Trek’s 2022 Rail 9.8 and 9.9 electric mountain bike models get an updated all-carbon frame that is mullet-ready with slacker geometry and longer reach figures, as well as a bigger 750Wh battery and Bosch Smart System.
Prices start at £8,250 / $8,999 / €8,999 for the all-new Rail 9.8 XT model and rise to £12,500 / $13,499 / €13,499 for the Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS bike.
Other updates include a new top tube-mounted Bosch Kiox display, and RockShox’ AirWiz fork and shock spring pressure indicator and Quark’s TyreWiz tyre pressure monitor, which feature on the all-new 9.9 models.
These updates mark a further step towards total technology integration for the brand, relying on smartphone apps from Bosch for the battery and motor, and SRAM’s AXS app for suspension spring pressures, tyre pressures and further tuning possibilities on bikes fitted with AXS gearing and seatposts.
2022 Trek Rail frame and suspension specifications and details
The OCLV carbon fibre 9.8 and 9.9 models of the 2022 Rail get a fully updated frame with more aggressive geometry and better “frame refinement and integration,” according to Trek.
ThruShaft technology
Rear-wheel travel remains the same at 150mm. The rear suspension is damped by a RockShox Super Deluxe ThruShaft shock, developed by Trek in collaboration with RockShox.
This system does away with separating the shock’s damping oil and internally pressurised chamber with an IPF (internally floating piston), replacing it with a solid column of oil, where the shock’s damper piston exits the bottom of the shock on compression.
Trek claims this improves shock performance and reduces complexity.
Of course, the Rail features Trek’s ABP suspension system, where the chainstay and seatstay pivot is concentrically located around the rear axle.
Trek says this separates braking and pedalling forces from the bike’s suspension, allowing it to remain more active.
Frame updates
Along with geometry changes (which I’ll talk about shortly), the carbon fibre Rail gets a 34.9mm diameter seat tube, where the increase should improve dropper post performance, reliability and stiffness.
There are increases elsewhere too, with the Rail’s head tube now using a 1.8in lower diameter, with a 1in 1/8 upper diameter.
The 1.8in headset is an industry-wide electric mountain bike standard, employed in a bid to improve stiffness because the fork’s steerer tube can be increased correspondingly.
Along with an increase in diameter, the headset uses Trek’s Knock Block 2.0 system that limits how far the handlebar can be turned to stop either the fork’s adjuster striking the down tube or the brake levers or handlebar hitting the top tube and Bosch Kiox top tube-mounted display.
This system has 72 degrees of steering radius but is compatible with an ‘infinite-radius’ version if you need to turn the bar further.
Frames are compatible with both 29in and 27.5in rear wheels thanks to Trek’s Mino Link geometry flip-chip and there's clearance for up to 2.6in wide tyres. The frames are built around the Boost 12×148mm rear axle standard.
However, the Rail 9.7 and lower models (including the 9.6, 9, 7 and 5) retain the same geometry and features as the current Trek Rail – including a kickstand mount, the same reach figures (from 420mm to 495mm) and the smaller capacity 635Wh battery pack. The alloy-framed bikes do receive some spec updates for 2022.
2022 Trek Rail geometry
One of the most important changes to the 2022 Rail is its geometry. Trek says the new Rail’s geometry has been inspired by its Enduro Bike of the Year winning Trek Slash.
Unsurprisingly, the head tube angle has been made slacker, the seat tube angle steeper and the reach figure longer – to compensate for the change of angles.
Reach figures bump up across the sizes, starting at 435mm for the small, extending to 520mm for the extra-large.
The seat tube angle now sits at 77 degrees, increased from 75 degrees from the previous model. The head tube angle slackens out to 64.5 degrees, further improving its downhill prowess.
Thanks to the Mino Link – a flip-chip located in the seatstay to rocker pivot – the geometry is also adjustable between a high and low setting.
As mentioned, this makes the Rail compatible with both 29in and 27.5in rear wheels, transforming it into a mullet bike.
| Size | Small | Medium | Large | Extra-large |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach (mm) high/low | 436.3/431.7 | 456.3/451.8 | 491.3/486.8 | 521.2/516.8 |
| Stack (mm) high/low | 624.8/628 | 629.3/632.6 | 642.8/646.2 | 656.3/659.8 |
| Effective top tube (mm) high/low | 579.2/580.2 | 600.2/601.2 | 638.3/639.4 | 671.5/672.5 |
| Chainstay length (mm) high/low | 446.7/448 | 446.7/448 | 446.7/448 | 446.7/448 |
| Head tube angle (degrees) high/low | 64.6/64.2 | 64.6/64.2 | 64.6/64.2 | 64.6/64.2 |
| Seat tube angle (degrees) high/low | 77.1/76.7 | 77.1/76.7 | 77.1/76.7 | 77.1/76.7 |
| Bottom bracket height (mm) high/low | 346.4/340.8 | 346.4/340.8 | 346.4/340.7 | 346.5/340.6 |
| Wheelbase (mm) high/low | 1213.4/1214.1 | 1235.5/1236.2 | 1277/1277.7 | 1313.4/1214.1 |
2022 Trek Rail motor and battery details
Trek says the increase in reach figures across the sizes has meant more space inside the down tube for a larger capacity battery.
Bosch recently launched its latest 750Wh battery and integrated Smart System. This has coincided with Trek’s update to the Rail, which benefits from Bosch’s new system including the eBike Flow smartphone app, over the air updates and customisation.
Although the heart of the bike – Bosch’s motor – hasn’t changed, the Performance CX Line unit features 85Nm of torque and the venerable e-MTB mode.
The new bike also gets the top tube-mounted Kiox display and handlebar LED remote.
What are the alternatives to the 2022 Trek Rail electric mountain bike?
The market is currently flooded with some of the best electric mountain bikes we’ve ever ridden.
Topping that list is Specialized’s 2022 S-Works Turbo Levo, with an uncompromisingly impressive ride.
If you’re on a smaller ebike budget, then Marin’s Alpine Trail E2 represents great performance for the money and uses Shimano’s EP-8 motor.
Back to the land of expensive bikes, and Santa Cruz’s Bullit CC X01 RSV is another choice performer, thanks to impressive parts and progressive geometry.
2022 Trek Rail models, specifications and prices
There are 11 models in Trek’s 2022 Rail lineup, but only five of them are brand new.
The new bikes retail from £8,250 / $8,999 / €8,999 for the Rail 9.8 XT to £12,500 / $13,499 / €13,499 for the 9.9 XX1 AXS.
These new bikes are all fitted with versions of the RockShox ZEB fork, RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate ThruShaft rear shock and finishing kit from SRAM and Shimano, depending on the model.
Included on the Rail 9.9 models is RockShox’ AirWiz and Quark’s TyreWiz, which monitor fork spring air pressure and tyre pressure respectively.
On each device is a small LED indicator to tell a rider whether their pressures are in-spec; a green light means they are correct, a red one means they require adjustment. These devices also integrate with SRAM’s AXS smartphone app, where you can set your desired pressures.
All of the new models are available on Trek’s Project One colour customisation scheme, should you want a truly unique bike.
The most affordable Rail 5 aluminium model, which keeps the same frame as the 2021 bike, will cost £4,500 / $5,599.99 / AU$7,499.99 / €4,799 and the most expensive carry-over bike, the Rail 9.7, which does feature a carbon fibre frame, will cost £6,950 / $7,499.99 / €7,699.
2022 Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS
- Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 150mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3, ThruShaft with AirWiz
- Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate Charger 2.1 RC2 with AirWiz, 160mm travel
- Wheels / tyres: Bontrager Line Pro 30 with TyreWiz / Bontrager SE6 Team Issue 29×2.5in (f), Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 29×2.5 (r)
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
- Bar / stem: Bontrager Line Pro / Bontrager Line Pro 35mm
- Seatpost / saddle: RockShox Reverb AXS / Bontrager Arvada
- Motor / battery: Bosch Performance Line CX / Bosch PowerTube 750Wh
- Price: £12,500 / $13,499.99 / AU$N/A / €13,499
2022 Trek Rail 9.9 XTR
- Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 150mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3, ThruShaft with AirWiz
- Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate Charger 2.1 RC2 with AirWiz, 160mm travel
- Wheels / tyres: Bontrager Line Pro 30 with TyreWiz / Bontrager SE6 Team Issue 29×2.5in (f), Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 29×2.5 (r)
- Drivetrain: Shimanno XTR M9100
- Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120
- Bar / stem: Bontrager Line Pro / Bontrager Line Pro 35mm
- Seatpost / saddle: Bontrager Line Elite dropper / Bontrager Arvada
- Motor / battery: Bosch Performance Line CX / Bosch PowerTube 750Wh
- Price: £10,550 / $12,499.99 / AU$15,999.99 / €11,499
2022 Trek Rail 9.8 GX AXS
- Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 150mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3, ThruShaft
- Fork: RockShox ZEB Select+ Charger 2.1 RC, 160mm travel
- Wheels / tyres: Bontrager Line Comp 30 / Bontrager SE6 Team Issue 29×2.5in (f), Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 29×2.5 (r)
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle AXS
- Brakes: SRAM Code R
- Bar / stem: Bontrager Line Pro / Bontrager Line Pro 35mm
- Seatpost / saddle: Bontrager Line Elite dropper / Bontrager Arvada
- Motor / battery: Bosch Performance Line CX / Bosch PowerTube 750Wh
- Price: £8,800 / $9,999.99 / AU$N/A / €9,599
2022 Trek Rail 9.8 GX
- Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 150mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3, ThruShaft
- Fork: RockShox ZEB Select+ Charger 2.1 RC, 160mm travel
- Wheels / tyres: Bontrager Line Comp 30 / Bontrager SE6 Team Issue 29×2.5in (f), Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 29×2.5 (r)
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Code R
- Bar / stem: Bontrager Line Pro / Bontrager Line Pro 35mm
- Seatpost / saddle: Bontrager Line Elite dropper / Bontrager Arvada
- Motor / battery: Bosch Performance Line CX / Bosch PowerTube 750Wh
- Price: £8,800 / $8,999.99 / AU$N/A / €9,599
2022 Trek Rail 9.8 XT
- Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 150mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3, ThruShaft
- Fork: RockShox ZEB Select+ Charger 2.1 RC, 160mm travel
- Wheels / tyres: Bontrager Line Comp 30 / Bontrager SE6 Team Issue 29×2.5in (f), Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 29×2.5 (r)
- Drivetrain: Shimanno XT M8100
- Brakes: Shimano XT M8120
- Bar / stem: Bontrager Line Pro / Bontrager Line Pro 35mm
- Seatpost / saddle: Bontrager Line Elite dropper / Bontrager Arvada
- Motor / battery: Bosch Performance Line CX / Bosch PowerTube 750Wh
- Price: £8,250 / $8,999.99 / AU$12,299 / €8,999
2022 Trek Rail 9.7
- Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 150mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+
- Fork: RockShox Domain RC, 160mm travel
- Wheels / tyres: Bontrager Line Comp 30 / Bontrager XR5 Team Issue 29×2.5in (f), Bontrager XR5 Team Issue 29×2.5 (r)
- Drivetrain: Shimano SLX M7100/XT M8100 mix
- Brakes: Shimano M6100
- Bar / stem: Bontrager Comp / Bontrager Rhythm Comp
- Seatpost / saddle: Bontrager Line Dropper / Bontrager Arvada
- Motor / battery: Bosch Performance Line CX / Bosch PowerTube 625Wh
- Price: £6,950 / $7,499.99 / AU$N/A / €7,699
2022 Trek Rail 9.5
- Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 150mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+
- Fork: RockShox 35 Gold RL, 160mm travel
- Wheels / tyres: Alex MD35 rims on Bontrager hubs / Bontrager XR4 Comp 29×2.6in (f), Bontrager XR4 Comp 29×2.6 (r)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore M6100
- Brakes: Shimano MT4100
- Bar / stem: Bontrager Alloy / Bontrager Rhythm Comp
- Seatpost / saddle: TranzX dropper / Bontrager Arvada
- Motor / battery: Bosch Performance Line CX / Bosch PowerTube 625Wh
- Price: £5,600 / $N/A / AU$N/A / €6,199
2022 Trek Rail 9
- Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, 150mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3, ThruShaft
- Fork: RockShox ZEB Select+ Charger 2.1 RC, 160mm travel
- Wheels / tyres: Bontrager Line Comp 30 / Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 29×2.5in (f), Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 29×2.5 (r)
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Code R
- Bar / stem: Bontrager Line / Bontrager Elite 35mm
- Seatpost / saddle: Bontrager Line Elite Dropper / Bontrager Arvada
- Motor / battery: Bosch Performance Line CX / Bosch PowerTube 750Wh
- Price: £6,500 / $N/A / AU$10,999.99 / €7,299
2022 Trek Rail 7
- Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, 150mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+
- Fork: RockShox Domain RC, 160mm travel
- Wheels / tyres: Bontrager Line Comp 30 / Bontrager XR5 Team Issue 29×2.5in (f), Bontrager XR5 Team Issue 29×2.5 (r)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore M6100/SLX M7100/XT M8100 mix
- Brakes: Shimano MT6100
- Bar / stem: Bontrager Rhythm Comp / Bontrager Rhythm Comp
- Seatpost / saddle: TranzX dropper / Bontrager Arvada
- Motor / battery: Bosch Performance Line CX / Bosch PowerTube 625Wh
- Price: £5,700 / $6,599.99 / AU$9,499.99 / €6,199
2022 Trek Rail 5 Deore 625W (Europe only)
- Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, 150mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+
- Fork: RockShox 35 Gold RL, 160mm travel
- Wheels / tyres: Alex MD35 rims on Bontrager hubs / Bontrager XR4 Comp 29×2.6in (f), Bontrager XR4 Comp 29×2.6 (r)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore M6100
- Brakes: Shimano MT4100
- Bar / stem: Bontrager Alloy / Bontrager Rhythm Comp
- Seatpost / saddle: TranzX dropper / Bontrager Arvada
- Motor / battery: Bosch Performance Line CX / Bosch PowerTube 625Wh
- Price: £4,800 / $5N/A / AU$N/A / €5,199
2022 Trek Rail 5
- Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, 150mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+
- Fork: RockShox 35 Gold RL, 160mm travel
- Wheels / tyres: Alex MD35 rims on Bontrager hubs / Bontrager XR4 Comp 29×2.6in (f), Bontrager XR4 Comp 29×2.6 (r)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore M6100
- Brakes: Shimano MT4100
- Bar / stem: Bontrager Alloy / Bontrager Rhythm Comp
- Seatpost / saddle: TranzX dropper / Bontrager Arvada
- Motor / battery: Bosch Performance Line CX / Bosch PowerTube 500Wh
- Price: £4,500 / $5,599.99 / AU$7,499.99 / €4,799
