Here it is, the last piece of our Shimano XT test mule puzzle, a Trek Remedy 9.9 carbon frame. Initially we had planned to build a capable all mountain ripper that wouldn’t break the bank and was decently light. That was until the Remedy 9.9 carbon showed up, and our plans went out the window. Coupled with our DT Swiss EXM 150 fork, even with a full XT build kit, this will still be one light 150mm travel bike.
Light weight is great and all, but for a true all mountain rig durability is probably more important, so how does the Remedy stack up? When you first pick up the frame, its burliness belies the true weight as thick tube shapes trick you into thinking it’s heavier than it really is. Then you realize that this weight includes the rear thru axle, full bottom bracket, part of the headset, the shock, and the seatpost collar.
It’s obviously going to be light, otherwise why bother with carbon, but just how light is it?
Find out after the break!
5 lbs, 12 oz for a 17.5″ frame, that’s how light. Remember, that this includes everything listed above and you start to see the big picture. Considering there are 100mm travel frames that are around 5lbs, the Remedy is fairly impressive for a bike of its size.
While the Remedy 9.9 is indeed light, durability seems to have been a top priority which is shown through the use of aluminum for the chain stays, the carbon armor on the down tube, and OCLV Mountain carbon. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “great, another acronym/company saying its carbon is the best, but just watch the following video first before you make up your mind.
I admit, the thought of a carbon all mountain bike is a little unsettling, but after many miles on two generations of Trek Fuel EX 9.8s, the worry is fading. The only negative when you compare the carbon Remedy to its aluminum siblings, is the lack of ISCG tabs, but I’m guessing this is something they are working on.
Even though it lacks ISCG tabs, at least there is a chain guard plate that should protect the frame somewhat in the event of a dropped chain.
When we first set out to obtain a frame to run the new XT group, one of the main requirements was that the frame came equipped with 142 x 12. There are still quite a few companies that aren’t offering it, or that are going with 135 x 12 instead, but the fact that Shimano appears to be supporting 142 x 12 and not 135 x 12 is telling of where the industry is headed. The Remedy frame will allow us to take advantage of Shimano’s new 142 x 12 XT level wheelset, which is a first for the XT level. Like all 142 x 12 from Trek (Scratch includes 135 x 12 hardware), the frame also includes the hardware to run the standard 135mm quick release so you can run whatever you want.
At the heart of the Remedy’s suspension is the Fox DRCV RP23 which is connected to the EVO Link and Full Floater chain stays. DRCV stands for Dual Rate Control Valve, which is tech speak for the fact that inside the shock are two air chambers that are connected via a small plunger. As the shock progresses through the travel the plunger is moved which opens the second air chamber which provides a super plush suspension that still pedals efficiently. Add in the RP23 with Boostvalve and you have a 150mm all mountain bike that can climb like a Billy goat.
The US made Trek Remedy 9.9 has enough acronyms to sink a ship, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is a lean, mean, all mountain machine. Built up with a random assortment of parts from my basement, the fully built bike came in at 26 lbs 15 oz, with pedals. Hopefully the next time you see this bike it will boast a full XT kit, along with quite a few more miles with a full review to come.
