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It's right for you if...
You like going fast, getting rowdy, and clearing every obstacle on the first try. You want a single bike that can handle any trail, with high-quality parts, a carbon frame, and dialed suspension for everything from burly technical descents to single track and even endurance races.
The tech you get
A light and stiff full OCLV Mountain Carbon frame, 140mm FOX Performance 36 Float fork, 130mm of rear travel with a FOX Performance Float shock featuring Trek's exclusive RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft, and a 1x12 Shimano XT drivetrain. Plus, powerful Shimano SLX 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, Tubeless Ready Bontrager Line Carbon 30 wheels with a 54-tooth Rapid Drive rear hub for quick engagement, a Bontrager Line Elite dropper post, and a Bontrager Line Pro OCLV Carbon handlebar. An internal storage compartment lets you securely stow ride essentials and doesn't detract from the bike's sleek look.
The final word
Fuel EX 9.8 is the definitive mountain bike, and a great choice if you're going to invest in a single bike for all kinds of terrain. A full carbon frame, quality parts build, and advanced suspension make it an outstanding all-around mountain bike for endurance racing and ripping every kind of trail.
See it in action
favorite_borderWhy you'll love it
- This bike is light, fast, and capable of shredding any kind of trail whether you’re heading out for an afternoon session or miles of endurance riding
- RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft works faster than a normal shock, so it tracks the ground better and keeps you in control
- A sleek internal storage compartment gives you a versatile spot to stow tools and gear
- 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 customizable through Project One
"A world-class trail bike"
"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 pedaling, and to pump and pop off when you're playing."
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"Good at pleasing everybody"
"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 at it."
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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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Features
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.
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.
Suspension Calculator
This suspension calculator will help you optimize 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 tires make it easy to ditch the tubes so you get better traction, fewer flats, and less weight. You're ready to roll right out of the box with the included TLR rim strips, valves, and sealant.
Carbon Care Wheel Loyalty Program
Every set of Bontrager carbon wheels is backed by the Carbon Care Wheel Loyalty Program. 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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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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Warrantied for life
Carbon wheels can give your ride an instant upgrade in speed and handling—and when you choose Bontrager, your investment is protected. All Bontrager carbon wheels are backed by a lifetime warranty for the original owner.
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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 setup.
Specifications
*spec applies to all sizes unless otherwise noted
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays, internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130mm travel |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox Performance 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm bolt-on axle, 140mm travel |
| *Shock |
Size:
XS , S Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x52.5mm |
|
Size:
S , M , ML , L , XL Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x55mm |
|
| Max compatible fork travel | 150mm |
| Front wheel | Bontrager Line Carbon 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
|---|---|
| Rear wheel | Bontrager Line Carbon 30, Tubeless Ready, 54T Rapid Drive, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
| *Tire |
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'' |
|
| Tire part | Bontrager TLR valve, 50mm |
| Rim strip | Bontrager TLR |
| Max tire size | 29x2.60" |
| Shifter | Shimano XT M8100, 12 speed |
|---|---|
| Rear derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, long cage, 51T max cog |
| *Crank |
Size:
XS , S Shimano XT M8100, 32T alloy ring, Boost (52mm chainline), 170mm length |
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL Shimano XT M8100, 32T alloy ring, Boost (52mm chainline), 175mm length |
|
| Bottom bracket | Shimano MT500, 92mm, PressFit |
| Cassette | Shimano XT M8100, 10-51, 12 speed |
| Chain | Shimano XT M8100, 12 speed |
| Max chainring size | 34T |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138mm width |
|---|---|
| *Seatpost |
Size:
XS , S Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 340mm length |
|
Size:
M , ML Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 440mm length |
|
|
Size:
L , XL Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 480mm length |
|
| Handlebar | Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on |
| *Stem |
Size:
XS , S Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 40mm length |
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 50mm length |
|
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom |
| Brake | Shimano SLX M7120 4-piston hydraulic disc |
| *Brake rotor |
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180mm |
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL Shimano RT66, 203mm, 6-bolt |
| Weight | M - 13.14 kg / 28.99 lbs (with TLR sealant, no tubes) |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). |
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 Trek 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 noted.
| Frame size number | Frame size letter | Geometry position | Wheel size | A — Seat tube | B — 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.5 | XS | High | 27.5" | 35.5 | 75.5° | 9.0 | 66.5° | 54.5 | 34.1 | 1.4 | 43.5 | 4.3 | 10.7 | 111.9 | 70.0 | 40.0 | 55.9 |
| 13.5 | XS | Low | 27.5" | 35.6 | 75.0° | 9.0 | 66.0° | 55 | 33.5 | 2.1 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.1 | 112.0 | 69.5 | 39.5 | 56.3 |
| 15.5 | S | High | 27.5" | 35.5 | 75.5° | 10.0 | 66.5° | 56.7 | 34.1 | 1.4 | 43.5 | 4.3 | 10.8 | 114.3 | 70.7 | 42.0 | 56.8 |
| 15.5 | S | Low | 27.5" | 39.5 | 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 | 75.5° | 10.0 | 66.5° | 57.7 | 34.6 | 2.8 | 43.5 | 4.3 | 11.5 | 115.3 | 70.7 | 42.0 | 60.5 |
| 15.5 | S | Low | 29" | 39.5 | 75.0° | 10.0 | 66.0° | 57.8 | 33.9 | 3.4 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.9 | 115.4 | 70.2 | 41.5 | 60.8 |
| 17.5 | M | High | 29" | 42.0 | 75.5° | 10.0 | 66.5° | 60.2 | 34.6 | 2.8 | 43.5 | 4.3 | 11.6 | 117.8 | 74.7 | 44.5 | 60.5 |
| 17.5 | M | Low | 29" | 42.0 | 75.0° | 10.0 | 66.0° | 60.3 | 33.9 | 3.4 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.9 | 117.9 | 74.1 | 44.0 | 60.8 |
| 18.5 | ML | High | 29" | 43.5 | 75.5° | 10.5 | 66.5° | 61.8 | 34.6 | 2.7 | 43.5 | 4.3 | 11.6 | 119.5 | 75.2 | 46.0 | 60.9 |
| 18.5 | ML | Low | 29" | 43.5 | 75.0° | 10.5 | 66.0° | 61.9 | 33.9 | 3.4 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.9 | 119.6 | 74.6 | 45.5 | 61.3 |
| 19.5 | L | High | 29" | 45.0 | 75.5° | 10.5 | 66.5° | 63.3 | 34.6 | 2.7 | 43.5 | 4.3 | 11.6 | 121.0 | 75.4 | 47.5 | 60.9 |
| 19.5 | L | Low | 29" | 45.0 | 75.0° | 10.5 | 66.0° | 63.4 | 33.9 | 3.4 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.9 | 121.1 | 74.8 | 47.0 | 61.3 |
| 21.5 | XL | High | 29" | 50.0 | 75.5° | 12.0 | 66.5° | 66.1 | 34.6 | 2.7 | 43.5 | 4.3 | 11.6 | 124.1 | 77.6 | 50.0 | 62.3 |
| 21.5 | XL | Low | 29" | 50.0 | 75.0° | 12.0 | 66.0° | 66.3 | 33.9 | 3.4 | 43.7 | 4.3 | 11.9 | 124.2 | 77.0 | 49.5 | 62.7 |