Fuel gen 7

What are the new/key features on this platform?

By swapping rocker links, lower shock mounts, and suspension and/or wheels, Fuel can be built in three unique configurations to accommodate rider preferences and terrain:

Fuel EX: 145mm/150mm 29er
Fuel MX: 150mm/160mm MX (29 front, 27.5 rear)
Fuel LX: 160mm/170mm 29er

-New frame design that increases dropper insertion, standover clearance, and front triangle space for more clearance for reservoir shocks, water bottles, or other accessories.
-ZS standard headset to allow for aftermarket options, including angle-adjust.
-Updated internal storage system.
-Updated cable routing and chainstay guard for a super-quiet ride.
-Offered in Project One MTB for parts customization from the factory, including options for a coil spring, different dropper post lengths, and more.

Is there an option to run 27.5” front and rear?

No. All these frames, in all sizes, are designed around a 29” front wheel.

Can I change my rear wheel size without changing the rocker link or lower shock mount?

No. The geometry correction for switching between wheel sizes comes from both the rocker link and lower shock mount.
If you don’t change both parts when you switch rear wheel sizes, you’ll end up with either a super-low bottom bracket, causing pedal strikes, or a super-high bottom bracket and correspondingly steep head tube angle, causing twitchy, unstable handling.

Can I make my Fuel LX into a longer-travel MX by just changing the rocker link, lower shock mount, and rear wheel?

Yes. You can convert a Fuel LX build to a 27.5 rear wheel with only the wheel, MX rocker link, and lower shock mount. By keeping the 205 x 65 stroke shock, you will get 163mm of travel vs the stock MX build with a 205 x 60 shock and 150mm travel.

Can I install a longer-stroke shock on my Fuel EX for more rear travel?

Yes. You can install a 205 x 65 shock (max) on your Fuel EX with no other changes for 156mm of rear travel. However, you won’t get the more progressive leverage rate that would come with swapping to the LX rocker link and lower shock mount.

Why does my size Small EX have an MX rocker link?

Size Small Fuel EX and Fuel+ EX models will come with a 29” front wheel, 27.5” rear wheel, and 150mm of travel front and rear. The difference between size S EX and size S MX is that MX bikes will come with 160mm forks and are only available as complete bikes in the 9, 9.8, or 9.9 models.

Our rider research has shown that most size S riders prefer a 27.5” rear wheel for a more proportional fit and more back-wheel-to-body clearance on jumps and descents. Since most stock Fuel and Fuel+ models will be sold as Fuel EX, we chose to build the size S with the MX rocker link and LSM so that these riders will get the most-commonly preferred setup right out of the box without having to buy the parts to make the swap to MX themselves.

Size S riders who prefer 29” front and rear wheels can swap the rocker link and LSM and their rear wheel for a full 29er Fuel EX or Fuel+ EX. Or they can also get a size S Fuel LX or Fuel+ LX with 29” wheels right out of the box through the Project One program.

Any size frame can be built in any of the three configurations.

Will Trek stock the parts required to change from EX to MX or LX?

Trek will stock the rocker links and lower shock mounts globally. Wheels and tires will be stocked globally. Suspension availability will vary by market but will generally need to be sourced from in-market distributors.

How does swapping between EX, MX, and LX affect the geometry?

Most geometry measurements stay the same or have negligible changes. The main change is headtube angle: EX – 64.5; MX – 64.2; LX – 63.5

Which aftermarket shocks are compatible?

The new frame layout leaves tons of room for aftermarket shocks. Most shocks will fit, including all current Fox and RockShox offerings.

Do any frame sizes feature curved top tubes for lower standover?

No.

How does the adjustable headset work?

It’s a standard ZS headset now instead of a proprietary part from Trek, which allows aftermarket options for headset upgrades, including angle-adjust options.

Is the bike compatible with a dual crown fork?

No, Fuel is only compatible with single-crown forks with 150-170mm of travel.

What sizes are compatible with a water bottle?

All sizes are compatible with a water bottle. Small frames fit a 21oz (620ml) max, while medium to large frames fit a 26oz (769ml) max, and XL fit a 34oz (1005ml) max.

Is the chain supposed to be that close to the chainstay?

When the bike is in the 10T cog, the chain may contact the chainstay guard. This is intentional. To optimize the chainstay for strength, stiffness, and internal cable routing, the section between the tire and chainring is taller than on other bikes.
We also made the chainstay guard taller to decrease noise from chain slap. Clearance will increase under suspension sag and pedaling tension, but you may still notice some wear in the guard over time. This is intended to be replaced as needed, and may not be the case for all riders.

Where can I find information regarding hardware, cable routing, parts compatibility, min/max, and replacement service parts?

Please visit the Fuel Service Manual. This FAQ covers questions not already covered on the bike product page or in the Service Manual. Don’t see your answer there either? Give customer service a call or chat.

Service Manual Page