trek fuel ex 2016 geometry

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Trek Fuel EX 29 2016

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Holding the cards to perfect trail days Shuffling things up and dealing a royal flush of adjustability, capable handling, and a grin-inducing playful ride, Fuel EX is back and more ready than ever to tame any trail. It packs in longer-travel suspension to broaden the horizons of a trail bike into bigger terrain and faster speeds, with a lively character that begs to be let loose on the singletrack. From lacing lines through tight aspens, to rallying root lattices and barreling through berms, any trail, any way, Fuel EX is up to get down.

• Meet Fuel EX Gen 6

Our favorite Trek

Fuel EX proved itself a happy climber and descender. From slabs to roots and square-edge hits, the Fuel EX handled it masterfully. A damn fine trail bike right out of the box, no matter your riding style. – Vital MTB

• Read the review

Fuel EX is a masterpiece

Fuel EX absolutely devours chunky terrain while still retaining the ability to tractor up steep climbs. I have become convinced that a bike with long, stable geometry and mid-level travel really can provide the best of both worlds. – Freehub Magazine

Loves to ride fast, both up and down

Fuel EX is a highly adaptable bike that feels comfortable in a really wide variety of terrain, but doesn’t confuse itself for anything more or less. Bike riders, rejoice. – The Loam Wolf

Ready for anything

Fuel EX’s geometry feels ready for just about anything. There’s plenty of traction for climbing and a nice fluttery feel on descents, calmly smoothing out the trail chatter. – Pinkbike

That “juuust right” feel

Mino Link lets you quickly and easily tweak your geometry, so your bike is always tuned perfectly for the terrain and your riding style.

Slack or steep, the choice is yours

Install angle adjust headset cups (sold separately) to tweak the 64.5-degree headtube angle a degree steeper or slacker to your liking — all without impacting your bottom bracket height.

Business in the front, party in the back

Craving the nimble ride of 27.5˝ wheels but don’t want to sacrifice the speed of a 29er? No need to choose. Fuel EX is mullet-ready, just throw Mino Link in high, toss on a 160mm fork, and get ready to party.

Adjustable Leverage Rate

Easily adjust suspension progression with just a flip of a chip. Ride it in the Less progressive setting for a plusher feel perfect for rugged trails loaded with square-edge bumps. Flip it to More progressive when you’re riding fast, hitting big features, and don’t want to bottom out — or if you want to roll with a coil shock.

Sized for every rider Whether your head is above the clouds, or you stand at a lower altitude, Fuel EX’s huge size range provides an awesome fit for every rider. If you fall between XS and XXL you’ll be ready to saddle up with size-appropriate wheels and chainstay lengths for a ride that’s fine tuned to you no matter your height.

The slack and stable 64.5-degree head tube angle complements the longer-travel suspension for more confidence.

A steeper, 77.2-degree seatube keeps you perched for pedaling efficiency on long fire roads and quick, punchy climbs.

Longer reach compensates for the steeper seat tube, so you stay comfortable in the cockpit and ready for what’s around the corner.

Size-specfic chainstays give smaller riders more nimble handling, while taller riders get better front wheel traction on climbs.

New frame, new possibilities

Fuel EX’s new generation opens up possibilities for riders who want full customization. Broader shock compatibility allows for more aftermarket upgrades, like coil shocks. A larger 34.9mm seat tube accommodates larger, more robust dropper posts.

Non-stop suspension

Trek’s exclusive Active Braking Pivot keeps your suspension active while you’re braking (which is often when you need it most).

Clean and easy

Internal routing tunnels eliminate cable rattle and simplify maintenance along with a robust threaded BB. Bolt-on downtube and chainstay guards protect against rock strikes and shuttle damage while muting noise from the trail.

Stow it, don’t show it

Stash your ride essentials with in-tube storage on all models — both carbon and alloy. Included Bontrager BITS bag keeps all your odds and ends organized.

Brandon Semenuk x Kade Edwards | Parallel II

Two riders, two interconnected tracks, and two new Fuel EX's running mullet setups. Watch Brandon Semenuk and Kade Edwards come together to push the limits of new Fuel EX with unbelievable proximity riding and mind-blowing cinematography.

The Fuel EX Family

Fuel EX Gen 5

With 130mm rear and 140mm front travel, Fuel EX Gen 5 dishes out more nimble handling with less weight, along with better components for the price and internal storage on carbon models. • 130/140mm travel • More nimble handling • Lighter overall weight • Better parts for the price • Internal storage on carbon models

Fuel EX Gen 6

With 140mm rear and 150mm front travel, Fuel EX Gen 6 gives you extra adjustability features and more stable handling, plus a more robust frame with internal storage on all models, including alloy. • 140/150mm travel • More stable handling • More robust frame • More adjustability • Internal storage on all models

Looking for something a little different?

Sometimes less is more. Top Fuel is a shorter-travel full-suspension down-country bike ready for all-day pedal fests. It’s just as happy hammering out miles on smooth-rolling cross country singletrack as it is dipping over the backside of the mountain to explore off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Want to go bigger? Slash is a long-travel trail bike that looks like a monster truck and rides like a magic carpet. It’s built for big all-mountain terrain, racing the clock on rugged enduro lines, and having a rip-roaring good time in the rough.

2016 Trek Fuel EX 9 29 (discontinued)

• Write Review

Reviewed by AJ Barlas and Fred Robinson // Photos by Lear Miller

Trek's Fuel EX range of bikes are aimed at the honest trail rider - those looking for a quality, fun bike that can handle a good variety of trails, but not necessarily something for super rowdy terrain. We previously tested the Fuel EX 27.5 , so it was fun to jump aboard the bigger wheeled brother and see how it compared.

For 2016, the Fuel EX 29 sees several changes for the better - it's slacker, offers adjustable geometry, has shorter chainstays thanks to the new Boost rear axle standard, and the rear shock has been updated to no longer feature Trek's DRCV. This was one of the only bikes in the 2016 Vital MTB Test Sessions with Boost spacing front and rear, but does it make a difference? Did the new RE:aktiv damper improve performance over a regular shock? Read on to find out.

• Aluminum frame
• 29-inch wheels
• 120mm (4.7-inches) of rear wheel travel // 130mm (5.1-inches) fork travel
• Full Floater suspension with Active Braking Pivot (ABP)
• RE:aktiv shock damping technology
• Tapered headtube
• External brake routing, internal cable routing, internal seatpost routing
• Adjustable geometry via Mino Link flip chips
• PF92 bottom bracket with ISCG05 mounts
• Boost 110mm fork axle spacing
• Boost 148mm rear spacing with 12mm through axle
• Measured weight (size 19.5, no pedals): 28.6-pounds (13.0kg)
• MSRP $4,000 USD

The Fuel EX 9 29 comes with a handful of unique features, and is highlighted by the RE:aktiv damper technology. Trek worked with motorsports specialists Penske Racing Shocks and FOX to create a shock with regressive damping. In a race car application, regressive damping is designed to be firm when cornering but supple for sudden impacts. When applied to mountain bikes the goal is similar - to provide support when pedaling or pumping but open up when needed.

Most rider inputs create low shaft speeds, while bumps create higher shaft speeds. Inside the shock, the main piston is equipped with a special spring loaded valve. The faster the shaft speed, the more the valve opens up and the more oil is allowed to flow through. Trek says the valve is capable of delivering lots of low-speed compression damping, fluid high-speed compression damping, and an instant, seamless transition between the two. Because of this Trek says RE:aktiv achieves what inertia valves have been unsuccessfully attempting for years by balancing pedaling performance with big-hit absorption without feeling harsh. The way it’s able to react so rapidly is by changing the surface area that the oil is pushing against .

The shock's abilities are most apparent in the "Climb" or "Trail" compression settings as the bike remains quiet during pedaling, but still allows the suspension to move due to ground impacts. This translates to the rear wheel moving out of the way while the rider continues to put power down. How it functions is really quite amazing, but it has its limitations and we’ve found that there is a time and a place for its use, much like any of the regular pedal platform adjustments on all rear shocks.

The spring curve of FOX’s relatively new Float EVOL (extra volume) shock closely matches the linear curve Trek previously relied on DRCV to provide, so DRCV gets the boot this time around. The shock is still proprietary due to its odd 184x48mm (7.25x1.875-inch) dimensions and RE:aktiv damper, however. To get that 120mm of travel, Trek's Full Floater suspension design actuates the shock from both ends with a one piece magnesium EVO Link on top and a concentric pivot at the rear axle known as ABP.

Boost is the other unique-ish technology that higher end Fuel EX 29 models include. We say unique-ish only because it's not commonplace yet. Boost was originally aimed to create stiffer 29-inch wheels without having to throw down the extra coin for carbon hoops. This was achieved by moving both rear hub flanges 3mm out from the center, resulting in a new 148mm axle width. Wider spacing gives the spokes a greater bracing angle, which in turn generates a stiffer wheel. This slight change also provided better tire clearance, which means that they can run slightly shorter chainstays. The front wheel also includes Boost, which takes the hub width from 100mm up to 110mm for similar results.

Additional features include room for a water bottle inside the front triangle, a PF92 bottom bracket, ISCG05 tabs, close to 19mm (0.75-inches) of mud clearance with the stock tires, optional direct front derailleur mount, and a fork with a custom 51mm offset. Aside from the stealth dropper post and rear derailleur cable (which is held taught in the frame), routing is external on the Fuel EX 9 29, which makes for easy service with no rattle. You'll find a large downtube guard for stray rock protection, but consider adding some extra protection to the stays for chainslap.

Trek offers the Fuel EX 29 in four aluminum complete builds ranging from $1,990 to $4,000 USD, two carbon builds at $5,300 and $8,400, and as a carbon frame for $3,300. There's also the option to build a fully custom bike through Trek's Project One program . Fuel EX 8 29 and above benefit from Boost, while the Fuel EX 7 and 5 29 retain 2015’s frame with standard hub spacing. We tested the $4,000 aluminum Fuel EX 9 29, which has an extra 10mm of fork travel (130 vs 120mm) over the other models.

2016 brings Trek's adjustable geometry feature to the Fuel EX 29 lineup via the Mino Link flip chips near the top of the seatstays. The geometry chart above shows numbers in the "low" setting with the option to steepen the head angle to 69.4-degrees and raise the bottom bracket by 8mm (0.3-inches). We measured our test bike bottom bracket height at 340mm (13.4-inches) in the low setting, so it's possible that the listed geometry is with a shorter travel 120mm travel fork. While slacker than the previous Fuel EX 29, at ~68.8-degrees this bike is a degree or so steeper than many other recent short travel 29ers. Thanks to Boost, Trek was able to drastically shorten the chainstays from 452mm to a much more nimble 436mm (17.2-inches), which is par for the course among comparable bikes. As you can see, it comes in several sizes to suit just about any rider.

On The Trail

Setup was a breeze thanks to Trek's suspension calculator , which provides a great starting point for air pressure and rebound. In the open "Descend" compression setting, we found the rear end to be more active during seated and standing pedaling efforts than similar bikes ridden during Test Sessions . Smooth climbs consisting of mellow to considerable grades with the occasional small rock feature saw the bike exhibit a good, nimble, and lively attitude. The bike is more enjoyable ascending than the Transition Smuggler thanks to a more energetic, positive demeanor. It’s more sporty than the static weight would suggest, and there were minimal issues with pedal strikes. Once the compression dial was set to the medium "Trail" setting, however, the beauty of the RE:aktiv damper really showed through.

In the medium compression setting the suspension was remarkably quiet as the RE:aktiv damper stepped in to allow for more power to the floor during climbs, but still provided plenty of traction on the dry, abrasive conditions of South Mountain's trails in Phoenix, Arizona. In this setting the bike required less energy to move up the hill. Climbing up rocky, stepped technical sections the bike had a great balance of control, moving through its travel smoothly while offering support, and notably missing harsh feedback that would result in it getting hung up on square edge features. It also helped with the bike's geometry, sitting a little higher in its travel, effectively resulting in a steeper dynamic seat tube angle.

Going to the firmest "Climb" mode was too much of an extreme when climbing rough sections, however, as it lost a lot of traction on relatively average grades with rough-ish patches. On smoother road climbs it was great to have it locked out, though, with minimal suspension movement while practicing good pedal technique.

Overall, we found the Trek Fuel EX 29 to be an above average climber. It's not a snappy XC style ascender, but is spirited enough and assists the rider rather than feeling like a dead sail. It is by no means a race bike out of corners or up moderate pitches, but does climb reasonably well with the stock 32-tooth chainring. If you're inclined, the bike will provide better antisquat traits with a smaller chainring.

Even with a swapped out 50mm stem, we felt as though the cockpit on the size 19.5 bike we tested was a little long while seated. The reach, on the other hand, was a little short - this is predominantly due to a slack 67-degree actual seat tube angle. On moderate to steep punches we found it a bit difficult to get up over the front end while in the saddle, and would wind up riding way up the nose of the seat in order to compensate. Moving the seat forward on the rails helped with this as well.

The 50mm replacement stem took place of the stock 70mm Bontrager Rhythm Comp. We should also mention that the Bontrager Race Lite 750mm (29.5-inch) wide bars were swapped out for something a tad wider. These changes created a more comfortable setup for how we prefer to ride. Even so, a steeper seat tube would result in it climbing more favorably, especially on steep technical grinds.

While descending smoother, lower grades with the compression lever set to Trail, the bike responded well to rider input and zipped along at a solid pace when exiting corners or putting a few pedal strokes in to get back up to pace. In this setting it tracked reasonably well in loose over hard conditions, though it was easier to break loose under aggressive cornering. High speed descents and g-outs often overwhelmed Trail mode during descents, however, so flipping dials is a must do to get the most out of the bike.

On the same type of trails with the compression wide open the bike was much more willing to being pushed hard into corners, garnering increased traction but losing some of the sporty attitude exhibited in the medium compression mode. This resulted in more required rider input and planning in order to pick up over obstacles and square edges.

Getting up to speed in rough terrain we noticed the suspension tracks well through all types of smaller hits. The bike comes out of deep compressions well and has a nice bottomless feel without feeling harsh. We never really felt the end of the travel despite using the full amount many times, even though there are no volume spacers in the shock from the factory.

During successive high speed hits it never packed up or felt like it was hanging up. However, the Fuel EX didn't exhibit the same level of confidence inspiring stability that we found with the Transition Smuggler or Evil Following, with the Fuel EX requiring an extra level of rider guidance in order to keep the bike on line. In fact, due to its tendency to wander we had a couple of "moments" in parts of the trail where the Transition and Evil would just motor along comfortably. In rough conditions the bike feels deceptively tall despite running some similar numbers to its competitors. The suspension didn’t give what we would describe as a planted ride, and due to its softer, more active, and lively nature it preferred to be ridden with more of a playful attitude. One potential way to boost the bike's overall stability in the rough would be to run a little more sag and add a volume spacer for a more progressive but deeper feel.

Here's the suspension in action:

Regarding the Boost wheels, after a few days of good hacking the rear wheel eventually lost some spoke tension, and any half decent hit or hard corner would result in horrible noises coming from the rear wheel flexing. As such, we were unable to truly discern any benefits to the wider system at that time. It should be noted though, that it's is fairly typical of a new wheelset to require some attention after initial break-in. Our second tester got to ride the bike after we had adjusted the spoke tension and felt the wheels went unnoticed, essentially performing as they should and feeling similar to that of a well trued, solid 650b wheelset. The frame was stout, too. In short, Boost works, but only when the wheels are properly tensioned.

Trek’s $4,000 Fuel EX 9 29 model is pretty competitively priced, though four grand can go a long ways with other "consumer direct" brands, especially when you consider the components. Even so, this bike comes ready to rally with solid FOX suspension front and rear, a SRAM Roam 30 wheelset, trustworthy Shimano XT brakes with dual 180mm rotors, a RockShox Reverb Stealth 125mm dropper, and a reliable SRAM X1 1x11 drivetrain.

The 130mm travel FOX Performance 34 Float fork provided a stable ride with minimal adjustments, and the suspension giant seems to have moved away from the issues that plagued them a couple seasons ago. The fork used its travel well while offering a good amount of support. It never felt overly active and was generally quieter than the rear of the bike.

For the terrain we were riding, we would swap out the stock 2.3-inch tubeless Bontrager XR3 Expert tires for something with a bit more meat. While the XR3 tires were okay, they didn’t inspire a great amount of confidence in loose over hard corners and their lightweight sidewalls added to the bike's instability in high speed chunder. That said, these were one of the only thinner sidewalled tires to not experience a puncture during Test Sessions, so that's a plus.

Aside from the rear wheel not having proper spoke tension when we first hopped on the bike, the SRAM Roam wheels were solid. After tightening up the spokes our second tester was able to get on without any of the annoying, sketchy sounding flex observed during the first tester's rides, and went on to note that the wheels felt inline with a sturdy set of 650b wheels as claimed. At the end of our test the rear wheel was only slightly out of true.

As mentioned above, we swapped out the somewhat narrow low-rise bars and longish stem for something that better suited the descents, but realize that these cockpit choices are a personal preference. The supplied grips were not the most comfortable either, with a very thin, hard rubber that felt pretty harsh on rough trails.

Long Term Durability

Outside of regular maintenance like tires, brake pads, and checking the spoke tension of the wheels, the Trek Fuel EX 9 29 appears ready to go the extra mile. Thanks to some clever cable routing we don’t foresee any issues from excessive rub, and given the rest of the decent quality components and good construction there is no reason to be concerned with the long term durability of the bike.

Towards the end of our last ride we did notice a creak developing in the pivot located just above the bottom bracket. Simply snugging up the hardware resolved the issue.

Trek backs the frame with a lifetime warranty, though there is a five year condition on the swing arm and one year on paint and decals.

What's The Bottom Line?

Trek’s Fuel EX 9 29 is a good value with some serious suspension technology that only adds to the fun times provided by a short travel 29er. You've got to be willing to flip some levers mid-ride to really see what it's capable of, so "set it and forget it" riders may not appreciate all the bike has to offer. The ride's conservative geometry works well on a range of terrain and features, and though the bike doesn’t really nail either the climbs or the descents, it’s a solid all-around steed. While very lively and active, it lacks a super confidence inspiring ride when things get truly wild. Some minor suspension tweaks and a burlier set of rubber could make it a more stable descender.

Visit www.trekbikes.com for more details.

Vital MTB Rating

• Climbing: 4 stars - Excellent
• Descending: 3 stars - Good
• Fun Factor: 3.5 stars - Very Good
• Value: 4 stars - Excellent
• Overall Impression: 4 stars - Excellent

Bonus Gallery: 23 photos of the 2016 Trek Fuel EX 9 29 up close and in action

About the reviewers.

Fred Robinson - Age: 31 // Years Riding MTB: 13 // Height: 6'1" (1.85m) // Weight: 240-pounds (108.9kg)

"Drop my heels and go." Fred has been on two wheels since he was two years old, is deceptively quick for a bigger guy, and likes steep, fast trails where he can hang it off the back of the bike. Several years of shop experience means he's not afraid to tinker. He's very particular when it comes to a bike's suspension performance and stiffness traits.

AJ Barlas - Age: 35 // Years Riding MTB: 15+ // Height: 6'3" (1.91m) // Weight: 165-pounds (74.8kg)

"Smooth and fluid." Hailing from Squamish, BC, AJ's preferred terrain is chunky, twisty trail with natural features. He's picky with equipment and has built a strong understanding of what works well and why by riding a large number of different parts and bikes. Observant, mechanically inclined, and always looking to learn more through new experiences and products.

Which reviewer resembles you the most? Don't miss our Q&A with the testers for more insight about their styles and preferences.

About Test Sessions

Four years ago Vital MTB set out to bring you the most honest, unbiased reviews you'll find anywhere. That tradition continues today as we ride 2016's most exciting trail, all-mountain, and enduro bikes in Phoenix, Arizona. Reviews can be accessed 24/7 in our Product Guide . Test Sessions was made possible with the help of Rage Cycles . Tester gear provided by Troy Lee Designs , Royal Racing , Smith , Fox Racing , Race Face , Easton , and Source .

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Specifications, sizes and geometry.

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Tested: Trek Fuel EX 8 29 2016

The not-so-minor details.

Trek Fuel EX 8 29

Trek Bikes Australia

AUD3,499.00

Size tested:

Great handling. Neat improvements over previous model. Proven Trek suspension performance. Very easy to get setup well.

Reasonably heavy.

Everybody has a word which they chronically mis-type. For this reviewer, it’s the word ‘fuel’… about 30% of the time, my fingers will key in the spelling ‘feul’, pushed into another typo by some inexplicably entrenched neurological pathway. While we battle with typing the word, we sure as hell didn’t battle with this bike: the 2016 Trek Fuel (yay, got it first time!) EX8 29 is a solid trail companion, and showcases some excellent improvements from the previous iteration of this bike.

We’re well placed now to comment on this bike’s performance too, having spent a year on both a 2015 Fuel 29er, and 2015 and 2016 versions of the Fuel EX 9.8 27.5.

[divider]What is it and who’s it for?[/divider]

While some brands are going all-in with 27.5, others like Trek still feel that 29″ hoops are going to remain popular and desirable beyond the realms of the XC race category. The confidence, traction and generally sure-footedness of a 29er with trail bike geometry does still make it the ideal platform for a lot of riders. Trek have reinforced this viewpoint by investing in reworking the 29er version of the Fuel frame.

Coming in at under three and a half grand, the EX8 29 sits at a price point that makes it the first ‘serious’ mountain bike for a lot of riders, and as such it needs to be able to handle the demands of a rider who suddenly has equipment that will let them push their limits a lot further. We think it nails it, delivering with a mix of proven Trek tech (the ABP/Full Floater suspension for instance) and new innovations (like the Boost hub spacing) which have facilitated some welcomed improvements to this bike’s geometry and handling that make it even more confidence inspiring.

Aluminium trail bikes mightn’t be a sexy category, but they are the bread and butter of the mountain bike industry. And bread and butter is still freakin’ delicious, especially as a pudding.

[divider]The frame: Big chop, less flop, more BB drop.[/divider]

Until you inspect closely or get out the tape measure (everybody does that, right?) you could easily overlook the changes that Trek have made to the Fuel 29er frame. First up, it gets Boost rear dropout spacing, with the rear hub a whopping 148mm wide. The extra width not only allows the rear wheel to be made stiffer, but because the chainline is shifted outward slightly too, it helps solve some of the tyre clearance issues that plague 29ers.

Long, tech-nerd story cut short, Boost spacing has allowed Trek to chop a massive 18mm off the length of the Fuel 29er’s chain stays.

At the same time, the rear end is stiffer too, alleviating two of our main gripes with the previous Fuel 29er; we never really got comfy with the super long rear end on earlier versions of this bike, and the rear end ‘twang’ robbed it of confidence. In comparison, this bike is crazy solid out back, and feels a lot better balanced too, with more wheelbase out in front, and less trailing you.

The Fuel 29er gets some geometry adjustment too for 2016, via Trek’s simple Mino-Link system. In the slacker setting, the head angle is a stable 68.8-degrees, compared to 69.5 on the 2015 bike. The bottom bracket is 4mm lower too. Put all these ingredients – stiffer, slacker, lower, shorter stays – into the melting pot and you get tasty blend that gives riders more confidence. And as we stressed before, in this category and price point, that should be the performance priority.

The only serious gripe we have with this frame (and we mention it in every Trek review) is the ABP skewer. It hangs out the back of the bike like some kind of anchor, smashing into rocks willy nilly. Please hire some smart engineer to fix this! Water bottle clearance is also super tight, and a 500ml bottle is a real squeeze.

[divider]All the right bits for a good time[/divider]

It’s not just the frame which contributes to the Fuel’s increased confidence, but a whole bunch of smart spec choices too. A 750mm-bar and 70mm stem combo is a real winner, giving you a strong position over the front end, and the Bontrager XR3 tyres are a proper 2.3″ width as well.

Of course a dropper post is a must on this kind of bike now, and the KS LEV on the Fuel works well. Being cable operated, it’s easy enough to maintain too.

Even though the Shimano 10-speed SLX shifters feel a little clunky (especially in comparison to the new 11-speed XT gear), the 2×10 drivetrain will suit most. In an ideal world, we’d go a single chain ring, and fit something like a Praxis 11-40 cassette, to simplify and lighten the bike a bit.

Shimano’s affordable Deore brakes feel a million bucks! They don’t have a huge amount of bite or raw power, but they’re super consistent and have a light, precise lever feel that’s easy to modulate.

[divider]Skinny legs[/divider]

Just like the rear end, the fork also gets Boost hub spacing, with 110mm-wide dropouts. The stance of the fork is noticeably wider, like it’s been riding a horse, but the legs are still only 32mm. With all the other tweaks that have been made to improve the bike’s stiffness and confidence, we’d have loved to see a 34mm-legged fork on this bike.

[divider]Instant gratification[/divider]

One hallmark of a quality bike is the length of time it takes to get comfortable and feel like you’ve got the setup dialled. With the Fuel EX8 29, it was seconds, not minutes or hours. Something about the Full Floater suspension system makes it incredibly easy to get right, or very close to it. While other bikes will punish you with a harsh or soggy ride if your suspension pressures are a little off, Trek’s system seems to handle a much bigger margin of error without issue. A quick check of the suspension sag and you’re 95% of the way there, with only fine tuning to do down the track. The same with the fork too, which might lack the more supportive damping of more expensive FOX offerings, but is very easy to get balanced with the rear end.

The handling is similarly simple to live with, and a marked improvement over previous Fuel 29ers. We always found the long rear end of the older Fuel 29ers made the bike feel like it needed to be steered through corners, and leaning it over wasn’t so easy. The 2016 bike doesn’t have any of those negative traits.

Whether it be getting onto the tyre side knobs, jumping or manualling, the new geometry makes things much more fun.

[divider]Buttery and gentle[/divider]

“Gentle” was a word that another rider used to describe the Fuel’s suspension, and it’s a pretty apt term for it. Both fork and shock are very smooth in the early stages of their travel, and  have a pretty linear feeling. More aggressive riders, or those who like really supportive suspension to work the terrain, might find things a bit too ‘plush’ or isolating, but we don’t really think that’s this bike’s intended rider. Most folk buying this bike will be blown away by how well this bike smoothes out the trail, and that’s what it’s suspension is optimised to do.

[divider]Chuggy on the climbs[/divider]

Because it’s not a light bike, climbing isn’t the Fuel’s forte, and you’ll want to use the shock lockout lever too. We didn’t find time to convert the wheels over to tubeless, but it’s easily done using Bontrager’s rim strips (the tyres are tubeless ready) and that would have saved some rotating weight and likely improved climbing performance too. At least with the 2×10 gearing you have a good low-range gear should you need it.

[divider]Overall[/divider]

We realise we’ve spent a lot of this review comparing this bike with its predecessor, but that’s only because we’re really impressed with how Trek have made what was already a good bike even better. Great handling, comfort and control galore, excellent suspension and a price point that won’t see you eating sardines and rice for a year either.

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First Look | The new Trek Fuel EX 29 2016 trailbike

We had the opportunity last weekend to check out Trek’s exciting new models for 2016 over at Trek World. One of the whips on show was the all-new Fuel EX 29, a trail bike with XC genes that is reported to have united the best characteristics of the two disciplines. For 2016, both the spec and geometry have been revised and the Fuel EX 29 should be better than ever.

A long-travel XC bike or an efficient trail bike? An initial glance at the geometry stats places the bike firmly in both categories. For 2016, the reach has been extended by 5mm to 437mm (frame height 18.5″, low position). Thanks to the BOOST standard, the chainstays were in a position to be shortened by an entire 15mm. With a length of 436mm, the Fuel should have cinched that sought-after nimble, playful riding style. The XC genes come to the fore with its steep 68.8° head angle and the low bottom bracket positioning. Moreover, the Mino Link allows riders to alter the geometry, rendering it yet more agile. By simply turning a bolt, the head angle can be changed by 0.5° and the bottom bracket height by up to 10mm without any impact on the performance of the suspension.

The suspension has seen some significant changes for 2016 too, and next year bids farewell to the DRCV shock that FOX developed for Trek with its linear spring curve. In future, the EVOL shock with 120mm travel should deliver a performance to rival its predecessor without causing any excesses given the special air chamber. As of now, the same shock can be fitted as stock to all the models. When designing the new rear end, Trek didn’t have to compromise in the slightest with regards to the spring curve, which had previously been required given the differing performance of the dual shocks. In line with last year’s top model, the Fuel EX 9.9, the front takes the proven FOX 34 Kashima-coated forks. On the more affordable models, the choice of forks ranges from FOX 34 Performance to FOX 32, via the RockShox Revelation or Recon – in essence, any with 120mm travel.

Just like the design of the Fuel – which now boasts a wider rear end – the other models in the range remain largely unchanged. There are six different build specs to choose from, ranging from the fully-carbon top model Fuel EX 9.9 with the high quality DT Swiss XMC1200 carbon wheelset, Shimano XTR 11x drivetrain with lightweight Race Face Next SL cranks and Shimano XTR brakes. With 125mm of adjustability, the RockShox Reverb seat post provides sufficient flexibility for the trails. Their own in-house quality Bontrager components do little to keep the cost of the Fuel EX 9.9 down, but it does cash in at under 8,000 € – a decent price given its uncompromising spec. The other models are set to cost between 1,899€ and 4,999€, and the specific build specs can be seen here .

All of the Trek Fuel models are available for pre-ordering from your chosen dealer. We haven’t had chance to take it out for a spin just yet, but as soon as we do then you’ll be the first to see it here at ENDURO.

For more information, visit: trekbikes.com .

Words: Daniel Schlicke Photos: Klaus Kneist

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Trek Fuel EX 5 29

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Colour / Firebrand

Size / 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5, 23"

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Alpha Platinum Aluminum, ABP, Full Floater, EVO link, E2 tapered head tube, down tube guard, PF 89.5, G2 Geometry, 120mm travel
• Wheels Bontrager alloy 15mm front hub, Formula alloy rear hub, Bontrager AT-650 rims
• Wheel Size 29"
• Tires Bontrager XR3, 29x2.30" front, 29x2.20" rear
• Crank Race Face Ride, 36/22
• Front Derailleur SRAM X5, high direct mount
• Rear Derailleur SRAM GX
• Shifters SRAM X5, 10 speed
• Brakeset Shimano M355 hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 1.5
• Seatpost Bontrager SSR, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, 12mm offset
• Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree, Blendr compatible
• Headset FSA IS-2, E2, sealed alloy cartridge

Q: What size wheels does the 2016 Trek Fuel EX 5 29 have?

The 2016 Trek Fuel EX 5 29 has 29" wheels.

Q: What size 2016 Trek Fuel EX 5 29 should I get?

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The spiraling 246m high Evolution Tower is located on plots 2-3 of Moscow-City high-rise business district on Presnenskaya Embankment of Moscow river. New multi-function center occupies the territory of 2.5ha in area, 2ha of which is a landscaped terraced civic plaza, the integral part of the new city piazza, the central open public space of Moscow-City business downtown.

ivic plaza includes 10m high ceremonial stairs (leading from embankment and pedestrian Bagration Bridge to the higher terraced levels) as well as landscaped areas with green lawns, trees, water features, travellators and feature lightboxes.

Evolution Tower

Location: Moscow, Russia

Typology: High-Rise, Office, Mixed-Use

Years: Construction 2011-2014

Status: Built

Height: 246m

Design team: GORPROJECT  (2011-2015), 

RMJM Scotland Ltd 

(original concept 2005-2007)

Under the piazza levels the 2-storey retail mall connects the Evolution Tower with metro station and pedestrian bridge over Moscow river, thus integrating the new development into the large Moscow-City district, the Europe's newest and most ambitious high-rise cluster (7 of 10 highest European skyscrapers ae located here), housing over 4 million square meters of office and retail areas with associated transport and engineering infrastructure.   

The Evolution Gallery mall houses food court and 6,000m2 family entertainment and educational center for various children activities (the first center of that kind in Moscow). 

The 82,000m2 office tower has 52 levels rotated 3 degrees each floor with overall twist reaching 156 degrees clockwise. With world’s largest innovative cold-bent glazing the tower façade provides seamless floating reflection that rotates the panoramas of Moscow skyline vertically, where the reflected clouds moving up enhance the dynamic visual impact of the twisted tower, an unprecedented optical effect in the world architecture.  The Crown with supporting steel structure made of two twisted arches provides the helipad at the very top as well as the open observation roof decks at Levels 51-52 featuring the best panoramas of Moscow riverside with views towards the historical center. 

From the very beginning the developer and architects have set an ambitious task to create a recognizable and symbolic tower, the new icon of contemporary Moscow.  The sculptural DNA-shaped twisting tower symbolizes the evolution spiral with the white façade ribbon wrapping over the roof in a form of 90-degree twisted infinity symbol, which speaks of philosophical concept of evolution and celebrates the development of human civilization. From spiraling onion domes of St. Basil to the iconic Tatlin Tower concept the Russian architecture was obsessed with idea of spiral. The simple and innovative design was based on principles of twisting square-shaped floor plates with vertical structural RC frame supported by a central core and 8 columns with continuous beams and 4 spiraling columns at the corners. 

The proposed structural scheme with cantilevered continuous RC beams and cantilevered floor slabs  picking up the overhangs from the twisted floor plates appeared to be simple, efficient and economical. The complex sculptural tower façade envelope was built using the innovative cold-bent glazing with flat double glazed units cold-formed in 3D within the aluminum frame under its own weight to avoid stepping in geometry. This approach appeared to be both more energy-efficient and more cost-efficient solution in comparison to the stepped curtain wall units previously applied in some twisted unitized facades. 

The multifunctional architectural glass by Guardian significantly reduces the solar gain whilst providing the double glazed unit thermal performance equal to standard triple glazed unit normally used in Moscow to withstand harsh winter conditions. The use of innovative TWIN elevators by ThyssenKrupp saved 2 shafts within the core (10 TWINs instead of 12 double-deckers in the original concept) and contributed to the overall project sustainability with lesser power consumption per passenger. Other sustainable design features include green roofs over the retail mall and integrated coil floor heating under landscaped civic piazza levels using the return water in winter to melt the snow and ice for the safety of pedestrians. The reinforced concrete formwork by PERI, including self-climbing ACS formwork specially designed for the twisting corner columns, allowed to achieve the impressive speed of RC frame construction of 6 days per floor due to perfect site logistics by Renaissance Construction as main contractor. 

All innovative design solutions and optimizations secured the delivery of this fairly unique skyscraper within the project plan and almost within the budget of the standard ‘benchmark’ high-rise building. This turned out to be a major achievement of the design and construction teams. 

The organic twisting silhouette dominates on its background of extruded glass towers greatly contributing into the overall composition of the high-rise Moscow-City cluster. The development delivered a significant open public space on the landscaped roof of the retail mall, thus providing the perfect mix of business uses with public and social activities of the civic plaza and the mall with its food court and core family entertainment function. The synergy of that mix with large underground car-park complemented by the direct link to the metro station and pedestrian bridge as means of main public transportation secured the successful project completion with the recent entire tower acquisition. Bold shape and timeless aesthetics as added values brought by its unique architecture materialized in a commercial success of this project with the tower being fully acquired for corporate headquarters even in the context of oversupply in the Moscow office market. The outstanding quality of architecture and its fine detailing, state of the art building services and communications of Class A office Tower together with the highest level of transport accessibility  (direct access to metro station from the lobby, large car-parking, proximity to boat pier and helipads) make this property very attractive for tenants and visitors. The beautiful riverside panoramas from offices are complemented by green roof and water features of the large 2ha terraced civic piazza as the main recreational outdoor space with direct link from the office tower lobby. 

The highest quality of façade cladding, glazing, vertical transportation and MEP equipment from leading European and international suppliers provided the truly Class-A office environment with the luxury of minimalist spirit in the architecture of the new landmark on the Moscow skyline. Even before its completion the sculptural spiral of Evolution Tower, more often appearing in commercials, posters and magazines, became a new icon for modern Moscow as the symbol of its business ambitions and fast development. The Evolution Tower also became the monument to the courage of its developer (Snegiri Group) and investors, who built the great deal of trust with architects, engineers and contractors by investing their efforts and funds in a challenging adventure of designing and building the unique and innovative skyscraper for the capital of Russia. 

Evolution Reflections

Philipp nikandrov.

Three years in Moscow

This blog was commenced in late 2011, at the beginning of a three year posting to Moscow. I returned to Australia at the end of 2014. My intention was to provide a pictorial commentary on my observations of Moscow, a city most people in Australia know little about. The blog has now been wound up and there will be no more entries. Nor will I respond to any more comments. Thanks for visiting.

• Buildings & structures
• Museums & galleries
• Religious places
• Outside Moscow

2016 Trek Fuel EX 9 29

A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components. Compare the full range

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Fuel EX 9 29

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Take a look at the new Fuel EX and you will quickly see Trek has fully redefined the model. The 2016 Fuel Ex 29 was a step in the right direction, but it was a timid half-hearted step that left the rider wondering what if…? What if it came spec’d with a stiffer fork, more travel and a slacker headtube? The team at Trek delivered and the 2017 bike answers these questions. It now allows the use of 29” or 27.5+ wheels and is one of the stiffest frames in the category, featuring a totally new geometry that’s slacker and longer than its predecessor.

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Trek’s venerable Fuel gets a high-octane boost in the form of Plus-size wheels with the Trek Fuel EX Plus 9.8 27.5. Beautiful to behold and a joy to ride.

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Earlier this year, the Fuel EX received rapid fire updates that first introduced a 27.5+ version then quickly made it the standard model by adding 29er wheels and tires for most of the stock builds. The frame was all new for both, bumping travel to 130mm, and it effectively did away with the standard 27.5 …

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Trek Fuel EX features new geometry, a new frame, and a revised spec. We’ll reveal whether Trek’s streamlining has been worth it.

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It appears Trek’s design team has been paying close attention to the desires of trail riders, many of whom have been gravitating toward short-travel 29ers with slack geometry, and redesigned the Fuel EX accordingly. . .

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Last updated June 29 Not listed for 2,495 days