Rail (625Wh) Trek Rail 7 - Full Suspension Upgrade

[GeneralClortho]

Fellow inmates,

This is my first post, but I have been around the block and lurking here for a bit, reading posts and learning. There is another post regarding the shock on a Trek Rail that goes deep into fitment and that helped educate me a good bit, so not going to go deep into that. I have about 1k miles of moderate single track on the bike and suspension maintenance is right around the corner.

I've been on mtbs for a good 25+ years but this is my first emtb. I ride mostly tight, forest single track with roots and rocks at a moderate pace, you could say XC / Trail. I am an older guy, do not race but I can get rowdy. I do not take big drops or jumps anymore. I flat walk them now, so plushness, softer and small bump compliance are what I am after. I am 200 lbs geared up, and the bike is about 55lbs for reference.

Fork:
My 2025 Trek Rail 7, Gen 3 came with a disappointing fork, a Rockshox Domain RC 38mm, 160mm travel, 44mm offset. I have tuned it dozens of times and it is harsh, has poor small bump compliance and chatters under braking. I am not going to try and rebuild or improve it. After research, I believe I have narrowed it down to these choices. The only reason I am including 36mm versions is if they might be "softer" than their 38mm counterparts. Again, I don't take big drops anymore, I do ride hard on occasion, but not race speeds. Plush, plush, plush is my goal.
38mm: Fox 38 Grip X2 or DVO Onyx 38 D1 SL
36mm: Fox 36 Grip X or DVO Diamond 36 D1 SL

Shock:
The bike came with a Deluxe Select+ RT, 230mm x 57.5mm, 150mm travel. This was discussed in a previous post and the Fox Float X appeared to be an issue with fitment. I have not ruled it yet though unless someone here has more insight. I think I want to stay with an air spring over a coil for tunability, but not completely opposed to the coil either.
Fox Float X or DVO Topaz Prime

DVO is getting excellent reviews and is significantly less expensive than comparable Fox units. Pricing is not my main motivation but it is hard to not notice the significant difference.

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

Fellow inmates,

This is my first post, but I have been around the block and lurking here for a bit, reading posts and learning. There is another post regarding the shock on a Trek Rail that goes deep into fitment and that helped educate me a good bit, so not going to go deep into that. I have about 1k miles of moderate single track on the bike and suspension maintenance is right around the corner.

I've been on mtbs for a good 25+ years but this is my first emtb. I ride mostly tight, forest single track with roots and rocks at a moderate pace, you could say XC / Trail. I am an older guy, do not race but I can get rowdy. I do not take big drops or jumps anymore. I flat walk them now, so plushness, softer and small bump compliance are what I am after. I am 200 lbs geared up, and the bike is about 55lbs for reference.

Fork:
My 2025 Trek Rail 7, Gen 3 came with a disappointing fork, a Rockshox Domain RC 38mm, 160mm travel, 44mm offset. I have tuned it dozens of times and it is harsh, has poor small bump compliance and chatters under braking. I am not going to try and rebuild or improve it. After research, I believe I have narrowed it down to these choices. The only reason I am including 36mm versions is if they might be "softer" than their 38mm counterparts. Again, I don't take big drops anymore, I do ride hard on occasion, but not race speeds. Plush, plush, plush is my goal.
38mm: Fox 38 Grip X2 or DVO Onyx 38 D1 SL
36mm: Fox 36 Grip X or DVO Diamond 36 D1 SL

Shock:
The bike came with a Deluxe Select+ RT, 230mm x 57.5mm, 150mm travel. This was discussed in a previous post and the Fox Float X appeared to be an issue with fitment. I have not ruled it yet though unless someone here has more insight. I think I want to stay with an air spring over a coil for tunability, but not completely opposed to the coil either.
Fox Float X or DVO Topaz Prime

DVO is getting excellent reviews and is significantly less expensive than comparable Fox units. Pricing is not my main motivation but it is hard to not notice the significant difference.

The only issue I’ve had with DVO in the past is that they are so adjustable that it can take a very long time to get them dialled.
Once there, they are fantastic, but they are super fiddly.
I’ve actually had a lot more joy and “set and forget” happiness from Marzocchi Bombers.

 

[GeneralClortho]

The only issue I’ve had with DVO in the past is that they are so adjustable that it can take a very long time to get them dialled.
Once there, they are fantastic, but they are super fiddly.
I’ve actually had a lot more joy and “set and forget” happiness from Marzocchi Bombers.

Good point about the simplicity, but only it it works. I ran a Marzocchi fork on a hard tail and it was darn nice. Part of my issue now is lack of adjustability coupled with just a crappy fork, haha.

 

[SP SUSPENSION]

I would replace the fork for sure. Nothing good can come from that boat anchor! A Fox 36 may work for you (check out the podium-it s aweome!). Even a normal FOX 36/38 can be made better if you are looking for used- those are very upgradable.
Rear shock can be fixed. For most some volume spacers, proper service, and clicker adjust gets most of our customers where the want to be. But it has its limitations. We are open to answering suspension questions. We pay lots of cash for these rocket ships- they should work for YOU. Feel free to DM your questions to me as I don't always get in here on the forum itself.