Is the Allant+ 9.9S the Ultimate Urban EV To Replace Your Car? Trek Seems To Think So

Folks, today we're going to be taking a closer look at an e-bike from none other than Trek, the one and the same that's been at the head of the cycling pack since 1972. It's here that I locked eyes with what Trek considers "more than worthy of replacing your car," the Allant+ 9.9S. Why bring this puppy to light? Simply because I agree with Trek, this thing is on a different level in terms of functionality.

Now, to kick things off, let me start by pointing out the price for a new 9.9S, no less than $5,850 (€5,400 at current exchange rates). While that may feel like a whole lot for folks like you and me, it's actually a reduced price, down from $6,350 (€5,800). Why so much for an electrified bike? Well, let's start with the frame.

What you're looking at is nothing more than a carbon fiber backbone (frame) crafted using Trek's proprietary OCLV fiber, considered by some to be the best around, depending on who you ask. Even though that frame houses a motor, battery, and countless cables, it's kept clean with internal routing. Oh, the fork is carbon too. Talk about a smooth ride. Best of all, with all those massive Bosch components, drivetrain, fenders, and cargo racks, we're looking at an e-bike with a total weight of 22 kg (48 lbs) for a size medium. Not bad for an e-bike, not bad at all.

Speaking of electronics, now's a good time to point out that the 9.9S comes with some of the biggest gear that Bosch currently has on the market. Integrated into the downtube sits a huge PowerTube with 625 Wh of juice. If I'm not mistaken, this is the largest battery the German powerhouse manufactures and is responsible for Allant's outstanding maximum range of 80 mi (129 km)! Some versions, however, use the 500 Wh PowerTube, so expect a bit less range with those.

But why such a large battery? Well, aside from the fact that no one wants to sit around recharging their e-bike every day, another reason why we find such a large array is because of the motor. Mounted into the BB of the Allant, Trek provides a Bosch Performance Speed motor with a whopping 85 Nm (63 ft-lb) of torque. What does this mean for you and me? It means a top speed of up to 28 mph (45 kph), limited by software, and the ability to basically climb whatever hills your area has in store.

Now, this much power is way more than you'd ever need in an urban setting, so what gives? To understand this, we need to consider that Trek built much more than just an urban bike, and this is clear from the size of the tires, 27.5 x 2.4 in, and the presence of cargo racks. Sure, you can carry your groceries home from work during the week, but come Saturday, it's time for a long-distance ride out of town, a bit of camping, and then heading back the next day. With a few extra cargo bags, you'll have nothing to worry about. You can even pick up an extra battery if you really want to take things further.

The rest of this bugger is completed with mostly in-house gear, like the Bontrager handlebar, grips, seat, and the tires I mentioned. But, the drivetrain is offered by Shimano. At the rear, a Deore XT hub is present, holding onto a 180 mm (7.1 in) disc rotor, and a Shimano SLX 10-45T cassette tuned to 12 speeds is all the range we get. An XT derailleur will be moving the chain up and down your gear range. Cranks, however, are from Prowheel. To sum it all up, not bad, not terrible, so there's room for improvement if you ask me.

Another feature I'd like to point out is how your smartphone is integrated into your whole experience. The cockpit houses a Bosch SmartphoneHub Display that turns your device into your very own onboard computer. Once coupled with the COBI.Bike app, you can track your rides, stay up to date with the weather, listen to music, and even recharge your phone.

If we put all this together, we're looking at the sort of e-bike that can take you to work during the week, help you carry groceries on the way home, and during weekends, it can be taken out for nice long rides, the kind that leaves your buttcheeks numb. With a pair of cargo bags on the rear, some water in your backpack, a few snacks, and even a backup battery, there are little places you cant go. Just remember to keep both wheels on the ground at all times with this one.

At the end of the day, there's really only one way to see if something is a fit for you: go out there, try it, and if you like it, buy it. Or you can just buy the Allant+ 9.9S, and if it's not worth the cash, ship it back to Trek within thirty days. Your call.