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It's right for you if...
You want a single bike that can handle any trail with the light weight and vibration damping of a carbon frame. You're willing to pay for parts that give you a better connection with the trail, but you'd rather skip the bling.
The tech you get
A light and stiff full-carbon frame with internal storage, FOX Performance 36 fork with a GRIP damper that offers more adjustment and a RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft shock. SRAM's latest GX Eagle drive train with a leg-saving 52-tooth climbing gear, plus all-new Bontrager carbon wheels with a 54-tooth Rapid Drive hub for fast engagement.
The final word
Fuel EX 9.8 is a great investment for one bike that does it all. You get a light carbon frame, but it's the parts that make this model, like the extra-adjustable GRIP damper, the magic-carpet ride of Thru Shaft and the blistering acceleration of carbon wheels with a Rapid Drive hub.
See it in action
favorite_borderWhy you'll love it
- Fuel EX 9.8 will take your riding to the next level with a parts package that gives you top-shelf performance without the top-shelf price tag
- RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft works faster than a normal shock, so it tracks the ground better and keeps you in control
- The Fox Performance 36 fork gives you four-way damping adjustments for extra-dialled suspension
- 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
- Make it yours: it's customisable through Project One
'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.’
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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.
Internal frame storage makes it easy to ditch the pack and still carry your ride essentials.
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.
RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft gives you unmatched grip and control with a shock that reacts to the terrain faster than anything else out there.
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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Carbon Care Wheel Loyalty Programme
Every set of Bontrager carbon wheels is backed by the Carbon Care Wheel Loyalty Programme. In the unlikely event that you damage your Bontrager carbon wheels within the first two years of ownership, we’ll repair or replace them for free.
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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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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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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 Performance 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, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210mm x 52.5mm |
|
Size:
S , M , ML , L , XL Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x55 mm |
| Wheel front | NEW Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle |
|---|---|
| Wheel rear | NEW Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle |
| Hub front | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle |
| Hub rear | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, 108T Rapid Drive, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle |
| Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever |
| *Tyre |
Size:
XS , S Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5x2.40" |
|
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 sidewall, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.40" |
|
|
Size:
S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.60" |
|
| *Tyre part |
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager TLR sealant, 6oz |
|
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager TLR valve, 50 mm |
|
|
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager TLR sealant |
|
| Rim strip | Bontrager TLR |
| Shifter | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
|---|---|
| Rear derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle |
| *Crank |
Size:
XS , S SRAM GX Eagle, DUB, 30T alloy ring, Boost, 170 mm length |
|
Size:
S , M , ML , L , XL SRAM GX Eagle, DUB, 30T alloy ring, Boost, 175 mm length |
|
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB, 92 mm, PressFit |
| Cassette | SRAM Eagle XG-1275, 10-52, 12-speed |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width |
|---|---|
| *Seatpost |
Size:
XS , S Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 340 mm length |
|
Size:
M , ML Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 150 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 440 mm length |
|
|
Size:
L , XL Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 480 mm length |
|
|
Size:
XS , S Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100 mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 340 mm length |
|
|
Size:
M , ML Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 440mm length |
|
|
Size:
L , XL Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 480mm length |
|
| Handlebar | Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 780 mm width |
| *Grips |
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on |
|
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on |
|
| *Stem |
Size:
XS , S Bontrager Line Pro, 35 mm, Knock Block, Blendr-compatible, 0-degree, 35 mm length |
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line Pro, 35 mm, Knock Block, Blendr-compatible, 0-degree, 45 mm length |
|
| Head set | Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom |
| Brake | SRAM G2 RS hydraulic disc |
| *Brake rotor |
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round-edge, 180mm |
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round-edge, 200 mm |
| Weight | M - 13.13 kg / 28.94 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 & fit
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"
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14.0 | XS | Low | 27.5" | 35.6 | 69.0° | 75.0° | 9.0 | 66.0° | 54.6 | 33.5 | 2.1 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.1 | 112.0 | 69.5 | 39.5 | 56.3 |
| 14.0 | XS | High | 27.5" | 35.5 | 69.5° | 75.5° | 9.0 | 66.5° | 54.5 | 34.1 | 1.4 | 43.6 | 4.3 | 10.6 | 111.9 | 70.0 | 40.0 | 55.9 |
| 15.5 | S | High | 27.5" | 39.5 | 69.5° | 75.5° | 10.0 | 66.5° | 56.7 | 34.1 | 1.4 | 43.6 | 4.3 | 10.6 | 114.3 | 70.8 | 42.0 | 56.8 |
| 15.5 | S | Low | 27.5" | 39.5 | 69.0° | 75.0° | 10.0 | 66.0° | 56.8 | 33.5 | 2.1 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.1 | 114.4 | 70.2 | 41.5 | 57.2 |
| 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 |
| 17.5 | M | Low | 29" | 42.0 | 67.5° | 75.0° | 10.0 | 66.0° | 60.3 | 34.0 | 3.4 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.9 | 117.9 | 74.1 | 44.0 | 60.9 |
| 17.5 | M | High | 29" | 42.0 | 68.0° | 75.5° | 10.0 | 66.5° | 60.2 | 34.6 | 2.8 | 43.6 | 4.3 | 11.6 | 117.8 | 74.7 | 44.5 | 60.5 |
| 18.5 | ML | Low | 29" | 43.5 | 67.5° | 75.0° | 10.5 | 66.0° | 61.9 | 34.0 | 3.4 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.9 | 119.6 | 74.6 | 45.5 | 61.3 |
| 18.5 | ML | High | 29" | 43.5 | 68.0° | 75.5° | 10.5 | 66.5° | 61.8 | 34.6 | 2.8 | 43.6 | 4.3 | 11.6 | 119.5 | 75.2 | 46.0 | 60.9 |
| 19.5 | L | Low | 29" | 45.0 | 67.5° | 75.0° | 10.5 | 66.0° | 63.4 | 34.0 | 3.4 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.9 | 121.1 | 74.8 | 47.0 | 61.3 |
| 19.5 | L | High | 29" | 45.0 | 68.0° | 75.5° | 10.5 | 66.5° | 63.3 | 34.6 | 2.7 | 43.6 | 4.3 | 11.6 | 121.0 | 75.4 | 47.5 | 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 |