Trek Rail Electric Mountain Bike Guide
2022 model release date: October 28 2021
What is the Trek Rail?
The Trek Rail is a wildly capable electric mountain bike that allows riders to take on any trail with confidence. Read our guide below to learn all about why this groundbreaking eMTB is pushing boundaries and winning awards.
- Wheel size: 29" (mullet compatible)
- Front travel: 160mm (170mm compatible)
- Rear travel: 150mm
- Tire clearance: 2.6"
- Size range: S - XL (M - XL for some models)
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Trek Rail Overview
Who it’s for
The Trek Rail is perfect for riders who want the ultimate electric mountain bike experience.
If you’ve tried an eMTB and loved it, this bike takes it to 11.
Riders who want to cover more ground in less time and fast forward through the big climbs will love this bike and how it still retains its playful mountain bike feel.
Why you'll love it
The Trek Rail’s premium components and tech will give you more capability than you ever thought possible.
The long lasting battery will let you take on huge rides and the Bosch motor’s intelligent eMTB mode adjusts to your cadence and gives you the perfect amount of assistance in real time.
Electronics aside, this is a fully dialed mountain bike designed to shred, and even without any help from the motor it’s a blast to ride.
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What's new for 2022?
New Bosch Smart System
For 2022,Trek Rail 9.8 and 9.9 models feature the brand new Bosch Smart System, featuring an improved LED bar-mounted remote, a Kiox 300 display, a front/rear suspension sensor, and a tire pressure monitor, all connected via bluetooth. Keep reading to learn more.
LED remote
The new handlebar-mounted LED remote is sleek, easy to use, and doesn't get in the way. It lets you control your motor settings, walk mode, and more.
AirWiz Suspension Sensor
Set your suspension preferences inn the SRAM AXS app and watch the light on the fork. A red light means you need to add air, green means ready to ride.
Tyrewiz pressure sensor
TyreWiz tells you with red and green lights when you need some air and when you're good to go. You'll set up your preferences in the SRAM AXS app just like AirWiz.
20% More range with a Bigger 750W Battery
New 9.8 and 9.9 Trek Rail models have more capacity in the frame for a larger 750W battery over the previous 625W version. That means you'll be able to ride even farther on a single charge.
More Enduro Geometry for rowdier rides
New 9.8 and 9.9 Trail Rail models also got some geo tweaks that make it more capable on descents and tough terrain. Inspired by the Slash, these new Rail models feature a slacker 64.5° head tube angle and longer reach.
More Trek Rail Features
Bosch: The Best Electric Mountain Bike Motor
The Trek Rail uses the premium Bosch Performance Line CX 250W 85Nm motor, which provides riders an unparalleled mountain biking experience.
Check out the details below.
Same premium performance with less weight
The new Performance Line CX motor has been updated to be even smaller and lighter while still providing the same amount of boost. These size updates help the Rail feel even more snappy and exciting.
More efficient, natural-feeling assistance
The motor’s efficiency has also been upgraded, so you feel less like you’re pedaling an electric bike and more like your ripping on a regular mountain bike.
Intelligent eMTB Mode
Mountain biking is a dynamic sport and your cadence changes quickly and constantly. One of the best features of the Performance Line CX motor is eMTB mode, a setting that senses the amount of pressure you put on the pedals and adjusts the level of assistance accordingly. When set to eMTB mode, the motor will continuously adjust without you ever having to touch the controller.
Own steep hike-a-bikes with Walk Mode
Another killer feature of the Performance Line CX motor is Walk Mode, which you can use when you encounter rough or steep hike-a-bike sections. It’ll help move your bike forward so you can save your energy for the fun stuff on the way down.
Removable, long-lasting battery for epic rides
The Trek Rail uses powerful, integrated Bosch batteries that will likely outlast you on the trails.
Check out the killer benefits you’ll get with this system.
Fully charged in 4.9 hrs + 50% charge in 2 hrs
Charging your battery is easy and fast. You’ll be able to get plenty of juice for a normal ride in just a couple hours, and you’ll be fully charged and ready for epic rides in under 5 hours.
Ride all day with up to 49+ mile range
With a fully charged battery, you’ll be able to take on longer, more challenging rides in less time. Range is dependent on how much assist you’re using and the terrain you’re riding, but no matter what you’ll be able to get in a great ride.
Tackle any terrain with 150mm rear travel
The Rail is ready for anything with a 150mm of rear suspension, so you’ll never feel out gunned on any trail.
Trail-dominating 160mm fork
Up front is a eMTB specific 160mm fork that will gobble up rock gardens like they’re nothing. You’ll have tons of confidence that will translate into faster, more controlled rides.
Premium frame technologies
The Rail comes with some of Trek’s most innovative frame technologies that take performance to a whole new level. You’ll get Knock Block to keep your fork from hitting the frame, Mino Link for geometry tweaks and mullet conversions, a super stiff Straight Shot downtube, and Active Brake Pivot for superior control on descents.
2022 Trek Rail Geometry for models 5, 7, and 9.7
| Frame size number | 15.5 | 15.5 | 17.5 | 17.5 | 19.5 | 19.5 | 21.5 | 21.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame size letter | S | S | M | M | L | L | XL | XL |
| Geometry position | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low |
| Wheel size | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" |
| A — Seat tube | 41 | 41 | 42 | 42 | 45 | 45 | 50 | 50 |
| Effective seat tube angle | 75.0° | 75.0° | 75.0° | 75.0° | 75.0° | 75.0° | 75.0° | 75.0° |
| C — Head tube length | 10.5 | 10.5 | 10.5 | 10.5 | 11.0 | 11.0 | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| D — Head angle | 64.9° | 64.5° | 64.9° | 64.5° | 64.9° | 64.5° | 64.9° | 64.5° |
| E — Effective top tube | 58.7 | 58.8 | 61.1 | 61.3 | 63.3 | 63.4 | 66.5 | 66.6 |
| F — Bottom bracket height | 34.4 | 33.9 | 34.4 | 33.9 | 34.4 | 33.9 | 34.4 | 33.9 |
| G — Bottom bracket drop | 2.9 | 3.5 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 2.9 | 3.5 |
| H — Chainstay length | 44.7 | 44.8 | 44.7 | 44.8 | 44.7 | 44.8 | 44.7 | 44.8 |
| I — Offset | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| J — Trail | 12.7 | 13.1 | 12.7 | 13.1 | 12.7 | 13.1 | 12.7 | 13.1 |
| K — Wheelbase | 119.5 | 119.6 | 122.0 | 122.1 | 124.3 | 124.3 | 127.7 | 127.8 |
| L — Standover | 74.8 | 74.3 | 77.8 | 77.3 | 76.7 | 76.2 | 78.0 | 77.5 |
| M — Frame reach | 42.5 | 42.0 | 45.0 | 44.5 | 47.0 | 46.5 | 49.9 | 49.5 |
| N — Frame stack | 62.3 | 62.6 | 62.2 | 62.6 | 62.7 | 63.0 | 63.6 | 63.9 |
2022 Trek Rail Geometry for models 9.8 and 9.9
| Frame size letter | M | L | XL | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geometry position | High | High | High | Low | Low | Low |
| Wheel size | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" |
| A — Seat tube | 42.0 | 45.0 | 50.0 | 42.0 | 45.0 | 50.0 |
| B — Seat tube angle | 71.2° | 71.2° | 71.2° | 70.8° | 70.8° | 70.8° |
| Effective seat tube angle | 77.1° | 77.1° | 77.1° | 76.7° | 76.7° | 76.7° |
| C — Head tube length | 11.0 | 12.5 | 14.0 | 11.0 | 12.5 | 14.0 |
| D — Head angle | 64.6° | 64.6° | 64.6° | 64.2° | 64.2° | 64.2° |
| E — Effective top tube | 60.0 | 63.8 | 67.1 | 60.1 | 63.9 | 67.3 |
| F — Bottom bracket height | 34.6 | 34.6 | 34.6 | 34.1 | 34.1 | 34.1 |
| G — Bottom bracket drop | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| H — Chainstay length | 44.7 | 44.7 | 44.7 | 44.8 | 44.8 | 44.8 |
| I — Offset | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| J — Trail | 13.0 | 13.0 | 13.0 | 13.3 | 13.3 | 13.3 |
| K — Wheelbase | 123.6 | 127.7 | 131.3 | 123.6 | 127.8 | 131.4 |
| L — Standover | 77.3 | 77.0 | 76.8 | 76.8 | 76.5 | 76.3 |
| M — Frame reach | 45.6 | 49.1 | 52.1 | 45.2 | 48.7 | 51.7 |
| N — Frame stack | 62.9 | 64.3 | 65.6 | 63.3 | 64.6 | 66.0 |
Trek Rail Models
Check out all the Trek Rail models here and see which one suits you best.
Trek Rail FAQs
Can I run 27.5” wheels?
The new 2022 Trek Rails can be set up with a 27.5 rear wheel by adjusting the Mino Link, but the front wheel can only be 29 inch.
What’s the max tire clearance?
29 x 2.6”
What’s the hub spacing?
Front: Boost 110 / Rear: Boost 148
What’s the max rotor size?
It comes with 180mm but can take a 203mm rotor
What’s the max assisted speed?
20 mph or 32 km/h
Can I upgrade the battery?
Any Rail model that uses the PowerTube 500wh battery can be upgraded to the 625wh battery. 2021 models and 2022 models 9.7 and below cannot accommodate the 750w battery.
Can I use a rack or a kickstand?
There are no rack mounts but you can run a 20mm chainstay mounted kickstand
Where can I go to learn more about electric bikes?
Check out our Electric Bike Guide for more info!