trek rail 9.7 project one

Trek Rail 9.7 electric mountain bike review

• Danny Milner
• June 22, 2023

Plenty of high-speed confidence and power

Product Overview

Overall rating:, trek rail 9.7.

• Loves to go fast
• Suspension lacks finesse

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

The last time we rode the Trek Rail we awarded it our 2021 E-Bike of the Year crown in the shop bought category. Since then we haven’t had another chance to ride one, mainly because they’ve been flying off the shop floor. Meanwhile, Trek hasn’t rested on its laurels – the front triangle has been lengthened and the extra space used to stuff in Bosch’s biggest 750Wh battery on all but the smallest frame size. So how does it perform and is it one of the  best electric mountain bikes  on offer?

Need to know:

• Mino link on the seatstay/rocker interface gives high and low geometry settings – useful if you want to run a 27.5in rear wheel
• Knock Block steering limiter uses interlocking stem and headset spacers, while steerer tube gets oversize 1.8in taper
• Top tube System controller and wireless remote are available to buy aftermarket, but they should come as standard
• M, L, and XL frames get 750Wh battery, while S gets a 625Wh

This updated Rail is called the Gen 4, but you can still buy the old Gen 3 model. It gets the smaller 625Wh battery, non-Smart System-compatible electronics and a shorter reach. Although buying the Gen 4 seems like a no-brainer, the new large frame is a really big bike, with a 490mm reach and a yawning 35mm gap to the medium. So some riders may achieve a better fit on the old Gen 3.

It’s disappointing that Trek hasn’t fitted the latest Bosch System Controller (as found on the Mondraker) to the top tube. Instead you get a measly blanking plate. To enjoy the improved integration and reduced clutter you’ll have to fork out an extra £1,600 for the next model up, which seems pretty stingy.

Trek claims the Rail delivers 150mm travel, but we only measured 140mm (3mm less than the last Rail we tested). However, we didn’t notice this shortcoming on the trail, mostly because the long wheelbase of the Rail gives it excellent stability at high speeds on rough ground.

Where we found it wanting was in terms of grip and sensitivity. It struggled to trace smaller bumps, so not only did it lack some comfort on long rides, but it needed more effort to hold a line on off-cambers, through slow turns, and in the wet. Having said that, there’s plenty of support, so as long as we had the energy, we could ride the Rail like a runaway train.

Our bike came with a RockShox Zeb in place of the advertised Domain RC. With 38mm stanchions it perfectly matches the hench proportions of the Rail frame, but it wasn’t the smoothest or most supple fork on test. In that respect there was a symbiosis between the Trek’s front and rear suspension, even if it wasn’t quite the fairytale relationship we’d hoped for.

Trek proffers two brake specs on the Rail 9.7 – Shimano Deore or SRAM Code R, both in four-piston guise. Given the choice, we’d take the Shimano brake option, as the SRAM levers on our test bike needed a judicious squeeze to extract full power.

The in-house Bontrager wheels came tubeless out of the box, and Trek certainly doesn’t skimp on sealant. We also liked the smooth, silent, fast engagement of the freehub, but the rear wheel de-tensioned badly after about 100km.

The Bontrager Arvada saddle was unanimously hated by all our testers for its lack of cushioning, and the TranzX dropper post remote suffered from an overly stiff action compared to some of the other test bikes.

Performance

If the last Rail we tested was a monster truck on the trails, the new bike’s longer sizing and extra payload (in the form of that big, heavy battery) makes it even more of a juggernaut. Long and low, once up to speed there is no stopping it, steamrolling high-speed descents with poise and confidence. At certain points its pace was breathtaking, not only because we were going so fast, but also because we were working so hard to hold on with the constant pounding.

More supple, forgiving suspension would reduce rider fatigue and increase mechanical grip, making the Rail a better all-rounder. Perhaps getting rid of its proprietary Thru Shaft damper has deprived the Rail of its early magic.

That extra length in the front end also makes the new Rail more cumbersome through rapid direction changes. So we swapped the stock 50mm stem for a 40mm model, which reduced the reach, moved our centre of gravity back, and helped with getting the front wheel off the ground. On the other hand, the long chainstays and steep seat angle, combined with the rapid response and instant torque of the Bosch motor, make the Rail an absolute hillclimb demon.

What alternatives do we recommend? Check out our guide to the best electric mountain bikes , thoroughly tried and tested by MBR, or the best budget eMTB . 

We had mixed feelings about the Rail. On the one hand we loved the high-speed confidence of the chassis, the reactive Bosch motor and the impressive range of the big 750Wh battery. However, the new sizing is definitely skewed toward taller riders and the suspension performance lacked depth. Moreover details like the locking battery and kickstand mount are outdated, and the price feels excessive considering you don’t get the new Bosch top tube display and wireless remote. Has the competition caught up, or has Trek slipped back? Our guess is a bit of both.

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Results have arrived, trek rail 9.7 project one mountain e-bike - 2021, medium, item #bmt31969, condition: certified pre-owned what's this, fit range: 5'5" - 5'9" sizing guide, every certified pre-owned bike passes our multi-point inspection.

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Enduro Rig with a Boost

Want to rip the downhill? Motor back to the top with ease? If so, the Rail is for you. The most intense e-MTB in Trek’s lineup, the Rail conquers rowdy descents, and floats you to the top again, twice as fast.

• New inner tubes & WTB Speedterra i30 TCS 2.0 Aluminum Tubeless Compatible rear wheel
• Light scratches on the front rim & fork lowers
• Light scratches on the crank arms & rear derailleur

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CPO bikes are gently ridden bikes that have been meticulously inspected, restored and serviced. Every CPO bike is cleaned, tuned and tested in our top-of-the-line Colorado headquarters. Road, mountain, ebike or gravel, TPC services each bike over 8 phases and multiple points of inspection.

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The chart below provides a general suggested range of heights and is not exact. Sizing may vary across brands.

The tailoring of any bike is an important step in the long term enjoyment of riding and it can take time to adjust to the fit of a new bike. All contact points (pedals, shoes, and saddle) can be changed and altered for personal preference, performance, and comfort.

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5 Reasons to Buy the Rail 9.7

• Impressive distance range with the powerful Bosch motor and a solid 625Wh battery capacity
• Powerful uphill momentum and confident descent
• Good geometry and enjoyable ride
• Surprisingly plush and comfortable
• Good option in 2021

6 Reasons Not to Buy the Rail 9.7

• A disconcerting rattle potentially coming from the battery or motor
• Slightly quirky display and controls
• Budget-oriented componentry that lacks in enhancing performance
• Less smooth start-off of the motor
• Placement of the water bottle holder
• The aesthetic of the remote (not visually appealing)

Bottom Line

The Rail 9.7 offers an impressive distance range and powerful performance, making it a great option for those looking for an enjoyable and comfortable ride. While there may be some minor quirks and budget-oriented componentry, overall, this enduro eMTB delivers on its promises and provides a solid choice for riders.

Average Expert Scores

Frequently asked questions - rail 9.7, what type of terrain is the rail 9.7 ebike suitable for, are hydraulic disc brakes included on the rail 9.7, what is the battery capacity of the rail 9.7 ebike, does the rail 9.7 have a full suspension system, what type of drive system does the rail 9.7 use, what is the wheel diameter and width of the rail 9.7 ebike, what is the frame material of the rail 9.7 ebike, what is the maximum speed the rail 9.7 ebike can reach, how much does the rail 9.7 ebike weigh, sign in to ask a new question for others to answer:, related products.

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2021 Trek Rail 9.7 Review

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An evolution not a revolution | Trek refines the Rail for 2022

The Trek Rail was first launched in 2020 as a successor to the Powerfly LT. Basically designed to be an electrified Slash, with 150mm of rear travel and a 160mm fork, it was one of the first bikes we saw equipped with Bosch’s 4th gen motor.

For 2022 the top-spec models get an update, with the 9.9, 9.8 and Project One builds seeing refined geometry, Bosch’s latest Smart e-Bike suite and some never before seen electronic ‘Wiz’ardry.

• Trek Rail 2021 Review | A powerful, long travel e-MTB with ALL of the confidence
• Trek Slash Review | The all-new Slash is the iron fist in a velvet glove q
• First Ride Review | The New 2020 Trek Rail 9.8 Is Trek’s Best E-MTB Yet

2022 Trek Rail Overview

This update is only coming for the top-end models of the Rail, with the 9.7 and below continuing in their current form . The bike is still based around 150mm of rear travel, a 160mm fork and comes stock with 29in wheels.

The frame also sees the Knock Block 2.0 headset with an expanded 72-degree steering radius.  Should you dislike the abrupt steering stop, you can remove the steering limiter, and Trek has ensured the fork crown will clear the top tube.

Also carried through is the RIB battery mount. Here the battery integrates almost seamlessly into the downtube but can be removed from the bike with the turn of a key, and there is even a carry handle.

Rail Geometry

Following on from the new Slash that launched last year, the Rail has been brought more in line with its analogue enduro stablemate.The overall changes to geometry are not a full ground-up rebuild, they are more subtle.

Starting at the reach, the 2022 frame is an average of 19mm longer than its predecessor across the size range. The reasoning for this is twofold; added stability, and to create extra space for the larger 750wh battery. The seat angle has steepened by 2-degrees, the head angle is 0.3-degrees slacker, and the stack height has increased by 7mm.

Trek has brought through its Mino-link flip-chip, and the figures above are all in the high position. When you flip the chip, the BB drops by 5mm, slackening the head angle to 64.2-degrees, and the seat angle to 76.7-degrees.

Trek should have renamed its Mino-link flip-chip the ‘Mullet’ link because swapping it into the high position makes the bike compatible, with a 27.5in rear wheel. This of course also has an effect on the geometry, bringing the headtube angle to 63.9-degrees and the seat angle to 76.4-degrees.

The new Rail won’t be sold as a mullet, but the frame has been designed to accommodate the smaller wheel if you so please.

Bosch Smart System

The new Rail is one of the first bikes equipped with Bosch’s updated Performance CX Smart suite. This was an incremental update to the Gen4 drive system, that added Bluetooth connectivity to the components that give the motor directions, and saw a new eBike Flow app to make it all work.

Through the app, you will be able to run over the air firmware updates, customise assist modes, and it give you reminders about service intervals.

The Performance CX Smart System motor is largely unchanged from its ‘dumb’ sibling, however, all the ancillary parts received a much needed revamp. There’s the new 750Wh Powertube battery, the LED Remote, and the full-colour Kiox display.

You can read more about Bosch’s new Performance CX Smart System here.

Launching along with Rail is RockShox’s new AirWiz. This electronic pressure gauge measures the air pressure in your shock and fork, and flashes a red or green light depending if the reading matches what you’ve set in the SRAM AXS app. AirWiz does not offer the auto damping you get with Flight Attendant , nor does it offer tuning suggestions like ShockWiz, it’s purely a diagnostic tool.

The AirWiz sensors are integrated into the RockShox Zeb fork and custom Super Deluxe, which is also brought across from the Slash. This specially built rear shock sees Trek’s Thru-Shaft damper, and also receives the offset rebound adjuster complete with the numbered dial

The other new Wiz that’s launching alongside the Rail, is the Bontrager Line 30 carbon wheel with an integrated TyreWiz. Previously these tyre pressure sensors have only been integrated into the Zipp 3ZERO MOTO.

Initially, we were quick to turn our noses up at the thought of more batteries to look after, especially in the name of tracking parameters experienced riders don’t need constant reminders to check. However, for newer riders, or for shops setting people up, the AirWiz especially, will make life so much easier. There is only a sliver of the market dropping the cost of a used Toyota Camry on a new bike that doesn’t know how to set sag, but those folks are out there, and this will help them ride better. For the rest of us and beginner riders with a modest budget, it’s also likely to trickle down at some point.

Anything else we should know?

We’ve seen a few e-MTB’s adopt the 1.8in tapered steerer (gasp!), and the Rail is the latest to jump on board with this new standard, promising to make the front end more stout and help the tubes blend better aesthetically.  New standards are always annoying, but for a 23kg e-MTB, it makes sense to use the widest possible tubing to prevent unwanted flex, especially given the type of riding for which this bike is designed. Also getting fatter is the seat tube, which like the Slash, has moved to a 34.9mm internal diameter.

Inside the front triangle, the sizes M, L and XL have room for a water bottle, but the size S frame will only take the Bontrager Voda 15 (444ml) bottle. Worse, if you’re a small rider who wants the AirWiz rear shock, you’d better have a backpack because the sensor takes up that prime real estate.

2022 Trek Rail pricing and spec

As we mentioned at the top, this update only applies to the 9.9, 9.8 and Project One models of the Rail. The remainder of the range has the same frame, and standard Bosch Performance CX e-Bike kit.

Given these are the most Gucci builds Trek offers it should come as no surprise pricing starts at $12,299.99 AUD for the 9.8 and $15,999.99 AUD for the 9.9. There is a jump from XT to XTR in drivetrain components between the models, but the main difference is whether or not it’s Wiz equipped. Read on for the full spec.

Trek Rail 9.8 XT

• Frame | 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
• e-Bike system | Bosch Performance Line CX for smart system, 250 watt, 85 Nm w/ Bosch PowerTube 750
• Fork | RockShox ZEB Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC damper, eMTB optimized crown, tapered steerer, 44mm offset
• Rear Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3, DebonAir spring, Thru Shaft 3-position damper, 230×57.5mm
• Drivetrain | Shimano XT M8100, 12 speed
• Brakes | Shimano XT M8120 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Crankset | E*thirteen E*spec Plus, 34T, 165mm length
• Handlebar | Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width
• Stem | Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, Blendr compatible, 0 degree, 45mm length
• Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp
• Dropper | Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, MaxFlow, 34.9mm, S – 100mm, M – 150mm, L – 170mm, XL – 200mm
• Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138mm width
• Cassette | Shimano XT M8100, 10-51, 12 speed
• Tyres | Front: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″, Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Wheelset | Bontrager Line Comp 30
• Weight | 23.4kg
• Price | $12,299.99 AUD

Trek Rail 9.9 XTR

• Fork | RockShox ZEB Ultimate with AirWiz, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC2 damper, 160mm travel
• Rear Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3 with AirWiz, DebonAir spring, Thru Shaft 3-position damper, 230×57.5mm
• Drivetrain | Shimano XTR M9100, 12 speed
• Brakes | Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Crankset | E*thirteen E*spec Race carbon, 34T, 165mm length
• Cassette | Shimano XTR M9101, 10-51, 12 speed
• Wheelset | Bontrager Line Pro 30 w/ TyreWiz
• Weight | 22.77kg
• Price | $15,999.99 AUD
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• Rail 9.7 Gen 4

Trek Rail 9.7 Gen 4

Rail 9.7 is a long-travel carbon electric mountain bike that gets you to the fun stuff faster. It feels and rides just like our rowdiest trail bikes, and it's built with the same trail-specific tech. The difference is that the powerful Bosch drive system zips up climbs so you can spend less time grinding and more time getting rad. It's right for you if... You’re looking for a super capable long-travel e-MTB that’s built to conquer techy runs and big drops. You want the lightweight and responsive ride of an OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with a high-powered motor to get to more descents faster. The tech you get An OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with a 625Wh Removable Integrated Battery, a 160mm RockShox Domain fork, 150mm of rear travel with a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock, and the latest from Bosch with smart system Performance Line CX capable of speeds up to 20MPH, including the new Bluetooth® LED remote for easy connectivity and all-in-one navigation and activity tracking through the eBike Flow app. A 1x12 Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain, Bontrager Line dropper post, powerful 4-piston brakes for confident descents, and Bontrager Line Comp 30 29er wheels that are already completely tubeless ready, including sealant. The final word Rail 9.7 hits the sweet spot of carbon performance and amazing value. It’s spec'd with quality trail-specific parts and a powerful Bosch drive system so you can send it through the rough stuff and motor right back up for another run. Why you'll love it - The Bosch motor gives you plenty of power for tackling steep climbs with the efficiency to keep exploring all day. Rider-friendly features like Walk Assist and e-MTB mode help you make the most of every ride - Made with the same hard-charging frame tech as Remedy, like Mino Link adjustable geometry, a Straight Shot down tube for extra stiffness, and Active Braking Pivot (ABP) - Bosch's new smart system gives you all the same power and responsiveness with a new Bluetooth-connected LED remote and eBike Flow app that puts even more control and customization at your fingertips - Trek's Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) system looks great and is super user-friendly: it fully hides the battery in the frame for protection, makes it easy remove the battery without tools and lets you mount a water bottle cage

* Subject to change without notice.

Part Numbers

• Rider Notes

2024 Trek Rail 9.7 Gen 4

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension enduro e-bike with upper mid-range components. Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

Rail 9.7 Gen 4

In Stock: SM, MD, LG, & XL

For This Bike

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Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

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Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Rail model range

A few years have gone by since the last Rail review. Lots has changed since then. Pete reviews the Trek Rail 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 4.

Read Review

Jun 2023 · Alex Evans

Trek’s Rail is claimed to be enduro-descent ready and uses Bosch’s powerful Performance Line CX motor

Great geometry provides stability

Cornering control excellent

Suspension is supple and forgiving with plenty of support

Bosch motor

Tyre compound struggles on anything other than perfectly dry terrain

Harsh feeling ride saps confidence

Jun 2023 · Danny Milner

The last time we rode the Trek Rail we awarded it our 2021 E-Bike of the Year crown in the shop bought category. Since then we haven’t had another chance to ride one, mainly because they’ve been flying off the shop floor. Meanwhile, Trek hasn’t rested on its laurels – the front triangle has been lengthened and the extra space used to stuff in Bosch’s biggest 750Wh battery on all but the smallest frame size. So how does it perform and is it one of the best electric mountain bikes on offer? Need to know: Mino link on the seatstay/rocker interface gives high and low geometry settings – useful if you want to run a 27.5in rear wheel Knock Block steering limiter uses interlocking stem and headset spacers, while steerer tube gets oversize 1.8in taper Top tube System controller and wireless remote are available to buy aftermarket, but they should come as standard M, L, and XL frames get 750Wh battery, while S gets a 625Wh This updated Rail is called the Gen 4, but you can still buy the old Gen 3 model. It gets the smaller 625Wh battery, non-Smart System-compatible electronics and a shorter reach. Although buying the Gen 4 seems like a no-brainer, the new large frame is a really big bike, with a 490mm reach and a yawning 35mm gap to the medium. So some riders may achieve a better fit on the old Gen 3. It’s disappointing that Trek hasn’t fitted the latest Bosch System Controller (as found on the Mondraker) to the top tube. Instead you get a measly blanking plate. To enjoy the improved integration and reduced clutter you’ll have to fork out an extra £1,600 for the next model up, which seems pretty stingy. Suspension Trek claims the Rail delivers 150mm travel, but we only measured 140mm (3mm less than the last Rail we tested). However, we didn’t notice this shortcoming on the trail, mostly because the long wheelbase of the Rail gives it excellent stability at high speeds on rough ground. Where we found it wanting was in terms of grip and sensitivity. It struggled to trace smaller bumps, so not only did it lack some comfort on long rides, but it needed more effort to hold a line on off-cambers, through slow turns, and in the wet. Having said that, there’s plenty of support, so as long as we had the energy, we could ride the Rail like a runaway train. Our bike came with a RockShox Zeb in place of the advertised Domain RC. With 38mm stanchions it perfectly matches the hench proportions of the Rail frame, but it wasn’t the smoothest or most supple fork on test. In that respect there was a symbiosis between the Trek’s front and rear suspension, even if it wasn’t quite the fairytale relationship we’d hoped for. Components Trek proffers two brake specs on the Rail 9.7 – Shimano Deore or SRAM Code R, both in four-piston guise. Given the choice, we’d take the Shimano …Continue reading »

Loves to go fast

Suspension lacks finesse

Bosch has spent years touting its motor/battery/display array. Now, Trek’s ultra-high-end Rail eMTB gets the signature tech.

With its updated frame and bigger battery, is this the best electric mountain bike going? Read on for our Trek Rail review.

Incredible suspension performance

Hugely confidence-inspiring ride quality

Powerful & intuitive Bosch Smart System

Big battery offers big range potential

Powerful brakes

Solid wheels & tyres

Battery mount failure

Longer wheelbase has reduced agility

Seat angle could be steeper

Limited size range

Trek’s updated 2022 Rail 9.9 represents a significant departure from the outgoing model. Visit The Loam Wolf to read our review of the tech-focused updates.

Bosch Smart System power and control

Category blending capability

Technical climbing prowess

Lengthy reach numbers are polarizing, sizing jumps

Firm suspension feel at slower speeds

Limited playfulness in tighter trails

Apr 2022 · BHowell

An excellent e-bike with a lot of electronics.

Well rounded ride

Suspension quality

Powerful Bosch motor

Vulnerable Bosch controller and Kiox

Mar 2022 · Guy Kesteven

Trek’s Rail 9.9 eMTB is loaded with carbon fiber and wireless tech. Guy Kesteven explores what the pricey Bosch powered flagship is like to ride on a wet and rocky Lake District demo loop

Lightweight yet super precise full carbon frame

Extended enduro geometry

Superbly controlled suspension performance

Latest big battery Bosch Smart System

Full SRAM AXS and Wiz comms componentry

AirWiz feels gimmicky

Last updated April 28

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Trek Rail 9.7

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Weight / M - 22.77 kg / 50.20 lbs (with tubes)

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, Removable Integrated Battery (RIB), tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, magnesium rocker link, Motor Armor, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 12mm thru axle, 150mm travel
• Fork RockShox Yari RC, DebonAir spring, Motion Control RC damper, e-MTB optimized, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 160mm travel
• Shock RockShox Deluxe Select+, 230x57.5mm
• Wheels [F] Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle
• Tires Size: S, M, L, XL Size: S, M, L, XL
• Chain SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed
• Crank SRAM X1 1000, 36T, 165mm length
• Shifters SRAM NX Eagle single-click, 12 speed
• Cassette SRAM PG-1230 Eagle, 11-50, 12 speed
• Brakeset Shimano M6120 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Bontrager Comp, alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 780mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width
• Seatpost Size: S Bontrager Line Dropper, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 345mm length Size: M, L, XL Bontrager Line Dropper, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 440mm length
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on
• Headset Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

Q: Where to buy a 2021 Trek Rail 9.7?

The 2021 Trek Rail 9.7 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2021 Trek Rail 9.7 weigh?

A 2021 Trek Rail 9.7 weights M - 22.77 kg / 50.20 lbs (with tubes).

Q: What size 2021 Trek Rail 9.7 should I get?

My 9.7 is hard on chains I have 160 miles and today I broke the 3rd chain I can’t be peddling that hard

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Remember California's High-Speed Rail Project? It's Still Very Much a Reality in These Central Valley Communities

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California’s high-speed rail system is someday (or so we’re told) supposed to whisk passengers between Los Angeles and San Francisco in under three hours, traversing the state at speeds of over 200 miles per hour.

In 2008, California voters approved nearly $10 billion in bonds to begin construction of the state’s bullet train system, the first project of its kind in the country.

At the project’s official groundbreaking ceremony in Fresno in 2015, state officials, like then-Gov. Jerry Brown, promised that high-speed rail would not only connect LA and the Bay Area, via the Central Valley, but also eventually reach stations in Anaheim, San Diego and Sacramento.

Fast-forward to today, and the project is tens of billions of dollars over budget and years behind schedule, with critics lambasting it as a major boondoggle that should be scrapped.

If ever completed, the bullet train project — now projected to cost $105 billion, of which just over $10 billion has been spent so far — would be the single largest infrastructure investment in state history. It's also proven incredibly contentious among state leaders, with Assembly Democrats still refusing to give Gov. Gavin Newsom a $4.2 billion appropriation for the project that he requested more than a year ago.

And for many Californians, the project is still very much an abstraction because they don’t live in places where they can see it being built.

But that’s not the case in the Central Valley, where construction has been underway for years now and where the first trains are slated to eventually start running. The High-Speed Rail Authority, which oversees the project, says it hopes to have the first segment of the line, between Bakersfield and Merced, ready for passenger service by 2030 — although officials also acknowledge further delays are possible.

That’s dramatically scaled down from the original plan, which projected that the entire 520-mile section between LA and San Francisco would be completed by 2029.

On the edge of south Fresno, next to Highway 99, lies the Cedar Viaduct, a 3,700-foot-long structure with four massive arches and a concrete bed wide enough to fit future tracks.

This viaduct, which is already a kind of local landmark, is just one of more than 30 active high-speed rail project construction sites up and down the Central Valley.

“On any typical day, on average, we have about 1,100 dispatched workers on various sites,” said Toni Tinoco, deputy director of the High-Speed Rail Authority. “That's everything between Madera County, all the way to the city of Wasco. That's 119 miles to cover. And we have a lot of men and women in different trades going to these sites, constructing these structures every day."

Since breaking ground seven years ago, the project has created over 7,000 jobs and helped support nearly 700 small businesses across the state, she says, supplying everything from construction parts to office supplies.

Those economic benefits have been particularly important to Central Valley communities, she argues.

“Historically, we've had very, very high unemployment rates here,” she said. “High-speed rail has been one of the drivers of getting that number down. Being able to employ people. I mean, our workers and our contractors are here, they're living here, they're investing, they're eating, they're purchasing different products outside of construction, so that’s huge."

Many of the project’s components, like girders and enormous precast concrete slabs, are manufactured at a 40-acre, open-air yard surrounded by farm fields outside the community of Hanford, about 30 miles south of Fresno. The finished products are then loaded aboard flatbed trucks and transported to building sites across the Valley.

Doing the work here, as opposed to factories in LA or the Bay Area, cuts down on the transport costs, explains Craig Watt, a project supervisor who works for the private contractor Dragados-Flatiron Joint Venture.

“And a lot of the local suppliers for precast components in the state of California don't have the capacity to keep up with our demand,” he said . 

Ironworker Desrae Ruiz has been working at this site, alongside her husband, for several years, and says she feels like they’re both part of something historic.

“I would love to see the finished product of it and be able to say, ‘I helped build that train with my husband,’” Ruiz said. “Like, that's something that you can hold on to and nobody can take it from me, so it feels good.”

“I started it as a job, and it's become my career,” she added. “I'm really wanting to stick to it full force and go as far as I can.”

What’s also good, says Desrae’s husband Keith Villagrana, is the years of steady work and generous pay that high-speed rail creates for residents here in the construction trades.

“I've actually made more money than I've ever made in the 10 years I've been in my trade,” Villagrana said. “This working for High-Speed Rail Authority has made a big difference in our lives, a very big difference.”

But not far from the project’s construction sites, it’s easy to find Central Valley residents who say they don’t see the benefits of the massive project.

“When I hear the words ‘high-speed rail,’ I think it's just a lot of waste of money,” said Michael Lopez, who owns Green and Clean, a small construction and landscaping business in the town of Selma, southeast of Fresno.

Lopez says he’s pretty well-connected to other small businesses in the area, and no one ever mentions high-speed rail being an economic game-changer for the Valley and its people.

“I don’t know who has these jobs,” he said. “I don’t know anybody who works for the high-speed rail personally. I got this contract for the high-speed rail and I’m making all this money?”

Lopez added, “It’s just going to be a money pit, continually consuming California’s taxpayers' money for something that is not very necessary.”

At a Panera restaurant in north Fresno, about a dozen regulars gather early in the mornings to talk about the hot-button issues of the day, including the rail project.

Asked how often the project comes up in conversation, Fresno resident Jerry Kartunian laughed: “Oh, every other day,” he said.

“It’s a rail that goes nowhere,” Kartunian added. “It's going from Bakersfield to Merced. It's supposed to go from LA to San Francisco at, what, $300 billion cost at the end of 35 years? We’ll be all dead and gone by the time that thing is up and running.”

But Tinoco, of the High-Speed Rail Authority, continues to fiercely defend the project, even as its price tag keeps rising. Each day of construction, she says, brings it closer to reality, despite the many naysayers.

The project got a financial shot in the arm last year when the Biden administration restored nearly a billion dollars in federal funding that had been cut by the Trump administration.

And late last month, its board approved a 90-mile extension between Merced and San José. It’s the first time that the route has been officially extended from the Central Valley toward a coastal city.

”You're never going to get all of the support that you hope that you can get,” she said. “But the fact is that California voted on high-speed rail to get this started, and we're trying to deliver what Californians voted for.”

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More ways to optimize your ride Charge into the unknown with rugged power and tons of travel. Rail is here to deliver serious versatility, range, and torque for shuttling your own enduro laps, and now features Bosch’s smart system across all models. You get more customization for the ultimate e-MTB adventure machine, plus aggressive geometry, and a big battery for taking on endless mountain miles.

Assist Up to 20 mph

Torque 85nm, range up to 6 hours, battery 500 to 750wh, built to perform.

Since 1886 (you read that right) Bosch has been building technology based around two driving principles — precision and quality. Today, they make some of the most revered motors in the e-bike world. They deliver powerful, natural-feeling assist that’s backed with a global network of support that’s there for you no matter what.

Intelligent assist

The Performance Line CX motor gives you 85Nm of torque to get you up steep climbs and accelerate to top speeds. Choose from 4 ride modes depending on the level of support you want. The Tour+ and eMTB modes automatically adjust the assist based on your pedaling input and the terrain so you get predictable, natural-feeling power.

Our Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) system lets you pull your battery off quickly and easily. No awkward reaching under your downtube or digging in the toolbox required.

Rail might get a lot of praise for being powerful, but you can put a big motor on just about anything these days. What really makes Rail rip is its progressive geometry, long travel suspension, and fine-tuned features that come together to make one hell of a mountain bike.

Long travel legend

With 150mm of rear and 160mm of front suspension, Rail is built to soak up big hits. Go ahead, point it down steep, chunky granite slabs. It’ll show you what it’s made of.

• Watch the walkthrough

Tuned in with you

Quickly and easily adjust the fit and feel of your Rail with Mino Link, so your bike is always dialed to the terrain and your riding style.

• Learn more about Mino Link

Travel that won’t throw in the towel

Trek’s exclusive Active Braking Pivot keeps your suspension active while you’re braking, boosting traction and control even when the trail gets hairy.

• Learn more about ABP

Rips like a monster truck

Big 29˝ wagon wheels reduce rolling resistance so you can charge straight through the chunder on loose and wily trails.

Carbon Rail takes the trail up a notch with a light but burly OCLV Mountain Carbon frame and longer, slacker geometry that crushes through the gnarly stuff. Inspired by Slash, carbon Rail is built to elevate stability and speed on descents so you can cut loose and push it to the limits.

Intuitive integration

Bosch’s System Controller sits flush on Rail 9.8 and 9.9’s top tube for a clean look at your charge level and currently-selected assist mode.. Easily toggle through modes, or turn on walk assist with the compact new Mini Remote.

More power, more fun

All carbon Rail models feature longer new geometry that makes room for a lofty 750Wh battery. Head out for sun-up to sun-down adventures. We’ll wait.

Built for the hard knocks

An oversized head tube and seat tube give you the durability you need for big trail days, and offers room for bigger, more durable dropper posts.

Perfect pressure

Keep pressure under control with TyreWiz and AirWiz pressure monitors that track your tire and suspension pressure. Set desired pressures in SRAM’s AXS app and check the lights before each ride — red means you need to dial in the pressure, green means you’re ready to let it rip. Available on Rail 9.9 models.

On e-MTB race days Rail CXR is your ticket to the top step. Built with Bosch’s new limited-edition Performance Line CXR motor, this race-ready e-MTB accelerates faster off the line than any other Rail, so you can get you in front of the pack and stay there. Pair that with sustained power that keeps you moving up and over technical climbs, and you’ve got the recipe for gold in your pocket.

Power up your ride with a more pocket-friendly hard-hitter on Rail alloy. It loads you up with the same capable 150mm/160mm of travel as its carbon counterpart, but with an Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame that rips up the trail and not your wallet. Plus, you still get the new Bosch smart system with all the connectivity you want, so you don’t have to miss out on a customized ride.

LED visibility

Easy to access with your hands on the bars, this new remote features color-coded ride modes for instant recognition. It also auto-adjusts the brightness of the remote’s display depending on ambient light levels so you can always see your support level.

• Learn more from Bosch

Sleek setup

Rail alloy skips bulky displays for a clean cockpit that’s fuss-free and tidy. Smart system capability means you can easily add a display later if you want more details on the go.

• Bosch eBike Flow app

Built to elevate your e-bike experience, Bosch’s eBike Flow app lets you take control of your ride. It works with both iOS and Android phones, auto-updates your remote and display with the latest features, and the home screen gives you a quick overview of your most important ride data like battery status and range.

Customize your assist

Fine-tune assist modes to your liking. Get the most support on your climbs or stretch out the miles on longer rides with more efficient power use.

Set your record

Tracking starts as soon as your foot hits the pedal and pauses automatically when you take a break. Plus, your data synchronizes with integrated apps like Apple Health in real-time.

Tech built for Trek

Trek-exclusive integration means the eBike Flow app automatically recognizes your Trek e-MTB, provides service recommendations, and will even help you find your local Trek shop.

Gen 2 Rail gets you the same rugged, high-power machine as the latest generation, but skips Bosch’s smart system, Mini Remote, and LED display for a simple, app-free ride. It still features Active Braking Pivot, RIB, and 85Nm of torque, so you get plenty of bike for the buck with a legacy e-system.

Rail with smart system

Gen 3 alloy and Gen 3/4 carbon Rail give you Bosch’s smart system with a streamlined LED System Controller display and compact Mini-Remote. It’s everything you love about the previous generation — just a little bit smarter.

• Shop Rail with smart system

Looking for something else?

Looking for a balance of power and natural ride feel? Fuel EXe offers smooth assist that doesn’t overdo it. With a quiet ride and just enough power to make climbing a breeze, Fuel EXe is the go-to for those who want an e-bike that doesn’t look like an e-bike.

Powerfly is the ideal electric mountain bike for new riders who want a fun introduction to the wide world of singletrack. It's stacked with proven Trek trail features, just with shorter travel, easier handling, and a more comfortable upright fit.