The Trek Powerfly LT 9.9 Plus is the result of several years of evolution. In this latest iteration, the bike features a classy carbon frame, a smartly integrated battery and the proven Bosch Performance CX motor. Will the bike still manage to convince our test riders?

For more information on the group test head to: The best eMTB you can buy

Trek Powerfly LT 9.9 Plus | 22.68 kg | € 7,999

Trek and Bosch have been in a partnership for years. With the Powerfly LT 9.9 Plus, the American brand proves how neatly the proven Performance CX motor can be integrated into the frame. They’ve also paid special attention to user-friendliness, making it very easy to remove the PowerTube battery from the side. Without fumbling, without dirty hands, the integrated handle makes it possible – well done.

The Trek Powerfly is one of the best Bosch driven eMTB currently available on the market

If you’re willing to fork out € 7,999, you will receive the top-end model with a wisely chosen mix of components where performance takes priority. For example, Trek relies on a SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain but opts for reliable and powerful Shimano XT four-piston brakes. The suspension features a combination of a RockShox Deluxe RT3 RE:aktiv shock and a FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 fork. Completing the package, you’ve got Bontrager Line carbon wheels. Although the new Bontrager Line dropper post is an improvement over the previous version, its lever still doesn’t do justice to the otherwise high-quality impression.

Trek Powerfly LT 9.9 Plus in Detail

Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 160 mm
Rear shock RockShox Deluxe RT3 RE:aktiv 150 mm
Motor/Battery Bosch Performance CX/ PowerTube 500 Wh
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle
Brakes Shimano XT 4 piston 200/200 mm
Seat post Bontrager Line 160 mm
Stem Bontrager Line Pro 60 mm
Handlebar Bontrager Line Pro 770 mm
Wheels Bontrager Line Pro 40 Carbon
Tires Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 27.5×2.8″

A league of its own
The suspension of the Trek Powerfly 9.9 LT Plus is convincing throughout.
Too fancy
The SRAM XX1-drivetrain is super fancy, but it’s wasted on an eMTB. If it breaks or wears out, replacements will be quite expensive!
Outdated
The Bosch Purion display is very chunky and no longer does justice to a bike in 2019. eMTB mode, on the other hand, works as well as ever.

Geometry of the Trek Powerfly LT 9.9 Plus

Size XS S M L XL
Seat tube 368 mm 419 mm 445 mm 470 mm 521 mm
Oberrohr 570 mm 600 mm 620 mm 634 mm 662 mm
Head tube 100 mm 100 mm 105 mm 110 mm 125 mm
Head angle 65.5° 65.5° 65.5° 65.5° 65.5°
Seat angle 73.5° 73.5° 73.5° 73.5° 73.5°
Chainstay 475 mm 475 mm 475 mm 475 mm 475 mm
BB Height 344 mm 344 mm 344 mm 344 mm 344 mm
Wheelsbase 1,186 mm 1,216 mm 1,236 mm 1,250 mm 1,281 mm
Reach 386 mm 416 mm 435 mm 448 mm 472 mm
Stack 602 mm 602 mm 607 mm 611 mm 625 mm

Trek Powerfly LT 9.9 Plus in Review

Helmet iXS TRIGGER AM | Jersey Norrona | Shorts GORE C5 All Mountain Shorts | Backpack CamelBak K.U.D.U. Transalp

Like its predecessors, the Trek Powerfly LT 9.9 Plus is a powerful climber. This is due in part to the powerful Bosch Performance CX motor, which is easy to modulate in eMTB mode, but it is also the result of the excellent geometry. As the rider, you are positioned very centrally on the bike, and thanks to the long rear linkage and the low front end, the front wheel stays firmly planted on the ground, even on steep inclines.

Tuning tip: mount higher rise handlebars

The Trek is very comfortable to ride on flat sections too. Going downhill, there are significantly more agile bikes, but the Powerfly scores with its composed and predictable handling. It is easy and quick to manoeuvre, willingly changing direction at your command. However, the low front end pulls the rider forward and on steep descents, you’ll find yourself tensing up to keep your weight central. If you ride a lot of technical trails, we recommend fitting a handlebar with more rise. As you’d expect from Trek, the suspension performs brilliantly. It sovereignly filters out even the slightest bumps, and it isn’t bothered by bigger hits either, all without excessively isolating the rider from the trail – perfect. The Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tires offer excellent grip and puncture protection.


Riding Characteristics

4

Agility

  1. sluggish
  2. playful

Stability

  1. nervous
  2. stable

Handling

  1. demanding
  2. balanced

Riding fun

  1. boring
  2. lively

Motor feeling

  1. digital
  2. natural

Motor power

  1. weak
  2. strong

Value for money

  1. poor
  2. top

Technical Data

Size: XS S M L XL
Weight: 22.68 kg
Perm. total weight: 136 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment): 113 kg
Motor torque: 75 Nm
Battery Capacity: 500 Wh
Travel (f/r): 160/150 mm
Wheel Size: 27.5"
Price: € 7,999

Rider type

Touring Rider 1
Trail rider 2
Extreme rider 3

Conclusion

The Trek Powerfly LT 9.9 Plus is one of the best Bosch driven eMTBs currently available on the market, able to convince with excellent climbing characteristics, well-balanced handling and stylish battery integration. If you want a great looking eMTB with a proven motor and composed handling, you will find it here!

Tops

  • excellent suspension
  • balanced, composed handling
  • good climbing capabilities

Flops

  • front too low on steep descents
  • cumbersome in tight sections

For more information head to: trekbikes.com

For more information on the group test head to: The best eMTB you can buy

All Bikes in Test

Canyon Spectral:ON 9.0 | Focus JAM² 9.8 DRIFTERGHOST HYBRIDE SL AMR X S 7.7+ LCGiant Trance E+ 0 Pro | Haibike XDURO AllMtn 8.0 FLYON | Husqvarna HC 9.0 | Intense TazerLapierre eZesty AM LTD Ultimate | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 900E | Mondraker Level RRScott Genius eRIDE 900 TUNED | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo FSRThömus Lightrider E1 | Trek Powerfly LT 9.9


This article is from E-MOUNTAINBIKE issue #016

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Words: Photos: Trev Worsey