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2022 Trek

Fuel EX AL Frameset

A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail frameset.

Manufacturer Price

$2,319
Weight8.2 lbs (frame)  
FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 130mm rear
ShockFox Float X Performance
Wheels29″
Where to Buy
Similar Bikes
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Reviews

Summary

The Trek Fuel is a versatile and capable trail bike with adjustable geometry and suspension, excelling in both climbing efficiency and descending confidence. It offers a balanced ride quality with supple suspension and modern features like internal storage. While it may feel heavier or less nimble on climbs compared to some competitors, its overall performance makes it a strong contender in the mid-travel category.

Pros
  • Adjustable geometry and suspension for versatility

  • Excellent climbing efficiency and traction

  • Confident and stable handling on descents

  • Supple and well-controlled suspension performance

  • Modern features including internal frame storage

Cons
  • Heavier weight affects climbing agility

  • Some noise or maintenance issues reported

  • Stock components like tires or brakes may underperform

  • Less playful or nimble feel compared to lighter bikes

  • Frame storage and adjustability can have minor drawbacks

Key Quotes
The new EX is bigger and more capable. It faces tougher competition, but its performance, features, and adaptability make it a compelling option.
Bicycling
The Fuel EX is still the Fuel EX. It just got a little bit EX-er.
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
It’s clearly a brilliantly balanced all-rounder.
Bike Perfect logoBike Perfect
The Fuel EX has long been a benchmark trail bike.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
Push it into a high-speed berm, and it simply doesn’t flinch. At all.
Flow Mountain Bike logoFlow Mountain Bike

Feedback?

View all reviews

Revolution Mountain Bike Magazine
[R]eviewed // Trek Fuel EX

Jun 2023 · Scotty Prendergast

Arguably one of the all-time most popular bike models of any MTB on the planet, the ‘Fuel Ex’ has been at the peak of Trek’s MTB line-up for as long as anyone can remember and it has had no fewer than six major design overhauls during that time. Late last year Trek unveiled their newest reinvention of the ‘do it all trail bike’ which rolls out of the store boasting a ton of rider customisation features, including a choice of […]

Read Review

Outdoor Gear Lab
Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX AXS Gen 6

May 2023 · Jeremy Benson

The new Gen 6, Fuel EX 9.8 is the burliest, most versatile, and most capable Fuel yet; truly up for whatever you want to ride. Trek completely redesigned...

Highs
  • Highly adjustable

  • In-frame storage

  • ABP suspension

  • Mostly stellar build

Lows
  • A little heavy

  • SRAM Code R brakes

  • Bar/stem combo limits adjustability

Read Review

Loam Wolf
Review: Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX1

Apr 2023 · Drew Rohde

While the new Trek Fuel EX may have alienated a few riders, it will no doubt be a welcome redesign for a lot more riders!

Highs
  • Fast, confident and ready to rock!

  • More capable than ever

  • Great downtube storage solution

  • Adjustable and versatile geometry options

  • Med/Large size

Lows
  • Bar/Stem combo

  • SE5 Tires in the wet

  • Some may not like the newer, burlier bike’s transition

Read Review

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

Singletracks
The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 Gen 6 is a Poised, Do-it-all Trail Bike [Review]

Nov 2022 · Matt Miller

The latest Trek Fuel EX trail bike grows in travel and geometry, but still dominates the climbs.

Highs
  • Capable and adaptable mid-travel trail bike

  • A lot of adjustability

  • Great price points, and alloy version

Lows
  • Too many options for adjustability?

Read Review

Flow Mountain Bike
Trek Fuel EX 2023 Review | A bigger, musclier & hugely adaptable trail bike

Oct 2022

All-new for 2023, the Trek Fuel EX is no doubt the burliest yet. How does it compare to the competition? Read on for our Trek Fuel EX review.

Highs
  • Sturdy, flex-free chassis

  • Superb geometry with adjustable head angle

  • Efficient & comfortable climbing performance

  • Coil shock, big fork & mullet compatibility

  • Mechanic-friendly frame furnishings

  • Internal storage

Lows
  • Frame is on the heavy side

  • Rear shock tune lacks small-bump suppleness

  • Rattly rear thru-axle lever

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

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Aluminum frame

Tire Clearance2.6"

ColorRage Red / Dnister Black Fade

Shock

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

Travel130mm

Headset

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

Stem

Size: XS, S, Bontrager Line, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 40mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager Line, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 50mm length

Wheels
Tires

29x2.60"

Rider Notes
Riders Also Viewed

First added February 15

Last updated March 31

Not listed for 425 days