Trek Remedy 8 : In Depth Test of the 2018 model

The Trek Remedy range is one of Treks most popular full suspension platforms. Trek Remedy riders are equipped with a versatile bike that feels at home when riding hard on technical terrain.

Who is it for?

If you ride terrain with technical descents, but need something that will get you back up the hills, the Trek Remedy is a great option for you. This is the perfect bike for riding at trail centres, as it is fun on the type of terrain they offer.

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Specifications

Frame	Alpha Platinum Aluminium, ABP, Boost148, Knock Block, Full Floater, EVO link, E2 tapered head tube, Mino Link, Control Freak internal routing, down tube guard, PF92, ISCG 05, 150 mm travel
Rear Shock	RockShox Deluxe RT3, RE:aktiv 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 230×57.5 mm
Fork	RockShox Lyrik RC, Solo Air spring, Charger damper, E2 tapered steerer, Boost110, 160 mm travel
Rear Derailleur	SRAM GX Eagle, Roller Bearing Clutch
Number of Gears	12
Shifters	SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
Chain set	SRAM Descendant 6k Eagle, 32T Direct Mount X-Sync
Bottom Bracket	PF92
Cassette	SRAM GX-1275, 10-50, 12-speed
Chain	SRAM GX Eagle
Pedals	Not Supplied
Brakeset	SRAM Guide R hydraulic disc
Handlebars	Bontrager Line, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 780 mm width
Stem	Bontrager Line, Knock Block, 35 mm, 0-degree, 50 mm length
Headset	Knock Block Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8˝ top, 1.5˝ bottom
Grips	Bontrager Rhythm, dual lock-on
Wheelset	Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 54T Rapid Drive, Boost110 front, Boost148 rear, tubeless strips included, valves sold separately
Tyres	Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, 120 tpi, aramid bead, 27.5×2.40˝
Saddle	Bontrager Evoke 2, chromoly rails
Seatpost	Bontrager Drop Line, internal routing, 31.6 mm (15.5: 100 mm/17.5 & 18.5: 125 mm/19.5 & 21.5: 150 mm)

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How Does it Ride?

We rode the Trek Remedy 8 at Coed y Brenin in North Wales. We took it on the Dragon’s Back trail. This trail has a good mix of climbing, single track and technical descents. Therefore, it was the perfect trail to test a bike like this.

As soon as I got on the Trek Remedy 8, it felt like the perfect size for me. The bike I had was a medium and I am about 5’9. The reach felt very similar to my own bike, so I felt at home on it straight away.

As soon as I started pedaling towards the trail, it instantly felt light and easy, indicating that I was going to have a really fun time with this bike.

Climbing

Climbing with the Trek Remedy was made easier by the lock out function on the Rock Shox rear shock absorber. It has three settings. One setting for descents and technical sections, one to reduce the “bounce” for pedaling and one that locks it out completely, for steeper climbs and road use.

The SRAM GX 12 speed Eagle drive train makes light work of long ascents. The bike I tested had an oval front chain ring, of which I am a big fan of. This also helped with fighting gravity.

Descending and Flow Sections

The geometry of the Trek Remedy is slightly longer than what you would find on a cross-country bike, this means that it is more stable on the way back down. This makes the Trek Remedy super fun, instills confidence. The short stem and wide handle bars helped it feel nimble and capable when the terrain got a bit technical.

When barreling along flowy single track sections is where the Trek Remedy really feels fun. These sections are where its agility starts to shine through when you are twisting through the trees. This is partly to do with how the 160mm RockShox Lyric RC forks and Deluxe RT3 shock smoothly absorb the smaller rocks and roots you encounter. But, they also make the bike feel planted when you land after hopping over other features on the trail.

When it comes to stopping, the SRAM Guide R brakes had a good feel to them. They provided progressive braking and gave further confidence in the bike’s ability.

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Where is the Trek Remedy 8 good for?

I would say that the Trek Remedy 8 is perfect for trail centres and most terrain off the beaten track. If you were thinking about riding one in the alps, you would get by in the man made style bike parks, and would have a lot of fun. This is down to its agility and suspension travel. However, if you were to take it to areas with particularly technical terrain, such as La Thuile or Finale Ligure in Italy, you would feel “under biked” and would struggle.

Key Features

• Alpha Platinum Aluminium Frame makes it super responsive
• RockShox Lyrik RC Fork soaks up the bumps excellently
• RockShox Deluxe RT3 Rear Shock provides excellent cushioning and helps with efficient pedaling
• SRAM GX Eagle 12 Speed Drivetrain gets you up the hills with ease
• SRAM Guide R hydraulic disc Brakes for smooth progressive braking that gives you confidence

Verdict

• The 2018 Trek Remedy 8 is fun, aggressive and capable for most people’s style of riding.
• Climbing is made easy by the lockout function on the shock absorber.
• This bike is agile and fun in flowy single track thanks to its geometry.
• When riding downhill, the Trek Remedy 8 is nimble and instills confidence, but big technical alpine descents may be too much for it

Click here to buy your Trek Remedy 8 from Evans Cycles