Bikes up to 60% offWe monitor over 40,000 bikes daily to find the best prices
Today’s Deals2019 Trek
Fuel EX 5 Plus
A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
Compare the full range
Manufacturer Price
$2,249| Weight | 33.3 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 140mm |
| Fork | RockShox Recon Silver RL |
| Shock | RockShox Deluxe |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 10 |
| Groupset | Deore |
| Brakes | Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
Summary
The Trek Fuel is a versatile and well-balanced trail bike that excels in a variety of terrains, offering a neutral, light feel and efficient suspension performance. While it may not be the most aggressive in its category, its comfort and handling make it a favorite for riders seeking a reliable all-rounder. Some reviews note its conservative geometry and component choices as areas for improvement.
Versatile and well-balanced for all-round trail riding
Neutral, light feel with efficient suspension
Comfortable and easy to ride in a variety of terrains
Solid downhill performer and efficient climber
Adjustable shock settings for personalized ride
Geometry isn’t as radically aggressive as some competitors
Component spec may not inspire awe
Can feel overwhelmed in super aggressive terrain
Frame sizing may feel small for some riders
It’s a journeyman’s mountain bike, a tool that disappears underneath you and just gets the job done, regardless of where or how you are riding. No muss, no fuss
BIKE MagazineThe FOX suspension is a real standout
Flow Mountain BikeWinner of our award in 2017, the Fuel EX easily impressed us with its turn of speed, capable suspension and its ability to excel on any trail.
MBRThe Fuel EX 8 is a solid trail bike offered at a reasonable price. While it wasn't necessarily the best at anything, it was really good at just about everything.
Outdoor Gear LabFeedback?
View all reviews
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
Chain slap
Oct 2020
My history of mountain biking started with a little wooden trike, with no pedals and wheels bigger than my head. I moved forward as any child does onto a bigger bike with bigger wheels and pedals. My parents always encouraged me to get outside and ride a bike, although I didn’t like the idea of mountain biking. I knew how to ride a bike; why go any further?
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.
Apr 2020 · Tom Marvin
A classic trail bike, with a fun and engaging ride built around a solid frame
A solid feeling frame backed up by a ride quality that encourages you to pop and play around
The long Shimano brake levers kill the feel, while the supple rear suspension shows up the budget fork
Jan 2020 · Jeremy Benson
Trek recently redesigned their popular Fuel EX mid-travel trail bikes for the 2020 model year. The updated geometry brings this bike in line with modern...
Supple rear suspension
Versatile
Fun on a wide range of terrain
Affordable
Moderately heavy
Short dropper post
Frame sizing runs a little small
Dec 2019
The Quintessential letterman athlete—pulling straight A's, playing hoops and running track, with manners perfect for meeting the parents.
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.
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.
| Frame | Alpha Platinum Aluminum, ABP, Boost148, Knock Block steerer stop, Full Floater, EVO link, tapered head tube, Mino Link, Control Freak internal routing, down tube guard, PF92, ISCG 05, G2 Geometry, 130mm travel BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Recon RL, Solo Air spring, Motion Control damper, tapered steerer, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset, Boost110, 140mm travel Travel: 140mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | RockShox Deluxe RL, 210x52.5mm Travel: 130mm |
| Bottom Bracket | PF92 |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8˝ top, 1.5˝ bottom |
| Stem | Bontrager Rhythm Comp, 31.8mm clamp, 0 degree |
| Handlebar | Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 720mm width |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada |
| Seatpost | Bontrager alloy, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, 12mm offset Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Not included |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore M6000, Shadow Plus |
|---|---|
| Crank | Race Face Ride, 30T Cinch (direct mount) |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore M6000, 10 speed |
| Cassette | SunRace, 11-42, 10 speed |
| Chain | KMC X10 |
| Brakes | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc Type: Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Alex MD35, 32-hole double-walled, tubeless strips and valves sold separately |
|---|---|
| Front Hub | Bontrager Boost110 |
| Rear Hub | Bontrager sealed bearing alloy axle, Boost148 |
| Tires | Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance, Tubeless Ready, 27.5x2.80˝ |
First added August 20
Last updated August 20
Not listed for 2,474 days