2021 Trek

Fuel EX 9.9 XO1

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

Manufacturer Price

$7,999
Weight28.6 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 130 / 140mm
ForkFox Factory Float 36
ShockFox
Wheels27.5″ / 29″ Carbon
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetX01 Eagle
BrakesHydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Fuel EX 9.9 XO1
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 9.9 XO1

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

Read Review

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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Bike Perfect
Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS – a brilliantly balanced all-rounder at an eye-watering cost

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?

Highs
  • 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

Lows
  • 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

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

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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Outdoor Gear Lab
Trek Fuel EX 5

Jan 2020 · Jeremy Benson

Trek recently redesigned their popular Fuel EX mid-travel trail bikes for the 2020 model year. The updated geometry brings this bike in line with modern...

Highs
  • Supple rear suspension

  • Versatile

  • Fun on a wide range of terrain

  • Affordable

Lows
  • Moderately heavy

  • Short dropper post

  • Frame sizing runs a little small

Read Review

Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

Carbon frame

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

Tire Clearance2.6"

ColorsMatte Carbon Smoke; Raw Carbon / Rage Red; Lithium Grey / Factory Orange

Fork

Fox Factory 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP2 damper, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Kabolt axle, 140mm travel

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

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, 210x55mm

Travel130mm

Spring TypeAir

Bottom Bracket

SRAM DUB, 92mm, PressFit

Headset

Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

Stem

Size: XS, S, Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 40mm length; Size: XS, S, Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, Blendr compatible, 0 degree, 35mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, Blendr compatible, 0 degree, 45mm length

Handlebar

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

Saddle

Bontrager Arvada Pro, carbon rails, 138mm width

Seatpost

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

TypeDropper

Grips

Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on; Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM X01 Eagle

Crank

Size: XS, S, SRAM X01 Eagle carbon, DUB, 30T alloy ring, Boost (52mm chainline), 170mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, SRAM X01 Eagle carbon, DUB, 30T alloy ring, Boost (52mm chainline), 175mm length

Shifters

SRAM X01 Eagle, 12 speed

Cassette

SRAM Eagle XG-1275, 10-52, 12 speed

Chain

SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed

Brakes

SRAM G2 RSC 4-piston hydraulic disc

TypeHydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Bontrager Line Elite 30, Tubeless Ready

Front Hub

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

Rear Hub

Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, 108T Rapid Drive, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12mm thru axle

Tires

Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120tpi, 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, 180mm; Size: M, ML, L, XL, SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 200mm

Rider Notes
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