Trek Rail 9.9 vs Rail 7 Review - Is it worth the upgrade? How much better does the 9.9 ride?
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
- During the months we spent testing these two Trek Rails, our riders worked to hone-in on their feelings about each bike. We focused on CZcams comments from viewers and what they wanted to know along with our own checklist. Testers evaluated the nuances between the components, discussed how much we still like the Rail platform and what we’d likely spend our own money on if we were in the market for a 160/150mm eMTB. As you’ve probably gathered from our last two eMTB Shootouts, our testers are quite fond of Trek’s Rail and while their higher end models, like the 9.9 here are the bikes that have won their respective categories, we remain confident that the Rail 7 would still keep the Rail near the top of the list. While we still really like the Rail 7, with this spec, we couldn’t completely say if it would still be a category winner, after all we’re comparing the best of the best in in our eBike shootouts and small things like brake levers and dropper post travel can make or break a pick come voting time.
Before you think we’re too snobby, hear us out. Trek’s Rail 7 is absolutely capable of being ridden at the highest levels. Our head-to-head race times prove it. However, it takes more work to put down the same race times and a bit more nerves to really hang it out on gnarly downhills. While we’ve read the comments that the differences in component and suspension spec are nothing more than “Placebo effect,” the reality is, there is a perceivable difference on-trail. When it comes to riding the Rail 7, creature comforts like shifters, brake levers, and the Bosch display feel cheaper than what’s found on the 9.9. If you look beyond the refinement and polished appearance of the 9.9, does the Rail 7 perform without issue? Absolutely, but it’s like getting in a luxury car versus an economy car. They’ve both got power steering, power windows and a radio, but how they feel once inside can be a very big deal to some. To those with a refined pallet, the differences will justify the increase in price, maybe not to the 9.9, but certainly to a spec above the 7…let’s get back to the performance.
Once we adjusted to the cockpit, short dropper post and brake levers, we quickly forgot about our nitpicking and let the bike work. Trek has done a great job making their Rail eMTB a very versatile machine that will do a broad spectrum of riders well. It is a strong climber, comfortable in the saddle, and can be pushed and ridden hard. Riders who are over 180lbs or ride aggressively, regardless of model, will likely find the need to add volume reducers to the shock to give a bit more platform as Trek has fairly conservative shock tunes. Like the Rail 9.9, the Rail 7 floats over obstacles, is snappy, fun and does a great job popping off little trail features.
To put it simply a slower rider on a Rail 9.9 is still going to be slower than a faster rider on a Rail 7. That doesn’t mean a slower or newer rider doesn’t deserve or can’t enjoy the refinement the 9.9 offers but is rather a compliment to how capable the 7 is. Often times consumers focus too much on components or materials that don’t matter as much as they think. Focus your upgrades on areas of the bike that are guaranteed to make your traction, safety and confidence better first, the rest is for show. As our timed race runs and rider feedback showed, when all we did was focus on riding, both bikes are pretty dang close. We tried to quantify the test for the number crunchers out there and the best way we could put it down was to come up with a percentage of how much fun we had on the Rail 7 compared to the 9.9 and then compare the prices. If the 9.9 gave us a fun factor of 100%, then the Rail 7 gave us a fun factor of around 90-95% for 62% of the price. We’re not rocket surgeons, but that seems like a pretty definitive answer for those who are on a budget and looking to make a smart buy. Almost all the fun for 62% of the price? That’s a win. If you’re not just interested in fun, but really want to enjoy top-tier components, adjustability, creature comforts and refinement, then get the 9.9! Or maybe check out the Trek Rail 9.8, either way, you’re going to be stoked on a pretty sweet eMTB.
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Chapters:
What is the video?: 0:00
Bike Introductions: 0:54
Carbon vs. Aluminum?: 2:52
Which display unit did you prefer?: 5:21
Fun to Price Ratio: 6:11
Head to head Race format: 7:26
How would you upgrade the Rail 7?: 9:54
Overall impressions: 12:19 - Sport
It’s good to hear someone finally say carbon isn’t everything
I bought the Rail 7 a week ago and was immediately impressed by the natural feel it has over other similarly priced full suspension EMTBs. Granted that as a entry level e-bike to a 68 year old, it seemed like overkill but this bike gives everything I ask of it and I’m extremely happy with it. I’m out on it almost everyday and appreciate your comparison to the 9.9. No brainer happy choice for me!
Love this comparison. Great to see the top spec that everyone tests pitted against the one we can actually kinda afford.
I have the Rail 7 in red and black and I've never had so much fun on a bike before. I still ride my regular mountain bike two times a week to keep up the power, but I most look forward to riding my Rail. It's a beast!
Super insightful video! Thanks for breaking it down and providing real life feedback on the bikes!
Great review! But for me, the bike to buy in the whole Rail family is the Rail 9 - robust alloy frame + Zeb fork and Deluxe ultimate, GX groupset and Code R brakes. There is nothing in this bike that needs to be changed. I own one for a while now and I'm 100% happy with it :)
The 9 is a great option for sure.
Great video, haven't quite made my mind up which one yet but this has helped and answered a few questions I had. 👍👍
Awesome review and comparison. I got to ride the Rail 7 in California and fell in love with the performance and handling of the bike...
Great comparison video. I have a traditional bike but my Dad recently got the V2 Pivot Shuttle which I’ve had the pleasure of taking out a few times. E-Bikes are super incredible and I would definitely love to own one!
What a great review and comparison video. Great job
Great video. Thank you for the honest comparison between the 7 and the 9.9, as well as the general material question. I find it very interesting that you could really see a noticeable difference in handling between aloy and carbon.
Great content & impartial reviews which is rare these days. Keep up the great work.
Thank you! We do our best
Awesome! Been looking at getting a trek rail bike. Looking at the 7 and this helped me a lot. Just waiting for them to come in stock.
Loved this comparison. Still day dreaming about the rail after I was able to demo it!
Great video. Ive just bought the Rail 7 and plan to do the dropper, fork and shock. Cheers LW for the honest advice!
Very informative... Appreciated the review. Helped me make a decision of which direction to go in picking one of them.
Great video thank you very much. I would love to get my hands on one of these bikes.
It is awesome to see someone finally making this kind of comparison. Great Video!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for your guidance. Ended up buying a Rail 7 today. Was going to buy a 9 when my Norco Fluid VLT A1 deal fell through due to a bunch of battery technical issues and was the last one in New Zealand. So, needed to get something instead before Christmas..
Haven’t ridden it timer but will do tomorrow. Cheers guys, great video.
Thanks for the comparison! There needs to be more model specific comparisons for bikes like this as they are expensive and hard to find in a demo configuration. I also loved the way the video turned out, I am taking notes...LOL You guys have great dialog, which is difficult for me to do on my videos. As a single guy, I can save up for either model, the difference is the time it will take and the length of sacrifice to bring one of these home. Often times the bottom tier brands are noodly do to the components out there to match the pricepoint goals of the manufacturer. It's nice to near you all talking about that and finding out it was not that big of an issue on the front end! Job well done!
Thanks so much for the kind words Brian. Keep plugging away on your own vids and they'll just get more natural and better with time. Trust us, we hated the camera at first, and are just starting to accept it. haha
Ordering a blue and yellow next week. Going from a Trek remedy 8. Stoked!
Excellent review. You answered the questions I had and I appreciate it.
Glad to hear it!
This was timely. I've been thinking for a while that there's a Emountain bike in my future. This past weekend I got to ride a Trek Rail 7 for the first time and that future might be closer than I thought!
Long time fan, first time poster. Bought some knee pads from your online reviews - always enjoy!
The exact video I was looking for! I had been wanting an e-bike and Trek is what I want. The questions answered were the ones I had. Thanks for making the vid and look forward to your future videos.
Glad I could help!
Put deposit on 9.8xt back in january, still waiting. This was the comparison I was wanting to see, glad you guys did it. Your very good at breaking down the differences of the key componets and ride feeling of bikes. Thanks.
Our pleasure!
I bought the Rail 7 and I've made some changes. My fork was damaged in shipping, so I upgraded to a Zeb Ultimate (44 offset). I swapped out the SRAM DB8 brakes for SLX 7120, personal preference. The stock dropper has been replaced with a 170mm PNW Loam. I swapped in my favourite PNW Range handlebar with Ergon GE1 grips. I installed a pair NOBL TR37 wheels that I had built for my enduro bike, and they are wrapped in Schwalbe BB and MM tires. I'm not a fan of the Deluxe+ shock because it doesn't do so well on technical descents, so I'm swapping a coil shock in this weekend. My long term plan is to replace the drivetrain with Shimano XT Linkglide.
Great informative break down.. helped me steer clear of the yari
Glad it helped
Thanks for the overall comparisons
Glad you enjoyed it.
Great video and channel. Rail 9.7 here. Awesome bike.
Just ordered 9.8 XT. Can't wait it's arrival
Very informative. Thanks guys. A great one.
Can’t go wrong with either one. They both get you out on the trails and let you shred for hours. Win win for Trek!
Great video, thanks for the unbiased approach to bike reviews!! 👍
Thank you, means a lot!
Will you be testing any Husqvarna (Mountain Cross) or Mondraker (Dusk or Crafty) bikes in the near future? Very interested to see your opinion as the Mondraker have both Shimano and Bosch motors, but longer reach. Both are new to North America and priced very competitive.
Great comparison, just what I was looking for. I’d go for a carbon base model, add a fox 38 & probably a coil 🤙🏻
Great video and a thoughtful analysis of both models. This is definitely going to help my wife and I make a decision. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Nice video as always! For me, it is the 9.8 XT or the XTR version because I am checking on the bike. You should also consider making a video, if you had only one bike and that would be an e bike, which 3 e bikes would be in your list, as your one and only bike for all kind of trails ( including bike parks or not). Also, an update review on the Shuttle would be great! Keep up the good work!!!
Great video! The info about what you would do to upgrade the 7 was particularly helpful.
Great to hear!
Awesome comparison of performance vs price point. Thanks for the great video!
Thanks for watching!
Great comparison, i was very interested myself about the difference between the 2.
Thanks guy's.
I appreciate it
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching.
Glad you mentioned the 9.8XT, thats what I just picked up and I love it. I think its the best bang for the buck. I threw an insert in the rear tire, replaced the grips and saddle with my preferred components and its well sorted. The 108 Rapid drive freehub and responsiveness of the Bosch system is sweet on techy climbs, super easy to boost the front end over anything in your way.
Great vid, without being able to demo these bikes its very difficult to decide. Its a lot of cash to drop on a bike and this really helps.
Awesome to hear it. Definitely what we'd buy if we had the cash.
Great review guys. I'd love to see more manufacturers offer frame and build options. Clearly Orbea heading in that direction, but most people who have been riding a while (so target customer really), have preference on forks, shock, tyres etc etc. Obv they have specific OEM agreements but should still be possible. And in these times maybe more sustainable?
As a dad I don't get a lot free time to ride so E-bike is making more sense to me. I love my Trek Fuel so maybe ill love a 9.8 Rail with XT.
My situation was and still is the same. So that influenced me to buy an ebike and I don't regret it. Now I can go for a quick hour ride or less, ride further so I feel like I've had a good ride out and get back still feeling fresh to spend time with my family/kid.
Interesting comparison! Looking forward to the day they are available in the local store...
In for the giveaway, thanks for the comparison guys!
This made my decision so much easier. You guys do great videos.
Awesome to hear that. Hope you enjoy the new bike. Be sure to let 'em know we sent ya! haha.
Thanks for this video, I’ve been looking for a budget bike and this convinced me to buy an entry level bike and upgrade to my own likes.
Please test out the Scott ransom eride. Some sort of under 6k under ebike comparison video and highlight the probable upgrades off the gate
Awesome comparison! Maybe another option would be buy the rail 5 and upgrade de suspension and breaks. In Europe you can find a rail 5 with 625Wh battery.
Appreciate you breaking down where you’d spend your money. Great reviews
Awesome, glad it helped.
Great review, I was just thinking about trying to get my hands on a 9.9
Definitely one of the best bikes out!
Loved your comparison. I can go with either!
Great and informative videos as always
Glad you like them!
Really informative thank you great job
Glad it was helpful!
Great, helpful vid. Thanks very much!!
Well done on the review guys. Love my Rail 7. First upgrade was a one-up 170mm dropper. Works a treat. Owners of Rail 9’s are putting coil shocks on, so was able to get a near new Rail 9 shock upgrade for a good price. Next up will be the Lyric internal upgrade. You can also ask the dealer to update software to replace Tour mode with EMTB Lite to get the EMTB feel with less battery consumption. Thanks for taking the time to do this comparison for everyone.
Thanks for sharing!
More reviews like this please, comparing the same model but different specs.
I agree with you guys with your honest and intuitive conclusions - having demo both, my next bike
will be purchased that resolving fiscal outcome.. The Rail 7 with Factory Fox upgrades.
Nice comparison. I bought a rail 7 and went down the upgrade route, It's such a joy to ride
G'day mate, can you list your upgrades, and approximate cost, and why you chose the parts you did, have fun enjoy ya bike, yeeeew
Could you have updated from the 5?
As a 49 year old (soon to be 50) rider I love the comparison. I feel an E-MTB is in my future just not sure if I could spend the money on either. Currently riding a Fuel EX 5 and love it! Maybe a Rail 5 who knows. Or maybe if you do a giveaway with one of these! Love the channel and the content!
Thank you for sharing. Glad you enjoyed it.
epic work guys, thanks for the goods.
Very cool comparison video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Great vid. Thanks!
Awesome video guys! Been waiting for this one.. love your video's so far 🤙🏼
I'll be getting my 9.8 in about 2 weeks.. (finally after 6 months)
Been having my doubts about which one to choose but my decision was pretty easy because my wife works @Trek haha
There were like 6 backorders before me on the 9.8 version, and there were like 3000 in backorder on the 7.. so that was easy haha
3000 back orders!?
Wow
Like this comparison!
Great vid, I also watched the 2022 shootout, was toying with a 9.8 2022 model but glad I went for a Rail 9👍🏻
Good choice!
Great review, more of these comparisons please
Thanks we enjoyed doing it so we'll have to see what else we can do.
@@TheLoamWolf I went to the Trek website with a better idea of what’s important when choosing which model to go for, there’s a big ££ saving to be potentially made. Thanks 🙏
Great review guys!
Thank you
Love this channel!
Thank you!
The Yari is easily upgradable to a Lyrik Ultimate with the Charger 2.1 Damper and the upgraded DeBonAir spring for less than $500. Night and day difference in ride quality! Rail 7 FTW!
Came here to say the exact same. The newer Yari already has the Debonair spring and you can dig up a charger 2.1 for $250 if you try…easy install if you ever do your fork oil.
I found selling the yari new on eBay ,Then purchased a 170mmZeb charger cheap from Germany a better option .
Made this upgrade for around US$ 300…absolutely worth it
@@MastaFRO1 which one ?
@@zaleskip Yari Motion controller RC damper to Charger 2.1 damper and new airspring. Ordered the parts on Amazon.
Thanks for the insight! I might pick up a Rail 7 as a spare bike.
Nice! would be a great one.
Really liking both those bikes. Looking forward to more trails being E-bike friendly in the near future too.
You and me both!
Great video and waiting for more nice reviews. 🤙🏾❤️🔥🤩.
More to come!
I was just lucky to find a nice Trek to buy . I was able to test ride it . And I got a discount as a demo bike . $ 57. For a 9.7 😎love it !
It nice to see the comparison between top of the line and bottom of the line.
Great review!! Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Great Video and very usefully in formation.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome video as always, guys! I demo'd a rail 7 and it was awesome. I totally agree, either that with upgrades or the 9.8 XT is the better overall buy compared to the 9.9. But, if you've got the ability, go for it!
Nice to hear you agree. Thanks for sharing.
Lets go! Giveaway time! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
The comparison is very informative. I just got back from a local trailhead and asked a rider if they allow ebikes now. The answer was yes and here I am again looking at a Rail 7. Perfect timing.
Right on!
Another good video both bikes are awesome.
Just got a 2022 Rail 7 (Large) upgraded from a Powerfly 4 after I started thinking about a fork upgrade. I’ll be getting it setup over the next couple of days, trying out a PNW stem/bar combo and I’ve a pair of Dissectors sitting back if the OEM tires become an issue.
Nice comparison. The 7 seems like the winner in price without losing too much of the fun factor.
Nice video, was very interesting viewing.
Sweet video I been wanting a trek rail
Just spent 4 days on a rail 7 in Bentonville. Factory stock, 80+ miles, fun fun bike, no issues whatsoever. Would do it again.
Great comparison. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Got the 9.8xt and planning to upgrade the fork damper and might increase it to 170mm, completely happy with the bike! I’d say if you were planning on purchasing carbon wheels right off the bat, go for the 9.9 as your all in price might not be too far off plus you’ll take advantage of all the other upgrades.
Spot on guys! Definitely 9.8xt if you don’t want to tinker much. Or the 7 is the way to go and upgrade down the road.
Upgraded my rail 7 with a lyrik damper and a brand new rear shock from a 2021 trek slash off pinkbike classifieds.
Both are sweet bikes..would love either one!!
Great video boys just bought the trek rail 5 500w can't fault it brilliant for the money
Local dealer recommended an upbike move to a Rail rather than spend money on upgrading suspension on my PowerFly4. This was a very timely and useful video and I agree about the 7 vs the 9.x. About the only thing I want from the display is power level and setting, speed is OK but not necessary as that is what I have the Roam Elemnt for.
The 9.7 seems to be the obvious choice. I would be able to make those upgrade suggestions right off the bat, if I won it. Thanks for the great content.
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it
I'm in the market for a Rail 7.... my dealer said March 2022. It was either Rail or the new Giant Reign... I'm thinking Rail though. It'd be way more bike than I'd need but wowza, it'd be grateful to have it. Definitely put my name in a hat for a drawing haha.
Great comparison. I've had every frame material there is, titanium is probably my favorite followed by high-quality steel. But for my e-MTB's I'm sticking with alu and if there's any money left I'm spending it on carbon wheels, top notch tires and upgraded suspension.
Fantastic video. I searched for "Trek Rail 9.7 vs 7" and this popped up. Answered all my questions 💯
Great to hear! Thanks so much for sharing.
Great video, the 7 was top of my list until i got the lead time. Once more come in stock, i will be selling my Cube and getting a Rail
I have a Rail 9 (Europe) and think its price/spec is really spot on! Kiox on top tube is a main weak point.
Powerfly FS7 owner. Love the Trek emtbs. After riding new 2022 Specialized and Orbea offerings, I’d still choose a Trek.
Thanks for sharing!