The Trek Rail+ 9.8 Gen 5 2027 is the top of the Rail+ carbon range — OCLV Mountain Carbon frame, wireless SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type shifting, and Fox Factory suspension front and rear. Bosch CX motor, 800Wh battery, 160mm travel.
WHO THIS BIKE SUITS
You want the best the Rail+ range offers and don't want to compromise on suspension or shifting.
You ride demanding, technical trails and want wireless SRAM AXS shifting that won't skip a beat.
You want Fox Factory-level suspension performance front and rear, not mid-range dampers.
You're chasing distant peaks and long days out, and want the range and support of the full-power Bosch CX system to make that possible.
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT
If Shimano XT mechanical shifting suits you better than wireless SRAM, the Rail+ 9.7 gives you the same carbon frame at a lower price.
If you don't need the top-tier suspension and shifting, the aluminium Rail+ 8 gets you the same motor and battery for considerably less.
WHERE IT SITS IN THE RANGE
The Rail+ 9.8 sits at the top of the range — the same OCLV Mountain Carbon frame as the 9.7, but with Fox Factory suspension and wireless SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type shifting in place of the 9.7's RockShox and Shimano XT setup.
Full Rail+ Gen 5 range: Rail+ 5 — Rail+ 8 — Rail+ 9.7 — Rail+ 9.8.
HOW IT RIDES
Motor and power delivery
The Bosch CX Gen 5 motor on the Rail+ is known for smooth, predictable power delivery rather than an aggressive shove — it reads your pedal input well and puts the power down progressively, which makes the bike feel more agile than its weight suggests. The Bosch CX system supports up to 120Nm of torque, adjustable in the Bosch Flow App.
Suspension and geometry
The mullet wheel setup (29" front, 27.5" rear) and 160mm travel front and rear give a planted, confident feel on descents, while the Fox Factory 38 fork and Float X shock are a genuine step up in small-bump sensitivity and control over the mid-range dampers on the 9.7 and 8. The Mino Link flip-chip lets you fine-tune the geometry to your local trails.
Drivetrain
Wireless SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type removes cable-routing hassle entirely and keeps shifting crisp under load — a genuine upgrade over mechanical shifting once you've ridden it back-to-back.
THE FINAL WORD
The Trek Rail+ 9.8 Gen 5 2027 is for riders who've decided they want the best version of the Rail+ platform and are ready to pay for it. Come in and we'll help you compare it against the 9.7 if you're weighing up whether the extra spend is worth it for your riding.
We reserve the right to make changes to the product information contained on this site at any time without notice, including with respect to equipment, specifications, models, colours, materials and pricing. Due to supply chain issues, compatible parts may be substituted at any time without notice. Bike and frame weights are based on pre-production painted frames at time of publication. Weights may vary in final production.
Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 20 mph / 32 km/h max assist (25 km/h max assist in EU and APAC). The Bosch CX system supports up to 120Nm of torque, adjustable in the Bosch Flow App.
Battery: Bosch PowerTube 800 Wh, smart system
Fork: Fox Factory 38, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP X2 damper, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Kabolt X axle, 160 mm travel
Rear shock: Fox Factory Float X, 2-position damper, 205 mm x 65 mm
Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, Removable Integrated Battery (RIB 2.0), tapered head tube, guided internal routing, Motor Armor, angle-adjust headset
Rear derailleur: Shimano XT Di2 M8260, 12-speed
Cassette: Shimano XT M8200, 10-51, 12-speed
Chain: Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed
Brake set: Shimano XT M8220, 4-piston hydraulic disc
Rotors: Shimano RT-6B750, 6-bolt, 200 mm front / 220 mm rear
Front hub: Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle
Rear hub: Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Rapid Drive 108, Shimano freehub, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
Handlebar: Race Face Aeffect, alloy, 35 mm, 40 mm rise, 800 mm width
Stem: Bontrager Elite, 35 mm, 0-degree, 45 mm length
Grips: Trek Line Elite, lock-on
Saddle: Verse Short Comp, steel rails, 145 mm width
Seatpost: Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 150 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 440 mm length
Personalised Bike Consultation
Not sure which model is perfect for you? Our expert team at All Ride Now in Midhurst, West Sussex is here to help you choose with confidence.
- Will you be riding mainly on or off-road?
- Do you prefer an upright or sportier riding position?
- Are you looking for longer range, lighter weight, or a more comfortable feel?
Through a friendly consultation – in-store, by phone, live chat or email – we’ll help you narrow down your options and find the bike that best fits your needs.