2020 Trek

Fuel EX 8

A 27.5″ / 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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MSRP$3,449
Weight30.4 lbs  
FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 130 / 140mm
ForkFox Rhythm Float 34
ShockFox
Wheels27.5″ / 29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetGX Eagle, Truvativ Descendant
BrakesHydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Fuel EX 8
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

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews
Gran Fondo Magazine
Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XTR Project One in bikepacking review

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.

Highs
  • Maximum fun on the descents

  • Intuitive and good-natured handling

  • Storage compartment in the down tube for tools or snacks

Lows
  • Too sluggish on easy terrain

  • Too much bike for long straights

  • Chain slap

Read Review

Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
Trek Fuel EX 8.0 XT 2020 on test – Versatility for the Best Buy

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.

Highs
  • Performs on every kind of trail

  • Fantastic spec

  • A great balance of composure and agility

Lows
  • Expensive

  • Seat tube angle could be steeper

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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

MBR
Trek Fuel EX 9.8 review - MBR

Nov 2019 · Alan Muldoon

The updated Trek Fuel EX now features storage in the downtube, 29er wheels, more travel and a gorgeous frame… oh and it’s rollicking fast too.

Highs
  • Punchy trail bike with great handling.

Lows
  • Low profile tyre tread lacks bite.

Read Review

Flow Mountain Bike
Mid-Term Review | 6 Weeks Aboard The 2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 Test Bike

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.

Highs
  • 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

Lows
  • Rattling from the downtube trapdoor

  • Knock Block system works but creates practical annoyances

  • The 35mm carbon bars are overly stiff

Read Review

Pinkbike
Review: Trek's All-New 2020 Fuel EX Trail Bike

Aug 2019 · Mike Levy

Trek's trail bike gets an all-new frame with tweaked suspension and fresh geometry, but where does sit compared to the competition?

Highs
  • Forgiving, deep feeling suspension

  • It's a wizard on technical climbs

  • New geometry increases capabilities

Lows
  • It might be too forgiving for some riders

  • You'll be using the pedal assist lever often

  • Trek could have gone further with the geometry

Read Review

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.

Read Review

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

Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

Alpha Platinum Aluminum, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, downtube guard, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130mm travel

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

Tire Clearance2.6"

Fork

Fox Rhythm 34, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Kabolt axle, 140mm travel

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Size: XS, S, Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x52.5mm; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x55mm

Travel130mm

Spring TypeAir

Bottom Bracket

SRAM DUB, 92mm, PressFit

Headset

Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

Stem

Size: XS, S, Bontrager Line, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 40mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager Line, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 50mm length

Handlebar

Bontrager Line, alloy, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width

Saddle

Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138mm width

Seatpost

Size: XS, S, Bontrager Line Dropper, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 345mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager Line Dropper, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 440mm length

TypeDropper

Grips

Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM GX Eagle

Crank

Size: XS, S, Truvativ Descendant 6k Eagle, DUB, 30T steel ring, Boost (52mm chainline), 170mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Truvativ Descendant 6k Eagle, DUB, 30T steel ring, Boost (52mm chainline), 175mm length

Shifters

SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed

Cassette

SRAM XG-1275 Eagle, 10-50, 12 speed

Chain

SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed

Brakes

Shimano Deore M6000 hydraulic disc

TypeHydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle, Rear: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, 54T Rapid Drive, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12mm thru axle

Tires

Size: XS, S, Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5x2.60''; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.60''

Disc Rotors

Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180mm; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Shimano RT66, 203mm, 6-bolt

Rider Notes
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Last updated August 21
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