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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

Size: S / M / L (tested) / XL | Top Tube Horizontal:601mm | Seat Tube Angle: 75°| Chainstay Length:433mm | Head Tube Angle: 67.5°| Wheelbase: 1151mm Reach: 699mm | Stack:417mm | Wheelsize: 27.5″


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