2021 Trek

Fuel EX 5 Deore

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

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

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

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

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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

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.

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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

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Bike Perfect
Trek Fuel EX 8 review – still one of the best trail MTBs?

May 2022 · Guy Kesteven

Trek’s alloy Fuel EX trail mountain bike lacks the latest features but is the overall package still a winner?

Highs
  • Tight, precise frame

  • Sorted all round handling

  • Very efficient suspension feel

  • Durable Shimano kit

  • Excellent sizing options

Lows
  • Heavy frame

  • No internal storage

  • Press fit bottom bracket

  • Top Fuel is more playful

Read Review

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

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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

Freehub
Bike Review | 2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.9

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.

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Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
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

Spring TypeAir

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

TypeHydraulic 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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Last updated April 15
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