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2017 Trek

Fuel EX 8 27.5 Plus

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

$3,299
Weight31.2 lbs  
FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 130 / 140mm
ForkFox Rhythm Float 34
ShockFox
Wheels27.5″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetGX
BrakesShimano Deore Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Fuel EX 8 27.5 Plus
Other Trail bikes
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)

26 mph

Fuel EX 8 27.5 Plus

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Trek Fuel mountain youth bike is praised for its versatile and light trail capabilities, offering a balanced and maneuverable feel suitable for various terrains. Its suspension performance, particularly the RE:aktiv shock with Thru Shaft technology, is highlighted for reducing lag and improving ride quality. However, some reviews note it may be too conservative for aggressive riders and could benefit from a longer dropper post and more aggressive tires.

Pros
  • Versatile and light trail bike

  • Quick-responding ABP suspension platform

  • RE:aktiv shock with Thru Shaft technology

  • Balanced and maneuverable feel

  • Superb rear-wheel traction

Cons
  • Too conservative for some riders

  • Would benefit from a longer dropper post

  • Bontrager XR4 tires' side knobs felt under-gunned

Key Quotes
The Fuel isn’t the biggest and baddest bike of the test. Instead it focuses on being the do-everything quiver killer.
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
Imagine taking the heart of an XC race bike and giving it the soul of a trail bike and you’d have the Fuel EX.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor
Not the quickest climber, but clever suspension and geometry provide a fun, fast and capable ride
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar

Feedback?

View all reviews

Cyclist
Trek Fuel EX 5 full suspension MTB review

Oct 2018 · Joseph Delves

A great full-sus all-rounder with an innovative frame

Read Review

Loam Wolf
Review: Fuel EX 9.7 29

Jun 2018 · Nic “U-Turn” Hall

Without a doubt one of our favorite bikes in the budget bike roundup. The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 blends a refined look with affordable performance to offer you a killer mountain bike at a great value.

Read Review

VeloNews
Trek Fuel EX 9.9

Mar 2018 · Emily Schaldach

The Trek Fuel EX 9.9 has redefined the do-everything mountain bike.

Read Review

off.road.cc
Trek Fuel EX 5 Women’s 27.5 Plus

Nov 2017

While this Trek Fuel EX 5 may look like a roller skate on wheels, complete with disco-tastic 'anthracite' metallic grey finish and chunky platform shoes reminiscent of the Spice Girls’ heyday, it does cover a particular niche between ‘trail’ and ‘cross-country’, and it does it very well on a respectable budget. Review: Banshee Phantom GX - a short travel machine with hardcore intentions Buying your first mountain bike?

Read Review

Freehub
2017 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 // Bike Review

Nov 2017 · Will Hilbert

Take a look at the new Fuel EX and you will quickly see Trek has fully redefined the model. The 2016 Fuel Ex 29 was a step in the right direction, but it was a timid half-hearted step that left the rider wondering what if…? What if it came spec’d with a stiffer fork, more travel and a slacker headtube? The team at Trek delivered and the 2017 bike answers these questions. It now allows the use of 29” or 27.5+ wheels and is one of the stiffest frames in the category, featuring a totally new geometry that’s slacker and longer than its predecessor.

Read Review

Mountain Bike Action
Tested - Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5+

Oct 2017 · MBA Action

Designed Specifically for a Trail Near You It’s not often a company revamps its entire lineup in just one year, but if there’s one company that can do it,

Read Review

MBR
Trek Fuel EX Plus 9.8 27.5 (2017) review - MBR

Apr 2017 · Danny Milner

Trek’s venerable Fuel gets a high-octane boost in the form of Plus-size wheels with the Trek Fuel EX Plus 9.8 27.5. Beautiful to behold and a joy to ride.

Read Review

Dirt Mountainbike
TREK FUEL EX 29 – 9.8 PROJECT ONE

Apr 2017 · Sean White

With Project One, Trek brings custom colour and spec options to the latest Fuel EX 29 trail bike.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Alpha Platinum Aluminum, ABP, Boost148, Knock Block steerer stop, Full Floater, EVO link, E2 tapered head tube, Mino Link, Control Freak internal routing, down tube guard, PF92, ISCG 05, G2 Geometry, 130mm travel

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

Fork

Fox Rhythm 34 Float, Grip adjustable damper, E2 tapered steerer, Boost110, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset, 140mm travel

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x52.5mm

Travel130mm

Bottom Bracket

PF92

Headset

Knock Block Integrated, cartridge bearing, sealed, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom

Stem

Bontrager Line, Knock Block, 35mm, 0 degree

Handlebar

Bontrager Line, 35mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width

Saddle

Bontrager Evoke 2, chromoly rails

Seatpost

KS eThirty Integra, remote lever, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, zero offset, internal routing

TypeDropper

Grips

Bontrager Race Lite, lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM GX, Roller Bearing Clutch

Crank

SRAM GX 1000, 32T X-Sync

Shifters

SRAM GX, 11 speed

Cassette

SRAM XG-1150, 10-42, 11 speed

Chain

SRAM PC 1130

Brakes

Shimano Deore hydraulic disc

TypeShimano Deore Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

SUNringlé Duroc 40 SL 28-hole (tubeless strips and valves included)

Front Hub

Bontrager sealed bearing, alloy axle, Boost110

Rear Hub

Bontrager sealed bearing, Boost148

Tires

Bontrager Chupacabra, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 27.5x2.80"

Rider Notes
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First added April 12

Last updated July 21

Not listed for 3,243 days