2021 Trek
Fuel EX 9.9 X01 AXS
A 27.5″ / 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components.
| MSRP | $9,499 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 28.2 lbs |
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 140mm |
| Fork | Fox Factory Float 36 |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 27.5″ / 29″ Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Groupset | X01 Eagle AXS |
| 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.
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?
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
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
Sep 2022 · Tom Marvin
Does the benchmark trail bike retain its reputation as a solid choice?
Excellent suspension
Solid feel to the frame
Great geometry
Doesn’t feel as sprightly on climbs as some
Tyres give up corner traction too easily in loose or muddy conditions
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.
Feb 2020 · Christoph Bayer
The Trek Fuel EX 9.9 is a classic in the trail bike segment. Last year, Trek completely redesigned the bike, putting a storage compartment in the down tube, updating the geometry and revising the suspension. We’ll tell you whether the new Fuel EX can build on the success of its predecessor. Click here for an […]
Light-footed and efficient climber
Intuitive, good-natured and fun handling
Storage compartment in the down tube for tools or food
Not the most sensitive rear end
Tires lack grip
Chain slap
| Frame | Carbon frame BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit Tire Clearance: 2.6" Colors: Raw Carbon / Rage Red; Lithium Grey / Factory Orange; Matte Carbon Smoke |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox Factory 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP2 damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Kabolt axle, 140 mm travel Travel: 140mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Size: XS, S, Fox Factory Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft 3-position damper, Kashima Coat, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x52.5mm; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, Fox Factory Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft 3-position damper, Kashima Coat, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x55 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 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, RockShox Reverb AXS, 100 mm travel, wireless, 31.6 mm, 340 mm length; Size: M, ML, RockShox Reverb AXS, 150mm travel, wireless, 31.6 mm, 440 mm length; Size: L, XL, RockShox Reverb AXS, 170mm travel, wireless, 31.6 mm, 480 mm length Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X01 Eagle AXS |
|---|---|
| Crank | Size: XS, S, SRAM X01 Eagle carbon, DUB, 30T alloy ring, Boost, 170 mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, SRAM X01 Eagle carbon, DUB, 30T alloy ring, Boost, 175 mm length |
| Shifters | SRAM Eagle AXS, wireless, 12 speed |
| Cassette | Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, SRAM XG-1295 Eagle, 10-52, 12-speed; Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12-speed |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12 speed |
| Brakes | SRAM G2 Ultimate hydraulic disc, carbon levers Type: Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless-Ready |
|---|---|
| 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, SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 180 mm; Size: M, ML, L, XL, SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 200 mm |
Last updated May 18
Not listed for 330 days