Review

E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Trek Powerfly + 9 Review

10.09.2014
by

Trek Powerfly+ 9 E-Mountainbike Magazine (1 von 8)

First impressions

We were excitedly expecting the Trek Powerfly+ 9 hardtail. A quick look at the spec already revealed that this 29er hardtail is meant for much more than cozy fire-road outings. Whether this impression was proven in practice is what you can read here.

Trek Powerfly+ 9 E-Mountainbike Magazine (3 von 8)


The Trek Powerfly +9 is available for 2.999 EUR.


Specification

For a price of 3,499 Euros, the Trek Powerfly+ 9 offers a high quality and well thought-out spec. The transmission is based on the proven Shimano XT group, while braking is taken care of by the reliable Deore brakes and 180mm discs. A highlight is the hydraulic adjustable RockShox Reverb dropper post. It allows you to sink the saddle whilst riding and create more freedom to move when tackling technical trails. Details like the bash guard fitted to the Bosch motor reinforce the definitely off-road-compatible spec fitted to the Trek.

Trek Powerfly+ 9 E-Mountainbike Magazine (2 von 8)

Handling

Sticking to our motto of „get on and go,“ we climb aboard the Powerfly. The position is gently stretched, with the ergonomic grips feeling comfortable for longer rides. Once again an over-long 110mm stem slightly spoils an otherwise positive overall feeling. The Trek Powerfly is as mentioned a hardtail, which you can feel straight away heading uphill. Combined with the extra power available from the Bosch Performance Cruise mid-motor the bike flies uphill.

Thanks to the big 29-inch wheels and high volume Bontrager XR3 TLR tyres in 2.3“ width, comfort is not sacrificed. At the front a Fox Float 32 CTD fork is fitted; it can be adjusted to three different terrain modes from the bars — a nice detail, but in our eyes a superfluous one. We plead for a minimalist cockpit with as few adjustment levers as possible! The good roll-over characteristics of the big wheels make a positive contribution when descending; even without lots of suspension travel, the Trek still feels confident. The Bontrager tires also made a very good impression with plenty of traction and a well-defined grip limit. On rough, technical trails, however, we‘d advise you to take care — with no rear suspension and 100mm at the front, many impacts are delivered straight to the rider.

In spite of the 485mm chainstays, the bike is astonishingly agile and offers a great compromise of stability and sharp handling, certainly a result of the relatively steep 69 degree head angle and the fork offset.

Integrated. Trek chose partially internally routed cables for a clean and harmonious look.
Integrated. Trek chose partially internally routed cables for a clean and harmonious look.
Powerful. The great value Shimano Deore brakes are not just well integrated with the frame -- they also offer high power and great reliability.
Powerful. The great value Shimano Deore brakes are not just well integrated with the frame — they also offer high power and great reliability.
Comfortable. The ergonomic lock-on grips support your wrists on longer rides, helping to prevent numb hands.
Comfortable. The ergonomic lock-on grips support your wrists on longer rides, helping to prevent numb hands.
Height adjustable. The Rockshox Reverb adjustable seatpost can be infinitely adjusted from the bars. This adds fun and safety to every riding situation.
Height adjustable. The Rockshox Reverb adjustable seatpost can be infinitely adjusted from the bars. This adds fun and safety to every riding situation.
Crisp. The Shimano XT gears do their job in no time at all thanks to the crisp XT shift levers.
Crisp. The Shimano XT gears do their job in no time at all thanks to the crisp XT shift levers.

Conclusion: with the Powerfly+ 9, Trek proves that you don‘t have to have a full-suspension bike to have fun on the trails. Be aware, however, that the bike can‘t keep up with the levels of comfort and confidence offered by full-suspension models.

Go back to the article: E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Ten E-Mountainbikes

You can read an in-depth feature about the E-Mountainbike test and our conclusions in the E-Mountainbike issue #001! It’s free & only digital for iPad, Online-Viewer, as well as soon on Android: Issue #001.

Text: Max Philip Schmitt Photo: Christoph Bayer

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