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Today’s Deals2020 Trek
Fuel EX C Frameset
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail frameset.
Manufacturer Price
$3,299| Weight | 6.0 lbs (frame) |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 130mm rear |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 29″ |
Summary
The Trek Fuel EX is a versatile and capable trail bike, praised for its balanced handling, effective suspension, and modern geometry. It excels in a variety of terrains, offering a fun and confident ride. While it has some minor drawbacks like sluggish dropper posts and underpowered brakes on lower models, its overall performance and range of options make it a standout in the trail bike category.
Versatile trail bike
Improved frame stiffness and tire clearance
Effective rear suspension
Modern geometry
Fun and confident handling
Sluggish dropper posts
Underpowered brakes on lower models
Frame storage hole too small for some pumps
The Fuel EX is still the Fuel EX. It just got a little bit EX-er.
BIKE MagazinePush it into a high-speed berm, and it simply doesn’t flinch. At all.
Flow Mountain BikeThe Trek Fuel EX is the most versatile bike in this group test.
Enduro Mountainbike MagazineFeedback?
View all reviews
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
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
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays, internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130mm travel Tire Clearance: 2.6" Colors: Raw Carbon / Rage Red; Miami Green to Teal Fade |
|---|---|
| Shock | Size: XS, S, Fox Factory Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft 3-position damper, Kashima Coat, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x52.5mm; Size: S, M, Fox Factory Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft 3-position damper, Kashima Coat, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x55mm Travel: 130mm |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom |
| Stem | Size: XS, S, Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 40mm length; Size: M, Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 50mm length |
| Tires | 29x2.60" |
|---|
First added October 10
Last updated July 25
Not listed for 1,769 days