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2014 Trek

Fuel EX 9.8 26

A 26″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.

FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 130 / 130mm
Wheels26″ Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 10
GroupsetXT
BrakesShimano XT Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Gearing

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.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

27 mph

Fuel EX 9.8 26

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
15.5"

5'0" – 5'7"

17.5"

5'5" – 5'11"

18.5"

5'9" – 6'3"

19.5"

5'9" – 6'3"

21.5"

6'1" – 6'6"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

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Reviews

Summary

The Trek Fuel trail bike family is consistently praised for its nimble handling, efficient suspension, and versatile performance across various terrains. Reviews highlight the RE:aktiv shock technology for its plush ride quality and excellent traction, making it a standout feature. The bikes are described as playful, precise, and capable of both technical climbs and spirited descents, with a well-sorted component spec that enhances the riding experience.

Pros
  • Nimble and playful handling

  • Efficient and plush RE:aktiv suspension

  • Versatile performance for climbing and descending

  • Well-sorted component spec

  • Excellent traction and control

Cons
  • Some models have harsh fork performance

  • Tire choice may not suit all conditions

  • Occasional component compatibility issues

  • Weight is middling in some builds

Key Quotes
The Fuel EX can be navigated with precision and transfers line changes directly and willingly.
Enduro Mountainbike Magazine logoEnduro Mountainbike Magazine
Forget the wheel size, the shock technology is the interesting thing here.
MBR logoMBR
Spry is the first word that jumps to mind when I try to describe the Fuel EX 29.
NSMB logoNSMB

Feedback?

View all reviews

Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
Back Issue | In Test: Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5

Jul 2015 · Andrew Richardson

Pitting a group of XC bikes and pushing them when riding enduro was a pretty mean task, but a fun one at that! See how the Trek Fuel EX 27.5 fared here!

Read Review

Bicycling
Tested: Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29

Jun 2015 · Editors of Bicycling

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

Read Review

Mountain Bike Action
BIKE TEST: TREK FUEL EX 9.8

Nov 2014 · MBA Action

Mario Andretti’s Dream Bike

Read Review

MTBR
Featured: Trek Fuel EX 7 29

Nov 2014 · Francis Cebedo

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

Read Review

MBR
Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5in review - MBR

Sep 2014 · Danny Milner

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

Highs
  • 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.

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

Read Review

BikeRadar
Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 – first ride review

Jul 2014 · Josh Patterson

A worthy contender, with dialled angles, dependable kit and a new damper that performs without much fuss

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BIKE Magazine
Tested: Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5

Jun 2014

Bike magazine tests the 2015 Trek Fuel EX 27.5

Read Review

NSMB
2014 Trek Fuel EX 9 29: Reviewed

Mar 2014

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

Read Review

Specs
Build
Frame

OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & seatstay, alloy chainstay, Carbon Armor, ABP Convert, Full Floater, E2 tapered head tube, BB95, internal derailleur cable & dropper post routing, ISCG 05 mount, magnesium EVO Link, 130mm travel

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

Bottom Bracket

BSA, 73mm, threaded

Headset

Cane Creek IS-3, E2, sealed cartridge bearing

Stem

Bontrager Race X Lite, 31.8mm, 7 degree

Handlebar

Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon Low Riser, 31.8mm, 15mm rise

Saddle

Bontrager Evoke 3, titanium rails

Seatpost

RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6mm, zero offset

TypeDropper

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Deore XT Shadow Plus

Front Derailleur

Shimano Deore XT, high direct mount

Crank

Shimano Deore XT, 38/24

Shifters

Shimano Deore XT, 10 speed

Cassette

Shimano Deore XT 11-36, 10 speed

Brakes

Shimano Deore XT hydraulic disc

TypeShimano XT Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Bontrager Rhythm Comp Tubeless Ready w/Stacked Lacing, 15mm front hub; 142x12 rear hub

Tires

Bontrager XR3 Expert, aramid bead, 26x2.20"

Rider Notes
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First added June 29

Last updated June 29

Not listed for 3,265 days