Since Trek introduced the Powerfly in 2014, it has been further developed several times. Unfortunately, the great revolution never materialized. But that doesn't mean anything bad, as the first ride test of the new Trek Superfly LT 2018 proves.
Battery integration - the new down tube on the Trek Powerfly LT 2018
Last year, Trek gave the Powerfly a new frame with revised geometry, adapted characteristics and a modern design language. Trek is sticking to the frame concept for the new season, polishing up the look of the Powerfly Hardtail, Powerfly FS and Powerfly LT with a newly developed down tube and a revised motor mount. The battery integrates nicely into the powerful down tube. Trek is not using the recently introduced Bosch PowerTube 500, but is instead using the already well-known and proven Bosch PowerPack in the down tube. A cover stuck onto the battery ensures better integration and makes removing the battery easier. In addition to the improved appearance, the lower center of gravity has had a positive effect on handling. Using the Bosch PowerPack offers the advantage that all Bosch batteries sold can be used in the Powerfly. The integrated battery can be charged in the bike or outside in just a few steps.
Trek Powerfly LT 2018 – The frame
Compared to the direct predecessor of the Trek Powerfly, only the down tube and the motor mount have changed. The new Powerfly also has a flip chip on the seat stay with which you can change the geometry. The Knock Block is also used here to prevent the handlebars or suspension fork from hitting the main frame. The Trek Powerfly is available with 130 mm or 150 mm travel in the LT version. The frame is identical on both bikes. The extra spring travel in the LT version is achieved via a damper with more stroke. Since efficiency plays a minor role on an e-mountain bike and the bike has more safety and reserves when descending, we would lean towards the variant with more suspension travel.
The e-bike optimization – the features of the Trek Powerfly LT 2018
The equipment on e-mountain bikes is often subjected to enormous stress, and the durability of many products is a problem. That's why Trek is relying on its own developed Bontrager Powerline wheelset for the new season for the Powerfly models, which is said to be significantly more stable thanks to increased wall thickness and also achieves downhill certification on its own test benches. The top models Powerfly FS9 and Powerfly LT 9 are also equipped with the EX1 gears and powerful Guide RE brakes developed by SRAM. All models have a Bosch 500 Wh battery as well as the compact Bosch Purion display and are delivered with eMTB mode.
The Trek Powerfly 2018 geometry
Trek has not changed the geometry for the new year 2018. Due to the longer suspension fork, the Powerfly LT has a flatter geometry than the Powerfly FS. It allows the geometry of both models to be varied via a flip chip.
Trek Powerfly FS
| Size | 15.5″ | 17.5″ | 18.5″ | 19.5″ | 21.5″ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering angle | [L]66.9° [H]67.4° |
[L]66.9° [H]67.4° |
[L]66.9° [H]67.4° |
[L]66.9° [H]67.4° |
[L]66.9° [H]67.4° |
| Seat angle | [L]71.5° [H]72.0° |
[L]71.5° [H]72.0° |
[L]71.5° [H]72.0° |
[L]71.5° [H]72.0° |
[L]71.5° [H]72.0° |
| Reach | [L]405mm [H]399mm |
[L]435mm [H]442mm |
[L]453mm [H]461mm |
[L]466mm [H]473mm |
[L]490mm [H]497mm |
| Control tube | 100mm | 100mm | 105mm | 110mm | 125mm |
| Seat tube | 368mm | 419mm | 445mm | 470mm | 521mm |
| BB drop | 24mm | 24mm | 24mm | 24mm | 24mm |
| Chainstay | 474mm | 474mm | 474mm | 474mm | 474mm |
| wheelbase | [L]1177mm [H]1176mm |
[L]1207mm [H]1207mm |
[L]1228mm [H] 1227mm |
[L]1243mm [H] 1242mm |
[L]1273mm [H]1272mm |
| Stack | [L]594mm [H]589mm |
[L]593mm [H]588mm |
[L]598mm [H]592mm |
[L]602mm [H]592mm |
[L]616mm [H]609mm |
Trek Powerfly LT
| Size | 15.5″ | 17.5″ | 18.5″ | 19.5″ | 21.5″ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering angle | [L]66.0° [H]66.5° |
[L]66.0° [H]66.5° |
[L]66.0° [H]66.5° |
[L]66.0° [H]66.5° |
[L]66.0° [H]66.5° |
| Seat angle | [L]71.5° [H]72.0° |
[L]71.5° [H]72.0° |
[L]71.5° [H]72.0° |
[L]71.5° [H]72.0° |
[L]71.5° [H]72.0° |
| Reach | [L]393mm [H]399mm |
[L]423mm [H]430mm |
[L]441mm [H]449mm |
[L]454mm [H]461mm |
[L]478mm [H]485mm |
| Control tube | 100mm | 100mm | 105mm | 110mm | 125mm |
| Seat tube | 368mm | 419mm | 445mm | 470mm | 521mm |
| BB drop | 16mm | 16mm | 16mm | 16mm | 16mm |
| Chainstay | [L]475mm [H]474mm |
[L]475mm [H]474mm |
[L]475mm [H]474mm |
[L]475mm [H]474mm |
[L]475mm [H]474mm |
| wheelbase | [L]1183mm [H] 1182mm |
[L]1213mm [H]1212mm |
[L]1233mm [H]1233mm |
[L]1248mm [H]1247mm |
[L]1278mm [H]1277mm |
| Stack | [L]599mm [H]584mm |
[L]599mm [H]594mm |
[L]604mm [H]598mm |
[L]608mm [H]598mm |
[L]622mm [H]616mm |
The Trek Powerfly LT 2018 in practice
When you get on the Powerfly LT for the first time, everything seems very familiar, which is no surprise since nothing has been changed in the geometry. With a height of 180 cm on the 19.5″ model, the seating position is very central and comfortable. Due to the short head tube, the cockpit sits very low. All spacers were mounted directly on the stem to sit a little more upright and provide more control on steep descents.
The Bosch drive is powerful as usual and noticeably pushes the bike uphill. The controllability of the new eMTB mode is very good; the power is provided directly without any delay. Switching assistance levels is really reduced. Since the eMTB mode reaches maximum power very quickly and draws a corresponding amount of power, you should regularly switch to Tour or Eco mode to save battery capacity. With 475mm long chainstays, the Powerfly LT becomes a climbing machine. No matter how steep the ramps may be, the front wheel literally sticks to the ground! The RE:aktiv technology ensures that the rear triangle still reacts to bumps when the platform damper is activated, thereby generating a lot of traction.
The Trek Powerfly impresses with its extremely smooth running on the descent! The weight distribution on the bike is really good and so it's easy to load both wheels equally when cornering - the Powerfly doesn't understeer or oversteer. The safe impression of the bike is underlined by the sensitive handling of the chassis.
Soon also available from us!!!!
Source: ebike-mtb.com
