Trek Powerfly 9 FS Plus – Black Beauty or a tenacious ram?

Trek were one of the first companies to turn their backs on EUROBIKE and eschew conventional product cycles. Now they present their bikes when they’re finished and available. Take the Trek Powerfly 9 FS Plus for the 2017 season, for example, which was completed back in June 2016. But has it shot its load too early, and does it need some time in the incubator?

trek-powerfly-9-fs-plus-review-best-value — **Trek** Powerfly 9 FS Plus | 5,499 € | 22.71 kg | Bosch

It took two years of revision before Trek re-launched the Powerfly FS in its latest guise. Sporting a completely new frame with a host of clever details, the Trek Powerfly 9 FS Plus on test now also takes 2.8″ tires. It comes with 130 mm of RockShox travel from a PIKE RC fork and a Deluxe RT3 rear shock. The bike rolls with the popular Bosch Performance CX motor, and you can adjust the pedal-assist using its new Purion display. The mellow, low-profile Bontrager Chupacabra plus-size tires don’t scream traction on the stand, but in reality they generate sufficient footing on the ground. Trek have also developed a KnockBlock in the headset which is designed to protect the frame from damage potentially caused by the bars or fork. It’s an admirable idea and doesn’t affect how it rides; however, it does make it trickier to pack the bike in the boot of the car. With a total length of 1,243 mm, the striking Trek Powerfly FS is the second longest bike on test. The riding position is so comfortable that it is almost sofa-esque, making you reluctant to get off the saddle.

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With the huge gear range of the SRAM EX1 drivetrain and the long 474 mm chainstays, climbs become child’s play. There’s comfort and traction in abundance thanks to the plush rear end and burly tires. The suspension performs really well, and the bike rides with a balanced and predictable feel. In fact, this buttery smooth stability is the Powerfly’s biggest asset, as it veritably glides over the trails. It corners well, although be prepared to put some muscle into really tight turns.

Helmet Troy Lee A1 MIPS | Jersey ION TEE_HELIX_LS | Shorts ION BIKESHORTS_TRAZE_AMP | Backpack EVOC STAGE 18L — **Helmet** Troy Lee A1 MIPS | **Jersey** ION TEE_HELIX_LS | **Shorts** ION BIKESHORTS_TRAZE_AMP | **Backpack** EVOC STAGE 18L

The Trek Powerfly 9 FS Plus in detail

Forks RockShox Pike RC 130 mm
Rear shock RockShox Deluxe RT3 130 mm
Motor / battery Bosch Performance CX 500 Wh
Brakes SRAM Guide RS
Drivetrain SRAM EX1
Seatpost Bontrager Drop Line
Stem Bontrager Line Knock Block 75 mm
Bars Bontrager Line 750 mm
Tires Bontrager Chupacabra 2,8″
Rims / hubs SUNringlé Duroc 40 / Bontrager

Be protected Trek have designed the new Powerfly with a straight downtube to increase its rigidity. — **Be protected**
Trek have designed the new Powerfly with a straight downtube to increase its rigidity.

Grip While not apparent on the stand, the mellow-looking Bontrager Chupacabras carve their way over the ground with great grip and traction. — **Grip**
While not apparent on the stand, the mellow-looking Bontrager Chupacabras carve their way over the ground with great grip and traction.

Sublime The Trek Powerfly FS 9 boasts one of the most efficient and pleasurable rear suspensions on test. Responsive and forgiving, it absorbs hits of all sizes and relays great feedback. — **Sublime**
The Trek Powerfly FS 9 boasts one of the most efficient and pleasurable rear suspensions on test. Responsive and forgiving, it absorbs hits of all sizes and relays great feedback.

Invaluable There are certain elements that every E-MTB should feature – for example, check out this bottle opener inside the motor cover. Cheers! — **Invaluable**
There are certain elements that every E-MTB should feature – for example, check out this bottle opener inside the motor cover. Cheers!

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Conclusion

The Trek Powerfly 9 FS Plus is a serious all-rounder, rendering it a key contender for virtually any E-MTB adventure. Clever details, a high quality spec, and its superb handling package have been packed into a tidy-looking aluminium frame and rounded off with a very fair price, making us putty in the Trek’s hands. The Powerfly rides home with the coveted E-MOUNTAINBIKE Best Value title.