trek ex 9.8 2019

• Rocky Mountain
• Specialized
• YT Industries
• Allied Cycle Works
• Black Market
• DALLINGRIDGE
• Diamondback
• Early Rider
• EVO Bicycles
• Growler Bikes
• Guerrilla Gravity
• iGO Electric
• Intense 951
• Juiced Bikes
• View all brands
• Production Privee
• Rad Power Bikes
• Rambo Bikes
• Riese & Müller
• Soul Fast E Bikes
• Spark Cycleworks
• State Bicycle Co.
• Structure Cycleworks
• Surface 604
• Van Nicholas
• Vintage Electric
• We Are One Composites

• Cross Country

• All Mountain

Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Colour / Volt/Solid Charcoal, Matte Gravel/Quicksilver, Radioactive Orange/Trek Black, Gloss Purple Phaze/Matte Trek Black, Viper Red/Trek White

Size / 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5

Weight / 28 lb 0 oz (12,701 g)

At a glance

ABP (Active Braking Pivot), Knock Block steerer stop, Integrated frame protection, Internal cable routing, Price varies by colorway

Where To Buy

Specifications

• Frame OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame and seatstay, alloy chainstay
• Fork FOX Performance 34 Float, GRIP 3-position damper, 51mm offset, boost 110, 130mm
• Shock FOX Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft, 210mm x 52.5mm
• Hubs Rapid Drive, boost 110mm front, boost 148mm rear
• Wheels Bontrager Line Carbon 30, tubeless ready, tubeless strips included, valves sold separately
• Wheel Size 29"
• Spokes DT Swiss Aerolite14/17G spokes with Alpina alloy locking nipples
• Tires Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Inner Strength sidewalls, 120 tpi, aramid bead, 29 x 2.40
• Chain 432mm, None included, 32 tooth direct mount, SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• Crank Truvativ Descendant 7k Eagle DUB
• Bottom Bracket 30mm drop, SRAM DUB press fit, 92mm
• Rear Derailleur SRAM GX Eagle, roller bearing clutch
• Shifters SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• Brakeset Shimano SLX M7000 hydraulic disc, Shimano SLX
• Handlebar Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails
• Seatpost Bontrager Line, internal routing, 100mm (15.5), 125mm (17.5 and 18.5), 150mm (19.5 and 21.5), 31.6mm, Standard single bolt, 31.6mm, Standard single bolt
• Stem Bontrager Line Pro, Knock Block, 35mm clamp, 0 degree
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on
• Headset Knock Block Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing

Q: Where to buy a 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29?

The 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 weigh?

A 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 weights 28 lb 0 oz (12,701 g).

Q: What size wheels does the 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 have?

The 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 has 29" wheels.

Q: What size 2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 should I get?

No comments on this bike yet. Why not be the first?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want more MTB in your mailbox?

The latest on mountain bikes delivered straight to your mailbox.

More Bikes in Range View All

Trek Fuel EX 7

Trek Fuel EX 5

Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX AXS

More trail bikes view all.

Trek Fuel EX 9 UK

Moots Womble SRAM XO1 EAGLE AXS 1X12

Haibike XDURO AllTrail 6.0

Deals view all, view all deals, recent posts view all.

Blackburn Honest Digital Pressure Gauge Review

It's 2020 people. The squeeze and bounce test doesn't cut it anymore (and this is…

Comparing Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes are complicated machines. They have parts from hundreds of different manufacturers, come in…

Undomestic Mountain Bikes: Here’s what we know

Update March 2020: Undomestic has announced that they are manufacturing frames "at this moment" and…

Send Feedback

Have a suggestion? Looking for a bike that's not on MTB Database? Or perhaps you've spotted an error?

We'd love to hear from you. Let us know with the form below.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible. Learn more.

About MTB Database

Explore, search and compare thousands of the world’s best mountain bikes here on Mountain Bike Database.

Compare prices, components, suspension, reviews, images and more on current and past MTB’s. You can even share reviews, comments and questions on mountain bikes. View and compare a huge selection of bikes from brands such as Trek , Specialized , Giant , Santa Cruz , Norco and more .

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information for mountain bikes on MTB Database. If you’ve spotted any issues, please let us know . We also include helpful tools, such as our frame size calculator, to assist you in choosing the right mountain bike. Bear in mind that these tools serve as a guide and simply provide a general indication. Refer to information provided by your bike manufacturer for the most applicable information for your bike.

Bikes By Brand

Bikes by year, bikes by riding style, bikes by wheel size, popular bikes.

• 2022 Specialized Epic EVO Comp
• 2022 Trek Marlin 6
• 2022 Specialized Enduro Comp
• 2022 Specialized S-Works Epic EVO
• 2022 Specialized Epic EVO Expert
• 2022 Giant Fathom 29 1
• 2022 Trek Marlin 7

Latest Bikes

• 2023 Commencal SUPREME DH V5 SIGNATURE 70'S
• 2023 Orange Phase 29 Factory
• 2022 Commencal META SX V4 TEAM Frame
• 2023 Commencal SUPREME DH V5 SIGNATURE LTD
• 2023 Commencal META SX V4 - Frame
• 2023 Riese & Müller Swing4 vario
• 2023 Riese & Müller Swing4 silent

• Rider Notes

2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components. Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

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.

Fuel EX 9.8 29

Similar Bikes

(descending)

Add custom gearing

Oct 2020 · Benjamin Topf

The Trek Fuel EX 9.9 is an absolute classic in the trail bike segment. Could it also be the perfect bike for the next bikepacking adventure with its modern geometry and spare parts compartment in the down tube? We put the Fuel EX to the test.

Maximum fun on the descents

Intuitive and good-natured handling

Storage compartment in the down tube for tools or snacks

Too sluggish on easy terrain

Too much bike for long straights

Read Review

Nov 2019 · Jeremy Benson

The Fuel EX 8 is an impressively capable, versatile, and well-rounded trail bike that is ready for anything you are. Trek redesigned the Fuel EX models for...

Relatively affordable

Good component spec for the price

Great small bump compliance

Versatile/well-rounded

Frame sizing feels a little small

Can be overwhelmed in super aggressive terrain

Nov 2019 · Alan Muldoon

The updated Trek Fuel EX now features storage in the downtube, 29er wheels, more travel and a gorgeous frame… oh and it’s rollicking fast too.

Punchy trail bike with great handling.

Low profile tyre tread lacks bite.

Having spent a load of saddle time with the 2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 on home soil, we've been getting very familiar with this 130mm travel trail brawler. It hasn't all been smooth sailing though. Read on to see what the Fuel EX does well, what it's struggled with, and what changes we've made to our long term review rig.

Stupendously plush rear suspension

The Fox 36 has really stepped up the EX's appetite for gnar

New geometry brings masses of high-speed stability

Rattling from the downtube trapdoor

Knock Block system works but creates practical annoyances

The 35mm carbon bars are overly stiff

Oct 2019 · McCoy

One seriously light and capable bike

Aug 2019 · Mike Levy

Trek's trail bike gets an all-new frame with tweaked suspension and fresh geometry, but where does sit compared to the competition?

Forgiving, deep feeling suspension

It's a wizard on technical climbs

New geometry increases capabilities

It might be too forgiving for some riders

You'll be using the pedal assist lever often

Trek could have gone further with the geometry

Oct 2018 · Joseph Delves

A great full-sus all-rounder with an innovative frame

Jun 2018 · Nic “U-Turn” Hall

Without a doubt one of our favorite bikes in the budget bike roundup. The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 blends a refined look with affordable performance to offer you a killer mountain bike at a great value.

Last updated 1 October Not listed for 1,712 days

Trek Fuel EX 9.8 review

• Alan Muldoon
• November 6, 2019

Trek’s updated Fuel EX now features storage in the downtube, 29er wheels, more travel and a gorgeous frame… oh and it’s rollicking fast too

Product Overview

Overall rating:, trek fuel ex 9.8.

• Punchy trail bike with great handling.
• Low profile tyre tread lacks bite.

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

The updated Trek Fuel EX now features storage in the downtube, 29er wheels , more travel and a gorgeous frame… oh and it’s rollicking fast too.

>>> Best full suspension mountain bike in 2019

Winner of our Bike of the Year award in 2017, the Fuel EX easily impressed us with its turn of speed, capable suspension and its ability to excel on any trail.

Three years on, and the Fuel EX is still a 130mm travel 29er trail bike, but Trek has moved things forward once again.

Fork travel has been upped to 140mm to make the bike even more capable and the mix and match carbon/alloy frame options on the high-end bikes are gone. Instead, all 9 series Fuel EXs now get a full carbon frame, with a one-piece magnesium rocker link, and the frame is now covered by a lifetime warranty.

Sizing on the Fuel EX has moved forward too. Our size L test bike growing by 12mm to sport an ample 470mm reach measurement. We’ve complained about overly slack seat angles on Trek bikes in the past, so we welcomed the steeper seat tube on the latest version. Granted, at 67.2 degrees it’s not as steep as some, but it still allowed us to run the saddle centered on the seat post, without having to sit on the nose of the saddle for climbing.

Fox Float RE:aktiv Performance shock dishes out 130mm of travel

Trek first eliminated the Full Floater linage on the Trek Slash , then the Trek Remedy and now the Fuel EX. To be fair, it was something of a hangover from the days when Trek had an inferiority complex about its suspension. More importantly, ditching it has freed up space for the new thru-shaft shock. There’s no oil displacement with this design, but the shock still has a thermal compensation chamber that looks like a tiny piggyback. The RE:aktiv damped shock is easy to set-up and with three distinct compression settings at the flick of a lever, it’s easy to match the damping to the terrain. Just don’t expect a super-firm pedal platform as the RE:aktiv damper is super sensitive off the top.

Knock Block headset helps protect the frame from fork damage

With shallow knobs, the 2.6in Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tyres are sporty, but they lack a pronounced edge on which to push in loose corners. The lack of knob height also makes the tyres more pressure sensitive. With no real knobs to squish, you need to drop the tyre pressure by a couple of psi to stop the ride from feeling too harsh. Thankfully, the tyres have reinforced Inner Strength sidewalls that make this possible without having to tiptoe through rocks for fear of puncturing.

Getting the front-end height dialled in was a little tricky too. Trek provides three 10mm interlocking headset spacers to match the Knock Block stem , but we’d like to see a couple of 5mm spacers and a 2.5mm for really fine-tuning the handlebar height.

We liked the lever shape of the SLX four piston disc brakes , and thankfully we had none of the shifting bite-point issues associated with the more expensive XT and XTR brakes. Raw power wasn’t quite as impressive as the SRAM Code brakes on the Specialized Stumpjumper though.

Full Floater design is a thing of the past

Performance

We spent the first couple of rides on the Fuel EX 9.8 chasing a knocking sound around the frame. We removed the BITS storage door and burrito, checked the Knock Block headset was secure, battened down all of the cables and tightened the new universal derailleur hanger, all to no avail. It wasn’t until we cinched up all of the pivot bolts that silence was restored and we could shift our focus back to the performance of the bike.

If we had to describe the new Fuel EX in a single word it would be “direct”. Not only does it feel like the fastest way from A to B, it’s tight and responsive when you want it to be, but remains sensitive enough to iron out the chatter. We really liked how light it feels to pedal and how the Fuel EX fires you out of corners faster than you entered them.

Yes, the shock feels more active than the Stumpy we you stand up to pedal, but stay seated on the steepest climbs and the Fuel EX makes everything feel easier.

Trek has done and amazing job with the new Fuel EX, retaining the blistering pace of the old design while bringing the sizing, suspension and handling up-to-date. It's not quite perfect though. The bar and stem don't offer enough rise, and we’d like more headset spacer options to fine-tune bar height. There’s no faulting the ride quality of the Fuel EX 9.8 though. The suspension offers stacks of traction and plenty of support for raining turns. Yes, the custom shock doesn't offer the firmest level of support when stomping on the pedals, but this doesn't appear the slow the Fuel EX down any.

• MAGAZINE OFFERS
• BIKE INSURANCE
• Best Products
• Maintenance
• Accessories
• Long-Term Reviews
• BikeRadar Podcast
• First Look Friday
• Bike of the Week
• Tech Features
• Routes and Rides
• Bike Galleries
• BikeRadar Bargains
• Buyer's Guides
• Fitness & Training
• Sizing & Fit
• Mountain Biking UK
• Cycling Plus
• Bike of the Year 2024

Trek Fuel EX 9.8 - First ride review

Even better than last year's

The 120mm (5in) travel, Shimano XT-equipped carbon Fuel EX 9.8 is second from top in Trek’s Singletrack Trail Bike category, with only the SRAM XX 9.9 sitting above it in the pecking order. At first glance it’s still the same old reliable full floater that has scooped awards since the inception of Trek’s ABP (Active Braking Pivot) platform some four years ago, but Trek claims it’s a completely new bike for 2012. We got to test the EX 9.8 on the demanding trails of the Austrian Alps to find out.

The EX 9.8 swallowed up the bigger hits and lapped up the chaotic frenzies of roots you so often find on Alpine trails and it did so with a certain playfulness, helped noticeably by the DRCV (Dual Rate Control Valve) fork. On tight switchbacks and fast berms alike it held its line accurately, while the 3x10 gearing with its lower-than-2x10 first gear was appreciated on the longer uphill grunts. So does it deserve the ‘all new’ tag? Well, despite new geometry, tube and suspension performance it still rides like the EX we’ve grown to love; it’s just that it does it even better.

Ride & handling: Bob-free climbing prowess and a happy descender

With the DRCV (Dual Rate Control Valve) rear shock we always felt that the Fuel EX had a lot more to offer, almost like it was nudging the perceived boundaries of its 120mm travel pigeonhole. Riding the steep trails around Mayrhofen the EX’s geometry change was immediately noticeable, and we found ourselves happily diving down the same steep, stepped Alpine descents that we’d previously ridden on Trek's 150mm travel Remedy, albeit slightly slower on the Fuel EX.

The EX refused to get out of its depth. Playing with fork pressure we found the DRCV’s forte, it smoothly utilising its full travel while retaining poise through the mid stroke, without a ramp-up. Pump the bumps and get in the air, and the Fuel EX has the ability to bring you down again safely, it's suspension without quirks and easy to get to know.

The 680mm carbon bar felt comfortable, though an extra 20mm width wouldn’t be out of order if your riding veers towards pushing descents hard, and we’re surprised that the EX range has steered clear of dropper posts. Trek says that dropper posts are Remedy terrain, but with the capabilities of the new Fuel EX being wider we’d expect a lot of EX riders will be adding them, especially as the through-seat tube pivot prevented us dropping the long Bontrager post as much as we’d like on steep trails. Either way, luckily there’s a spare cable guide (freed up by the front mech internal cabling) under the top tube should you want to spec one.

With the bike retaining the same great, bob-free climbing prowess of previous incarnations, we found little use for full ProPedal lockout, but the new mid ProPedal setting gave a firm but traction-loving compromise to minimising squat. The back end felt tight and fast off the block helped by the stiff 142x12mm thru-axle as standard (Fuel EXs have ABP Convert drop-outs, allowing you to still run older 135x5 QR too), and further balancing the feel of the stiff QR15 fork up front. Brakes are powerful and well modulated though the new short XT levers are less easy to reach if you use middle finger braking.

Frame: Completely revised frameset

At the heart of Trek’s ‘all new’ claims sits a completely revised frameset, with new tube shapes dominating both the US-made OCLV (Optimum Compaction, Low Void) carbon and Far East Alpha Platinum aluminium frames of the eight-model line-up.

Despite aluminium chainstays, the 9.8’s frameset has still shed 100g from the 2011 version, in keeping with Trek’s main design targets of weight loss and performance gain. You have to look hard to see the changes in tube shape, but the main triangle is a smorgasbord of flowing carbon lines that effortlessly seem to add girth and stiffness where it’s needed. The head tube with integrated headset is still a stepped, E2 tapered monster hunk of carbon, giving the impression that it will take more abuse than is expected from it on a 120mm travel trail bike.

With new tubes comes the biggest change we’ll notice as riders, a 1-degree slacker head angle (now 68 degrees, unsagged), something that should lend the bike a more forgiving character, especially at speed, and hinting Trek is taking heed of developing riding styles.

A neat, unfussy graphite colour scheme is again heading more towards trail and is less racy, but lime green touches and colour-coded saddle (Bontrager’s Evoke 3 with titanium rails) and rim highlights elevate it from becoming understated. In keeping with the flowing looks, the top tube incorporates internal routing for the front mech cable.

Equipment: Proprietary fork delivers front end control

A new DRCV (Dual Rate Control Valve) Fox Float fork delivers to the front end the same control on big hits that we’ve come to like from the DRCV rear shock. Using a new secondary air chamber as an expansion chamber for mid-stroke compression, the proprietary fork is designed to boost control despite the faster riding style that slacker geometries allow.

According to Trek’s main suspension guru, Jose Gonzales, the new DRCV fork is “as important an impact as the introduction of the company’s ABP platform when it comes to the bike’s performance”. Meanwhile, a retuned rear shock comes with a new RP3 ProPedal, which offers a new ‘mid’ setting between off and on.

Share this article

• Terms & Conditions
• Subscribe to our magazines
• Manage preferences

Trek Fuel EX 9.8 | First Ride Review

by Chipps August 15, 2019 5

Chipps nips over to take in some Italian singletrack and bring you this Trek Fuel EX 9.8 First Ride Review

For the first ride launch of the Trek Fuel EX, Trek had chosen a quirky hotel about an hour from Venice. Yes, Venice is flat, but head north (or in our case, west) a hundred kilometres and you are suddenly presented with wooded green hills rearing up from the plains. It was here that our funny sort of spa hotel was situated.

The hotel seemed to be a healing spring kind of deal, with a naturally heated swimming pool and an assortment of scary looking ‘treatment rooms’ for mud baths and the like. And in between the leathery Italians in bathrobes, there lurked polo shirted Trek employees, moving between meeting rooms and a large tent full of demo bikes.

The reason for the huge takeover of the Galzgnano Terme spa place was that this was Trek’s European dealer launch, as well as press presentation, for several bikes (and only one of which is featured below, so get guessing…) – and after the press had carefully spun around on a few different models and gone home, the world’s top Trek dealers and distributors would be arriving and doing the same over the following couple of weeks.

One meeting room was dedicated to the 2020 range and the presentation covered a few key models. The one that probably raised the biggest interest was the bike we have here – the Trek Fuel EX. It’s always been an important bike for Trek, being the mid-level trail bike Swiss Army Knife model, and this new model has been completely revamped, as you’ll see in our accompanying news story.

Fuel EX 9.8 spec The bike we got to demo, on some wonderfully hand-built, technical trails, was the Trek Fuel EX 9.8 – the nearly top-end model that sits just shy of the full-on XTR and SRAM AXS models. There’s a Shimano XT and a SRAM spec. This model comes with SRAM Eagle 12 speed and the rest is a ready-for-anything spec, with Shimano SLX four pot brakes and Bontrager’s Line Carbon 30 trail wheels. Interestingly, on the higher spec models, the Fox 34 or Rockshox Pike forks are upgraded to beefier Fox 36 forks (though the decals are stealthy black on black, so it’s not immediately obvious). This is a great upgrade for what turns out to be a super capable trail bike.

Fuel EX 9.8 First Ride Impressions

Sitting on the bike, with its short, 35mm stem, the fit seems great. I’m usually between a medium and a large and Trek conveniently does an M/L size just in the middle of the two. Looking down, there’s a lovely light to mid blue paint fade and those chunky Bontrager XR4 treads on 30mm internal Bontrager carbon rims. There’s room for a bottle and, as we mention in our news story, there’s a compartment below the cage for a Bontrager burrito of get-you-home flat fixing equipment. It’s a great addition and something to ponder as to how Specialized seemingly haven’t found a way of patenting the idea. As is frequently the case these days, there were no punctures so we didn’t even get to use it.

The local trails here are a mix of dry bedrock, washed out streambeds, dusty vineyard edges and technical slabby rock steps and roots. All a great test of an all round trail bike.

The Fuel EX 9.8 seems to take everything in its stride. It encourages a ‘chase the rider in front’ riding style, backed up with the confidence that the bottomless-feeling suspension gives – especially with the Fox 36 forks up front.

Unusually for a modern trail bike, I found that I was reaching for the ‘Trail’ switch on the rear shock more than I usually do, which tends to be never, just to calm the bike a little on the climbs, so eager is it to soak up bumps. Perhaps I’ve been riding too many bikes recently with suspension that stiffens under pedalling – it’s personal preference really and some riders prefer a bike to surge forward at every pedal stroke at the expense of a bit of comfort, whereas with the Trek, the suspension really does stay active, whatever you’re doing with it.

Accessing the ‘Flats Happen’ Bontrager Burrito

That active suspension doesn’t hinder climbing though and I was racing my fellow journos up washed out stream beds knowing that traction was always available. There doesn’t seem to be anything that knocks the composure of the Fuel EX. Following riders blind into wooded singletrack, there were many situations where the bike (and rider) needed to brake and turn, or pucker up and pick a steep line, or to fly off an unannounced drop, with very little notice. The feel of the bike suits this kind of riding. It’s fulfilled its Swiss Army Knife brief in that you can cruise along, taking in the countryside and letting the supple suspension soak up the bumps, or you can really press the bike and demand a lot of it. The same bike, with the same setup seems to be able to offer both extremes.

It’s a crowded market of 130mm 29er trail bikes out there – you need only look to great bikes like the Cannondale Habit , the Specialized Stumpjumper , the Kona Process 134 and the Cotic Flare MAX 132 . There’s quite a scrum, which is what makes this a very important point for Trek to hit with the Fuel EX.

Based on my brief day of riding (with an Italian lunch in the middle of it), the Fuel EX is definitely a bike I’d like to ride more. There doesn’t seem to be much it can’t do.

Disclosure Chipps’ (quirky) accommodation and (hugely delayed Easyjet) flight were covered by Trek.

Singletrackworld's Editor At Large

With 23 years as Editor of Singletrack World Magazine, Chipps is the longest-running mountain bike magazine editor in the world. He started in the bike trade in 1990 and became a full time mountain bike journalist at the start of 1994. Over the last 30 years as a bike writer and photographer, he has seen mountain bike culture flourish, strengthen and diversify and bike technology go from rigid steel frames to fully suspended carbon fibre (and sometimes back to rigid steel as well.)

Comments (5)

Yes, yes very nice, but what about the Supercaliber?? Was it there?

Fuel EX’s have always been well thought out designs in my view. I would like a go…

Shame they’ve decided to ditch the FF rear suspension. In a world where everything is so very similar it was a point of difference which stood out. But hey what do I know.

I do like that T.W.A.T compartment.

Chipps did you get a chance tell them that the silly Knock Block is putting off customers?

Looking forward to seeing how you get on with the more trail less race 2020 Top Fuel

Leave Reply

Post Comment

2019 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 Bike (discontinued)

• Write Review

Specifications

Sizes and geometry.

​​ www.trekbikes.com ​​

More Products

2022 Scott Spark 910 Bike

2022 Orange Five EVO Pro Bike

2022 Transition Spur Deore Bike

2023 Norco Optic C2 SRAM Bike

2022 Spot Brand Rocker 5-Star Bike

2022 Liv Intrigue Advanced Pro 29 2 Bike

2022 Esker Japhy Ti JT2 Bike

2024 Orbea Oiz M21 Bike

• Mountain Bikes
• Trek Mountain Bikes
• Trek Fuel EX
• 2019 Trek Fuel EX

Most Popular

Hello Vital MTB Visitor,

We’re conducting a survey and would appreciate your input. Your answers will help Vital and the MTB industry better understand what riders like you want. Survey results will be used to recognize top brands. Make your voice heard!

Five lucky people will be selected at random to win a Vital MTB t-shirt.

Thanks in advance,

The Vital MTB Crew

Trek Fuel EX 9.8 Women's 2019

About the Trek Fuel EX 9.8 Women's 2019

The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 Women's 2019 is a Full suspension Trail Mountain Bike with a carbon frame. Equipped with a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain of 12 gears (1x12). Its features include internal routing, dropper seatpost, and boost 110 . The bike weighs approximately 13,61 kg.

Internal routing

Dropper seatpost, hydraulic disc brakes, tapered head tube, tubeless ready, specifications, subscribe to our newsletter.

Receive the latest news in the world of cycling, new bike releases, trends and much more.

Don't worry, we hate SPAM just like you.

Compare bikes

Select at least one more bike.

• Help Center
• Chat with a Ride Guide
• 1-866-401-9636
• Retail Store
• Bike Services

Reset Password

We will send you an email to reset your password.

Don't have an account? Create an account

Create Account

Already have an account? Sign In

• Favorite your products & save them to your account
• Save a search & get notified when new products drop
• Be first to know about the latest events & promotions

Bike Finder

Results have arrived, trek fuel ex 9.8 mountain bike - 2019, 18.5", item #bmt26773, condition: certified pre-owned what's this, fit range: 5'10" - 6'2" sizing guide, every certified pre-owned bike passes our multi-point inspection.

• Frame integrity verified
• All components inspected
• Drivetrain cleaned and tuned
• Suspension adjusted
• Wheels trued

Our RideFast shipping means this bike gets to you quickly and securely. Free Shipping on Bikes for a limited time! Ends 6/30/24.

Quick Assembly

• Bikes arrive tuned and mostly pre-assembled
• Torque tool & video guide included
• Get riding in 15 minutes

Canadian Customers

Please note that any duties, taxes, or surcharges as required by Canadian customs and provincial authorities will be the buyer's responsibility. Shipping to Canadian addresses may take longer than expected due to customs.

Guaranteed Buyback

We'll happily purchase this bike back from you when you're ready for your next upgrade. A TPC buyback offer is guaranteed for 18 month on all qualifying bikes.

30-Day Returns

If this bike isn't perfect for you, our Ride Guides will help you find the right one.

Quiver Killer Trail Bike

Added to cart.

Inspected. Tested. Trusted.

What is cpo.

CPO bikes are gently ridden bikes that have been meticulously inspected, restored and serviced. Every CPO bike is cleaned, tuned and tested in our top-of-the-line Colorado headquarters. Road, mountain, ebike or gravel, TPC services each bike over 8 phases and multiple points of inspection.

Bikes are meant to be used.

Ask a Ride Guide about this

Sizing guide.

The chart below provides a general suggested range of heights and is not exact. Sizing may vary across brands.

The tailoring of any bike is an important step in the long term enjoyment of riding and it can take time to adjust to the fit of a new bike. All contact points (pedals, shoes, and saddle) can be changed and altered for personal preference, performance, and comfort.

Contact our Ride Guides if you have any questions about the fit of your new bike.

866.401.9636 - Contact the Ride Guides

Purchase your next bike with the same confidence you would when buying new. We scrutinize age, condition, and quality. If a bike meets the standard, our pro tune and service will guarantee that your ride will be in pristine condition when it arrives at your door.

Mid-Term Review | 6 Weeks Aboard Our 2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 Long Term Test Bike

The not-so-minor details.

2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.8

Trek Bicycles Australia

https://www.trekbikes.com

12.74kg (in current spec configuration)

- Stupendously plush rear suspension - The Fox 36 has really stepped up the EX's appetite for gnar - New geometry brings masses of high-speed stability

- Rattling from the downtube trapdoor - Knock Block system works but creates practical annoyances - The 35mm carbon bars are overly stiff

Since receiving the 2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 test bike back in September , this muscly trail brawler has joined me on many a ride across the countryside. From my hometown of Bendigo in the Goldfields region, over to Beechworth in the Victorian High Country, the Fuel EX and I have so far enjoyed a few hundred kms of singletrack slashing, with plenty of saddle time to get to know one another. My early verdict of this long term test bike? It’s rapid. Very rapid.

But while the Fuel EX is absolutely humming now, it did take a bit of fine-tuning to get it all dialled in to how I like. And in recent weeks, I’ve also swapped out a few key components, including the drivetrain, brakes, wheelset and tyre combo, to see how the bike would handle with a different setup, while also providing the opportunity to review those parts separately.

Here we’re going to take a look at the current bike setup, with some detail on what settings I’ve settled on, and the changes we’ve made so far. If you’re after a more detailed look at exactly what’s new with this 130mm travel trail ripper, make sure you check out Mick’s story on the 2020 Trek Fuel EX from the launch, which includes a broader overview of the six-model Fuel EX lineup.

Suspension Tweaking

Having ridden many examples of the previous generation Fuel EX, I was initially surprised to find the suspension on the new bike to feel firmer than I was expecting. Previous versions have been plusher than a penthouse suite, particularly with the recent addition of the Thru-Shaft damper design in the Fuel EX’s rear shock, but the new bike didn’t feel quite as active.

So over the course of a couple of rides, I lowered both the fork and shock pressures, while also removing some volume spacers to help open up the end of the travel.

The Fox 36 Rhythm fork comes with four volume spacers inside the EVOL air spring as stock. I brought that down to two, and then to one single spacer. This improved the fork action for my 70kg riding weight, and I was able to access full travel more easily. The fork has bedded in quite a bit and become more supple over the last few weeks, so I’ve since added a 2nd volume spacer to regain some mid-stroke support.

With 68psi in the air spring, the rebound dial set 10 clicks off the slowest setting, and the compression lever set partway between Open and Medium, the fork is now spot-on. I really like the 36 Rhythm, even though it’s meant to be the ‘budget’ fork in the Fox line. At 2065g (confirmed) it is heavier than a comparable 34, but it gives the EX a really stout feel. Along with the robust carbon frame and slacker geometry, the new generation Fuel EX has quite the mini-Slash vibe about it.

I also tried a smaller 0.2³ volume spacer inside the rear shock, which did help to reduce the initial firmness I experienced. The shock felt smoother, but it was bottoming out too much on hefty landings, so I reinstalled the stock 0.4³ volume spacer. Compared to when the bike was fresh out of the box, the shock feels like it’s bedded in a lot, and it’s now exhibiting the buttery-plush performance I was first expecting.

And holy crap is this thing plush!

Trek recommends setting the rear shock between 25-33% sag, so I’ve got 150psi inside the air spring to put me around the 30% marker. Rebound is set just faster than halfway, at nine clicks from the slowest setting. With the shock settings dialled in, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying how responsive the back end is on the Fuel EX, and how it keeps the rear tyre glued to the ground. It’s reactivity to incoming obstacles, no matter how rapid-fire the hits are, is really quite something for a bike with just 130mm of travel.

With the Penske-Trek designed RE:aktiv damper inside, the blue compression switch alters between Open, Medium and Firm settings. The regressive damper design means that you can achieve a pretty firm platform in the Medium and Firm positions, with a super fast breakaway when enough pressure builds behind the valve to crack it open as you encounter a bump. In principle, it aims to achieve the same goal as the Specialized Brain damper. In practice, it isn’t as firm as a Brain shock, but it is much smoother and faster in its transition. And in my experience, it makes the Medium and Firm settings a whole lot more effective.

Whereas I’d only use a shock’s compression switch for riding on the road or on a really smooth fireroad climb, I’ve been able to utilise the Medium setting for technical singletrack climbs, where the increased platform helps to improve efficiency while also lifting the bike up a touch for more ground clearance. If the climb isn’t littered with ledgy rocks and roots, the Firm setting goes one step further. I generally prefer to leave my suspension wide open when I’m riding off-road, but the compression settings on the Fuel EX’s shock offer such distinct ride experiences that it’s worth utilising them to get the most out of the bike.

Groupset Change

The Fuel EX 9.8 comes stock in Australia with a SRAM GX Eagle groupset, which has thrown up zero surprises so far. However, we recently got our hands on the new Shimano SLX M7100 groupset , including a set of the new 4-piston brakes. While much of the media hype has centred around XT and XTR, we reckon the new 12-speed SLX groupset is more exciting, particularly as it comes in at a third of the price of XTR!

With the SLX groupset looking for a home, I removed the GX Eagle setup from the Fuel EX so I could fit the new SLX test components. So far the performance has been excellent – shifting under load is particularly impressive. The 4-pot brakes are also superb, with more power than Shimano’s 2-piston callipers, but noticeable better modulation to control that power.

Pricing is pretty similar between Shimano SLX and SRAM GX Eagle, but there are some key performance differences. Stay tuned for a separate in-depth comparison feature, and feel free to ask any questions you might have in the meantime.

It’s worth noting that you’ll need a Micro Spline freehub body to fit the new Shimano 12-speed cassettes. Depending on the wheelset you’ve got, that might be easier said than done. Bontrager is licensed to produce Micro Spline freehub bodies though, so it’s a question of popping into your local Trek dealer to purchase one. In my case, I had another set of test wheels with a DT Swiss 350 rear hub, so that was also an easy swap, as Micro Spline freehub bodies have been available from DT Swiss for well over a year now.

Lighter Wheels, Faster Tyres

Speaking of wheels, the Fuel EX 9.8 comes fitted with a set of Bontrager Line Carbon 30s as stock. These feature deep section carbon fibre rims with a 29mm inner width, and Bontrager TLR rim strips come fitted to create a reliably airtight seal.

During the initial build process, I was surprised to find that there were no tubes inside the tyres – these wheels are legit tubeless ready from the factory. Two bottles of Bontrager TLR sealant are supplied with the bike, so all you need to do is remove the valve cores, squeeze a bottle into each wheel, and you’re ready to roll. Nice!

It’s also worth pointing out that Bontrager now offers a 2-year crash replacement scheme with its carbon wheels, which is nice peace of mind. The Line Carbon 30s have been solid so far, though at 1908g on my scales, they’re not the lightest hoops out there.

Looking to inject a bit more speed into the Fuel EX, I decided to fit a set of Dirt Hoops from Melbourne-based brand, Curve Cycling. This is the ‘Wider 40’ model, which features carbon rims that measure 40mm externally and 30mm internally. With DT Swiss 350 hubs, Sapim CX-Ray spokes and a confirmed weight of just 1637g, they’ve helped to boost the bike’s acceleration and rolling speed noticeably. The only downside is the use of 18T ratchet plates in the rear hub, which feels comically slow compared to the 54 points of engagement in the Bontrager wheelset. I might look at popping in a 36T or 54T upgrade kit in the rear hub soon. For more info on the Dirt Hoops, take a gander at the detailed first look story here .

As for rubber, I’ve been consistently impressed with Bontrager’s latest XR4 tread pattern over the past couple of years. In its big 2.6in guise here, it’s supremely grippy and you can run them at quite low pressures – 18psi on the front and 20psi on the rear has worked well for me. The XR4 is a really versatile tyre, transcending dry to wet riding conditions, from loose to hardpack trail surfaces. For more aggressive riders though, I’d consider putting an XR5 up front though for more hold on loose and steep enduro-style trails.

Given their huge volume, the XR4s are a decent weight for a burly trail tyre, clocking in at around 920g each. They do put more rubber on the ground though, so they’re noticeably draggier than the 2.4in tyres that came as stock equipment on pre-2020 Fuel EX models. Along with the active suspension and the stock bike’s generous 13.2kg weight, the big volume tyres give the Fuel EX a robust and grounded demeanour on hectic, technical descents. On the flip side, it also contributes to a slightly lethargic feel on the climbs – at least compared to more slender and trail bikes in this travel bracket anyway.

If you’re after more rolling speed, a tyre change is a good way to do it. I fitted a pair of 2.4in wide Pirelli Scorpion tyres – a Scorpion M (Mixed) for the front, and a Scorpion R (Rear) for the back wheel. These are actually a very similar weight to the stock Bonty tyres, but they have a significantly faster rolling tread pattern. They’re also well suited to my local dry and dusty trails, including the Harcourt MTB Park and You Yangs, where the Pirellis manage the sandy soil composition mighty well.

Handlebar Switcheroo

In the search of more compliance, I’ve also recently switched up the Fuel EX’s cockpit. The stock Bontrager Line Pro bars are made from OCLV carbon fibre and feature a 35mm clamp diameter for the stem. Being very stiff, I’ve found them to be somewhat unforgiving on my hands and upper body – something I’ve experienced with a lot of 35mm bars. In my eyes, it remains as one of the most annoying standards to have permeated the mountain bike industry. Anywho…

So I recently fitted a set of Syncros Hixon iC 1.0 Rise handlebars that I’ve previously tested. These are one of the most compliant full-width bars I’ve ridden, and they’ve already made a noticeable difference in vibration damping on the front of the Fuel EX. Using a one-piece carbon fibre construction that integrates the steerer tube clamp into the centre of the bars, they’re also stupendously light at 273g. Remember, that’s the bar and the stem in one. Width is 800mm and you can get them with a ‘virtual’ stem length of 40mm or 50mm.

I’ve got the shorter option, which I think is a touch too short for the Fuel EX. The Medium frame has a 440mm reach, which I’ve found ideal for my 175cm height. It isn’t super long by today’s standards though, and the grips now feel a little too close. I’ll look at going back to a 50mm stem length with a different bar/stem combo at some point down the line.

On the note of the cockpit change, if you decide to fit a non-Bontrager stem to your Fuel EX, you will need an adapter so you can ditch the keyed Knock Block headset spacers. This adapter is a simple locking that bolts to the steerer tube directly above the headset, and you can get this small piece of alloy through a Trek dealer for $30.

For those wondering how our long term test bike has evolved, here are the finer details of what’s changed so far;

2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 Current Build Specs

• Frame |  OCLV Mountain Carbon Fibre, ABP Suspension Design, 130mm Travel
• Fork |  Fox 36 Float, Performance Series, GRIP Damper, 44mm Offset, 140mm Travel
• Shock |  Fox Float EVOL w/Thru-Shaft, Performance Series, RE:aktiv Damper, 210x55mm
• Wheels | Curve Dirt Hoops Wider 40, Carbon Rims, 30mm Inner Rim Width
• Tyres | Pirelli Scorpion M 2.2in Front & Scorpion R 2.2in Rear
• Drivetrain | Shimano SLX M7100 1×12 w/SLX 32T Cranks & 10-51T Cassette
• Brakes | Shimano SLX M7120 4-piston, 203mm Front & 180mm Rear Rotors
• Bar | Syncros Hixon iC 1.0 Rise Carbon, 20mm Rise, 800mm Width, 40mm Virtual Length
• Stem | Syncros Hixon iC 1.0 Rise Carbon, 40mm Virtual Length
• Seatpost | Bontrager Line Elite Dropper Post w/Shimano MT800 Lever, 150mm Travel
• Saddle |  Bontrager Arvada, Austenite Rails
• Confirmed Weight | 12.74kg (without pedals)

Any Problems So Far?

Nothing major. I did have a tricky time routing a new hydraulic line through the frame when I fitted the SLX 4-piston rear brake. The bolt-on Cable Freak ports are snug and pretty user-friendly, but there’s a very tight section just behind the main pivot where the rear brake line and derailleur cable exit the mainframe and then re-enter the chainstays. A Park Tool IR-1.2 cable routing kit ensured things didn’t get too sweary for me. I will admit that the routing does look very clean on the Fuel EX, but I’m still a bigger fan of externally-routed cabling.

The only other issue that’s popped up is a rattling noise that’s emanating from the trapdoor underneath the bottle cage. On our test bike, the fit isn’t quite 100% and there’s enough lateral movement where the locating stub at the base of the trapdoor clips into the frame that it causes a rattle when you have a bottle on board. It isn’t particularly loud, but when the rest of the bike is so stealthy quiet, it’s a right old pain in the arse.

I’ll note that this wasn’t a problem that Mick encountered with his test bike during the launch back in July. To see if this was an isolated issue with production models, I went to my local Trek dealer and found that out of the six bikes there with integrated downtube storage (including two Domane gravel bikes), only one frame had a properly tight fit between the frame and the trapdoor. After swapping around trapdoors, I’ve come to the conclusion that the sloppy fit on our test bike is partially from the door itself and partially in the frame component.

I really like the concept of integrated frame storage, but it absolutely needs to be perfect – especially on a $7K bike, and especially when Trek has copied the idea from one of its main rivals. We’re awaiting an official response from Trek, so we’ll keep you updated once we have a solution.

What’s Next?

Lots! With plenty of new riding destinations to explore this summer, I’m frothing to see how far I can take the Fuel EX.

One thing I’d like to investigate further is the option of fitting a longer travel fork (or a longer air shaft in the current fork), as I suspect the beefy carbon frame will handle it. A slightly longer fork combined with tougher tyre casings would open up the option of racing enduro – such is the capability of this bike. Speaking of endoooro, we’ve also got some fancy DT Swiss wheels that will no doubt end up on the Fuel EX shortly.

I also intend to flick the Mino Link into the high-and-steep position, since it comes set to low-and-slack out of the box. A little extra pedal clearance wouldn’t go astray, so I’ll be trying that out soon. I’m also keen to upgrade the shifter to an XT I-Spec EV model so I can remove one clamp from the bars, while also getting the double-upshift function that the SLX shifter misses out on.

Right, so that’s where we’re at with the 2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 long term test bike. What do you folks think? Have you got any questions for us about the new Fuel EX? Any parts you’d like to see us test on there? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

Mo’ Flow Please!

Enjoyed that article? Then there’s plenty more to check out on Flow Mountain Bike, including all our  latest news stories  and  product reviews . And if you haven’t already, make sure you subscribe to our  YouTube  channel, and sign up to our  Facebook  page and  Instagram  feed so you can keep up to date with all things Flow!

• Submit for Review
• Terms & Conditions

Enjoy reading this?

Get similar articles delivered directly to your inbox

• Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus