2020 Trek
Fuel EX AL Frameset
A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail frameset.
Manufacturer Price
$1,999| Weight | 7.4 lbs (frame) |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Full, 130mm rear |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 29″ |
For This Bike
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
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 · McCoy
Can it get any better than this?
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
Apr 2020
After six months of testing, it's time to the deliver the review of our 2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 long-term test bike. Here we take a closer look at some of the other parts we've changed and the problems we've encountered, and discuss exactly what this 130mm travel trail bike does best.
Hugely capable for a 130mm travel trail bike
The stiff & responsive chassis
Supremely balanced & versatile handling
The suspension is so plush and well controlled
Improved pedal efficiency and support
Lifetime frame & carbon wheel warranty
Poor-fitting downtube trapdoor
The stock Bontrager dropper post is sluggish and sloppy
Carbon wheels are quite harsh
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
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.
Punchy trail bike with great handling.
Low profile tyre tread lacks bite.
Aug 2019
This is not what it looks like. Even though this new Fuel EX has a Fox 36, it doesn’t mean it has shed its trail-bike past for an enduro-bike future. Even
| 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 Tire Clearance: 2.6" Color: Matte Dnister / Matte Axinite |
|---|---|
| Shock | Size: S, ML, L, XL, Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x55mm; Size: XS, S, Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x52.5mm Travel: 130mm |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom |
| Stem | Size: S, XS, Bontrager Line, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 40mm length; Size: ML, L, XL, Bontrager Line, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 50mm length |
Last updated November 6
Not listed for 1,261 days