2021 Trek

Fuel EX 9.8 XT

A 27.5″ / 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.

MSRP$5,999
Weight28.9 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 130 / 140mm
ForkFox Performance Float 36
ShockFox
Wheels27.5″ / 29″ Carbon
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetXT
BrakesHydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Fuel EX 9.8 XT
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 9.8 XT

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
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.

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

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

Read Review

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.

Read Review

Mountain Bike Action
Mountain Bike Action Bike Test: Trek Fuel Ex Trail Bike

Apr 2020 · McCoy

Can it get any better than this?

Read Review

Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

carbon frame

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

Tire Clearance2.6"

ColorsRaw Carbon / Rage Red; Lithium Grey / Factory Orange; Matte Carbon Smoke

Fork

Fox Performance 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Kabolt axle, 140 mm travel

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Size: XS, S, Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with ThruShaft 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210 mm x 52.5 mm; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with ThruShaft 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210 mm x 55 mm

Travel130mm

Spring TypeAir

Bottom Bracket

Shimano MT500, 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 Pro, 35 mm, Knock Block, Blendr-compatible, 0-degree, 35 mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager Line Pro, 35 mm, Knock Block, Blendr-compatible, 0-degree, 45 mm length

Handlebar

Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 780 mm width

Saddle

Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width

Seatpost

Size: XS, S, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100 mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 340 mm length; Size: M, ML, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 440mm length; Size: L, XL, Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 480mm length

TypeDropper

Grips

Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT M8100, long cage

Crank

Size: XS, S, Shimano XT M8100, 30T alloy ring, Boost (52 mm chain line), 170 mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, Shimano XT M8100, 30T alloy ring, Boost (52 mm chain line), 175 mm length

Shifters

Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed

Cassette

Shimano XT M8100, 10-51, 12-speed

Chain

Shimano Ultegra/XT M8100, 12-speed

Brakes

Shimano SLX M7120 4-piston hydraulic disc

TypeHydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Bontrager Line Elite 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle

Front Hub

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

Rear Hub

Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Rapid Drive 108, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12 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, M, ML, L, XL, Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180 mm; Size: M, ML, L, XL, Shimano RT66, 203 mm, 6-bolt

Rider Notes
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