Trek’s Rail platform has always been about one thing: full-power, full-travel trail smashing. With the latest Rail+ 9.7 Gen 5, Trek took that formula and modernized it with more adjustability, a huge 800 Wh Bosch battery, and a refined carbon frame aimed squarely at riders who want to ride farther and harder without stepping down to a “light” e-MTB.
This is the “entry” carbon model in the new Rail+ Gen 5 range, but don’t let that fool you—on paper it’s a very serious bike:
- 160 mm front and rear travel with RockShox ZEB Select fork and Super Deluxe Select+ RT shock.
- Bosch Performance Line CX motor (smart system) with 85 Nm of torque.
- Massive 800 Wh RIB 2.0 battery, removable from the downtube.
- OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with adjustable geometry and leverage rate via Mino Link and flip-chip.
- Mixed Shimano XT/SLX 12-speed drivetrain, SRAM DB8 4-piston brakes and Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels.
Independent reviews of the overall Rail+ Gen 5 platform describe it as a refined, full-power e-MTB built for everyday riders, with more travel, a lighter Bosch motor and a big step up in adjustability compared to previous generations.
If you’re looking at this bike for big-mountain days, shuttle-style laps without the shuttle, or just want one e-MTB that can do aggressive trail and enduro duty, the Rail 9.7 Gen 5 sits right in that wheelhouse.
Full Specifications – Trek Rail 9.7 Gen 5
Below is a consolidated spec overview based primarily on Trek’s official listings and dealer spec sheets.
Frame & Suspension
- Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon
- Removable Integrated Battery (RIB 2.0) system
- Tapered head tube
- Guided internal routing with Trek Control Freak cable management
- Motor armor skid plate
- Angle-adjust compatible headset
- Mino Link adjustable geometry + adjustable leverage rate flip-chip
- ABP (Active Braking Pivot) suspension layout
- UDH (SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger)
- 34.9 mm seat tube
- Boost 148, 12 mm thru axle
- Travel: 160 mm rear
- Fork: RockShox ZEB Select
- 160 mm travel
- DebonAir air spring
- Charger RC damper
- 44 mm offset
- Boost 110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ RT
- Trunnion mount
- 205 x 65 mm
Motor, Battery & Electronics
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX (Gen 4 / smart system)
- 85 Nm torque
- 250 W nominal output
- 20 mph / 32 km/h max assist in North America (25 km/h in EU/APAC)
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 800 Wh, RIB 2.0 removable system
- Controller / Display:
- Bosch System Controller BRC3100 top-tube unit
- Compatible with Bosch Mini Remote and Bosch eBike Flow app (for tuning and updates)
- Charger: Bosch 4A smart system charger
- Range Extender Compatibility: Bosch PowerMore range-extender battery compatible for ultra-long days.
Wheels & Tires
- Wheels: Bontrager Line Comp 30, tubeless-ready alloy
- Front: 27.5″ for size S; 29″ for M–XL
- Rear: 27.5″ across sizes (mullet setup for M–XL)
- Rapid Drive 108 rear hub (high engagement)
- Tires (stock): Bontrager Brevard Pro XR, 2.5″ wide, tubeless-ready
- S: 27.5 x 2.5″ front & rear
- M–XL: 29 x 2.5″ front, 27.5 x 2.5″ rear
Independent testing of the Rail+ Gen 5 platform has criticized the stock tire spec for lacking outright grip when pushed hard, especially in loose conditions—worth noting if you ride steep, wet terrain.
Drivetrain & Brakes
- Drivetrain:
- Shifter: Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed
- Rear derailleur: Shimano XT M8100, long cage
- Cassette: Shimano SLX M7100, 10–51T, 12-speed
- Chain: Shimano SLX M7100
- Crank: ethirteen Espec Plus, 160 mm arms
- Brakes:
- SRAM DB8 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes
- Rotors: SRAM CenterLine 200 mm front and rear
Cockpit & Contact Points
- Handlebar: Bontrager Line alloy, 35 mm clamp, 27.5 mm rise, 780 mm width
- Stem: Bontrager Elite, 35 mm clamp, 0°, 45 mm length
- Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on
- Seatpost: Bontrager Line Dropper (150 / 170 / 200 mm travel depending on size)
- Saddle: Bontrager Verse P3 with chromoly rails
Geometry (Key Numbers)
Geometry is highly configurable via the Mino Link and adjustable leverage rate flip-chip, plus optional angle-adjust headset cups.
For a size Large in High setting:
- Head angle: 65.0°
- Effective seat tube angle: ~77.5°
- Reach: ~495 mm
- Wheelbase: ~127.7 cm
- Chainstay length: 446 mm
- BB drop: 18 mm (approx.)
In Low setting the bike slackens to ~64.5° head angle, slightly lower BB and marginally longer wheelbase, pushing it more toward enduro/downhill stability.
Weight
- 99spokes lists the Rail+ 9.7 Gen 5 at ~52.3 lb (≈ 23.7 kg) for a typical build.
This isn’t a featherweight e-MTB—but it’s right in line with other full-power, big-battery enduro e-bikes.
Pricing – What Does the Rail 9.7 Gen 5 Cost?
In the U.S., Trek and multiple dealers list the Rail+ 9.7 Gen 5 at $8,699.99 USD.
Internationally, pricing varies:
- European retailers show the bike around €5,000–6,000 depending on market and discount.
- UK ex-demo listings have dropped as low as £4,500 from original prices near £6,500, which suggests there’s already some discounting happening as inventory cycles.
For Bike198 readers, the key takeaway is this:
- MSRP puts it firmly in premium full-power e-MTB territory. It’s priced in line with other carbon, Bosch-powered enduro rigs with similar travel and spec.
- Because it’s not the top Rail+ trim, you often see more aggressive deals on the 9.7 than on the halo builds. If you’re willing to buy from a shop’s floor stock or ex-demo inventory, the value equation can improve dramatically.
On-Trail Performance & Ride Impressions
While this review is built off spec analysis and broad platform feedback (rather than a Bike198 in-house long-term test), several consistent themes show up across media tests and owner reports of the Rail+ Gen 5 family.
Climbing – Bosch Power and Steep-Seat Efficiency
The Bosch Performance Line CX remains the benchmark for “full-power” motors. With 85 Nm of torque and refined smart-system tuning, the Rail 9.7 has no problem grinding up steep, technical climbs. Reviewers call out the smooth power delivery and natural feel, especially in eMTB/Tour+-style modes where the motor dynamically adjusts support to your input.
The steep effective seat tube angles (around 77–78° depending on size and setting) put you in a very upright, centered climbing position.
What that means on trail:
- Your weight stays forward over the front wheel on punchy pitches, reducing front-end wander.
- The short 160 mm crank arms help avoid pedal strikes when grinding through rocky steps.
- Combined with the big 800 Wh battery, you can string together sustained, repeated climbs without worrying about range—especially if you keep it below Turbo for most of the ride.
If you’re coming from a slacker-seated, older-gen e-MTB, the Rail’s seated climbing position will feel more “enduro race bike with a motor” than “old-school trail bike with a motor bolted on”—in a good way.
Descending – Long Travel, Mullet Wheels, and Adjustable Geo
Point it downhill and the Rail 9.7 acts like what it is: a 160/160 mm carbon enduro bike with a big motor and heavier chassis.
- The RockShox ZEB Select chassis brings stiffness and confidence on rough lines, even if it lacks some of the high-end adjustability of a ZEB Ultimate.
- The Super Deluxe Select+ RT shock is a solid match for aggressive riders, especially once you play with volume spacers and the leverage-rate flip-chip to fine tune ramp-up.
The mixed-wheel setup (29″ front / 27.5″ rear on M–XL) gives you that familiar combination of stability and rollover up front with a more agile, poppy rear end.
The Mino Link + adjustable leverage rate + optional angle-adjust headset let you tune:
- High setting: Steeper head angle, higher BB – better for tighter, slower, more technical terrain where pedal clearance matters.
- Low setting: Slacker head angle (~64.5°), slightly longer wheelbase and lower BB – more confidence at speed, better for bike-park or open, steep trails.
Media tests of higher-end Rail+ Gen 5 builds describe the platform as:
- Very stable at speed
- Comfortable and forgiving over long descents
- More “all-rounder enduro” than ultra-playful freeride
The 9.7 shares that same underlying frame and kinematics, so you’re getting the same fundamental ride character.
Handling & Feel
A few points to be aware of:
- At ~52+ lb, the Rail 9.7 isn’t flicky. Think planted, not hyper-nimble.
- The short chainstays (446 mm) and mixed wheels do help it change direction more willingly than some longer-rear-center e-MTBs.
- Riders and reviewers have noted that the new Gen 5 frame is a bit less “visually aggressive” but feels more refined and versatile on trail—less of a pure plow, more a do-everything enduro rig.
If your riding is mostly tight, low-speed singletrack, the weight plus long front-center might feel like overkill. If your days involve big vertical, rough descents, or bike-park style lines, the Rail feels right at home.
Pros and Cons – Rail 9.7 Gen 5
Pros
- Huge 800 Wh battery – Real all-day range and fewer “range anxiety” decisions mid-ride.
- Bosch Performance Line CX smart system – Proven reliability, great dealer support network, powerful and tunable.
- Modern, adjustable geometry – Mino Link, adjustable leverage rate, and angle-adjust headset compatibility let you tailor the bike to local terrain and riding style.
- Carbon frame with enduro-worthy suspension layout – 160/160 travel, robust ZEB fork, ABP suspension, and mullet wheels deliver serious descending capability.
- Solid mid-tier build kit – XT/SLX drivetrain, DB8 4-piston brakes, Bontrager Line Comp wheels are all proven, serviceable components.
- Versatile use-case – Works as a big-mountain explorer, bike-park e-MTB, or “self-shuttle” enduro bike depending on how you set the geo and tires.
Cons
- Price is firmly premium – At $8,699.99 MSRP, you’re deep into high-end territory, and some competitors offer higher-end forks/shocks or brakes at similar money.
- Heavy, even for a full-power e-MTB – Around 52 lb means you’ll feel it in slower, flatter terrain and loading on racks.
- Stock tires compromise grip – Several tests of the Gen 5 platform call out the stock rubber as a weak point, especially for aggressive or wet-weather riding. Plan on an upgrade if you ride hard.
- Cable rattle & noise – E-Mountainbike’s test of the higher Rail+ builds mentioned cable rattle in the frame. That’s fixable with foam sleeves and careful routing, but not ideal at this price.
- DB8 brakes are competent, not standout – They’re fine for most riders, but heavier, more aggressive riders may want Code-level power or a higher-end brake set for big descents.
Ideal Rider Profile – Who Is the Rail 9.7 Gen 5 For?
If you strip away the marketing language, the Rail 9.7 Gen 5 is built for a pretty specific rider:
- You prioritize descending and big days out. You’re looking for 160/160 mm travel, aggressive geo, and the ability to stack vert, not a light “just-enough-assist” trail bike.
- You want carbon frame feel but don’t need the fanciest build. The 9.7 gives you the same chassis and suspension platform as higher trims; you can upgrade parts later as they wear out.
- You value Bosch’s ecosystem. You want the dealer support, app integration, and proven performance of Bosch motors and batteries.
- You’re okay with weight if it buys stability and range. The Rail isn’t trying to win the “lightest e-MTB” contest; it’s built to stay composed when things get rough and fast.
- Your local riding actually uses the travel. Think: Pisgah-style gnar, bike-park laps, long descents in the Rockies or PNW, or European alpine terrain—not flat, mellow greenway mileage.
You are not the ideal buyer if:
- You mostly ride mellow XC or green trails and just want some assist.
- You care more about having a nimble, playful e-MTB than outright stability. (You might be happier on a shorter-travel, lighter platform.)
- You’re extremely weight-sensitive or need to lift/carry the bike regularly (stairs, apartment, etc.).
Setup & Upgrade Recommendations
If I were setting up a Rail 9.7 Gen 5 for a Bike198-style reader, here’s where I’d focus out of the box:
1. Go Tubeless Immediately
The Line Comp 30 wheels are tubeless-ready and the tires are too. Set them up tubeless on day one:
- Lower pressures to unlock grip and comfort.
- Reduce pinch flats and rim hits with a 52 lb bike and aggressive terrain.
2. Consider a Tire Upgrade
Given independent feedback about the stock tires lacking bite, especially in wet or loose conditions, I’d strongly consider:
- Something with a stickier compound and more aggressive tread (e.g., Maxxis Assegai / DHR II, Schwalbe Magic Mary / Big Betty, etc.)
- Keep the mullet configuration for agility, but don’t be afraid to go slightly heavier for real braking and cornering traction.
3. Dial the Geo for Your Riding
- If you mostly ride techy, slower, East-Coast style trails, start in High setting for BB clearance and slightly quicker handling.
- If you’re hitting bike-parks, jump lines, or wide-open descents, go Low for maximum stability and confidence.
As you progress, you can experiment with angle-adjust headset cups to further slacken or steepen the front end.
4. Suspension Setup With the Flip-Chip in Mind
Play with:
- Sag: Around 28–30% rear, 20–25% front is a good starting point for aggressive trail/enduro.
- Leverage-rate flip-chip:
- More progressive setting if you’re smashing big hits or want more mid-stroke support.
- Less progressive if you value comfort and traction above all.
5. Brakes & Contact Points Over Time
- Brakes: If you’re a heavier rider or long-descend regularly, a future upgrade to something in the Code / Saint / MT7 realm isn’t a bad idea.
- Dropper travel: Make sure you’re on the max dropper length your inseam supports; Trek gives multiple options in spec.
Conclusion & Recommendations
The Trek Rail 9.7 Gen 5 is very much a “big mountain” e-MTB. It’s not pretending to be a lightweight trail bike or a budget option; it’s a premium, full-power, carbon enduro rig with a monster 800 Wh battery and the Bosch ecosystem behind it.
What it does exceptionally well:
- Smash long, rough descents while keeping you fresher thanks to the motor on the way up.
- Tackle huge days with meaningful climbing and descending without constant range anxiety.
- Give you a modern geometry platform that can be tuned for your terrain and style.
Where it asks something of you:
- The price tag is high, even though the build is “mid-tier” in some areas.
- Weight and overall bulk are real; this is not a bike you throw around like a 36-lb analog enduro rig.
- You’ll likely want to budget for upgrades (tires first, potentially brakes later) to really unlock the frame’s potential.
Should You Buy the Trek Rail 9.7 Gen 5?
Yes, it’s a strong buy if:
- You ride steep, technical, or big-mountain terrain and truly want 160/160 mm travel.
- You care more about range, stability, and Bosch integration than shaving every gram.
- You like the idea of getting the full-fat carbon Rail+ frame now and upgrading components gradually.
You should look elsewhere if:
- You mostly do shorter after-work trail spins where a lighter “SL” style e-MTB would feel more fun.
- Your budget is tight and you don’t want to invest in tires or brakes on top of the purchase price.
- You’re new to mountain biking and won’t realistically use the travel and adjustability on offer.
From a Bike198 perspective, the Trek Rail 9.7 Gen 5 is the kind of bike you buy when you’re serious about e-MTB as more than just a fitness tool. It’s built for riders who want to turn every mountain into a self-shuttle zone, stack laps until the light fades, and still have enough juice to ride back to the car.
If that sounds like your version of a good time—and the price fits your budget—the Rail 9.7 Gen 5 absolutely belongs on your shortlist.