trek fuel 90 blue book

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Trek Fuel 90 (SG) review

Trek's Fuel bikes have been around for years now, and they are still a really good, straightforward ride. The 90 also benefits from all the recent advantages in mid level kit performance to deliver a remarkably complete trail package for half the price of some comparable bikes

Stockfile©.

Guy Kesteven

Trek's Fuel bikes have been around for years now, and they are still a really good, straightforward ride. The 90 also benefits from all the recent advantages in mid level kit performance to deliver a remarkably complete trail package for half the price of some comparable bikes.

Ride position and weight balance are encouragingly friendly

While top Fuel bikes have been upgraded to a full carbon frame, the 90 is still an all-alloy wagon. The large gusset-reinforced down tube twists from vertical to horizontal oval for steering and pedalling stiffness at the appropriate ends, while the slim top tube slopes gently for crotch clearance. The bottom bracket and main pivot sit on a shared 'bottom corner' forging, while the rocker link mount is welded onto the back of the stout, externally butted seat tube.

Out back, curved 'hockey stick' chainstay terminals meet deep, slightly tapered chainstays and simple plate dropouts with a 'we're surprised they still use that' bolt-on disc mount. Disc specific seatstays then triangulate to the rocker links via a neatly forged bridge. The back is all welded alloy now, too - rather than glued composite like before - but it still relies on flex in the seatstays rather than a rear pivot. The pivots themselves are all composite bushings rather than cartridge bearings, too. The frame is also kind enough to come complete with up and under down tube mounts for bottles and plenty of room for shouldering the bike if you really can't pedal any further.

Trek rarely put a foot wrong with handling and the 90 is no exception. With forks set at 100mm, the longish stem can occasionally lurch into tight corners with more force than you intended, but otherwise it does exactly what you want and just when you want it, too. You are also able to speed up or slow down the steering just by winding the fork in and out - although it starts to feel lethargic at anything over 115mm.

When combined with the pivotless rear triangle, the Ario 2.2 shock is not particularly plush over small bumps, but it pedals with minimum bounce or interruption. It smoothes out more significant lumps okay too, and damps nicely over bigger drops and steps to keep you connected and on course when the trail gets lairy. The big lockout and rebound adjusters make tuning on the fly easy, too.

Ride position and weight balance are totally neutral and encouragingly friendly. A tendency to twang and skip sideways adds life into the ride when you start pushing hard through twisty or rooty sections, helping the Fuel disguise its overall weight quite well.

What's really impressive is how well all the kit on this £1200 bike performs. We're not sure why you need a coil fork with 130mm travel potential on a 90mm travel air sprung suspension frame, but the Recon is amazingly smooth and controlled. You even get full rebound and compression control to match the shock, too. XT highlights on LX stop and go equipment give flawless shifts, taut power delivery and smoothly communicated stopping. LX hubs provide long rolling life to the Bontrager rimmed wheels too, while the Kevlar beaded 2.2in tyres add a surefooted feel without extra weight. Bonty saddle, seat post and stem are all fine, although we really didn't get on with the droopy tipped bars and uncomfortably thin yet horribly lumpy grips.

Trek's Fuel isn't new and it's a bit heavy, but it's still a great example of how far mid-price suspension bikes and mid-price equipment have come. The frame's well balanced and sweet handling, while fork and LX kit performance are fantastic for the price. If all we're griping about on this bike is uncomfortable grips, then Trek are onto a winner.

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Trek Fuel 90 2004 Technical specs and features

General specs of trek fuel 90 bicycle, wheels and breaking system, frame and body specifications, gearing specs, trek fuel 90 fork system data, other specs of trek fuel 90, trek fuel 90 picture, fuel 90 bike comparison.

Trek Fuel 90 VS Diamondback Mission 3

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Trek Fuel 90 bike review

Trek produced the Fuel 90 bike in 2004 and can be classified as a Mountain bike bicycle, this exact model costs in american market arround $1,549.99. Fuel 90 bike is available in many sizes such as 15.5 (inches), 17.5 (inches), 19.5 (inches) and 21.5 (inches). Trek Mountain bike Fuel 90 can be found in one single color which is Black. This bike is equiped with 26 x 2.20" Bontrager ACX tires and Stainless steel spoke wheel while the rims are manufactured by Bontrager Race, 20-hole/24-hole. Trek equiped this exact model with Avid Single Digit 3 brakes, Avid Speed Dial 5 levers braking system and Bontrager Race hubs. To guarantee the comfiest ride Trek used Aluminum material for the frame. Bontrager Select high strength material is used on the handlebar of this Fuel 90 to ensure the perfect handling while the stems are made of Bontrager Select. For the smoothest biking experience Bontrager Race, 22/32/44 teeth is used on this bicycle linked to 1/2 x 3/32" chain that is easily replaceable as stated by Trek , the whole system is connected to a high reliability Shimano Deore XT RapidFire SL gear shift levers.

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Similar to buying an OLD Jeep. Sure it'll still make it down the trail but it's gonna be pretty unrefined and rattley, and not worth using long term unless you're into that sort of thing. Check the chain, brake pads, suspension damping, and sidewalls of the rims. If nothing is worn out just adjust the seat height (if you need it where it is that bike is way to big for you) and go ride. At most consider new touch points (seat, grips, and especially pedals). Like that old Jeep there is nothing wrong with using an old bike, it's just that the rest of the world has moved on. Equipment has improved and to some extent the trails have changed to match the capabilities of new equipment.  

phantoj said: Looks pretty good to me. Tune it up, make sure it's shifting right. I'd prefer a bike like this -- if everything is working -- over a typical low-end new bike, but that's just me. Some early (90's) full suspension bikes were pretty bad. But this one is more of an 00's design and IMO they had things figured out quite a bit by this point... Fork and shock may be worn out or in dire need of service. New pedals are a good idea, check out Fooker pedals... Click to expand...

Looks pretty good to me. Tune it up, make sure it's shifting right. I'd prefer a bike like this -- if everything is working -- over a typical low-end new bike, but that's just me. Some early (90's) full suspension bikes were pretty bad. But this one is more of an 00's design and IMO they had things figured out quite a bit by this point... Fork and shock may be worn out or in dire need of service. New pedals are a good idea, check out Fooker pedals...  

If that's a manitou SX fork, you might want to search around online for an elastomer kit. You might need a fork if the elastomer is beat down. You don't want to spend a lot on that bike, but you might find a good deal on fleabay for one of the nicer Suntour forks.  

You could do a lot worse than an old fuel. We've had a few of those, and liked them. You will need a shock pump for the rear shock. Those old foxes are pretty easy to fix if they leak air. Your biggest problem is likely to be the fork. They are a pain to work on and expensive to replace. Hopefully yours is functional. If you decide to replace the fork, do your research, there are many different fork out there which will not work on that bike for a variety of reasons. You should learn how to fix your bike yourself. And old bike needs care and bringing it to the shop for each little thing will add up fast. The basics are pretty simple to learn.  

One more thing. Although it is a nice bike, I really do like those old fuels, do not invest significant money into it. Its not cost effective to do so.  

My first dual suspension bike was a fuel just like that one. I rocked the hell out of it and rode everything. Of course the bikes now are significantly better, but don't let that hold you back. You can have a ball on it and it can take it. See if you can find some affordable disc wheels and brakes though, other than that ride on!  

I like this idea but I wouldn't even know where to start. What exactly would I need? Wheels with disk adapters I'm guessing?  

I can't remember, but I think some of those came with wheels that are disc ready. The rear needs an adaptor for the frame.  

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Trek Fuel 90

• Serial: WW2797556
• Manufacturer: Trek
• Name: Trek 90 Fuel
• Model: Fuel 90
• Primary colors: Blue
• Frame size: S
• Frame Material: Aluminum

Distinguishing features

Trek 90 fuel shimano XT deore shifters and derailer.

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Trek 2001 Fuel 90 WSD Full Suspension Bike

• USER REVIEWS

Great bike, first full suspension bike, was riding a gary fisher kaitai previously. The WSD is great, no more neck pain. The bike is fast and durable, like a lot of others said it rides like a hardtail but you cant feel the bumps. Its not "cushy" like other bikes I tried. Feels like a race bike. Looks cool too, in the past I've steered away from Womens specific products because they dont look as cool, girly colors and such. This bike looks mean and can take whatever you put it through. Been out twice on mine, just got it last week, it's covered in mud already. Plus I couldnt beat the price $750.00 brand new. Feel like I sole it really.

not crazy about Bontrager parts but can always upgrade

Love it, nice job Trek

Similar Products Used:

Gary Fisher sugar (too long), Cannondale Jeckle (too soft)

I've really enjoyed this bike! The full-suspension takes the bumps & logs with ease. Bontrager did great on the seat design, it's very comfortable.

The seat post creaks, I've taken it back to the dealer and they tightened it, but it's back with a vengence! It's agravating & embarrassing. I only weight 120lbs, so we're perplexed at why it does this. I'm going to contact Trek to see if they'll do anything.

I'm very pleased with it. I think it was a fair price for what I got. I would recommend it highly, but I would suggest negotiating with your Trek dealer a remedy for the creaking seat post.

This is an awesome machine. Great geometry & linkage. Absorbs so much, yet lets you feel the intricacies you need for the drops and logs.

Cables cut through the aluminum frame (you have to wrap the contact points with tape), as does the chain when it pops off towards the frame. The rear disc brakes SCREAM!!!! ANYONE KNOW HOW TO REMEDY THIS????????

I love this bike. The WSD geometry allows for the proper positioning so that you don't get muscle fatigue (too quickly!!). Also, it makes it easier to pop up the front tire, or hang off the back, because of the great geometry and balance. This bike feels like it was made for me.

I had an old "Team Chance" cromoly frame, sweet hardtail... but it's like comparing apples to chocolate body paint.

This bike is the first bike that really fits. I don't have the sore neck and back that I used to have. This bike is FUN. Tight and quick and forgiving when it needs to be.

The bikes clipless peddles suck, I've had issues with chain suck and the disc brakes howeled. These were easy to fix. MY only issue now is my frame CREAKS- it feels like it may blow-up at anytime. Why it creaks? - No one knows- the bike mechanics have gone over it with a fine tooth comb and we have tried numerous things to stop the creaking. At 120 lbs it is not like I hammered the bike- it has been ridden, but not hammered. Perhaps, the frame itself has a defect-

I love my bike- now that I've customized it and fixed all the minor annoying details. My biggest concern now is when my frame is going to blow-up. It fits and rides like a dream, I hope that it doesn't blow-up now that it is just perfect for me (I'd be crushed).

My old bike was a Kona AA. Loved it but I love the fit of this bike much better.

Great looking bike that's fast, fast, fast! High quality frame, components, comfortable saddle, and awesome handling-both uphill and down. Get an almost-custom fit bike for a great deal.

Drive chain line is not as straight as I'd like. Occasionally the chain will pop off on a dowbhill, if not in a big enough gear. Stickers don't stick very well- so I just peeled them off- mine only says Fuel on one side which I think is cooler anyway.

Great bike for the money, especially for racers and other women who like to ride fast. Won my first two races on it. It allows me to keep up with my boyfriend more often, I really believe in the advantages of a women specific design for all sports equipment. Full suspension is especially advantageous for the rocky Northen New Jersey riding I do sometimes or for rough terrain. I've never had any pain- even after an almost three hour race.

Excellent component group for the money; just the right geometry for me as a woman

Let you know later

This bike fits me perfect. If you are experiencing shoulder or neck pain just riding around your neighborhood, your frame may be too long/big for you. The women specific has a short top tube and even short cranks, and a very comfy Bontrager saddle. The choice of suspension on this machine just adds to the enjoyment. Biker chicks rule the trails - especially with a Trek WSD. I should also add that the bike comes stock with XT rear, Rolf wheelset, and a comfy Manitou SXR fork. All this and disc ready...what more do you need? Just a jersey from Patagonia.

Quality components right out of the box. Shorter cranks and small frame are great.

Cable adjustments on shifting several times makes me wonder if there is a crank/chainring flaw?

I'm a physiotherapist so a bike that is ergonomically friendly is important for myself. The ride is excellent and I can hammer the slop and slope with Mr. Senior Dan.

Fit for a 5'2" mini girl, climbing without bobbing, soaks up the hits when you only weigh 110 lbs.

none yet! Although I'm thinking of changing the tires for something a little beefier.

Just came back from the bike park at Whistler. I got some big air, rode the downhill course and the bike never failed me. The suspension was firm and easily soaked up the hits. Most of what I ride is slower technical trails with lots of roots and rocks and the fuel is great on the climbs and the descents. I just hope I don't run into any of the problems the guys have had with this bike!

Used to ride a hammer race hardtail. I couldn't find another full suspension bike that fit a girl as well. Most of them don't have nearly enough standover (hint hint).

Great front fork and back shock. This is my first full suspension, I love it! This bike climbs great and so far is good at the downhills too. Looks cool and the sizing so far seems great and I am no "little" woman (5'6" and 150). Good components for the price, shifters seem to be a bit fussy and have needed frequent adjusting (but it is new).

I had a HUGE issue with the loudest creaking ever! I had all things tightened that could be tightened and it did not help. The store finally discovered that it was a reinforcement sleeve inside the down tube that had come loose. The remedy - pour white lightening down the tube... The white lighteneing worked but the store got me a new bike and this one doesn't creak. Apparently this was an issue with last year's model - seems they should have it fixed by now? If it creaks again, I will be looking at other bikes.

Great bike for the price. So far, I would highly recommend it. Now that the creaking is gone, it is a fun ride! I would receommend spening a lot of time comparing the women's specific to the men's in length to make sure the sizing is right. I am still unsure that I got the right height (18") for me. You really have to try it on the trails to be sure.

Tried the Sugar 4+, Cannondale Jeckell 500 and Specialized Stumpjumper. My last bike was an old heavy Iron Horse Rigid. :-)

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• Crosscountry
• Rider Notes

2004 Trek Fuel 90

A 26″ full suspension crosscountry bike with high-end components and rim brakes. Compare the full range

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

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Last updated June 29 Not listed for 2,459 days

The 2020 Fuel EX 9.9 Is a World-Class Trail Bike

New geometry, more travel, and even better suspension improves Trek's mid-weight trail bike.

The Takeaway : Trek’s 2020 Fuel EX has more travel, is stiffer, and built with bigger parts. It’s a bit heavier and more capable in rowdy terrain, but still an excellent all-purpose trail bike

• Expanded range of sizes and colors, but no more women’s models.
• 140mm forks and 2.6-inch tires on all models
• Fox 36 forks on top-of-the-line models
• Lifetime frame warranty returns

Price: $2,100 to $7,500 Weight: 29.1 lb. (Fuel EX 9.9, size 17.5)

Trek’s Fuel EX was an excellent lightweight trail bike, with notes of XC race in its bouquet. For 2020 the EX effectively underwent a training montage worthy of an 80’s movie and emerged bigger and badder. It is up to 140mm travel in the front (still 130mm in the rear), longer, slacker, stiffer, and comes with bigger tires. The new EX is a trail bike with hints of enduro. Yep, it’s heavier: The top of the line model weighs about 29 pounds on our scale. But it also has a trap door and hidden storage in the downtube.

The 9.9 reviewed here, and the $5,500 9.8, have Trek’s premier shock technologies and hearty Fox 36 forks—features lower cost EX models don’t get, which is a shame, because the 9.9 is a beautifully balanced and capable trail bike. The rear suspension is superb, offering a blend of support, sensitivity, and control that might be unmatched. The suspension handles bumps like it has more travel, but pedals like it has less.

The Fox 36 with GRIP 2 damper is very stiff, which helps keep this bike on the line you want to ride—the 2020 EX’s improved rear end stiffness helps too—and the quality of the travel is lively yet controlled. Yes, I’m gushing, but this suspension deserves it. It’s too bad Trek didn’t see fit to fit this bike with a decent dropper though. The stock Bontrager post is sticky and sluggish.

The longer and slacker geometry provides a more centered feel when you’re working the trail with the saddle dropped. The bike’s steering is light, and the bike climbs technical singletrack very well—a nice suspension platform and crisp pedaling manners help. On downhills, it’s very sure-footed and even rides a little bigger than its travel and geometry might suggest.

There are a lot of great trail bikes you can buy right now. This EX makes a strong case that it’s one of the very best.

Hidden Storage

The new EX has a trap door that lets you store stuff in its downtube.

Easier Setup

A number rebound knob makes proper setup easier.

The Mino-Link flip chip adjusts head and seat angle 0.5 degrees.

High and Low

The GRIP2 damper offers 4-way external damping adjustment.

The 2020 Fuel EX 29er is more than just redesigned; it’s repositioned. Trek launched the new Top Fuel earlier this year, transforming it from an XC race bike to a longer-travel (115/120mm) and more trail-oriented bike. That narrowed—practically eliminated—the gap between it and the 2019 130/130mm Fuel EX. But the 2020 Fuel EX also bumps up in travel and gets a little burlier. It’s now a bigger trail bike tiptoeing toward the enduro category.

Rear travel remains 130mm, but on the front are 140mm forks, with higher-end carbon models using Fox’s 36. The frame is stiffer, and gets longer (10 to 20mm depending on size). Angles change too: the head tube is a degree slacker (66 in low, 66.5 in high), while the seat tube gets a degree steeper (75 in low, 75.5 in high). As you can tell, the frame still employs a geometry-changing flip-chip.

Frame: Carbon Wheel Size: 29 inch Travel: 130mm Shock: Fox Factory Float Reactiv ThruShaft Fork: Fox Factory Float 36 Grip 2, 140mm Drivetrain: 1x12 Crankset: SRAM X01 Eagle Rear Derailleur: SRAM X01 Eagle Dub Cassette: SRAM XG-1275 Eagle, 10-50 Brakes: Shimano XT 4-piston hydraulic disc, 200mm (f), 180mm (r) rotors Seatpost: Bontrager Drop Line Elite Rims: Bontrager Line Carbon 30, 30mm internal width, tubeless ready Tires: Bontrager XR4 2.6-inch

There’s also a new trap door in the downtube—carbon models only—that provides that sweet, sweet storage in the downtube. An organizer roll—included—has pockets for a tube, Co2 cartridge, inflator head, and tire lever and keeps it all from rattling around. A plastic side-load bottle cage is included with the bike. We’ve also heard rumors that a tool that fits in the headtube will arrive later this year.

The switch to longer and slacker frame geometry brings with it shorter offset forks. This isn’t shocking—almost every new mountain bike that rolls out with uses a shorter offset fork. But for Trek, it’s a more significant change because it means rolling back from a feature it heavily promoted for many years. Its Genesis/G2 29er geometry is based around longer (51mm) offset forks. But that geometry has its roots in the beginnings of the 29er movement, when brands were trying to make 29ers handle like 26-inch-wheeled bikes (that was a thing), and also the days of shorter and steeper geometry.

But that era is over, and Trek is moving on, “Modern geometry and its longer reach and slacker headtubes requires a smaller offset to put the front wheel in an appropriate spot under the rider,” said Travis Ott, Trek’s mountain bike brand manager .

Trek engineers in the past said that Full Floater let them achieve a better shock rate—for better suspension performance throughout the travel—than they could with a fixed lower mount.

But that was then. The new generation of shocks, Trek says, offer the performance that previously was only achievable by using Full Floater, making the floating shock mount redundant. As a secondary benefit, the fixed-lower shock mount also helps Trek improve frame stiffness.

Higher-end EX models get a custom Fox Float shock with a list of Trek-only features. There’s a mini-piggyback reservoir that dissipates more heat in demanding situations, a thru-shaft design to reduce friction , and Reaktiv regressive damping for a firm pedaling platform without compromising sensitivity.

There’s also a numbered rebound knob to make setup easier. Trek representatives told me that customers found rebound settings like “15 clicks in” or “seven clicks out” confusing, and as a result would ride improperly tuned suspension. Now, Trek’s setup information can provide an easily understandable setting like “6” that matches a number on the knob.

The 2020 Fuel EX fits up to 2.6-inch tires front and rear. And to ensure “all” 2.6 tires fit, the EX’s forks get a custom spacer that slightly increases its axle-to-crown length compared to a stock 140mm fork and provides more crown clearance.

2020 Fuel EX frames come in aluminum or carbon. And all carbon frames are all carbon—no more carbon front ends with aluminum rear ends on mid-tier models. All frames have a lifetime warranty. Carryover features include Trek’s Knock Block headset, which prevents the bars from swinging around and damaging the top tube, and anti-rattle hose and housing with internal routing.

Gender, Sizing, and Wheel Size

The 2019 Fuel EX came in three women’s models and six unisex models. The 2020 EX line consists of six models with no women’s models. Instead, all 2020 EX models are available in a greater frame-size range and two colors. This, Trek argues, gives all riders more options to choose. None of the 2020 models get women’s saddles. Potential buyers will need to negotiate with a Trek dealer if an EX’s stock saddle doesn’t work for their anatomy.

The 2020 Fuel EX comes in eight sizes—extra small through double extra-large. The extra-small bike has 27.5 wheels, but the next size up comes with either size 27.5- or 29-inch wheels. All other sizes get 29-inch wheels only.

The Fuel EX Family

The new EX comes in six “mainline” models priced from $2,100 to $7,500. The EX is also customizable through Trek’s Project One program.

The three least-expensive models—$2,100, $2,900, $3,500—use an aluminum frame, and the three most expensive models—$4,100, $5,500, $7,500—use the full-carbon frame. Frame only is offered for both materials: $2,000 for aluminum and $3,300 for carbon.

All models use 140mm forks, however only the two most expensive bikes—the 9.8 and 9.9—get a Fox 36 fork. All other models use a Fox 34, RockShox 35, or RockShox Recon. On the other end, the least-expensive model uses a RockShox shock, but all other models use a Fox Float. You need to step up to the $3,500 EX 8 before you get the Reaktiv regressive damper in the shock, and it’s not until you hit the $5,500 EX 9.8 that you access the thru-shaft damper design.

So yeah, you don’t get *all* the good stuff—carbon frame with internal storage, 36 fork, thru-shaft shock, Reaktiv damping—until you spend $5,500.

All but the cheapest model come with 1x12 drivetrain and tubeless-ready rims. All models come with Bontrager 2.6” wide tires, dropper post, lock-on grips, and hydraulic disc brakes.

Ride Impressions

Not surprisingly, Trek sent me the top-of-the-line 2020 Fuel EX 9.9 X01 ($7,500). This model and the 9.8 have all the new features and all of Trek’s premier technologies.

But most EX models come with much different forks and shocks that will significantly affect how the EX performs— a bike with a 36 on the front rides much differently than a bike with a 34 on the nose, even if everything else is the same. So I’m only comfortable extending my impressions to two of the six 2020 EX models. I hope to ride one of the less expensive aluminum models to see how it rides and offer those impressions in a stand-alone review.

I hope they can come close to the performance of this bike because this 2020 EX 9.9 is excellent. It’s not the same bike it was before: the new EX is a little slower on the climbs than the old one, and a bit heavier, but a lot better everywhere else. It’s still a capable and versatile bike, but its window has shifted from marathon racing and trail bike, to trail and almost-enduro 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 of when you’re playing.

The Fox 36’s GRIP2 damper continues to set the bar for performance. Once you get its settings right—and it may take some fiddlin’ with the four clickers to get there—no other fork matches its combination of traction, control, stiffness, and weight. Its performance pulls this bike’s capabilities to a new level, especially in demanding terrain.

The new geometry is well balanced: You can push this bike hard in pretty demanding terrain, and it still climbs tight and technical trails well, and without fighting the front wheel (too much). The EX’s seat tube angle isn’t crazy-steep for a modern mountain bike, but it doesn’t need to be: the Trek’s Reaktiv damper’s platform holds the bike up in its travel better than similar bikes, preventing the rider from being pushed into the back seat because of increased shock sag from weight transfer. So even though the seat tube is “only” 75/75.5, it rides a bit steeper.

The platform also assists the EX’s pedaling efficiency. When I think of a nearly 30-pound trail bike with 2.6 tires, I don’t think quick and crisp. But this EX feels firm when you’re on the pedals and climbs lighter than a 29-pound trail bike should.

And it’s about here where I need to address my one complaint about this bike: The Bontrager dropper post. If this was a $2,000 bike, I might—might—be able to excuse its sluggishness and stickiness. But on a $7,500 bike, its performance is shameful—it performs exactly like a product that was chosen to save a few bucks. Excellent options like the BikeYoke Revive, Fox Transfer, and RockShox Reverb (the latest one), exist: This bike’s performance and high-end price deserve one.

I’m a fan of the longer reach. I’m 5’8,” and in the previous generation EX I sized up to an 18.5 because the 17.5 felt short and squirrely. But the reach of the new generation in 17.5 is within a few millimeters of the 18.5 from the previous generation. In the saddle the cockpit does feel a touch short because of the steeper seat angle (I slammed the saddle back because the rear suspension rides high making the seat angle feel even steeper), but, saddle dropped, I felt perfectly centered in the bike and not hanging over the front wheel.

It’s a great time to be a mountain biker because there are so many great trail bikes you can buy. The Fuel EX 9.9 and 9.8 are pricey bikes but have a collection of performance and features that few other bikes can match right now.

Three Awesome Knee Pads for the Trail

Light and Thin

G-Form Pro-X Barely noticeable sleeve with light pads and a mesh back panel. $60 | Competitive Cyclist

Dirt-Rash Defense

Dakine Slayer Thick padding in front with mesh behind the knees to keep you cool. $65 | Competitive Cyclist

A Padded Knee Warmer

Fox Launch Enduro Abrasion-resistant, soft, breathable, and easy to pedal in. $60 | Competitive Cyclist

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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• 2003, Trek, Fuel 80

2003 Trek Fuel 80

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• Fuel EX 5 Gen 5

We'll take care of you. Period.

It's our mission to provide you with world-class hospitality every time you visit us online or in-store. We're always here to help you. It's the Trek way.

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All bikes ordered online ship for free to your local Trek shop for professional assembly. Participating retailers will even deliver your new ride to your doorstep!

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If for any reason you aren't 100% happy with your trekbikes.com purchase, you can return it in like new condition within 30 days - no questions asked.

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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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Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Colour / Matte Gunmetal/Gloss Black, Optional upgrade colors: Trek Black/Green Light, Radioactive Orange/Trek Black, Radioactive Purple/Radioactive Yellow-Orange Fade

Size / 15.5 in., 17.5 in., 18.5 in., 19.5 in., 21.5 in.

Weight / 28 lb 6.0 oz (12,870 g)

At a glance

Full Floater, EVO link suspension, ABP (Active Braking Pivot), Straight Shot frame design, Knock Block frame defense, Mino Link adjustable geometry, Control Freak internal cable routing

Where To Buy

Specifications

• Frame OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame and seatstays, alloy chainstays, Carbon Armor
• Fork FOX Performance 34 Float, GRIP 3-position damper, E2 tapered steerer, G2 Geometry, 51mm offset, Boost110, 130mm
• Shock FOX Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210mm x 52.5mm
• Hubs Bontrager Line Elite 30, 108T Rapid Drive, Boost110 front, Boost148 rear
• Wheels Bontrager Line Elite 30, Tubeless Ready (tubeless strips included, valves sold separately)
• Wheel Size 29"
• Tires Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, 120tpi, aramid bead, 29" x 2.40"
• Chain 432mm, N/A, SRAM Descendant 7k Eagle, direct mount, 32 tooth, X-Sync, SRAM GX Eagle
• Crank SRAM Descendant 7k Eagle, direct mount
• Bottom Bracket 344mm, PF92
• Rear Derailleur SRAM GX Eagle, Roller Bearing Clutch
• Shifters SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• Brakeset SRAM Guide RS hydraulic disc, SRAM Guide RS hydraulic
• Handlebar Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm clamp, 15mm rise, 750mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 3, titanium rails
• Seatpost Bontrager Drop Line, internal routing, 15.5": 100mm travel, 17.5" and 18.5": 125mm travel, 19.5" and 21.5": 150mm travel, 31.6mm, Standard single bolt, 31.6mm, Standard single bolt
• Stem Bontrager Line Pro, Knock Block, 35mm clamp, 0° rise, 60mm length
• Grips Bontrager Race Lite, lock-on
• Headset Knock Block Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing

Q: How much is a 2018 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29?

A 2018 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 is typically priced around $5,000 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2018 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29?

The 2018 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2018 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 weigh?

A 2018 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 weights 28 lb 6.0 oz (12,870 g).

Q: What size wheels does the 2018 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 have?

The 2018 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 has 29" wheels.

Q: What size 2018 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 should I get?

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