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From the very first turn of the pedal, the Fuel EX looks like a lot of bike. This is partly due to the second heaviest wheels in the test. They need a lot of effort to get going. But a lot of energy also dissipates in the lively rear end. But that's not so bad: the lever for the shock platform works and is easy to operate even while riding. Otherwise, the bike climbs nimbly. The riding position is immediately pleasing: you sit comfortably and balanced on the bike. Thanks to the steep seat angle and the long chainstays, the Trek effortlessly climbs even the steepest ramps. The candidate is even more confident downhill. The mass of the wheels, the long and flat geometry and the potent rear end provide a very plush ride feel. If you want to be carried safely downhill without too much effort, this is the bike for you. The only drawback is that the Fox 36 Rhythm fork reaches its limit sooner than the rear end due to a lack of damping control. More experienced riders will miss some agility with the sluggish overall package. Bunny hops and other tricks require a lot of physical effort.
Conclusion on the Trek Fuel EX 9.7 by Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor:
"The Trek is a harmonious all-mountain bike. Its strengths are the uncomplicated handling and the comfortable suspension. The biggest weakness is the meagre equipment package."
Technical data and review of the Trek Fuel EX 9.7:
Grading: The BIKE judgement is made up of the subjective impressions of the test riders and our laboratory measurements. The judgement is independent of price. Range of grades: very good (0.5-1.5), good (1.6-2.5), satisfactory (2.6-3.5), sufficient (3.6-4.5), poor (4.6-5.5).
Max Fuchs
Editor
