Back Issue | Trek Remedy 9 27.5 - The Review | ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

Trek’s Remedy already has a long tradition in the US company’s range and has been overhauled many times. For the coming season the U.S. boys have introduced a new interesting feature: the Fox Float DRCV shock with RE:aktiv technology.

Note: This Review was originally published in ENDURO Issue #013 – you should read it there for full excitement! Check out our apps here, it’s free!

Working with U.S. suspension specialist Penske, Trek developed the RE:aktiv valve, which replaces the well-known Boost Valve system and should create a restrictive compression response curve. In non-jargon, that means that the transition from low- to high-speed compression becomes noticeably smoother, offering much better traction and less drivetrain-induced movement. In terms of spec, Trek has also moved with the times and fitted the Remedy with a SRAM X1 1×11 drivetrain, a RockShox Reverb dropper post, and a 750mm bar. Testers only found the 75mm stem length to be too long for this travel category.

Aboard the 27.5″-wheeled Remedy, the rider feels comfortable and well integrated with the bike. On climbs, the neutral rear suspension provides great momentum and the steep 75 ° seat tube angle provides plenty of pressure to the front wheel and pedals. After activating the dropper post, the 140mm bike really shines on the descents with its bump-eating rear suspension system. Both suspension elements give full travel willingly and offer good traction.

The Trail mode on both shock and fork was our favourite suspension setting. In this mode the RE:aktiv valve works outstandingly well and any re-adjustments of the suspension are really superfluous. On steep descents, however, the fork dives deep into its travel, and combined with the low front end and short steerer tube create a very front-heavy riding position. We would hope for a more effective compression damping adjustment from the Fox 34 Performance fork.

The Remedy feels really at home — mostly due to the 67.5° head tube angle — on flatter, faster trails. Here the bike becomes a real rocket, responding willingly to steering inputs and allowing precise navigation. The low standover gives the rider lots of room to move on the bike, and playful manoeuvres become a breeze. Riding fun unlimited!

Under-damped: On the entry-level Fox 34 Performance fork, the testers wanted firmer low-speed compression damping. The fork dives excessively on steep descents and during braking, leading to a front-heavy position on the bike.

USP: Trek has managed to further improve the performance of its patented Fox Float DRCV rear shock with the new RE:aktiv valve. The rear suspension impresses with great efficiency and outstanding traction.

Good and cheap: 1×11 is a hit! On the Trek Remedy the new SRAM X1 drivetrain proves that it too can provide fast and precise shifting. Criticisms? Look elsewhere!

Recommended: The Bontrager XR4 Team tyres impressed the testers in hard, dry conditions with great grip and low rolling resistance. On really rough trails or in very soft conditions, the low-profile tyres can reach their limits.

Conclusion:

RE:aktiv rocks! The € 3,999 Trek Remedy impresses with fantastic rear suspension performance and handling. With its well-thought-out geometry and balanced spec, it comes very close to the perfect ‘do-it-all’ bike. Depending on your preferred type of use, some spec changes might optimise the performance.

Price: € 3,999
Weight: 13.10 kg

Specifications

Fork: Fox 34 Float CTD Performance
Rear Shock: Fox DRCV Re:activ
Drivetrain: SRAM X1
Brakes: Shimano XT
Handlebars: Bontrager Race Lite 750mm
Stem: Bontrager Rhythym Pro 75mm
Tires: Bontrager XR4/XR3 Expert
Wheels: Bontrager Rhythm Comp
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth

Geometry

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Back Issue | Trek Remedy 9 27.5 – The Review

Conclusion:

Specifications

Geometry

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