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2021 Trek

Fuel EX 5 Deore

A 27.5″ / 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.

Manufacturer Price

$2,449
Weight34.6 lbs  
FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 130 / 140mm
ForkRockShox Recon Silver RL
ShockX-Fusion
Wheels27.5″ / 29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetDeore
BrakesShimano Hydraulic 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 5 Deore
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 5 Deore

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Trek Fuel is a versatile and capable trail bike, praised for its improved suspension performance, adjustable geometry, and overall ride quality. It excels in a variety of terrains, offering a balanced mix of climbing efficiency and descending prowess. The bike's RE:aktiv and Thru Shaft shock technologies enhance its bump absorption and pedaling efficiency, making it a favorite among riders for its comfort and traction.

Pros
  • Versatile trail bike

  • Improved frame stiffness and tire clearance

  • RE:aktiv and Thru Shaft shock tech enhances ride quality

  • Adjustable geometry for personalized fit

  • Good traction and comfort on varied terrain

Cons
  • Frame storage hole too small for some pumps

  • Stock saddle limits adjustability

  • Line dropper post slower than leading aftermarket options

  • Heavy for spec and travel

  • Costs more than parts sold separately

Key Quotes
The Fuel EX is still the Fuel EX. It just got a little bit EX-er.
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
It’s clearly a brilliantly balanced all-rounder.
Bike Perfect logoBike Perfect
The new EX is bigger and more capable. It faces tougher competition, but its performance, features, and adaptability make it a compelling option.
Bicycling
The Fuel EX has long been a benchmark trail bike.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
The Trek Fuel EX 9.9 is an absolute classic in the trail bike segment.
Gran Fondo Magazine logoGran Fondo Magazine

Feedback?

View all reviews

MTB Mag
[Dream Bike] Trek Fuel EX

Dec 2022 · Ian Collins

A couple months ago, I was on the hunt for a new mid-travel personal bike and found myself largely unconvinced by most of the offerings on the market. Then a new, highly adjustable and longer in the tooth Trek Fuel EX was announced. When I reached out to Trek to inquire about testing one they offered to send a frameset for me to build out. On paper given that it had my ideal geometry, loads of adjustments (including leverage rate!), internal storage and the options of  air or coil and mullet or straight 29″, this was the ultimate Swiss army

Read Review

Pinkbike
Field Test: Trek Fuel EX - Evolution Underlined

Dec 2022 · Mike Levy

The downtube storage compartment is on the new bike, and while it seems like Trek has put all the things onto the latest Fuel EX, there's one that they didn't: Knock Block.

Highs
  • Wide range of effective geometry adjustments

  • Just as much fun on smooth trails as it is on scary trails

  • Great climber, efficient pedaling

Lows
  • One-piece handlebar might be too stiff for some riders

  • Paint chips easily

Read Review

Singletracks
The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 Gen 6 is a Poised, Do-it-all Trail Bike [Review]

Nov 2022 · Matt Miller

The latest Trek Fuel EX trail bike grows in travel and geometry, but still dominates the climbs.

Highs
  • Capable and adaptable mid-travel trail bike

  • A lot of adjustability

  • Great price points, and alloy version

Lows
  • Too many options for adjustability?

Read Review

Bicycling
The New Trek Fuel EX Puts On Weight, Punches Harder, and Expands Its Reach

Sep 2022

New geometry, more travel, and even better suspension improves Trek's mid-weight trail bike.

Read Review

Bike Perfect
Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS – a brilliantly balanced all-rounder at an eye-watering cost

Sep 2022 · Guy Kesteven

More travel, longer, slacker and steeper, with extra adjustability and shock options. But how does Trek’s new trail all-rounder ride?

Highs
  • Superbly balanced adjustable geometry

  • Awesome suspension performance in ‘progressive’ mode

  • Poppy, playful and fast-climbing for its weight

  • Truly premium wireless, Fox Factory, carbon-loaded spec

  • Lifetime warranty, threaded BB and tunneled routing

Lows
  • Heavy for spec and travel

  • Costs more than parts sold separately

  • Default shock set-up is too linear

  • Headset adjustment is laborious

  • XX1 is fragile for aggro trail use

Read Review

BikeRadar
Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS first ride review

Sep 2022 · Tom Marvin

Does the benchmark trail bike retain its reputation as a solid choice?

Highs
  • Excellent suspension

  • Solid feel to the frame

  • Great geometry

Lows
  • Doesn’t feel as sprightly on climbs as some

  • Tyres give up corner traction too easily in loose or muddy conditions

Read Review

NSMB
Trek Top Fuel Review

Jul 2022

This Trek Top Fuel review has it all: Speed, sustainability, shifting mindsets, and thoughts on the new breed of short travel trail bikes.

Highs
  • Efficient climber with reward for punchy efforts and sit-and-spin

  • Suspension remains active with rarely needed climb switch

  • Confidence-inspiring chassis on descents

  • Progressive rear kinematics

Lows
  • Higher bottom bracket and shorter headtube reduce stability on steep, rough terrain

  • Lower stack height noticeable when descending

  • Less confidence in very steep terrain compared to Spur and Tallboy

Read Review

Beta
Trek Introduces the New Top Fuel

Oct 2021 · Ryan "Squirrel" LaBar

Adding fire to the Fuel

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

aluminum frame

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

Tire Clearance2.6"

ColorsLithium Grey / Marigold; Dark Aquatic / Trek Black; Matte Dnister Black

Fork

RockShox Recon Silver, Solo Air spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, Maxle Stealth, 140mm travel

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Size: XS, S, X-Fusion Pro 2, 2-position damper, 210mm x 52.5mm; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, X-Fusion Pro 2, 2-position damper, 210mm x 55mm

Travel130mm

Bottom Bracket

Shimano MT500, 92mm, PressFit

Headset

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

Stem

Bontrager Rhythm Comp, 31.8mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 50mm length

Handlebar

Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width

Saddle

Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width

Seatpost

Size: XS, S, TranzX JD-YSP18, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 361mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, TranzX JD-YSP18, 130mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 425mm length

TypeDropper

Grips

Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Deore M6100, long cage

Crank

Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, Shimano MT511, 30T steel ring, 52mm chainline, 170mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, Shimano MT511, 30T steel ring, 52mm chainline, 175mm length

Shifters

Shimano Deore M6100, 12 speed

Cassette

Shimano Deore M6100, 10-51, 12 speed

Chain

Shimano Deore M6100, 12 speed

Brakes

Shimano hydraulic disc, MT201 lever, MT200 caliper

TypeShimano Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Alex MD35, tubeless compatible, 32-hole, 35mm width, presta valve

Spokes

14g stainless steel

Front Hub

Bontrager alloy, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle

Rear Hub

Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle; Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle

Tires

Size: XS, S, Bontrager XR4 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 27.5x2.60''; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager XR4 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29x2.60''

Disc Rotors

Shimano RT56, 6-bolt, 180mm

Rider Notes
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First added December 25

Last updated April 15

Not listed for 1,505 days