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Today’s Deals2021 Trek
Fuel EX C Frameset
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail frameset.
Manufacturer Price
$3,299| Weight | 3.2 kg (frame) |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 130mm rear |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 29″ |
Summary
The Trek Fuel is a versatile and capable trail bike, praised for its improved suspension performance, adjustable geometry, and overall ride quality. It excels in a variety of terrains, offering a balanced mix of climbing efficiency and descending prowess. The bike's RE:aktiv and Thru Shaft shock technologies enhance its bump absorption and pedaling efficiency, making it a favorite among riders for its comfort and traction.
Versatile trail bike
Improved frame stiffness and tire clearance
RE:aktiv and Thru Shaft shock tech enhances ride quality
Adjustable geometry for personalized fit
Good traction and comfort on varied terrain
Frame storage hole too small for some pumps
Stock saddle limits adjustability
Line dropper post slower than leading aftermarket options
Heavy for spec and travel
Costs more than parts sold separately
The Fuel EX is still the Fuel EX. It just got a little bit EX-er.
BIKE MagazineIt’s clearly a brilliantly balanced all-rounder.
Bike PerfectThe 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 has long been a benchmark trail bike.
BikeRadarThe Trek Fuel EX 9.9 is an absolute classic in the trail bike segment.
Gran Fondo MagazineFeedback?
View all reviews
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
Nov 2022 · Matt Miller
The latest Trek Fuel EX trail bike grows in travel and geometry, but still dominates the climbs.
Capable and adaptable mid-travel trail bike
A lot of adjustability
Great price points, and alloy version
Too many options for adjustability?
Sept 2022
New geometry, more travel, and even better suspension improves Trek's mid-weight trail bike.
Sept 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
Sept 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
Jul 2022
This Trek Top Fuel review has it all: Speed, sustainability, shifting mindsets, and thoughts on the new breed of short travel trail bikes.
Efficient climber with reward for punchy efforts and sit-and-spin
Suspension remains active with rarely needed climb switch
Confidence-inspiring chassis on descents
Progressive rear kinematics
Higher bottom bracket and shorter headtube reduce stability on steep, rough terrain
Lower stack height noticeable when descending
Less confidence in very steep terrain compared to Spur and Tallboy
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays, internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130mm travel Colors: Lithium Grey / Factory Orange; Raw Carbon / Rage Red |
|---|---|
| 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 Travel: 130mm |
| 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: M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 50mm length |
First added 17 July
Last updated 6 November
Not listed for 2,030 days