Powerfly FS 7 or Rail 7

Another rider

Member
Sep 27, 2020
39
19
Dorset
I've been trying to buy a FS EMTB for the last month or so. First choice was a Haibike ALL MTN 4 but then I was quoted August 2021 for delivery. After that came a Cube Stereo 140 but I'm told the earliest I could expect delivery is January and but even that seemed uncertain. It now seems that I might be able to get a TREK bike - although I'll have to buy from the other end of the country. No bike shop even vaguely local seems to have anything to buy and nothing to try.
It looks like the options (almost) within my budget are the Powerfly FS 7 or Rail 7. Looking at the sizing I think the Powerfly would suit me better and is more of all all-rounder but I'm concerned at the limited travel on the suspension. In a perfect world I would of course try them both but that just doesn't seem to be an option.
 

Doomanic

🛠️Wrecker🛠️
Patreon
Founding Member
Jan 21, 2018
8,463
9,932
UK
I've had both. The Rail is the better bike by far.

Try Two Wheels in Stourbridge, they have a few Rails in stock.
 

Doomanic

🛠️Wrecker🛠️
Patreon
Founding Member
Jan 21, 2018
8,463
9,932
UK
If you really want one you may have to travel.
 

Doomanic

🛠️Wrecker🛠️
Patreon
Founding Member
Jan 21, 2018
8,463
9,932
UK
Better geometry, better motor (my PF had the Gen 2 CX), bigger battery, nicer looks.

The only thing I liked more about the PF was the 27.5 wheels, so I mulleted my Rail and it's better with the smaller rear wheel.
 

Another rider

Member
Sep 27, 2020
39
19
Dorset
Both now have 4th Gen CX so the motors are identical as are the batteries. But they do clearly have very different geometries and suspension setups.
 

Hamina

E*POWAH Master
Subscriber
Mar 22, 2020
493
391
FIN
Better geometry, better motor (my PF had the Gen 2 CX), bigger battery, nicer looks.

The 2021 Powerfly FS 7 has Bosch CX Gen 4 motor and Bosch PowerTube 625 battery.
Powerfly FS7 is at Trek UK site £4,850.00 and Rail 7 £5,000.00.

Powerfly has the RockShox 35 Gold R and it's shit. I think this is clear: Rail 7. :D
 

Doomanic

🛠️Wrecker🛠️
Patreon
Founding Member
Jan 21, 2018
8,463
9,932
UK
PF with the Gen 4 is now 120/100 travel so even less comparable with the Rail than the old models that were 150/150 (early) and 160/150 (late) for the LT versions. They still do a PF LT with 150/150 but it's still got the Gen 2 motor and 500 (actually 482Wh) battery.
 

Philly G

Well-known member
Subscriber
Jun 29, 2020
692
517
New Zealand
The 2021 Powerfly is a short travel bike for light trail riding /touring. It's probably fine for what it's designed for, but you're not going to be smashing trails at the bike park on this. You can even get an "Equipped" version that has pannier rack, light system, kickstand, full size mudguards.
The Rail on the other hand is a proper mountain bike, and as @Hamina says has much better suspension. Looking at the prices too the Rail delivers much more bang for buck.
 

Forever Wild

Active member
May 21, 2020
251
443
Arizona
Better geometry, better motor (my PF had the Gen 2 CX), bigger battery, nicer looks.

The only thing I liked more about the PF was the 27.5 wheels, so I mulleted my Rail and it's better with the smaller rear wheel.

E3640A3B-4165-4021-8CFE-1E973B1BE3AA.jpeg

My 2020 Powerfly looks like a Rail. My LBS often mistake it for a Rail. I agree with the Gen 2 and 500 wh battery could be improved. I don’t ride long enough to matter to me.
 
Last edited:

EMTB Forums

Since 2018

The World's largest electric mountain bike community.

518K
Messages
25,445
Members
Join Our Community

Latest articles


Top