller display and compact Mini-Remote. It’s everything you love about the previous generation — just a little bit smarter.

• Shop Rail with smart system

Looking for something else?

Looking for a balance of power and natural ride feel? Fuel EXe offers smooth assist that doesn’t overdo it. With a quiet ride and just enough power to make climbing a breeze, Fuel EXe is the go-to for those who want an e-bike that doesn’t look like an e-bike.

Powerfly is the ideal electric mountain bike for new riders who want a fun introduction to the wide world of singletrack. It's stacked with proven Trek trail features, just with shorter travel, easier handling, and a more comfortable upright fit.