With the Stache, Trek has already had a plus bike in its programme for some time. However, it is a hardtail with 29-inch wheels. For the coming season, the Americans are now adding the matching fully. The Fuel EX has always been one of the most popular trail bikes, and with the new plus tyres, more suspension travel and adjustable geometry, the range of use of this classic could be significantly extended.
The facts at a glance
- Three models available in Plus format
- 130 millimetres rear suspension travel, 140 millimetres front
- Adjustable steering angle via flip chip: 67.2° or 66.6°
- new Metric Shock Sizing damper
- The prices:
Fuel EX 5 27.5 Plus (aluminium frame) 1999 €
Fuel EX 8 27.5 Plus (aluminium frame) € 2999
Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus (carbon frame) € 4999
Newly designed frame
The redesigned frame shape is noticeable from the very first glance at the matt black fully. The down tube is now straight to generate more stiffness. For more tyre clearance, Trek has given the Plus version of the Fuel EX a 148 millimetre wide Boost rear triangle. In addition, the chainstays have been significantly shortened for more agile handling. They now measure just 437 millimetres instead of the previous 453 millimetres. All three models roll on 2.8 inch wide Chupacabra tyres from Bontrager's in-house production.
In order to do justice to the extended range of use, the suspension travel has also increased compared to the standard Fuel. At the rear, Trek now uses a shock with the new Metric Shock Sizing Standard, which should generate 130 millimetres of travel. Depending on the model, either Rock Shox or Fox forks with 140 millimetres of travel and 110 millimetres axle width are used at the front. The geometry can also be adjusted on the Plus version. A flip chip is used here, as already familiar from the Remedy. This allows the steering angle to be adjusted by around half a degree in just a few simple steps. This also varies the bottom bracket height. This means that the Fuel EX 27.5 Plus can also be ridden with 29-inch wheels without the bottom bracket height changing significantly.
Carbon frame only for the top version
While the two cheaper models roll onto the trail with an aluminium frame, the top model Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus is made entirely of carbon. There are also noticeable differences in the equipment. Only the middle model comes with a 1x11 drivetrain from Sram. The top model is equipped with a complete Shimano XT 2x11 groupset. This is almost unusual for trail bikes these days. However, the range of use is likely to be extended with the double gearing and the associated wider range. This means that very few people should have problems with the gearing - neither on the climbs nor on the descents. Trek relies predominantly on its own Bontrager components for the remaining add-on parts. Although this somewhat spoils the otherwise very high-quality look, it should hardly lead to any functional losses.
We'll find out what the new Fuel EX 9.8 with Plus tyres can really do on a first test ride this afternoon. More information will be available shortly on our website.
All models can already be seen on the manufacturer's website. www.trekbikes.com/de
Stefan Frey
Editor
