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Today’s Deals2019 Trek
Fuel EX 8 Plus
A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$3,599| Weight | 32.0 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 140mm |
| Fork | Fox Rhythm Float 34 |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | GX Eagle, Truvativ Descendant |
| Brakes | Shimano Deore 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
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?
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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?
Aug 2020 · Christoph Bayer
The Trek Fuel EX is the most expensive bike in this group test, yet is still awarded our Best Buy – how is that possible? Read our review to find out what makes this bike so good.
Performs on every kind of trail
Fantastic spec
A great balance of composure and agility
Expensive
Seat tube angle could be steeper
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
Nov 2019
Having spent a load of saddle time with the 2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 on home soil, we've been getting very familiar with this 130mm travel trail brawler. It hasn't all been smooth sailing though. Read on to see what the Fuel EX does well, what it's struggled with, and what changes we've made to our long term review rig.
Stupendously plush rear suspension
The Fox 36 has really stepped up the EX's appetite for gnar
New geometry brings masses of high-speed stability
Rattling from the downtube trapdoor
Knock Block system works but creates practical annoyances
The 35mm carbon bars are overly stiff
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 | Fox Rhythm 34 Float, GRIP adjustable damper, tapered steerer, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset, Boost110, 140mm travel Travel: 140mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position 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 Line, Knock Block, 35mm clamp, 0 degree |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Line, 35mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Line, internal routing, 31.6mm, 15.5: 100mm, 17.5 & 18.5: 125mm, 19.5 & 21.5: 150mm Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | Not included |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle, Roller Bearing Clutch |
|---|---|
| Crank | Truvativ Descendant 6k Eagle DUB, 32T Direct Mount |
| Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1275 Eagle, 10-50, 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Brakes | Shimano Deore M6000 hydraulic disc Type: Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Bontrager Line Comp 40, Tubeless Ready, 54T Rapid Drive, Boost110 front, Boost148 rear, tubeless strips included, valves sold separately |
|---|---|
| Tires | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, 120tpi, aramid bead, 27.5x2.80˝ |
First added October 1
Last updated October 1
Not listed for 2,432 days