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• Fuel EX 5 Gen 5

2023 Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 Review

Are you looking for a high-performance mountain bike? The 2023 Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 is the perfect choice. 

This latest mountain bike in the Fuel EX lineup has been refined to perfection and comes with tons of great features.

The Fuel EX series from Trek has long been an industry standard as one of the most trusted mountain bikes on the market.

The fifth generation of these bikes has taken this legacy to the next level with its combination of cutting-edge materials, impressive technology and innovative design that makes it look and ride better than ever before.

This review will explore all of the aspects behind what makes the 2023 Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 stand out and help you decide whether it’s the right bike for you. We’ll go in-depth into everything from performance to price, and show you exactly why this model is one of the best choices on the market.

The Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 is an unforgettable new mountain bike that was released in 2023 and has already become the talk of the town! 

This awesome bike features some of the most advanced MTB construction and components, providing a truly unique and thrilling experience for riders. 

Read on to learn more about why this bike has made such a huge impact on cyclists everywhere.

The 2023 Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 is the pinnacle of mountain biking performance with features designed to give riders unprecedented freedom and control on the trail. 

It features an aluminum frame with light and stiff geometry, as well as a dropper seat post for tackling big climbs, mountain descents, and off-road adventures with ease.

The Fuel EX 5 also comes with a reliable 12-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes that are ideal for navigating technical sections in any weather. This bike was built to tackle any terrain – from gravel roads to singletrack trails – allowing you to explore farther than ever before.

– Lightweight Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame

– RockShox Recon Silver front fork with 140 mm suspension travel delivers added control on descents

– X-Fusion Pro 2 rear shock with 210mm of travel to cushion those huge drops

– Shimano Deore 1×12 speed drivetrain offers gearing options for all terrains

– 30t chainring bolted to a Shimano crank and paired to a 10-51t cassette

– Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes perfect for reliable stopping power in any conditions

– TranzX dropper post takes your ride’s capabilities up a notch so you can take on challenging terrain

– Alex MD35, tubeless compatible wheels wrapped in either Maxxis Rekon EXO or Bontrager XR4 Comp tires provide superior trail feedback

– Sizes XS and S ship with 27.5″ wheels while the Medium and larger sizes ship with 29″ wheels

Rides Like A Racehorse

The Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 is designed with a lightweight aluminum frame and full suspension which make it capable of ripping over rough terrain. It also makes for snappy handling, so you can get around tight corners quickly thanks to its agile geometry.

Versatile Yet Refined

Despite its impressive performance, the Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 remains very user-friendly and simple to use. Its Shimano 1×12 drivetrain may only contain 12 gears but still offers an unbeatable range of gearing options, allowing you take on any type of trail or climb imaginable. 

The long range Deore derailleur also offers crisp shifts with reliable accuracy even under pressure, while the hydraulic disc brakes offer accurate modulation control so you can slow down in style.

Smooth as Silk Suspension

Thanks to its full-suspension design, the Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 gives you plenty of cushioning as well as unbeatable grip when riding over roots or rocks. 

Further refining things is a RockShox Recon Silver air fork up front along with X-Fusion Pro 2 rear shock, offering 140mm and 210mm of travel, respectively, for great off-road responsiveness yet enough composure for fast XC sensations too.

Final Thoughts

In short, it’s easy to see why so many experienced mountain bikers have given the 2023 Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 rave reviews recently. 

It’s an insanely versatile ride that allows riders from all disciplines to enjoy blazing speeds combined with great control over varied trails and climbs. 

If you’re looking for a no compromise bike that will perform at an incredible level whatever trail conditions come your way – this is it!

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

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Trek Fuel EX 5

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 14" High, 14" Low, 15.5" High, 15.5" Low, 17.5" High, 17.5" Low, 18.5" High, 18.5" Low, 19.5" High, 19.5" Low, 21.5" High, 21.5" Low

Weight / 15.7

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Alpha Platinum Aluminum, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, downtube guard, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130mm travel
• Fork RockShox Recon Silver RL, Size: XS, S, RockShox Recon Silver, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 46mm offset, Boost110, Maxle Stealth, 140mm travel; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, RockShox Recon Silver, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, Maxle Stealth, 140mm travel
• Shock Size: XS, S, X-Fusion Pro 2, 2-position damper, 210x52.5mm; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, X-Fusion Pro 2, 2-position damper, 210x55mm
• Hubs Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle; Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle
• Wheels Alex MD35, tubeless compatible, 32-hole, 35mm width, presta valve
• Wheel Size 29" 27.5"
• Spokes 14g stainless steel
• Tires Size: XS, S, Bontrager XR4 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 27.5x2.60''; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager XR4 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29x2.60''
• Chain Shimano Deore, Shimano Deore M6100, 12 speed
• Crank Shimano , Shimano , Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, Shimano MT511, 30T steel ring, Boost (52mm chainline), 170mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, Shimano MT511, 30T steel ring, Boost (52mm chainline), 175mm length
• Bottom Bracket Shimano MT500, 92mm, PressFit
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore, Shimano Deore M6100, long cage
• Shifters Shimano Deore, Shimano Deore M6100, 12 speed
• Brakeset Shimano , Shimano hydraulic disc, MT201 lever, MT200 caliper
• Handlebar Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width
• Seatpost Size: XS, S, TranzX JD-YSP18, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 361mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, TranzX JD-YSP18, 130mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 425mm length
• Stem Bontrager Rhythm Comp, 31.8mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 50mm length
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on
• Headset Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

Q: How much is a 2022 Trek Fuel EX 5?

A 2022 Trek Fuel EX 5 is typically priced around $2,449 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2022 Trek Fuel EX 5?

The 2022 Trek Fuel EX 5 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2022 Trek Fuel EX 5 weigh?

A 2022 Trek Fuel EX 5 weights 15.7.

Q: What size wheels does the 2022 Trek Fuel EX 5 have?

The 2022 Trek Fuel EX 5 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2022 Trek Fuel EX 5 should I get?

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2021 Trek Fuel EX 5

A 27.5″ / 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.

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Dec 2022 · Ian Collins

A couple months ago, I was on the hunt for a new mid-travel personal bike and found myself largely unconvinced by most of the offerings on the market. Then a new, highly adjustable and longer in the tooth Trek Fuel EX was announced. When I reached out to Trek to inquire about testing one they offered to send a frameset for me to build out. On paper given that it had my ideal geometry, loads of adjustments (including leverage rate!), internal storage and the options of  air or coil and mullet or straight 29″, this was the ultimate Swiss army

Read Review

Dec 2022 · Mike Levy

The downtube storage compartment is on the new bike, and while it seems like Trek has put all the things onto the latest Fuel EX, there's one that they didn't: Knock Block.

Wide range of effective geometry adjustments

Just as much fun on smooth trails as it is on scary trails

Great climber, efficient pedaling

One-piece handlebar might be too stiff for some riders

Paint chips easily

New geometry, more travel, and even better suspension improves Trek's mid-weight trail bike.

Sep 2022 · Tom Marvin

Does the benchmark trail bike retain its reputation as a solid choice?

Excellent suspension

Solid feel to the frame

Great geometry

Doesn’t feel as sprightly on climbs as some

Tyres give up corner traction too easily in loose or muddy conditions

May 2022 · Guy Kesteven

Trek’s alloy Fuel EX trail mountain bike lacks the latest features but is the overall package still a winner?

Tight, precise frame

Sorted all round handling

Very efficient suspension feel

Durable Shimano kit

Excellent sizing options

Heavy frame

No internal storage

Press fit bottom bracket

Top Fuel is more playful

Jun 2021 · Peter Walker

The Trek Fuel EX has proven itself as an excellent all-rounder in the past. This year, the American brand enters the race with the € 5,999 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX, which combines a high-end frame with a mid-level spec but still features Trek's Thru Shaft shock technology. So does it always have to be top-spec? How big is the difference in performance and how does the Fuel EX 9.8 GX fare against its more expensive peers?

Very comfortable uphill

Intuitive handling

High-quality frame with integrated storage compartment

Tires are very puncture prone and generate little traction

Brakes don't do the bike’s potential justice

Oct 2020 · Benjamin Topf

The Trek Fuel EX 9.9 is an absolute classic in the trail bike segment. Could it also be the perfect bike for the next bikepacking adventure with its modern geometry and spare parts compartment in the down tube? We put the Fuel EX to the test.

Maximum fun on the descents

Intuitive and good-natured handling

Storage compartment in the down tube for tools or snacks

Too sluggish on easy terrain

Too much bike for long straights

Jun 2020 · Spencer Johnson

As warmer temperatures hit the Pacific Northwest and the dirt starts to dry, I’m always eager to get out on some long rides with some big climbs. Naturally, when this Trek Fuel EX 9.9 showed up at the Freehub office, I knew it was time to put the nimble beast through its paces. I challenged myself to a 60-mile sufferfest on some of Bellingham, Washington’s toughest climbs and descents. It definitely didn’t let me down. Climbing on this bike was a joy. Trek equipped the 9.9 model with its proprietary RE:aktiv shock with a three-position damper, which I left wide open for the entire ride. The rear suspension had an overwhelmingly supportive feel while pedaling out of the saddle, yet as soon as I hit a bump it dived deeper into the travel, keeping the rear wheel firmly planted and providing excellent traction. The geometry is modern and balanced, with a long reach and a sensible 76-degree seat angle. On the descents, the bike inspired confidence, thanks to its long wheelbase and bottomless-feeling suspension. My confidence was further enhanced by the reliable stopping power of the Shimano XT brakes. As a 200-pound rider, I couldn’t have appreciated the ultra-powerful XT brakes and the 203-millimeter front rotor more—especially while bombing down some of Bellingham’s scariest double-black trails.

Last updated August 15 Not listed for 627 days

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

The New Trek Fuel EX Puts On Weight, Punches Harder, and Expands Its Reach

Trek's new Fuel EX is bigger, more capable, and more adjustable

The Takeaway: The new EX is bigger and more capable. It faces tougher competition, but its performance, features, and adaptability make it a compelling option.

• 10mm more travel: now 140mm rear and a 150mm fork
• Two different geometry adjustments, plus adjustable shock rate
• Most aluminum frames now get internal storage
• Eight builds with the new platform starting at $3,700

Price: $2,700 to $10,750. As tested $10,750 (EX 9.9 XX1 AXS) Weight: 30.2 lb. to 35.2 lb. (claimed. 31.2 lb. as tested (EX 9.9 XX1 AXS, size medium)

Trek tries to cover a lot of ground with this one bike, which is why it has so many features and adjustments, plus a wide range of models and sizes. By trying to do so much with one bike, I worried that in making a bike to satisfy everyone, Trek made a bike that satisfies no one. After riding it I don’t think that’s the case. It’s no Holy Grail, but it is a fine machine for many riders, and a variety of terrain.

Trek Fuel EX Gallery

Trek Fuel EX—Builds, Prices, and Weights

The new Fuel EX launches with eight stock builds (three aluminum models and five carbon). The least expensive model, Fuel EX 5, uses the old frame platform (130mm rear travel with 140mm fork), while the rest use the new 140/150mm platform. Prices start at $2,700 for the EX 5 and top out at $10,750 for the EX 9.9 XX1 AXS.

Claimed frame weights are 3.4kg (7.5 lb.) for the carbon frame and 4.6kg (10.1lb.) for the aluminum frame. Complete bike weights start at 13.71kg (30.2lb) for the 9.9 XTR and go up to 15.96kg (35.2lb).

If you’re not feeling the stock options, the Fuel EX will drop into Trek’s Project One customization program (eventually) if you want to pick your paint and parts.

Trek Fuel EX – What’s New

Comparing the previous generation Fuel EX to this one, it is obvious this bike isn’t a mid-cycle refresh but a ground-up redesign of the brand’s mid-travel trail bike.

Outwardly, the Fuel EX displays a new frame design direction for Trek. First seen on the sibling EX-e electric bike , the new frame is more swole, with additional trusses linking the top tube to the seat tube and the seat tube to the down tube.

Part of the reason for the stouter-looking frame is a 10mm bump in travel at both ends: The rear increases to 140mm, paired with a 150mm fork. An additional change to the suspension is a two-position leverage-rate flip chip which offers a more and a less progressive setting. This is much easier than swapping volume spacers inside an air shock and also (in the more progressive position) makes the EX compatible with coil-spring shocks for the first time. But note that changing the leverage rate on the shock affects the spring and damper while changing volume spacers affects only the spring.

Trek also approved most of the new EX frames for the stouter RockShox Zeb and Fox 38 forks in up to 160mm travel.

With the bump in travel, the EX features revised geometry. The TL;DR: A 10 to 20mm longer reach, 1.5-degree slacker head tube angle, about a two-degree steeper seat tube angle, and size-specific chainstay lengths. As before, the EX has Trek’s two-position Mino Link in the rocker (which alters head and seat angles and BB drop.) New to the party are angle-adjusting headset cups which offer three head angle possibilities with no effect on bottom bracket drop/height. And if you like your wheel sizes mixed, the new EX is rated for that too.

The seat tube sees revisions that help it fit longer-travel dropper posts, and the post diameter was bumped up to 34.9mm. Your mileage may vary, but I’ve found the 34.9mm droppers operate more smoothly and are less likely to bind than 31.6 or 30.9mm droppers.

Trek added full-length guides to the EX’s internal routing to make assembly and maintenance easier, plus they can’t slap around in the downtube anymore. The guides also mean the hoses and hosing don’t interfere when you’re stuffing the repair kit burrito into the EX’s downtube. And talking of that downtube storage, it’s now built into the aluminum frames, in addition to the carbon.

The bottom bracket shell is now threaded, and there is a whole mess of plastic bolted to the downtube for impact and shuttle protection. Features carried over from the previous generation include Trek’s ABP suspension system, ISCG ’05 tabs, and the Mino Link flip chip in the rocker link.

Trek Fuel EX—No More Proprietary Shocks

One of the less conspicuous (but very significant) changes to the new EX is the adoption of a stock shock. Gone is the Thru Shaft design —which required a screw-in lower extender for the shock shaft—and the regressive Re:Activ damper tune . In its place is a standard shock, although it is custom-tuned for the frame (a step that all reputable brands take).

Abandoning suspension features has been somewhat of a theme for the Fuel EX. Follow the progression of EX since its debut in 2005, and you will see Trek adding new rear suspension technologies only to remove them for later iterations. This includes Full Floater (dynamic upper and lower shock mounts), DRCV (dual rate control valve) shocks (some EX forks had DRCV also), RE:Activ, and Thru Shaft. If you add in other since-abandoned features like Knock Block (a stop which limited handlebar rotation), and Press Fit 92 bottom brackets, previous generation EXs are a boneyard of forsaken technologies.

Why are Thru Shaft and Re:Aktiv gone? I asked Trek that question and am yet to receive a response. I sense that Trek will say the same thing they said when I asked why they eliminated Full Floater from the 2020 Fuel EX : That the newest generation of shocks (like Fox‘s Float X ) make those proprietary technologies redundant.

The benefit to the rider is the new Fuel EX uses a standard trunnion mounted shock, which means they can choose to ride a wide variety of options. Trek says they’ve confirmed fitment of all Fox, RockShox, and DVO air and coil shocks. Plus, it fits the Push ElevenSix and EXT’s Storia coil.

Trek Fuel EX—Updated Geometry, More Adjustments, Mullet Compatible

As previously mentioned, the Fuel EX receives all-new geometry. And it gets expanded geometry adjustment options. There are now two geometry adjustments: Head tube angle cups (three options: zero, plus-one degree, minus-one degree), and Mino Link (two positions: alters head and seat angles +/- 0.5 degrees and bb height +/- 8mm). That results in six configurations in total.

There are seven frame sizes (extra small, small, medium, medium/large, large, extra-large, and double-extra-large) in aluminum and six in carbon (no double-extra-large). And the EX now has size-specific chain stay lengths and seat tube angles. And the extra small and small come with 27.5-inch wheels, while the rest come with 29-inch wheels (size small is available with either 29" or 27.5" wheels.) AND Trek made the EX (with 29" wheels) compatible with mixed wheel sizes, but when running a 27.5 rear wheel, Trek recommends 160mm fork travel (10mm more than stock) and putting the Mino Link in high mode.

Is it any wonder that Trek has a dynamic geometry tool on its website to help you parse all the different configurations?

All this makes comparing the geometry to the previous EX difficult, but to get a flavor of the changes, I’ll compare the old size large to a new size large. With both in “stock” geometry configuration (Mino Link in low for both, the new frame with the neutral headset cup), the new bike measures up as follows:

Reach - 15mm longer (485 vs. 470mm) Stack - about eight millimeters taller (621.3 vs. 613mm) Effective seat angle - 2.5 degrees steeper (77.2 vs. 75 degrees) Head angle - 1.5 degrees slacker (64.5 vs. 66 degrees) Trail - almost 10mm longer (129.3 vs. 119mm) Chainstays - three millimeters longer (440 vs. 437mm) Wheelbase - almost 40 millimeters longer (1250.2 vs. 1211mm)

I’m not going to bother pasting the nine different geometry charts Trek sent me into this story (because that would be ridiculous.) The stock head angle is 64.5 degrees: If you want to nerd out on the rest of the numbers, dial-up Trek’s geometry tool and dig in.

Trek Fuel EX—Ride Review

The biggest mistake I made during my first rides on the new EX was comparing it to the outgoing 130/140mm EX. I loved the previous generation , and I liked its somewhat unique positioning between 120mm trail bikes like Evil’s Following and bigger trail bikes like the Pivot Switchblade.

But the new EX is not the old EX: It’s a bigger and more capable bike. It can be ridden harder and in rowdier terrain. But because it is heavier, longer, slacker, and has more travel, the new bike doesn’t feel as snappy as the outgoing bike. And it doesn’t feel as crisp on the climbs either. If you’re looking for a trail bike more like the old EX, the closest you’ll get in Trek’s current line is a Top Fuel with a 130mm fork upgrade.

Once I got my head straight about what the EX was all about, I began to groove with it. The Fuel EX is an excellent trail bike. Well, I have one complaint. I was getting some noise from the front end. I solved this by pulling the entire headset assembly, cleaning, greasing, and reinstalling it—chuckling to myself the whole time because Trek’s product team said they designed the system the way they did because they found competitors' adjustable head angle systems were noisy.

With six possible geometry settings—nine if I fitted a 27.5 rear wheel, which I, so far, have not—there wasn’t time to evaluate them all adequately before today’s launch. So, I’ve done all my rides on the EX in the stock setting (Mino Link in low, headset in the neutral position). And in that setting, the EX is a well-rounded trail bike.

I did my first ride on the EX in Whistler, British Columbia where I ground up the steep climbs and then pointed down tight, rough, and frequently very steep and technical trails that dot the landscape. The EX held its own, offering a comfortable climbing position and an efficient and supportive pedaling platform on the climbs. On the descents, it was reassuring; equal parts precise and confidence-inspiring. I decided to run the shock rate in the progressive position for this ride and was happy I did as the rear end returned suppleness with plenty of support and bottom-out resistance.

I expect some riders will find the EX, even with its new and more muscular body, is not quite enough bike for Whistler-style riding, which I can understand. But it can hold its own while the old EX would be out of its element.

I got the rest of my rides on the new EX in Durango, Colorado. Compared to B.C. riding, the climbs in Durango typically aren’t as steep, and the descents are faster, more open, and not as consistently technical, but the altitude is much higher. The EX felt a bit more in its sweet spot here, and I used the less progressive shock rate, which gave me a deeper-feeling suspension. With the lightest EX coming in at over 30 pounds, I’m not going to say I’m thrilled to hammer out a multi-hour singletrack climb at five-figure altitudes on this bike. It is efficient and accurate enough on climbs that I will ride it up because the payoff on the descents is so worthwhile.

I can’t say that I found any one thing, or things, in my testing of the EX so far that rocked my world. It seems to do everything it is supposed to do well. It’s appropriately stiff and feels solid, the suspension works well over a wide range of situations, and the pedaling and braking performance is good also. Performance-wise, it seems to be in the same ballpark as the other good trail bikes of similar travel I’ve ridden.

But I think this EX will be a slow burn. A bike I enjoy more and more as I spend additional time on it. I have no science to back that feeling up, just a gut sensation based on years and years of testing bikes. I have experienced other bikes sneak up on me and become a favorite after being lukewarm about them at first. And I do love how much Trek built into this bike: There’s a ton going on with it when you dig into the details, and much of it will help riders dial in the bike better for their conditions and preferences. In the long run, this should make the new EX easier with which to live.

Sometimes it’s the quiet ones that are the most special.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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• Fuel EX 5 Deore Gen 5

Trek Fuel EX 5 Deore Gen 5

Fuel EX 5 is the gateway to full suspension trail bikes. Trail-taming front and rear suspension, a Shimano 1x12 drivetrain, a dropper post for getting low on descents, and hydraulic disc brakes make Fuel EX 5 a high-value, high-performance mountain bike with exceptional versatility. It's right for you if… You're ready to go full suspension, and you want a versatile trail bike at a great value. You want a ride that's sure-footed, capable, and responsive so you can stay in control no matter where you're riding. The tech you get A lightweight aluminum frame with a Knock Block steerer stop to protect against spinning bars. A 140mm RockShox Recon Silver fork, 130mm of rear travel with an X-Fusion Pro 2 shock, a durable 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, dropper post, and hydraulic disc brakes. The final word You get full suspension performance without the sticker shock. Fuel EX 5 has the same frame technology as our higher-end alloy Fuel EX models with parts chosen to keep the price tag low and stoke level high. Why you'll love it: - You get a high-end ride at an exceptional value with frame features like Boost148 and ABP that give you confident handling and room to upgrade parts as your skills grow - It has the capability of far more expensive trail bikes: it shreds singletrack and can even handle the occasional XC or enduro race - The dropper post lets you lower your saddle on the fly so it's out of the way on descents - The RockShox fork's DebonAir spring can easily be adjusted for a specific rider weight, and it's lighter than a coil spring - We expanded our size range to ensure a better fit for all riders. And, you get the fastest wheel that fits your frame: XS frames get 27.5" wheels, S frames get to choose between 27.5" or 29", and sizes M to XL get 29" wheels

Geometry (27.5-inch Wheel Size)

Geometry (29-inch Wheel Size)

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.

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

Part Numbers

2020 Trek Fuel EX 5 Bike (discontinued)

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Specifications

Sizes and geometry.

www.trekbikes.com

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Trek EX 5.5 review

Time-proven all-rounder

Trek’s venerable Fuel platform has had a major makeover, ushering in a host of much-needed tweaks to bring a basically sound suspension design bang up-to-date. The EX 5.5 doesn’t get any of these hop-ups, relying instead on the tried-and-tested Fuel EX formula to deliver up to 120mm of travel.

If only the EX 5.5 had a better fork, it’d be an entirely compelling proposition for the money. Light enough, supple and a willing day-long trail companion or enduro race contender, it’s still well worth a look if you don’t mind contemplating a long-term fork upgrade.

Ride & handling: Great blend of comfort and control, but fork holds back frame's performance

It’s a sign of how far full-suspension has come – even at this level – that climbing aboard a 120mm travel bike doesn’t automatically make the rider reach for a full-face helmet and knee pads. In terms of trail manners, ride position and plain old get-up-and-go, the EX 5.5 feels a lot less like a stripped-down freerider and a lot more like a slightly overweight cross-country mount.

While it’s not exactly light (14.2kg/31.2lb without pedals), it’s a willing accomplice on the climbs, helped in no small part by a rear end that’s either reassuringly bob-free (with the shock’s ProPedal platform damping switched on) or, on the other hand, surprisingly supple over the technical stuff (with ProPedal off).

In fact, that ProPedal switch is key to getting the best out of the EX 5.5 – on for a more ‘connected’, slightly firmer feel, and off for a degree of ground-hugging traction that you can really feel.

While the front end has a tendency to wander on steep upward grunts, it comes into its own as the speed picks up with a confidence-inspiring feeling of point-and-shoot precision.

The RockShox Tora 302 coil fork is the Trek’s only real weakness. Our sample’s stickiness manifested itself in a barely audible knock that could be felt through the bars on slow, technical climbs, as well as a reluctance to get moving over the first few millimetres of travel.

Higher speeds and bigger hits improved things a lot, although even breakneck rocky descents failed to coax more than 100mm of the claimed 120mm travel out of our test fork. The rear feels like it could take more; the front always ended up holding us back. Given that the tyres’ shallow tread and cheap rubber compound tends to translate into scarily little grip in the wet, that’s arguably no bad thing at all.

Frame: Solid and reliable all-rounder with long-term upgrade potential

While the superficially similar-looking Trek EX7 and above boast new, and substantially different, pivot, swingarm and shock mounting designs, the original – and reliable – Fuel EX concept, based around an asymmetric swingarm and rocker-activated shock, provides the basis of the EX5.5’s chassis.

Subtly curved and profiled top and down tubes give the 5.5 its conventional-looking backbone, while the airy shock linkage plates pivot just aft of the substantially gusseted and beefed-up seat tube.

The shock sits where a second water bottle cage would otherwise live, so there’s a second mud-collecting alternative under the down tube, just ahead of the bottom bracket.

The distinctively lop-sided asymmetric swingarm aside, the rear end follows the conventional-looking profile of the front triangle.

Stacks of mud clearance at the top of the seatstays is just slightly compromised by altogether tighter space down at the bottom bracket, but this is still, by full-suss standards anyway, a relatively mud-friendly design.

Equipment: Tunable Fox shock and decent Deore and Bonty kit, but fork lets side down

Adjustable compression and rebound damping on the Fox Float RP2 rear shock is great to see at this price, giving the EX5.5 owner the opportunity to tune rear suspension setup to a degree that should keep most riders happy.

Unfortunately though, the fork doesn’t reach quite the same standard. Although all the requisite knobs are there for you to play with, the stock coil spring is likely to feel too stiff for riders under 12 stone. Our sample also had a sticky feel that meant the first inch or so of travel didn’t kick in without hitting something big enough or hard enough.

What is there to say about a full complement of Shimano Deore components topped off with Bontrager finishing kit, other than that it all works well?

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Results have arrived, trek fuel ex 5 gen 5 mountain bike - 2023, x-small, item #bmt29097, condition: certified pre-owned what's this, fit range: 4'6" - 5'1" sizing guide, every certified pre-owned bike passes our multi-point inspection.

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We'll happily purchase this bike back from you when you're ready for your next upgrade. A TPC buyback offer is guaranteed for 18 month on all qualifying bikes.

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Quiver Killer Trail Bike

The Fuel EX is the definition of a modern trail bike, and is Trek’s most well-rounded MTB. A noticeable and welcomed change with this generation is the rear shock being directly mounted to the frame above the bottom bracket. We found this to impressively tighten up energy transfer and make the most out of the power you're putting to the pedals. With more travel than the Top Fuel and less travel than the Remedy, it’s capable on descents and quick on climbs. Meet your ticket to fast and fun.

• Curious about one of the biggest perks of buying with TPC? Read about our Guaranteed Buyback Program . It comes standard with every bike we sell.
• New KMC chain
• New bottom bracket
• New shifter cable & housing
• Moderate scratches on the backside of the seat tube
• Small paint chips on the top tube
• Small scratches on the chainstays
• Small scratches on the frame, rims, fork leg, cranks, derailleur, handlebar, & brake levers

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CPO bikes are gently ridden bikes that have been meticulously inspected, restored and serviced. Every CPO bike is cleaned, tuned and tested in our top-of-the-line Colorado headquarters. Road, mountain, ebike or gravel, TPC services each bike over 8 phases and multiple points of inspection.

Bikes are meant to be used.

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Sizing guide.

The chart below provides a general suggested range of heights and is not exact. Sizing may vary across brands.

The tailoring of any bike is an important step in the long term enjoyment of riding and it can take time to adjust to the fit of a new bike. All contact points (pedals, shoes, and saddle) can be changed and altered for personal preference, performance, and comfort.

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