2020 Trek

Fuel EX 9.8

A 27.5″ / 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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MSRP$5,499
Weight29.0 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 130 / 140mm
ForkFox Performance Float 36
ShockFox
Wheels27.5″ / 29″ Carbon
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetGX Eagle, Truvativ Descendant
BrakesHydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Fuel EX 9.8
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)

28 mph

Fuel EX 9.8

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews
Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX 2021 in review - Trail performance over bling components

Jun 2021 · Peter Walker

The Trek Fuel EX has proven itself as an excellent all-rounder in the past. This year, the American brand enters the race with the € 5,999 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX, which combines a high-end frame with a mid-level spec but still features Trek's Thru Shaft shock technology. So does it always have to be top-spec? How big is the difference in performance and how does the Fuel EX 9.8 GX fare against its more expensive peers?

Highs
  • Very comfortable uphill

  • Intuitive handling

  • High-quality frame with integrated storage compartment

Lows
  • Tires are very puncture prone and generate little traction

  • Brakes don't do the bike’s potential justice

Read Review

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

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BikeRadar
Trek Fuel EX 9.7 review

Apr 2020 · Tom Marvin

A classic trail bike, with a fun and engaging ride built around a solid frame

Highs
  • A solid feeling frame backed up by a ride quality that encourages you to pop and play around

Lows
  • The long Shimano brake levers kill the feel, while the supple rear suspension shows up the budget fork

Read Review

Outdoor Gear Lab
Trek Fuel EX 5

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...

Highs
  • Supple rear suspension

  • Versatile

  • Fun on a wide range of terrain

  • Affordable

Lows
  • Moderately heavy

  • Short dropper post

  • Frame sizing runs a little small

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.

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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

Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

carbon frame

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

Tire Clearance2.6"

ColorsRaw Carbon / Rage Red; Miami Green to Teal Fade; Gloss Purple Phaze / Matte Raw Carbon

Fork

Fox Performance 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Kabolt axle, 140mm travel

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

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

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

Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 40mm length

Handlebar

Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width

Saddle

Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138mm width

Seatpost

Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 340mm length

TypeDropper

Grips

Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM GX Eagle

Crank

Truvativ Descendant 7k Eagle, DUB, 32T alloy ring, Boost (52mm chainline), 170mm length

Shifters

SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed

Cassette

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

Chain

SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed

Brakes

Shimano SLX M7120 4-piston hydraulic disc

TypeHydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

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

Tires

Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5x2.60''

Disc Rotors

Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180mm

Rider Notes
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Last updated April 16
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