Trek’s New Fuel EX Can Morph From Trail Bike to Enduro Rig

The Trek Fuel EX has long been the baby bear’s porridge in Trek’s mountain bike lineup – a bike that can operate well from downcountry to light enduro applications. Today’s launch of the new Fuel Ex in Australia marks even more fluidity for the model. 

The seventh generation Fuel EX departs from the aesthetics of the prior generation – instead taking cues from the Fuel+ EX e-bike. Both the top and downtube now feature more conventional lines, a choice that Trek states increases dropper insertion, standover height and front triangle space, a key factor for the next big news drop about this bike – it’s triple personality.

By swapping rocker links, lower shock mounts and suspension and/or wheels, the Fuel EX and can be configured as is – a 29” bike with 150/145mm travel, a Fuel MX: 160/150mm travel and 29”/27.5”; and the Fuel LX: 170/160mm 29” bike. Notable changes include headtube angle changes, with the Fuel EX setup featuring a headtube angle of 64.5º, the MX at 64.2º and LX down to a slack and ready 63.5º.

This makes the Fuel EX perhaps the most versatile bike we have seen launch in recent times. What could be better than riding the Fuel as an EX model in your local trail network, as a MX for the steep scree and setup as a Fuel LX for bombing Cannonball runs at Thredbo?

While Trek globally are launching these discrete Fuel LX and Fuel MX models, we won’t be seeing these on our shores – but Trek has stated that conversion kits will be landing mid August.

If you are desperate for a Fuel MX or LX, Trek is offering this through their Project One customisation project, which allows you to build your Fuel EX, MX or LX with a range of component choices and even choose your paint.

The new Fuel EX and Fuel+ EX will be available in three models each, the Fuel EX 5, 8 and 8.9 XT models across both Fuel EX and Fuel+ Ex offerings. We will see the Fuel EX 5 and 8 rollout in stores in August, with the Fuel EX 9.8 XT to follow later this year.

Fuel EX 5 Gen 7: $3499.99 – 16.8kg

Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy frame, RockShox Recon Silver 150mm, X-Fusion Pro 2, 2-position damper, Shimano Deore drivetrain, TranzX dropper.

Fuel EX 8 Gen 7: $4,999.99 – 16.7kg

Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy frame, Fox Rhythm 36 with GRIP damper 150mm fork, Fox Performance Float X, 2-position shock, SRAM Eagle 70 drivetrain and Bontrager Line dropper.

Fuel EX 9.8 XT Di2 Gen 7: $8,499.99 – 15.1kg

Carbon, Fox Factory 36 with GRIP X2 damper 150mm fork, Fox Factory Float X shock, Shimano XT mechanical groupset and Bontrager Line dropper.