First Ride: The all-new Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29 2017

Just over a month ago Trek showcased their new Trek Fuel EX 29 and new Trek Remedy in Squamish and we were there to check them out. With a presentation rich in words like slacker, longer, lower, more aggressive it was obvious that the new Trek Fuel EX was a different animal from the outgoing bike, but does it stay true to its trail bike roots?

Update July 2017: Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 Full Review

The new Fuel EX has supercharged the versatile trail bike, longer, lower and meaner it's now more capable, but is it still an allrounder? — Trek have supercharged the versatile Trek Fuel trail bike, now longer, lower and meaner it’s certainly more capable, but is it still an allrounder?

Changes to the 2017 Trek Fuel EX

So what’s changed with the new Trek Fuel model? Well, quite a lot! All the properties that made the original Trek Fuel are still there, the Mino Link adjustable geometry, the Full Floater rear suspension with Penske Racing developed RE:aktiv shock and Active Brake Pivot that keeps the suspension active under hard braking. But there have been big changes too, the distinctive silhouette with its arched top tube and unusual Straight Shot downtube certainly make the Trek Fuel EX stand out from the crowd.

Eagle-eyed readers will see that the downtube is now so straight that there’s not enough clearance for the fork crown to spin 360 degrees, but Trek has an answer. Using the Knock Block Frame defence a keyed headset stops the bars from spinning right round, protecting the top of the frame from impacts from the controls and the downtube from the fork crown. It’s a simple mechanical system that with the purchase of special keyed spacer can be made to work with non-Bontrager stems too. The downtube also features a frame protection plate on the downtube should the Knock Block fail.

You may think that this is a lot of engineering to achieve a straight down tube and you would be right, but Trek claims there’s more to it that simply aesthetics. Using the straight line between the BB and head tube massively improves frame strength, indeed Trek claims stiffness in the BB and Headtube is higher than their current big hitting 160 mm Slash.

The Fuel EX now features more travel, up 10 mm to 130 mm — The Trek Fuel EX now features more travel, up 10 mm to 130 mm

The head angle has been slackened too, to 67 degrees in the 'low' setting. — The head angle has been slackened too, to 67 degrees in the ‘low’ setting.

The Trek Fuel EX is now longer, lower and more aggressive!

The new Trek Fuel EX is more than just a new silhouette, it represents a new thinking from Trek – going bigger throughout the range, supercharging each model to offer more confidence and ability in challenging terrain. Trek have also simplified their wheel size choice, offering the Trek Fuel EX in 29er or 27.5 Plus versions and the Remedy in 27.5 only. The Trek Fuel EX takes a 10 mm hike in travel, from 120 mm to 130 mm, with an additional 5 mm added to the reach. The head angle has been reworked too, from 68° in the outgoing model to 67.7° or 67° in the user adjustable ‘High’ and ‘Low’ modes respectively (High and Low are still selected with the Mino Link). These changes have pushed the Trek Fuel EX from a stable and competent trail bike into a very confident descender indeed.

The new straight shot downtube boots stiffness, Trek clima that the new Trek Fuel EX is stiffer than the current Slash. — The new straight shot downtube boots stiffness, Trek claim that the new Trek Fuel EX is stiffer than the current Slash.

Geometry of the new Trek Fuel EX

Size	15.5	17.5	18.5	19.5	21.5
Head Tube Angle	[L]67° [H]67.7°	[L]67° [H]67.7°	[L]67° [H]67.7°	[L]67° [H]67.7°	[L]67° [H]67.7°
Seat Tube Angle	[L]74° [H]74.7°	[L]74° [H]74.7°	[L]74° [H]74.7°	[L]74° [H]74.7°	[L]74° [H]74.7°
Reach	[L]390 mm [H]399 mm	[L]426 mm [H]433 mm	[L]443 mm [H]450 mm	[L]458 mm [H]465 mm	[L]480 mm [H]487 mm
Head Tube	100 mm	100 mm	100 mm	100 mm	110 mm
Seat Tube Height	394 mm	419 mm	440 mm	470 mm	510 mm
BB Height	[L]335 mm [H]344 mm	[L]335 mm [H]344 mm	[L]335 mm [H]344 mm	[L]335 mm [H]344 mm	[L]335 mm [H]344 mm
Chain Stay	433 mm	433 mm	433 mm	433 mm	433 mm
Wheelbase	[L]112 cm [H] 112 cm	[L]115 cm [H] 114 cm	[L]117 cm [H] 116 cm	[L]119 cm [H] 118 cm	[L]121 cm [H] 121 cm
Stack	[L]609 mm [H]603 mm	[L]609 mm [H]603 mm	[L]609 mm [H]603 mm	[L]609 mm [H]603 mm	[L]618 mm [H]612 mm

Spec level of the new Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29

We were riding the top spec Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29, and retailing for €7999, it was – as you would expect – loaded with top end parts. We all know that with 29 ers the wheelset is all important and we were pleased to see the carbon DT Swiss XMC 1200 rims, which combined with their Bontrager XR4 (XR3 is standard) Team Issue Tyres added up to a potent package. SRAM featured heavily with an X01/XX1 Eagle 12 speed drivetrain, complete with 10 – 50 tooth cassette, and we were pleased to see the SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes. The suspension was handled with a 130 mm Fox Factory 34 Float and Trek’s own RE:aktiv valved Fox Float EVOL shock delivering 130 mm of buttery smooth, well-balanced travel.

The Bontrager XR3 Team Issue tyres are a good all rounder, but more aggressive riders will look to the XR4 — The standard bike comes with Bontrager XR3 Team Issue tyres which are good all rounder, but more aggressive riders will look to the XR4

The Fox factory 34 Float FIT4 fork has been revised to provide more support and control, and it works.

The new Bontrager Drop Line 125 seatpost worked well enough but we would have loved a 150 mm

The RE:aktiv tuning in the Fox EVOL Shock really opens up the rear performance.

At 432 mm the rear of the Fuel EX is compact and nimble without sacrificing stability.

Riding impressions on the Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29

We did not get a long time to explore the limits of the Trek Fuel, but the technical trails of Squamish certainly revealed the character of the new Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29, and clearly demonstrated it has evolved into a different beast.

Climbing on the 2017 Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29

The outgoing Trek Fuel was a do it all bike, but it could be argued it was geared more towards long mountain epics than hanging loose on the descents. After a long day on the pedals, we can confirm that the new 2017 Trek Fuel EX is no slouch uphill, punching forward with enthusiasm and vigour. We found that it climbed best with the firmer damping platforms engaged, the very responsive suspension still maintained excellent traction but a firmer platform was needed to help reduce pedal feedback. SRAM’s new XX1 Eagle drive train with its 10 – 50 tooth cassette makes long spins uphill a breeze, but you know you’re now riding a bigger bike. It’s not slow by any means, the Trek Fuel EX still feels light and nimble, but now carries a new purpose and intent, weighing in at 11.7 kg, it’s more like a boxer than a marathon runner – float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.

The Trek Fuel EX punches forward with enthusiasm, fast and direct with power delivery.

Descending on the Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29

If the Trek Fuel EX has lost anything in its climbing prowess it has more than made up for it with its downhill ability. It’s a beast, charging down the trail with poise and control the new Trek Fuel EX is effortless to exploit. The expensive DT Swiss XMC1200 wheels certainly help here, precise and direct they hold an aggressive line with ease, the SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes also inspire complete confidence – but it’s the geometry and RE:aktiv rear shock that’s the real winner. Lengthening the top tube and slackening out the head tube has really brought the new Trek Fuel EX up to date, feeling like a thoroughly modern trail bike, aggressive and confident it’s happy to take you right to the limits of your abilities. On steep terrain, the bike feels planted and stable with no dive or tuck from the supportive Fox Factory 34 Float forks (one spacer fitted), while the full floating rear suspension is incredibly smooth through the rough chatter and braking bumps.

The ABP pivot keeps it tracking well even when pulling hard on the brakes when your confidence outweighs your skill. The ride is very balanced, the RE:aktive shock delivering its stroke without any stiction or hesitation, rich in smooth controlled feedback. When the limits of the 130 mm of travel are reached there’s no noticeable top-out thud or harshness, just a controlled finish to the stroke. It’s an easy bike to chuck around and feels nimble and sharp without any nervousness or unpredictability. On terrain that certainly made us think twice we never felt under-biked and would not have been moving any quicker on a 160 mm bike.

but, the new Fuel EX has taken it to the next level on technical trails, the slacker more aggressive frame makes it a real trail slayer. — but, the new Trek Fuel EX has taken it to the next level on technical trails, the slacker more aggressive frame makes it a real trail slayer.

The Trek Fuel EX is no longer a mild mannered trail bike, it's a fire breathing animal. — The Trek Fuel EX is no longer a mild mannered trail bike, it’s a fire breathing animal.

First impressions on the new Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29

Trek have brought the Trek Fuel EX bang up to date with the new revisions and have certainly pushed it more towards the aggressive trail rider, it’s very similar to the old Remedy – only better. There are few other bikes that offer such a rounded ‘one bike to do it all’ package for the rider who wants to climb to the top without fuss and then wring the life out of the descents. Yes, some outright climbing potency has been lost, but point the Trek Fuel EX down and it’s confident, poised and very fast manner will have you grinning like a child at Christmas. The Trek Fuel EX represents the next generation of super capable 29ers that blend trail bike distance covering speed with enduro bike descending confidence. Like a refined remedy of old, it proved a perfect bike for the tough Squamish trails and we are confident that had we been riding a 160 mm enduro bike we wouldn’t have gone any quicker. You can read our full review in Issue 23 coming very soon!

Should I buy the Trek Fuel EX or the Remedy?

That’s a tough question and one that will be on the minds of many potential buyers. The Trek Fuel EX is a fantastically good bike, as near to a ‘one bike’ solution that we have seen in a long time, and the 2017 model has dialled it up to 11 when it comes to versatility. For those who seek the increased playfulness of the smaller 27.5″ wheel, then the new Remedy, of course, is a very capable performer. However if you just want to go really fast and have a great time doing it, the new Trek Fuel EX takes some beating.

You can see an overview of all the models in the new Trek range, including the new Trek Fuel EX on our 2017 Trek Range overview. Trek also dropped a brand new Remedy too, boasting more travel it’s also longer and slacker – check our our first ride impressions of the new Trek Remedy 9.9 RSL . For more information about the entire Trek range, check out trekbikes.com