Trek Rail 7 vs Trek Rail 9.7

[LemonDrop]

Tip for those considering the Rail 7:

Tried the 9.7 vs 7 a few days ago on the trails and one thing I noticed immediately was the increased agility on the 9.7. Looking at the spec sheet, I noted a 4 pound difference (Rail 9.7 is lighter - maybe due to the carbon frame). Got 9.7 yesterday ($500 more than the 7). Just FYI if anyone is interested in reducing weight...

 

[Jschlueter]

I work at a Trek shop. I have a Rail 7 my buddy a 9.8xt. Both are large..mine is 2.16lbs heavier.

 

[Doomanic]

And yet people say you don’t need to worry about weight on an eBike...

 

[Doomanic]

If the 7 and 9.7 were identical spec I would have gladly paid the extra for the carbon frame.

 

[LemonDrop]

If the 7 and 9.7 were identical spec I would have gladly paid the extra for the carbon frame.

NX vs SLX , 4 pound weight seem to be the only difference

Metal -> Carbon Frames much more expensive to change and as I ride on gravel and some bumpy trails, I find the carbon frame much more forgiving and also no metal resonance sounds that I constantly had at variable speeds on my Powerfly 5

 

[Shane(NZ)]

I work at a Trek shop. I have a Rail 7 my buddy a 9.8xt. Both are large..mine is 2.16lbs heavier.

That seams like a very small difference, do you both run the same tyres?

 

[jcarlson9]

$500.00 diference ? Try $2000.00

 

[BiGJZ74]

Originally wanted a 9.7 for the Carbon frame but drive train is garbage..NX not even close to the XT derailleur/slx on the 7 IMO. I ended up w/ a 7, and replaced suspension to Fox Factory 36/dpx2, & Wheels to SC reserve 30's, plus added a one up dropper....All of which would have still been necessary for me had I got the 9.7. I can live with the ALU.

 

[Bennett59]

$500.00 diference ? Try $2000.00

It’s only $1000 between trek 7 and 9.7 unless you get the flo green and black it’s only $500.00 difference

 

[GrandesRoues]

Tried the 9.7 vs 7 a few days ago on the trails and one thing I noticed immediately was the increased agility on the 9.7.

Weight is not the only thing that matters. Increased agility can be also caused by the stiffer composite frame.

 

[Orangie]

Aluminum all day. All the new session is available in

 

[Yoak]

I’ve ridden both the 7 and 9.8 a lot. I was surprised how much more “fun” the carbon frame (and build) was. I had the idea that the weight difference wouldn’t matter on big heavy ebikes, but I found the 9.8 much more playful and easier to pop off small hits. This will vary depending on your riding style of course. The 7 feels very planted and “safe” to ride IMHO

 

[Marley]

Surprisingly, I've found the weight added more stability.
Made the transition seamlessly coming from a 21 lb race bike.......yes, the momentum is a major player here.