Deformed tire (Trek Rail+ 8 gen5)

[Keverkan]

Hi everyone. This is the first problem I've had with my Rail+ 8 gen5 since I bought it in March, apart from the seatpost remote, which was quite awkward and I replaced.

On Saturday afternoon I went for a ride and after 3 km I had to turn back .
Last week, my riding partner mentioned that the rear wheel didn't seem to be properly positioned. We stopped and checked it, but the deformation wasn't noticeable at the time. I started riding on a dirt road and the instability wasn't obvious, but when I turned onto the bike path to connect with another trail, the bike was swaying from side to side. I stopped and the deformation, which you can see in the photos, was now visible. The bike has 620 km on it and there's no damage to the rim or any impacts.

Has this ever happened to any of you?

I'm going to post it in the Trek store's WhatsApp group to see what they say, although I have a feeling they're going to reply.

 

[RustyIron]

Replace the tire.

 

[skizzian]

are you running tubes? only thing I can think of is a twisted inner tube.
if not, and the rim is straight, it's time to choose a new tyre

 

[ozzybmx]

We have been experiencing this crap for 15yrs, commonly known as MaxiWobble or ContiWobble, Conti have made good lately, Maxxis, not so good.

I have successively warranted 1 tyre with Continental but I have had wobble issues with about 10 tyres, 9 of them Maxxis, 1 Conti. 3 riders in our house.

Maxxis dont give a sheet.

 

[Ascent]

Just replace them. They’re undesirable tires. I’m not a fan of any Bontrager rubber. You got good life at 629k. Might as well upgrade them.

 

[MeatBike]

We have been experiencing this crap for 15yrs, commonly known as MaxiWobble or ContiWobble, Conti have made good lately, Maxxis, not so good.

I have successively warranted 1 tyre with Continental but I have had wobble issues with about 10 tyres, 9 of them Maxxis, 1 Conti. 3 riders in our house.

Maxxis dont give a sheet.

It'll be a Bontrager Brevard Pro XR (formerly XR5), unless OP has changed it.

---

No harm in asking Trek about it as they're usually pretty helpful.

Otherwise I'd chuck tan-wall DHR II on there.

 

[ozzybmx]

Just replace them. They’re undesirable tires. I’m not a fan of any Bontrager rubber. You got good life at 629k. Might as well upgrade them.

100%, after 30yrs of being an anal MOFO on tyres, I would not run a tyre with their mega tyre technology, other than Maxxis, Continental or Schwalbe.

Not a Maxxis fan lately but they are ok, Schwalbe have made a great gravity tyre with their Radial, Conti have hit the spot with their casings, Supersofts, Softs and regular in all casings. Kryptotal enduro casing for us eeebers are on point.

 

[Stihldog]

Just replace them. They’re undesirable tires. I’m not a fan of any Bontrager rubber. You got good life at 629k. Might as well upgrade them.

I’m not a fan of the Bontrager hubs and rims either. Those get upgraded to something else pretty quick.

A few weeks ago my neighbour took his new Rail gen5 EMTB on its first run. 20 minutes later he limped his bike into my bike cave. “Look at this…wtf!”

A 1/3 of the spokes, on the rear, were loose. Some of them were like spaghetti noodles. I’m surprised that none of the spokes were broken.

I trued and tensioned the wheel back to normal. Two days later …same thing.

Trek replaced the wheel immediately. He hasn’t had any problems since.

 

[MeatBike]

I’m not a fan of the Bontrager hubs and rims either. Those get upgraded to something else pretty quick.

A few weeks ago my neighbour took his new Rail gen5 EMTB on its first run. 20 minutes later he limped his bike into my bike cave. “Look at this…wtf!”

A 1/3 of the spokes, on the rear, were loose. Some of them were like spaghetti noodles. I’m surprised that none of the spokes were broken.

I trued and tensioned the wheel back to normal. Two days later …same thing.

Trek replaced the wheel immediately. He hasn’t had any problems since.

What model Rail? I think the Rail+ 5 has lower spec wheels but on the 8 and above they should be decent, unless it's a bad build.

I gave my Roscoe 9 hardtail some serious abuse and when I sold the bike the Bontrager Line Comp 30 rims were still like brand new, other than the odd scuff here and there. I never once had to tension the spokes and the Rapid Drive 108 rear hub flawless.

 

[Stihldog]

What model Rail? I think the Rail+ 5 has lower spec wheels but on the 8 and above they should be decent, unless it's a bad build.

I gave my Roscoe 9 hardtail some serious abuse and when I sold the bike the Bontrager Line Comp 30 rims were still like brand new, other than the odd scuff here and there. I never once had to tension the spokes and the Rapid Drive 108 rear hub flawless.

It was the Rail 8.(non carbon). Could have been some lower end specs. I wasn’t that impressed …but I did upgrade the brakes to MT7’s. (Or rather the shop did).I had to give those some TLC later.

 

[MeatBike]

It was the Rail 8.(non carbon). Could have been some lower end specs. I wasn’t that impressed …but I did upgrade the brakes to MT7’s. (Or rather the shop did).I had to give those some TLC later.

The 8 should come with Line Comp 30 wheels with the 108 rear hub, same as my Roscoe had.

Definitely sounds like a bad build if the new one has been problem free. At least Trek were quick to help though.

 

[ArmyOfEvilRobots]

100%, after 30yrs of being an anal MOFO on tyres, I would not run a tyre with their mega tyre technology, other than Maxxis, Continental or Schwalbe.

Not a Maxxis fan lately but they are ok, Schwalbe have made a great gravity tyre with their Radial, Conti have hit the spot with their casings, Supersofts, Softs and regular in all casings. Kryptotal enduro casing for us eeebers are on point.

Kryptotal durability is really impressive too. I have a Kryptotal I bought last summer which is still in good shape after way over 1000km. It’s on the spare wheel now, but I normally demolish 2-3 DHRIIs every season, while this conti probably has another winter beater season left in it.

 

[irie]

Replace the tire.

Now.

 

[irie]

Trek replaced the wheel immediately. He hasn’t had any problems since.

Hope @Keverkan the OP reads this.

 

[Stihldog]

The 8 should come with Line Comp 30 wheels with the 108 rear hub, same as my Roscoe had.

Definitely sounds like a bad build if the new one has been problem free. At least Trek were quick to help though.

I thought that some shops add different components for different price ranges. That would be confusing though. Even across the pond.

I think his Rail8 gen5 had some initial assembly problems …even though the components aren’t the best.
I’m can’t bad-mouth Bontrager components. Use them…but I tore up the hubs, wheels and tires on my Rail 9.7 in less than a year. No problem though …I wanted to upgrade those things anyway.

 

[Keverkan]

Update: I've already taken it to the shop. The mechanic told me it's not the first tire of that model to fail this year; it must have been a bad batch, and this tire model is no longer listed for sale on the Trek website.
He's opened a case to request a replacement for both tires with the black version, which are the ones I've had on my Fuel for two years and haven't had any problems or punctures.

Let's see what Trek headquarters says.

are you running tubes? only thing I can think of is a twisted inner tube.
if not, and the rim is straight, it's time to choose a new tyre

I don't have a tube, they're tubeless.

We have been experiencing this crap for 15yrs, commonly known as MaxiWobble or ContiWobble, Conti have made good lately, Maxxis, not so good.

I have successively warranted 1 tyre with Continental but I have had wobble issues with about 10 tyres, 9 of them Maxxis, 1 Conti. 3 riders in our house.

Maxxis dont give a sheet.

Well, to those you mentioned, we'll have to add the Bontragerwobble . June has been a very warm month in Spain and July will be no different.

Just replace them. They’re undesirable tires. I’m not a fan of any Bontrager rubber. You got good life at 629k. Might as well upgrade them.

It appears that Trek will be responsible for replacing the 2 tires.

 

[Keverkan]

I thought that some shops add different components for different price ranges. That would be confusing though. Even across the pond.

I think his Rail8 gen5 had some initial assembly problems …even though the components aren’t the best.
I’m can’t bad-mouth Bontrager components. Use them…but I tore up the hubs, wheels and tires on my Rail 9.7 in less than a year. No problem though …I wanted to upgrade those things anyway.

My Rail+8 is currently with the stock components; I've only replaced the seatpost lever (it was too far from my thumb). The only serious problem has been with the Bontrager Brevard Pro tire.

It'll be a Bontrager Brevard Pro XR (formerly XR5), unless OP has changed it.

---

No harm in asking Trek about it as they're usually pretty helpful.

Otherwise I'd chuck tan-wall DHR II on there.

That's right, my Rail has Bontrager Brevard Pro shocks, formerly XR5s. I've had the XR5s on a Fuel EX 8 for two years and haven't had any problems or complaints so far, but the brown Brevard Pro shocks must have been defective and several have been replaced at the Trek store in Zaragoza (Spain).

 

[MeatBike]

I thought that some shops add different components for different price ranges. That would be confusing though. Even across the pond.

I think his Rail8 gen5 had some initial assembly problems …even though the components aren’t the best.
I’m can’t bad-mouth Bontrager components. Use them…but I tore up the hubs, wheels and tires on my Rail 9.7 in less than a year. No problem though …I wanted to upgrade those things anyway.

I think Trek do swap out components if they have supply issues, but that usually applies to any 3rd party parts such as forks.

That's right, my Rail has Bontrager Brevard Pro shocks, formerly XR5s. I've had the XR5s on a Fuel EX 8 for two years and haven't had any problems or complaints so far, but the brown Brevard Pro shocks must have been defective and several have been replaced at the Trek store in Zaragoza (Spain).

Perhaps a bad batch? I had XR4s on my Roscoe but never felt confident on them so swapped them out for Schwalbes.

 

[Keverkan]

Perhaps a bad batch? I had XR4s on my Roscoe but never felt confident on them so swapped them out for Schwalbes.

That's what the mechanic implied to me; in fact, they no longer appear on the Trek website, neither for in-store replacement nor for direct sale to individuals.

 

[Stihldog]

My Rail+8 is currently with the stock components; I've only replaced the seatpost lever (it was too far from my thumb).

Same thing here. I replaced seat post control lever with Wolf Tooth, then eventually the AXS paddle controller when I installed the Reverb dropper.
(Maybe you have Short Thumb Syndrome …I definitely have Upgrade-anitist. ( no cure for that and it might be contagious)

The original Bontrager tires were suitable for tame trails or pavement. I still have them as spares , but I switched to Maxxis Assigia.

 

[Stihldog]

Let's see what Trek headquarters says.

I’ve never had to deal with Trek Headquarters …(yet). (Someplace in the US).
Our local Bike Shop’s (3 Trek stores) have always taken care of matters. I visit other dealership's also but I’ve developed a relationship with the Trek stores. They know me by name (not good imo) or they might just feel sorry for me .

I do like the return policy (30 days, no questions asked.) but I’ve only used that a couple of times. So as a local Bike Shop …they get my business. Advice is free, service is fast, their experience is interesting, coffee is always hot.

 

[Keverkan]

Well, everything's been sorted out satisfactorily by Trek. Both wheels have been replaced with the "black" version, which shouldn't cause any problems (we'll see), and both tires have been set up tubeless.

I'll pick it up this afternoon.

I'd already gotten used to the look of the tires with the brown sidewalls, now I'll have the black ones I wanted from the start

Same thing here. I replaced seat post control lever with Wolf Tooth, then eventually the AXS paddle controller when I installed the Reverb dropper.
(Maybe you have Short Thumb Syndrome …I definitely have Upgrade-anitist. ( no cure for that and it might be contagious)

The original Bontrager tires were suitable for tame trails or pavement. I still have them as spares , but I switched to Maxxis Assigia.

My thumb needed a bionic extension to properly operate the seatpost lever

I’ve never had to deal with Trek Headquarters …(yet). (Someplace in the US).
Our local Bike Shop’s (3 Trek stores) have always taken care of matters. I visit other dealership's also but I’ve developed a relationship with the Trek stores. They know me by name (not good imo) or they might just feel sorry for me .

I do like the return policy (30 days, no questions asked.) but I’ve only used that a couple of times. So as a local Bike Shop …they get my business. Advice is free, service is fast, their experience is interesting, coffee is always hot.

In this case, it was Trek Spain that had to authorize the return. The service at the official Trek store in Zaragoza, Spain, has always been very friendly and welcoming; the shop staff and mechanics are very kind.

Luckily, I haven't had to use the return policy so far, and hopefully it will stay that way. I need to find an electric bike for my wife soon to join me on two-wheeled adventures

 

[irie]

Well, everything's been sorted out satisfactorily by Trek.

.I need to find an electric bike for my wife soon to join me on two-wheeled adventures

With service like that it would probably be silly to buy from any store other than the one which so expeditiously solved your problem.

 

[ozzybmx]

Well, everything's been sorted out satisfactorily by Trek.

There is no doubt that buying a bike from Trek is one of the safest options out there. My sons Trek Remedy had a loose bottle cage nutsert and they replaced the whole frame.

Great custo service from a prominent brand.

 

[Weeksy]

There is no doubt that buying a bike from Trek is one of the safest options out there. My sons Trek Remedy had a lose bottle cage nutsert and they replaced the whole frame.

Great custo service from a prominent brand.

Indeed, the bikes and the company just work.... there's nothing AMAZING about the bikes, but they just do what they should

 

[fasterjason]

There is no doubt that buying a bike from Trek is one of the safest options out there. My sons Trek Remedy had a loose bottle cage nutsert and they replaced the whole frame.

Great custo service from a prominent brand.

Surprised Trek did not send the shop the basic $15 tool that will tighten a loose nutsert. 10-12 years ago they were sending shops an expensive machining tool set to repair the press-fit bottom brackets in carbon frames that had worn bearing seats.

I agree, Trek is a safe option. They are not going anywhere and I have personally warrantied a lot of items, and the same for a lot of customers (like your shop did for your son). I will also add that broken spokes are a known issue on the base wheels, e.g. Line 30 comp, and a common warranty claim. I have had a set of Kovee Pro for six years on my bio bike and Line Pro on ebike for two, and they have been perfect, but they use DT spokes.

 

[Weeksy]

my lad and me have ridden and raced Line Comp 30s for the last 3 years without a spoke issue. He's raced DH on the DH30s for 3 years as well. Honestly, not a single problem.

 

[fasterjason]

my lad and me have ridden and raced Line Comp 30s for the last 3 years without a spoke issue. He's raced DH on the DH30s for 3 years as well. Honestly, not a single problem..

The problem was much more common six to seven years ago, and has improved. Although wheel warranties still show up on occasion.

 

[ozzybmx]

Surprised Trek did not send the shop the basic $15 tool that will tighten a loose nutsert.

It was a bit more involved than that. Numbnuts rode the bike for a while with a rattling bottle cage without mentioning it to me... thats if he was even aware.

It had widened the alu where the nutsert hole was and hadn't left much for the new or tightened nutsert to grip on.

If I had know it was loose, I have a nutsert tool here I could have snugged it up before it made a mess of the frame.

 

[Keverkan]

So this is how my bike turned out.
I originally wanted it with black wheels, but they told me it was impossible to change them, so I stuck with the brown ones.
In the end, I went with the black ones, which, honestly, I think look much better on the Rail.