trek fuel ex 9.7 gen 6

• Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6

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Pinkbike's 2022 Mountain Bike of the Year

"This is a bike that could be used to head out for a big meandering backcountry adventure one day, roll up to the starting line in a local enduro race the next, or even head into the bike park for a lap or three without missing a beat."

Editor's Choice: Best Mid-Travel Trail Bike

"The burliest, most versatile, and most capable Fuel yet; truly up for whatever you want to ride [...] The updated geometry sits comfortably amongst today's best trail bikes [...] Absolutely shreds right out of the box."

"Our favorite Trek"

"Fuel EX proved itself a happy climber. From slabs to roots and square-edge hits, the Fuel EX handled it masterfully. A damn fine trail bike right out of the box, no matter your riding style."

"Fuel EX is a masterpiece"

"Fuel EX absolutely devours chunky terrain while still retaining the ability to tractor up steep climbs. I have become convinced that a bike with long, stable geometry and mid-level travel really can provide the best of both worlds."

Editor's Choice

"The term ‘quiver killer’ may be old and tired, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about a versatile mountain bike that can handle nearly any terrain [...] Riding the Fuel EX this summer was a treat!"

"Loves to ride fast, both up and down"

"Fuel EX is a highly adaptable bike that feels comfortable in a really wide variety of terrain but doesn’t confuse itself for anything more or less. Bike riders, rejoice."

"Ready for anything"

"Fuel EX's geometry feels ready for just about anything. There's plenty of traction for climbing and a nice fluttery feel on descents, calmly smothing out the trail chatter."

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2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 Review

Are you in the market for a trail bike that can take your weekend adventures to the next level? The 2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 promises to deliver on speed, strength, and reliability – but does it really live up to its hype?

Nowadays finding a great mountain bike can be hard.

But the new 2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 has been touted as one of the best all-mountain bikes available with optimal suspension, strong frame, and reliable components– all while staying lightweight! Now we put that statement to the test.

We’ll be taking an in-depth look at the 2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6’s specs and performance to see if it really is worth all the hype.

We’ll examine everything from its lightweight carbon fiber frame, Fox Performance Float X rear shock, Shimano drivetrain system and much more so you can decide if this is indeed the right bike for you!

The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 is a durable, versatile full-suspension mountain bike that features a reliable 12-speed drivetrain and modern geometry for greater stability and comfort.

Whether you’re an experienced rider looking to take on more challenging terrain or just getting your feet wet in the world of mountain biking, this model is packed with all the latest technologies to help you enjoy every ride.

Let’s dive into its components, specs and performance to see how it stacks up against its competitors.

The 2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 is the successor to the highly successful Fuel EX 9.7, with improved performance and a reliable build for experienced mountain bikers who crave precision.

This mountain bike features OCLV Mountain Carbon construction for maximum strength, Trek’s Smoothwall Carbon frame for lighter weight and shock absorption, Fox Performance Float X rear shock for smooth control of terrain, a Shimano 1×12 wide range drive-train to tackle any climb, Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes for increased reliability, Fox Rhythm 36 front suspension fork for extreme stability, TranzX seat post for extra comfort and control on descents, keeping you planted on the trails are Bontrager XR5 Team Issue 29″x2.5″ tires.

With all these features in one bike the 2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 is perfect for anyone looking to take their riding experience to the next level.

– OCLV Mountain Carbon construction ensures maximum strength and features internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, magnesium rocker link, downtube guard, and 140mm of travel

– Fox Rhythm 36 front suspension fork offers extreme stability and is equipped with Float EVOL air spring, tapered steerer, 140mm of travel

– Fox Performance Float X rear shock delivers smooth control of terrain and features 2-position damper, 185mm x 55mm

– Shimano SLX and XT 1×12 Drivetrain tackles any climb featuring a 10-51t cassette and 30t chainring

– Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes provide increased reliability

– TranzX dropper seat post gives extra comfort and control when descending

– Bontrager XR5 Team Issue tires ensure grip on any trail

Frame Design & Build Quality

The main frame of the Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 is constructed with Trek’s OCLV Mountain Carbon technology, resulting in a light but sturdy frame with exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.

The geometry is designed using modern standards, giving it confident handling along tight trails as well as better control when riding downhill – making it a great choice for those looking to pursue more technical riding styles.

Drivetrain & Braking System

This iteration comes equipped with a mix Shimano’s XT and SLX 12-speed drivetrain with an 10-51t cassette and 30t chainring providing a wide range of gears from easy climbing on ascents to speedy descents.

Stopping power comes from Shimano’s powerful four-piston hydraulic disc brakes which are shaped to provide consistent modulation throughout each braking engagement.

Suspension Technology & Components

Riding comfort and trail fluency is optimized thanks to a 150mm travel Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL air spring fork upfront as well as Fox Performance Float X, 2-position damper, 185mm x 55mm rear shock.

In addition, this model also comes standard with Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheelset wrapped in 29″x2.5″ XR5 Team Issue tires designed specifically for all-mountain catering durability and stiffness while remaining lightweight at the same time.

Overall Impressions

Trek have once again successfully delivered an impressive all-mountain bike that should certainly catch the attention of those looking for confidence inspiring performance combined with excellent component specification complete in beautiful finish options that bring out its unique character even further.

The 2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 stands apart from other bikes making it an excellent offering suitable for thrill seekers as well trial riders alike without breaking their budget.

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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

The not-so-minor details.

2023 Trek Fuel EX

https://www.trekbikes.com

$4,999 AUD - $8,999 AUD

- 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

- Frame is on the heavy side - Rear shock tune lacks small-bump suppleness - Rattly rear thru-axle lever

Wil reviews the Trek Fuel EX 2023

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? We’ve been putting the Trek Fuel EX 2023 to the test to find out!

Watch our video review of the Trek Fuel EX 2023:

Along with the downtube storage, generous frame armour and size-specific chainstays, the Fuel EX appears to pack in almost everything you could possibly want in a modern trail bike.

An overview of the Trek Fuel EX 2023

For 2023, the Trek Fuel EX is built around an entirely new frame that’s produced in carbon and alloy variants. Suspension travel has increased by 10mm at both ends, with the new Fuel EX now sporting a 150mm fork and 140mm of rear travel via the ABP four-bar suspension design.

It’s worth noting that the frame will handle a 160mm travel fork, and thanks to the two-position Mino Link, it can also be run as a mullet. Borrowed from the Session downhill bike, there’s a two-position flip chip at the lower shock mount that offers linear and progressive settings. The latter option is what makes the new Fuel EX coil shock compatible.

On top of that, Trek will be offering aftermarket headset cups to steepen or slacken the head angle by a degree. Along with the downtube storage, generous frame armour and size-specific chainstays, the Fuel EX appears to pack in almost everything you could possibly want in a modern trail bike. It’s certainly an appealing package on paper, and one that’s ready to take on contemporaries like the Specialized Stumpjumper , Merida One-Forty , Canyon Spectral and Giant Trance X .

Trek Fuel EX price & specs

There are a number of different models available in the Trek Fuel EX 2023 lineup, though availability will vary depending on where you are in the world.

In Australia, prices currently range from $4,999 AUD for the Fuel EX 7, and go up to $8,999 AUD for the Fuel EX 9.8 XT model. The cheapest option is actually the Fuel EX 5, though that model carries over the previous generation frame. For a closer look at the specs, prices and all the new details, check out our Trek Fuel EX 2023 overview article for more.

Here we’ll be diving into our experience of testing the Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS model, which will be available in Australia in limited quantities through the custom Project One bike builder. It’s a media bike that was provided to us by Trek, and of course it comes dripping with lots of gold, carbon and wireless bits. However, as usual with our reviews, we won’t be going into detail about the Gucci-level spec. Instead, we’ll be concentrating on the important aspects that are shared throughout the Fuel EX lineup; the frame design, suspension performance and its on-trail handling.

2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS

• Frame |  OCLV Mountain Carbon Fibre, ABP Suspension Design, 140mm Travel
• Fork |  Fox 36, Factory Series, GRIP2 Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
• Shock |  Fox Float X, Factory Series, 185x55mm
• Wheels |  Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Carbon Rims, 29mm Inner Width
• Tyres |  Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 2.5in Front & Rear
• Drivetrain |  SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS1×12 w/30T Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
• Brakes |  SRAM Code RSC 4-Piston
• Bar |  Bontrager RSL Integrated, OCLV Carbon, 27.5mm Rise, 820mm Width
• Stem |  Bontrager RSL Integrated, OCLV Carbon, 45mm Length
• Seatpost |  RockShox Reverb AXS, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 150mm (M-M/L), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL)
• Saddle |  Bontrager Arvada, Austentite Rails
• Confirmed Weight | 14.4kg
• RRP |  $TBC

The chassis feels near-bombproof, and combined with the supportive suspension, powerful brakes and high volume rubber, you’re served up plenty of confidence for pushing the front wheel into steep chutes and over technical A-lines.

Trek Fuel EX size & geometry

From X-Small through to XX-Large, the Trek Fuel EX is produced in no fewer than seven different sizes. Seven! Given that many brands only offer four or sometimes even just three frame sizes, that’s impressive.

The two smallest sizes feature 27.5in wheels, while the Medium and above come standard with 29in wheels. The Small is the only option that is available in either wheelsize.

At 175cm tall I’ve been riding a Medium, which features a 450mm reach. Thanks to the use of short seat tubes, a rider of my height could easily upsize to the M/L size to get a longer 470mm reach. Personally, I’ve found the fit of the Medium to be spot-on.

As for geometry, the Fuel EX features a 64.5° head angle and approximately a 77.5° effective seat tube angle in its stock configuration. The rear centre length varies between sizes, going up to 450mm on the largest frame. On the Medium I’ve been riding, the rear centre is a compact 435mm.

Coming off the Fuel EXe, I found it easy to settle into the Fuel EX. The only modification I needed to perform was to chop the comically wide handlebars from 820mm down to a more reasonable 780mm.

Suspension & tyre setup

Getting the Fuel EX set up is made easy thanks to Trek’s detailed online suspension calculator . Input the bike model and your riding weight, and out spits suggested air pressure and rebound settings for both the fork and shock. It even suggests tyre pressures, giving you a good place to start before hitting the trail. When brands like Canyon struggle to provide any recommendations at all, Trek should be commended for helping riders to get the most out of their bike.

For my 68kg riding weight, Trek suggests setting up the Fox 36 fork slightly softer and slower than usual. Recommended rear shock sag is 29%, and the calculator’s suggestion of 158psi got me to exactly that figure. Initially I set the rebound at 6/15 clicks as recommended, but while everything felt quite balanced front to back, the suspension was a little sluggish and duller than I wanted. Speeding up the rebound by a couple of clicks in both the fork and shock helped to make the whole bike feel a bit more lively, while improving small-bump reactivity.

Although the Bontrager SE5 tyres feature reinforced Core Strength casings, I still fitted a CushCore Pro insert to provide some additional pinch-flat protection and insurance for the carbon rims. Tyre pressures were set as per Trek’s recommendations with 20psi in the front and 22psi in the rear.

Trek Fuel EX weight

Confirmed weight for our Trek Fuel EX test bike is 14.4kg. That’s with the tyres set up tubeless, but without the CushCore insert or pedals.

It’s on the heavier side for a high-end carbon trail bike, though the 2.5in tyres, stocky carbon wheels and AXS components aren’t exactly the lightest going. Of course weights do vary throughout the Fuel EX lineup depending on the spec, and you can see the weights for all the different models in our range overview .

A contributing factor to the overall weight is the new frame, which has gained almost 700g over its predecessor. Trek claims the carbon frame weighs 3.4kg with the rear shock, making it a bit of a porker alongside some of the competition;

• Scott Genius HMX Carbon: 2,249g
• Specialized Stumpjumper Carbon: 2,280g
• Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29: 2,498g
• Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Carbon: 2,750g
• Canyon Spectral CF: 3,047g
• Trek Fuel EX Carbon: 3,400g

The new alloy Fuel EX frame is heavier again, coming in at a hefty 4.6kg with shock.

Of course weight isn’t everything, and it’s unsurprising that the new frame has gotten heavier given how much longer and slacker it is. Still, for those who are especially concerned by grams, there are certainly lighter options on the market.

What do we dig about the Trek Fuel EX 2023?

With its added heft and updated geometry, the Trek Fuel EX 2023 is no doubt the burliest iteration yet. The chassis feels near-bombproof, and combined with the supportive suspension, powerful brakes and high volume rubber, you’re served up plenty of confidence for pushing the front wheel into steep chutes and over technical A-lines.

Indeed it’s massively capable for a 140mm travel bike, with the slack 64.5° head angle and roomy wheelbase giving it a purposeful stance on the trail. The geometry is superb, with welcome updates that have brought the Fuel EX right up to speed.

The steeper seat angle is particularly noticeable over the old bike, providing a much improved seated position on steep climbs. Pedalling efficiency has also levelled up. Trek has lifted the main pivot above the chainring to increase anti-squat, which helps to reduce pedal-induced bobbing. The Float X shock has a two-position climb switch, but I never once needed to use it while riding off-road since the rear end is so well behaved.

It rips through the turns

Once up to speed on flower singletrack, the taut chassis means the Trek Fuel EX is highly responsive when rounding corners and pushing into berms.

With its boxy downtube, split top tube and the supporting strut for the lower shock mount, the front triangle is heavily braced to resist torsional flex. Along with the wide main pivot and boxy one-piece chainstays, the Fuel EX possesses a strong spine from its shapely head tube to the rear thru-axle. The muscly frame effectively translates handling inputs while resisting lateral deflection through the turns.

Likewise, the short rear end and generous 38mm BB drop are fantastic when threading your way through twisty sections of trail, keeping you connected to the terrain and contributing to the playful ride quality. The low-hanging BB did mean I caught the pedals occasionally, so those who frequent off-piste terrain and technical climbs will want to consider flipping the Mino Link into the High position to indulge in an extra 7mm of pedal clearance.

Otherwise the riding position and weight distribution are totally sorted. The handling is approachable, and the Fuel EX doesn’t demand a whole lot from you as the rider. Compared to the old bike it does need a more concerted lean when entering tighter corners, though this is a part of the natural evolution of modern trail bike geometry. Even if you’re coming off a 5-year old bike, you’ll only need a few rides to get accustomed to the Fuel EX’s steering behaviour.

Trail-tweakable

In addition to the Mino Link, we’ve also been experimenting with the lower shock flip chip on the Trek Fuel EX. Requiring just a single 6mm hex key, it’s a quick adjustment to make trailside, and the change in suspension behaviour is noticeable.

I ended up preferring the ‘Less’ setting, which provides a more linear leverage rate. With the shock set at the recommended sag, this position provides great pedalling support, along with more comfort and activity deeper into the stroke. There’s still a good deal of progression though. Combined with the large bottom-out bumper in the Float X shock, hitting full travel proved to be a well-controlled affair.

One of our fellow testers, who generally spends more time in the air than on the ground, preferred riding in the ‘More’ setting. This increases progression, providing a stronger ramp-up in the latter half of the travel. He also reduced the shock pressure by 5psi to further enhance small-bump compliance, while still being able to enjoy the additional big-hit support. Pedal efficiency isn’t as stable in this setting, but it does mean the Fuel EX takes to jumps like a duck to water, popping off lips enthusiastically and absorbing hard landings with a solid and flex-free touchdown.

One thing to note on the More/Less flip chip is that while you are altering the progression of the air spring, you’re also affecting the damper too. As well as adjusting air pressure, we found we needed to tweak the rebound and low-speed compression settings between the two positions. It is indeed a useful tuning tool, but it doesn’t dispel the need for air volume spacers entirely.

What does it struggle with?

With the Trek Fuel EX adopting a beefier frame, the added weight is noticeable compared to lighter bikes in this category. That’s compounded by the heavy-duty brakes, stocky wheels and chunky tyres, which mean there’s more inertia to overcome during micro-accelerations on an undulating climb.

For those who are looking for a sharper and sprightlier trail bike to whip through the trees along smoother singletrack, the latest Trek Top Fuel will be a better fit. In comparison, the new Fuel EX is a burlier beast that thrives on steeper and more technical terrain.

Curiously, it does feel stiffer than the electrified version, the Fuel EXe . Despite both our test bikes featuring carbon frames with a near-identical build kit, I’ve found the Fuel EX to transmit more trail feedback.

Some of this may be due to structural differences, and perhaps the more favourable sprung-to-unsprung mass ratio on the electric version thanks to the added weight of the motor and and battery. Either way, the Fuel EX doesn’t exactly exude off-camber compliance. As a lighter rider on very rocky terrain, I’ve found myself getting knocked around a little more than I would like.

This sensation reminded me of the Canyon Spectral 125 , which proved to be overly stiff and quite uncomfortable at slower riding speeds. The Fuel EX is more compliant overall than the Spectral 125, but it’s still pretty stiff.

It’s not as supple as Fuel EX models gone by

Contributing to this sensation, the suspension isn’t as plush as previous Fuel EX models, particularly those that featured the Thru Shaft shock. Those bikes did require the rider to make use of the compression lever to provide pedalling support, but it meant that in the open mode the rear end absorbed the terrain like melted butter.

You may have noticed that Trek has been making a conscious move away from proprietary suspension components lately, and that’s coincided with building bikes that offer more neutral pedalling performance. The increased anti-squat is one part of the equation on the new Fuel EX, and the other part is the custom-tuned Float X, which Trek has configured with a digressive compression tune on the main piston. This creates a decent low-speed threshold, which provides a level of support that sits between the Open and Medium settings on the previous RE:aktiv damper.

The result is that you can ride with the shock fully open, and the Fuel EX still offers great stability under pedalling inputs, with no real need to activate the climb switch. If you detest remote lockouts and having to flip shock levers all the time, this will certainly be appealing.

The downside is that the suspension isn’t as supple over smaller rubble and at slower speeds. Along with the stiff chassis and carbon wheels, more of those vibrations are transmitted to the rider. As such, careful consideration with tyre pressure is needed to maximise grip and comfort.

Because there is more support however, the Fuel EX gives your feet a stronger platform to push off of, with greater feedback during high-load scenarios. Indeed the harder and faster you push, the better the Fuel EX responds. In that sense, it’s less of a comfy cruiser like its predecessors, and more of a mid-travel bruiser that loves to ride hard and fast.

Component highs & lows

As a complete bike, the Trek Fuel EX is a solid package that puts the emphasis on capability over light weight.

The Bontrager SE5 tyres are a good example, coming in at 1,100g each on our workshop scales. They roll reasonably well given their weight and size, and we’ve found them to provide consistent grip on rocky, hard-packed soil, which will suit most Aussie trail riders. The tread is a little shallow though, and the compound isn’t the softest, which sees them struggling to latch on when the conditions are wet and loose. We’d prefer something a little stickier and toothier up front, like a Maxxis Minion DHR II with 3C MaxxGrip rubber.

While the carbon Bontrager Line Pro rims are quite stiff, they have proven to be plenty tough. We’ve tested five of these wheelsets across various bikes over the past few years and we’ve not encountered a single issue. The y also come with a two-year crash replacement guarantee, which is great insurance given the hell that you can put this bike through. Furthermore, the frame itself comes with a lifetime warranty for the original owner.

There’s still plenty of real-world protection though, including a generous two-piece armour plate that bolts to the underside of the downtube. There’s also a metal chain-suck guard behind the chainring, and a full-coverage chainstay protector. Along with the fully guided internal cable routing, the Fuel EX is an impressively quiet and rattle-free bike on the trail. Well, except for the rear thru-axle lever, which I removed after the first ride.

Otherwise the finishing details are all sound. The adoption of a bigger 34.9mm seat tube diameter is welcome, as it accommodates a stiffer and stronger dropper post, particularly for the larger sizes. Mechanics will be happy to see a threaded BB shell, and we’re fans of the downtube storage. The trap door has none of the play that we encountered on the last Fuel EX we tested, with a tight fit and a nice lever action.

It’s certainly a high quality chassis, and many riders are likely to appreciate the in-built versatility. We’re looking forward to trying out the adjustable head angle once the aftermarket cups become available, and we’d also be keen to try out the Fuel EX with a coil shock. Setting it up as a mullet will be more straightforward, especially as you only need to buy an air spring to extend the Fox 36 up to 160mm of travel.

Trek Fuel EX vs Specialized Stumpjumper

Alongside the Trek Fuel EX, the Specialized Stumpjumper is one of the most popular and well-known trail bikes in this category. In terms of travel and the overall build, the Fuel EX sits right in between the regular Stumpjumper and the Stumpjumper EVO. However, it’s the regular Stumpy that I’ve been spending the most time on lately, both in its stock configuration and with a burlier mullet setup .

Compared to the Fuel EX, the Stumpjumper has a touch less travel with a 140mm fork and 130mm at the rear. It also uses a simpler suspension layout, with the carbon models employing a flex-stay design. Combined with its slimmer tube profiles, the carbon Stumpjumper frame is very light. Specialized claims it weighs just 2.28kg including the shock, which is over a kilo lighter than a carbon Fuel EX.

This theme extends to the Stumpjumper’s build kit, with Specialized electing for the skinnier Fox 34 over the 36. Along with an in-line shock, lighter brakes, wheels and tyres, there’s a considerable difference in the overall bike weight. For example, the Stumpjumper Pro we tested weighed 12.84kg.

While the geometry is pretty similar between the two bikes, the Specialized Stumpjumper rides much lighter on the trail compared to the Trek Fuel EX. It offers more comfort, with its lithe chassis and smooth suspension performance providing better compliance over rough terrain. It’s quite sporty and sprightly, though its active suspension design does need taming on the climbs by making use of the rear shock’s compression lever.

In comparison, the Fuel EX is more naturally efficient. It’s also more planted at speed, with its sturdy chassis and supportive suspension providing better big-hit capability. It feels more like a short travel enduro bike, which will suit heavier and harder riders.

Both bikes will handle a longer fork and can be set up as a mullet, though Specialized makes a specific link for the Stumpjumper to maintain the stock geometry. There is greater versatility in the Fuel EX chassis, with the option to adjust the head angle and fit a coil shock.

As for value, the Fuel EX offers a more appealing spec package. A Stumpjumper Expert sells for $9,800 AUD and comes with a Fox 34 GRIP2 fork, SRAM G2 brakes, an X01 drivetrain, alloy wheels and handlebars. In comparison, an equivalent Fuel EX 9.8 XT sells for $800 AUD less. It gets a simpler GRIP damper for its Fox 36 fork, though it does feature a piggyback shock, a Shimano XT groupset, a carbon one-piece RSL cockpit and carbon wheels with that 2-year crash replacement guarantee.

Flow’s Verdict

For many trail riders, the Trek Fuel EX 2023 is likely to tick just about every box on your new bike wish list. It’s as up to date as it gets, featuring loads of adjustability, internal storage and a nuanced approach to its size-specific geometry. Along with the increased travel and muscly frame, it offers greater stability and big-hit control over its predecessor, while still being a fun and involving bike to ride on modern flow trails.

It is a bit of a chonker though, so those who are looking for a lightweight and speedy trail bike may be better served by the latest Top Fuel .

The stiff chassis and supportive suspension also mean the Fuel EX tends to transmit more feedback, making it less comfortable to ride over rocky terrain. We’d be curious to try out a lighter shock tune to see how much of a difference that would make to the overall ride quality, but in its stock form the Fuel EX isn’t as plush as competitors like the Giant Trance X and Specialized Stumpjumper .

It is impressively efficient though, and the stable suspension gives you a load of support when you’re really giving it the beans on the descents. In this sense, the Fuel EX is closer in feel and performance to an enduro bike. You’ll still want to look towards the Slash if you’re serious about racing, but outside of the tape the Fuel EX will handle just about everything a modern trail centre or bikepark could throw at it. And for those who really want to up the limits, the adaptable chassis can easily be configured for some pretty aggressive riding.

Indeed for those who are chasing maximum capability without going to a big, spongy enduro bike, the Fuel EX is a mighty appealing option.

You’ll still want to look towards the Slash if you’re serious about racing, but outside of the tape the Fuel EX will handle just about everything a modern trail centre or bikepark could throw at it.

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2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 Bike

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• Rider Notes

2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6

A 27.5″ / 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.

Manufacturer Price

Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6

In Stock: MD/LG, LG, & XL

For This Bike

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Based on frame geometry and build specs.

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.

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Add custom gearing

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

4'9" – 5'2"

5'0" – 5'6"

5'4" – 5'10"

5'8" – 5'11"

5'9" – 6'3"

6'1" – 6'5"

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes. Report your fit

Jun 2023 · Tom Marvin

A solid performer with a class-leading chassis, let down by a harsh front end

Great frame, with perfect handling and suspension feel

Adjustable geometry and sizing options mean a bike fit for all

Happy on any level of trail

Cockpit harshness

Mediocre tyres

Poor brakes

Read Review

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 [...]

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...

Apr 2023 · Mike Kazimer

Kazimer's bike is set up with mixed wheels, a 160mm fork, and a coil shock.

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!

Fast, confident and ready to rock!

More capable than ever

Great downtube storage solution

Adjustable and versatile geometry options

Med/Large size

Bar/Stem combo

SE5 Tires in the wet

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

New geometry, more travel, and even better suspension improves Trek's mid-weight trail bike.

Trek's top-tier Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS delights on the climbs and tackles downhill terrain with it's slack (and very adjustable) geometry.

Sep 2022 · Simon Kohler

With countless geometry settings and many sizes to choose from, the new 2023 Trek Fuel EX trail bike is supposed to be more versatile and customisable than ever.

Last updated May 4

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Field Test: Trek Fuel EX - Evolution Underlined

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Trek Fuel EX 9.7 review

The name suggests XC DNA, but this is a thoroughbred trail bike and one of our Trail Bike of the Year contenders

Dan Milner / BikeRadar

A solid feeling frame backed up by a ride quality that encourages you to pop and play around

The long Shimano brake levers kill the feel, while the supple rear suspension shows up the budget fork

The Fuel EX is Trek’s 130mm travel trail bike and uses its ABP suspension linkage and proprietary Re:aktiv suspension tune.

This 9.7 model is made from OCLV carbon, but alloy versions of the Fuel EX are also available. It’s a 29er, with high-volume 2.6in wide tyres and benefits from a 140mm fork up front.

Trek is able to draw on its in-house componentry brand Bontrager for the bulk of the kit, so it’s a little surprising that in the value stakes, the Fuel EX 9.7 doesn’t shine. However, previous generations of the bike were popular at BikeRadar , and the Fuel EX has seen an update for 2020 .

Bike of the Year 2020

The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 is part of our annual Bike of the Year test.

Head to our Bike of the Year hub for the full list of winners, categories and shortlisted bikes, as well as the latest reviews – or read our behind-the-scenes feature on how we tested Bike of the Year 2020 .

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 frame and suspension details

Trek has been using carbon for decades, and its OCLV Mountain Carbon is the material of choice for the Fuel EX 9.7.

Unlike many brands, the tubes are largely straight – both the top and down tube feature barely a curve. This does mean that the down tube could be prone to fork-crown strikes in a crash, were it not for the Knock Block system built in to the headset.

This is a keyed frame/spacer/stem system, which limits the rotation of the fork during a crash. The frame comes with the pre-requisite down tube protection, as well as chainstay protection. Cables are routed internally, with clamped stops.

Seen on carbon Specializeds for a while, Trek also has its own down tube storage solution, located under the bottle cage.

While my test bike featured 29in wheels, the XS is available with 27.5in wheels only, while the S is offered in both wheel sizes, so you can choose depending on your preferences.

Trek’s ABP (Active Braking Pivot) linkage sits somewhere between a classic linkage actuated single pivot and a four-bar linkage, with a solid chainstay and seatstay, joined by a pivot located around the rear axle.

Trek has worked with Penske suspension for a number of years, developing the Re:aktiv suspension tune for its shocks.

This reacts to the shock’s shaft speed as it moves: faster shaft speeds mean the compression circuit opens up more during impacts, while slower shaft speeds (generally generated via pedalling) lead to a more closed-off circuit for better pedalling performance.

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 geometry

This latest generation Fuel EX benefits from a tweak to its shape, with a longer geometry that looks more contemporary on paper.

Trek uses its Mino Link chip in the suspension’s rocker link to give two geometry positions : High and Low.

For the bulk of the testing (and in the geometry chart below) I kept the bike in the Low position, which is around 0.5 degrees slacker than the High position, and a margin shorter too because of how geometry adjustment chips work.

Key figures in a Large are the 470mm reach, a 66-degree head angle and a 75-degree seat angle.

• Seat angle: 75 degrees
• Head angle: 66 degrees
• Chainstay: 43.7cm / 17.2in
• Seat tube length: 45cm / 17.72in
• Top tube (effective): 63.4cm / 24.96in
• Head tube length: 10.5cm / 4.13in
• Bottom bracket height: 33.9cm / 13.35in
• Wheelbase: 1,211mm / 47.68in
• Standover: 74.8cm / 29.45in
• Stack: 61.3cm / 24.13in
• Reach: 47cm / 18.5in

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 specifications

What’s clear from the spec list is that you’re paying for the frame with this bike.

It’s not a super glamorous specification, though none of the components are inherently poor – they all work together and give you the features you’d want from such a bike.

However, if you compared the components with some others in the Trail Bike of the Year test , you may come away a little disappointed.

If I bought the bike, I would look to swap out the brakes and the rear cassette. The brakes have a long lever that flexes and the NX level cassette is very heavy – although I'm not too worried about the 11-50t (rather than usual 10-50t) range it offers.

However, you should look beyond spec lists because how the bike rides is the most important thing.

It’s also worth noting that Trek bikes are generally sold through bike shops, which adds costs (or removes value), but comes with its own benefits. Arguably, you get better pre- and post-purchase support, as well as the ability to support local businesses on your high street.

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 ride impressions

Our 2020 Bike of the Year testing predominantly took place in the South West of the UK during winter. This included loops around trail centres, natural muddy and rooty tracks dug in to Welsh hillsides, as well as laps at BikePark Wales.

A number of bikes were taken to Spain for the final stage of testing, where we rode on dry, rocky flow trails, super-technical rock gardens and some loamy enduro tracks. Thanks to BlackTown Trails for their help finding these test tracks!

Setting up the Fuel EX 9.7 was fairly easy. The Fox shock and fork needed simple inflation and rebound setup, and the dropper worked from the off.

The only thing to bear in mind is that the larger the tyre volume, the more important tyre pressure is, and smaller changes in pressure make more noticeable differences in feel than a more ‘normal’ 2.35/2.4in tyre.

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 climbing performance

Bontrager’s XR4 tyres might have a large volume that ‘looks’ chunky, but I found them fast rolling thanks to their tread, which doesn’t protrude too far from the carcass.

This helps give the bike a little zing when pedalling on smooth surfaces, such as fire roads and tarmac.

Wider tyres generally allow slightly lower pressures, which can help on more technical climbs too, but I was limited a little on tyre pressure by the rims that could do with being a touch wider.

Over loose or muddy surfaces, the low-depth tread doesn’t have masses of bite, so I did slip out a few times on the greasier climbs. This was played out again on some technical climbs where you want a little bite from the tyre to help claw up steps and over roots.

The back-end sits fairly high, helping a peppy climbing attitude that's aided by the RE:aktiv shock, which reacts to shaft velocity to give a more stable shock under pedalling loads.

This meant I rarely reached for the shock’s lockout lever. It doesn’t replace a lockout, as such, but does mean a more efficient ride a lot of the time.

While the seat tube angle isn’t the steepest out there, I felt it was steep enough to get the hips reasonably well over the cranks. With the bike sitting higher in its travel than some, and remaining propped up on steeper pitches, I didn’t find it too compromising.

The longer front-end means there’s more room to manoeuvre over the bike on technical sections, too.

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 descending performance

The 130mm of rear travel uses Trek’s ABP suspension system, with the rear pivot rotating round the axle.

The suspension has a definite element of pop and support to it, contributing to a fun ride quality that really shined on tight and twisty woodland trails, as well as when shredding round our local bike park.

More aggressive or heavier riders will want a volume spacer or two in there though, because on bigger hits I occasionally found the end of the travel fairly quickly.

Trek has dropped the full-floating shock from the previous generation that was super-smooth in feel, but this generation bike feels a little more composed and less mushy through the pedals.

That previous generation bike was one of the smoothest we’ve ridden, and fortunately this generation bike still offers buttery smoothness from the rear suspension.

At the front, I found the smooth rear accentuated the cheaper 140mm travel Fox Rhythm 34 fork internals, which couldn’t match the rear’s sensitive feel.

Like the shock, a volume spacer would also aid the fork’s performance for larger or more aggressive riders.

Despite this, the fork still feels good for an ‘entry’-level fork; it’s fairly smooth, support could be a lot worse, and you get a compression dial on the fork leg to lock it out should you wish to on smoother climbs.

At 140mm travel, the Fox 34 chassis is at its limit in terms of structural stiffness. When riding moderately aggressive – in the bigger compressions round corners or punching through rock gardens – I could feel the fork fluttering and twisting, which is something to consider if you’re the type of rider that puts a lot of strain through forks.

The Fuel EX loves to chop and change direction, and with the back-end encouraging more than a little air-time thanks to its support, it’s a great bike to pop and play around trail centres.

Here, the large volume Bontrager XR4 tyres roll fast, adding to the bike’s sense of speed. It’s the same story on dry, flowy natural trails too, but when conditions get sloppy, they lack bite, as I found on the climbs.

On steeper terrain, or when ploughing through rocks, I found the Line Comp 30 wheelset’s rims didn’t quite offer the support that the tyres needed, leading to either a pingy ride when pressures were increased or a little squirmy when pushed hard into a catch-berm. This added to a sense of vagueness accentuated by the fork in the worst cases.

A mixed SRAM NX/GX drivetrain shifted well during testing, but didn’t mate well on the bars with the Shimano MT420 brake levers.

They have a long lever, which flexed while hauling on the brakes, detracting from the feel of the four-piston calipers.

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 bottom line

Trek's Fuel EX always finds favour with testers, so long as it’s kept within its comfort zone. Trek hasn’t built a mini-enduro bike here – that’s clear to see with the Fox 34 fork and faster-rolling tyres – so it’s unfair to judge it based on its performance on the chunkier trails.

That said, the rear suspension is more composed than the previous generation Fuel EX and the geometry is more suited to going fast. A sturdier fork and more precise tyres could make this a mini-monster of a bike, though.

If you’re looking for a ‘proper’ trail bike, one for zipping round trail centres, popping off rocks and roots, crossing plenty of ground relatively efficiently and generally just having a laugh on, then you may well love the Fuel EX as much as I do.

This model might not be the best value, but there’s an alloy version for a few hundred quid less that looks equally tidy.

With thanks to...

BikeRadar would like to thank 661 , IXS , Leatt , Garmin , Facom and BlackTown Trails for their support during our Bike of the Year test.

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FIRST RIDE REVIEW

The new trek fuel ex review.

Photos & Words by Dario DiGiulio

As mountain biking has evolved into what it is today, the trails we ride on have slowly but surely raised the bar of what modern bikes have to keep up with. Sure, some tracks have been sanitized over time, but there’s no question that the pointy end of the sport has kept pushing forward. As a result, trail bikes have had to pick up the pace to match the expectations of the average rider, leading to more capable and confident rigs with every new model. Stepping up to the plate, we have the evolved version of the Trek Fuel EX, Trek’s mainstay trail bike. This time it’s really meant to do it all, riding anywhere and doing anything. Being this adaptable can be a tricky task though, so has Trek painted themselves into a corner?

The new Trek Fuel EX breaks just about every mold that the prior generations had fit into, with a full-on redesign for the new model. The name of the game here is adaptability, whether in the geometry, the suspension kinematics, or even what size wheels you’ll run. Thanks to their Mino Link flip chip and two sets of press-in headset cups, you can shift the character of this bike drastically to suit your terrain and preference. As a result, it’s a bit hard to parse out the specific geometry of the bike (however Trek’s site features a geometry tool to let you do so), so I’ll just speak to it in its most neutral form, which is where many will likely settle. There are a whopping 8 size variations to this bike from XS to XXL, so it’s worth digging through the geometry tables to see which might suit you best. They’re all sporting 140mm of rear travel with a 150mm fork, upping the numbers on the prior generation by 10mm.

I’ve been testing the large frame, which puts the reach and stack at around 485mm and 621mm, which are in line with the majority of the industry right now. In keeping with the new Trek Fuel EX’s theme of being adaptable and capable. In its neutral-low setting, the bike comes with a 64.5-degree head tube angle and the effective seat tube angle sits at 77.2-degrees. Chainstays shift with the frame size, and on a large come in at 440mm. Thanks to the Mino Link flip chip, you can adjust bottom bracket height by 8mm up from the slammed 38mm drop in stock configuration, with a 0.6° steeper head tube and seat tube angle. The more significant head tube adjustment comes from the independent press-in headset cups that Trek supplies, which can steepen or slacken things by a full degree, giving a very wide range of handling characteristics. The last frame toggle is the progression flip chip, offering a simple more or less option to tailor the suspension feel and offer uncompromised coil shock compatibility.

As is trend right now, you can set the Fuel Ex up as a mullet, simply by popping a 27.5” wheel in the rear, swapping the Mino Link to high mode, and bumping up fork travel to 160mm. The bike comes stock as a 29er front and rear (or 27.5″ in XS and Small), so you’ll have to make this change on your own accord.

A notable thing lacking from the newest Fuel EX its the Knock Block – you’ll find no such thing on this frame. X-up fans take note, as this is a big move for the engineers in Waterloo, Wisconsin, and was necessary to achieve the headset adjustment range they wanted. Trek has also moved away from the RE:aktiv damper shock, now simply relying on an off-the-shelf model. Still included in the frames are the handy-dandy stash box in the down tube, with what I think might be the best weather sealing of any of the options on the market at this point, and a neat BITS tool roll.

Build kits come in as many flavors as the sizes, and the range of options is quite extensive, beginning at a respectable $3,699. I’ve been on the highest end build, the 9.9 AXS especial, coming in at a healthy $10,749. From Bontrager Line 30 carbon wheels, to the RSL one-piece carbon cockpit, to the XX1 drivetrain, just about everything is as nice as it gets, as you’d hope for this kind of money.

At my height of 6’3”, the geo combination of the Neutral-Low-More flip chip configuration on the large size makes for a really comfortable fit,  one that feels stable enough at speed while still remaining lively for your average trail. I started my time testing the bright yellow Trek up in Whistler, riding some gnarly rocky pedal-access trails around the Valley. This was a great context for deciding where I stood on the less or more progression debate, and I settled on the latter end of the spectrum. Increased bottom-out resistance and a more supple top of travel were worth a slightly punchier suspension feel, and I stand by that choice for most of the riding I have around me. On my home trails in Bellingham, the Fuel has been a choice companion for fast and fun rides in our local trail systems, where technical and engaging climbs lead to fast, rooty, and jump-filled descents. My general synopsis is that this is a bike that loves to ride fast, both up and down.

The climbing characteristics are comfortable and neutral, without wallowing too much or lacking grip in trickier terrain. Like many of the take-aways of the bike as it comes stock, things are extra-medium, in the best way. Compared to the new Hightower, the bike has slightly less support, but is significantly better in rough terrain and successive hits. Compared to the Stumpjumper EVO, the Fuel EX is definitely more of a trail bike, less of the all-mountain enduro-lite ride that the Specialized offers. All three bikes serve as a nice gradient from the lighter and sportier end of the trail spectrum to the burlier and more capable side of the category. Sitting pretty right in the middle is the Fuel EX, but I’m sure one could tweak it to either of the other extremes, given how much variability is baked into this frame.

Build kit notes are mostly positive, which you’d hope to see from the highest end build. My main gripe is with the Bontrager SE5 tires, which are some the least confidence-inspiring I’ve ridden in recent memory. The casing and tread pattern are fine, but the compound doesn’t seem to want to hook up anywhere, whether it’s dry loose terrain, rock slabs, and especially wet roots. This would be an immediate swap in my book, and I’d just keep the stock tires to run in the rear when conditions are dry and beat at the peak of summer.

The removable shuttle pad doesn’t seem to want to stay close to the frame, and bows out slightly when attached, giving the downtime a funny bulged look to it. One other frame annoyance has been a recurring suspension knock, despite chasing through every bolt in the linkage with a torque wrench. I still have yet to find the culprit, but luckily it’s not very noticeable when riding.

As a system, I’ve been more than impressed by Trek’s work on the new Fuel EX. Not only does it feel quick and confidant in the stock configuration, it also offers a whole host of layout options to better cater the bike to your preferences.

THE WOLF’S FIRST IMPRESSION

To close out our review of the new Trek Fuel Ex, it’s clear that Trek’s engineers and designers set out to design a bike that caters to that wide center of the market – the trail bike – where most riders spend their time, and where a bike can take many forms. In that goal, they found success. Sure some riders may feel the new Fuel EX has departed from what they were used to and liked about the bike, but many other riders will likely welcome the advancements in capability and confidence on the trail. The Fuel EX is a highly adaptable bike that feels comfortable in a really wide variety of terrain but doesn’t confuse itself for anything more or less. Bike riders, rejoice.

TREK FUEL EX 7

Price: $3,699.99

Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminum, internal storage | 140mm Fork: RockShox 35 Gold RL | 150mm Shock: Fox Performance Float EVOL

Drivetrain: Shimano SLX/XT Brakes: Shimano MT420 4-piston

Wheelset: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Rapid Drive 108

TREK FUEL EX 8

Price: $4,299

Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminum, internal storage | 140mm Fork: Fox Rhythm 36 | 150mm Shock: Fox Performance Float X

Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100 Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120

TREK FUEL EX 9.7

Price: $6,249.99

Frame: OLCV Mountain Carbon, internal storage | 140mm Fork: Fox Rhythm 36 | 150mm Shock: Fox Performance Float X

Drivetrain: Shimano SLX/XT Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120

TREK FUEL EX 9.8

GX AXS Price: $7,699.99 XT Price: $6,749.99

Frame: OLCV Mountain Carbon, internal storage | 140mm Fork: Fox Performance 36 | 150mm Shock: Fox Performance Float X

Wheelset: Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Carbon, Rapid Drive 108

GX AXS BUILD Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle AXS Brakes: SRAM CODE R

XT BUILD Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100 Brakes: Shimano XT M8120

TREK FUEL EX 9.9

XX1 AXS Price: $10,749.99 XTR Price: $9,749.99

Frame: OLCV Mountain Carbon, internal storage | 140mm Fork: Fox Factory 36 | 150mm Shock: Fox Factory Float X

Wheelset: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Carbon, Rapid Drive 108

XX1 AXS BUILD Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS Brakes: SRAM CODE RSC

XT BUILD Drivetrain: Shimano XTR M9100 Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120

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The NEW 2023 Trek Fuel EX Gen 6

Trek Fuel EX release date: September 8, 2022

What type of mountain bike is the Trek Fuel EX?

The new Trek Fuel EX Gen 6 shows off what a modern trail bike should be. New features including longer travel and impressive on-the-fly adjustability serve riders that have a soft spot for the steep stuff. The size-specific build is customized to the rider and added features make you feel one with the mountain. As trail riding evolves, achieving the perfect fit and ideal suspension settings have never been so close at hand. There's nothing you can't ride with the Fuel EX.

• Wheel size: 29" (S-XXL) or 27.5" (XS-S)
• Front travel: 150mm
• Rear travel: 140mm
• Tire clearance: 2.5"
• Size range: XS - XXL
• Frame: Carbon or alloy
• Colors: Deep Smoke, Mulsanne Blue, Satin Baja Yellow, Crimson, Matte Pennyflake

Want to get the scoop on inventory?

Chat with us about availability

Or keep scrolling to compare and contrast each model.

Fuel EX Overview Fuel EX Video --> Fuel EX Features Fuel EX Geometry Fuel EX Size Chart Fuel EX Models Fuel EX FAQs

Who’s it for?

The updated Gen 6 model is for riders who love all trails, flowy, rocky, steep, loose, and otherwise. It's for the renaissance rider who rides it all.

The adjustable geometry and suspension flip chip appeal to mountain bikers who prioritize tuning their setup to the current conditions. 

The Fuel EX is the longer-travel sibling of the snappy Trek Top Fuel designed for lighter, more XC style trails.

Why you'll love it

The Fuel EX is in a league of its own when it comes to on-the-go adjustability. 

Riders can now easily customize their geometry and suspension progression at the flip of a chip and optimize their ride no matter the trail. 

You’ll enjoy full days of downhill shuttle runs more than ever thanks to the redesigned frame, downtube guard, and handy internal storage.

Click to watch the Fuel EX video

What's new on the 2023 Trek Fuel EX?

Check out the Trek Fuel EX overview below and learn about all its exciting updates.

More front and rear travel

Year after year, riders continue to push the limits of trail bikes and the Fuel EX Gen 6 delivers longer travel suspension for dominating steeper terrain. 

Front travel increases from 130mm to 140mm and the rear shock provides 150mm of cushion, up from 140mm on the previous model.

Adjustable Geometry

The 2023 Fuel EX also introduces an innovative adjustable headset that can alter the head tube angle by +/- 1 degree depending on the desired slackness. 

The head tube angle can be set between 63.5 and 65.5 degrees. 

The angle adjust cups combine with the Mino Link for a total of 6 possible geometry configurations.

Size specific builds

Trek has matched the frame sizes with appropriate wheel choices and chainstay lengths to ensure all riders achieve an ideal fit. 

XS models run nimble 27.5” wheels whereas frame sizes medium and up have 29ers. Small frames are available in both wheel options. 

All riders, regardless of their height, can find a bike that provides maximum control and handling.

New frame features

The reimagined frame boasts trendy tech, including a full length downtube guard for protection from debris and tailgates during shuttle runs. 

The new threaded BB and guided internal routing keep everything neatly tucked away and low-maintenance. 

The larger 34.6mm seat tube accommodates sturdier dropper posts and now all frames— carbon and alloy— come with handy downtube storage .

Adjustable suspension progression

Riders can effortlessly switch between suspension settings via a flip chip on the lower shock mount. 

Choose between the plush, less progressive setting for better trail feedback or the more progressive setting that’s better for aggressive riding. 

The progressive option avoids bottoming-out and performs great with linear coil shocks if you choose to upgrade later on.

Trek Fuel EX Geometry

The new Fuel EX features a steeper seat angle and longer reach for more efficient climbing and improved handling on demanding descents. 

This more aggressive geometry can be further fine-tuned from inside the headset with angle adjust cups (sold separately) as well as the rear triangle Mino Link, r esulting in 6 different geo configurations .

Trek Fuel EX Size Chart

Trek outfitted each frame option with the correct wheel size to optimize handling. XS models come with 27.5” wheels, frames M and up run 29ers. People who ride S frames are often caught in the middle, so those frames are available with both wheel options.

*Size XXL available in alloy only.

2023 Trek Fuel EX For Sale

Shop all our Trek Fuel EX models

Or compare and contrast them at a glance below:

Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS

Frame : Carbon

Fork : FOX Factory 36

Shock : Fox Performance Float X

Drivetrain : SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS

Brakes : SRAM Code RSC

Wheels : Bontrager Line Pro 30

Price : $10,749

Fuel EX 9.9 XTR

Fork : Fox Factory 36

Drivetrain : Shimano XTR M9100

Brakes : Shimano XTR M9120

Price : $9,749

Fuel EX 9.8 GX AXS

Fork : Fox Performance 36

Drivetrain : SRAM GX Eagle AXS

Brakes : SRAM Code R

Wheels : Bontrager Line Elite 30

Price : $7,699

Fuel EX 9.8 XT

Drivetrain : Shimano XT M8100

Brakes : Shimano XT M8120

Price : $6,249

Fuel EX 9.7 SLX/XT

Fork : Fox Rhythm 36

Brakes : Shimano M6120

Wheels : Bontrager Line Comp 30 

Price : $4,699

Fuel EX 8 XT

Frame : Aluminum

Wheels : Bontrager Line Comp 30

Price : $4,299

Fuel EX 7 Deore/XT

Fork : RockShox 35 Gold RL

Shock : Fox Performance Float EVOL

Brakes : Shimano MT420

Price : $3,699

Trek Fuel EX FAQs

Is the trek fuel ex a trail bike.

Yes, the 140/150mm full-suspension setup and large wheels are best suited for trail riding all over the mountain, from the big climbs, flowy traverses, and steep descents.

How does the adjustable headset work?

Riders can swap out the standard headset cup for special angle adjust cups that alter the head tube angle by +/- 1 degree, either adding slack or increasing steepness. The upper cup can be dropped in whereas the lower cup needs to be installed using a headset press.

How much does a Trek Fuel EX weigh?

Depending on the model, a size M Trek Fuel EX weighs between 31.6 lbs and 35.21 lbs.

Do all Fuel EX frames use the same wheel size?

No, XS frames use 27.5” wheels and sizes M and up use 29” wheels. S frames are available in both wheelsets.

Is the Trek Fuel EX tubeless compatible?

Yes, all models from Fuel EX 7 and up come ready for a tubeless setup and include valves, sealant, and appropriate tires.

What is the Fuel EX’s tire clearance?

Both the 27.5 and 29 models have room for 2.5” tires.

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• Fuel EX 9.7 SLX/XT Gen 6

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 SLX/XT Gen 6

Fuel EX 9.7 is an all-mountain ripper that rolls in with the best balance of performance and pocket-friendly components, without skimping on the good stuff. It features a lightweight carbon frame, plus a cherry-picked blend of Shimano SLX and XT components that balance price and ride quality, plus, the ultra-smooth handling of a FOX 150mm front and 140mm rear suspension. You're after the light weight and smooth ride of a carbon frame and want solid parts without the top-shelf price. A light and stiff full carbon frame, 150mm of travel from FOX's Rhythm 36 fork with Float EVOL air spring and GRIP damper for small bump compliance, plus a FOX Performance Float X rear shock. A perfect blend of Shimano SLX and XT components for reliable shifting and durability on the trail. Finally, you'll find adjustable geometry and in-frame storage for keeping your setup dialed just for you. Fuel EX 9.7 is an evolved trail bike for the rider who wants it all. Its lightweight carbon frame is lively and stiff, and spec'd with the perfect build thanks to a FOX suspension package and Shimano XT and SLX drivetrain for a full package deal that's build to charge. - You get the light and stiff feel of a carbon fiber frame, plus progressive trail geometry that's ready to handle it all - You'll find the right balance of price and performance with a cherry-picked blend of Shimano SLX and XT components - With the adjustable angle headset (angled cups sold separately) and Mino Link, you can choose from six different geometry configurations - Guided internal routing, universal derailleur hanger, improved hardware, and a threaded BB make maintenance a breeze Wheel size: - Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Small – X-Large: 29-inch

Due to supply-chain issues, specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

Part Numbers

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Fuel EX 9.7 - Generation 6

Product details, *select trek, giant, & yuba bikes are available for in-store pickup only. shippable bikes incur an oversize shipping fee.*.

Fuel EX 9.7 is an all-mountain ripper that rolls in with the best balance of performance and pocket-friendly components, without skimping on the good stuff. It features a lightweight carbon frame, plus a cherry-picked blend of Shimano SLX and XT components that balance price and ride quality, plus, the ultra-smooth handling of a FOX 150mm front and 140mm rear suspension.

• You're after the light weight and smooth ride of a carbon frame and want solid parts without the top-shelf price.
• A light and stiff full carbon frame, 150mm of travel from FOX's Rhythm 36 fork with Float EVOL air spring and GRIP damper for small bump compliance, plus a FOX Performance Float X rear shock. A perfect blend of Shimano SLX and XT components for reliable shifting and durability on the trail. Finally, you'll find adjustable geometry and in-frame storage for keeping your setup dialed just for you.
• Fuel EX 9.7 is an evolved trail bike for the rider who wants it all. Its lightweight carbon frame is lively and stiff, and spec'd with the perfect build thanks to a FOX suspension package and Shimano XT and SLX drivetrain for a full package deal that's build to charge.
• You get the light and stiff feel of a carbon fiber frame, plus progressive trail geometry that's ready to handle it all
• You'll find the right balance of price and performance with a cherry-picked blend of Shimano SLX and XT components
• With the adjustable angle headset (angled cups sold separately) and Mino Link, you can choose from six different geometry configurations
• Guided internal routing, universal derailleur hanger, improved hardware, and a threaded BB make maintenance a breeze

Wheel size:

• Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch
• Sizes Small – X-Large: 29-inch

Technical Specifications

• Frame- OCLV Mountain Carbon, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, guided internal routing, magnesium rocker link, 34.9mm seat tube, ISCG 05, 55mm chainline, BSA 73, downtube guard, shuttle guard, ABP, UDH, Boost148, 140mm travel
• Fork- XS, S: Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Kabolt axle, 140mm travel
• S - XXL: Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Kabolt axle, 150mm travel
• Rear Shock- Fox Performance Float X, 2-position damper, 185mm x 55mm
• Wheels- Front: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle
• Rims- Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle
• Bottom Bracket- Shimano SM-BB52, 73mm, threaded external bearing
• Crankset- Shimano Deore M6120, 30T ring, 55mm chainline, 170mm length
• Shifters- Shimano SLX M7100, 12 speed
• Rear Derailleur- Shimano XT M8100, long cage
• Cassette/Freewheel- Shimano SLX M7100, 10-51, 12 speed
• Chain- Shimano SLX M7100, 12 speed
• Brakes- Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, M6100 lever, M6120 caliper
• Rotors- Front: Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180mm
• Rear- Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 203mm
• Handlebars- XS, S: Bontrager Line, alloy, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 750mm width
• M - XL: Bontrager Line, alloy, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width
• Tape/Grips- Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on
• Stem- XS, S: Bontrager Elite, 35mm, 0 degree, 35mm length
• M - XL: Bontrager Elite, 35mm, 0 degree, 45mm length
• Headset- Integrated cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom, angle adjust cup compatible
• Seatpost- XS, S: TranzX JD-YSP39, 100mm travel, internal routing, 34.9mm
• M, ML: TranzX JD-YSP39, 150mm travel, internal routing, 34.9mm
• L, XL: TranzX JD-YSP39, 170mm travel, internal routing, 34.9mm
• Saddle- Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138mm width
• Pedals- Sold Separately
• Accessories & Extras- Bontrager BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag

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Trek Fuel EX 9.7

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Colour / Carbon Blue Smoke

Size / XS 27.5" (high, low), SM 27.5" (high, low), MD 29" (high, low), ML 29" (high, low), LG 29" (high, low)

Weight / 30 lb 1.5 oz (13,650 g)

At a glance

- XS/SM get 27.5″ wheels, MD/ML/LG get 29″ wheels

- ABP (Active Braking Pivot) suspension system

- Geometry adjustable via Mino Link flip chip in rear rocker link pivot

- Straight Shot frame design with Knock Block steerer stop

- Internal frame storage via quick-access latch under bottle cage mounts

- Control Freak internal cable routing

- Includes Bontrager BITS internal frame storage bag

- Includes Bontrager TLR rim strips, tubeless valves, and sealant

- Weight given for size MD set up tubeless

Where To Buy

Specifications

• Frame OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame and stays, magnesium rocker link, carbon armor molded down tube and chainstay protection
• Fork FOX FLOAT 36 Rhythm, EVOL, GRIP damper, 44mm offset, Kabolt axle, 140mm
• Shock FOX FLOAT Performance, EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 27.5": 210mm x 52.5mm; 29": 210mm x 55mm
• Hubs Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheelset, alloy, sealed bearings, 110x15mm Boost front, 148x12mm Boost rear with 54-tooth Rapid Drive freehub and MICRO SPLINE driver
• Wheels Bontrager Line Comp 30, tubeless ready
• Wheel Size 29" 27.5"
• Spokes Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheelset
• Tires Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, tubeless ready, aramid bead, 120 TPI, 2.5"
• Chain 436mm, 437mm, None, Shimano MT611, 30 tooth, steel, Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
• Crank Shimano MT611, 170mm length
• Bottom Bracket 341mm (14mm drop), 335mm (21mm drop), 346mm (28mm drop), 340mm (34mm drop), 346mm (27mm drop), 340mm (34mm drop), Shimano MT500, 92mm PressFit
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore XT M8100, 12-speed, long cage
• Shifters Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
• Brakeset Shimano Deore M6120, 4-piston, Shimano RT66 6-bolt rotors (180mm front [XS/SM] or 203mm front [MD/ML/LG], 180mm rear), Shimano Deore M6100
• Handlebar Bontrager Line, alloy, 27.5mm rise, 35mm clamp diameter, Width: 750mm (XS/SM), 780mm (MD/ML/LG)
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138mm width
• Seatpost Bontrager Line dropper, 31.6mm, Single bolt, 31.6mm, Single bolt Drop: 100mm (XS/SM) 150mm (MD/ML/LG)
• Stem Bontrager Elite, 35mm bar clamp, 0° rise, Length: 35mm (XS/SM), 45mm (MD/ML/LG)
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on
• Headset Trek Knock Block Integrated, 58° radius, cartridge bearings

Q: How much is a 2022 Trek Fuel EX 9.7?

A 2022 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 is typically priced around $4,300 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2022 Trek Fuel EX 9.7?

The 2022 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2022 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 weigh?

A 2022 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 weights 30 lb 1.5 oz (13,650 g).

Q: What size wheels does the 2022 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 have?

The 2022 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2022 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 should I get?

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• Fuel EX 9.7 SLX/XT Gen 6

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 SLX/XT Gen 6

Fuel EX 9.7 is an all-mountain ripper that rolls in with the best balance of performance and pocket-friendly components, without skimping on the good stuff. It features a lightweight carbon frame, plus a cherry-picked blend of Shimano SLX and XT components that balance price and ride quality, plus, the ultra-smooth handling of a FOX 150mm front and 140mm rear suspension. You're after the light weight and smooth ride of a carbon frame and want solid parts without the top-shelf price. A light and stiff full carbon frame, 150mm of travel from FOX's Rhythm 36 fork with Float EVOL air spring and GRIP damper for small bump compliance, plus a FOX Performance Float X rear shock. A perfect blend of Shimano SLX and XT components for reliable shifting and durability on the trail. Finally, you'll find adjustable geometry and in-frame storage for keeping your setup dialed just for you. Fuel EX 9.7 is an evolved trail bike for the rider who wants it all. Its lightweight carbon frame is lively and stiff, and spec'd with the perfect build thanks to a FOX suspension package and Shimano XT and SLX drivetrain for a full package deal that's build to charge. - You get the light and stiff feel of a carbon fiber frame, plus progressive trail geometry that's ready to handle it all - You'll find the right balance of price and performance with a cherry-picked blend of Shimano SLX and XT components - With the adjustable angle headset (angled cups sold separately) and Mino Link, you can choose from six different geometry configurations - Guided internal routing, universal derailleur hanger, improved hardware, and a threaded BB make maintenance a breeze Wheel size: - Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Small – X-Large: 29-inch

Due to supply-chain issues, specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

Part Numbers

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Trek Fuel EX 9.7 SLX/XT Gen 6 Mountain Bike 2023

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The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 SLX/XT Gen 6 Mountain Bike balances performance with budget-friendly components perfectly. It pairs a lightweight carbon frame with a 150/140mm travel FOX fork and FOX Performance Float X rear shock for bump-smoothing comfort. Progressive trail geometry gives you better control on descents and greater pedalling efficiency, with the Mino Link allowing you to tweak the geometry to best suit rider and terrain.

Shimano SLX and XT components are reliable and durable, able to handle the demands of off-road riding, while SRAM hydraulic discs take care of braking. Wheel size is frame-size dependent, and the bike rolls on either 27.5" or 29" wheels fitted with Bontrager XR5 tubeless-ready tyres.

• Trek OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with 140mm of travel and Mino Link
• FOX Rhythm 36 Float EVOL air spring fork with 140mm or 150mm of travel, size dependent
• SRAM DB 8 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
• Shimano XT / SLX 12-speed drivetrain
• Tubeless-ready Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels
• TranzX JD-YSP39 dropper seatpost

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Trek Fuel EX 9.7 SLX/XT Gen 6 Mountain Bike 2023 Sizing

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2024 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 Mountain Ripper

2024 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6

The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 is a complete suspension trail bike with a lightweight carbon frame and high-midrange components.

It features a FOX Rhythm 36 fork with Float EVOL air springs, GRIP dampers for low-impact compliance, and a FOX Performance Float X rear fork: 150 mm FOX front suspension and 140mm rear suspension.

You can adjust the lever level of the rear suspension via a flip chip on the lower shock mount. The bike has an ABP (Active Braking Pivot) back suspension design and guided internal cable routing.

Bike geometry can be adjusted via the optional angle-adjusting headset cup for +1° and -1° head tube angle adjustment.

The XS size has 27.5″ wheels, the SM is available with 27.5″ or 29″ wheels, and the MD-XXL has 29″ wheels. The 29″ version is compatible with a mixed (“Mullet”) wheel arrangement (29″ front, 27.5″ rear).

The bike also has an internal frame storage compartment in the down tube, which includes a Bontrager BITS storage bag.

SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger ) and Bontrager TLR tubeless rim strips, valve stems, and sealant are included.

The 2024 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 is an excellent investment for one bike that does it all. It costs $4,329.99 and comes with a two-year Trek/Bontrager parts and lifetime frame warranty, suspension link components, and a paint/sticker warranty.

The bike weighs 32 lb 8.6 oz (14,760 g) for a tubeless MD setup. This bike is a world-class trail bike that is perfectly balanced and capable.

The rear suspension is sensitive where you want it, firm and sharp where it should be. The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 is the perfect mix of performance, features, and price.

Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 Specs

Alex Matthew

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Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Vs Trek Fuel EX test – which is the best trail bike with adjustable geometry?

• Alan Muldoon
• November 8, 2023

We put two of the most adjustable trail bikes from the biggest names in the business head to head, to see which one is the most adaptable and capable.

We all like freedom of choice, right? Whether it’s the little things in life, like a latte instead of cappuccino, or the big things like who gets to run the country. And that extends to bike geometry too. Sure there are bikes with zero adjustment that are great. But why not build in the same degree of adjustability that most brands use when developing a bike into the final product? Well, that’s exactly what the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Elite Alloy and Trek Fuel EX 9.7 XT Gen 6 both offer.

Specialized Stumpy Evo Vs Trek Fuel EX

And it’s not just the degree of adjustability that makes this such a good head to head test. Both bikes are 29ers that are designed for aggressive trail riding, both are from the biggest brands in the bike business and both are discounted right now, which makes them really good value if you’re looking to buy one of the best mountain bikes . The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 XT Gen 6 is £4,175 and the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Elite Alloy is £4,399.

Geometry adjustments

The Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Elite Alloy has six different baseline geometric combinations. There’s the adjustable head angle with three settings, that uses a second offset top bearing race that simply drops into the head tube. One direction for +1.25º, flip it round for -1.25º. The frame also has flip-chips in the chainstay pivots that simultaneously adjust the chainstay length and BB height, so you can change the weight distribution of the bike too.  You have long and low, or short and high, where the chainstay length changes by 5mm.

A second upper headset insert with the Stumpy Evo for adjusting the head angle by +/- 1.25º

Not to be out done, the new Trek Fuel EX 9.7 XT Gen 6 also has adjustable headset cups. But it requires a little more work than the Specialized as you have to knock the standard cups out and press in the +/-1º offset cups, which are sold separately. So not really a trail side adjustment then. But that’s not the only way to fine tune the head angle and ride quality of the Fuel EX. Mino link flip chips in the rocker link also adjust the head angle by 0.5º and change  the BB height by 8mm. So again, you have six unique geometry configurations. On paper it’s a draw, but factor in the Specialized’s more user-friendly head angle adjustment, and the ability to play with weight distribution, and it’s round one to the Stumpy Evo. 

Mino Links at the seatstay/rocker link junction of the Fuel EX offer trailside geometry adjustment

Geometry side-by-side

To bring you the the most accurate geometry, we measured the bikes in our workshop, rather than simply listing the manufacturers’ claimed geometry. Both bikes are in the stock settings so the Trek has the Mino Link in the low position with the standard headset cups. The Specialized also has the zero offset headset insert fitted, with the flip chips in the chainstays in short/high position. Both bikes were measured with our Maxxis control tyres fitted, which keeps the bottom bracket height comparable.

Frame construction and weight

While both bikes have similar degrees of adjustment, they use different frame materials. The Trek Fuel EX at our chosen price point is a full carbon frame construction, including the rocker link, and the complete bike weighs 15.52kg (34.22lb). At this level the Specialized frame is a full aluminium construction, and the weight of the bike creeps up to 15.99kg (35.25lb).

Sharp lines of the full carbon frame make the Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 eye catching

Suspension design and travel

The Stumpy Evo uses Specialized’s signature four-bar design and a Fox Float X Factory shock to deliver 150mm rear travel. Paired to the frame is a four-way adjustable 160mm Fox 36 Factory fork. That’s 10mm more travel front and rear than the Trek Fuel EX. The Fuel EX also uses Fox suspension components, but you get a less sophisticated 36 Rhythm fork and Performance level Float X shock. That’s the price you play for having a lighter carbon frame, right?

Specialized takes a unique approach by up-speccing the alloy Stumpy Evo frame with Fox Factory suspension

Integrated down tube storage

If you want to ride without a pack, but don’t want to risk getting stranded in the back of beyond without any tools or food, then you’ll be pleased to know that both bikes get integrated down tube storage. Specialized’s SWAT door is substantially bigger than Trek’s BITS internal storage though, which makes it that much easier to fish a snack, or tool, out of the frame.

The original and still the best: Specialized’s SWAT door in the down tube lets you carry essentials in the bike, rather than on your back

Drivetrain: SRAM Vs Shimano

There are differences in the drivetrains too. Specialized is firmly in the SRAM camp with a 12-speed GX Eagle transmission. Where the shifter pod and OneUp dropper remote integrate perfectly with the Matchmaker camps on the SRAM Code RS brakes. 

SRAM’s GX mechanical drivetrain is still the benchmark for shifting performance

Trek has gone with a Shimano drivetrain. In this instance a headline grabbing XT derailleur and 12-speed SLX shifter and 10-51t cassette. Both drivetrains are mechanical, which helps stop the price of the bikes getting out of hand. And while we could not get the Shimano shifter to marry perfectly with the SRAM DB8 brake lever clamp, the brakes on the Fuel EX are actually first rate. 

We’ve been super impressed by the light lever action and ample stopping power of the SRAM DB8 4-piston brakes

Performance

In terms of the suspension response, the Trek felt balanced front and rear, as both felt open and free. But that meant rapid changes in the pitch of the terrain or sudden direction changes caused the bike to seesaw a little too much. Which is why we ended up running the fork and shock harder than ideal. With more adjustable dampers, say Fox Performance Elite, we could have wound on low-speed compression damping and restored stability that way.  The only way you going to get that on the Fuel EX though, is by spending more money.  Which is why we’d like to see Trek offer a higher specced alloy bike at the same price, even if it meant that would be a little heavier.

The Trek Fuel Ex 9.7 Gen 6 takes flight. But we’d like to see a better fork, or one with more damping adjustment, to really take it to the next level

For maximum performance and tunability then, you need adjustable geometry and adjustable damping. And the Specialized Stumpy Evo Elite Alloy has both in spades. And even if you’re not into tweaking settings, geometry and weight distribution, the baseline settings on the Stumpy Evo will get you 90% of the way there. For riders looking for that final 10% though, the Stumpy Evo Alloy won’t disappoint. Stretch it out for maximum speed and composure, or tighten up the angles and proportions to make it more playful and nimble, the choice is yours. Factor in all the adjustability of the Fox Factory suspension and it’s a tweaker’s paradise. Never before has this level of performance and adjustability been available at such a competitive price. Which makes the Specialized Stumpy Evo Elite Alloy the bike of choice for the discerning trail rider that wants maximum performance. 

The Specialized Stumpy Evo Alloy Elite is the ultimate all-rounder. There’s nothing this bike can’t do well

Having adjustable geometry on a trail bike is really useful. In fact, we’d argue that it’s of most use on a trail bike, simply because trail riding means different things to different people.  Love techy, rocky climbs and need lots of pedal clearance? Stick the BB height adjustment in the high position and keep those cranks spinning. Live for the descents and suffer fire road climbs just to get to the fun stuff? You’ll probably want the slackest head tube insert to stretch out the front centre and slacken the head angle for maximum stability at speed. 

With adjustable geometry and adjustable suspension components, the Specialized Stumpy Evo Alloy Elite is the Swiss Army knife of trail bikes

The pricing and intended use are both of these bikes are really close, but there are distinct differences in approach. Trek has splashed out on a lighter full carbon frame, and has had to fit Fox Performance level suspension to bring the Fuel EX in on budget. Specialized has done the opposite. Opting instead for an alloy frame and then ploughing the associated cost savings straight back into Fox Factory level suspension components, which in this instance, has clearly paid off.

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2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 SLX/XT Gen 6 - Medium

• Thread starter EJphotos
• Start date Jun 11, 2023

Well-Known Member

• Jun 11, 2023

Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 - Trek Bikes

• Jun 20, 2023

bumpage  

• Jun 26, 2023

Price drop to $3600 OBO  

• Jul 5, 2023

Facebook marketplace, the land o' flakes  

• Jul 9, 2023

Price drop to $3500 OBO. Motivated to sell  

• Jul 13, 2023

Bump  

• Jul 14, 2023

Gotta move this. $3200 for you fine people  

• Jul 16, 2023

Somebody needs to buy this before I take the lowball offer from The Pros Closet LOL  

@Wrong Way Dan Ah never mind just saw size is medium  

• Jul 22, 2023
• Jul 26, 2023

Sold!  

EJphotos said: Sold! Click to expand...

qclabrat said: Did you go with TPC? Might need to go there as well Click to expand...