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It's right for you if...
You want one carbon trail bike that can take on every adventure, from flowy singletrack to the gnarliest descents and most brutal climbs. You don't mind sacrificing a little on the parts so you can get the best frame right now.
The tech you get
A lightweight and stiff full OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with internal storage, a 140 mm FOX Rhythm 36 fork, 130 mm of rear travel with a FOX Float Performance rear shock with Trek's efficient RE:aktiv damper, a wide-range 1x12 SRAM NX/GX Eagle drive train, a Bontrager Line dropper post and powerful Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
The final word
Full suspension control on a lightweight and trail-tough carbon frame makes for a fun and fast ride. It's rugged enough for rowdy descents, but still spry for lively climbing and accelerating.
See it in action
favorite_borderWhy you'll love it
- Don't confuse the Fuel EX 9.7 with other value carbon models on the market – this bike provides an outstanding frame and suspension, with a workhorse drivetrain and wheels
- A sleek internal storage compartment gives you a handy spot to stow flat fixing supplies or gear
- Bigger, stiffer 36 mm fork stanchions won't flex, so you can push harder with more precise, confident steering that helps you stay on your line
- RE:aktiv is smarter, more efficient suspension. It gives you firm pedalling support that instantly gives way over bumps
- We expanded our size range to ensure a better fit for all riders. And, you get the fastest wheel that fits your frame: XS frames get 27.5˝ wheels, S frames get to choose between 27.5˝ or 29˝ and sizes M to XL get 29˝ wheels
'A world-class trail bike!'
'The Fuel EX is a beautifully balanced and capable trail bike. The rear suspension is beautiful; as close to ideal as any bike I've ridden. It's sensitive where you want it to be, firm and crisp where it should be. It feels deep and controls big hits very well, and there's a nice platform for pedalling, and to pump and pop off when you're playing.'
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'Good at pleasing everybody.'
'The Fuel EX has a few tricks that help it keep a level head when outside of its comfort zone, and to be a cloud on rails when it's in the zone. Everything about the Fuel EX, which was already good at pleasing everybody, is now even better.'
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'An absolute trail rocket.'
'Thanks to its burlier components, increased travel and more aggressive geometry, it has become more of a shredder than ever! More performance, fun and trail prowess.'
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‘Perfect all-rounder’
‘In a world where most new full-suspension mountain bikes are amazing, Fuel EX stands apart as even more than that.’
Read moreFeatures
Will my bike have a curved top tube?
Smaller frames (XS and S) have a top tube that dips down as it approaches the seat tube. This design makes for a lower standover height, which is good for shorter riders because it allows them to straddle their bike more easily. Larger frames (M and up) have a straight top tube because taller riders with longer legs typically don’t have the same issues with standover height.
Active Braking Pivot allows our engineers to tune how the suspension reacts to acceleration and braking forces independently. That means you get more confident control when you need it most.
Internal frame storage makes it easy to ditch the pack and still carry your ride essentials.
Trek's Straight Shot frame design optimises the stiffness-to-weight ratio for a more responsive ride. You'll be able to push harder and stay more planted on your line when the going gets rough.
Suspension Calculator
This suspension calculator will help you optimise your suspension settings for your riding weight. Simply follow the steps to find your best set up.
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Complete Tubeless System
Tubeless Ready rims and tyres make it easy to ditch the tubes so you get better traction, fewer flats and less weight. You're ready to roll straight out of the box with the included TLR rim strips, valves and sealant.
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Mino Link adjustable geometry
Fine tune head tube angle by 1/2° and BB height by up to 10mm with the simple turn of a nut. Just flip the link to choose between slack or slacker geometry, without negatively affecting suspension performance. A Trek exclusive.
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OCLV Mountain Carbon
Trek's mountain-specific carbon fibre is tougher carbon, with unique materials and lay-up procedures, Trek's advanced engineering, and a higher standard of testing.
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Control Freak cable management
The lightest, quietest, most versatile cable management system allows any combination of shift, brake, lockout and dropper post lines to be routed through the frame for clean looks and the ultimate custom set-up.
Boost148/110
Wider dropouts (110mm front, 148mm rear) give you the stiffness of a 27.5" wheel with all the benefits of a 29" wheel, and Boost148 at the back lets you run wider tyres and a larger chain ring without affecting q-factor and pedalling efficiency.
Specifications
*spec applies to all sizes unless otherwise noted
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame and stays, internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armour, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130 mm travel |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Kabolt axle, 140 mm travel |
| *Shock |
Size:
XS , S Fox Performance Float EVOL, 3-position RE:aktiv damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210 mm x 52.5 mm |
|
Size:
S , M , ML , L , XL Fox Performance Float EVOL, 3-position RE:aktiv damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210 mm x 55 mm |
|
| Max compatible fork travel | 150mm (561mm axle-to-crown) |
| Wheel front | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle |
|---|---|
| Wheel rear | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 54, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle |
| Hub front | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle |
| Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru-axle, removable lever |
| Rim | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
| Spokes | DT Swiss Champion, J-Bend, Black |
| *Tyre |
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29.x2.40" |
|
Size:
XS , S Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5x2.60" |
|
|
Size:
S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.60" |
|
| Tyre part | Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz |
| Max tyre size | Frame: 29x2.60" Fork: See manufacturer |
| Shifter | SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed |
|---|---|
| Rear derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle |
| *Crank |
Size:
XS , S SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 30T steel ring, 52 mm chainline, 170 mm length |
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 30T steel ring, 52 mm chainline, 175 mm length |
|
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB, 92 mm, PressFit |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1230 Eagle, 11-50, 12-speed |
| Max. chainring size | 34T |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138 mm width |
|---|---|
| *Seatpost |
Size:
XS , S Bontrager Line Dropper, 100 mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 345 mm length |
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line Dropper, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 440mm length |
|
| Handlebar | Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 780 mm width |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on |
| *Stem |
Size:
XS , S Bontrager Line, 35 mm, Knock Block, 0-degree, 40 mm length |
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line, 35 mm, Knock Block, 0-degree, 50 mm length |
|
| Brake | Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, MT4100 lever, MT420 calliper |
| *Brake rotor |
Size:
XS , S Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180 mm |
|
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180mm |
| Weight | M - 13.69 kg / 30.19 lbs (with TLR sealant, no tubes) |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider and cargo) of 136 kg (300 lb). |
Sizing & Tech
The charts below show our recommended sizes based on height, but there are some other factors, like arm and leg length, that determine a great fit. That’s why you’ll see some overlap in our recommendations. Not every rider who’s 5´8˝, for example, will fit on the same size bike. The best way to find your perfect fit is to consult the experts at your local retailer.
Rider Height
Inseam
XS
137.0 - 155.0 cm
4'5.9" - 5'1.0"
64.0 - 73.0 cm
25.2" - 28.7"
S
153.0 - 166.5 cm
5'0.2" - 5'5.6"
72.0 - 79.0 cm
28.3" - 31.1"
M
161.0 - 172.0 cm
5'3.4" - 5'7.7"
76.0 - 81.0 cm
29.9" - 31.9"
M/L
165.5 - 179.0 cm
5'5.2" - 5'10.5"
77.0 - 84.0 cm
30.3" - 33.1"
L
177.0 - 188.0 cm
5'9.7" - 6'2.0"
83.0 - 88.0 cm
32.7" - 34.6"
XL
186.0 - 196.0 cm
6'1.2" - 6'5.2"
87.0 - 92.0 cm
34.3" - 36.2"
2XL
195.0 - 203.0 cm
6'4.8" - 6'7.9"
92.0 - 95.0 cm
36.2" - 37.4"
All measurements provided in cm unless otherwise stated.
| Frame size number | Frame size letter | Geometry position | Wheel size | A — Seat tube | B — Seat tube angle | Effective seat tube angle | C — Head tube length | D — Head angle | E — Effective top tube | F — Bottom bracket height | G — Bottom bracket drop | H — Chainstay length | I — Offset | J — Trail | K — Wheelbase | L — Standover | M — Frame reach | N — Frame stack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15.5 | S | High | 29" | 39.5 | 68.0° | 75.5° | 10.0 | 66.5° | 57.7 | 34.6 | 2.8 | 43.6 | 4.3 | 11.5 | 115.3 | 70.8 | 42.0 | 60.5 |
| 15.5 | S | Low | 29" | 39.5 | 67.5° | 75.0° | 10.0 | 66.0° | 57.8 | 34.0 | 3.4 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.9 | 115.4 | 70.2 | 41.5 | 60.9 |
| 21.5 | XL | Low | 29" | 50.0 | 67.5° | 75.0° | 12.0 | 66.0° | 66.3 | 34.0 | 3.4 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.9 | 124.2 | 77.0 | 49.5 | 62.7 |
| 21.5 | XL | High | 29" | 50.0 | 68.0° | 75.5° | 12.0 | 66.5° | 66.2 | 34.6 | 2.7 | 43.6 | 4.3 | 11.6 | 124.1 | 77.6 | 50.0 | 62.3 |