Not only have Trek announced a totally new Trek Fuel EX 29er today, but also a brand new Trek Remedy platform – stiffer, lighter and more aggressive than the outgoing bike. We were there to check it out and see if the changes to the 150 mm version were more than skin deep.
What have Trek changed with the new 2017 Trek Remedy?
The outgoing Trek Remedy was a great bike, but let’s face it, it was well due an update! With its 68/67.5° (depending on High or Low geometry setting) head angle and 140 mm of travel it certainly felt a little dated when compared to the strong opposition. Well, Trek has finally brought us a new model, bang up to date and punching hard. Boasting 10 mm more travel and a slacker head angle that now runs at 66.5/66° it’s an altogether more aggressive bike, especially when you realise the top tube has been stretched around 10 mm (depending on frame size) and the bottom bracket now sits lower, for added corning stability and railing potential. The Trek Remedy shares the same Straight Shot down tube as seen on the new Fuel EX. Like the Fuel EX this means there’s no longer enough clearance for the fork crown to spin 360 degrees, but Trek has the answer.
Using the Knock Block keyed headset, the bars can no longer spin right round (unnoticeable riding unless you like doing bar spins), which in turn protects the front of the frame from impacts from the controls and fork crown. It’s a very simple mechanical system that with the purchase of special keyed spacer can be made to work with non-Bontrager stems too. The downtube also features a frame protection plate on the downtube should the Knock Block fail for any reason. You may think that this is a lot of engineering to achieve a straight down tube and you would be right, but Trek claims there is more to it that simply aesthetics. By using a straight line between the BB and head tube (the strongest way of connecting two points) Trek claims to have massively increased stiffness in the new 2017 Trek Remedy, making it significantly stronger and stiffer than the current Slash!
What about the Trek Remedy 29er?
There is one noticeable omission from the new Trek lineup, where is the Trek Remedy 29er? It’s true Trek will no longer be offering the Trek Remedy with 29-inch wheels. Their new rider focussed approach pitches the Fuel EX Plus at riders looking for more confidence and grip, the Fuel EX 29er at riders looking for pure speed who want to push their limits, and the Trek Remedy at riders who want to challenge themselves on more technical trails. This will initially disappoint those hoping for a big hitting 29er, but with the new 2017 Fuel EX 29 being so capable their disappointment will be short lived, and for those still looking for big hit 29er weapon, well you are going to have to watch this space!
Geometry of the new 2017 Trek Remedy
| Size | 15.5 | 17.5 | 18.5 | 19.5 | 21.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Tube Angle | [L]66° [H]66.5° |
[L]66° [H]66.5° |
[L]66° [H]66.6° |
[L]66° [H]66.6° |
[L]66° [H]66.6° |
| Seat Tube Angle | [L]74° [H]74.5° |
[L]74° [H]74.5° |
[L]74° [H]74.5° |
[L]74° [H]74.5° |
[L]74° [H]74.5° |
| Reach | [L]397 mm [H]403 mm |
[L]427 mm [H]433 mm |
[L]444 mm [H]449 mm |
[L]458 mm [H]463 mm |
[L]482 mm [H]487 mm |
| Head Tube | 100 mm | 100 mm | 105 mm | 110 mm | 120 mm |
| Seat Tube | 394 mm | 419 mm | 440 mm | 470 mm | 521 mm |
| BB Height | [L]336 mm [H]343 mm |
[L]336 mm [H]343 mm |
[L]336 mm [H]343 mm |
[L]336 mm [H]343 mm |
[L]336 mm [H]343 mm |
| Chain Stay | 433 mm | 433 mm | 433 mm | 433 mm | 433 mm |
| Wheelbase | [L]113.2 cm [H] 113.2 cm |
[L]116.2 cm [H] 116.2 cm |
[L]118.1 cm [H] 118.1 cm |
[L]119.7 cm [H] 119.6 cm |
[L]122.7 cm [H] 122.6 cm |
| Stack | [L]588 mm [H]604 mm |
[L]588 mm [H]603 mm |
[L]593 mm [H]603 mm |
[L]597 mm [H]603 mm |
[L]601 mm [H]612 mm |
Specification of the Trek Remedy 9.9 Race Shop Limited
We were riding the €7,999 (£5,600) Race Shop Limited (RSL) special edition version (models start at €2499), aimed at riders looking for more of a race ready bike. This RSL version features a longer RockShox Lyrik RCT3 fork (160 mm) which slackens the head angle to 65.5°, and also the heavy (by today’s standards) but undoubtedly tough Bontrager Line Elite 30 wheels shod with Bontrager SE4 Team Issue tyres. The drive train is the desirable SRAM X01 Eagle with the enormous 10 – 50 tooth cassette, allowing you to spin up even the steepest of climbs, and we are always pleased to see the SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes. The build is finished off with, of course, a host of Bontrager carbon parts including a 780 mm wide carbon bar in the 35 mm standard, a short 35 mm stem featuring the Knock Block system and Bontrager’s own Drop Line 125 mm dropper post.
Riding the Trek Remedy EX 9.9 29
No sooner do you sling a leg over the new Trek Remedy than everything starts to feel very familiar, Trek have chosen the componentry and contact points well and it inspires confidence from the first pedal stroke. We were testing on the tough trails of Squamish, Canada, featuring everything from fast and flowing to super tech rock rolls and slabs, the perfect trails for the Trek Remedy.
Climbing on the 2017 Trek Remedy 9.9 RSL
At 12.7 kg the Trek Remedy 9.9 RSL punches up the hills well, the Eagle drive train being liberally deployed on the short punchy climbs. The Full floater rear end and RE:aktiv shock are super active, eating up even the smallest trail imperfections while still providing support if you stamp on the pedals, However, on longer climbs we found that the active rear end did bob a little and had us reaching for the shock to engage the firmer mode for a little more support. Even after a long day in the saddle the bike still skipped up the trails with ease and did not feel sluggish or lazy, it’s a big bike, but one that would be happy to pedal all day. The 74° seat angle kept us well placed over the pedals and the position felt comfortable and roomy (test rider 1.8m tall was riding a 18.5″ frame)
Descending on the Trek Remedy 9.9 RSL
When it came to the descents, this is where the Trek Remedy demonstrated its new found skills. Naturally poppy and playful the Full Floater rear end positively encouraged hooligan behaviour in the turns, dishing up its 150 mm as if it was endless, and cutting around on the trail. The full floater rear suspension is incredibly smooth through big square edge hits, and the RE:aktiv tuned shock recovers quickly and with great control, one of the most composed performers out there in big rock gardens.
When we hit the big steep rock rolls, even when hard on the brakes the ABP pivot keeps the rear end working smoothly, tracking well and extracting the last hopes of traction from the trail. Front to back the ride is very balanced and it’s an easy bike to ride quickly after only a short ‘getting to know you’ period. On big hits and drops, the suspension ramps up well, without any hint of harsh bottom out. The OCLV carbon is certainly stiff, giving off a strong air of solidity and power as it holds tough lines and drives hard through turns. The low BB allows you to pump the bike hard through turns and keeps the fun levels high. We would need to test further in different terrains before a full review can be given, but first impressions are very good.
First impressions on the new Trek Remedy 9.9 RSL
Trek know how to build great riding bikes, we know that – and the Trek Remedy 9.9 RSL is no exception. The aggressive geometry and well thought out contact points make it easy to extract the best out of this bike. The composed and predictable handling, combined with the increased reach boost confidence and control over the really tough terrain. We need to test the bike further on different terrain before we can bring a full review but first impressions indicated that the new 2017 Trek Remedy has taken all the ingredients that made the old model great, and also mixed in a dash of Slash, which is a very good thing!
You can see an overview of all the models in the new Trek range, including the new Trek Fuel EX on our 2017 Trek Range overview.Trek also dropped a new Fuel EX 29er, so be sure to check out our first ride impressions on the new Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29er.
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Photos: Sterling Lorence
