TREK Rail 9.8 GX AXS Review
Long-travel carbon e-MTB Rail 9.8 GX AXS shreds like Trek’s toughest trail setups and propels you back up the mountain. Everything is updated, even the frame, to give you the most fun possible on the trickiest runs. The newest technology from Bosch is the Performance Line CX, a smart system with a longer-range 750Wh battery and unique features like activity tracking, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity that elevate your ride.
Overview
| Category | Bikes |
| Brand | TREK |
| Model | Rail 9.8 GX AXS |
| Type | Electric Bike |
| Year | 2022 |
Specifications
Check specifications here
| Components | Details |
Frame | NEW 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 |
| Fork | RockShox ZEB Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC damper, eMTB optimized crown, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 160mm travel |
| Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3, DebonAir spring, Thru Shaft 3-position damper, 230mm x 57.5mm |
| Max compatible fork travel | 170mm (580mm axle-to-crown) |
Wheel front | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
| Wheel rear | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
| Hub front | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
| Hub rear | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Rapid Drive 108, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
| Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever |
| Rim | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 28-hole, presta valve |
| Tires: Size: S, M, L, XL | Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50” |
| Tires: Size: S, M, L, XL | Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50” |
| Tire part | Bontrager TLR sealant, 6oz |
| Rim strip | Bontrager TLR |
| Max tire size | Frame: 29×2.60″ Fork: See manufacturer |
Shifter | SRAM GX Eagle AXS, 12 speed |
| Rear derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle AXS |
| Crank | SRAM X1 1000, 34T, 165mm length |
| Cassette | SRAM Eagle XG-1275, 10-52, 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed |
| Pedal | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Max chainring size | 34T |
Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138mm width |
| Seatpost: Size: S | Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9mm, 345mm length |
| Seatpost: Size: M | Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 150mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9mm, 440mm length |
| Seatpost: Size: L | Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9mm, 485mm length |
| Seatpost: Size: XL | Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 200mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9mm, 550mm length |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on |
| Stem | Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, Blendr compatible, 0 degree, 45mm length |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8” top, 1.8” bottom |
| Brake | SRAM Code R 4-piston hydraulic disc |
| Brake rotor: Size: S, M, L, XL | SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round-edge, 180mm |
| Brake rotor: Size: S, M, L, XL | SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 200mm |
| Battery: Size: S | Bosch PowerTube 625Wh, smart system |
| Battery: Size: M, L, XL | Bosch PowerTube 750Wh, smart system |
| Charger | Bosch standard 4A, 110V, smart system |
| Controller: Size: S, M, L, XL | Bosch Kiox 300, smart system |
| Controller: Size: S, M, L, XL | Bosch LED remote, smart system |
| Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX, smart system, magnesium motor body, 85 Nm, 20 mph or 32 km/h max assist (25 km/h max assist in EU and APAC) |
Weight | M – 23.40 kg / 51.59 lbs (with TLR sealant, no tubes) |
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). |
Features
OCLV Carbon Frame
When compared to metallic materials, a well-constructed carbon frame significantly saves weight while preserving the strength and stiffness required by high performance bicycles and the riders that ride them. This is where Trek’s OCLV Carbon process, which stands for “Optimum Compaction Low Void,” comes into play. Starting with the best material available, OCLV Carbon frames are made. Trek has perfected the manufacturing of numerous weights and types of carbon fibre over the course of countless development hours (cloth, unidirectional, etc.).
The new frame for the Trek Rail 9.8 models including GS AXS, maintains the company’s state-of-the-art OCLV Mountain Carbon fibre for the main frame, along with the company’s venerable rocker-driven single pivot suspension and ABP (Active Braking Pivot) to regulate braking characteristics. The F1-inspired thru-shaft rear shock technology is kept in place to provide reliable damping.
Bosch Performance Line CX motor
With up to 85Nm of torque and a sophisticated eMTB mode with Extended Boost that automatically varies the amount of assist according on the terrain, the Bosch Performance Line CX sets the bar for eMTB performance.
250 watts of power and 85 Nm of torque are claimed for the Bosch Performance CX motor. When you push the pedals, it reacts almost immediately and offers a decent range of assistance thanks to the four output levels of the system. The bike was simple to accelerate to its 20 mph top speed, and switching between output settings was straightforward.
The four modes, Eco, Tour, eMTB, and Turbo, provide 60, 140, 240, and 340% support, respectively.
Bosch Smart System
A very individualised eBike experience is made possible by the clever Bosch eBike Systems system, which consists of the eBike Flow app, control unit, display, rechargeable battery, and Drive Unit. The latest system generation, which combines technically superior eBike components with digital features, raises the bar for riding, whether for daily use or just for enjoyment.
The outstanding Performance Line CX motor with 85Nm maximum torque is complemented by the 2022 Trek Rail 9.8 GX AXS, extremely advanced Bosch Smart System. The fully networked, LED-lit control centre links everything together, automatically updating the software over-the-air, letting the user access a wide range of features and customize the assist mode settings from their phone, tracking activities automatically, and even providing theft protection capabilities. This software offers navigation so you don’t need to add an external cycle computer, and it integrates with third-party apps like Apple Health and Strava to provide them data from your rides.
SRAM Code R 4-piston hydraulic disc
Built to handle everything from electric bikes to enduro and downhill sleds, The Code is SRAM’s high duty brake. To boost power and heat dissipation, each Code brake is equipped with a 4-piston calliper and an extended piggyback reservoir.
These should let you to brake effectively in all weather conditions and offer you the assurance to tackle slick terrain and steep descents without worrying about slipping.
Removable Integrated Battery & Range
RIB is a one-piece battery and cover with a built-in handle that can easily be removed and re-installed in the frame with no tools and no hassle. It’s the most convenient way to remove your battery for transport, security, or just easier charging.
The new Trek Rail’s 750Wh Bosch Powertube battery has a 20 percent increase in watt hours over previous models, allowing you to ride longer and harder. Trek Bicycles is still using its RIB (removable integrated battery) system, which makes it simple to remove the battery from the downtube while maintaining security while in operation. With a brand-new 4A charger, this battery can be fully charged in six hours and will reach 50% capacity in just two hours. Intelligent battery management prevents overloading and maintains good battery health.
Check out Bosch’s range calculator to determine how far you can travel on an electric mountain bike with one charge. You can make changes to achieve your most precise estimate even if we’ve pre-filled the data for this bike model and the typical rider. Calculate your range here.
Active Braking Pivot
Allows our engineers to tune how the suspension reacts to acceleration and braking forces independently. That means you get more confident control when you need it most.
RockShox Super Deluxe with Thru Shaft
With the brand-new RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Thru Shaft, you get the most sophisticated shock on the market, with an upgraded air spring and a special Thru Shaft damper that gives you tenacious grip, velvety control, and the support you need for ripping hard descents all day.
Custom eMTB Lite mode
Instead of a Tour mode, Trek eMTBs have a unique eMTB Lite mode. You get longer battery life and more natural-feeling power delivery.
Oh! What a feeling
With a new Bluetooth-connected LED remote and the eBike Flow app, Bosch’s updated smart system gives you the same amount of power and responsiveness while giving you even more control and customization options.
The redesigned frame is more durable, with a 34.9mm seat tube to accept dropper posts that are more robust and a bigger head tube that works with forks designed specifically for eMTBs to reduce flex and improve steering.
The Trek Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) system is incredibly user-friendly and stylish. It protects the battery by completely encasing it in the frame, makes it simple to remove the battery without any tools, and allows you to mount a water bottle cage.
The full-color Kiox display provides ride information and may connect to Bluetooth®-enabled devices. It also has an integrated theft protection feature.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Bluetooth-connected LED remote
Robust dropper post and bigger head tube
Positive ride, comfort factor
Ultra-precise SRAM electronic shifting
Powerful Bosch motor with powerful 750W battery
Many customization options thanks to eBike Flow app
Removable Integrated battery system
Cons
Not noted any
FAQs
How much does the trek rail 9.8 GX AXS weight?
Trek Rail 9.8 GX AXS weighs around M – 23.40 kg / 51.59 lbs (with TLR sealant, no tubes).
What is Oclv?
The technique of inserting sheets into the mold, using the correct amount of heat and pressure to compress them, and limiting voids or gaps between the layers that could jeopardise strength and durability is known as optimal compaction low void, or OCLV.
Where are Trek OCLV frames made?
From where I can get Trek Trail 9.8 GX AXS?
What size 2022 Trek Rail 9.8 GX AXS should I get?
| Size | Rider Height | Inseam |
|---|---|---|
| S | 153 – 166.5 cm 5’0.2″ – 5’5.6″ | 72 – 79 cm 28.3″ – 31.1″ |
| M | 161 – 175 cm 5’3.4″ – 5’8.9″ | 76 – 82 cm 29.9″ – 32.3″ |
| L | 174 – 188 cm 5’8.5″ – 6’2.0″ | 82 – 88 cm 32.3″ – 34.6″ |
| XL | 186 – 196 cm 6’1.2″ – 6’5.2″ | 87 – 92 cm 34.3″ – 36.2″ |
Conclusion
4.8
Total score
Our Rating
If you’re looking for a long-travel carbon e-MTB with wireless electronic shifting and a lot of battery power. You want the stability of a longer reach, the plush feel of high-end suspension, and the very latest e-bike tech with the new Bosch smart system.
An upgraded OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with longer reach and oversized head tube and seat tube for maximum strength. An extra-long-range 750Wh battery, a super responsive RockShox ZEB Select+ fork, and RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Thru Shaft shock. You get SRAM GX AXS wireless electronic shifting and the latest from Bosch with smart system Performance Line CX, including the new Bluetooth® LED remote for easy connectivity and all-in-one navigation and activity tracking through the eBike Flow app.
The AXS drivetrain in particular has all-around improvements that make this bike a real ripper. Thanks to the strong Bosch engine, 750Wh battery, and components that can withstand all that raucous riding, it is designed for hammering downhill descents before soaring back up.
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Our articles are developed after considerable research and studies online and also including seeking informational experience based tips from professional rides. Key sources of information are interviews, google search and youtube.