trek fuel ex 9.7 2014

• Rocky Mountain
• Specialized
• YT Industries
• Allied Cycle Works
• Black Market
• DALLINGRIDGE
• Diamondback
• Early Rider
• EVO Bicycles
• Growler Bikes
• Guerrilla Gravity
• iGO Electric
• Intense 951
• Juiced Bikes
• View all brands
• Production Privee
• Rad Power Bikes
• Rambo Bikes
• Riese & Müller
• Soul Fast E Bikes
• Spark Cycleworks
• State Bicycle Co.
• Structure Cycleworks
• Surface 604
• Van Nicholas
• Vintage Electric
• We Are One Composites

• Cross Country

• All Mountain

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Colour / Blue Smoke/True Cyan

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

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, alloy seatstay & chainstay, Carbon Armor, ABP Convert, Full Floater, E2 tapered head tube, BB95, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, ISCG 05 mount, magnesium EVO link, G2 Geometry, 120mm travel
• Wheels Bontrager sealed cartridge bearing, 15mm alloy axle front hub; 142x12 rear hub w/ Bontrager Duster 28-hole Tubeless Ready rims
• Wheel Size 29"
• Tires Bontrager XR3 Expert, aramid bead, 29x2.30"
• Crank Shimano Deore XT, 42/32/24
• Front Derailleur Shimano SLX, high direct mount
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore XT Shadow Plus
• Shifters Shimano SLX, 10 speed
• Brakeset Shimano SLX hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Bontrager Race Lite Low Riser, 31.8mm, 15mm rise
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 2, chromoly rails
• Seatpost Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.6mm, zero offset
• Stem Bontrager Race Lite, 31.8mm, 7 degree
• Headset Cane Creek IS-3, E2, alloy cartridge

Q: What size wheels does the 2014 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29 have?

The 2014 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29 has 29" wheels.

Q: What size 2014 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29 should I get?

No comments on this bike yet. Why not be the first?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want more MTB in your mailbox?

The latest on mountain bikes delivered straight to your mailbox.

More Bikes in Range View All

Trek Fuel EX 7

Trek Fuel EX 5

Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX AXS

More trail bikes view all.

Commencal META POWER TR OHLINS AXS

Vitus Sentier 27 VRW Womens Mountain

SCOR 4060 Z ST SLX

Deals view all, view all deals, recent posts view all.

Blackburn Honest Digital Pressure Gauge Review

It's 2020 people. The squeeze and bounce test doesn't cut it anymore (and this is…

Comparing Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes are complicated machines. They have parts from hundreds of different manufacturers, come in…

Undomestic Mountain Bikes: Here’s what we know

Update March 2020: Undomestic has announced that they are manufacturing frames "at this moment" and…

Send Feedback

Have a suggestion? Looking for a bike that's not on MTB Database? Or perhaps you've spotted an error?

We'd love to hear from you. Let us know with the form below.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible. Learn more.

About MTB Database

Explore, search and compare thousands of the world’s best mountain bikes here on Mountain Bike Database.

Compare prices, components, suspension, reviews, images and more on current and past MTB’s. You can even share reviews, comments and questions on mountain bikes. View and compare a huge selection of bikes from brands such as Trek , Specialized , Giant , Santa Cruz , Norco and more .

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information for mountain bikes on MTB Database. If you’ve spotted any issues, please let us know . We also include helpful tools, such as our frame size calculator, to assist you in choosing the right mountain bike. Bear in mind that these tools serve as a guide and simply provide a general indication. Refer to information provided by your bike manufacturer for the most applicable information for your bike.

Bikes By Brand

Bikes by year, bikes by riding style, bikes by wheel size, popular bikes.

• 2022 Specialized Epic EVO Comp
• 2022 Trek Marlin 6
• 2022 Specialized Enduro Comp
• 2022 Specialized S-Works Epic EVO
• 2022 Specialized Epic EVO Expert
• 2022 Giant Fathom 29 1
• 2022 Trek Marlin 7

Latest Bikes

• 2023 Commencal SUPREME DH V5 SIGNATURE 70'S
• 2023 Orange Phase 29 Factory
• 2022 Commencal META SX V4 TEAM Frame
• 2023 Commencal SUPREME DH V5 SIGNATURE LTD
• 2023 Commencal META SX V4 - Frame
• 2023 Riese & Müller Swing4 vario
• 2023 Riese & Müller Swing4 silent

2014 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29 Bike (discontinued)

• Write Review

Specifications

Sizes and geometry.

Trek Website

More Products

2022 SCOR 4060 ST NX Bike

2022 Specialized Epic EVO Comp Bike

2022 Bird Aether 9C Shimano 12-speed Bike

2022 Trailcraft Timber 26 Carbon GX AXS Bike

2024 Norco Fluid FS C3 Bike

2022 Esker Japhy J2 Bike

2022 Fezzari Delano Peak Elite Eagle Bike

2022 Ibis Ripley AF SLX Bike

• Mountain Bikes
• Trek Mountain Bikes
• Trek Fuel EX
• 2014 Trek Fuel EX

Most Popular

• Rider Notes

2014 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

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 9.7 29

Similar Bikes

(descending)

Add custom gearing

June 2015 · Editors of Bicycling

This lightweight but trail-capable 29er mountain bike is infused with a rock-and-roll spirit

Read Review

Dec 2014 · Christoph Bayer

The Fuel EX is one of the most popular Trek models. The numerous model and spec versions available and the option to configure your own bike are proof of this. For this test the € 3,999 Fuel EX 9 29 was chosen to go head-to-head with the bikes of the competition. This review is part […]

If you’re looking for a travelling mate, you want someone dependable. You want someone open to new experiences. Someone who can cope with situations that might be out of their comfort zone… like getting robbed by prostitutes while sleeping in car park. The top-shelf Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29er is sure doing a lot of …

The Trek Fuel EX 7 is a contender with its very capable Fuel lineage and reasonable $2,629 price. - Mtbr.com

Sept 2014 · Danny Milner

A 27.5in Fuel EX joins the existing 29er, but the real story is a leap forward in suspension damping

The RE:aktiv rear shock combined with DRCV is a great combo — plush in descend mode while firm and supportive in climb, with an excellent mix of both in trail mode.

Long stems on the larger sizes seem at odds with the trail-orientated set-up.

The Fuel EX’s prowess on steep and fast lines belies its short travel suspension and XC geometry…

Feb 2014 · Mike Davis

It’s a little heavy and basically equipped, but the Fuel EX is fundamentally well sorted and a real trail-muncher

Dec 2013 · MBA Action

While certain bikes are made for incredibly specific purposes, for most riders, the right tool for the job is a bike that is capable over the course of an

Last updated 29 June Not listed for 2,495 days

• MAGAZINE OFFERS
• BIKE INSURANCE
• Best Products
• Maintenance
• Accessories
• Long-Term Reviews
• BikeRadar Podcast
• First Look Friday
• Bike of the Week
• Tech Features
• Routes and Rides
• Bike Galleries
• BikeRadar Bargains
• Buyer's Guides
• Fitness & Training
• Sizing & Fit
• Mountain Biking UK
• Cycling Plus

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29er first ride review

New Fuel’s a stiffer, tougher, double-rubber trail dominator

Russell Burton / Immediate Media

Guy Kesteven

Trek’s Fuel has always been a very popular bike for riders who want a totally dependable, easy to ride and naturally efficient trail bike. The latest iteration, the EX, will take your comfort zone a lot further into EX-treme terrain, without sacrificing the easy speed that makes it Trek’s biggest seller.

• Best cheap mountain bike upgrades
• The proper order of mountain bike upgrades

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29er spec overview

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon
• Fork: Fox Rhythm 34
• Shock : Fox Perf EVOL
• Wheel size: 29”
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX / X1
• Brakes: Shimano Deore
• Head angle: 67.7
• Seat angle: 74.7
• Reach: 465mm (19.5”)

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29er ride impression

The new Fuel is a great example of cutting edge trail bike versatility too. The most obvious bonus is that the 29er bikes and the plus bikes share the same full carbon, carbon mainframe with alloy back end (like the 9.7 here) or full alloy frames, so you can switch between wheel types easily for a two-in-one bike bonus.

The really sketchy cross-country tyres of last year have been replaced by tougher and bigger (but nevertheless still slippery) Bontrager 29x2.4in tyres and it comes with a KS dropper post as standard.

Travel is also increased slightly from 120mm to 130mm, but the real difference is the unshakeable authority of the massive OCLV Mountain Carbon mainframe, which uses a straight rather than curved downtube for maximum front end stiffness and control.

That does create potential fork fouling issues at full lock though, so Trek has created a unique Knock Block head tube and stem system to limit steering lock, allowing you to drive the Fuel flat out into lines most bigger bikes would wimp out of.

A 13.86kg for my 19.5in frame, this is by no means a light bike, but the Wisconsin-based company’s suite of suspension acronyms — including its unique RE:aktiv-valved metric-sized RockShox Deluxe damper, which allows the shock to open up quickly when needed — spells out a very efficient climber and torque transferring muscle bike.

While Deore brakes and Fox’s new Rhythm 34 fork might seem like dubious value on paper, they both punch way above their price even on properly punishing trails. And there’s definitely no doubt as to the upgrade potential of this impressively aggressive and focused double rubber frame either.

Share this article

• Terms & Conditions
• Subscribe to our magazines
• Manage preferences

Fuel EX 9.7 29

Words by Nic “U-Turn” Hall | Action Photos by Drew Rohde / Product Nic Hall

Despite the impressive spec and build of the Fuel EX 9.7, Trek isn’t a brand often associated with budget-friendly bikes. With a carbon front triangle, supple suspension, and a solid component spec, it has all the right pieces to make it just as capable as its more expensive siblings, but at a price point that many more riders will be able to justify. Let’s see how all that trickle down technology treated our EX 9.7.

The Fuel EX 9.7 is Trek’s entry-level carbon build in their longstanding Fuel EX line. It is billed as an all around trail bike that is an incredibly comfortable and efficient all-day rig. Trek’s 9.7 is priced down significantly from their flagship 9.9 models, but is full of Trek technology. Features like a custom-tuned RE:aktiv damper, Active Braking Pivot, Control Freak cable routing, a Mino Link geo flip-chip and G2 geometry find their way on the 9.7.

Both the front and rear are set at 130mm with a Fox Rhythm 34 up front and the Fox Performance Float EVOL out back. We had a personal Fuel EX 8 last year that we built up with a 140mm fork and actually preferred the slightly slacker head angle and extra travel for our riding style. But for all-around trail riding and snappy handling, the OE specified 130 does a great job.

With the Mino Link in High, the EX9.7 sports a 67.7-degree head tube angle, 17.01-in (432mm) chainstays, 18.31-in (465mm) reach, and 13.54-in (344mm) BB height. These numbers put the Fuel EX on the conservative side of trail bike design but still provide stability where it counts. Flipping the Mino Link does alter the head angle by about half a degree. Overall the Fuel EX 9.7 is very active, playful and one of the most fun climbing and cornering bikes in the budget roundup.

If you’re an XC ripper or do not live for the steep gnarly descents, the numbers are great. If you’re like us, putting a taller fork on the bike really takes it to the next level!

A SRAM NX 11-speed drivetrain handles drivetrain duties, offering 11-42t rear gearing and a 32T front ring. SRAM Guide R brakes keep the Fuel EX 9.7 under control. Bontrager fills in the rest of the components with their cockpit, saddle, dropper post and grips. Spec also includes a Bontrager Line Comp 30 Boost wheelset and Bontrager XR4 Team tires.

This bike climbs! There is no way to hide the Fuel EX’s roots in XC racing. Even with the shock fully open, every pedal stroke is delivered directly to the rear wheel. Switch the lever over to climb and this bike will set the pace.

While the power delivery and platform is outstanding, the suspension is still fairly active. During out of the saddle climbs over rough terrain, the rear tire stays planted with very little supplemental body language. The steeper head angle allows the bike to be steered around switchbacks with ease. The relatively steep seat angle keeps the rider right over the cranks and not off the back when seated and pedaling.

Even without 50T eagle gearing, this bike has no problem going up some gnarly steeps. We thought that the Fuel EX climbed the best out of any bike in the shootout and is our first choice for long days on the trail.

Another standout area for the Fuel EX is rolling cross-country terrain. The bike carries speed thanks to the light, 29er wheels paired with very fast rolling Bontrager XR4 Team issue tires. Every roller and undulation in the trail can be pumped and turned into momentum. Around Bend, we have a lot of rolling terrain to access any of the steeper trails and this bike turns those usually monotonous trails into ripping singletrack.

On the downhills, the bike can handle its own in nearly any terrain. The suspension is up to the task for anything from rocky, technical descents to flowing berms. During testing, we found the bike prefers to take more steering input rather than a carving feel due to its steeper head angle. This sensation was somewhat decreased when flipping the suspension to low mode, which dropped the head angle by half a degree and the bottom bracket by 10mm. This allowed the bike to settle into turns and hold lines a bit better. If your long-legged enduro bike is a chainsaw, the Fuel EX rides like a surgeon’s scalpel.

It’s quite impressive that much of what Trek uses to make their ten thousand dollar bikes ride so well is carried over to this sub four thousand dollar bike. Pedaling efficiency, suspension sensitivity and overall handling are take-away highlights that, when combined with the aesthetics, make the Fuel EX 9.7 one of our favorite bikes in the roundup.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Overall, the Fuel EX 9.7 offers a lightweight package that is ready for almost any ride, right out of the box. At 29.7lbs, for the price, this bike is an impressively lightweight rocket uphill that is composed on the downs. We’d argue it’s one of the classiest and most expensive looking bikes in the bunch, yet still retails for a very reasonable price.

Trek has really defined what is possible at this price point, choosing solid suspension and brakes with a very robust component set. If you are looking for a do everything bike and don’t live for the steeps or overly aggressive terrain, the Fuel is a very refined machine and one of our favorites in the roundup. The beauty of the EX is that you can easily enjoy it in its more XC/trail oriented build, or step up to a longer travel fork and have one hell of an aggressive trail shredding 29er.

Trek also offers a Slash and Remedy for folks looking at bikes with more travel and slacker head angles. We still think this bike has a lot more to offer for riders who don’t quite need 160mm of travel and want a 29er to rip.

Price: $3,699 as tested Weight: 29.68lbs Website: trekbikes.com

How does the Loam Wolf rate the Fuel EX 9.7 29

Spec: ★★★★ Value: ★★★★.5 Ride Quality: ★★★★.5 Likely to Recommend: ★★★★★ (★★★★ for more aggressive riders)

CHASSIS Frame: OCLV Carbon; 130mm Fork: Fox Rhythm 34 Float G2 Geo; 130mm Shock: Fox Performance EVOL, RE:aktiv

COCKPIT Brakes: SRAM Guide R Handlebar: Bontrager Line; 750mm Headset: Knock Block Integrated Sealed Saddle: Bontrager Evoke Seatpost: Bontrager Drop Line; 150mm Shifter: SRAM NX; 11s Stem: Bontrager Line; 60mm

WHEELS Hubs: Bontrager Rims: Bontrager Line Comp 30 Tubeless Tires: Bontrager XR4 Team; 29×2.4

DRIVETRAIN Bottom Bracket: SRAM PF92 Cassette: SRAM PG-1130; 11-42t Cranks: SRAM NX; 175mm, 33t Derailleur: SRAM NX; 11s

ABOUT THE TESTER

Nic is 5’10 and weighs 165lbs. He has a 31.5-inch inseam and loves clipping in, riding 29ers and pedaling fast. A recovering XC dork, Nic has fitness and isn’t afraid to push a bike’s limits, especially with his trademarked hard landings.

FAST! Looks Like a Trek Refined Suspension Performance Handling

We don’t, slightly steep head angle for aggressive dh trails 130mm fork, leave a comment & win free schwag.

Want to win some free schwag? Leave a comment and vote up the most thoughtful comments and each month we’ll pick a winner. The person with the smartest and most helpful replies will earn some sweet new gear. Join the Pack

First Look! 2014 Trek Fuel EX 29er – Weights, Details & Ride Impressions!

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Last week, Trek released a few key 2014 models to their dealers, and as expected, a few of the more, um, “eager” shops immediately posted images online well before the official public launch pegged for the end of the month. Even their athletes got in on it .

In years past, Trek dealers have often had to sit by and watch as the media pushed next-model-year info online and build hype, only to not see product available for them to sell for months afterward. To their delight, the brand flipflopped it this time, and dealers are now already taking delivery of the bikes. We found a few fresh off the truck at one dealer and put them on the scale, in front of the camera and on the dirt for a quick test ride!

Click past for specs, details, weights and first ride impressions on four of the new 2014 Trek Fuel EX 29er bikes…

ACTUAL WEIGHTS

From left to right, these are:

• Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29er – 28.42lbs (12.89kg) – Size 17.5
• Trek Fuel EX 8 29er – 29.81lbs (13.52kg) – Size 19.5
• Trek Fuel EX 7 29er – 30.15lbs (13.68kg) – Size 18.5

Note that weights are with the reflectors, plastic cassette spoke guard and tubes all installed.

Across all three of the complete bikes shown here, there are some commonalities. They all get Fox CTD Evolution forks and CTD rear shocks with Trek’s proprietary (and quite functional) DRCV design . It’s using Trek’s Full Floater and ABP suspension design, which traps the shock between floating the rocker and an extension of the seatstays, built for 120mm of travel. Up front, the headtube and fork are based on their G2 geometry. They’re running what look to be new Bontrager Duster 29er wheels and Bontrager 29×2.3 tires. One interesting spec note: They’re all three running triple chainrings. There are a couple of differences on the partially assembled 9.8 bike.

2014 TREK FUEL EX 9.7 DETAILS

Pictured in all its glory at the top of the post, the Fuel EX 9.7 29er sits just below the top rung model, shown next. It uses an OCLV front triangle with an alloy rear end and rocker.

The front end feeds the shifter cables into the frame and runs the rear brake externally along the downtube. The front shift cable runs inside the top tube and pops out just in front of the seat collar.

The rear shift cable pops out just in front of the shock and ducks into the chainstay, popping out again just in front of the rear derailleur. That black rubber port cover? That’s the entry point for stealth droppers…keep reading.

Both carbon and alloy models get their Carbon Armor downtube protection, it just extends further toward the BB on the carbon models. All models have ISCG chainguide mounts and use Pressfit 92 bottom brackets. On the carbon versions, it looks like the front derailleur mount is removable, letting you set up a 1×10 / 1×11 drivetrain without extraneous hardware cluttering the view.

Trek seems to have made the Fuel EX 29ers (and likely the new Remedy 29ers, too) ready for anything. Both the carbon and alloy models have routing and ports for “stealth” dropper posts as well as additional routing along the bottom of the top tube. The latter has double sided grooves, which would allow for running an externally controlled dropper post and a rear shock remote side by side. On the carbon frames, only the front is fixed, the rear two are removable.

Click to enlarge the image and you’ll notice the beautifully deep paint. It’s a high gloss blue that shows the UD carbon patterns beneath it. In the sunlight it’s quite striking.

The Fuel Ex 9.7 29er gets a full XT build with triple chainrings, Bontrager cockpit and Duster wheels. Retail is $4,199.99.

2014 TREK FUEL EX 9.8 29er

 For now, the top model will be the Fuel EX 9.8 29er. It gets a full XT 2×10 build and upgrades to carbon fiber seatstays. It also includes a Rockshox Reverb dropper post. The wheels also look like another new model for 2014 called Bontrager Elite 29er.

The 9.8 gets a shiny dark red paint scheme that’s like fire. Just out of view, this model gets a bolt-on (i.e. non-quick release) seatpost collar and includes a torque key so you get bolt torque set properly.

Here’s the port for the dropper post’s line to enter the frame. From the handlebar, the housing/hose would run parallel to the rear brake hose. Notice the cable guides have grooves on either side to hold two hoses next to each other. The bike comes with a Reverb bleed kit, which allows your Authorized Trek Dealer to properly trim the hose to length and install it as it’s supposed to be.

All of the bikes also come with their chainstay guard, which has a piece that curves up along the tube closer to the crankset. It’s a nice thought, but on my test ride it didn’t do much to quiet the chain slap if the rear derailleur’s clutch was turned off, and when hosing down the bike aprés ride, I noticed it holding a bit of water and dirt between it and the frame.

There’s little doubt they’ll eventually reveal a pro-level 9.9, but for now this $5,249.99 beast will rule the roost.

2014 TREK FUEL EX 8 29er

The top level alloy model is the Trek Fuel EX 9 29er, which we didn’t get our hands on. It will have an aluminum/alloy frame and will cost the same as the EX 9.7 in carbon, but will have a better kit. Shown above is the next level alloy frame the Trek Fuel EX 8 29er.

Cable routing is much the same as with the carbon versions.

The Full Floater suspension coupled with the DRCV shocks makes for a very plush suspension without sacrificing performance under full power.

The extra air canister at the top of the shock creates more volume once it’s about 50% of the way through it’s stroke. The effect is that of a firmer, tighter shock under small bumps that opens up to allow big bump eating movements when necessary. It’s a pretty slick design that works exceptionally well.

On the alloy bikes, a stealth dropper post cable or hose pops out of the seat tube just behind the lower shock mount, then run up the downtube alongside the brake hose.

With the 2.3 tires, clearance is still decent for this type of bike. Alloy models also get the chainguide mounts and downtube armor…it’s just not called Carbon Armor.

Trek’s ABP puts a 142×12 thru axle between concentric pivots. Retail on this model is $2,939.99 and it’s spec’d with Shimano SLX shifters, front derailleur and brakes, plus an XT rear derailleur. Cranks are the standard non-series Shimano triple.

2014 TREK FUEL EX 7 29er

Next down the line is the Fuel EX 7 29er, which shares the same alloy frame but basically just downspecs the components a bit.

Like the carbon bikes, you get one fixed cable guide under the top tube, followed by two dual-hose, removable retainers.

With only minor differences in spec, this one comes in just a bit less at $2,629.99.

2014 Bontrager Duster 29er Wheels

Missing from Bontrager’s website as of this posting are these Duster 29er wheels. They’re pretty good looking up close with a subtle brushed finish and smooth, rounded asymmetric profile. The spokes line up on the non-drive side in the rear, and away from the disc rotor on the front.

Eyeletted spoke holes sit in what looked like properly wide rim beds. They rolled smooth, holding the line well in the corners, and I didn’t notice any sluggish engagement. They’re tubeless ready, but I tested with tubes in them.

FIRST RIDE REVIEW

The bike tested is sellable inventory for a shop, so I couldn’t thrash it (too hard), but I did give it a two-hour run at full speed on our local trails. This is just a first impressions review based on one ride, though I have ridden G2 and ABP/Full Floater bikes in the past.

I rode the gray alloy EX 8 alloy bike since it was the only one in my size. The first thing I noticed is how much better the range of the CTD is on this bike. Whether it’s Trek’s custom tune combined with their DRCV or just an updated version of CTD, it’s the best I’ve ridden. The Climb mode became very firm, both on the fork and the shock, giving it about as much lockout as I’d ever really want. Trail seemed spot on for our cross country-oriented singletrack, and Descend became super plush. All in all very, very good.

Part of G2’s geometry is a fork with more offset, which reduces the trail. It’s coupled with a shorter stem, and this one was pretty short, to provide tight-yet-stable handling. It’s definitely different and takes a bit to get used to, but once it does, the Fuel can be whipped in and out of corners.

Along those lines, the Fuel EX 29er is playful. Dare I say the handling resembled a 26″ bike, except it rolled over everything better. It’s easy to pop the rear wheel off the ground around a corner and flick it a bit sideways on a jump. It’s almost as if the bike knows you want to do that and helps things along.

On the descents, drops and rough stuff, the suspension felt controlled. The suspension settles quickly into its travel when pouring into a G-out or landing a small jump, but, once there, seems to maintain itself within a usable range in the travel. It didn’t feel like it sunk too low, nor did it sit too high in the travel.

On smaller stuff, it did feel a bit firm and wanted to skip around a bit when standing and hammering/climbing, but weighting the rear wheel slightly seemed to help. Even in Trail mode, there’s minimal bobbing when standing and pedaling. Like any full suspension bike, it’ll feel more efficient in Climb/lockout mode, but in Trail I could still scoot along and not feel like my efforts were wasted on useless up-and-down motion. Honestly, I think that combination of firm and plush is exactly what they’re going for with DRCV, and if so, it works. Heck, even if it’s not intentional, it’s pretty darn good.

I could only find a few small gripes: In the big ring, there was a chain grind noise under hard compression. Not sure what this was, but it wasn’t pleasant. Since the front derailleur’s position is fixed, it could be that the rear end brings the chain up too high in certain cogs and it rubs the top of the cage.

Second, there’s noticeable chain slap noise when RD’s clutch is turned off. Make sure you turn it on. Are we spoiled these days or what?

Lastly, I mentioned some small bump harshness, particularly at the hands. This could be more noticeable with the alloy stem and handlebar spec’d with paper thin lock on grips. Swapping to a carbon bar and thicker grips would turn this into a non-issue for me.

All in all, the ride is really good. Compared to other 120mm bikes, this one feels like it has 100mm of travel until you need more, which is (IMO) a pretty good thing. Fast and efficient but able to take bigger hits. Slotting this in above the 100mm Superfly makes a lot of sense for anyone that’s not all about XC racing and gram shaving. That said, it’s not hard to imagine shedding quite a bit of weight from any of these bikes simply by trading the tubes for a bit of sealant and putting a good 2x or 1x crankset on it. It’s not that the bike felt heavy on the trail, but reducing the rotating mass helps you feel fresher, longer and makes every ride more enjoyable.

If you’ve been holding out for Trek to move their ABP/FF platform to 29″ wheels, I’d say get thee to your local Trek Store ASAP. Word is plenty of dealers just got them in stock, and they’re not allowed to EP them until August…so you might stand a chance.

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com . He has been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel to killer riding locations throughout North America.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler loves family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part to make his bikes faster and lighter.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Give me a carbon framed Slash. It will be the Mojo HD Killer.

I’d still rather have a Santa Cruz Tallboy with VPP at 4 lbs lighter and a more stable pedaling platform.

Wish it was 650b….or 27.5, or the ignored middle child.

I would rather have a santa claus HDV with a more stable gnome killer for platform pedals and paddle shifting. all in all, all was had by a good time…lancelancelance.

The EX 9.8 is spec’ed with Rhythm Elite 29’s. The Duster is a replacement quality rim that’s been available for a number of years. It’s essentially a Rhythm rim that’s 10g heavier and available in 32h or 28h. Rhythm Elite’s are always 28. Same story in 26″ and a similar story when speaking about the RXL wheelset with regard to the Mustang rim.

These have been used on price point models for a little while now and are an easy way for product managers to make a 32h Rhythm-width rim available on a lower spec’ed model. See the 2013 Remedy 7 or base level Rumblefish for example.

Dusters and Mavericks are available from Bontrager as a rim only. No wheelsets.

Seems a bit applicative of the Rumblefish, which has the same 29″ wheels and 120mm suspension. I supposed they’re eliminating the Rumblefish?

Nice. But the wheels are too big. Seriously, Trek? I’m too small for wagon wheels. Show me a 650b option and I’ll be all over it.

Did I miss the weight of the 9.8?

So what makes this different from the Rumblefish, because from what i see they both have the same travel but have different shock lay out for the frame?

Are they making 2 different 120mm travel 29ers now?

Sweet action shot of somebody almost rolling down a small root up there. I wasn’t so sure at first but damn you make that bike look so sick!

@Nick- There are Pro racers that are only 5′ tall that have won world cups on 29ers. Size has nothing to do with which wheel size is best for you. Which wheel is best depends more on your riding style. If you are more aggressive and playful then a 26 or 27.5 will suit your style. If you’re into pedaling and want a fast rolling bike then go with a 29er.

@Adam- There’s no way in hell a similarly spec’d Tallboy is 4lbs lighter than one of Trek’s 29ers…just saying. I should know I’ve got a Tallboy AL custom built. Plus the Tallboy is a 4″ travel bike (unless you’re talking about an LT). The Superfly 100 SL Pro ,(a 4″ travel bike if ya want to compare apples to apples) we built in the shop recently came in at 22 lbs w/o pedals w/ a tubeless setup.

@Frederick- the Fuels and Remedy 29ers are 2014 bikes. The Rumblefish is a 2013 model that will likely be eliminated for 2014.

Rumblefish also does not have the full-floater shock mounting. Travel is much smoother with the Fuel/Remedy/Slash suspension layout.

@ stamps thanks for clearing that up, i wasnt thinking about that

So what is the weight of the Fuel EX 9.8?

Carbon front and alloy rear Fuel EX 9.7 is HEAVY.

“Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29er – 28.42lbs (12.89kg) – Size 17.5 Trek Fuel EX 8 29er – 29.81lbs (13.52kg) – Size 19.5”

Nice bike but i’ll stick with the big red S @ssholes for my 29er needs. Uh,ok,Cannondale too… Everytning but a Lance bike anyway.

About time Trek replaced the non-floater Rumblefish – the ABP kinematics did not work properly on that one, resulting in an astonishingly harsh ride for a 120mm 29er. Did not come anywhere close to Remedy or FuelEX-platforms, really. Still hoping that Trek (just like Scott with their Genius platform) will add a 650B version to the already shown 29er Remedy, though.

@stamps Size DOES have something to do with wheel size. As wheel size determines the height of the upper headset bearing, fitting becomes a proper pain in the arse for smaller people. Sure, you might mount flipped rizer bars or a negative rise stem (increases the risk of slamming your brake levers into the bike’s top tube, which could cause havoc especially on carbon fibre frames). But that is fighting the symptoms of too big wheels. We are talking about proper fitting here, and one size most definitely does not fit all. Or do you put toddlers on 26 inch bikes as well?

Not much special about these bikes it seems which is as inevitable slowing “cycle” in bike making.

Over 28lbs for that EX9.7 does seem a bit porky for a (mostly) carbon-framed trail 29er. My 2011 EX9 weighs 27.2lbs in its all-aluminium glory. It’s stock except for the tyres. I wonder what difference switching to a Nobby Nic/Racing Ralph combo would make to the new EX9.7?

3x crank? Really

Note to TREK: Please spec tubeless ready tires on your mountain bikes.

last time I checked, most american ADULTS are over 5′ tall and average in the 5’6″ to 5’10” range female and male respectively. There are plenty of 29ers that can fit 5′ and above with plenty of stand over clearance. Sure you can talk about NBA players that are 6’10” that would be better suited to a 36″ wheel or a midget who might only be able to fit a 26″ bike. But for most people who are not outliers in the height bell curve, wheel size is not a fit issue….its riding style.

As for your toddler analogy..FAIL…kids bikes don’t have varying frame sizes so you have to go by wheel size there.

I’ve got a 29ers and 26ers….they both FIT me fine….which I ride depends on the style of riding I’m looking for that day.

Used to work in a Trek concept store, and it was interesting to see what an inferiority complex Trek seems to have. Everything was compared to Specialized, as in: “we hired Jose Gonzalez, so now we have our own shock guy just like Specialized’s Mike McAndrews, we have ABP, so now our bikes “are fully active under braking” just like FSR, and so on. To me, Trek has always been a pretty boring/vanilla brand. Besides DRCV, what has Trek done lately that is truly innovative? Certainly not ABP, as Crestone Peaks did that in the 90s (heck, you can even find forum threads that discuss theoretical ABP/Split Pivot designs well before DW or Trek filed their lame patents). Full floater? Nope, MacMahon also covered that a long time ago. I bet they are scrambling yet again to be like Specialized and offer a 6″ travel 29er with short chainstays. I’m not a big fan of Specialized either, but at least they truly innovate and break new ground once in a while.

@ Stamps – I don’t think standover height is the issue anymore, for the most part.

I could, however, see 650b being very useful for average height riders who have difficulty getting the bars low enough (relative to saddle) on a 29er. Mostly XC racers, of course, though with longer travel forks on non-race bikes it can be a challenge as well. There are negative rise bars (Niner) and stems (Syntace) that address this to some degree.

I agree that very short racers can ride 29ers successfully… but looking at Emily Batty’s setup (and Willow Koerber before her) there are a few compromises to get saddle/bar in the right spots. I recall a reversed setback seatpost as well as a massively downsloping stem – and still the bars were a little above the saddle.

There are also packaging issues with long-travel rear suspension and 29″ wheels – though these are obviously being gradually overcome with bikes like the ones highlighted here.

Geometry-wise, the Tallboy is a good comparison for the Fuel EX, travel aside. Both are slack-ish XC-able bikes that are more trailbike than anything. The Superfly may be a 4″ bike but it’s a different animal altogether, both in intended purpose and geometry.

I also agree that riding style is probably as much a determinant as anything. One thing I occasionally miss about a 26er is that steer-by-the-hips flickability that the bigger wheels don’t seem to do as well.

I would like to ride a racy, 100-120mm travel 650b bike to see how it is. Too bad there are very few of these yet.

The new Trek bikes are very sweet, and a step forward for 29″ trailbikes.

I would like to see a new TopFuel 9.9SSL – maybe in 27,5. I use my 9.9 SSL for three years and the rear suspension is the absolutly best I have ever ridden and further more the frame with his integrated seatstay looks incredible cool.

Nothing against the Superflys. It seems to be that these bikes are really good (but much TOO expensive). But the Fuels are the more exciting bikes.

what is the weight of the 9.8 please?

Looks like I found an upgrade path for 2008 Fuel EX8, although I’m disappointed that a new EX8 29er is almost $3k when my EX8 was $2300 new. Fortunately I buy ex-rental or demo bikes so I won’t be paying list. I also would like to see a 650B version since 120mm 29ers seem a little tall to me.

Well that’s cool and all but… WHERE’S THE SLOPESTYLE FRAME??????? STILL WAITING PATIENTLY TREK

The author of this post is incorrect. There is a Fuel Ex 9 29 that will be the top Alu frame.

digging the pie plates!!!

Anyone know what the remedy 9 29er is weighing in at????

Interesting – my FUEL EX (heavily modified) was probably my favorite f/s bike I’ve owned. DRCV, at least a couple of years ago didn’t do it for me though. DRCV is probably ok for the average point and shoot rider but there’s no ability for pre-loading your suspension over obstacles as doing this simply charges that second air chamber instead of pre loading the rebound. Removing the DRCV shock to a standard float RP2 and later and even better a Cane Creek DB air made this platform amazing. I think Trek has gotten quite a bit right with their full floater line of bikes, and an offset fork on a 29er is a great idea (Ibis does it as well) and it’s probably why the bike steers well as I doubt it’s chainstays are too short! Wish there was a non-DRCV option but it’s probably part of what sells…

Fully agree with Tommyrod74.

The main issue of 29ers and fitting for smaller people is the height of the top crown of the headset. That is the decisive factor. Sure, you might resort to a negative rise stem and an inverted riser bar (and try not to look at your bike as it really looks shitty) to get that handlebar lower than the saddle, you might even machine off part of your steerer tube to get there. But then what happens in case of a crash? You’re gonna slam your brake and shift levers into the top tube, which might break a carbon frame. Yes, there are headsets that limit the stem to 180 degrees of movement to prevent an impact on the top tube, but it’s obvious that the attempt to force 29ers down the throat of all sizes of riders just leads to a number of symptoms that have to be dealt with. The result are compromises of an unsatisfactory kind.

These are real life issues, and these are the reason why I strongly doubt the “one size fits all” slogan. To me it clearly does not.

Did you ever get a weight of the 9.8 after it was assembled. I’m close to pulling the trigger, please post it if you know !! Thanks !!

I just received my EX 9.8. Weighs in at almost 27lbs with carbon post and 2.3 Bontrager tires tubeless, worth every pound.

We (five us from the shop) rode the Fuel EX 29 9.8 carbon’s in Sedona Arizona… what a blast! the bike felt very nimble and climbed very well on the short little tech climbs that Sedona throws at you, I’ve ridden the same trails many times on other bikes (mostly hard tales) and never had this much fun… I’m hopping the alloy EX 8 29’er rides close to the EX 29 9.8 can’t afforded the carbon right now…, I’m a die-hard hard tail fan…but the Fuel EX 8 29’er will be my next bike with an XT 2X10 Crankset change. (the SLX shift levers will convert over with a flip of a switch)

a lance bike ? you mean that guy busted for epo and rollin with out a colon, i mean daddy 1 nut ?

haha. 4 grand. hmmm. i would rather build my own bike.

too pricey for me, more suited for the corporate pocket book. seing the average rider is surviving on 35 a year.

im pullin 50 a year and this stuff is just out of my league.

it sire is shiny and pretty tho. good luck guys.

Word on the street is that the new Slash is going to be ~350g lighter than last year’s model, which is comparable to the difference between AL and carbon frames. Should be a Mojo killer fasho!

I am somewhat new to mnt biking and just bought a fuel ex 8 and am wondering if it’s a little small. Maybe someone can input what they think? I’m about 5’10” with about a 32-33″ inseam weighing in at 165 lbs. I thought I bought a 18.5 but I see that it’s really a ” actual 17.5 and virtual 18.5″. It seems to ride ok but I have a bit of weight on my hands which can get soar after awhile. Did I get to small a size?

Jeff- For your height and inseam, a larger 18.5″ would have been a better fit for you. Even a 19.5″ would not be out of the question for mountain biking. Of course there is that balancing act of size vs. weight.

@adam — you can also take your similarly spec’d SC Tallboy and add about $1000 to the pricetag. I’ve ridden SC and Trek extensively and the extra money for the SC isn’t worth it. But you can drink that expensive Kool Aid if you want.

Follow Us On

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.

Review | The 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 is a tech-heavy trail bike that rips hard

by Rob Mitchell April 14, 2019 3

As part of a head-to-head review feature, Rob’s been testing two 130mm travel 29er trail bikes; the 2019 GT Sensor Expert and the 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.7. So which one has come out on top? Read on for Rob’s review of the Trek Fuel EX.

The Fuel EX platform has been kicking around now for what seems like forever. Well, since 2005 to be precise.

What started out as a 100mm front and rear travel XC machine, the Fuel EX has slowly but surely evolved into a 130mm all-round trail ripper. Getting longer, slacker and more aggressive in that time, the Fuel EX is now available in a staggering 18 different models and specs, plus five women specific bikes.

Here, we have the 9.7 model, which sits second from top in the line up. With 29in wheels and 130mm of travel, the Fuel EX 9.7 is, on paper, a do-it-all everyday trail bike.

The 2019 Fuel EX 9.7

This model is finished in Matte Sandstorm and Trek Black which may split opinion, but is very refreshing to see a bike that isn’t full black. The Fuel EX 9.7 uses a OCLV carbon front triangle, bolted to an alloy rear triangle with Boost 148mm spacing front and rear.

The carbon used for this frame adopts what Trek calls, Retained Strength technology. Basically it’s where Trek has used different composite materials in unique layups in and around the downtube to reinforce the carbon. The Fuel EX also uses a piece of rubber armour on the underside of the downtube for further protection.

Staying on the frame, the Fuel EX really has got more aggressive the older it’s got. The angular kink in the top tube, and the beefy tubes used in the carbon front triangle give it a very similar aesthetic to larger models in the Trek line up – the Remedy and Slash.

Up top we’ve got Trek’s Knock Block technology. This system has allowed Trek to use a straight downtube on the Fuel, (rather than curved), apparently to improve stiffness. Knock Block is an integrated frame protection system comprised of a special stem, headset top-cap, spacers and a chip in the frame. This stops the bars from spinning too far, to prevent the fork crown from hitting the beefy and uncurved Straight Shot downtube.

Out back you’ll find the Active Breaking Pivot (ABP) located on the seatstays. This sees the brake calliper rotating around the rear axle, which aims to reduce the effect braking has on the suspension action.

2.4in is ‘officially’ the largest 29er tyre that you can fit into the back of the Fuel EX. Depending on the tyre and rim combo, I’d say there’s clearance in there to go wider. You can also fit 27.5+ wheels into the Fuel EX chassis (with clearance for 27.5×2.8in rubber), though Trek recommends upping to a 140mm travel fork to lift the BB back up to acceptable levels.

Mino-Link is Trek’s own geometry adjustment system that allows riders to flick between two geometry positions, through a simple Allen key operated bolt. Flipping the link adjusts the head angle by 0.5°, and can raise or drop the BB height by up to 10mm. All without having any sort of negative effect on the suspension performance.

To suit my 6’2″ (188cm) height, I’ve got the largest available size on test; a 21.5in that’s apparently suitable for riders up to 6’5in tall. Looking at the numbers (and in the high Mino-Link position), we’ve got a 67.7° head angle, an effective seat tube angle of 74.7° and a reach of 487mm. Chainstays are a compact 432mm in length, with the overall wheelbase sitting at 1214mm.

There’s a pretty clever rear shock too. The Fox Performance Float EVOL shock utilises Penske-developed RE:aktiv damping technology, which aims to provide a firmer and more efficient feel while pedalling, with a rapid transition to plush performance when you encounter bumps on the trail. All without need for electronics, handlebar levers and extra cables.

Getting This Bad Boy Rolling

Out of the box, the Fuel EX was super easy to get rolling. One thing we always say is to make sure all bolts are tight before you take any bike out for it’s first ride though.

I’ve included that…because I didn’t do it. And it wasn’t long before the Bontrager dropper post lever bolt decided to wind its way out on a rainy day in the Lakes.

Somehow, after walking back up the trail I spotted the bolt sat in the middle of the trail like a diamond in the dirt. Note to self – always tighten bolts on a new bike.

While the Knock Block is a neat system, loading the bike into a car or van is however, a touch annoying as you can’t turn the bars fully to get it stowed in a tight space. You’ll also have to leave the X-Up manoeuvres at home.

For a bike of this nature, the 750mm wide handlebar is narrower than what many comparable bikes are coming with. Still, I was keen to give it a go to begin with and see how it performed.

After the first few rides though, and especially riding back to back on a bike with a wider cockpit, the stock bar just felt too narrow. That saw me swap out the cockpit for something a bit wider, and a bit shorter.

A few points to note when changing cockpit.

First up, if you want to use a non-Knock Block stem, you’ll need to get a special Trek locking spacer that fits to the Knock Block spacers to make the system work. This simple-looking spacer will set you back £17.50. Once this is in place, you can use any stem you desire.

Secondly, I had to use no less than four different size Allen keys to swap the bars and cockpit over. Personally, this kind of thing really annoys me. Note to bike manufacturers: let’s minimise the different bolts and tools required – not just for the cockpit, but the whole bike.

To help with setup, Trek offers a comprehensive suspension calculator on its website. After inputting my weight, Trek recommended that I should run 80psi and 19mm of sag (15%) in the fork, with 200psi and 15mm sag (28%) in the shock. Worth noting is that both of these sag measurements are taken with the rider sitting stationary on the saddle, and not standing up. Trek also has a useful YouTube video showing how to setup the suspension .

Those pressures sounded a little low to me, but I went ahead with its recommendations, and headed out for the first ride.

After a few runs at the local, my hunch proved correct, so I bumped the shock up a little to 215psi and the fork to 95psi. For that ride, I also started with the Mino-Link in the high geometry position, with the aim to flip it around during the test period.

Early impressions of the bike were really positive. Uphill, the Fuel EX sat into the travel well, but I did encounter quite a bit of bob from the shock. The initial air pressure tweak helped to firm things up through the pedals, though it’s worth noting that the Fuel EX’s Full Floater suspension design is quite active all-round. That means as you head upwards, it will happily settle into its travel – perhaps a little too happily.

At this point it’s worth engaging the blue compression switch on the RE:aktiv-equipped rear shock. Climbing in the Medium position not only provides a boost to pedalling efficiency, it also lifts the ride height of the bike and prevents the shock from sinking too deep into its travel. Because of the quick-acting RE:aktiv damper though, the shock opens up with impressive accuracy as your rear wheel encounters rubble on the trail. Even on rough, traction-poor climbs, the Medium shock position works well to balance efficiency and ground-hugging grip, all while keeping you in a commanding riding position.

If the climb is smooth enough, or you’re on tarmac, flicking into the Firm position will provide even more platform. While I wouldn’t ride technical ascents in the Firm mode, the breakaway threshold is still quick enough that if you forget to flick it back into the Medium or Open mode, the suspension works if you hit big enough impacts.

The initial riding position was great while pointing downhill – especially on steep terrain – but on the flats and uphill the bars felt quite high. I did swap a few spacers out to drop the bar and hand position a touch, which helped a lot. From the get-go though, the Fuel EX feels comfortable both climbing and descending. The position you sit in, even on this, the largest frame, is ideal.

It rolls fast on compact trails, and on the looser stuff is direct through the corners and confident. Comfortable and controlled on all trail types, and it never feels as if you’re losing your line or your way.

The BB height on paper doesn’t sound particularly low, but with the shock set to the Open mode, the supple suspension does mean the pedals come closer to the ground. While I did try the Low setting, I found the even lower BB meant I was clipping pedals and shoes too much. After playing around with the Mino-Link, and preferring the High position, I settled on that and left it there for the remainder of the test.

When laying down the power, the acceleration feels very subtle. Like a car with really low end grunt, the Fuel EX isn’t as snappy as others, but it still pulls away without having to put too much effort in. A slow, yet strong pedal stroke gets the bike going, and it’s a case of maintaining rhythm and you’re away. On the longer climbs, the bike has a work horse attitude feel to it.

It’s not the sharpest ascender though. There are bikes out there with lower and more aggressive front ends for slicing and dicing uphill switchbacks, and you’ll have to lean over the grips to ensure the Fuel EX keeps chugging up the line you want to take. The weighty wheels and high-volume tyres also subdue some of the Fuel EX’s climbing zest.

After descending and then pedalling into a sharp climb, I did find the Bontrager dropper post was sticking quite a bit when trying to return the post. This was both in the lever end and the actual post itself. Even when cleaned down and all mud removed it was an issue that carried on throughout the test and was incredibly annoying. Not having that immediate return from the dropper was irritating.

Get the Fuel EX pointed downhill and this bike absolutely gobbles up low and high-speed sections of trail with ease. The big wheels and tyres roll fast and grip well respectively, letting you plough through loose, rocky sections without having to think too much. The Bontrager XR4 tyres have performed really well, offering plenty of traction and grip on most trail types. They reach their limit on really wet and boggy trails though, where they start to feel as if they’re wandering a touch. An XR5 up front would be a great addition for all-condition riders.

Setup with the wider bars and shorter stem, the Fuel EX allows you to command an authoritative position. It’s easy to shift your weight around the bike and drag it to where you need to be. Descents were tackled with much more aggression and I felt braver and more confident straight away. The wider hand position gave stability on the faster, looser descents, and is a no-brainer upgrade as far as I’m concerned.

When hitting jumps and popping around the trails, I found I bottomed the Fox 34 fork multiple times. I do prefer running slightly higher pressures and firmer suspension on trail bikes, and adding that extra pressure early on did help to stop the fork from bottoming. However, if you’re on the heavier side, consider adding volume spacers to the fork’s air spring if you want to maintain the supple initial feel while getting the bottom-out support you need.

It would be interesting to try the Fuel EX with a slightly longer fork though, which would slacken out the geometry a touch and add some more travel to get stuck into. Speaking with Jez Loftus at Trek Bikes, I heard that a few staff riders do run a 140mm fork on this bike, Fox 36s in some cases. This is entirely plausible, since the Fuel EX frame is rated for use with a 140mm travel fork. If you went down this route, you could also make better use of the Mino-Link’s Low position to keep the BB height level, while slackening the head angle even further. Mini-enduro bike anyone?

As it is though, when you’ve got your suspension dialled, at speed, the Fuel really does rip along. You feel planted in the bike and once you’ve let off the brakes, it’s easy to get up to alarming speeds.

The suspension throughout the test, has been super supple and comfortable both front and rear, delivering plenty of control and grip. Coupled with the RE:aktiv shock, the ABP pivot system ensures the back end remains active so you’re less likely to lock up the rear tyre through technical corners and rougher chutes.

My only concern is that the suspension may be a little  too active for some riders. Adding compression damping on the fork and shock does help to increase the platform and ride height, but riders who normally favour a much firmer and snappier suspension feel may find the Fuel EX a little too plush and controlled.

Throughout the test period I have had constant issues with the return of the dropper post. When you push the lever through its travel, the lag on the post returning has been incredibly inconsistent. On more than one occasion I have had to reach back and manually pull the saddle and seat post up the remaining 30% or so of its travel. This has been super annoying, especially on sharper climbs when having that immediate return is a must.

Unfortunately, this is consistent with our previous experience testing this post design on other Trek bikes, and you’ll read similar results in Tom’s standalone review of the Drop Line post .

The issue seems to mostly be related to cold and wet riding conditions, which cause the dropper to feel overly sluggish and sticky. Regular rebuilding will help to return proper function, but hopefully Trek can resolve this issue, as it’s been a real downer on this bike.

That aside, I have noticed some creaking coming from around the bottom bracket and headset in our test bike. This has become quite audible towards the back end of the test period of three months, and I suspect it’s time for a few things to be pulled apart, cleaned and greased up.

Three Things That Could Be Improved

• A wider stock bar to give more control at high speed
• Intricate internal cable routing is tidy, but more of a maintenance headache
• Dropper post sticking issues throughout the test were super annoying

Three Things I Loved

• It’s fast. Like really fast. When you let off the brakes this bike rips
• The build kit is pretty much faultless. A very considered spec
• It’s one damn good looking bike. Like a smaller Slash, the aesthetics are so clean and crisp

Even though the frame design is three years old, the Fuel EX is still a top performer in this category, and this model has got to be on the list for riders who are after a do-it-all bike. Everything does its job and once you take a bit of time to set up the suspension and get it dialled, this bike rips hard. A trail bike indeed, but with the ability to keep even the most aggressive rider happy.

If you want to rip round trail centres, or slam down steep technical natural trials, the Fuel EX will very happily go where you want it to. If you’re wanting a bike for racing, the larger travel Slash would be the next option, but for a bike to live with everyday there’s nothing much to argue with here. For the cash, this bike offers a hell of a lot of performance.

2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Specifications

• Frame // OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, alloy stays. 130mm Travel
• Fork // Fox Rhythm 34 Float, GRIP adjustable damper, 130mm Travel
• Shock // Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-Position Damper, 210×52.5mm
• Wheels // Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 54T Rapid Drive, Boost 110 Front & 148 Rear
• Tyres // Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, 29×2.40˝
• Chainset // Truvativ Descendant 6k Eagle DUB, 32T Direct Mount
• Rear Mech // SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• Shifter // SRAM NX Eagle, 12-Speed
• Cassette // SRAM XG-1230 Eagle, 11-50, 12-speed
• Brakes // Shimano Deore M6000, 180mm rotors front and rear
• Bar // Bontrager Line 35, 15mm rise, 750mm width
• Stem // Bontrager Line 35, Knock Block, 60mm Length
• Grips // Bontrager XR Trail Elite
• Seatpost // Bontrager Line, 150mm Travel
• Saddle // Bontrager Arvada
• Size Tested // 21.5
• Sizes available // 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5
• Confirmed Weight (with updated cockpit) // 13.9kg (30.8lbs)
• RRP // £3,150.00

Review Info

Comments (3).

Active Breaking Pivot (ABP)???? Shouldn’t that Active Braking Pivot?

How can you say that both the bar/stem combo, and the dropper are shortcomings, and then say that the build kit is faultless? Sorry, but this is a poorly written review with too much waffle and too many inconsistencies; it is not up to the usual Singletrack standard… 🙁

While not limited to just this review, it does seem wrong to review a bike using parts it doesn’t come with. The main review should be about what you get in the box. Maybe add a bit at the end on what could be changed and the effect it has.

Leave Reply

Post Comment

Shop in-store for even more deals!

Shop in store for even more deals we can't advertise!

Mountain Bike Suspension Service

Trade In Your Bike

• Base Layers
• Mountain Bike Shorts
• Bibs, Tights + Knickers
• Mountain Bike Shoes

SAFETY GEAR

• Adult Helmets
• Youth Helmets
• Road Helmets
• Casual Wear
• Road Bike Shorts
• Bibs, Tights & Knickers
• Road Bike Shoes
• Accessories/Parts

Safety Gear

• Women's Helmets
• Road Bike Helmets
• Mountain Bike Helmets

WHEELS & TIRES

• Road Wheels
• Mountain Bike Wheels
• Mountain Bike Tires
• Wheels Accessories and Parts
• Derailleurs
• Chains & Cassettes
• Cranks and Chainrings
• Bottom Brackets
• Cables and Housing
• Power Meters

BRAKES & PEDALS

• Clipless Pedals
• Flat Pedals
• Mountain Bike Brake Sets
• Mountain Bike Brake Pads
• Road Bike Brakes and Pads
• All Brakes/Levers/Pads

Forks & Cockpit

• Grips and Bar Tape
• Rigid Forks
• Suspension Forks

Accessories

• Car Rack Accessories
• Electronics
• Front Lights
• Tail Lights
• Locks/Security
• Media/Resources
• Bicycle Mounted Racks
• Pumps/Inflation
• Tools/Maintenance
• Trailers/Strollers
• Trainers/Rollers
• Travel/Storage
• Water Bottles & Cages

Brand Guides

Bike buyer's guides, gear guides, new bike releases, summit bicycles online (855) 245-3663 [email protected] email, burlingame (650) 343-8483 [email protected] email, summit outfitters (408) 878-3252 [email protected] email, los gatos (408) 399-9142 [email protected] email, san jose (408) 264-2453 [email protected] email, palo alto (650) 304-0035 [email protected] email, summit bicycles mobile we'll come to you schedule mobile service today, (855) bike-one - for online orders and rental inquiries.

• Account Account
• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart
• Bicycling Catalog
• Fuel EXe 9.7

Trek Fuel EXe 9.7

Fuel EXe 9.7 redefines e-mountain biking with an entirely new motor that tucks away neatly for a ride thats light, lively, and just as playful as a traditional mountain bike, with the added benefit of pedal assist to help you crush climbs. An upgraded suspension package pairs with cherry-picked components for snappy shifting and precise modulation on the trail. You want the feel of a playful trailbike, plus a little extra power on the climbs. You want upgrades where it counts the most, like a premium suspension package and the perfect blend of components. You dont want to lose out on the natural experience of mountain biking, and want a refined motor that quietly assists while you ride. An OCLV Mountain Carbon frame equipped with a fully-encased 360Wh battery and TQ harmonic pin ring transmission with a smart charging port, integrated LED display and discreet handlebar remote. 150mm FOX Rhythm 36 fork with Float EVOL air spring and GRIP damper, and 140mm FOX Performance Float X rear suspension. Plus tubeless-ready wheels and tires, and a 12-speed drivetrain of cherry-picked Shimano SLX and XT components. Fuel EXe 9.7 is a playful trail ride that gives you extra fuel in the tank on climbs, and rides like a traditional bike on descents. Its packed with the space-age technology of a TQ transmission, 150mm of buttery-smooth travel for soaking up rock gardens, and a cherry-picked drivetrain that gives you upgrades where it matters most. - Youll get a light and playful ride on descents, and just the right amount of assist on the way back up - Its tiny but mighty TQ transmission is tuned for the trail, keeping things quiet so you can stay in the moment, plus it ramps up power with you for a natural ride feel - The smart charge port, sleek integrated display, and discreet controls keep the bike looking and feeling like a traditional mountain bike - Its upgraded FOX suspension package offers you 150mm of front and 140mm of rear suspension for making quick work of technical and rowdy terrain - Youll be able to add on a range extender when you want a little extra fuel in the tank for big days on the bike

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

* Subject to change without notice.

Part Numbers

• Fuel EXe 9.7

We'll take care of you. Period.

It's our mission to provide you with world-class hospitality every time you visit us online or in-store. We're always here to help you. It's the Trek way.

Free shipping and professional assembly

All bikes ordered online ship for free to your local Trek shop for professional assembly. Participating retailers will even deliver your new ride to your doorstep!

30 Day Unconditional Guarantee

If for any reason you aren't 100% happy with your trekbikes.com purchase, you can return it in like new condition within 30 days - no questions asked.

TIME Best Inventions of 2023

"Fuel EXe's natural-feeling assist and stealthy good looks earned it a coveted spot on TIME's Best Inventions of 2023 list." From TIME. © 2023 TIME USA LLC All rights reserved. Used under license.

TQ HPR-50 is Pinkbike's Innovation of the Year

"That tiny harmonic pin ring drive unit is the golden goose of e-bike motors." Find out what Pinkbike had to say about the revolutionary motor at the heart of Fuel EXe.

Best All-Around

"Overall, the Trek Fuel EXe is a bike that ranked consistently well across the board when it came to performance on the trail. It does everything pretty darn well and would be a great jack of all trades lightweight eBike for those looking to have a mid-power eMTB for trail shredding fun."

2022 Gear of the Year

"This is the first time an e-bike has made my Gear of the Year list [...] in addition to being silent, the HPR50 motor feels frictionless while pedaling. The assistance comes on with a subtlety that makes it feel like you are a younger, fitter version of yourself with a tailwind at your back."

Editor's Choice

"The low-key, silent assist is just enough, keeping it riding like a real mountain bike but making the climbs less sucky. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good high-power eMTB, but I loved this bike, too. Trek’s Fuel EX’s handling is dialed, and this is merely an enhanced version of that. I tested the top model, but, fortunately, there are also mid-priced models that eschew some of the AirWiz(ardy) without giving up any of what makes this bike rad."

"Nothing comes close"

"Simply put, nothing comes close to the Fuel EXe when you paint the picture of the mountain bike experience as a whole."

"Probably going to be the most significant bike launched this decade"

"The Trek Fuel EXe is the bike (e or otherwise) that plenty of people have been waiting to see… Removes the final few issues that the e-curious crowd had."

"One of the best mountain bikes - powered or unpowered - I’ve recently ridden."

"The Fuel EXe is such a harmonious package that I got comfortable with it very quickly, and it wasn’t much longer before I was in love with this bike...I legitimately forgot that I was on an e-bike at times…it’s the most natural feeling motor I’ve yet ridden."

"We have to call it as we see it and the Trek Fuel EXe just elevated the eMTB game."

"The first impression was a unanimous 'Wow.' This is one of the few times that a bike exceeded expectations."

"Nothing less than a great leap forward for eMTBs"

"There are times when I am left amazed by something new and shiny, and that is the case with the Trek Fuel Exe...I might even go as far as to call it an engineering marvel."

More options