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Today’s DealsFuel EX 7 29
A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$2,829| Weight | 31.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 130mm |
| Fork | RockShox Reba |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | NX Eagle |
| Brakes | Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
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
The FOX suspension is a real standout
Winner 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.
The 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.
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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.

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...
Relatively affordable
Good component spec for the price
Great small bump compliance
Versatile/well-rounded
Frame sizing feels a little small
Can be overwhelmed in super aggressive terrain

Oct 2019 · McCoy
One seriously light and capable bike

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.
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.
| 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 Reba RL, Solo Air, Motion Control RL damper, tapered steerer, Boost110, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset, 130mm travel Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Performance Float EVOL, 3-position DPS damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x52.5mm Travel: 130mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB Press Fit, 92mm |
| 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, 750mm width |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada |
| Seatpost | Dropper post, Bontrager lever, 31.6mm, internal routing Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | Not included |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle, Roller Bearing Clutch |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM NX Eagle DUB, 32T Direct Mount |
| Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1230 Eagle, 11-50, 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Brakes | Shimano MT400 hydraulic disc Type: Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 54T Rapid Drive, Boost110 front, Boost148 rear, tubeless strips and valves sold separately |
|---|---|
| Tires | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, 120tpi, aramid bead, 29x2.40˝ |
First added October 1
Last updated October 1
Not listed for 2,441 days