Trek Rail 9.8 GX AXS Gen 3 First Ride Impressions

First ride on a my new Trek Rail 9.8 GX AXS Gen 3. Picked this bike up from my good buddy Matt at the Trek Factory store in Kettering, Ohio. I did ride a 2021 Trek Rail 9.7 Gen 2 in size XL (I am 6'2" tall and 190 lbs). The new updated frame, layout, and bigger 750Wh battery give the Gen 3 Rail a different feel while riding. My initial impressions....

The new Gen 3 Rail 9.8 feels more stout overall with a little more feedback from the trail. The additional weight of the 750Wh battery is noticeable but combined with the lively Bosch motor response and very good Rockshox ZEB Select+ fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock the Gen 3 Rail feels very stable and planted on the trail - confidence inspiring for a moto rider like me. I called my Gen 2 Rail 9.7 the E-MTB that does not feel like an E-MTB because of it's lightweight feel and agility on the trails. This new Gen 3 Rail trades in the lightweight non-E MTB feel for a more beefy and stronger feel. If you prefer a lighter feeling bike and 625Wh of battery is enough for your riding then the Gen 2 Rail may be a better choice. If you want a more moto feeling and planted bike that can go a long time on the 750Wh battery then the Gen 3 might be a better choice.

[MarkFries-on]

I am going to order a Yamaha Ydx Moro 07. 2, 500 for the bike along with an additional battery!! I think the deal is through October!