Trek's new Remedy - for the whole mountain

With news breaking last week that Trek had given their Fuel EX and Remedy ranges a complete overhaul, plenty of mountain bikers around the world became pretty excited. And why not? The rate that our sport is evolving needs to be matched with bikes that suit how we are riding, and what we are riding. Companies like Trek have been hard at work ensuring their mountain bike line has something to offer for just about every mountain biker – and these new updates show excellent attention to changing trends in bike design and riding styles. They’re frame designs to suit how we are riding.

The new Trek Remedy

Thew new Remedy – in all its glory.

The new Remedy is all grown up, with 150mm travel and a dedicated 27.5″ wheel size. The frame has been slackened out, and the Straight Shot downtube creates a stiffer platform. While Trek have kept the Re:Aktiv damper, it’s in a RockShox suspension unit, instead of only via Fox – which opens up more suspension options for Trek owners.

RockShox goes Re:Aktiv

The Remedy has the MinoLink, a tab in the rocker that can be set in either a high or low position. It allows a noticeable adjustment to the bike’s geometry. The ‘High’ setting steepens the steering, lifts the bottom bracket, and essentially is more suitable for terrain that might be slower moving, flatter and more technical – where getting the bike around corners and over really rocky terrain helps. The Low position lengthens the bike, drops the bottom bracket height, and creates a more stable ride for big hits and high speeds. It’s not quite a mid-ride change, but it’s a great way to tune the riding for your trails, or where you happy to be riding or racing.

The MinoLink is a very neat geometry adjustment.

There are two models which offer 160mm travel adjustable forks which should be perfect for race day, and a women’s specific model as well.

Trek have a frame protector built in.

Along with the Control Freak internal cable guides, Trek have incorporated a fork bumper into the down tube. It seems that the Straight Shot downtube take s a different line, and would interfere with the fork crown on full bar spin – hence the built in protector to stop frame damage.

Models and pricing for the new Remedy

There are 4 models available in Australia, starting at about $3699 for the Remedy 7. With an alloy frame and RockShox Yari fork and Deluxe RL rear shock, the frame and suspension will be dialled. The bike is a 2×10 Shimano Deore/SLX build, with a KS Lev Integra dropper post and Bontrager Duster Elite tubeless ready wheels and XR4 tyres. While some might scoff at the 2×10 setup, for well under $4k you get a spot on suspension package, a broad gear range and tubeless wheels. There’s very little to complain about there.

The Remedy 8 gets key upgrades in the suspension and drivetrain. While a RockShox Pike RC graces the front, a Deluxe RT3 is specced out back. Shifting is via a SRAM GX set up for 1×11, and brakes remain Deore. It’s a smart $800 upgrade for the capabilities of the suspension upgrade alone with a Charger Damper equipped fork. But the better rear shock and 1×11 group is also a solid performance upgrade.

Jump up to about $5400 and you look at the Remedy 9 RSL (Race Shop Limited) – pretty much one of the race spec bikes. The frame is still Alpha Aluminium, but you gain a travel adjustable RockShox Yari up front, and keep the same Deluxe RT3 in the back. A wheel upgrade to Bontrager Line wheels and Team Issue tyres is a notable improvement, as is the SRAM GX/X1 group set, complemented by the Guide RS brakes. This model also uses Bontrager’s new dropper post, with infinite adjust and a design that means no side-to-side play. You’re putting money into the fork, wheels, and primarily brakes – all the right places for a bike destined for race use.

The Remedy 9.8 moves into carbon fibre, and come in at $6799. With a RockShox Pike RC with Charger damper up front, matched to the Deluxe RT3 with Re:Aktiv damper. Bontrager Line Comp wheels are tubeless ready, along with the XR 4 Team Issue tyres. The Remedy 9.8 runs a Shimano M8000 2×11 setup, which is ideal for big days in big hills, with a tightly spaced broad gear range. Not into 2x setups? Just get a single chain ring and take the rest off. Easy. Brakes are also M8000, and a 125mm Bontrager Drop Line seat post takes care of getting your seat down or up.

Remedy 9.8 $6,799

Remedy 9 RSL $5,399

Remedy 8 $4,499

Remedy 7 $3,699

Need more details? Well get in touch with your local Trek dealer and see if you can line up a test ride.