2021 Trek
Fuel EX 8 GX
A 29″ / 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
Manufacturer Price
$3,899| Weight | 30.4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 140mm |
| Fork | Fox Rhythm Float 34 |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 29″ / 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | GX Eagle, X1 |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
For This Bike
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.
Wide range of effective geometry adjustments
Just as much fun on smooth trails as it is on scary trails
Great climber, efficient pedaling
One-piece handlebar might be too stiff for some riders
Paint chips easily
Sep 2022
New geometry, more travel, and even better suspension improves Trek's mid-weight trail bike.
May 2022 · Guy Kesteven
Trek’s alloy Fuel EX trail mountain bike lacks the latest features but is the overall package still a winner?
Tight, precise frame
Sorted all round handling
Very efficient suspension feel
Durable Shimano kit
Excellent sizing options
Heavy frame
No internal storage
Press fit bottom bracket
Top Fuel is more playful
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?
Very comfortable uphill
Intuitive handling
High-quality frame with integrated storage compartment
Tires are very puncture prone and generate little traction
Brakes don't do the bike’s potential justice
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?
Nov 2019 · Jeremy Benson
The Fuel EX 8 is an impressively capable, versatile, and well-rounded trail bike that is ready for anything you are. Trek redesigned the Fuel EX models for...
Relatively affordable
Good component spec for the price
Great small bump compliance
Versatile/well-rounded
Frame sizing feels a little small
Can be overwhelmed in super aggressive terrain
| Frame | Alpha Platinum Aluminium, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, downtube guard, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130 mm travel BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit Tire Clearance: 2.6" Colors: Rage Red to Dnister Black Fade; Dark Aquatic / Trek Black |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox Rhythm 34, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Kabolt axle, 140 mm travel Travel: 140mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Size: XS, S, Fox Performance Float EVOL, 3-position RE:aktiv damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210 mm x 52.5 mm; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Fox Performance Float EVOL, 3-position RE:aktiv damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210 mm x 55 mm Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB, 92 mm, PressFit |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom |
| Stem | Size: XS, S, Bontrager Line, 35 mm, Knock Block, 0-degree, 40 mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager Line, 35 mm, Knock Block, 0-degree, 50 mm length |
| Handlebar | Size: XS, S, Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 750 mm width; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 780 mm width |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138 mm width |
| Seatpost | Size: XS, S, Bontrager Line Dropper, 100 mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 345 mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager Line Dropper, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 440mm length Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle |
|---|---|
| Crank | Size: XS, S, SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 30T steel ring, 52 mm chainline, 170 mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 30T steel ring, 52 mm chainline, 175 mm length |
| Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM Eagle XG-1275, 10-52, 12-speed |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc Type: Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Front: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle, Rear: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless-Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Champion, J-Bend, Black |
| Front Hub | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle |
| Rear Hub | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, 108T Rapid Drive, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
| Tires | Size: XS, S, Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5x2.40"; Size: XS, S, Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5x2.60"; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.40"; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.60" |
| Disc Rotors | Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 180 mm; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 200 mm |
Last updated February 18
Not listed for 427 days