Trek Fuel EX Review 2023 | This ALL-NEW Trail Bike Is Bigger, Musclier & Hugely Adaptable
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- See the full Trek Fuel EX review here: flowmountainbike.com/tests/tr...
Having undergone a ground-up redesign for 2023, the Trek Fuel EX has entered its burliest and biggest travel form yet. This latest model represents the 6th generation of Trek’s popular mid-travel trail bike, with the original having debuted all the way back in 2005. Trail riding has evolved a lot since then, and the new Fuel EX aims to keep up with that evolution by incorporating almost every mod-con you can think of.
Of course it’s big news whenever Trek releases a new Fuel EX, and given how important this bike is for the US brand, we were curious to see how the raft of updates would play out on the trail. We had a bit of an idea, having thoroughly enjoyed riding the electrified Trek Fuel EXe over the past few months. Would the muscle-powered version deliver the same good vibes? And how would it compare to the previous models that have given us so many fond riding memories over the years?
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Trek Fuel EX Video Contents
0:00 - Intro
0:49 - Trek Fuel EX Overview
2:02 - Trek Fuel EX Sizing & Geometry
3:17 - Trek Fuel EX Price & Spec Options
4:10 - Trek Fuel EX Weight
4:57 - Strengths
7:39 - Weaknesses
9:31 - Trek Fuel EX vs Specialized Stumpjumper
10:57 - Flow's Verdict
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You guys, by far, have the most objective reviews in the industry.
Thanks mate, we really appreciate the feedback! [Wil]
It took me almost 5 minutes to realize it's not an e-mtb version.
The amount of times I was told I was cheating while riding this bike 🙄 [Wil]
3 minutes for me :-)
As soon as he said 14.4 Kilos :)
We just bought a EXe for my wife, only one ride so far, snow here in Idaho. Im guessing a range extender will be our next purchase. Her previous two bikes were turbo levo's. I ride a non e-bike (Ibis ripley). She can go any of my hard rides and thats been so great. My friends often leave their wives home and mine gets to in these big epic rides. So cool! We also ride double track climbs with my 89 year old Dad on his Levo. On these rides I have to say I feel pretty lucky to ride as hard uphill as I want with my two favorite people. Total game changer for us! So many ways to use these e-bikes.
I just bought a 9.7 and LOVE it! Its more bike than i am capable, but it is very confidence inspiring! So much fun! Float downhills and not a bad climber at all.
Always enjoy your reviews Wil! Among the best on YT.
Thanks for watching mate, appreciate the kind words! [Wil]
Great video! Ended up getting the 9.8 GX AXS, upgraded components separately and it was still $1.4k less expensive than the exact same 9.9 XX1 AXS. Now I have the 9.9 XX1 bike + $1.4k more in my pocket. Not sure why Trek would over-charge for the same bike?
Been waiting for this review. Thanks guys
Cheers Meow!
Great review. What kind of pedals are those on the yellow Fuel next to you?
I just got my gen 6 9.7 and i am in love with it.
It wants to go hard and fast and I love it.
Thanks for the review,looking forward to the new norco fluid review now!
Right on Lee! Norco Fluid review coming in the next week or so - keep your eyes peeled on the website for that one! [Wil]
Love the review. Well done Will.
Cheers Carl!
Great review and good to see a review of the non moped version!
Great review, as always Will. What's the view on the likely AL EX8 spec vs the current Canyon 125 CF7?
It's got an XT group set, and fox performance suspension, compared to the GX group set and RockShox select suspension on the Canyon, so the trek's spec is a bit nicer. Those two bikes are tough to compare because the intentions are very different. If you're looking at all around performance, I'd go with the trek, but if you're looking for light weight, the canyon is the better option.
Thanks very much David, glad you enjoyed the review!
Interesting question on the Fuel EX 8 vs Spectral 125 CF 7. For a start, the carbon Spectral frame will be significantly lighter than the alloy Fuel EX frame (2.5kg vs 4.6kg). The upside of the Fuel EX is that it comes with frame storage, adjustable headset cups, the option to fit a coil shock and the possibility of a mullet setup, so it's much more versatile than the Spectral 125.
In terms of the ride quality, the Spectral 125 is pretty firm and sharp. It has less travel, particularly at the rear, and it's tuned to be quite progressive. Its geometry is very aggressive though, with a longer reach and slacker head angle than the Fuel EX out of the box. That makes it more suited to steeper descending in the woods, and I found it to be less comfortable for all-round riding, particularly on rocky terrain.
With that in mind, I'd argue that the 150mm travel Spectral is a better comparison with the Fuel EX. Its ride quality isn't dissimilar to the Fuel EX, and the extra travel makes it more comfortable and a lot more versatile compared to the Spectral 125. So that might be worth considering.
That aside, there's obviously a difference between buying a bike through a local shop or online. And Trek also gives you a lifetime warranty on the frame and wheels, which is pretty impressive.
Hope that helps, but just shout out if you've got any other questions David!
[Wil]
As Austrian i normally ride KTM, but this beauty was a good choice here in a viennese shop
So which are you taking home? The stumpy or the fuel ex?
Top work as usual Wil 👍. Interesting that Trek are moving away from proprietary shocks, as I always thought that the ultra-plush thru shaft tech was something you'd be more inclined to pay the extra premium for owning a Trek over more value driven options. Do you think they'll continue this trend away from thru shaft shocks on the next iteration of the Slash? Lastly, the folly of anachronistic comparison aside, how would this bike compare to, say a 2020 160/150mm Slash with comparable spec and which would be your choice for Australian conditions?
You always have the best questions Sandy!
Sadly I think Trek will move away from the Thru Shaft shock on the Slash. It's a shame, because the performance from that shock is awesome - we've ridden it on the Slash, Fuel EX and the Rail, and it is so buttery and responsive.
With the new Float X and Super Deluxe shocks being so good, Trek has acknowledged that the performance gap is narrower than it used to be. And I know of a few riders who have had durability issues with Thru Shaft shocks, so perhaps the added complexity isn't worth it for the performance gains.
Regarding the 2020 Slash, that's an interesting comparison. I really enjoyed riding that model, and while its geometry is a little dated (mostly the slack STA), it's still a brilliant bike. Depending on the shock that's fitted, it'll likely feel plusher and more active than this new Fuel EX.
There are a lot of features and adjustability in the new Fuel EX that makes it a particularly appealing bike though. I'd be keen to try it out with a different shock, or even send the Float X off to Fox to have the compression tune re-valved, as I reckon that would make a big improvement to the overall ride quality. I'm happy using the shock's climb switch or adding LSC damping for certain trails, but I still want access to a nice and plush setting for descending rocky trails.
Hope that answers some of your question Sandy!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams Thanks Wil, it certainly does. Wonder if the alloy frame will be more compliant and offer a less stiff ride quality but on the downside will be even more hefty. I also wonder the extent of EXe frame design crossing over to non motorised frame and shock tune. It is a shame Trek upped the travel on the Slash to position it as an enduro race bike and it lost some of the all round versatility of earlier versions as I think that many riders, myself included, appreciated that plush thru shaft feel when ploughing through chunky rock gardens but not having too much travel that less demanding trails felt like a chore. However, with the range of adjustments with this Fuel EX is capable of, it is the more versatile and modern for sure. You compared it to the flex stay Stumpjumper but wondering how it would stack up to another flex stay bike that is burlier such as Merida 140?
Dude I was locked in very good speaking, and editing in the video.
Cheers Aaron, glad you enjoyed the video! [Wil]
Top Fuel 8 XT or this boys? Help me. Thank you.
So Trek basically created light enduro and hardtrail bike. Something in the middle. For basically those who are not into full enduro, but want to go harder than just trails. Light enduro with pedalling of a trail sounds impressive. For me i got slash xt 2022 model this week. An absolute tank of a bike.
Does it feel like too much bike? My 14 slash feels like it might be in the same class as the new fuel. I just wonder if the new slash may be too much bike for the tougher climbs
@@yamahschector well i got slash 9.8 xt 2022 this month and its an absolute monster. Doubt any fuel can match in terms of enduro.
@@Stockfish1511 how are the climbs. My 14 slash can be slower on the climbs.
@@yamahschector well i went from marlin 8 hardtail trailbike to slash. So difference in quality is astronomical for me. Went from 1000 to 9000 dollar bike. I got a 29 er in xl size. My previous bike was a 29 xxl. But let me tell you that slash although xl was much bigger than i expected. Its an absolute tank. Works for me since im over two meter tall. My previous bike climbed superwell and i had no expectations with slash since its meant for downhill, but boy was i surprized. It climbs superwell and does it syperwell despite the geometry being very slack. I was considering fuel ex, but glad i didnt. I thought maybe i wont be doing super enduro so fuel is enough for me. But now i realise i was lucky i went for slash. It smashes trails like nothing and does 95 percent climbing of s trail bike. But if you go for fuel you lose slot of what slash does what fuel cant. That is absolutely terrorizing trails and enduro downhills. Its superwell built, takes no damage. Its much harder, tougher and mightier than fuel. Fuel can ride some decent trails and maybe light dh. But it cant come near slash. You can do big jumps and shit with slash go hard if its your style. Imo you lose alot going for fuel because slash does 95 percent of what fuel does well. But fuel cant do half of what slash does well.
@@yamahschector but it depends which slash you get. I have 2022 9.8 xt carbon fiber. Its very high end bike
Hello sir this is like dream bike to me I'm from India and love your videos and the details
Thanks for the review. I’m a lighter rider and I just ordered one to be an enduro bike. Reckon it will be alright?
Absolutely! It's a solid bike for sure, and with all the adjustability it can be adapted for some pretty rowdy riding. Extending the fork to 160mm would be a good idea, and you could always fit a coil shock if you wanted to go full-enduro! If this were my bike, I'd consider sending the Float X to a suspension tuner to have the compression damping re-valved to reduce some of that low-speed support. A plusher rear end would make a big difference to its overall compliance and grip. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams thanks for the advice
Great review. I'll stick with my Spectral 29.
Hey! when will a long-term review be released?
Hey there Klas! We're actually planning to get our hands on one of the cheaper models, ideally a Fuel EX 8 or a 9.7, to see how it compares to the top-end 9.9 model in the video. I'm also keen to try out the Fuel EX with a lighter shock tune, and perhaps even a coil. Keep your eyes peeled on flowmountainbike.com for the long-term review updates, and let me know if there's anything in particular you'd like to know about the bike! [Wil]
It really looked like the shock reservoir hit the frame at full compression.
Well done. Went from 2 weeks on EX Gen 6 to a wait list for the Top Fuel. Digressive... Trail chatter... Weight... It was out to kill me vs the Gen 5.
Cheers for the feedback Levi!
Curious to hear more about your experience with the Fuel EX Gen 6 - you had it for two weeks? And you previously owned the previous version?
[Wil]
Out in Arizona mountains now in late January 2024. Just purchased a Gen 6 that will arrive shortly. Currently have a Yeti SB130 Turq size large and a YT Jeffsy Uncaged size large with me. Custom built for weight and multi-hour climbs with rugged descents.
... It's like all about low-stack height, an angleset, and a 60mm stem for the YT with the saddle slammed forward. With the Yeti, it just needs a rider to keep pedaling. Seriously impressive!
Seeing what the Yeti is doing out here, I had to give the Trek Fuel EX 9.8/9.9 another chance. The size large Fuel ought to be stout. At the same time, it's about time for me to be in good enough shape to make sure it's got a fair chance.
Trail conditions and weather are superb.
wow my dream bike
Great review but perhaps more comparable to evo PRO!? Not quite the same but feel a comparison in the same suspension travel would have been more appropriate? Thanks again but think apples to apples comparison would help inspired buyers like myself.
Hey there Sven!
While the Fuel EX and Stumpjumper have always been competitors, the new Fuel EX does sit in between the Stumpjumper and Stumpjumper EVO in terms of travel. It kinda splits the difference between the two.
As mentioned in the video, I compared the Fuel EX with the regular Stumpjumper as it's a bike that I've been riding all year on the same trails as the Fuel EX, and I felt I could provide an honest and detailed comparison between the two bikes.
Hopefully some folks still find it to be a useful comparison, whether they're looking at a Fuel EX or a Stumpjumper, or they just want a bit of context about where the new Fuel EX sits in the market, given how much it has changed over the previous version.
I think it's quite interesting how each company has approached their most popular trail bike in terms of the suspension performance, geometry and spec. It's a good example that while both are great bikes, specific design choices have lead to quite a different experience on the trail between the two.
Hopefully that helps explain, though as mentioned there is a fair bit more detail in the full review if you fancy checking it out: flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-fuel-ex-review-2023/
Thanks for watching and for the question mate!
[Wil]
@flow fair enough and thank you so kindly! That all makes sense. I have been trying to compare to similar platform so that has been my quest. Much appreciation and your video content was really sharp! Thanks 🙏🏻
Should be comparing against other 140mm bikes, such as the Occam, Hightower and Jeffsy.
Great suggestions John! I've not had the chance to test out the Occam, Hightower or Jeffsy, but those would be interesting to see how they compare to the new Fuel EX. [Wil]
Is this the one bike do it all trek.
I am debating on the slash or this. I currently have a 14 slash with upgrades and ride everything from chairlifts to long day climbs. I think the new slash may be too much bike these days
That's a good question Jay, though the two bikes do perform quite differently.
The Fuel EX has fantastic all-round geometry, and it's very adjustable too. A solid-feeling chassis that'll handle a wide variety of terrain. General efficiency is great, and the steep seat tube angle puts you in a fantastic position on steep climbs. The suspension tune is on the firm side though, and on the carbon model we tested with the carbon Bontrager wheels, there was a lot of feedback. I'd be curious to try our test bike out with a different shock tune, or even a coil shock, as I think that could potentially make it one of the best all-round trail bikes.
The Slash offers a much plusher ride, largely because of its excellent Thru Shaft shock. This gives it more traction and comfort at high speed, and it means you can ride it on some really gnarly terrain. Of course it comes with a heavier build, and the slacker seat tube angle means it's not the most sprightly climber. But it's still a pretty enjoyable bike to ride on less-enduro terrain, which I think comes down to the responsive suspension and the short chainstays. It's surprisingly playful for a big travel bike.
Hope that helps Jay, though just shout out if you've got any other questions mate!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams great response. The tough part is my 14 slash is great on everything except climbs. I could update the drivetrain, but then again it is 8 years old. My old slash feels like it could be a new remedy or in the same class as the fuel. Then again will I be happy on a new slash with all the changes.
These days the climb has to be enjoyable. I feel like I get left behind on the climb could be the gear range I have and maybe older bike.
Should I be tempted by these shiny new bikes or upgrade and enjoy my current bike. It still makes me smile on a nice ride
IMO This new Fuel Ex should be compared with Stumpjumper EVO, not the regular Stumpjumper .
Anyway good review.
Thanks for watching and for the feedback mate! As we mentioned in the full review, while the Fuel EX and Stumpy have always been direct competitors, the new Fuel EX now sits in between the regular Stumpy and the EVO.
I've spent a tonne of time on the regular Stumpy this year on all the same trails as this new Fuel EX, so I was able to provide an accurate comparison between the two bikes. Hopefully that's useful not just for the people who are weighing up those two options, but also to help contextualise the Fuel EX's character for those who want to know how it compares to the previous model.
[Wil]
Yeah feel that!
I was expecting your video Will, nice job. You said exactly what this bike is.. SHORT ENDURO BIKE, I know the weight is a factor but is an all around playfull bike. Im waiing for my gen 6 carbon frame. I used to have a slash 2021, but it was just too much bike, lets be honest how many time do you do SUPER ENDUROS? I think this is more like remedy with 29" wheels.. What do you think?? Do you recomend tokens for the rear suspension??
I think trying a larger volume spacer in the shock would be a good way to lower pressures and improve that small-bump compliance, though of course it will affect the dynamic geometry and pedalling performance. I'm also tempted to send the Float X shock to Fox and have the compression tune re-valved, as the stock tune is pretty firm in terms of low-speed damping. [Wil]
That model isn't available in Australia - test the aluminium version too please!
Hmm, Trek Australia told us previously that the Fuel EX 9.9 would be available through the P1 bike builder in extremely limited quantities. They may very well have sold out already!
Good shout on the alloy version - we've put in a request to get our hands on one, keen to see how it compares.
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams I was told that at Crankworx, maybe they got a lot of positive enquiries! A Norco Fluid FS A1 (140/130), Fuel Ex 7 (150/140) head to head would be very interesting! Maybe even a Spectral 29 AL 6 (160/150).
Good news mate - we've got a Norco Fluid FS 1 on test at the moment! Keep your eyes peeled on flowmountainbike.com for that review coming in the next week or so. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams Excellent :) I get the feeling this will be the one..
Do you prefer the old model to the new?
Good question Richard! The geometry and handling is for sure an improvement on the new Fuel EX, and I really like all of the adjustability that Trek has built in. Things like the guided internal cable routing, threaded BB and 34.9mm seat tube are welcome additions too.
I do prefer the suspension performance of the Thru Shaft shock on the previous bike though, which offered really buttery performance in the Open position. On the new Fuel EX, the regressive compression tune makes it a little too firm for my liking. I'd like to send the Float X shock to Fox and have it re-valved, as I think with a lighter compression tune it would improve small-bump compliance and the overall ride quality. I'm also curious to try out a coil shock.
So in answer to your question, I mostly prefer the new bike. That said, if I came across the old bike on sale in a shop, I'd have no qualms buying one of those, as it's still a great bike!
[Wil]
For weight comparsion it's the stumpy evo you should compare against.
Yup, you can see the weight comparison between the Fuel EX and the Stumpjumper EVO in the full review. Here's the link if you fancy checking it out; flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-fuel-ex-review-2023/ [Wil]
The progressive suspension and geo command appreciation and respect, but all the modular bits seem uncecesary overkill. Do riders really go between 1.5deg of head angle adjustment between rides and trails?
The cost of weight shouldn't be overlooked here. Bikes are getting more carbon parts and nicer components but increasing in weight? Seems backwards. Why would you buy this, when there are equivalently capable trail bikes that can be 30lbs? Those that say there's no appreciable difference have never rode one back to back to tell. For 3+ hours in the saddle it matters
I came here for Will's stache!
Are manufacturers ever going to settle on what geometry works for an intended task? because this trail bike is slacker than my old 2017 slash 9.8 enduro bike, imagine trying to explain to a newbie what an enduro bike is and what a trail bike is, I certainly couldn't, also bikes tend to be getting heavier too, this one is 0.8 kg heavier than my old 2017 slash, I thought trail bikes were supposed to be lighter than enduro bikes?
An aluminum test would be sweet
Agreed - we're hoping to get our hands on a Fuel EX 8 to see how the alloy frame compares to the carbon model. Keep you eyes peeled on flowmountainbike.com for that one Corey! [Wil]
7 frame sizes? It seems like that would require excessive tooling and layup costs which, of course, eventually is passed to the buyers.
For sure, it definitely adds to the cost. It also means that shorter and taller riders are more likely to find a bike that will fit them, as many brands don't cater to those riders.
It's also great for folks who sometimes find themselves in between sizes. There's less of a compromise, as fit/geometry is arguably the most important element of any mountain bike. [Wil]
That bush with all the grey/yellow box trees looks awful like sugarloaf?
Hey Adam! We shot this review mostly at the Harcourt MTB Park and around Bendigo in Central Victoria. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams thank wil, I saw harcourt and spring gully, the other place is a mystery to me.
Wow that is heavy!
It's certainly not the lightest option out there! A lot of new bikes have been adding weight as they improve capability and become longer/slacker, but the increase on the Fuel EX is quite noticeable. [Wil]
is not a trail bike , is between enduro and trail. for this reason increase the weight
Really nice enduro bike. I just can't afford a new $6000 bike every 2-3 years in order to keep up
Don’t do it. I’m still riding my 2014 Trek Fuel and I ride all the trails my mates do on their enduro gnar bikes.
i jsut cant get over the super low stack on this bike. it was so close to being the perfect trail ripper but they botched the headtube size.
cant u just add spacers? problem solved yer?
@@chrisrae1254 yes, however if you normally run spacers on say a higher normal stack bike, thats like 635 vs the fuels 620 then 15mm is alot when talking about bar height,
The fuel only has a 105 head tube in large, vs most other brands at atleast 115-120.
So you could run a huge Amount of spacers but thats just not right as itll be flexy as, Steerer tubes are not very stiff.
Add spacers or add a high ride bar. Problem solved.
@@TheAngryDuckman ok you dont get it either. 😅
@@zed5129 on mine im maxed out with spacers and running a 35 rise oneup bar with a RF turbine 40mm stem... and its still nearly 2cm lower than my EVO was.
FYI the EXe has a higher stack than the EX... so maybe you dont get it...
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
this bike competes with stumpy evo not the stumpjumper
"under a kilo heavier" is a weird phrase to use. It sounds on the positive column, but is actually a negative.
That may have been my mumbling voice in that section - I actually said that the Fuel EX frame is 'over' a kilo heavier than the Stumpjumper. [Wil]
Don't love the weight of this thing ngl. In mid spec we are talking 15+ kg for a carbon trail bike? No thanks.
man bikes are getting exy, 5 grand for the lowest spec alloy. shesh
The cheapest model is actually the Fuel EX 5, which currently sells for $3,799 AUD. That model carries over the existing frame and suspension design, though that's no bad thing in my opinion - it's still a fantastic trail bike! [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcamsI assume people are checking out these reviews for the '23/ updated frame.. and 5k for the alloy frame specd with rockshox 35 gold fork and mostly in-house components I wouldn't call value for money especially when bikes like the spectral is almost a grand cheaper and there's not much if anything to change off the bat
For sure, the Canyon Spectral can be had for an impressive price hey!
Of course it is a bike that you purchase online, versus through a local bike shop, so I guess it'll depend on how much you value that difference. The lifetime frame warranty you get with Trek is really impressive, and considerably better than what Canyon offers.
That aside, the Spectral misses out on quite a lot of features found on the Fuel EX 7, like the in-frame storage, adjustable headset cups and adjustable leverage rate. Of course you can also run a coil shock on the Fuel EX, and it's possible to run a 160mm fork and a mullet setup too, making it considerably more versatile. It's also available in 7 frame sizes (vs 4 on the Spectral), so that may make it more appealing for riders at either end of the size spectrum, or those who typically find themselves in between sizes.
Then again, if you're happy with the sizing on the Spectral, and you're not interested by the features on the Fuel EX frame, then the Spectral offers a considerably cheaper package.
[Wil]
Fair call it's a hell of a frame, adjustable geo doesn't really interest me but being able to run as a mullet does
Seeing folks using e-bikes is kinda moronic and weak…that’s why I got this bike tough as nails
ugly and heavy, no thanks
Is it a scary bike to ride? Is that why you shitted your pants during the test footage?
I hope you were able to wash that huge pooh-pooh stain off your short, it seemed stubborn.
Looks like a Giant .. Previous model is way better .
previos model is a pure trail bike, ne new ex fuel is beetwen trail and enduro