All-new Trek Fuel EXe brings the dawn of a new era for mountain bikes
Trek has launched the all-new Fuel EXe e-mountain bike today, championing awhole new category in the mountain bike world. While other electric bikes chase more powerand bigger batteries, Fuel EXe is refined with mid-level assist from a system that’s so compact,light and quiet, it’s barely noticeable. It effortlessly blends in with the trail for a more naturalassisted riding experience than ever before. Fuel EXe is the dream ride for e-mountain bikerswho crave a quieter experience and traditional mountain bike hold-outs who were waiting for abetter e-mountain bike
Trek has partnered with German robotics manufacturer TQ to develop Fuel EXe hand-in-handwith their new HPR50 motor. Short for harmonic pin ring transmission, the HPR50 forgoes noisybelts and gears that can wear out, in favour of a refined system that is smaller, lighter, quieterand more durable than traditional e-bike motors. The entire system weighs in at only 3,900grams, which means a lighter bike that rides more like traditional mountain bikes. Compared totraditional e-mountain bike motors, the HPR50 feels smooth, natural and is barely audible.Rather than hearing the whine of a motor, riders get to experience the wind through trees,tyres on dirt and the hoots and cheers of friends.Fuel EXe is equipped with a 360-watt hour battery that provides plenty of power for two to fivehours of riding. The battery is neatly concealed in the downtube and can be easily removed fortravel. For those looking to ride further and longer, a 160-watt hour Range Extender fits neatlyinside the bottle cage and can be added for an easy 40% increase in range.Mounted flush into the toptube, a two-inch OLED display allows riders to see every detail theyneed from above, while keeping a discrete appearance from the side. A single button turns thesystem on and off, and toggles through riding screens. The sleek display pairs with a small anddiscrete handlebar remote that features two buttons to allow riders to toggle through supportmodes and access walk assist.
For total user tunability, Trek has developed a new Trek Central app that seamlessly connectswith Fuel EXe. Trek Central allows riders to customise the tune of their motor, track activity,map rides, suggest or monitor tyre and suspension pressure and get real-time rangecalculations.Fuel EXe rolls on 29-inch wheels with 140mm of rear travel paired with a 150mm fork. Thegeometry is fine-tuned for stability on steep, high-speed descents and an efficient pedallingposition for climbing. It’s also available in Project One for riders who want to customise theirpaint and parts. Fuel EXe is available in mostmarkets globally
There will be three models available in New Zealand – 9.5 @ $9999, 9.7 @ $11 499 and the 9.8XT @ $14499
We’ve been lucky enough to have one arrive at the office last week and have managed a couple of rides in between the rain and its very impressive so far. Full review coming soon.
