Trek Powerfly 5 Gen 4 E-Mountain Bike Review

The Trek Powerfly 5 is an electric mountain bike with different updates.

The latest update of the Powerfly 5 was in 2023. In this opportunity, the brand called it Gen 4.

This Trek model is not a full-suspension electric bike; however, the front suspension is good enough to tackle medium-harsh terrain.

Trek Powerfly 5 Gen 4 Specs Summary (basic)

E-BIKE MODEL: 2023 MOTOR & TOP SPEED Bosch tech, Performance CX Line Class 1 (pedal assist – PAS) 250w mid-drive (learn about e-bike motors) Max speed for motor to cut down: 25 km/h (15 mph) Torque: 85Nm

BATTERY Removable water-proof integrated battery to low-tube frame 36v, 625wh, 17.7Ah Charging in ~4 hrs from drained (EBA tested), with 4Amp charger

RANGE (based on brand information) Max Range: Approx. 120 km (80 miles) – Eco (ideal conditions) Min Range: Approx 60 km/h (40 miles) – Turbo (ideal conditions)

CONTROLLER, RIDING MODES & DISPLAY Bosch Intuvia 100. Four (4) PAS levels (also called Eco, Tour, Turbo and eMTB) Walk mode added The display can be replaced with a smartphone (it needs a special attachment)

FRAME Aluminium alloy Sizes are suitable for people between 145 cm  (57″) to 195 cm ( 76″) Thru-axel The high tube geometry varies depending on the rider’s height

GEAR SYSTEM Shimano Deore 12-speed 10-51 Tooth cassette 36t crankset

BRAKING SYSTEM Tektro, 4 pistons, 180mm rotor (front and rear) if small. 203 mm rotor from large to XL Hydraulic system 2 finger adjustable reach levers

POWERFLY 5 GEN 4 WEIGHT ~24 kg (52 lbs) as it comes. EBA tested

TYRES & SUSPENSION Tyres: Bontrager XT3 Elite 27″ (XS, S); 29″ diameter x 2.35″ front and rear tyres. Tubeless-ready, puncture resistant (Threads per Inch – TPI 31) Allow rims 30 – 40psi Schrader valve Front Suspension: RockShox Recon Silver RL. Air front suspension, 100 mm travel (XS, S); 120 mm travel (M, L, XL).

SENSORS Torque, cadence, speed

FEATURES No front or rear light is included Guard to prevent the chain from coming off at the crankset

Riding The Powerfly 5

Frame

The new Powerfly 5 is one of the most versatile e-mountain bikes I’ve tested.

Its robust aluminum frame offered great comfort while riding. I also liked the attention to detail and cleanliness of the cabling running inside the lower tube.

The frame was not designed to attach many elements; however, it was good to see extra bottle cage bosses to attach an extra battery if needed.

Another point I noticed was that the XS and S frames have a curve-high tube design, which makes them perfect for shorter riders (as seen in the above image).

Front suspension

One thing that attracted my attention was that the elements attached depended on the frame size.

For instance, the frame I tested (large) had a 120 mm front suspension travel; I later found out that the XS and S models would have a suspension of 100 mm travel.

Battery performance

Trek walked the walk to give a reliable e-mountain bike with a fully integrated battery.

The main benefit I found of this model was that the battery is well protected from dirt and grime and that it can be removed from the frame for external charging.

The battery is not the most powerful within the e-MTB range, but I think 625Wh is good enough to cover more than 100 km; this if using the lowest pedal assistance modes.

About the range, I calculated 105 km using Eco mode. On the other hand, the brand indicated a 60 km range with the Turbo mode. I’m unsure about this last one, as no other bike has shown more than 40 km.

The one thing I didn’t like was the charging port being too close to the pedals. This could be bothersome if the pedal has to be moved.

Once drained of energy, the battery can be recharged in 4 hrs if using the dedicated charger.

Motor efficiency & performance

This electric mountain bike front suspension model was equipped with the Bosch Performance CX Line mid-drive 250w motor, which these days is one of the most silent ones I’ve tested.

I compared the motor with the 2019 version (the first one I tested) and noticed the motor size was reduced. This was great as it improved the ground clearance and overall weight (24 kg).

Similar to what I experienced with the Focus Thron2 6.8 e-MTB, the 85Nm torque was quite giving and powerful when climbing up.

Lastly, I was pleased to see the motor would cut off at 25 km/h.

Controller, Drivetrain, and Brakes

With Bosh’s technological improvements, the Powerfly 5 Gen 4 now uses the Bosh Smart System, which I love.

Previously the Bosch Purion controller was used, but now, I was happy to see the Intuvia 100. This controller offered a lot of things, one of them is the big display.

On the drivetrain side, it was equipped with Shimano elements and Tektro brakes. The interesting part was that the XS and S sizes have 180 mm rotors, whereas the bigger sizes have 205 mm rotors (which is really big).

Pros and Cons of the Gen 4

Let’s have a look at what positives and opportunities:

Positives:

• A variety of bike and frame styles can satisfy most riders.
• Excellent handling of challenging terrains.
• Outstanding brake system and balance enhance safety.
• This e-bike delivers smooth rides and a traditional feeling.

Limitations:

• Most models come with no integrated lights, which could be an extra cost.

Trek Powerfly 5 Review Final Verdict

This model can live up to expectations when riding easy-to-medium-grade mountain biking terrains.

Despite being praised for its road performance, I don’t think it was made for commuting as the tyres could generate a lot of resistance.

With a variety of frames and sizes, indeed, there is one model for many people.

What attracted me to this Gen 4 was the technology used to power and build the bike. It has high-quality components and great balance for safe rides.

Maybe the comfort could’ve been improved with the use of more ergonomic grips, especially when braking and hand comfort.

Overall, I loved the Powerfly 5 Gen 4.

All images courtesy of Trek