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They can do marketing at Trek. Fancy a taste? "We wanted to build exactly the bike that we would most like to ride ourselves," say the Americans about their latest addition, the Fuel EXe light e-MTB. "The world's most invisible support with a natural riding feel. Small, light, quiet, natural," the presentation continues. But what's behind the newcomer? What's behind the marketing promises? The fact is that Trek entered into a partnership with the Bavarian electronics specialist TQ Systems very early on in order to co-develop the right drive for the Fuel EXe project from the ground up. The Americans want to have created the perfect symbiosis of e-mountainbike and mountain bike. The corresponding light motor, the TQ HPR50, we have presented in detail in a separate article.
The drive and bike are right in line with the booming light e-MTBs. Specialised Levo SL, Lapierre E-Zesty, Orbea Rise or Red Deer R.X 375 are the pioneers of this young category. They all have one goal in common: to find the happy medium between a heavy power e-bike and a non-motorised mountain bike. But where this perfect middle ground lies is defined differently by the manufacturers. Trek uses a removable battery with 360 watt hoursthe TQ HPR50 delivers Maximum 50 Newton metres and 300 watts.
The first and most obvious point goes to Trek and TQ among the industry giants: installation space and integration. The HPR50 is record-breakingly smallon the drive side, it disappears completely behind the 32 t chainring. Overall, the Fuel EXe is one of the most inconspicuous e-mountainbikes on the market. Only the even more minimalist motorised Transalpes E1 with the mini drive from Maxon and perhaps also the first published E-MTBs with the new Fazua Ride 60 can keep up here.
Top marks the new drive deserves in terms of size and format. The same applies to the volume. In many driving situations, the drive noise of the HPR50 is completely drowned out by the ambient noise. Specialiseds SL 1.1nor the EP8 RS in the Orbea Rise can keep up. But it's not just the drive noise that is annoying on many e-MTBs. Shimano and Bosch bikes in particular stand out on the trail with an unpleasant clacking noise from the gearbox. However, the HPR50 does without a classically designed gearbox. Instead, the Patented harmonic pinring technology for use. The motor is completely rattle-free! Details can be found here in our detailed presentation of the new TQ HPR50.
Trek Fuel EXe: The chassis
But back to the bike itself. The Fuel EXe is a classic all-mountain, ready for the trails. 150 millimetres of suspension travel at the front, 140 at the rear, plus 29er wheels. Both the main frame and rear triangle are made of carbon. The geometry of the bike is modern, but not extreme. The reach is sporty and is around 485 mm in size L (depending on the setting), the steering angle is around 65 degrees. The chainstays are short at 440 millimetres. The head tube is short at 110 mm in size L, which means that the stack, i.e. the perceived height of the front end, is also low. This is noticeable in a sporty, stretched position. In terms of weight, our test bike, the top model, landed at 18.8 kilos in size L. This is not a record value, but Trek has a removable battery and trail-orientated equipment on board. Both are not always the case with comparable light eMTBs.
The battery of the Trek Fuel EXe
Many light e-MTBs have a permanently installed battery. The reason is clear: this saves a lot of weight. And that is of course important for a lightweight e-mountainbike. Trek has designed the Fuel EXe without this restriction. The battery can be removed from the bottom of the closed down tube. Both riding with a second battery and charging the battery at home or in a hut are therefore no problem. The slim battery delivers 360 watt hours and weighs 1880 grams.
In addition to the main battery, there is the option of an additional range extender with 160 watt hours. This additional battery fits into the bottle cage, as is familiar from many comparable e-bikes. The connection to the motor is made via the charging socket, which is located high up on the down tube. On most competitor models, it is located on the bottom bracket, where it is at risk of collision and exposed to dirt. The Trek solution looks smart and well thought out. Another special feature is that the additional battery can supply the motor with juice independently and without restrictions. This means you can also ride the bike without the large battery in the frame. Another effect: the range extender delivers full power right up to the last per cent. When the additional battery is empty, the main battery takes over. When charging, the process is reversed. The main battery is charged first, then the additional battery. Both batteries can also be charged in series outside the bike, i.e. with one charger.
The facts about the Trek Fuel EXe
- Motor: TQ HPR50, max. torque 50 Nm
- Battery: 360 Wh, removable, 1880 grams (EMTB measurement)
- Optional additional battery: 160 Wh in water bottle format
- Weight: 18.8 kg (EMTB measurement, top model in size L)
- Suspension travel: 150 / 140 mm
- 29er wheels
- Six models between 6499 euros and 14999 euros >> available here
- Should be available from July 2022
The controls on the new Trek lightweight eMTB
The operating elements of the new TQ drive are absolutely convincing on the Trek Fuel EXe. A very slim and unobtrusive control unit, which fits right next to the handlebar, is responsible for changing the support levels. Two rubberised, easy-grip buttons are sufficient for the controls. This allows you to switch intuitively between the three modes Eco, Mid and High. The feedback during operation is crisp. The only thing that takes some getting used to and is not ideal for our taste is the fact that it takes a long press on the lower button to switch from Eco mode to riding without assistance. Especially on a light eMTB with a small battery, you often find yourself pedalling on flat terrain without motor assistance.
The riding data is displayed on a stylish screen embedded in the top tube, which allows various display options. Here, too, you can see that someone has put a lot of thought into the design. The screen is well protected, not obtrusive and yet very easy to read. In addition to the classic riding data, calculated remaining range and riding times, the system also displays the current performance of the motor and the rider separately.
Trek Central app
The TQ system is also compatible with other end devices via ANT+. Of course, there is also a suitable app. Trek has developed the new Central app for this purpose, which was unfortunately not yet available before the bike launch. Here, the motor settings can be fine-tuned to personal preferences and needs. There are also features for navigation and range calculation. Users also have access to tips and suggestions for the right tyre and suspension pressure. On models equipped with AirWhizz technology, the user is shown the current pressures in the fork, shock and tyres - a status check before setting off.
Trek Fuel EXe: Models, prices and availability
The good news first: according to Trek, the new speedsters will be available in shops in Germany in July 2022. The price of the top model, which we had in operation for our first test, is less likely to please most people. The Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS costs a hefty € 14999. In contrast, the entry-level price of € 6499 for the Fuel EXe 9.5 seems almost favourable. A total of six equipment variants of the lightweight e-mountainbike from Trek are available.
The Trek Fuel EXe on the trail
We can say one thing up front: The Trek Fuel EXe is a sporty, racy trail bike that is reluctant to settle for wide gravel rides. The riding position is sporty and the character is lively. The low weight compared to an E-MTB with full power is clearly noticeable. We have extensively tested the character of the American bike in demanding terrain. The same applies to the new TQ HPR50, which we were able to test in direct comparison with some of its most exciting competitors. We also used modern measurement technology to obtain meaningful data.
Detailed data and tests on the Trek Fuel EXe and the new TQ engine can be found in the EMTB Issue 4/2022, on sale from 16 August. The best way to read EMTB subscription. Of course also digitally as an app for iOS and Android available!
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
