Frame question for the RAIL

[K-11]

Hello everyone,

Does anyone know the difference in weight between a Trek RAIL Carbon Frame and Alloy frame ? Trek refused to disclose this information and after looking at all the bikes, I don't know if the difference in weight in the RAIL range (for example the Rail 7 and 9.8XT) comes mostly from the frame or from the components ? I hesitate between the 9.8XT and the 7 but I wonder if I couldn't a similar weight on the 7 by upgrading parts (which I plan on doing).

Are we talking 500grams difference or kilos ?

Thank you so much,

If a similar thread already exist, I would like to apologize and will delete.

Kevin

 

[Paul Mac]

Just look at the difference in weight between the Rail 9 and 9.8.
They are the same bike other than the frame.
The specs show the carbon frame is about 1.5kg lighter.

 

[K-11]

Just look at the difference in weight between the Rail 9 and 9.8.
They are the same bike other than the frame.
The specs show the carbon frame is about 1.5kg lighter.

Ooh thank you so much for this

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Just look at the difference in weight between the Rail 9 and 9.8.
They are the same bike other than the frame.
The specs show the carbon frame is about 1.5kg lighter.

I noticed this too. 1.5KG frame difference in carbon / alu is massive difference in weight and I'm not 100% sure how accurate this is. As a comparison, Specialized quote the Carbon Levo frame as around 800g lighter compared to the Alu.

 

[K-11]

I noticed this too. 1.5KG frame difference in carbon / alu is massive difference in weight and I'm not 100% sure how accurate this is. As a comparison, Specialized quote the Carbon Levo frame as around 800g lighter compared to the Alu.

Yes, with such a big difference it's a no brainer. If it was 800g, I would go with the 7.

 

[Stray cat]

If it helps, my Rail 7 weighed 23,5 Kg. Really surprised on its good weight. For instance,enduro frames weight almost the same as alloy ones,since they must be reinforced.

 

[Kernow]

So that 1.5 kilo less costs about £1500 more Or carbon costs £1000 per kilo saved . Unless your racing and racing or Have top skill levels I bet you wouldn’t tell the difference on a long travel enduro , after all the unsprung wieght remains the same . I bet you would gain a lot more putting the saving into carbon wheels , and not have to worry about a delicate carbon frame

 

[K-11]

If it helps, my Rail 7 weighed 23,5 Kg. Really surprised on its good weight. For instance,enduro frames weight almost the same as alloy ones,since they must be reinforced.

What size is that ?

 

[K-11]

So that 1.5 kilo less costs about £1500 more Or carbon costs £1000 per kilo saved . Unless your racing and racing or Have top skill levels I bet you wouldn’t tell the difference on a long travel enduro , after all the unsprung wieght remains the same . I bet you would gain a lot more putting the saving into carbon wheels , and not have to worry about a delicate carbon frame

Yeah, I think I will go for the 7. I thought the 7 had carbon wheels ?

 

[Stray cat]

What size is that ?

It’s a L size. Alloy wheels,Shimano XT-SLX drivetrain,Shimano Deore brakes 4 pots. With stock tyres

 

[Kernow]

Yeah, I think I will go for the 7. I thought the 7 had carbon wheels ?

they don’t do a 7.1 ? The 7 is the cheaper of the alloy frame versions no carbon wheels there
they do so many spec choices in carbon , it’s crazy , yet so limited in alloy . Perhaps the market has gone mad for carbon or people have more money to burn

 

[Sean1.0]

they don’t do a 7.1 ?

... I think that was a "7" full stop and then "I" ... " I think I will go for the 7. I thought "

I wouldn't normally gravitate to a carbon over alloy frame but I thought it was a very noticeable difference on the Rail when picking the bikes up.

I ended up with the 9.8 as that is what was available... availability being a specification that has become an increasingly important one recently.

 

[Kernow]

... I think that was a "7" full stop and then "I" ... " I think I will go for the 7. I thought "

I wouldn't normally gravitate to a carbon over alloy frame but I thought it was a very noticeable difference on the Rail when picking the bikes up.

I ended up with the 9.8 as that is what was available... availability being a specification that has become an increasingly important one recently.

That’s a good spec, very happy with mine , I think if you can get a model with the bigger zeb fork it will be cheaper than a future upgrade . Suspension is the most expensive part , and I have to say the zeb is an incredibly nice fork to ride

 

[K-11]

... I think that was a "7" full stop and then "I" ... " I think I will go for the 7. I thought "

I wouldn't normally gravitate to a carbon over alloy frame but I thought it was a very noticeable difference on the Rail when picking the bikes up.

I ended up with the 9.8 as that is what was available... availability being a specification that has become an increasingly important one recently.

I really like the new 9.8 but it's 8500 euros ! That's crazy

 

[K-11]

It’s a L size. Alloy wheels,Shimano XT-SLX drivetrain,Shimano Deore brakes 4 pots. With stock tyres

Thank you ! So there is definitely room for improvement on the weight by changing wheels etc.