trek fuel 9.7 vs 9.8

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Fuel EX-9, 9.7, or 9.8?

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I'm about to pull the trigger, and I can't decide on which one. It seems that all 3 models have something going for them. The EX-9 is ready to go. The 9.7 has a front triangle carbon frame, a cool looking finish, but subpar components than the 9 & 9.8. The cash save vs the 9.8 could go to an improved wheelset. The 9.8 looks mean, ticks off a lot of boxes, but cost $1k more.  

Personally I'd rock the 9.8, I'd do one of the P1 colors it has  

I bought the 9... Would have gotten the 9.7 if it was available in Australia. All it needs is a carbon wheelset and brake upgrade Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk  

9 or 9.8. It's a real horse race between the two of those!  

Agreed, it depends on what your future plans are. 9 if you want to ride it stock, 9.8 if you plan to upgrade components in the future.  

With all 3 models, an upgraded wheelset is a must. With the 9.7, the Dusters will have to go soon. Might be able to hold off a little longer with the Comps. I guess it all boils down to carbon vs alum, dusters vs comps, and shimano vs sram. all this plus, clearance from the wife (already got it for the $4k bike, not the $5k one)  

Hey V8, you've been circling this thread for sometime now. New bike is well overdue! I have the 9.8, so won't comment on the other options other than to say I don't think you can go too wrong with whatever you choose. If you can find the $$, go the 9.8 purely for the ride of the carbon frame. Every time I point this bike down hill it answers any doubts as to it's worth . Just so solid. Would recommend you get the shop to swap out the 2x for a 1x boost crankset. Mine did for no extra. Maybe ask for 170mm, this will alleviate some of the pedal strikes that are a regular feature on these new low centre of gravity bikes. You're also correct about swapping out the wheelsets, but given a choice to buy again I'd go the 9.8 over the 9. The 9.7 isn't available in Australia. Good luck. PS. Love the avatar pic.  

I am the Night Rider! Yeah, I think I've decided to get the 9.8. I'm not getting any younger, might as well enjoy some carbon fiber. Thanks for tipping me over the edge!  

Same. First carbon. I call it my mid life crisis bike. It was now or never.  

Are you having any issues with pedal strikes?  

Shopping can get the 9.8 down closer to $4k if you negotiate with a manager willing to work with you to get a deal done.  

really? looks like I need to bring in a case of beer on the way to the bike shop!  

Yeah, and maybe spike it with rohypnol. I went for the 9 for overall value and lack of carbon angst. A few dents or dings are NBD.  

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to pull that trigger. I wonder if it's better for carbon with the oe wheelset, or aluminum with a $1k wheelset.  

Buy the best frame you can afford.  

Since it seems relevant to this thread, I'll just tell you that I bought a 9.8 in 27.5 plus and sold the plus wheelset and bought a carbon 29er wheelset. I swapped the 2X to 1X myself which was stupid simple and cheap as Jenson had a Shimano 1X 32T chainring on sale for less than $30. So that leaves me with a carbon wheeled 29er with 140mm front travel and 130 rear, a slightly higher bottom bracket and slightly slacker head angle due to the longer fork. It's an amazing machine.  

This is sort of relevant: During the last closeout fire sale, I was deciding between a Top Fuel 8 or 9 vs. one of the lower-end carbon options. I ended up with a $2k aluminum Top Fuel 8, and no qualms about upgrading pretty much everything on it immediately (wheels/tires, drivetrain, brakes, rear shock, other small stuff). After selling the unused OE stuff on eBay, I had a much nicer, more solid build than anything available for the money from Trek for about $3k all-in. So... I say get the 9 and upgrade it your liking. It's more fun that way, unless you really, really need carbon for some reason.  

I see exactly what you mean. If I bought a Fuel EX-8, I'd have scratch to buy a proper wheelset, carbon bars, and brakes. My 2 year old Stache has the same crankset, headset spacers, and frame. Everything else is different. I guess that's part of the fun!!!  

That sounds like a good plan. The EX8 is a pretty solid build, and better than what my bike came with in some areas. I also think it looks better, paint-wise, than the 9. My Top Fuel came with the same Deore brakes, and while they're OK, the upgrade to M7000s was noticeable (less on/off, less fade, even in mostly flat central NC). A surprising difference was when I just swapped the cheap rotors for XT Ice Techs, and still had the Deore calipers. That made for a big improvement in power and feel. I think the Deore brakes were worth ~$60 on eBay, and I got ~$300 for the Mustang wheelset (replaced with Easton Heists)... that'll make a big dent in the price of new stuff. :thumbsup:  

I'm going to the LBS tomorrow, and buy me a bike. Pretty much set on going with a EX9, knowing that I'll be buying an upgraded wheelset by the end of the year. Is it true that the 9.8 BB is lower than the aluminum frame?  

V8, what did you end up with? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk  

Hey V8. No idea about differences in BB height. Sent you a PM.  

I went with the EX9. I freakin' love it, and the finish really stands out. When the line comps give out, I'll upgrade the wheelset.  

^^^ brilliant! Congrats. Def the best bang for the buck IMO. Agree on the looks.  

Wow - same dilema. I have the go from wife for 4K and am down to EX 8 Black 27.5+ and sell the wheels and buy 29 (I like the black) ED 8 Silver 29 - no hassle with the wheels and the silver is OK 2017 EX 9 - like the silver with the blue and real nice 1 x 11 (but not 1 x 12). Currently $3,499 and maybe lower 2018 EX 9.7 - carbon but NX groupset. Upgrade when they wear out Really don't think I can talk her into 5K What would you do now?  

If you don't plan to upgrade until things wear out...I'd go with the 9 in that secenario. I think it would ride the best overall out of the box among those choices. That or the 8 and sell the wheels immediately and put on nice Chinese carbon rims. It wouldn't be much more than the 9 net...  

The 2018 ex8 29er seems like a screaming deal. I like the color of the 2017 ex9 better, and it comes with a better fork and drivetrain, but it's hard to pass up on the ex8 this year. It's cool that they went with line comps instead of those stinky duster wheels.  

Done. 2017 EX 9. Trek had two left. LBS is going to set it up tubeless and a wolf tooth oval 30t. Can't wait  

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Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Fuel EX 8 Gen 6

Slash 9.7 Gen 5

(descending)

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

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Field Test Review: 2022 Trek Top Fuel - Same Name, Different Bike

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Trek Top Fuel 9.8 review

Super-capable ripper on the racetrack or singletrack

Laurence Crossman-Emms

Ed Thomsett

Makes the climbs fun and rips on the way down; an elegant package with a choice of colours; the six frame sizes span a massive range

A higher front end would give more descending confidence; thin tyres don’t offer much grip or protection; carbon wheels and bar bump up the price without a big impact on performance

Trek’s ambition with the Top Fuel is to combine the best qualities of both cross-country and trail bikes. This genre-bending, 115mm-travel 29er is burlier than its XC thoroughbred, the Supercaliber , but lighter and more agile than the Fuel EX . It promises lightning-fast speeds, whether gravity is on your side or not.

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Trek Top Fuel 9.8 frame

The Top Fuel’s full-carbon frame is obviously a Trek design, with that familiar twin-triangle shape and ABP (Active Braking Pivot) suspension design, where the rearmost pivot is concentric with the rear axle.

As on the rest of Trek’s full-sussers, the ‘Full Floater’ shock mounting of the old Top Fuel is gone. Instead, the Fox DPS air-can mounts directly to the frame at one end and to a magnesium rocker link at the other. Travel has been extended by 15mm for 2020.

In terms of geometry, the Top Fuel is now longer and slacker. Depending on which way you position the Mino Link flip-chip, the head angle can be set at either 67.5 or 68 degrees and the reach varied by 5mm, from 470 to 475mm on the large.

The effective seat-tube angle has been steepened to 75/75.5 degrees. With six sizes, it should be easy to achieve a perfect fit. The details of the frame have been well considered too, from its sleek, flowing lines to the fully-internal cable routing and integrated rubber protection finish.

Plus, Trek’s Knock Block steering-lock stops the fork crown fouling on the down tube.

Trek Top Fuel 9.8 kit

That 115mm-travel, air-sprung rear end is matched to a 120mm Fox 34 Performance fork. A bar-mounted RockShox TwistLoc remote lets you lock out both ends simultaneously, providing a firm pedal platform that’s easy to toggle on or off.

Combine that with a Bontrager Line Elite dropper post, and the Top Fuel switches easily into downhill mode, although a 10mm-shorter stem and slightly wider bar would help the handling.

Shimano’s SLX brakes are good, but it doesn’t take much to find the limits of the 160mm rear rotor and the lever return was a little sluggish.

I found the Bontrager XR3 tyres slightly flimsy too. They’re efficient uphill but the low-profile tread isn’t great on unsurfaced trails and I sliced a hole in the thin casing on a fairly mellow descent.

The bike’s price tag isn’t insignificant either and, while the spec is solid, I’d happily lose the carbon wheelset and bar to save some money.

Trek Top Fuel 9.8 ride impressions

You have to bite your tongue before criticising a bike like this because by its versatile nature it’s never going to be the best of the best in any scenario. With this in mind, there’s very little to fault in the way the Top Fuel rides.

With a poised feeling on the pedals even in the lower/slacker setting, the bike blasts up hills with minimal effort and I rarely found I needed to use the lockout apart from on long fireroads.

As a trail bike, the Top Fuel puts on an impressive show and never faltered, even when hammered into turns or launched off drops. The suspension gives you a solid base to push into and I was surprised after the first ride to discover that it only has 115mm of travel.

The main limiting factor to this downhill prowess is the low front end. When things get steeper, you do notice you’re on a bike that’s also built for going fast up hills. The short head tube and low stack height are clear indicators of this, and while for general trail riding I found them a little low, this does allow the bar to be fully slammed for all-out XC attacks.

Even with the 13-degree-rise stem positioned as high as possible on the steerer, I wouldn’t have minded a little more height. But then, upping the fork travel would blur the lines between the Top Fuel and the longer-travel Fuel EX.

On a bike like this, there are always going to be trade-offs, and opinion is always going to be biased by riding style, but for rapid mile-munching that doesn’t get in the way of enjoyment on the descents, the Top Fuel is hard to beat.

Trek Top Fuel 9.8 geometry (based on high setting for size L)

• Seat angle: 68.5 degrees
• Head angle: 68 degrees
• Chainstay: 43.3cm / 17.05in
• Seat tube: 47cm / 18.5in
• Top tube: 63cm / 24.8in
• Head tube: 10cm / 3.94in
• Fork offset: 4.4cm / 1.73in
• Trail: 10.3cm / 4.06in
• Bottom bracket drop: 2.9cm / 1.14in
• Wheelbase: 1,185mm / 46.65in
• Stack: 59.9cm / 23.58in
• Reach: 47.5cm / 18.7in

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FIRST RIDE REVIEW

The new trek fuel ex review.

Photos & Words by Dario DiGiulio

As mountain biking has evolved into what it is today, the trails we ride on have slowly but surely raised the bar of what modern bikes have to keep up with. Sure, some tracks have been sanitized over time, but there’s no question that the pointy end of the sport has kept pushing forward. As a result, trail bikes have had to pick up the pace to match the expectations of the average rider, leading to more capable and confident rigs with every new model. Stepping up to the plate, we have the evolved version of the Trek Fuel EX, Trek’s mainstay trail bike. This time it’s really meant to do it all, riding anywhere and doing anything. Being this adaptable can be a tricky task though, so has Trek painted themselves into a corner?

The new Trek Fuel EX breaks just about every mold that the prior generations had fit into, with a full-on redesign for the new model. The name of the game here is adaptability, whether in the geometry, the suspension kinematics, or even what size wheels you’ll run. Thanks to their Mino Link flip chip and two sets of press-in headset cups, you can shift the character of this bike drastically to suit your terrain and preference. As a result, it’s a bit hard to parse out the specific geometry of the bike (however Trek’s site features a geometry tool to let you do so), so I’ll just speak to it in its most neutral form, which is where many will likely settle. There are a whopping 8 size variations to this bike from XS to XXL, so it’s worth digging through the geometry tables to see which might suit you best. They’re all sporting 140mm of rear travel with a 150mm fork, upping the numbers on the prior generation by 10mm.

I’ve been testing the large frame, which puts the reach and stack at around 485mm and 621mm, which are in line with the majority of the industry right now. In keeping with the new Trek Fuel EX’s theme of being adaptable and capable. In its neutral-low setting, the bike comes with a 64.5-degree head tube angle and the effective seat tube angle sits at 77.2-degrees. Chainstays shift with the frame size, and on a large come in at 440mm. Thanks to the Mino Link flip chip, you can adjust bottom bracket height by 8mm up from the slammed 38mm drop in stock configuration, with a 0.6° steeper head tube and seat tube angle. The more significant head tube adjustment comes from the independent press-in headset cups that Trek supplies, which can steepen or slacken things by a full degree, giving a very wide range of handling characteristics. The last frame toggle is the progression flip chip, offering a simple more or less option to tailor the suspension feel and offer uncompromised coil shock compatibility.

As is trend right now, you can set the Fuel Ex up as a mullet, simply by popping a 27.5” wheel in the rear, swapping the Mino Link to high mode, and bumping up fork travel to 160mm. The bike comes stock as a 29er front and rear (or 27.5″ in XS and Small), so you’ll have to make this change on your own accord.

A notable thing lacking from the newest Fuel EX its the Knock Block – you’ll find no such thing on this frame. X-up fans take note, as this is a big move for the engineers in Waterloo, Wisconsin, and was necessary to achieve the headset adjustment range they wanted. Trek has also moved away from the RE:aktiv damper shock, now simply relying on an off-the-shelf model. Still included in the frames are the handy-dandy stash box in the down tube, with what I think might be the best weather sealing of any of the options on the market at this point, and a neat BITS tool roll.

Build kits come in as many flavors as the sizes, and the range of options is quite extensive, beginning at a respectable $3,699. I’ve been on the highest end build, the 9.9 AXS especial, coming in at a healthy $10,749. From Bontrager Line 30 carbon wheels, to the RSL one-piece carbon cockpit, to the XX1 drivetrain, just about everything is as nice as it gets, as you’d hope for this kind of money.

At my height of 6’3”, the geo combination of the Neutral-Low-More flip chip configuration on the large size makes for a really comfortable fit,  one that feels stable enough at speed while still remaining lively for your average trail. I started my time testing the bright yellow Trek up in Whistler, riding some gnarly rocky pedal-access trails around the Valley. This was a great context for deciding where I stood on the less or more progression debate, and I settled on the latter end of the spectrum. Increased bottom-out resistance and a more supple top of travel were worth a slightly punchier suspension feel, and I stand by that choice for most of the riding I have around me. On my home trails in Bellingham, the Fuel has been a choice companion for fast and fun rides in our local trail systems, where technical and engaging climbs lead to fast, rooty, and jump-filled descents. My general synopsis is that this is a bike that loves to ride fast, both up and down.

The climbing characteristics are comfortable and neutral, without wallowing too much or lacking grip in trickier terrain. Like many of the take-aways of the bike as it comes stock, things are extra-medium, in the best way. Compared to the new Hightower, the bike has slightly less support, but is significantly better in rough terrain and successive hits. Compared to the Stumpjumper EVO, the Fuel EX is definitely more of a trail bike, less of the all-mountain enduro-lite ride that the Specialized offers. All three bikes serve as a nice gradient from the lighter and sportier end of the trail spectrum to the burlier and more capable side of the category. Sitting pretty right in the middle is the Fuel EX, but I’m sure one could tweak it to either of the other extremes, given how much variability is baked into this frame.

Build kit notes are mostly positive, which you’d hope to see from the highest end build. My main gripe is with the Bontrager SE5 tires, which are some the least confidence-inspiring I’ve ridden in recent memory. The casing and tread pattern are fine, but the compound doesn’t seem to want to hook up anywhere, whether it’s dry loose terrain, rock slabs, and especially wet roots. This would be an immediate swap in my book, and I’d just keep the stock tires to run in the rear when conditions are dry and beat at the peak of summer.

The removable shuttle pad doesn’t seem to want to stay close to the frame, and bows out slightly when attached, giving the downtime a funny bulged look to it. One other frame annoyance has been a recurring suspension knock, despite chasing through every bolt in the linkage with a torque wrench. I still have yet to find the culprit, but luckily it’s not very noticeable when riding.

As a system, I’ve been more than impressed by Trek’s work on the new Fuel EX. Not only does it feel quick and confidant in the stock configuration, it also offers a whole host of layout options to better cater the bike to your preferences.

THE WOLF’S FIRST IMPRESSION

To close out our review of the new Trek Fuel Ex, it’s clear that Trek’s engineers and designers set out to design a bike that caters to that wide center of the market – the trail bike – where most riders spend their time, and where a bike can take many forms. In that goal, they found success. Sure some riders may feel the new Fuel EX has departed from what they were used to and liked about the bike, but many other riders will likely welcome the advancements in capability and confidence on the trail. The 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.

TREK FUEL EX 7

Price: $3,699.99

Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminum, internal storage | 140mm Fork: RockShox 35 Gold RL | 150mm Shock: Fox Performance Float EVOL

Drivetrain: Shimano SLX/XT Brakes: Shimano MT420 4-piston

Wheelset: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Rapid Drive 108

TREK FUEL EX 8

Price: $4,299

Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminum, internal storage | 140mm Fork: Fox Rhythm 36 | 150mm Shock: Fox Performance Float X

Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100 Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120

TREK FUEL EX 9.7

Price: $6,249.99

Frame: OLCV Mountain Carbon, internal storage | 140mm Fork: Fox Rhythm 36 | 150mm Shock: Fox Performance Float X

Drivetrain: Shimano SLX/XT Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120

TREK FUEL EX 9.8

GX AXS Price: $7,699.99 XT Price: $6,749.99

Frame: OLCV Mountain Carbon, internal storage | 140mm Fork: Fox Performance 36 | 150mm Shock: Fox Performance Float X

Wheelset: Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Carbon, Rapid Drive 108

GX AXS BUILD Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle AXS Brakes: SRAM CODE R

XT BUILD Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100 Brakes: Shimano XT M8120

TREK FUEL EX 9.9

XX1 AXS Price: $10,749.99 XTR Price: $9,749.99

Frame: OLCV Mountain Carbon, internal storage | 140mm Fork: Fox Factory 36 | 150mm Shock: Fox Factory Float X

Wheelset: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Carbon, Rapid Drive 108

XX1 AXS BUILD Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS Brakes: SRAM CODE RSC

XT BUILD Drivetrain: Shimano XTR M9100 Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120

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David Harrison

Table of contents, fuel exe 9.8 xt review (2023).

No longer are bike manufacturers only pushing to create e-MTBs with the largest batteries and most powerful motors – though, of course, there are still those bikes being made, too.

There are now new players in the market, like the super light-weight e-MTBs, which mimic the feel of normal MTBs, but still offer a little assistance when needed. Many bike brands are now pushing to create the lightest models, rather than the most powerful.

Trek, Specialized and Orbea are the front-runners in the pack looking to make this happen. Trek’s EXe range of bikes are among the best out there at the moment.

The Fuel EXe 9.8 XT is on the cheaper end of the spectrum in the Trek range, so is it a steal? Or should you go for one of the higher spec options? Or should you look to some of the other big players?

We’ve given it a thrashing on the trails, climbed the climbs and negotiated the descents, to give you all the answers. Without further ado, then, let’s really get to grips with the Fuel EXe 9.8 XT…

Our Verdict

It’s another round of applause for the crew at Trek.

The Fuel EXe 9.8 XT is a very well crafted e-MTB, which is set at a fair price for the amount of assets on offer. It’s lightweight and nimble on the trails, yet feels sturdy and well-planted at the same time.

It has the same motor and battery as featured on the much more expensive models in the Fuel EXe range, yet is a fraction of the price. It can climb, it can descend, it can twist and it can turn, and always feels comfortable.

There are few minor qualms, but overall we think the Trek Fuel 9.8 offers excellent value for money.

• Lightweight
• Natural power delivery
• Motor display
• Brakes (heat management)
• Battery size

Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 XT

Price: $8,699

Weight/frame.

The Fuel EXe 9.8 XT comes with a strong, fully-carbon, OCLV frame . It’s a sturdy beast, which can take a lot of punishment out on the trails. It looks a beauty, too, with internally-routed cabling giving an uncluttered and simplistic finish.

If you’re wondering how much does a Fuel EXe 9.8 XT weigh? The answer is the full bike, with a medium sized frame (which we rode during our reviews), only weighs in at 18.10kg . That’s decent, but by no means the lightest out there.

The bike handles very well, though, and you can tailor your setup to your body pretty well thanks to the differing frame sizes available and the range of geometry options. You can choose between 4 sizes of frame – small, medium, large and extra large – each of which has two different geometry setups.

It means that, for most riders, you end up with a comfortable position on the bike you end up going for.

ℹ️ It’s key to get the sizing right or you could find yourself losing out on the true capability of the bike’s handling, if you don’t.

The bike handles really well on super technical and twisty trails, you feel very much in charge of the bike and it dodges and weaves seamlessly.

Trek has partnered with the robotics and aviation tech firm TQ for their electrical components. The company is a new player in the market, but it’s certainly turned heads in this collaboration with Trek.

The Fuel EXe 9.8 XT has TQ’s 360Wh battery installed, which is the same size as the battery in the higher spec bikes in the Fuel EXe range.

ℹ️ This is a good time to remember why this bike exists in the first place – it isn’t meant to be a powerhouse, workhorse of an e-mountain bike. It’s meant to offer a bit of assistance, while remaining light-weight, playful and like a normal MTB. This battery achieves this.

It charges up in two hours and during our review rides we managed to get out around 35-40km of assistance , with plenty of climbing involved. That isn’t insignificant and it works well with the TQ motor (which we’ll come to soon) to release power conservatively.

The motor fitted on the Fuel EXe 9.8 XT is another reason to celebrate TQ. The company’s HPR50 , which can emit 50Nm , is a beautiful piece of kit and it operates near enough silently on the Trek Fuel 9.8.

ℹ️ This is another good time to remember that this type of e-mountain bike isn’t designed be immensely powerful, like some of the big beasts on the market. You would lose that manoeuvrability and lightness.

50Nm is by no means a measly amount of torque. That TQ motor does a seriously good job out on the trails. When you take into account bike’s lightness, it makes easy work of some tough climbs and the TQ technology delivers the power in a natural-feeling way.

It’s very easy to forget that you aren’t riding a normal MTB – you don’t encounter any over pulls from the motor and you feel in control. It won’t power on all day, but it offers a capable rider a decent leg up when they might need it.

Motor Display

It’s a big bravo to TQ and Trek here. The motor display is a truly excellent feature, which really needs to be credited.

It’s far from just a device which tells you how much battery you have left, although it certainly does that and with a precise percentage figure.

It also offers a full ride experience – complete with RPM information, elevation data, how many kilometres you can still use with the assistance on, along with many other awesome features.

Put simply, we flippin’ love it.

The bike comes with 3 modes to flick between – Eco, Mid and High – with the display offering prompts to make sure you utilise the right assist level at the right time, to get the most out of your battery.

The suspension setup on the Fuel EXe 9.8 XT is exactly the same as the slightly pricier Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS.

The 9.8 XT comes with RocksShox Lyrik Select+, Debon Air spring forks and RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ RT rear shocks . They offer 150mm travel at the front and 140mm at the rear .

It’s a setup which is ready for some enduro and XC thrashing, not crazy downhill riding. That’s not to say it can’t handle a bit of descending, but it feels very uncomfortable on the big hits – although, again, it wasn’t designed for that.

The suspension offers a decent level of comfort, particularly as it ducks and dives between techy twisty trails. It comes alive on back and forth single-tracks and has a very playful feel. With that light frame, it’s a pleasure to ride.

Wheels/Tyres

The Fuel EXe 9.8 XT has exactly the same tyre setup as the more expensive and higher spec models in the Fuel EXe range – 29in carbon, Bontranger Elite Line wheels . They’re a sturdy pair of feet to have out on the trail, and lightweight thanks to their carbon OCLV compound.

They also manage to soak up quite a lot of pressure, which is complemented by the Bontrager SE5 Team Issue tyres . The tyres offer a great level of cushioning and it’s another feature that makes you feel very comfortable out on the trail, alongside the sturdy frame, suspension setup and wheels.

However, the tyres aren’t as durable as we would like them. Although they offer a decent level of cushioning, they are prone to punctures and that’s a problem for us.

Now this is where the spec comes down a bit compared to other bikes in the Fuel EXe range. The 9.8 XT comes with Shimano XT M8120 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes .

There are elements to admire – they certainly have the stopping power you need, operating well at pace and when put into some hardcore cornering.

However, they do sound quite noisy at times, with a level of screeching which isn’t easy on the ear. The heat management isn’t ideal, either – they can get very hot, indeed.

This is where the XT gets its name. The bike comes with a Shimano XT M8100 , which we think is much of a muchness compared to the SRAM Eagle XG-1275, which is fitted on the more expensive Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS.

The XT M8100 offers smooth shifting and no grumbles at our end. It ticks the boxes we want, and whilst it’s a no-thrills setup, it does the job nicely.

We think this is quite an attractive price. The Fuel EXe 9.8 XT has many similar features to some of the more expensive bikes in the Fuel EXe range and it offers a lot in the electrics department, without adding heaps of extra weight.

Its very well-rounded e-MTB, which comes in significantly cheaper than some of the higher-spec bikes in the range. We would certainly consider dipping into our pockets at this fair price point.

Fuel EXe 9.8 XT Facts & Figures

Size configurations.

* All measurements provided in cm unless otherwise noted.

How Does it Compare?

A good place to start is to look at the other bikes in the Fuel EXe range

The highest-spec Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS comes in at $13,999; that’s over $5,000 more than the 9.8 XT. If you look closely, many of the features are exactly the same – particularly in terms of the electronics, wheels and frame.

So, realistically, what you’re paying $5,300 more for is a higher-spec drivetrain, brakes and a slightly better suspension. To us, that sounds like a lot. And more to the point, the higher spec 9.9 XX1 AXS actually weighs more than our bike in this review.

Unless you’re a very experienced rider, there aren’t many of us that really need to be heading up for the highest spec bike; in terms of ride experience, you won’t notice much difference and certainly not worth paying over $5,000 more for.

There are other manufacturers operating in this area, though.

Orbea are one of the big players, with their Rise series of bikes really nailing the market at the moment. A comparable bike, price wise, is the Rise M-Team 20MPH – at $9,449.

It comes with a 360Wh battery and a Shimano EP8-RS motor, which kicks out 60Nm of torque. The large-sized carbon framed bike has a full weight of 18.92kg, slightly more than the Fuel EXe 9.8 XT.

Both bikes have the same amount of travel in the suspension and similar Shimano XTR M9100 drivetrain setups. Overall, they’re both very similar bikes, both handle like a dream, are lightweight and offer a good amount of torque, without compensating too much on the overall weight.

It really is a toss up between them and it depends whether you want a little extra torque for a little extra weight. Ultimately, though, we would stick with the Fuel EXe 9.8 XT.

Final Thoughts

The Fuel EXe 9.8 XT is another example of excellent manufacturing by Trek. It’s another brilliant e-MTB, which bridges the gap between the worlds of the conventional MTB and fully juiced-up e-MTBs.

It’s lightweight, a dream to throw around the trails and still offers a decent amount of assistance. There isn’t much difference between this bike and the higher spec bikes in Trek’s Fuel EXe range and, quite frankly, we loved riding it.

It ticks a lot of enduro and XC boxes, offering brilliant cornering, nimble performance on the descents and light-footedness on the hills.

It would suit a capable rider, who wants a leg up at the most challenging of times; it wouldn’t suit a novice or they might feel like they’re not getting enough out of their e-MTB.

We loved it, though, and at $8,699, it’s a fair price for a highly-advanced piece of kit that’s beautiful to ride. Go out and give this puppy a spin.

“If you enjoyed this review then make sure to check out our reviews of other Trek e-MTBs, including the Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS , Fuel EXe 9.9 XTR , Fuel EXe 9.7 , and Fuel EXe 9.5 .”

Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS Review (2023)

Fuel EXe 9.9 XTR Review (2023)

Fuel EXe 9.7 Review (2023)

Fuel EXe 9.5 Review (2023)

+1 (918) 393 4169, [email protected].

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2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 Review

Are you in the market for a trail bike that can take your weekend adventures to the next level? The 2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 promises to deliver on speed, strength, and reliability – but does it really live up to its hype?

Nowadays finding a great mountain bike can be hard.

But the new 2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 has been touted as one of the best all-mountain bikes available with optimal suspension, strong frame, and reliable components– all while staying lightweight! Now we put that statement to the test.

We’ll be taking an in-depth look at the 2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6’s specs and performance to see if it really is worth all the hype.

We’ll examine everything from its lightweight carbon fiber frame, Fox Performance Float X rear shock, Shimano drivetrain system and much more so you can decide if this is indeed the right bike for you!

The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 is a durable, versatile full-suspension mountain bike that features a reliable 12-speed drivetrain and modern geometry for greater stability and comfort.

Whether you’re an experienced rider looking to take on more challenging terrain or just getting your feet wet in the world of mountain biking, this model is packed with all the latest technologies to help you enjoy every ride.

Let’s dive into its components, specs and performance to see how it stacks up against its competitors.

The 2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 is the successor to the highly successful Fuel EX 9.7, with improved performance and a reliable build for experienced mountain bikers who crave precision.

This mountain bike features OCLV Mountain Carbon construction for maximum strength, Trek’s Smoothwall Carbon frame for lighter weight and shock absorption, Fox Performance Float X rear shock for smooth control of terrain, a Shimano 1×12 wide range drive-train to tackle any climb, Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes for increased reliability, Fox Rhythm 36 front suspension fork for extreme stability, TranzX seat post for extra comfort and control on descents, keeping you planted on the trails are Bontrager XR5 Team Issue 29″x2.5″ tires.

With all these features in one bike the 2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 is perfect for anyone looking to take their riding experience to the next level.

– OCLV Mountain Carbon construction ensures maximum strength and features internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, magnesium rocker link, downtube guard, and 140mm of travel

– Fox Rhythm 36 front suspension fork offers extreme stability and is equipped with Float EVOL air spring, tapered steerer, 140mm of travel

– Fox Performance Float X rear shock delivers smooth control of terrain and features 2-position damper, 185mm x 55mm

– Shimano SLX and XT 1×12 Drivetrain tackles any climb featuring a 10-51t cassette and 30t chainring

– Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes provide increased reliability

– TranzX dropper seat post gives extra comfort and control when descending

– Bontrager XR5 Team Issue tires ensure grip on any trail

Frame Design & Build Quality

The main frame of the Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 is constructed with Trek’s OCLV Mountain Carbon technology, resulting in a light but sturdy frame with exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.

The geometry is designed using modern standards, giving it confident handling along tight trails as well as better control when riding downhill – making it a great choice for those looking to pursue more technical riding styles.

Drivetrain & Braking System

This iteration comes equipped with a mix Shimano’s XT and SLX 12-speed drivetrain with an 10-51t cassette and 30t chainring providing a wide range of gears from easy climbing on ascents to speedy descents.

Stopping power comes from Shimano’s powerful four-piston hydraulic disc brakes which are shaped to provide consistent modulation throughout each braking engagement.

Suspension Technology & Components

Riding comfort and trail fluency is optimized thanks to a 150mm travel Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL air spring fork upfront as well as Fox Performance Float X, 2-position damper, 185mm x 55mm rear shock.

In addition, this model also comes standard with Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheelset wrapped in 29″x2.5″ XR5 Team Issue tires designed specifically for all-mountain catering durability and stiffness while remaining lightweight at the same time.

Overall Impressions

Trek have once again successfully delivered an impressive all-mountain bike that should certainly catch the attention of those looking for confidence inspiring performance combined with excellent component specification complete in beautiful finish options that bring out its unique character even further.

The 2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 stands apart from other bikes making it an excellent offering suitable for thrill seekers as well trial riders alike without breaking their budget.

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Trek Fuel EX 2023 Review | A bigger, musclier & hugely adaptable trail bike

The not-so-minor details.

2023 Trek Fuel EX

https://www.trekbikes.com

$4,999 AUD - $8,999 AUD

- Sturdy, flex-free chassis - Superb geometry with adjustable head angle - Efficient & comfortable climbing performance - Coil shock, big fork & mullet compatibility - Mechanic-friendly frame furnishings - Internal storage

- Frame is on the heavy side - Rear shock tune lacks small-bump suppleness - Rattly rear thru-axle lever

Wil reviews the Trek Fuel EX 2023

Having undergone a ground-up redesign for 2023, the Trek Fuel EX has entered its burliest and biggest travel form yet. This latest model represents the 6th generation of Trek’s popular mid-travel trail bike, with the original having debuted all the way back in 2005. Trail riding has evolved a lot since then, and the new Fuel EX aims to keep up with that evolution by incorporating almost every mod-con you can think of.

Of course it’s big news whenever Trek releases a new Fuel EX, and given how important this bike is for the US brand, we were curious to see how the raft of updates would play out on the trail. We had a bit of an idea, having thoroughly enjoyed riding the electrified Trek Fuel EXe over the past few months. Would the muscle-powered version deliver the same good vibes? And how would it compare to the previous models that have given us so many fond riding memories over the years? We’ve been putting the Trek Fuel EX 2023 to the test to find out!

Watch our video review of the Trek Fuel EX 2023:

Along with the downtube storage, generous frame armour and size-specific chainstays, the Fuel EX appears to pack in almost everything you could possibly want in a modern trail bike.

An overview of the Trek Fuel EX 2023

For 2023, the Trek Fuel EX is built around an entirely new frame that’s produced in carbon and alloy variants. Suspension travel has increased by 10mm at both ends, with the new Fuel EX now sporting a 150mm fork and 140mm of rear travel via the ABP four-bar suspension design.

It’s worth noting that the frame will handle a 160mm travel fork, and thanks to the two-position Mino Link, it can also be run as a mullet. Borrowed from the Session downhill bike, there’s a two-position flip chip at the lower shock mount that offers linear and progressive settings. The latter option is what makes the new Fuel EX coil shock compatible.

On top of that, Trek will be offering aftermarket headset cups to steepen or slacken the head angle by a degree. Along with the downtube storage, generous frame armour and size-specific chainstays, the Fuel EX appears to pack in almost everything you could possibly want in a modern trail bike. It’s certainly an appealing package on paper, and one that’s ready to take on contemporaries like the Specialized Stumpjumper , Merida One-Forty , Canyon Spectral and Giant Trance X .

Trek Fuel EX price & specs

There are a number of different models available in the Trek Fuel EX 2023 lineup, though availability will vary depending on where you are in the world.

In Australia, prices currently range from $4,999 AUD for the Fuel EX 7, and go up to $8,999 AUD for the Fuel EX 9.8 XT model. The cheapest option is actually the Fuel EX 5, though that model carries over the previous generation frame. For a closer look at the specs, prices and all the new details, check out our Trek Fuel EX 2023 overview article for more.

Here we’ll be diving into our experience of testing the Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS model, which will be available in Australia in limited quantities through the custom Project One bike builder. It’s a media bike that was provided to us by Trek, and of course it comes dripping with lots of gold, carbon and wireless bits. However, as usual with our reviews, we won’t be going into detail about the Gucci-level spec. Instead, we’ll be concentrating on the important aspects that are shared throughout the Fuel EX lineup; the frame design, suspension performance and its on-trail handling.

2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS

• Frame |  OCLV Mountain Carbon Fibre, ABP Suspension Design, 140mm Travel
• Fork |  Fox 36, Factory Series, GRIP2 Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
• Shock |  Fox Float X, Factory Series, 185x55mm
• Wheels |  Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Carbon Rims, 29mm Inner Width
• Tyres |  Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 2.5in Front & Rear
• Drivetrain |  SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS1×12 w/30T Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
• Brakes |  SRAM Code RSC 4-Piston
• Bar |  Bontrager RSL Integrated, OCLV Carbon, 27.5mm Rise, 820mm Width
• Stem |  Bontrager RSL Integrated, OCLV Carbon, 45mm Length
• Seatpost |  RockShox Reverb AXS, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 150mm (M-M/L), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL)
• Saddle |  Bontrager Arvada, Austentite Rails
• Confirmed Weight | 14.4kg
• RRP |  $TBC

The chassis feels near-bombproof, and combined with the supportive suspension, powerful brakes and high volume rubber, you’re served up plenty of confidence for pushing the front wheel into steep chutes and over technical A-lines.

Trek Fuel EX size & geometry

From X-Small through to XX-Large, the Trek Fuel EX is produced in no fewer than seven different sizes. Seven! Given that many brands only offer four or sometimes even just three frame sizes, that’s impressive.

The two smallest sizes feature 27.5in wheels, while the Medium and above come standard with 29in wheels. The Small is the only option that is available in either wheelsize.

At 175cm tall I’ve been riding a Medium, which features a 450mm reach. Thanks to the use of short seat tubes, a rider of my height could easily upsize to the M/L size to get a longer 470mm reach. Personally, I’ve found the fit of the Medium to be spot-on.

As for geometry, the Fuel EX features a 64.5° head angle and approximately a 77.5° effective seat tube angle in its stock configuration. The rear centre length varies between sizes, going up to 450mm on the largest frame. On the Medium I’ve been riding, the rear centre is a compact 435mm.

Coming off the Fuel EXe, I found it easy to settle into the Fuel EX. The only modification I needed to perform was to chop the comically wide handlebars from 820mm down to a more reasonable 780mm.

Suspension & tyre setup

Getting the Fuel EX set up is made easy thanks to Trek’s detailed online suspension calculator . Input the bike model and your riding weight, and out spits suggested air pressure and rebound settings for both the fork and shock. It even suggests tyre pressures, giving you a good place to start before hitting the trail. When brands like Canyon struggle to provide any recommendations at all, Trek should be commended for helping riders to get the most out of their bike.

For my 68kg riding weight, Trek suggests setting up the Fox 36 fork slightly softer and slower than usual. Recommended rear shock sag is 29%, and the calculator’s suggestion of 158psi got me to exactly that figure. Initially I set the rebound at 6/15 clicks as recommended, but while everything felt quite balanced front to back, the suspension was a little sluggish and duller than I wanted. Speeding up the rebound by a couple of clicks in both the fork and shock helped to make the whole bike feel a bit more lively, while improving small-bump reactivity.

Although the Bontrager SE5 tyres feature reinforced Core Strength casings, I still fitted a CushCore Pro insert to provide some additional pinch-flat protection and insurance for the carbon rims. Tyre pressures were set as per Trek’s recommendations with 20psi in the front and 22psi in the rear.

Trek Fuel EX weight

Confirmed weight for our Trek Fuel EX test bike is 14.4kg. That’s with the tyres set up tubeless, but without the CushCore insert or pedals.

It’s on the heavier side for a high-end carbon trail bike, though the 2.5in tyres, stocky carbon wheels and AXS components aren’t exactly the lightest going. Of course weights do vary throughout the Fuel EX lineup depending on the spec, and you can see the weights for all the different models in our range overview .

A contributing factor to the overall weight is the new frame, which has gained almost 700g over its predecessor. Trek claims the carbon frame weighs 3.4kg with the rear shock, making it a bit of a porker alongside some of the competition;

• Scott Genius HMX Carbon: 2,249g
• Specialized Stumpjumper Carbon: 2,280g
• Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29: 2,498g
• Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Carbon: 2,750g
• Canyon Spectral CF: 3,047g
• Trek Fuel EX Carbon: 3,400g

The new alloy Fuel EX frame is heavier again, coming in at a hefty 4.6kg with shock.

Of course weight isn’t everything, and it’s unsurprising that the new frame has gotten heavier given how much longer and slacker it is. Still, for those who are especially concerned by grams, there are certainly lighter options on the market.

What do we dig about the Trek Fuel EX 2023?

With its added heft and updated geometry, the Trek Fuel EX 2023 is no doubt the burliest iteration yet. The chassis feels near-bombproof, and combined with the supportive suspension, powerful brakes and high volume rubber, you’re served up plenty of confidence for pushing the front wheel into steep chutes and over technical A-lines.

Indeed it’s massively capable for a 140mm travel bike, with the slack 64.5° head angle and roomy wheelbase giving it a purposeful stance on the trail. The geometry is superb, with welcome updates that have brought the Fuel EX right up to speed.

The steeper seat angle is particularly noticeable over the old bike, providing a much improved seated position on steep climbs. Pedalling efficiency has also levelled up. Trek has lifted the main pivot above the chainring to increase anti-squat, which helps to reduce pedal-induced bobbing. The Float X shock has a two-position climb switch, but I never once needed to use it while riding off-road since the rear end is so well behaved.

It rips through the turns

Once up to speed on flower singletrack, the taut chassis means the Trek Fuel EX is highly responsive when rounding corners and pushing into berms.

With its boxy downtube, split top tube and the supporting strut for the lower shock mount, the front triangle is heavily braced to resist torsional flex. Along with the wide main pivot and boxy one-piece chainstays, the Fuel EX possesses a strong spine from its shapely head tube to the rear thru-axle. The muscly frame effectively translates handling inputs while resisting lateral deflection through the turns.

Likewise, the short rear end and generous 38mm BB drop are fantastic when threading your way through twisty sections of trail, keeping you connected to the terrain and contributing to the playful ride quality. The low-hanging BB did mean I caught the pedals occasionally, so those who frequent off-piste terrain and technical climbs will want to consider flipping the Mino Link into the High position to indulge in an extra 7mm of pedal clearance.

Otherwise the riding position and weight distribution are totally sorted. The handling is approachable, and the Fuel EX doesn’t demand a whole lot from you as the rider. Compared to the old bike it does need a more concerted lean when entering tighter corners, though this is a part of the natural evolution of modern trail bike geometry. Even if you’re coming off a 5-year old bike, you’ll only need a few rides to get accustomed to the Fuel EX’s steering behaviour.

Trail-tweakable

In addition to the Mino Link, we’ve also been experimenting with the lower shock flip chip on the Trek Fuel EX. Requiring just a single 6mm hex key, it’s a quick adjustment to make trailside, and the change in suspension behaviour is noticeable.

I ended up preferring the ‘Less’ setting, which provides a more linear leverage rate. With the shock set at the recommended sag, this position provides great pedalling support, along with more comfort and activity deeper into the stroke. There’s still a good deal of progression though. Combined with the large bottom-out bumper in the Float X shock, hitting full travel proved to be a well-controlled affair.

One of our fellow testers, who generally spends more time in the air than on the ground, preferred riding in the ‘More’ setting. This increases progression, providing a stronger ramp-up in the latter half of the travel. He also reduced the shock pressure by 5psi to further enhance small-bump compliance, while still being able to enjoy the additional big-hit support. Pedal efficiency isn’t as stable in this setting, but it does mean the Fuel EX takes to jumps like a duck to water, popping off lips enthusiastically and absorbing hard landings with a solid and flex-free touchdown.

One thing to note on the More/Less flip chip is that while you are altering the progression of the air spring, you’re also affecting the damper too. As well as adjusting air pressure, we found we needed to tweak the rebound and low-speed compression settings between the two positions. It is indeed a useful tuning tool, but it doesn’t dispel the need for air volume spacers entirely.

What does it struggle with?

With the Trek Fuel EX adopting a beefier frame, the added weight is noticeable compared to lighter bikes in this category. That’s compounded by the heavy-duty brakes, stocky wheels and chunky tyres, which mean there’s more inertia to overcome during micro-accelerations on an undulating climb.

For those who are looking for a sharper and sprightlier trail bike to whip through the trees along smoother singletrack, the latest Trek Top Fuel will be a better fit. In comparison, the new Fuel EX is a burlier beast that thrives on steeper and more technical terrain.

Curiously, it does feel stiffer than the electrified version, the Fuel EXe . Despite both our test bikes featuring carbon frames with a near-identical build kit, I’ve found the Fuel EX to transmit more trail feedback.

Some of this may be due to structural differences, and perhaps the more favourable sprung-to-unsprung mass ratio on the electric version thanks to the added weight of the motor and and battery. Either way, the Fuel EX doesn’t exactly exude off-camber compliance. As a lighter rider on very rocky terrain, I’ve found myself getting knocked around a little more than I would like.

This sensation reminded me of the Canyon Spectral 125 , which proved to be overly stiff and quite uncomfortable at slower riding speeds. The Fuel EX is more compliant overall than the Spectral 125, but it’s still pretty stiff.

It’s not as supple as Fuel EX models gone by

Contributing to this sensation, the suspension isn’t as plush as previous Fuel EX models, particularly those that featured the Thru Shaft shock. Those bikes did require the rider to make use of the compression lever to provide pedalling support, but it meant that in the open mode the rear end absorbed the terrain like melted butter.

You may have noticed that Trek has been making a conscious move away from proprietary suspension components lately, and that’s coincided with building bikes that offer more neutral pedalling performance. The increased anti-squat is one part of the equation on the new Fuel EX, and the other part is the custom-tuned Float X, which Trek has configured with a digressive compression tune on the main piston. This creates a decent low-speed threshold, which provides a level of support that sits between the Open and Medium settings on the previous RE:aktiv damper.

The result is that you can ride with the shock fully open, and the Fuel EX still offers great stability under pedalling inputs, with no real need to activate the climb switch. If you detest remote lockouts and having to flip shock levers all the time, this will certainly be appealing.

The downside is that the suspension isn’t as supple over smaller rubble and at slower speeds. Along with the stiff chassis and carbon wheels, more of those vibrations are transmitted to the rider. As such, careful consideration with tyre pressure is needed to maximise grip and comfort.

Because there is more support however, the Fuel EX gives your feet a stronger platform to push off of, with greater feedback during high-load scenarios. Indeed the harder and faster you push, the better the Fuel EX responds. In that sense, it’s less of a comfy cruiser like its predecessors, and more of a mid-travel bruiser that loves to ride hard and fast.

Component highs & lows

As a complete bike, the Trek Fuel EX is a solid package that puts the emphasis on capability over light weight.

The Bontrager SE5 tyres are a good example, coming in at 1,100g each on our workshop scales. They roll reasonably well given their weight and size, and we’ve found them to provide consistent grip on rocky, hard-packed soil, which will suit most Aussie trail riders. The tread is a little shallow though, and the compound isn’t the softest, which sees them struggling to latch on when the conditions are wet and loose. We’d prefer something a little stickier and toothier up front, like a Maxxis Minion DHR II with 3C MaxxGrip rubber.

While the carbon Bontrager Line Pro rims are quite stiff, they have proven to be plenty tough. We’ve tested five of these wheelsets across various bikes over the past few years and we’ve not encountered a single issue. The y also come with a two-year crash replacement guarantee, which is great insurance given the hell that you can put this bike through. Furthermore, the frame itself comes with a lifetime warranty for the original owner.

There’s still plenty of real-world protection though, including a generous two-piece armour plate that bolts to the underside of the downtube. There’s also a metal chain-suck guard behind the chainring, and a full-coverage chainstay protector. Along with the fully guided internal cable routing, the Fuel EX is an impressively quiet and rattle-free bike on the trail. Well, except for the rear thru-axle lever, which I removed after the first ride.

Otherwise the finishing details are all sound. The adoption of a bigger 34.9mm seat tube diameter is welcome, as it accommodates a stiffer and stronger dropper post, particularly for the larger sizes. Mechanics will be happy to see a threaded BB shell, and we’re fans of the downtube storage. The trap door has none of the play that we encountered on the last Fuel EX we tested, with a tight fit and a nice lever action.

It’s certainly a high quality chassis, and many riders are likely to appreciate the in-built versatility. We’re looking forward to trying out the adjustable head angle once the aftermarket cups become available, and we’d also be keen to try out the Fuel EX with a coil shock. Setting it up as a mullet will be more straightforward, especially as you only need to buy an air spring to extend the Fox 36 up to 160mm of travel.

Trek Fuel EX vs Specialized Stumpjumper

Alongside the Trek Fuel EX, the Specialized Stumpjumper is one of the most popular and well-known trail bikes in this category. In terms of travel and the overall build, the Fuel EX sits right in between the regular Stumpjumper and the Stumpjumper EVO. However, it’s the regular Stumpy that I’ve been spending the most time on lately, both in its stock configuration and with a burlier mullet setup .

Compared to the Fuel EX, the Stumpjumper has a touch less travel with a 140mm fork and 130mm at the rear. It also uses a simpler suspension layout, with the carbon models employing a flex-stay design. Combined with its slimmer tube profiles, the carbon Stumpjumper frame is very light. Specialized claims it weighs just 2.28kg including the shock, which is over a kilo lighter than a carbon Fuel EX.

This theme extends to the Stumpjumper’s build kit, with Specialized electing for the skinnier Fox 34 over the 36. Along with an in-line shock, lighter brakes, wheels and tyres, there’s a considerable difference in the overall bike weight. For example, the Stumpjumper Pro we tested weighed 12.84kg.

While the geometry is pretty similar between the two bikes, the Specialized Stumpjumper rides much lighter on the trail compared to the Trek Fuel EX. It offers more comfort, with its lithe chassis and smooth suspension performance providing better compliance over rough terrain. It’s quite sporty and sprightly, though its active suspension design does need taming on the climbs by making use of the rear shock’s compression lever.

In comparison, the Fuel EX is more naturally efficient. It’s also more planted at speed, with its sturdy chassis and supportive suspension providing better big-hit capability. It feels more like a short travel enduro bike, which will suit heavier and harder riders.

Both bikes will handle a longer fork and can be set up as a mullet, though Specialized makes a specific link for the Stumpjumper to maintain the stock geometry. There is greater versatility in the Fuel EX chassis, with the option to adjust the head angle and fit a coil shock.

As for value, the Fuel EX offers a more appealing spec package. A Stumpjumper Expert sells for $9,800 AUD and comes with a Fox 34 GRIP2 fork, SRAM G2 brakes, an X01 drivetrain, alloy wheels and handlebars. In comparison, an equivalent Fuel EX 9.8 XT sells for $800 AUD less. It gets a simpler GRIP damper for its Fox 36 fork, though it does feature a piggyback shock, a Shimano XT groupset, a carbon one-piece RSL cockpit and carbon wheels with that 2-year crash replacement guarantee.

Flow’s Verdict

For many trail riders, the Trek Fuel EX 2023 is likely to tick just about every box on your new bike wish list. It’s as up to date as it gets, featuring loads of adjustability, internal storage and a nuanced approach to its size-specific geometry. Along with the increased travel and muscly frame, it offers greater stability and big-hit control over its predecessor, while still being a fun and involving bike to ride on modern flow trails.

It is a bit of a chonker though, so those who are looking for a lightweight and speedy trail bike may be better served by the latest Top Fuel .

The stiff chassis and supportive suspension also mean the Fuel EX tends to transmit more feedback, making it less comfortable to ride over rocky terrain. We’d be curious to try out a lighter shock tune to see how much of a difference that would make to the overall ride quality, but in its stock form the Fuel EX isn’t as plush as competitors like the Giant Trance X and Specialized Stumpjumper .

It is impressively efficient though, and the stable suspension gives you a load of support when you’re really giving it the beans on the descents. In this sense, the Fuel EX is closer in feel and performance to an enduro bike. You’ll still want to look towards the Slash if you’re serious about racing, but outside of the tape the Fuel EX will handle just about everything a modern trail centre or bikepark could throw at it. And for those who really want to up the limits, the adaptable chassis can easily be configured for some pretty aggressive riding.

Indeed for those who are chasing maximum capability without going to a big, spongy enduro bike, the Fuel EX is a mighty appealing option.

You’ll still want to look towards the Slash if you’re serious about racing, but outside of the tape the Fuel EX will handle just about everything a modern trail centre or bikepark could throw at it.

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Trek Rail 9.7

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30 facts in comparison

Trek Rail 9.7 vs Trek Rail 9.8 XT

Why is trek rail 9.7 better than trek rail 9.8 xt, why is trek rail 9.8 xt better than trek rail 9.7.

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MBUK’s Trail Bike of the Year 2022

“It’s easy to look at the bike from afar and assume this is just another downcountry rig... It wasn’t until I’d fired it over some jumps, nosed it down the odd steep chute and slung it through my test loops’ berms that I realised the Top Fuel is, simply put, a bloody brilliant trail bike.”

"Enduro’s Best Downcountry Bike of 2022"

"Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS earned top honors in Enduro’s round-up of best downcountry rippers, thanks to the bike’s clean look, practical details, and progressive suspension."

"This is a really, really good bike"

"The Top Fuel is a very capable descender, but its well-proportioned geometry is just half the story. It manages to strike a great balance between grip, tracking, and precision. The whole bike seems to just will you on to hit things faster and with more precision."

"This thing rips"

"The new Top Fuel is also much more composed on rough and fast descents. Thanks to the longer reach and slacker head angle, the overall wheelbase length has grown by almost 40mm. That’s huge, and it offers a vastly more planted feel at speed. Along with the big tyres and active suspension, this really is a solid little trail bike."

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