Review

Enduro Race Bike Group Test: Trek Remedy 9 29

09.01.2014
by



This is by far the cheapest enduro bike (4299 Euro) of our benchmark test. It is equipped with an aluminum frame, 29-inch wheels, an entire Shimano XT drivetrain with 2×10 propulsion, and custom DRCV Fox suspension, offering 140 mm travel front and rear.

PREIS: EUR | GEWICHT: KG | LAUFRADGRÖßE: " | FEDERWEG: / MM
PRICE: 4.299 EUR | WEIGHT: 13,45 KG | WHEEL SIZE: 29″ | TRAVEL: 140/140 MM

Discovering a very compact seating position (despite an 80 mm stem), we hit the trails. The double gear ratio 38/24 is suboptimal for 29er wheels, as climbs require downshifting the front quite early, resulting in bob from the rear suspension as the kinematic is optimized for the bigger chain ring. Only after setting the shock’s CTD-system to climb mode do the uphills tend to be more efficient and the seating position more comfortable.

The Bontrager XR Team Issue tires with a width of 2.3 offer nice grip on hardpack, but struggle on loose forest floors due to the flat and relatively close tread. Thanks to the DRCV technology, the chassis feels plush, harmonious, and forgiving on the trail. When pedaling hard, the rear suspension stiffens significantly. Aggressive rider would ask for more progression in the spring rate curve, offering more control and support for jumps and compressions.

Naturally, you cannot expect to achieve the same agility with a weight of 13.45 kg, compared to the 1.5 kg lighter Specialized Stumpjumper 29. The steering, however, is quite immediate, verging on too sharp!.

Variabel: Über ein drehbares Insert lassen sich Tretlagerhöhe und Lenkwinkel anpassen. Wir fuhren das Bike in der Einstellung „flach und tief“.
Variable: via the rotating Mino Link seatstay insert, the bottom bracket height and head angle can be adjusted. We rode the bike in the ‘flat and low’ setup.
Der speziell für Trek entwickelte DRCV-Dämpfer von Fox harmoniert hervorragend mit der Fox Factory Series 34 Float mit verstellbarem CTD-System (Climb- Trail-Descend).
The ‘exclusively for Trek’ designed Fox DRCV shock harmonizes excellently with the Fox Factory Series 34 Float with adjustable CTD System (climb – trail – descend).
Das Fahrwerk gibt sich bei Schlägen sehr schluckfreudig und liegt satt auf dem Trail. Unter Kettenzug wippt der Hinterbau relativ stark (unbedingt Climb-Mode benutzen!).
The chassis is sensitive and smooth over bumps and stays plush on the trail. The rear suspension does suffer from pedal feedback on climbs (definitely switch to climb mode!).
Die Bontrager XR3 Team Issue Tubeless Ready Reifen bieten in 2.3" Breite, nicht zuletzt dank ihres großen Durchmessers, guten Grip auf festen Böden. Wird der Untergrund loser, kommt das flache Profil an seine Grenzen.
The Bontrager XR3 Team Issue Tubeless Ready tires in 2.3” width offer grip on harder ground, not least because of their large diameter. If the ground gets rather loose, the flat tread soon reaches its limits.

The Remedy is perhaps not best suited for a hardcore racing style, but rather for comfortable enduro tours with a focus on smooth riding, comfort, and safety. Aggressive riders may wish for a stiffer chassis, more potent tires, and a chain guide. With Tracy Moseley, Trek has already proven what the Trek Remedy 9 29 is capable of: so far, four wins of the Enduro World Series have been achieved with this enduro machine.

Go back to the article: “Tested: Six Fast Enduro Racing Bikes”

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