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2018 Trek

Fuel EX C Frameset

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail frameset.

Manufacturer Price

$2,999
Weight5.6 lbs (frame)  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 130mm rear
ShockFox
Wheels29″
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Insights
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 series is celebrated for its innovative frame design and versatile performance, making it a standout in the mountain-youth category. Its suspension system, particularly the Active Braking Pivot (ABP) and RE:aktiv technology, delivers a plush ride that excels both uphill and downhill. The bikes are noted for their stiff frames, efficient climbing, and confident handling, though some models could benefit from upgrades like tubeless wheelsets and dropper posts.

Pros
  • Innovative frame and suspension design

  • Efficient climbing with good traction

  • Confident and balanced handling

  • High-quality components and durable construction

  • Versatile performance across various terrains

Cons
  • Non-tubeless wheelset and tyres on some models

  • Lack of a dropper post in entry-level builds

  • Narrow bars limiting aggressive riding

  • Basic wheelset with workaday hubs

  • Some models have front suspension that can't match the rear's performance

Key Quotes
A great full-sus all-rounder with an innovative frame.
Cyclist logoCyclist
Trek's Fuel EX 7 29er contains modern bike technology with a classic ride feel
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
No matter where and how we rode it during our year-long test the Fuel EX reaffirmed the outstanding credentials that earned it its 'best in test' badge
Enduro Mountainbike Magazine logoEnduro Mountainbike Magazine
If your long-legged enduro bike is a chainsaw, the Fuel EX rides like a surgeon’s scalpel.
Loam Wolf logoLoam Wolf
The carbon fronted Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29 is easily the stiffest bike in those we tested.
MBR logoMBR

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BIKE Magazine
Bible Review: Trek Fuel EX 9.9

Dec 2019

The Quintessential letterman athlete—pulling straight A's, playing hoops and running track, with manners perfect for meeting the parents.

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Outdoor Gear Lab
Trek Fuel EX 8

Nov 2019 · Jeremy Benson

The Fuel EX 8 is an impressively capable, versatile, and well-rounded trail bike that is ready for anything you are. Trek redesigned the Fuel EX models for...

Highs
  • Relatively affordable

  • Good component spec for the price

  • Great small bump compliance

  • Versatile/well-rounded

Lows
  • Frame sizing feels a little small

  • Can be overwhelmed in super aggressive terrain

Read Review

Mountain Bike Action
Throwback Thursday: Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29

Oct 2019 · McCoy

One seriously light and capable bike

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Pinkbike
Video: 2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy VS Trek Fuel EX - Cage Match

Sep 2019 · Pinkbike Originals

The Fuel EX and Tallboy are both brand new and impressively capable trail bikes, but which one do we prefer? Levy and Kazimer ride both and pick the winner.

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

Apr 2019 · Rob Mitchell

We've been testing two 2019 130mm travel 29er trail bikes; the GT Sensor Expert and the Trek Fuel EX 9.7. Here we review the Trek Fuel EX.

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Whistler Mountain Bike
2019 Trek Top Fuel 9.8 SL 1st Ride Impression

Feb 2019 · Dale Tiessen

Let’s be clear - Trek’s Top Fuel is a XC race weapon. This is not your typical ‘Whistler XC’ bike, which the greater industry may characterize as a ‘trail’ or ‘all mountain’ bike. The Top Fuel is designed for World Cup XC race courses. It is meant to be precise, light and fast.

Read Review

Flow Mountain Bike
TESTED: Trek Fuel EX 9.9

Jan 2019

Planning a trip to Derby late last year we were faced with a tough call to make, what bike should we take for someone who’s never been there before? The Fjord Lord, our friend from Terrengsykkel, Norway’s best mountain bike magazine was visiting, and he’s a great photographer and keen adventurer, but he was bike-less …

Highs
  • An ideal trail bike for adventures.

  • Buttery smooth suspension.

  • Holds its own in the black run trails.

Lows
  • Rattling brake pads.

  • Heavy thumb lever for dropper.

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Cyclist
Trek Fuel EX 5 full suspension MTB review

Oct 2018 · Joseph Delves

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

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Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays, ABP, Boost148, Knock Block steerer stop, Full Floater, EVO link, E2 tapered head tube, Mino Link, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, PF92, ISCG 05, G2 Geometry, 130mm travel

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

Shock

Fox Factory Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position damper with Thru Shaft, Kashima Coat, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x52.5mm

Travel130mm

Bottom Bracket

BB86/BB92, press-fit

Headset

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

Stem

Bontrager Line Pro, Knock Block, 35mm, 0 degree

Rider Notes
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First added July 23

Last updated July 23

Not listed for 3,232 days