kade edwards trek fuel ex

First Ride - Trek's All-New 2023 Fuel EX 11

Riding a new trail blind on a bike you've never touched let's find out what confidence really means..

I t has been a decade since Trek first released the Fuel EX. Mountain biking as a sport has changed quite a lot over those years, as has the Fuel EX. On this, the ten-year anniversary, Trek has released an all-new Fuel EX that is a dramatic change from the prior iteration. There's a new frame design, revised geometry, frame storage, and a host of adjustments that can make the Fuel EX morph into any kind of trail bike you want. There's a lot to unpack here, let's not waste time.

• OCLV carbon and alloy frame options
• 29-inch wheels (XS is 27.5 only, small is available in 27.5 or 29)
• Mixed-wheel compatible with Mino link and 160mm fork
• 140mm (5.5-inches) of rear wheel travel // 150mm (5.9-inches) fork travel
• ABP suspension design
• Tapered headtube with adjustable headset cups
• Guided, internal cable routing
• In-frame storage with BITS bag
• BITS tool in the headtube
• Adjustable suspension leverage chip
• Full downtube protection
• Size-specific chainstays
• Threaded bottom bracket with ISCG05 mounts
• Boost 148 rear spacing with 12mm through axle
• MSRP $10,749 USD (As tested)

When Trek launches a new bike there tend to be more leaks than a sunk boat. Down to its prominent display in Brandon Semenuk and Kade Edwards' Parallel 2 video , the new Fuel EX is a surprise to few. Regardless, the new frame lines and design are indicative of an entirely new platform. Trek is offering the Fuel EX as a complete line with a broad selection of build kits and price points.

Trek went all in with the geometry updates here. Yes, the longer, slacker, steeper trend is there but certainly, that is a good thing and though the changes are pretty big, the Fuel EX isn't outlandish by any stretch of the imagination. Depending on the size, the Fuel EX has grown by 20mm in reach. The head angle comes out of the box 1.5-degrees slacker (and can go slacker still) and the seat angle steepens by 2 degrees.

The Fuel EX ships with the Mino link in the low position, giving it a 64.5-degree head angle. Going to high will steepen that to 65 degrees. Trek is offering an aftermarket headset insert that will allow riders to alter the head angle by plus or minus 1 degree, meaning riders could go as slack as 63.5 degrees but then bump it up to 64 degrees with the Mino in the high position (slack with more pedal clearance). Trek has a geometry tool on the Fuel EX page to help riders discover all of the possible adjustments and scenarios.

Additionally, there is a flip chip at the lower shock mount. In stock form, the chip comes in a more neutral progression setting, ideal for air shocks and an overall more supple feel. Flip the link to a more progressive setting and the Fuel EX takes on a more aggressive leverage curve and becomes coil compatible.

In all, there are seven new Fuel EX builds along with both carbon and alloy frameset options. The two alloy builds use Trek's Alpha Platinum aluminum and does have in-frame storage. The five carbon builds are Trek's OCLV and also have in-frame storage.

Both alloy builds, EX 7 ($3,699) and EX 8 (4,299), use Shimano 12-speed drivetrains and Shimano 4-piston brakes. The EX7 runs a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork and FOX Performance Float Evol shock while the 8 gets a bump to the FOX Rhythm 36 and FOX Performance Float X. While the EX 8 may not be the higher-end aluminum build that many riders shout out for, the parts blend is solid without being flashy.

Trek delineates its carbon offerings by the 9 designations, with builds starting at 9.7 and moving up to 9.9. The Fuel EX 9.7 (4,699) is a blend of parts from both the 7 and 8. Riders get the nicer suspension from the 8 but the drivetrain from the 7. For those wanting to dip into carbon waters, this is a good place. The suspension is great and the drivetrain is rock solid, albeit a bit weighty.

The EX 9.8 GX AXS ($7,699) build tells you the drivetrain already. The fork bumps a little to the FOX Performance 36 and the Float X stays on. Riders do get the bump to Bontrager's Line Elite carbon hoops. Robots aren't cheap and we're guessing Trek went with the SRAM Code R brakes to save a little coin. We'd choose derailleur cables over Code Rs but riders can make that choice for themselves.

Next is the 9.8 XT ($6,249). Every part from the 9.8 GX AXS carries over except the obvious drivetrain and brake swap to Shimano's XT group.

Lastly are the EX 9.9 XX1 AXS ($10,749) and XTR ($9,749) builds. As one would expect, everything is top-notch. FOX Factory suspension, Line Pro carbon wheels, RSL carbon bar/stem combo; it's all there. The XX1 AXS has said drivetrain and Code RSC brakes while the XTR build has the appropriately matched Shimano drivetrain and brakes.

On The Trail

It isn't often if ever, that one says a mountain bike looks just like an e-bike, but that is exactly the case with the new Fuel EX. When we attended the online launch, we had to chuckle as the Fuel EX looks just like the Fuel EXe we had recently tested . In picking up our test bikes in Whistler, we were nervous that onlookers may accuse us of riding an e-bike on an unsanctioned trail. Our uphill pace probably put us well in the safe zone.

Our two Vital staffers grabbed a medium and extra-large Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS for a little jaunt on Lord of the Squirrels. This is a popular trail in the area, and we were in luck as it had just opened the day before. In all, our ride would carry us over 20 miles with 4,000 feet of climbing. As we laid out our plan to Trek, they replied that it was the perfect ride for the Fuel EX.

Our bikes were shiny and new, with brakes that were not even bedded. Fortunately, Trek did have the time to chop down the bars for our medium test bike. We set our FOX Float X shocks to 30% sag and lead with the PSI chart on the FOX 36 forks, putting in the recommended amount of air. After that, we boldly went off on our ride. Vital would normally not recommend such a ride without some shakedown, but it was Crankworx, baby! #sendit

Our given route for this ride had us start off on a paved climb, nothing too steep. From there, we were to head into something I like to call Face Punch Alley. After that, things were pleasant for some miles, and the "meander in the woods" stigma around this ride set in. At some point, near a lookout deck, the trail made a right turn and went up. The going up did not stop for many miles. Somewhere along the line one of us broke and determined this climb was really damn hard. The other person rode his XL bike swiftly up the mountain, further demolishing my spirits. At least the flies and mosquitos were really bad.

Right out of the gate on the paved portion, the Fuel EX proved itself a happy climber. Our two-man crew breezed along in an efficient and comfortable manner. We'll tip our cap to the Fuel EX for being a rather natural feeling ride. Once thrown into the more technical and looser bits of the climb, the EX held its own. Considering the circumstances, there were a number of occasions we were thankful to be on this particular bike.

There are plenty of sections of the climb that are smooth and we did goof around with the climb switch, particularly in the hurt locker. It wasn't so much that the bike needed it but we wanted that emotional gain. Despite having a load of hydration on our back, the Fuel EX didn't get too light on the steeper bits.

DH/Technical Performance/Fun Factor

After far too much climbing and several snow fields, we reached the top of our ride. Our team received some brownie-to-mouth resuscitation and broke out the camera for beauty shots to let the sugar sink in.

During the initial part of our descent, we felt the Fuel EX was a little too glued to the ground. There's definitely a time and place for this sort of character but based on what we were taking in with the trail, we wanted more pop. After some adjustments to the suspension, we were off again. Then we pulled over again and tweaked some more. The third time was the charm and we were off to the races.

Knowing that the bike is not defined by a single character is pretty fantastic.

We'll say that it speaks well of both Trek and FOX to have such an adjustable nature. Knowing that the bike is not defined by a single character is pretty fantastic. While we will loudly add the disclaimer that neither of us had ever been on this bike and one of us was riding blind, our nerves were calm aboard the Fuel EX.

There are a number of blind rollers and punts on the downhill and after plowing through a few of them, both the trail and the bike became very predictable. Letting the bike off the leash revealed a glorious ride. We were really impressed with the Fuel EX and still had miles of trail to go.

Rear Suspension Performance

FOX's Float DPX was one of our favorite shocks. We often called it the little shock that could. The new Float X is all that and more. For being a parking lot tune with a trail-side adjustment, we could not have been happier with its ability to tame miles of roots and rocks. Lord of the Squirrels is not the heaviest trail around but it is long and there are plenty of bumps. From slabs to roots and square edge hits; both the Float X and Trek's ABP handled it masterfully.

Where did the suspension excel?

There are tons of small to mid-sized impacts on the downhill. The FOX suspension smoothed it all out, and we were genuinely impressed with the moments of magic-carpet feel. Were it not for our gloveless hands' disagreement with the Bontrager grips, we would have felt fresh as a daisy.

We used the full travel on our test bikes but felt well supported when fluttering through higher-speed rough sections. Additionally, the Fuel EX was well-balanced front and rear, letting us set up properly for a variety of sections.

Unique Features  

In-frame storage is becoming less unique but we always appreciate having it. Additionally, the Bontrager tool in our steerer was quite handy for trail-side adjustments. We're eager to get our long-term test bike and play around with all of the adjustments on the Fuel EX. The Bontrager RSL one-piece bar and stem is unique , though time will tell if it is a feature.

When Trek told us we had outlined the perfect ride for the Fuel EX, they weren't kidding. In its stock form, this is as clear a representation of a trail bike as one can get. Mountain bikers that do big climbs with long descents will love the Fuel EX line. We have to imagine that even more can be squeezed out of this bike with a longer fork, slacker head angle, mixed-wheel setup, coil shock, and what-have-you. Riders can tweak their little hearts out. Regardless, out of the box, this might be our favorite Trek we've ridden to date.

Perceived Weight

We wouldn't characterize the Fuel EX as a featherweight. To be fair, it is not marketed as such but we had hopes that with all those light, high-end parts, it would feel as such. Regardless, the bike never felt piggish and conversely, it was soundly planted in the rough stuff.

Our medium tester spun his 30-inch legs as fast as he could to keep pace with Captain Climb, and the Fuel EX obliged as best it could. Bursts of power out of corners resulted in immediate acceleration. In short, the Fuel EX is an efficient machine.

It's 2022 (or 2023 according to most bike brands). If a brand's top-shelf superbike makes noise on the trail they should turn off the lights and quit. Of course, the 9.9 XX1 AXS was quiet. All we heard was the scurry of rocks beneath us punctuated by moments of uncontrollable laughter.

If Trek is buying, we'll take the XX1 AXS build kit but that isn't how things work. If it were our money and the Fuel EX line was laid before us, we'd give the nod to the 8, 9.7, or even the 9.8 XT if we were feeling fancy. All of these platforms will get you comparable performance and money left over to stuff that downtube full of taquitos.

Long-term Durability

Vital has taken in a lot of Trek bikes for long-term reviews over the past four years and never had much of an issue. When we look over the Fuel EX, we see increased levels of frame protection and much of the same, nicely finished build qualities we've come to expect from Trek. Whenever there are more things to adjust (leverage rate chip, headset cups) there will always be an increase in the likelihood of creaks. We cannot speak directly to those on this bike, but it is out there.

...the new Trek Fuel EX is a damn fine trail bike right out of the box, no matter your riding style.

What's The Bottom Line?

Vital sent two testers out on the Fuel EX. One of them punished himself for too many hours editing bike reviews, the other guy took off up the hill. If it means anything, those roles were reversed on the descent. In the end both riders made it back to the truck with giant smiles on their faces. Ultimately, it was concluded that the new Trek Fuel EX is a damn fine trail bike right out of the box, no matter your riding style. 

Look for the long-term review coming later. For now, head to TrekBikes.com for more details.

View key specs, compare bikes, and rate the new Trek Fuel EX in the Vital MTB Product Guide.

2023 Trek Fuel EX FAQ’s

What's new about the frame?

• An aggressive, forward-leaning visual redesign
• More travel: 150mm front/140mm rear
• Size-specific chainstay lengths
• Threaded bottom bracket
• Adjustable geometry via Mino Link and aftermarket angled headset cups
• Adjustable suspension progression provides more support for coil shocks or extra-aggressive riders looking for more bottom-out resistance
• A 34.9mm seat tube for fitting burlier, more reliable dropper posts
• Guided internal cable/hose routing for simplified maintenance and less noise
• A full-length dual-density downtube guard for protection from debris and during shuttle runs
• Alloy models now get internal downtube storage!

Do any frame sizes feature curved top tubes for lower standover?

Can XS and S bikes with 27.5” wheels run a 29” front wheel?

No, there’s not enough fork clearance.

In which Mino Link position does the bike ship?

Low/slack (64.5 degrees)

What happens if I flip the Mino Link position to High?

You’ll get a half degree steeper head angle (65 degrees) for quicker handling and an 8mm higher bottom bracket for more ground clearance.

How does the adjustable headset work?

You can swap out your headset cups to get a full degree of head angle adjustment without affecting any other measurements. The bikes come stock with the zero degree cups, but SKU W5295319 (sizes XS-L) or W5295274 (sizes XL-XXL) gets you the angled upper cup and SKU W5294449 (all sizes) gets you the angled lower cup.

The upper cup is a drop-in part, but the lower cup needs to be pressed in with a standard shop headset press. The cups have notches and laser-engraved guides to help you install them straight. For more detailed installation instructions, watch the Fuel EX service video on Trek U.

Install the angled cups in the indicated slack position to get a 63.5 degree head angle for more stability, or rotate 180 degrees to get a steeper 65.5 degree head angle for quicker handling.

You can install the headset cups in the slack position and use the Mino high setting to maintain BB height and avoid pedal strikes, all while keeping a 64 degree head tube angle. Need even higher and steeper? Use the Mino high setting and the steep head tube cup setting for a 66 degree head tube angle.

Are all sizes compatible with a water bottle?

Do all frame sizes use the same wheel size?

• XS: 27.5-only
• S: 27.5 or 29
• M and up: 29

What is the maximum tire size?

Frame clearance for 2.5” wide tires on both 27.5 and 29 models.

Is it compatible with other wheel/tire sizes?

Yes – this bike is mullet compatible. Riders can run a 27.5 rear wheel for better bike-to-body clearance and more agile handling. To keep the bottom bracket height reasonable and avoid pedal strikes, we recommend a 160mm fork and running the Mino Link in the High (65 degrees) position.

Are these bikes tubeless compatible? What additional parts are required?

Fuel EX 7 and up come with everything you need to set the wheels up tubeless out of the box. No additional parts required. Fuel EX 5 comes with tubeless ready rims and rim strips, but no valves, sealant, or tubeless ready tires.

What is the maximum fork axle-to-crown and travel?

See charts below. Approved for the longer Fox 38 /Rock Shox ZEB 160mm.

How much dropper post insertion does the frame have?

Does it have any accessory mounts (kickstand, racks, fenders, lights)?

Fuel EX 9.8 and 9.9 come with a Blendr-compatible bar/stem. Otherwise, Fuel EX is a purpose-built trail bike and doesn’t have mounts for a kickstand, racks, or fenders.

What is the maximum chainring size? Minimum chainring size?

Max: 34T round, 32T oval; Min: 28T

What is the chain line?

What is the crank interface?

BSA 73mm, threaded

Does it have ISCG mounts?

ISCG-05, 3-bolt

Which version of Knock Block does it use?

No Knock Block here.

What is the rear brake mount? What is the max rotor size?

180mm direct post mount (203mm max)

Which aftermarket shocks are compatible?

We know that the following shocks will fit. Other shocks may fit, as there is generous clearance, but should be checked for frame clearance at full suspension compression.

• All FOX, air and coil
• All RockShox, air and coil
• o Flight Attendant fits all sizes, but with no bottle clearance on sizes XS, S 27.5, and S 29. - DVO, air and coil
• PUSH shocks
• o No bottle clearance on sizes XS, S 27.5, S 29.
• EXT Storia coil

What size hardware is needed for aftermarket shocks?

Fuel EX takes a 185mm x 55mm shock with an industry standard 54mm x 10mm upper Trunnion and 40mm x 8mm lower standard pin mount. Fox and RockShox lower eyelet hardware in the 40mm x 8mm size are available on B2B.

Are there different sizes chainstays for size-specific stays?

Size-specific chainstay lengths are achieved by altering the main frame, not the chainstay. This means replacement chainstays are the same for all frame sizes (for a given wheel size).

Will the alloy stays work on carbon frames and vice versa?

Will there be painted replacements for paint-matched storage doors?

Yes, replacements can be found in each model’s Trekbikes.com page under Bike Tech. Note that the entry-level models get a black storage door.

Will it be available in Project One?

View replies to: First Ride - Trek's All-New 2023 Fuel EX

Most Popular

New Trek Fuel EX 2023 – Many sizes + countless adjustability options = plenty of fun?

In “Parallel II”, Kade Edwards and Brandon Semenuk show what the new Trek Fuel EX is capable of, pulling off mental tricks and collecting more air miles than Tom Stuker. However, the latest iteration of Trek’s evergreen should also deliver on long rides, rolling into 2023 with more travel and an updated, fully adjustable geometry. Here’s all the info!

Not long ago, Trek unveiled the brand-new Fuel EXe lightE-MTB ( to our review ), giving us a taste of what the new Fuel EX might look like. And indeed, at first glance it’s almost impossible to tell the two bikes apart. The updated version of the analogue Fuel EX, which retails between € 3,699 and € 12,999, generates more travel than its predecessor, combining 150/140 mm travel, at the front and rear respectively – just like its electric brother! The weight varies from 13,7 kg to 16 kg, depending on the model and spec variant. Moreover, the latest descendant of the Fuel dynasty drifts into the new season with a revised geometry and countless adjustability options, allowing you to adapt the bike to your anatomy and riding style. In view of all this, the new Trek Fuel EX should be a true all-rounder that delivers tons of fun on all kinds of trails.

The Trek Fuel EX 2023 in detail Not only does the new Trek Fuel EX look a lot like its motorized counterpart, but also shares many of its frame features. All cables are routed internally and run inside the frame through internal sleeves, making it easier to set up and service the cables. In typical Trek fashion, the Fuel EX employs their proprietary ABP (Active Braking Pivot) rear suspension system, which is essentially a linkage-driven single pivot with a concentric dropout pivot at the rear axle. Both on the swingarm and downtube, generously sized TPU protectors ensure a quiet ride and shield the frame from impacts. A massive TPU protector extends over the entire length of the downtube. Trek’s proprietary ABP suspension system employs a concentric dropout pivot at the rear axle. A small mudguard above the main pivot prevents mud and debris from accumulating in the gap. Although it’s nothing new to Trek bikes, the new Fuel EX also features a storage compartment in the down tube. The small mudguard protects the main pivot from mud and stray rocks. Storage compartments in the downtube are nothing new for the American bike manufacturer. Specs and builds of the Trek Fuel EX 2023

The new Trek Fuel EX 2023 is available both as an alloy and a carbon version. The three cheapest models use an alloy frame, whereby the entry-level EX 5 model still relies on last year’s frame. All other models rely on the new carbon frame and bear the number 9.x in their name. All variants with the new frame come equipped with FOX suspension, except for the Fuel EX 7 that has a RockShox fork. For the drivetrain and brakes, Trek rely on both Shimano and SRAM depending on the model.

The geometry of the Trek Fuel EX 2023

The new Trek Fuel EX is available in eight sizes, XS to XXL. Hold on… That’s six! Not with Trek. The American bike manufacturer also offers an intermediate ML size, which is aimed at those riders who sit on the fence between the most common M and L sizes. On top of that, the size S is available with both 27.5″ and 29” wheels. The smallest XS size relies exclusively on small 27,5” wheels while all sizes from M upwards rely on big 29″ wheels. The chainstays grow with the frame size, providing consistent handling across all sizes. Once you’ve found your size, you can adjust the geometry of the Fuel EX to suit your anatomy and riding style. This can be done in three ways. First off, Trek’s proprietary Mino-Link flip chip in the seat stays allows you to change the bottom bracket height by 8 mm and steering angle by 0.5°. Moreover, special headset cups allow you to alter the steering angle by 1° without changing bottom bracket height! Finally, a second flip chip in the lower shock mount changes the progression of the rear suspension, which doesn’t alter the geometry of the bike but has a great influence on its handling. Trek have also thought about mullet fans, allowing you to run a mixed wheel setup in the high geometry setting, provided you use a 160 mm fork.

Geometry of the Trek Fuel EX with neutral headset in low position

The Fuel EX has been an integral part of Trek’s portfolio for well over ten years. The latest iteration of Trek’s trail evergreen was designed to be more versatile, to offer more individual adjustment options and, above all, to be more fun than ever! Both on paper and in purely visual terms, the new Fuel EX makes an excellent impression and the flexible geometry concept looks very promising too. We can’t wait to test the new Trek Fuel EX to see how it fares on the trail.

For more info visit trekbikes.com

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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Trek

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About the author.

Simon Kohler

​​Simon loves speed. He has many years of racing experience as a longboard downhill skater, blasting down alpine passes on his board. In the meantime, he’s swapped four wheels for two, charging down trails and bike park lines aboard his mountain bike instead. He’s savoured some of Europe’s finest trails on various road trips through the Alps. Having lived in Austria for some time, he knows the local Austrian bike parks like the back of his hand. He’s a tech nerd through and through, using the skills and know-how from his engineering degree and his attention to detail to put the latest bikes and components through their paces for our reviews. As an early riser and self-declared muesli connoisseur, he lives his life powered by oats and the strength of his legs.

Kade Edwards Departs Trek Factory Racing for C3 Project.

Kade edwards brings his five year stint at trek factory racing to a close and aims to just enjoy riding his bike as part of the c3 project..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trek Bicycle Company (@trekbikes)

wideopenmag

• Fuel EX 5 Gen 5

"A world-class trail bike"

"Fuel EX is a beautifully balanced and capable trail bike. The rear suspension is beautiful; as close to ideal as any bike I've ridden. It's sensitive where you want it to be, firm and crisp where it should be. It feels deep and controls big hits very well, and there's a nice platform for pedaling, and to pump and pop off when you're playing."

"Good at pleasing everybody"

"Fuel EX has a few tricks that help it keep a level head when outside of its comfort zone, and to be a cloud on rails when it's in the zone. Everything about the Fuel EX, which was already good at pleasing everybody, is now even better at it."

"An absolute trail rocket"

"Thanks to its burlier components, increased travel, and more aggressive geometry, it has become more of a shredder than ever! More performance, fun, and trail prowess."

"Perfect all-arounder"

"In a world where most new full-suspension mountain bikes are amazing, Fuel EX stands apart as even more than that."

Fuel EX-compatible accessories

Whether you're busting berms, ripping rock gardens, or surfing singletrack — here are the accessories and gear you need to make sure your Fuel EX is always ready to send.

Which generation is right for you?

Choose from the lighter 130/140mm Fuel EX Gen 5 with better parts for the price or the more robust 140/150mm Fuel EX Gen 6 with more adjustability.

Service manual

Time to bust out the repair stand for some maintenance? Find a detailed breakdown of your bike with part numbers, torque values, and platform-specific tech instructions below.

Get faster on the trail in a week

When it comes to being a better trail rider, practice makes perfect. Get seven tips from Pinkbike’s Christina Chappetta that will have you setting PR's and riding with more confidence in no time.

How to pack for any trail ride

Everything you need (and nothing you don’t).

Golden Heaven: Nothing but good vibes

Follow along as Casey Brown and Kirsten Van Horne let 'er rip from Golden to Kamloops on the new Fuel EX.

BIKE CHECK: The Fuel EX's of ‘Parallel II’

Take a closer look at Brandon Semenuk and Kade Edwards' inverted rides.

Product features

Will my bike have a curved top tube.

Smaller frames (XS and S) have a top tube that dips down as it approaches the seat tube. This design makes for a lower standover height, which is good for shorter riders because it allows them to straddle their bike more easily. Larger frames (M and up) have a straight top tube because taller riders with longer legs typically don’t have the same issues with standover height.

Straight Shot w/Knock Block

Trek's Straight Shot frame design optimizes the stiffness-to-weight ratio for a more responsive ride. You'll be able to push harder and stay more planted on your line when the going gets rough.

Shimano Deore

Shimano Deore brings even more adventure with a wider range of gear choices for the steep stuff, the fast stuff, and the fun. With smooth riding, improved chain stability, and sharp shifting, Deore heightens your mountain biking confidence and control so you can focus on the trail and enjoy the ride.

You almost forgot your pedals

This bike doesn’t come with pedals because you'll have a better ride if you choose your own. Explore the pedal guide to find the best pedals for your riding style. Reach for flat pedals for simple versatility or go for clipless MTB pedals if you want control & efficiency.

Trail-ready gear

Deck out your Fuel EX Gen 6 with our favorite compatible accessories

Suspension Calculator

This suspension calculator will help you optimize your suspension settings for your riding weight. Simply follow the steps to find your best set up.

Mino Link adjustable geometry

Fine tune head tube angle by 1/2° and BB height by up to 10mm with the simple turn of a nut. Just flip the link to choose between slack or slacker geometry, without negatively affecting suspension performance. A Trek exclusive.

Alpha Platinum Aluminum

Our premium lightweight aluminum is continuously cold extruded and butted at multiple points, and hydroformed into sophisticated tube shapes for maximum strength and minimum weight.

Control Freak Cable Management

The lightest, quietest, most versatile cable management system allows any combination of shift, brake, lockout, and dropper post lines to be routed through the frame for clean looks and the ultimate custom setup.

Boost148/110

Wider dropouts (110mm front, 148mm rear) give you the stiffness of a 27.5" wheel with all the benefits of a 29" wheel, and Boost148 in the rear lets you run wider tires and a larger chainring without affecting q-factor and pedaling efficiency.

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Were Semenuk and Edwards riding a secret new Trek trail bike?

• Danny Milner
• July 22, 2022

Parallel II is a jaw-dropping video, but slow things down a bit and both Kade Edwards and Brandon Semenuk appear to be riding an as-yet unreleased Trek. What could it be?

Brandon Semenuk in Parallel II Credit: Red Bull

Is it possible to come up with a more perfect dream team for a shredit than Brandon Semenuk and Kade Edwards? Probably not, and this week’s Parallel II edit delivered on its promise with synchronised style and ludicrous speed. But look beyond the action for a moment and there’s something intriguing about the bikes they’re riding. Take a few screen grabs and compare them with Trek’s current line-up and there’s nothing that matches. So what are Semenuk and Edwards riding?

Brandon Semenuk in Parallel II

The most obvious giveaway that this is a new bike is the reinforcement strut between the top tube and the seat tube. Most current Treks use a web at this point, but the bike in the video has a strut. The shock is still driven by a rocker link, like most Treks, but it’s anchored to another pair of struts linking the down tube and the seat tube. In that respect the new bike has a very similar silhouette to the new Fuel EXe , but there’s no motor.

In terms of travel, both bikes are running RockShox Lyriks , which has a recommended max travel of 160mm. So this is likely to be a trail bike rather an enduro bike , which would use a Zeb. That points to this being a new Fuel EX or Remedy rather than a Slash.

And then we have the frame material. It’s hard to work out whether the front end is alloy or carbon, as Trek has some seriously impressive smooth welds on its alloy bikes, but the back end – or at least the seatstays – are definitely alloy as the bridge uses a cut-out web on the underside.

When can we expect this mystery to be solved? Well, the bikes Kade and Brandon are riding look production-ready, so out guess would be very soon.

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Here’s 2-and-a-half minutes of Kade Edwards ripping through nature

Kade Edwards shows off the Trek Slash's full range

To most people, the Trek Slash is a delightfully versatile machine — a downhill bike that can take on trails, perhaps, or a trail bike that can still rip downhill.

For Kade Edwards, however, the Slash is whatever the hell he wants it to be.

Edwards teamed with Peny for a video showing off the full potential of single track.  Enjoy, and try not to get dizzy.

Don't worry, he lands this.

Nothing can slow Kade down.

Supreme bike handling.

The Slash in its natural habitat.

Take on the world

In this story.

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Juanpe López wins Tour of the Alps

• Kade Edwards

Inside Trek-Segafredo’s offseason ‘de-training’ process

How elite cyclists break down their bodies, and build them back up even stronger

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Cool Features

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, the 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 barrelling through berms, any trail, any way, the Fuel EX is up to get down.

• Meet the Fuel EX Gen 6

Our favourite Trek

The 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

The Fuel EX is a masterpiece

The 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

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. – The Loam Wolf

Ready for anything

The 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

The 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 head tube angle a degree steeper or slacker to your liking – all without impacting your bottom bracket height.

Business at the front, party at 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. The Fuel EX is mullet-ready, just throw Mino Link into high, toss on a 160 mm 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, the Fuel EX’s huge size range provides an outstanding fit for every rider. If you fall between XS and XXL, you’ll be ready to saddle up with size-appropriate wheels and chain stay 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 seat tube keeps you perched for pedalling 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-specific chain stays give smaller riders more nimble handling, while taller riders get better front wheel traction on climbs.

New frame, new possibilities

The Fuel EX’s new generation opens up possibilities for riders who want full customisation. Broader shock compatibility allows for more aftermarket upgrades, like coil shocks. A larger 34.9 mm 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. A bolt-on downtube and chain stay 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. The included Bontrager BITS bag keeps all your odds and ends organised.

Brandon Semenuk x Kade Edwards | Parallel II

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

The Fuel EX Family

Fuel EX Gen 5

With 130 mm rear and 140 mm front travel, the 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.

Fuel EX Gen 6

With 140 mm rear and 150 mm front travel, the 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.

Looking for something a little different?

Sometimes less is more. The 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-track adventures.

Want to go bigger? The 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.

Take a look at Kade Edwards' Trek Session race bike

Part of this story

Kade Edwards

A former junior downhill world champ, kade edwards is one of the sport's great all-rounders, equally at home spinning slopestyle tricks as he is racing..

Kade showed his skills in Scotland, pulling a no hander during his run

© Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool

Trek has continued with the high pivot design introduced in 2021

© Bartek Wolinski

The Session is the bike with the most World Cup wins in downhill history

Men's DH final – Fort William

Watch the action from the men's downhill at Fort William, the longest course of the World Cup season.

Kade Edwards’ Trek Session in detail

• ​​Frame: Trek Session, aluminium
• Fork: Rockshox Boxxer Blackbox
• Damper: Rockshox Air Shock Blackbox
• Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB, 83mm, GXP, threaded
• Chain: SRAM XX1
• Crank: SRAM X01 DH, DUB, 34T alloy ring, 165mm length
• Cassette: SRAM Minibloc, 7-speed, 10-24t
• Rear derailleur: SRAM X01, 7-speed shortcage
• Gear shift: SRAM X01, 7-speed
• Wheels: Bontrager Line DH 30 Aluminium
• Tyres: Bontrager G5 Team, 29-inch
• Brakes: SRAM Code, with a 220mm rotor
• Handlebar: Renthal Fatbar, 30mm rise
• Saddle: Title JSI
• Grips: Odi Longneck (flangeless)
• Pedals: Crankbrothers Mallet DH
• Chain guard: MRP G4 Mini
• Extras: Cushcore inserts

The bike up close

He runs push-on grips – a throwback to his days riding BMX

The rear shock's flip chip was set to 25%, minimising risk of bottoming out

Cushcore inserts help to minimise the risk of flats and tyre burps

The high pivot is here to stay at Trek

Brett Rheeder's Title takes care of saddle, post and clamp

His stem was raised at Fort William for a higher ride height

The eye-catching paint job was done in-house at Trek

Just look at how trippy the detailing is

Suspension was made stiffer front and rear for Fort William

Crankbrothers Mallet DH are easily the most popular pedals in the pits

Despite the move to mullets, he still runs 29" wheels front and back

Check out more bikes from the 2022 UCI Downhill MTB World Cup

Take a look at Laurie Greenland's all-new carbon …

Take a closer look at loïc bruni's 2021 specialized …, take a closer look at vali höll's all-new trek session, want more of this.

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Featuring Kade Edwards

Kade Edwards is one of those riders who makes you want to jam… jam at the dirt jumps and jam out to your favorite tunes. Lyrics 003 is a homage to all things Kade: his favorite riding spots in the U.K., the English punk rock that influenced his style and attitude growing up, and the limits he will continue to push as one of the sport’s greatest, but most down-to-earth, riders who does it for the love of two wheels.

PLAYING TO HIS ROOTS

Kade Edwards needs no introduction to the bike industry. At 23 years old, he is a fan-favored fixture in over 200K followers' Instagram feeds. Loose, outrageous, and down to have fun on any size of wheels, Kade's infectious style is only spreading as his presence at Darkfest, Red Bull Hardline, and as a hopeful Rampage contender becomes more prolific.

Born and raised outside of Huddersfield, U.K., Kade grew up 20 minutes from High Green, Sheffield, where the Arctic Monkeys band formed in 2002. This same year, Kade started riding a bike, and that’s where his life-long obsession with riding began.

I don't think I've ever spent a day off a bike since I was two years old. It's my life. –Kade Edwards

GEN Z INSPIRATIONS

Music influenced Kade’s riding style from the very beginning, and his dad’s taste in music influenced what Kade listened to. At 10 years old, Kade tuned into the Arctic Monkeys for the first time while riding in the car with his dad on the way to hit the local dirt jumps. The lyrics from Arctic Monkeys became the backdrop to many riding sessions for Kade as he progressed his riding day in and day out.

Fast forward 13 years, and Kade has a rolodex of accomplishments across all disciplines and scads of tricks up his sleeve. A former Junior World Champion, Kade is equally at home spinning slopestyle tricks and hurtling down a World Cup race course.  But Kade never strays far from his roots, his tastes in music, and striking the balance between competition and soul riding.

When his competitors are out training, Kade is hitting the biggest jumps on the planet (just for fun). When given a blank canvas to design a kit and bike, Kade comes back with psychedelic oil slick. When asked what would be the one song he would like to make a shreddit to, Kade turns on Arctic Monkeys’ “Brianstorm”.

My taste in music is very wide, but this song shows off my personality, where I'm from, what I'm about. It just goes with the tempo of my riding style. –Kade Edwards

BUSINESS UP FRONT, PARTY IN THE BACK

Following in his dad's footsteps, Kade took to racing at a very young age. Tying on his first number plate at 6 years old, Kade started out on motocross and trials bikes, but eventually dedicated himself to downhill racing to ride and train with the world's best talent coming out of the U.K. 

Meanwhile, the Arctic Monkeys released "Brianstorm" in early 2007, climbing to the top of the U.K. Singles Chart and Scottish Singles Charts. The song became one of the band's most successful singles worldwide, showing their fans they meant business on their follow-up album. With defiant and raucous energy, the Sheffield band played to no one's rules and played across whatever genre they felt inspired by: alternative, indie, hard rock, pop, post-punk revival. 

And just like his music influence, Kade never put himself in a box with riding. While on the upward trajectory of becoming a World Cup racer, Kade never abandoned the skate park, dirt jumps, or favorite trails for training. He would have his cake and eat it, too. 

I’ve always been a racer and I’ve always gone to the skate park. I bike because I enjoy all types. I want to win but I also want to have fun. –Kade Edwards

DON'T THINK. JUST RIDE.

Kade's ability to throw massive tricks and big air without pause can undoubtedly be attributed to the tens of thousands of hours he has spent on a bike. But he also surrounds himself with some of the most talented riders in the world. Session the Hardline course after breakfast? Totally normal. Learn a new trick after lunch? If Kade had an Outlook calendar, it would be on there. But the thing is, he doesn't spend time scrolling Instagram, checking emails, or overscheduling his life to keep up with what the world expects of high-profile athletes. He has figured out what makes him happiest, surrounds himself with others who possess a similar ethos and dedication, and doesn't bother with the rest. While bikes may be the escape from life we are all seeking, bikes are just Kade's life.

Sometimes, you need to remember how gnarly it is what you’re doing. But at the same time, you need to forget and think it’s normal. –Kade Edwards

GETTIN' JIBBY WIT IT

Kade's custom Trek Fuel EX is loaded with Lyrik Ultimate and Super Deluxe Ultimate , the perfect combo for pumping backsides and spinning tricks. While his race bike is all about optimizing speed, this bike is all about being flickable and playful. Eagle AXS keeps the cockpit clean for x-ups and turnbars, and Kade's  Reverb AXS ensures every ounce of energy goes directly into the runup with zero distraction.

My custom Fuel EX is super playful, super short, super steady. It just feels like whenever you tell it to do something, it’ll do it. I love that vibe. –Kade Edwards

BREAKING THE INTERNET

While some say the Arctic Monkeys forever changed the music industry by gaining fame and popularity through the rise of online social media, it is their exceptional lyricism and eagerness to evolve that kept them relevant for the past two decades. While every riding clip that Kade drops seemingly breaks the internet, we have a feeling there are a few more tricks up his sleeve that will mark him as one of the sport's all-around greatest. Until then... be like Kade—stop looking at your phone and go ride your bike.

Video filmed and edited by Kuba Gzela. Photos by Ross Bell. Words by Sarah Rawley.