Trek Super Commuter +9 ebike Review

The Trek Super Commuter +9 Electric Bike Has a Lot to Offer, but Is It as Good as the Brand Says?

The Bosh motor has enough power to get up to Electric Bike Laws: Know Them Before Riding in pedal-assist mode. This model will be within the e-bike laws for users in Europe and Australia.

Read More: Electric Bike Laws: Get Informed Before Buying

One of the things clearly noted in the frame is that it may not be available in other colors. Despite this, the black matte looks good to me.

The Pulsing Heart of the +9

I first noticed the incredible power to enjoy a smooth, rolling ride with loads of comfort. This is thanks to the powerful Bosch Performance CX motor.

I’ll discuss the battery briefly, but I was surprised that the manufacturer chose a 250w mid-drive motor rather than a more powerful one. I’m sure this was decided considering a higher torque rating of 75Nm (on the high-end for most commuter e-bikes).

Fun fact: Most of the brand e-bikes are powered by Bosch motors!

To power the Bosch motor, the brand made sure to install a suitable battery. Not only that was important for them, but also the placement of it. The 500Wh battery unit was neatly built-in and secured with an ABUS lock and key on the frame’s downtube.

I like that the battery can be charged while sitting in the frame, which is sometimes convenient. However, I would suggest removing it whenever possible.

Read More: E-Bike Batteries Beginner’s Guide

Now, these two components also needed something particular to synch both harmoniously. Bosch has the solution and provided the Purion controller system, which sits in the handlebar.

With the controller, I could monitor the battery status, pedal assist level (PAS) that goes up to 5, and power on and off the lights.

One thing that I found inconvenient was reading the stats offered by the controller, as they look a bit smaller than what I had hoped.

Regarding the PAS, the option for a Turbo level for maximum power is available, but it will take its toll on battery use. In saying this, the maximum battery range could be up to 75 km in the eco mode and around 30 km in the turbo mode.

I also found two more levels: the Sport mode, which provided an increased cadence (great when taking off), and the Tour mode, which will give that extra push without compromising too much battery energy.

Should You Buy this E-Bike For Commuting?

Considering the price found in the market, it remains affordable compared to other commuter models from the same brand.

Here are some excellent reasons why you could consider it:

• The wide rims offer consistent stability and sturdiness, especially when taking bumps.
• Included are full-length mudguards to ride in the worst weather without spoiling your clothes.
• The NuVinci hub gear at the rear wheel offers a constant and changeable function controlled by the grip-shift style shifter.

• The front lights deliver ample illumination (1100 Lumens) when cycling at night; this is great as riding any time of the day would be easy. Also, be mindful of other cyclists coming your way and pointing a solid light beam.
• You can adjust the saddle according to your height (between 155 cm and 197cm, almost for every person).
• The CX motor drive unit allows an incredible torque, so there should not be many issues taking off or climbing up hills.
• Incorporated, there is a simple and lightweight Boshc display.
• You can use it as a pedelec or deactivate the assistance (if you feel like doing an extra workout).
• The thick tires (27″ by 2.4″) offer a comfortable ride, eliminating the need for a front suspension system.
• Furthermore, it is made with a Hydroformed frame known to last a lifetime.

Reasons to consider other options:

• The Magura MT brake system and 160 mm rotors are impressive but not as powerful as I thought. I had a bit of a delay in the braking response when the rotor was wet.

• Compared to most other lightweight electric bikes, this model is somehow heavy (weighs 50.71 lbs (23 kg)). If required, remove the battery to reduce the weight.
• It doesn’t have a conventional drivetrain system with a cassette and so on. In this case, figuring out why the shifting system is malfunctioning would be almost impossible. If so, find the nearest bike shop in your area.

Final Comments

This electric bike has high-performance components and comfortable control while traveling at high speed.

I am particular with noisy motors, and this Bosh component was not the case. It actually ran quietly, even at the highest speed.

I loved the look of the bike as a whole. Clean curves, elegant design. Also, the main components, such as the battery, have been embedded to make it look good.

Lastly, I was surprised the brand didn’t include a full rear rack version, so commuting is more favorable.

Overall, I think the Trek Super Commuter +9 could be a good investment, especially if knowing that the elements used to build this model are high-end.

Images courtesy of Trek e-bikes GB.