Evolution Underlined: Trek Fuel EX Review | 2022 Fall Field Test

The fifty-second generation of the Fuel EX is by far the most radical, most adjustable, and probably the most capable that Trek has ever put together.
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[@TwoHeadsBrewing]

Dropping the proprietary stuff and focusing on bits that matter, like geo and kinematics, is a recipe for success!

[@YanDoroshenko]

On BITS that matter.

[@hardtailparty]

This is the first FS Trek I've been interested in. Sounds like a great bike!

[@fademasterfade227]

I'm assuming you would lock out the rear suspension ;-)

[@hardtailparty]

@@fademasterfade227 :) if I'm going to mess around with pivots and rear shocks on the bike, I'm going to use them! But yes, I do like an efficient, snappy FS.

[@mtbjer9825]

Be great bike to get experimental with so is the Stumpy EVO.

[@hardtailparty]

@@mtbjer9825 I've definitely changed the head angle on my stumpy Evo. I love that feature. For where I live, I actually prefer it steeper. I like that I just drop the cup in instead of having to press a lower cup into the frame. Specialized made it easy. It feels like trek is playing catch up a bit here with the storage box and adjustable head angle. However, the shock progressivity flip chip is brilliant. So many bikes market that their frame as progressive enough for a coil, yet linear enough for an air shock. That's just marketing lies in my mind. Bravo to Trek for making the progressivity adjustable. I saw a fleet of these fuel EXs last week being ridden by the trek team and they looked great in person.

[@thegriff9425]

@@hardtailparty do you have a review up of your Evo? Link?

[@Pienimusta]

Getting the storage with the aluminium models is quite great. Let's hope that trend catches on.

[@sinnops]

Its so handy to have. On light rides i put a few snacks any car keys in there along with a spare tube.

[@maucina12]

the already have frame storage on aluminum slash models from 2021

[@plmn93]

Adds a lot more weight abd cost than a seat bag because you have to strengthen everything around it. Gimmick IMO.

[@Pienimusta]

@@plmn93 GTFO roadie

[@cjhammer8490]

@@maucina12no they don’t only carbon slash has down tube storage

[@mpeay3945]

A lot of bikes have multiple versions available (EX 5-9). I'd really like to see you review the the bottom/entry version in the same video, not just the alpha tier most expensive version that so many riders couldn't ever afford.

[@ericpeysar2593]

Mike and Mike, you guys are such good reviewers. Gotta respect all the little nuances they communicate. Ive never been a huge Trek guy but they seemed to have nailed this bike … and left riders with enough adjustments to fiddle with on those cold winter nights before the snow disappears.

[@sebub7766]

Yellow has always been my favorite color and in a world full of black/red, black/green and blue bikes, I love that they made it yellow. I do love my black/green stumpy evo expert though. We need more bananas in the woods though!

[@michaelcuddihee6754]

for sure , I thought the yellow really popped!

[@BrianVaughn]

This is the bike I'm the most excited about. I was looking at that High tower but the cost and lack of a Shimano build has changed my mind.

[@peaohvee1784]

I never realllly liked trek bikes . But this ones got my interest for sure. The lack of the proprietary shock and the knock block really got my attention. Plus the ride etc, looks like a worthy replacement for my 2019 force!

[@garyharmon5386]

I just purchased a Trek Fuel EX 9.8 about a month ago and am loving it. It’s orange and black. I ride a size small and it fits me perfect. Thank you for doing the review

[@Krankin]

I have this bike. The ex 8 so aluminum frame with XT components. I love it. It feels so good in every situation I've had it in. It jumps well, it holds on to the ground very well. I'm super happy with this purchase. I might have to change out the front tire though for where I live. Also, yeah I found a paint chip where I don't think anything hit the bike but who knows.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Seeing bikes like this and the Hightower V1 of say circa the 2017 era, which I’m sorry just weren’t especially fun bikes, become now these really well rounded rigs capable of ripping now, is pretty cool. Unless you are racing or going really big or especially gnarly, a trail bike tailored to the end of spectrum you want is really all many of us need. It’s a golden age right now.

[@elid7521]

Just got my Fuel EX 8 Gen 6 last week! I haven't ridden it much yet, but I'm excited to see how it'll compare to my old Gen 5 Fuel EX 9.8.

[@wexrd3682]

Currently on an X Caliber 7 and this video helped me make my decision on this being my first FS out of the 12+ years of riding! Stoked by the review on the Fuel EX! I was waiting for this video all week!

[@willskissick4100]

Shout out the Xcal7. Got me hooked on the sport. Got a FS after 4-5 years, never going back.

[@forsakenrider]

Got an aluminum frameset, rode it for a month before the snow came, wowsers! Coming from a 2020 Optic, then 2022 Top Fuel C, this thing is a BEAST. My downtube protection is nice and straight too.

[@ericpederson6333]

I honestly like the color. I don't own one but I have been around it for a while now and the yellow really has grown on me

[@ignaciosevil1944]

really incredible... Would be interesting to compare the Version 5 againts 6. Pedal efficiency is very interesting to me Thanks for the vids PB team as always!

[@cjshank8477]

It’s great to see this review. I just bought two… ex-7’s with a NICA discount (Thank you Trek for getting kids on bikes) the EX-7 gen6 is the first full suspension for my son and I. He got the Medium and I got the M/L, so as he grows, he can ride mine in the future, and i will be fine on the medium.

[@willimmel]

I’m really glad that trek has done right by the fuel ex. In the past it seems like they’ve fallen short, but this one seems to hit the mark on essentially all the previous complaints. It was kind of funny to see them searching for complaints

[@ostankovalex1176]

ye, it totally destroys the hightower, but no matter what, they will say SC is good and bla bla bla, having sht components for 12 grand lol

[@junesebastian392]

@@ostankovalex1176 mike levy always trying to find a fault, downtube protector, cable mgt, colour, blah blah blah..everyone knows they are santa cruz fanatics..😏

[@matth8924]

Hats off to Trek for making a solid ride! Looks great!

[@StacyODell]

This is good to hear -- I've been coveting this bike as my next

[@joelgervais6819]

That colour has been growing on me since it was first used by Santa Cruz… I’m happy to see it on more bikes

[@danielburris3932]

Mine is black. I got the ex 5. I’m not a pro rider so I don’t need the best of the best or carbon fiber. I spent 2,800.00 and had a custom DT Swiss 27.5 with i9 hub built for it, so I went mullet. I love it. This is my second favorite bike I ever had after my 2012 jekyll4. That was my moss green baby. Nice review. Thanks guys.

[@spank1885]

Glad you guys mentioned the aluminum models. I went with a aluminum slash and can’t find anything wrong with it. I’ve been on plenty of carbon which is lighter but ride wise I almost cant feel any notable difference’s. Both seem to disappear under you.

[@ProdFSA]

Just picked mine up on a Black Friday sale. I love it

[@thewreland]

I bought the 2022 fuel ex 7, haven’t been riding at all for 15-20 years, just say wow this bike a think I can have many years to come and get better down the road.

[@adammoonface]

You can almost justify the cost with a spec like that. The Santa Cruz makes no sense to me at all

[@youtubeaccount9058]

Yeah there's a fine line between a luxury offering and a just being a ripoff

[@jeffeversole291]

I'm glad you added "almost"

[@goroseregon]

bought a direct to customer bike with the same specs for 5500$. So honestly no, the price still does not make much sense

[@adammoonface]

@@goroseregon Please understand that I am the cheapest bastard on earth and I would never spend that much on a bike 😂. In 2016 I bought a brand new Canyon Spectral with full GX and a Pike for £1,800. Those days are gone!

[@jeffeversole291]

@@adammoonface When will the bike industry realize there are more consumers like you and I than those who can and will pay 10 grand for a bicycle to take out on the rocks and roots. WAKE UP bike brands!!

[@hobokenarts]

Damn!... Knowing this pedals as well as my 2022 Top Fuel makes me want this bike even more!! What's also nice about this model is it has the matching painted down tube storage door. Trek really paid close attention to all the details as well as make this a bike you would want to ride all day. Thanks for the excellent review!

[@curtydbikes]

It can't climb as good as the 22 TF! It might be close tho

[@forsakenrider]

@@curtydbikes I had a 2022 top fuel C with a 130mm fork, went to an aluminum Fuel ex gen 6 and got a bunch of PR's on local climbs. Its good.

[@hobokenarts]

@@forsakenrider Not helping! 😉...I might have to do the same!! It just looks so good too!

[@curtydbikes]

@@forsakenrider oh no don't say that! I'm still honeymooning on my TF!

[@fiatfixie4344]

I like these guys, don't get me wrong. But imagine if the pedaling efficiency of the newest full suspension mountain bike actually improved as greatly over the last version as reviewers have been stating over the last 15 years. A 160mm travel bike would have the efficiency of a hard tail by now.

[@patsgarage8593]

My fuel ex5 is a few years old now but I absolutely love it!!

[@DanielDillon11]

Love that colour!!! I got the black Fuel Ex-e 9.8 but would love the 9.9 for that colourway!

[@kubagajda7347]

That garmin taped to the top tube is just a cherry atop a cake which this integrated bar is xD

[@erinb4919]

very tempting if i was in market for trail bike. i like the meaningful adjustability offered in the frame. i like the color

[@jcblebowski]

I just replaced the seatstays on one today (damaged in shipping 😢, warranty), it’s a sick bike y’all

[@bitumen83]

This bike will WON in this testing, mark my words! It is most complete bike.

[@joshstokmans5534]

Figured out what I’m gonna get for my first full squish! Drooling

[@Twisted_Biscuit]

I blew up my thru shaft shock on my 2020 Ex a month after i got the bike, and put an DPX2 on it, tuned by fox for my frame. Best decision I made. Turned the bike into a beast.

[@sketchy1792]

Trek's in frame storage - Can it be called a T.W.A.T box?

[@mrvwbug4423]

This is a strong contender for ultimate quiver killer. It looks like a bike that would be just as happy doing a 50 mile XC race or racing an enduro or shredding at the bike park or just doing an easy pedal on local trail. And you have price points for everyone from newer riders looking for their first FS to dentists who are cross shopping Yetis.

[@Seebema]

pretty excited for these frames

[@hangingaroundbytato5360]

Love that yellow!

[@letsgo_inc]

BRUTAL opening...my ears

[@thingswelike]

Yep that was rough!

[@Rustyfox46]

Been waiting for this vid. Although I can't afford the top model - I'll be looking at the 8 and not in yellow 😂

[@bamblebamble]

The colour is great!

[@sinnops]

I have the 2021 Fuel EX 9.7 and I love the thing. Now I want the new one 🤣I so want that yellow color :)

[@mrsmartypants_1]

Wow I haven’t been paying attention to mtb updates in the last year. Kudos to Trek. Sounds like you knocked one out of the park. 🙌

[@aaronkerth1171]

I own the 22 Top Fuel and love it.. I really like the Yellow but I also own the 21 Bronson MX in Yellow. Would you say this new Fuel could be as capable as my Santa Cruz Bronson MX ? I like the idea of the Fuel being able to toggle between 29/27.5 in the rear.. I'm 5"7' and race enduro.. thoughts would be appreciated.. great job guys love your vids!

[@Bittersfamily0424]

I love the yellow!

[@johnr5001]

I have the 9.9 xtr on the way for my son. No mention of the increased weight with this model though.

[@noitnova]

I like the blue one. I still have my Y-glide from 1998.

[@SourPatchPuss]

Ive also noticed a lot of paint chips with Treks and they just seem to have the fit and finish of some of the other brands. I wish I didnt care about that as much as the big picture but that is important to me.

[@andyboy198577777]

I hated this bike when it first came out but it’s growing on me pretty quickly. It looks like it performs well enough

[@lynguist]

i once had a santa cruz frame where the paint just chiped away after each ride. if a stone hit the frame then you could be sure that you lost a patch of paint. it was so annoying

[@GHinWI]

I know I’m an outlier, but I like the knock block. It allows you to trim the hoses/cables nice and short.

[@junesebastian392]

love the colour, black like what you've mention is so boring! got a black stealth remedy 8 and changed the tire to tan wall, including the grip and pedal to stand out a little bit..

[@keosoutdooradventures]

Loving the recent updates on Trek's, I was never a fan before

[@brianschaning1575]

didn't initially like the looks of this on first release, but gotta say trek killed it with this one

[@alex_rogan]

The yellow is rad. Bike sounds great.

[@SmokinSober]

2018 EX8 XXL with Carbon Line Pro 27.5+, DPX2 rear shock. Was going to buy new Line Pro 29 rims for it until I checked out the EX8 Gen 6. It might be time for a new bike. Thankful Trek makes XXL.

[@mikem7618]

Really thinking about trading in my Optic for one of these!

[@wardhilgers3607]

Like the color!!!

[@Generali087]

God i miss Levy. Such a natural review from the Mikes.

[@MatthewMachuDidge]

My 2020 ex8 has been the best bike I've ever owned... I'll ride it for another 3years and pick up this model for 2/3rd the retail

[@evanoc12345678]

listening to the pb bodcast this was the bike that all the testers would recommend, best fuel ex yet ?

[@systolic410]

Baja Yellow. Yep, I like it.

[@xav_1029]

My gripe has always been the suspension design. Always felt sluggish and blew through travel too easy. Might have to throw a leg over one cuz sounds like they fixed both issues.

[@86309]

nice job men!

[@joshuaziel6509]

Hate the color, but love the bike. My 2021 Fuel EX is awesome on the trails. This new frame adds some additional adjustability that I would like on bike park days to slacken things out a bit.

[@thegriff9425]

It would be good to compare this years winner with the Stumpy Evo - last years winner.

[@juanhuttoe4517]

Love my gen 5

[@artoutlawphoto]

The geometry looks very similar with the 2017 slash. If you compare the size M(17,5) of the slash 2017 with the size S of fuel ex, they are almost identical. So who has a 2017 slash now has a modern trail bike with 150mm rear

[@vlbz]

I always tought about Trek as super expensive, but maybe bc everything got so expensive, aluminium Treks are actually starting to make sense.

[@cosmicheretic8129]

This frame is really appealing. I notice the yellow color in frame only isn't on the Trek site. May have to ask at a store.

[@TheLawlbreaker]

8:34 We have a AL frame Fuel Ex 8 Gen 6 and there's no bowing of the frame protector (thankfully). Unfortunately, the downtube logo was applied at a strange angle and doesn't look great. The paint on the frame below the rear shock is inconsistent (notably thinner in spots) and the paint prep was terrible in this part of the bike (debris - possible weld spatter - in the paint). QC is a bit of an issue in the first production runs, apparently.

[@350zdj]

sick review. I bought mine from Trek bikes, UAE

[@mrmotomoto]

Wish we would have gotten some comparisons with its smaller bro the Top Fuel. Thoughts?

[@adrianw3985]

This bike is high on my list for the next bike.

[@nikolasgibson3438]

It’s a hybrid of a mini Slash and a bigger Remedy.

[@whitest_kyle]

This frame actually looks super sick, can't say I've always been excited about Trek but I am about this one! Also the carbon models go all the way down to $4700, pretty decent for a carbon bike.

[@waynedickinson624]

Kaz - this bike sounds so much like the Stumpy Evo. I know you are a fan of the evo - so would love to hear your direct comparison to that bike ? Dicko

[@thermonuculur]

Levy: "let's head over to the testers..." (hands off to self)

[@caseyas8572]

Love the color and there is a lot I love about this bike but they really missed the boat on the chainstays. Should be under 435 for a large sized trail bike. Enduro sure, but trail, shorten it up.

[@audiogarden1]

Wow, nice job Trek. Just bought a 2022 Top Fuel 9.7 and love it, but now wondering if I should have gone with a Fuel EX.

[@sadiejones7991]

I'm suggesting the top fuel over the EX because we ride XC type trails to a friend. Why are you wandering if you made the right decision. I don't want to stear him wrong, I haven't ever rode either of them, I was guessing because of the reviews I've seen.

[@audiogarden1]

Sadie Jones Top Fuel is definitely a little more geared towards XC. I wanted something that would be very capable on climbs and fast flow trails since the trails around me are mostly XC, just wondering if the Fuel EX might give me more options for exploring other states while still being pretty good on climbs. Maybe I'll just have to get both at some point.

[@sadiejones7991]

@@audiogarden1 I appreciate your reply, that's what has me stumped, this fella came from the road, and he has really taken to the fast flow trail, everything he is trying for a PR but I'm thinking he might want to dabble into a little mtn riding, we are only 7.5 hrs from the Smokey's. He has a competitive bone in him so I'm afraid a trail bike will hold him back but XC will limit him, and down country would be a limited too. He trust me completely on my recommendations , and we are 50 yrs old so he hasn't got time for bad choice's, I shouldn't say that but you know what I mean. He is riding my trail bike and loves it but my bike is 35#s and I told him faster bikes are available, and also he is limited to 3 grand, I told him it would take 4 to get the bike he needs but I don't think that's going to happen. I said the Ibis repley but he is looking more at Trek and Specialized alloys. Anyway, thanks again for the reply and maybe he'll get what is best for him, I think I'm going to push for the top fuel alloy. He can rent a bike for the mtns maybe.

[@MikeesTexas]

Way to swallow your pride Trek in regards to ditching the knock block/ the less loud branding is looking sharp/ good job not routing the cables through the stem!!!! Listening to the people!!!

[@karlosxzy]

Trek has a specific feedback portal system for retailers to pass on complaints and requests. Almost all of their gripes have been addressed for most bikes Trek makes.

[@fit2live]

I’m curious to see the long-term review on this one since a new model design. I wish the paint was better and don’t like that there are other cosmetic issues such as the guard. You spend a lot on these and want them as perfect as possible. Would be nice if Trek didn’t use house brand Bontrager stuff like the tires. Most will swap those out due to performance.

[@brianschaning1575]

the house brand bontrager stuff is very very good, tires included

[@Soviet_Elmo]

Well.. I guess this should make people excited for the next Slash to come :}

[@Stockfish1511]

Amazing bike but the price is nast. Went for slash 9.8 xt 2022 model and love it

[@nicholkid]

Hmmm my new trek also has paint chipping issues, at least the clear coat

[@parolesdelego]

It looks like an amazing bike but for 10 grand they could include the headset cups to change the head angle.......

[@nambrosino]

Weight seems pretty heavy according to trek’s website, especially the aluminum (35lbs+) otherwise looks like the perfect ride

[@Phonophobia]

When you get the nose drip, you know it's a good trail 4:56

[@gpearce11]

Of all the LBS bikes here, this is the one I'm least mad at value wise, and probably the only one I'd consider buying. That said, I'd never get this version, because not only is there the much better value alloy version, but if I wad willing to spend $11K on a bike then I'd just get the Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS.

[@maucina12]

do you think it would be competitive for enduro racing if the track is not too rough

[@ashtonoliver5966]

Yup, it's such a good bike. Just got mine, so fast

[@jeremyzed6726]

I am a bit confused why the trail bike bike test this year is taking place at Whistler bike park, I love this place, but the only charitable understanding I have is that it is meant to show how capable these bikes are these days, but still why don't we test them in more suitable terrians, like trails on Blackcomb, squamish and Bellingham like what you guys used to do. Instead of riding them on no joke or original sin etc.

[@mleavitt787]

I hope drops the Thru Shaft on their other bikes. I have a 21’ Slash, and the Thru Shaft Super Deluxe is terrible.

[@JHoldt]

The Fuel Ex compared to the Spectral 125. A few words on that?

[@lukastosovsky7720]

How would you compare it to stumpjumper evo?

[@simonchaddock3694]

Would you compare this bike to a scott genius 910

[@Mrjoaobmarques]

The bike world became absolutely ridiculous… everything costs upwards of what you have to give for a motorbike.

[@Ponypal1966]

The color rips in person, but not so much in pics or video

[@gen-X-trader]

You know my big issue with this frame is it seems like they were trying to copy the stumpjumper evo. Or at least market directly against it. I don't think the fuel is as good cosmetic or performance wise and it's heavier.

[@kyleericson9777]

If you guys ever do an interview with the management of Trek (or any OEM for that matter), please ask them how many $10K bikes they sell versus $3K bikes … I’m just really curious.

[@TheArrowFist]

I just got the Fuel ex 7 gen 6, between the factory sale and another 2 hundred from local shop got it for 3K. My 2017 Tundra was 40K, no way is any bike worth 25% of that truck

[@CatWith-AHat]

Trek sold 130 million in bikes with 67 million of that being Project One branded bikes in may. But that includes even the 9.8 XT for 6,500. The bikes they don't sell are the fetch 2 at 23 in all of may.