Trek Powerfly FS 9 Equipped in review – A new generation of E-trekking bike

With the Powerfly FS 9 Equipped, Trek have developed a unique concept that looks beyond conventional bike concepts and combines the best features of different worlds instead. Was the Powerfly FS 9 Equipped able to assert itself against the competition in our E-trekking bike group test?

That eBike is part of our big trekking eBike group test. There you can find an overview of the test fleet and all information on the latest generation of trekking eBikes.

Trek Powerfly FS 9 Equipped in review – Is this what the next generation of trekking bikes feels like?

It’s all a matter of balance: with the Powerfly FS 9, Trek have made it their mission to blur the boundaries between bike categories and combine the best of the eMTB and E-trekking bike worlds. Instead of prioritising particular riding characteristics, Trek’s full-suspension ebike was developed to blend supposed opposites and create a balanced and harmonious riding experience, both on- and off-road. To find out whether the concept actually works, we tested the flagship Powerfly FS 9 Equipped, which weighs 27.10 kg and retails for € 6,999. The upright pedalling position allows you to concentrate on the trail ahead and is pleasantly balanced, distributing the weight evenly between the hands and saddle – the perfect prerequisites for a great tourer! At the same time, the balanced weight distribution ensures good control over the front wheel and generates lots of traction at the rear. The Bosch Performance Line CX motor delivers plenty of power in all situations and is easy to modulate thanks to the progressive eMTB mode. Moreover, the Trek has a second progressive mode called eMTB-Lite, which is optimised to provide increased range. The intuitive handling makes it easy to lean the bike into wide corners and take advantage of the wide handlebars to dodge potholes and obstacles with quick and controlled turns. Although it’s not as playful as a trail bike, the Powerfly is great fun and easy to control on easy trails, getting you to your destination quickly and safely even when the route includes unpaved trail sections on challenging terrain.

Well-equipped for everyday life and excursions

The wide, high-volume 2.4” Bontrager LT4 Expert tires generate plenty of traction and feel predictable both on tarmac and loose terrain, inspiring huge amounts of confidence in all situations and only sliding out in muddy conditions. Shimano XT four-piston brakes with 200 mm rotors provide powerful and reliable deceleration. Even on long descents with a full pannier on the rack, they deliver consistent braking power and good modulation. While at 108 kg the Trek has a relatively low maximum payload, even with a 10 kg pannier on the rack it’s good natured and easy to manoeuvre, feeling significantly more composed than other bikes with a higher maximum payload ratings – i.e., the Kalkhoff Entice 5 Advanced+. The pannier rack features a practical MIK rail, which makes it easy to attach compatible bags and is approved for a 25 kg load. The Supernova MINI 2 headlight and E3 tail light look great and are powerful enough for night riding. Unfortunately, other accessories don’t live up to the otherwise high-quality spec of the Powerfly. The plastic mudguards are too short and can’t prevent mud from flying onto the person riding behind you and the kickstand makes a loud rattling noise.Trek-Powerfly-FS9-Equipped-Trekking-E-Bike-Test-Review-2021-mag-0007.jpg

Tuning tip: Bosch Help Connect plan with fall detection for solo adventurers

Stiff – Riding comfort onboard the Trek Powerfly FS 9 Equipped

The suspension of the Trek Powerfly FS 9 Equipped consists of a SR Suntour Zeron 35 fork and semi-integrated RockShox SID Lux Select+ shock, controlling 120 and 100 mm travel respectively. Although the numbers suggest a high level of comfort, the suspension is tuned for maximum efficiency which translates into a stiff and sporty rear end. On smooth tarmac, this converts each pedal stroke into efficient propulsion, without the rear end bobbing. Small bumps and vibrations are mostly dealt with by the high-volume tires while the suspension takes care of bigger hits, working actively and efficiently. As a result, the Trek is less comfortable than the Riese & Müller Homage but, in return, doesn’t feel as sluggish. The low-slung top tube and 150 mm Bontrager Line dropper post make it easy to get on and off the bike.

Propulsion first! The sporty suspension is tuned uncompromisingly for efficiency and riding fun, not for comfort.”

A smartphone as an on-board computer – The connectivity of the Trek Powerfly FS 9 Equipped in detail

One of the most striking equipment features of the Trek is the versatile Bosch SmartphoneHub. For short rides, this can be used without a smartphone. The basic 1.5” display shows all key data such as battery charge and speed. If you want other functions like navigation or fitness tracking, you can connect your phone to the SmartphoneHub via the COBI.Bike app and Bluetooth. While riding, the smartphone is firmly attached to a spring clip on the SmartphoneHub, where it can be operated via remote and charged via the hub itself. The COBI.Bike app offers a wide range of functions including voice navigation. If you tend to ride a lot on your own, you should take a closer look at Bosch’s Help Connect function (€ 4.99/month or € 39.99/year) with fall detection mode. This can notify your local emergency services in the event of a crash and is currently available in 11 European countries.

Quick off-road blast or long weekend ride? The Trek Powerfly FS 9 Equipped doesn’t say no to either!“

This is what the future of trekking looks like – The Trek Powerfly FS 9 Equipped in detail

Even whilst stationary, the Trek Powerfly FS 9 Equipped cuts a damn fine figure. Particularly striking are the sporty silhouette with its low-slung top tube and the elegant finish with its dark accents. Unfortunately, the chaotic cable management in the cockpit area spoils the otherwise tidy look. The Bosch Performance Line CX motor is neatly integrated into the frame and protected by a skid plate, while the 625 Wh battery is integrated into the down tube and can be easily removed to the side. The battery cover features Trek’s trademark carrying- handle while the battery cover and charge-port cover on the seat tube are both painted to match the colour of the frame. The charge port cover is easy to open and closes automatically – awesome! Not only the frame but also components like the handlebars, dropper post and BontragerLine Comp 30 wheelset, which Trek also use on their other performance-oriented eMTBs, make a great impression. In the smaller XS and S sizes, the Trek Powerfly comes with smaller 27.5″ wheels while all other sizes roll on big 29” wheels.

Trek Powerfly FS 9 Equipped conclusion

The Trek Powerfly FS 9 is exceptionally versatile and covers a wide range of applications, giving the concept of trekking a whole new meaning. The finely-tuned suspension and balanced pedalling position ensure sporty yet predictable handling and top riding fun while inspiring huge amounts of confidence on long off-road expeditions. The everyday equipment makes daily commutes and weekend trips more comfortable. The elegant look rounds off the successful concept of the Trek Powerfly FS 9, which comes out on top in our E-trekking bike group test, securing the coveted Best in Test.

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For more information head to Hersteller-Website

The review of the Trek Powerfly FS 9 Equipped is part of our big trekking eBike group test “The best trekking eBike of 2021 – 8 modern eBikes for touring in comparison”. We’ve tested four different concepts and eight bikes to tell you what modern trekking eBikes are capable of and which one is the best to buy.

Test bike overview

CENTURION Country R2600i | FLYER Goroc3 6.50 | Greyp T5.2 | Kalkhoff Entice 5.B Advanced + | MERIDA eONE-FORTY EQ | Niner RLT e9 RDO | Riese & Müller Homage GT Touring | Trek Powerfly FS 9 Equipped

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Words: Rudolf Fischer Photos: Valentin Rühl