All MountainTrek Fuel EX 9.8 on test

Peter Nilges

 · 09.04.2017

All Mountain: Trek Fuel EX 9.8 on testPhoto: Wolfgang Watzke
All Mountain: Trek Fuel EX 9.8 on test
The new Fuel EX combines more travel, a slacker steering angle and exciting detail solutions in an all-black exterior.

These measures make the top seller in the Trek range more trail-orientated and should close the gap to the Remedy 29, which is no longer available, as far as possible. In addition, the frame can also be ridden with 27.5+ wheels in conjunction with a ten millimetre longer fork, which increases compatibility. In the second most expensive version for 4999 euros, the weight of 13.2 kilos is quite unspectacular. The Shimano XT groupset is functional and durable, but is not stingy with weight. Trek makes no compromises when it comes to the wheels, fitting the Fuel EX with 28 mm wide rims that create a large tyre volume and allow low pressure. The slacker head angle and the increased reach of the bike allow the rider to sit in a well-balanced position, which ensures a high level of safety, even on technical terrain. However, due to the weak compression damping, the shock reacts strongly to the rider's load changes. Even the platform position of the reactive shock doesn't manage to stabilise the otherwise drive-neutral rear end when pedalling. Downhill, the travel of the sensitive rear suspension is easy to utilise. More active riders should ride with less sag and reduce the chamber volume in the shock for more progression and a little more feedback.

  Trek Fuel EX 9.8Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Trek Fuel EX 9.8  Trek Fuel EX 9.8: The Knock Block prevents the fork crown from hitting the down tube in the event of a fall.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Trek Fuel EX 9.8: The Knock Block prevents the fork crown from hitting the down tube in the event of a fall.  Trek Fuel EX 9.8: The geometry can be quickly and easily adjusted by 0.7 degrees using the Mino-Link.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Trek Fuel EX 9.8: The geometry can be quickly and easily adjusted by 0.7 degrees using the Mino-Link.  Trek Fuel EX 9.8Photo: BIKE Magazin Trek Fuel EX 9.8  Trek Fuel EX 9.8Photo: BIKE Magazin Trek Fuel EX 9.8

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