Trek Fuel and Fuel+: Maximum modularity! The most versatile (e-)bike of the year?
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 26.08.2025
With the new Fuel (non-motorised) and Fuel+ (e-bike), Trek is presenting two trail platforms that are attracting attention with a modular concept. The bikes are each offered in three different versions - EX, MX and LX. These variants differ in terms of suspension travel and geometry, adapted to specific areas of use. But that's not all: the frames offer even more variability for customisation thanks to different shock mounts and a flip chip for progression adjustment.
Fuel+ Light-E-MTB with TQ HPR 60
The Fuel+ e-mountainbike is the successor to the Fuel EXe, which set a new benchmark in terms of unobtrusiveness for light eMTBs when it was launched. The successor comes with the new TQ HPR60 motor, which, with 60 Nm torque and a 580 Wh battery, should offer more power, torque and range than the previous generation of the Fuel EXe.
The Fuel+ is based on the Fuel EXe and is developing into the second generation with a new name and a significant increase in performance. The TQ HPR60 drive delivers a torque of 60 Nm. Integrated cooling fins should ensure constant performance even on hot days with high utilisation. In fact, the new motor was able to deliver a significant improvement in terms of stability in our extensive test. In the Fuel+, however, the motor appears to be somewhat more integrated into the frame than on the Yeti MTe and the Propain Sresh SL. It remains to be seen whether this will have an effect on cooling.
More range and better operation with Fuel+
A major upgrade of the Fuel+ compared to the previous model is the larger 580 Wh battery, which significantly extends the range compared to the previous 360 Wh system. It remains compatible with the 160 Wh range extender from TQ, allowing the total capacity to be increased to 740 Wh and making even longer tours possible. The main battery can be removed from the down tube of the Fuel+ with a hexagonal spanner, which makes charging and transport easier - or, with a second battery, also enables XXL tours or trail days.
The higher-end Fuel 9.8 and 9.9 models are also equipped with the new full-colour LED display from TQ, which should offer better readability of the riding data. The combination of a larger battery, more powerful motor and improved display makes the Fuel+ a more powerful light e-MTB that should still retain the natural riding feel of its predecessor.
The facts about the Trek Fuel+ e-bike
- Motor: TQ HPR 60
- Battery: 580 Wh, removable
- Three variants: EX, MX and LX
- Fuel+ EX: 150/145 mm, 29 inch
- Fuel+ MX: 160/150 mm, 29/27.5 inch
- Fuel+ LX: 170/160 mm, 29 inch
- Carbon or aluminium frame
- Weight: from 18.8 kg according to the manufacturer
- Price: 7 equipment variants between 4999 and 11,499 euros
Modular frame concept with flexible configuration
Whether motorised or classic: both platforms have a completely new frame design with a modular structure and three different variants. There are different rocker arms and shock mounts to redesign the frame for each specific configuration. This means that no compromises are made with regard to the height of the bottom bracket, the leverage effect or the steering angle.
Fuel(+) EX: The all-rounder
The EX version is the classic configuration for Fuel and Fuel+. With 29-inch wheels and a suspension travel of 145 mm at the rear and 150 mm at the front, it offers balanced handling and high drive efficiency. According to Trek, this makes the bike the ideal companion for a wide range of riding styles and terrain types. The EX version is based on the predecessor of the Fuel EX, but has an adapted anti-squat curve, which is intended to increase efficiency on steep climbs. In combination with more suspension travel than its predecessor, the bike should not only be more efficient, but also more powerful downhill.
Fuel EX
- Wheels: 29 inch
- Suspension travel: 150/145 mm
- Special feature: customised anti-squat curve for increased efficiency on climbs
- Price from 2499 to 8499 euros; a total of 10 equipment variants. Available with aluminium and carbon frame
Fuel MX and LX for special requirements
The MX version comes with a mullet configuration (29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear), more suspension travel (150 mm rear, 160 mm front) and a more progressive rear suspension design. This combination should ensure fast, playful and agile handling. Trek is positioning the Fuel MX as a successor for riders who miss the Trek Remedy.
The LX version, on the other hand, is the long-stroke powerhouse of the Fuel family with 160 mm rear travel and 170 mm front travel on 29-inch wheels. This brings it close to the Trek Slash high-pivot enduro bike in terms of key data. The Fuel LX has the most progressive leverage in the line-up and is aimed at riders who appreciate the power of the Trek Slash on downhills, but without the suspension with a high pivot point.
The facts about the Trek Fuel without motor
- Three variants: EX, MX and LX
- Fuel EX: 150/145 mm, 29 inch
- Fuel MX: 160/150 mm, 29/27.5 inch
- Fuel LX: 170/160 mm, 29 inch
- Carbon or aluminium frame
- Weight: from 14.2 kg according to the manufacturer
- Price: 10 equipment variants between 2499 and 8499 euros
Technical improvements to the chassis
The new frames are equipped with a zero-stack standard headset, which allows for more cockpit options, including an adjustable steering angle. These technical improvements contribute to the customisability of the bikes and allow for more precise adjustment to individual preferences.
A key feature of the new frames are the straight seat tubes and the resulting increased insertion depth for dropper seat posts, which means that most riders with a size M frame can use a 200 mm dropper seat post. The open front frame triangle offers sufficient space for large water bottles or, in the Fuel+ models, for the optional range extender. Practical accessory mounts on the top tube of all Fuel and Fuel+ models allow additional equipment such as tools or spare tubes to be fitted. The analogue Fuel models also have improved storage space in the frame to accommodate additional equipment.
Project One MTB for individual customisation
With the introduction of the new Fuel platforms, Trek is also expanding its "Project One" customisation programme to include the MTB sector. In addition to the Supercaliber, customers can now also customise the Fuel and Fuel+ models according to their specifications. The options include drivetrain, fork, shock, wheels, dropper seatpost, cockpit and other components. The Project One MTB range is available for the carbon models 9.8 and 9.9 of the Fuel, Fuel+ and Supercaliber series as well as for the aluminium Fuel 9 model. This customisation option allows riders to get their perfect bike straight from the factory without having to make any subsequent modifications.
BIKE summary of the new Trek Fuel model range
Wow, that's a lot of wood! What Trek combines under the product name Fuel would almost be enough for a complete product range for many other manufacturers. Whether the concept of creating so many different bikes from an identical main frame works will have to be seen in upcoming tests. In any case, Trek now has a bunch of exciting variants and sensible updates at the start. We are excited and look forward to the first test runs.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
