Trek Rail 9.9 Review | 2021 eMTB Shootout

After taking the top spot in our 2020 eMTB shootout, we had high expectations of the refreshed Trek Rail 9.9. Much of the bike is familiar, which isn’t a bad thing since the 2020 model blew us away. That said, things move fast in the eMTB world so will the 2021 refresh have what it takes to hold its own against a stacked field of completely re-designed competitors? We threw everything the desert had at the Rail to see if it could defend the top spot. It was a close competition in the Trail category this year. Several bikes stood out in certain areas, but nothing could match the Rail in overall performance. The Bosch system will get you up any trail with battery life to spare, and likely let you clean sections you never thought possible. The geometry is also as close to perfect as we have found for all around riding. The Rail is just long enough to hold any line you choose but retaining the liveliness and pop of the best trail bikes. While we would like to see slightly more powerful brakes and possibly a Fox