All things have culminated into one perfectly well-rounded bike. From its start in 2005, the evolution of Fuel EX is the story of mountain biking and vice versa. It’s the welcome culmination of the rapid changes that have occurred within mountain biking over the past decade.

For 2020 Trek has updated all the needed area’s to keep up with the modern offerings, ie longer, slacker, more capable, but in doing so maintained it’s efficient demeanour that it is known for in the trail bike category.

For 2020 Trek have increased the fork travel to 140mm, ( the rear remains a comfortable 130mm ), slackened the headtube angle out to 66 degrees, from 67, increased the reach 10-20mm depending on the size, and steepened the seat tube a degree to 75 degrees.

The 2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX

Easy access cable routing enables any cockpit configuration you can dream up, and is also Di2 compatible.

Active braking pivot, allows the suspension to stay active under braking.

The Fuel now has an internal frame storage, complete with Bontrager tool wrap and side-swipe drink bottle cage which is a very nice touch. Carrying a couple bars or tubes can be a drag, so to see brands giving that added storage when a backpack isn’t required is epic to see.

Geometry

Mino Link allows the head angle and bottom bracket height to be adjusted.

Straight shot downtube with knock block prevents fork and brakes from impacting on the frame. This also makes downtube stiffer, lighter. Another note to the frame, is the lifetime warranty offered on all aluminum and carbon models, including chainstays and seatstays which is impressive to see and makes purchasing a new bike that much more viable and safe.

The Specs

The Fuel EX range comes in a range of options starting at the lower spec aluminum Fuel EX 5 which comes standard with a RockShox Recon RL & a 10-speed Shimano Deore M600 Groupset and comes in at RRP$3199 , through to the top of the range Fuel EX 9.9 with XO1 AXS, Bontrager Line 30 Carbon Wheels, and XT M8120 brakes for $10,499. With a range of options in between across the Fuel EX 7, EX 8, EX 9.7 & EX 9.8 there is something for everyone.