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It's right for you if...
You're after your own version of a holy grail mountain bike build. You know how you want to ride, and you know which parts you need to do it. You want the best all-around trail bike frame we offer, because you know that a great build starts with a great frame.
The tech you get
A full OCLV Mountain carbon frame with internal storage, 130mm of travel and Mino Link adjustable geometry, a FOX Factory Float shock with Trek's efficient RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft damper, and an included Bontrager Line stem and Knock Block headset that prevents damage to the frame from spinning handlebars and fork crowns. Built for a PF92 bottom bracket and a 140mm fork.
The final word
A full carbon frame and FOX Factory shock give you a major head start on a build that will be the envy of all other trail bikes. Fuel EX C is made for all-mountain riding, and it's the best all-around option for riders who want a single versatile, high-performance ride that rips it up on every trail.
See it in action
favorite_borderWhy you'll love it
- A full OCLV Mountain Carbon frame makes for a ride that's light on the climbs and trail-tough on rough descents
- RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft works faster than a normal shock, so it tracks the ground better and keeps you in control
- Control Freak cable management makes it easy to run any combination of controls, like front brake on the right or internal droppers
- A sleek internal storage compartment gives you a versatile spot to stow tools and gear
- We expanded our size range from XS through XL to ensure a better fit for all riders
"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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"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-arounder"
"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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"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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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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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 setup.
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 in the rear lets you run wider tires and a larger chainring without affecting q-factor and pedaling efficiency.
OCLV Mountain Carbon
Trek's mountain-specific carbon fiber is tougher carbon, with unique materials and layup procedures, Trek's advanced engineering, and a higher standard of testing.
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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 |
|---|---|
| Shock | Fox Factory Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft 3-position damper, Kashima Coat, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x52.5mm |
| Max compatible fork travel | 150mm |
| Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever |
|---|---|
| Max tire size | 29x2.60" |
| Max chainring size | 34T |
|---|
| Stem | Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, 0 degree, 40mm length |
|---|---|
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom |
| Weight | M - 2.73 kg / 6.01 lbs |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). |
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 - 175.0 cm
5'3.4" - 5'8.9"
76.0 - 82.0 cm
29.9" - 32.3"
L
174.0 - 188.0 cm
5'8.5" - 6'2.0"
82.0 - 88.0 cm
32.3" - 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 | Stem length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 4.0 |
| 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 | 4.0 |