Hi guys! I was invited to a special media event at Mammoth Mountain, California earlier this year where Trek was showcasing their new eMTB lineup. I published a couple videos about this event already, including a full review of the new Trek Powerfly 7 LT with their RIB battery integration. In the video below, Travis Ott (Trek Mountain Bike Brand Manager) discusses the lineup and pricing for 2019. I hope to film more review videos and updates this coming year and welcome your feedback if you've tested or purchased any of these new models.
In the video roundup, Travis and I discuss:
In the video roundup, Travis and I discuss:
- The biggest difference for model year '19 is that Trek is using the internally mounted Bosch PowerTube 500 vs. the externally mounted PowerPack 500. This adds a bit of weight because the PowerTube 500 weighs ~6.3lbs vs. 5.7lbs but is sunk lower into the frame for improved balance.
- All of the electric mountain bike models use the high torque Bosch Performance Line CX motor (more on that here), and feature at least one set of bottle cage bosses, the hardtail models have two sets. The hardtail models also have mounting interfaces for a rim lock / cafe lock / frame lock to be added. This is all great for attaching hydration or accessories without the need for a rack or backpack. The frames have kickstand mounts and the hardtails have rack and fender bosses. The derailleurs all have a one-way clutch to reduce chain slap and gear skipping, and they all have hydraulic disc brakes.
- The entry price point is $3,800 for the hardtail models called Powerfly 5 with 100mm front suspension travel for cross country riding. Trek introduced a women's specific Powerfly 5 with lower top tube, shorter reach, wider saddle, and different ergonomic grips.
- Trek is using the wider 31.6mm seat post diameter and includes dropper posts with internally routed cabling on many of the higher end models.
- Next up is the entry point full suspension models called Powerfly 7 for $5,300 offering 130mm travel front and rear, great for trail riding. I was impressed to see that they come with the "flip chip" which shortens or lengthens the rear seat stays to change travel for ascending or descending applications. The head tube angle changes by 0.5 degrees, the bottom bracket drops by about 8mm.
- From here, we stepped up to the Powerfly 7 LT (long travel) which is optimized for all mountain and enduro riding with 170mm suspension travel in the front and 150mm travel in the rear. It's similar to the Trek Remedy and Fuel EX non-electric mountain bikes. It has the active braking pivot, concentric pivot (which also comes on the standard Powerfly 7's). Travis explained that the forks are all ebike rated for extra mass and force (how this can flex the fork), they also have an anodized coating to reduce stiction and add protection against rock chips.
- Finally, we checked out the Powerfly 9.7 LT which is a full carbon fiber model. Carbon is lighter and offers nicer integration (the motor is tucked up higher and tipped back to raise ground clearance). I was really impressed with the Bosch motor cover that Trek developed for all of their eMTB models because it acts as a chain guide and helps with cable routing. Travis explained that carbon reduces trail chatter and noise, providing an improved ride feel. Visually, there is a cleaner look so you don't see welds as you do on aluminum alloy. The 9.7 comes with a SRAM Eagle drivetrain with 12 cogs.
- All of these ebikes come in a range of frame sizes and Trek has a massive network of dealers who can get you fitted and provide ongoing service and warranty support. All of the bikes are specced with the smaller Bosch Purion display panel.
