2021 Trek
Fuel EX 9.7
A 27.5″ / 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
| MSRP | $4,299 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 30.2 lbs |
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 140mm |
| Fork | Fox Rhythm Float 36 |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 27.5″ / 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | GX Eagle, NX Eagle |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
For This Bike
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
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?
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame and stays, internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armour, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130 mm travel BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit Tire Clearance: 2.6" Colors: Lithium Grey / Factory Orange; Matte Raw Carbon / Gloss Trek Black |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox Rhythm 36, 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, 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, Bontrager Line, 35 mm, Knock Block, 0-degree, 50 mm length |
| Handlebar | 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, 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, SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 30T steel ring, 52 mm chainline, 175 mm length |
| Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1230 Eagle, 11-50, 12-speed |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Brakes | Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, MT4100 lever, MT420 calliper Type: Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Champion, J-Bend, Black |
| Front Hub | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle |
| Tires | Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29.x2.40"; 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, Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.60" |
| Disc Rotors | Size: XS, S, Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180 mm; Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180mm |
Last updated April 18