2023 Trek Fuel EXe Review | This Brand NEW Lightweight e-MTB Is The Stealthiest We've Ever Tested

[@randallgd]

We just bought a EXe for my wife, only one ride so far, snow here in Idaho. Im guessing a range extender will be our next purchase. Her previous two bikes were turbo levo's. I ride a non e-bike (Ibis ripley). She can go any of my hard rides and thats been so great. My friends often leave their wives home and mine gets to in these big epic rides. So cool! We also ride double track climbs with my 89 year old Dad on his Levo. On these rides I have to say I feel pretty lucky to ride as hard uphill as I want with my two favorite people. Total game changer for us! So many ways to use these e-bikes.

[@jays9781]

how do u afford such a expensive bike your so lucky this is my dream bike.....

[@Bobcatspiritdude]

Thats so awesome. What a blessing 😎🙏

[@rufusbass]

This is perhaps the best MTB review I have watched yet on KZbin. Really articulate without being verbose, and GREAT trail riding footage too. ( Love that!) Subscribed! I'm clicking the link to see how you rate this compared to the Orbea Rise M10 ( which I have been riding for a year...)

[@rohanjs.]

That’s a rig 😍 well done trek

[@PVVI2015]

Excellent review! My 9.7 arrives next week. I’m moving from a Giant Stance to the Fuel EXe. The Giant was very stable to ride, but as a lighter, older, female cyclist, I’m looking for a lighter, more agile bike. Your review supports my decision! Thanks😊

[@user-fu9tt7pl2f]

trek vs giant, which one do you like? can trek ride as long as a giant?

[@JamesRobertMTB]

Sounds like the perfect bike!!

[@ericpeysar2593]

Very well spoken, honest and clear review. Thank you.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words mate, glad you enjoyed the review! [Wil]

[@do-ineedtosay723]

A most excellent first look/review. Thanks for posting! *

[@5DEV]

So awesome. Needs our purple cranks!

[@ben_pedelty]

no

[@robhaskins3068]

Picking up a 9.7 with Fox/shimano gear tomorrow. Silence is Golden. $11K Au. I'm nearly back to my birth weight at 61kg so it will hopefully suit me well. E=Mtb²

[@drewsylvester3088]

You weighed 61kg at birth??? You're poor mother....

[@robhaskins3068]

@@drewsylvester3088 I said Nearly but if you think about it we will all end up back or less than our birth weight but won't have the pleasure of the Emtb Time Machine turning us back into gleeful kids again. I wonder if you could ride a Emtb up the Stairway to Heaven. Would make a good test video.🤔😇👹 E=Mtb²

[@ping_kingz1226]

Wow! What a great review! I'm not a rider, but I now want to be one

[@Hunter-yy4es]

Test rode one today coming from riding specialize most my life l wanted a change since there are decent competitors now on the market Trek seems to be up there this bike was extremely light weight l was very impressed the motor was extremely quiet as well overall l was really happy with the test ride but the only things that really bugged me considering the price tag you expect quality at the finger tips since most your interaction with the bike is there. The gearing levers felt very flimsy as in cheap quality feel of plastic an l noticed the Black & white display on it if pressed on the screen gently or by accident finger slips the pixels blur out on it as you would press on a calculator screen. l found that to be where l felt quality wise when it came to what is at your finger tips didn't feel premium to the touch take in mind as l mentioned the very generous price tag. This pushed me back to going for a specialized brand l do hope they improve their shifter feel quality to something that feels more like a lever then a plastic peg l had to check if l had pushed down on it or broke it l was very close to purchasing but this is where l had to scratch my head an think why didn't they just put a bit more quality an time into these parts it is a beauty bike but l couldn't pay that amount for that quality.

[@NicolasBretton]

Hello there ! Thank you for your qualitative and objective reviews ! I love them! (Sorry for my poor English I am French) I was wondering about your comparison between the fuel EXe and the Orbea rise. Indeed the orbea rise just had a new version, lighter. I have the previous version (m20) and I would like to changer either to a Fuel ex 9.8 or to a rise M-team. Two concerns : - the fuel may be too stiff for our rocky singles and mountain path in the south of France - would that be possible to do as elevation gain with the fuel compare to the rise ? Not only in terms of battery but also in terms of electric assistance Thank you 🙏🏼

[@TwowheeledadventureVT]

That thing looks 👌 🔥

[@MYMOUNTAIN_122]

I really wished that manufacturers would offer 27.5", I wonder if these motors can be configured to provide a full 85nm just by software, I'm sure at some point like car manufacturers they'll offer more power with these same units. Looks like a killer rig..

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Will you be getting your hands on the 9.7 model? I'm curious about the Fox setup and how the Trek App can affect the motor performance. I'm in the market for a lightweight ebike, and the Fuel EXe is at the top at the moment, followed closely by Transition's Fazua motor and Orbea Rise

[@HD46409]

Looking forward to the Fazua bikes reviews. Good times for lower power EMTBs...

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Very keen to try the new Fazua Ride 60 system - the Pivot Shuttle SL looks sweet, and we hear there'll be some more bikes coming out in the next few weeks. Exciting times indeed! [Wil]

[@xfelipepereira]

Great video, mate! i have been thinking about this bike and one question that came into my mind just now is about the motor activation speed when going through rough terrain and rocky / tech areas up hill. How does it activate? There are moments when you let the bike roll and suddenly you need the max torque to climb things. How is it efficiency on such moments? Thanks

[@mseekles1972]

The flow guys (175-178cm) chose the medium for this test. I am 176cm myself, ride a size large Rail but would usually go for the ML size. The EXe seem to have enough reach (on paper) in a size M and the reach numbers for the L seem very high. Anyone with some advice / experience on the sizing of the EXe?

[@TeamCykelhold]

you forgot to say that the XT is also lighter than the top model 9.9 and much cheaper - making it the version you actually want.

[@htonmusic]

was waiting for flow's review

[@boniedwa]

This bike shows us one thing, innovation costs a lot.

[@323johnnybravo]

Hahaha Trek innovate ?? 🤣🤣🤣 bro they just copy specialized and are usually 3 years late to the party. The motor is quiet and they bought it from some dude who innovated.

[@jamesthomson7305]

@@323johnnybravo name 1 bike manufacturer that makes all of their own parts. Trek didn’t just buy the motor from some “dude”. It’s called a partnership. Trek has been working with TQ since 2018 to develop this bike.

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

They start at 6/7k and go up like most models to the highest model. Most people will likely be purchasing the base models..

[@streddaz]

@@jamesthomson7305 name one car or motorcycle manufacturer that makes all their own parts? Most manufacturing outsources some components of the product they make

[@jamesthomson7305]

@@streddaz that’s my point. @johnny bravo is acting like it’s against the law to hire a vender

[@simonbest563]

Where do you guys ride? Very keen to check these trails out.

[@brianrichard1768]

So if you run it mullet do you gain a little torque?

[@tjp8663]

Great review 👏

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it! [Wil]

[@marksandoval5361]

I'm not into e-bikes,. But, this gives us an idea about what the updated Fuel EX is going to be like, longer travel and slacker. I am hoping that the regular Fuel EX comes with a 160mm fork. I could even be fine with the huge downtube, if it comes with a hatch. Having an extra-large "swat box" would be fine with me.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

It certainly leaves us a few clues doesn't it Mark? We'd expect to see the new Fuel EX adopting similar updates to the geometry and suspension design, along with a lift in travel to 150/140mm. I don't think Trek would spec a 160mm fork, as that would probably put it a bit too close to the Slash. However, it's worth noting that this new Fuel EXe is rated for use with a 160mm fork, so it'd make sense to see the regular Fuel EX also offering that capability. Hopefully we don't have to wait too long to find out! [Wil]

[@barrygibson4504]

Great review. It would be helpful if you could add a time or time per 1000m elevation to your your range test table. I understand it won't be a perfect science depending where on the lap the battery is exhausted (and conditions) but it's the one thing missing for me when comparing the different powers of eBike. I've ordered one of these bikes so guess i'll find out for myself soon but other than how the bike rides, how much longer it'll take to do my normal loop is the bit i'm most intrigued to find out. I think it would be great to compare the various options in this way as well as simply how far they'll go. Thanks

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hey there Barry! Not sure if I mentioned it in both the video and the review, but the average climbing speed on the Fuel EXe was around 14-15km/h, compared to 19km/h on a Shimano EP8-equipped Canyon Spectral:ON. That's with both bikes in their highest power setting. Of course range and riding speeds will vary from rider to rider depending on rider weight, rider input, terrain, gradient, and even tyre choice/setup. So those numbers won't necessarily translate to every rider out there. But hopefully the comparison between all the bikes gives an impression of their relative performance. [Wil]

[@barrygibson4504]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin Thanks for taking the time to respond. Based on the above I'm expecting it will take me roughly 10-15 mins longer to do my typical 1000m loop. I can report back next month!

[@4bvenom733]

That's a GT FORCE 👌

[@sebastam2603]

Loving it!!

[@spuddo123]

Harcourt, nice

[@bradsanders6954]

To many, I think the whole idea of adding a motor, is adding power, and of course max range. Smaller battery, smaller less powerful motor, less plush shorter suspension, Top Dollar! There must be a market for it!

[@heyg7819]

This appears to be perfect, the weight is decent and I'm sure they will sell more of the bottom range, the 9.7e looks solid. In 10 years these will be the default bikes we all buy, like it or not. If you shuttle any of your rides there is little room to complain. You are paying a massive premium from a normal bike, $3270 just for the assist when comparing the 9.7e to the 9.7, but this will come down as the economy of scales catches up.

[@getstrongby4038]

Yes sir I'm looking at the 9.7 I think you have to take the carbon jnto consideration, the 9.7 rail is no cheaper, so it's just in line with the pricing as it is now I'm not sure if I'd rather have a rail 7 aluminium

[@k______________________]

Torn between sizes! There are no Exes in sight to go and test and I’m 6’1” with a 34” inseam. Would an XL be too huge for more techical stuff?

[@ben_pedelty]

defo A Large u need

[@REBooner30]

Same height and inseam as you. With a reach of 485mm in the low setting and 490mm in the high setting I definitely think L is the size for us.

[@YLDCRD]

How do I get my hands on a yellow one. It’s not on the trek website

[@zimbarbaluba]

But how does the motor assist feel compared to the Rise? Is it noticeably less power?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hey there Andy! It depends how you have the EP8-RS motor set up on the Rise. With the default settings, the level of assistance is comparable between the two bikes, and both are quite smooth and progressive. If you dial up the assistance settings on the Rise however, it definitely feels more powerful, and looking at my average climbing speeds, it's a lick faster than the Fuel EXe. Personally though, I prefer the overall performance of the TQ motor. It's significantly quieter, and I've found the power delivery to be smoother and less spiky. We've got some more detail on the Rise vs Fuel EXe in the full review if you fancy checking it out: flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-fuel-exe-review-2023/ Hope that helps! [Wil]

[@zimbarbaluba]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin thanks, it's a very interesting bike

[@brokenlegz]

Wow comparing the range to the canyon… this seems like a huge win.

[@jasonmaccormack2239]

These lightweight ebike need to be priced between normal bikes and full ebikes, the price point is ridiculous

[@DEISE01able]

What is the diameter of the tires?

[@ZillaYT]

In your range test, you said the bike does around 7 laps, but failed to mention how long the lap is? What is it?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hi there! Lots of detail about the range test in the full review if you fancy checking it out: flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-fuel-exe-review-2023/ Hope that helps to answer your question, though just yell out if not! [Wil]

[@ZillaYT]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin Thanks, I just now read it. So 25 mi range w/o the extender, and 10-12 mi more with it. Thanks for the reviews, it's definitely the eBike I'm looking at for my first eMTB.

[@massimofederici9207]

My doubt is... I ride my Rail 9.9 size XL, biker 90kg, almost in TOUR mode, never in EMTB or TURBO, alone, for rides of about 1200/1400+m. is it stupid to buy the new ExE with extender replacing my current Rail? Do I risk to me back home with ZERO battery... for last climbs?

[@ZillaYT]

IMO they are 2 different bikes.

[@anneblouin1393]

We purchased this Vivi 27.5” electric bike and a Tentaquil 26” electric bike for our 13 and 14 year olds. kzbin.infoUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ The Vivi was much easier to put together. With the Vivi, there was a video link to assist with assembly which made the process easier to follow (we did put the handlebars on upside down, but it was a quick and easy fix). With the Tentaquil, the assembly was not as simple to follow, but after we messaged the company for an assembly video, it was easier and they did respond quickly. The other major differences were that the Vivi has a grip throttle on the right handle (like a motorcycle) and the Tentaquil has a push throttle that you use your thumb to activate. The monitors were also different, so if you’re looking for something specific in terms of changing the bikes functions, pay attention to what the monitor offers. We were really impressed with the overall quality and functionality of both bikes, but if you’re looking for more power and an easier assembly, definitely go with the Vivi!

[@gilbertogonzalez9494]

Why don’t they mention the forestal? Cyon

[@MrLincoln87]

It'll be pretty cool if that had regen brakes. But that would be complicated as F

[@streddaz]

Yes it would be but unfortunately you couldn't have a free hub and you would need to have some way of linking the brakes to the motor electronically.

[@MrLincoln87]

@@streddaz free hub would have to be on the motor/crank or something... No rear disc brakes just motor/engine braking lolol...... as I said, complicated.

[@streddaz]

@@MrLincoln87 Yes, that's correct. Works well in a car when the extra weight is negligible compared to the cars weight and complexity can be hidden. On a bike, that's a big ask. Also the lighter the vehicle the less effective the regen is, so when you get as light as a bike the gains of regen(if it was possible) wouldn't be worth the system losses.

[@c4rltsyt]

Sorry must be being thick - where is the link below for comparison with orbea and specialised?? Can’t see it in your list of videos either???

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Here you go Carlton; flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-fuel-exe-review-2023/ The comparison between the three bikes is towards the bottom of the Fuel EXe review. Hope that helps! [Wil]

[@8664antonio]

how much wight the cheapest ex full, 20kg?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hey there! We've got all the claimed weights in the full review if you fancy checking it out; flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-fuel-exe-review-2023/ There's also a comparison with some of the other light e-MTBs we've tested lately, including the Levo SL, Rise and Kenevo SL. Hope that helps! [Wil]

[@battlegoatracing]

Why on earth is there no XS avail? This thing would be perfect for small people, women or otherwise.

[@weizenobstmusli8232]

TQ motor. Does that mean we will soon see Haibikes with it?

[@ZillaYT]

BMC Fourstroke and Simplon Rapcon bikes also use the TQ motor.

[@weizenobstmusli8232]

@@ZillaYT , the Rapcon looks sick🙂

[@The_Rumpo_K1d]

Naturally everyone reviews the top end model that 99% of people wont buy. Sure that might be down to Trek themselves only supplying the top end model for review but most people will buy the entry level or next one up at best. A quick look at the specs and theres a huge difference in the level of the spec. So the model most will buy will not perform aswell as this. The bike looks nice but i will wait for reviews on the lower spec models before getting excited.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

You're spot-on there Anthony - the 9.9 XX1 AXS model was the only bike available to us prior to the official launch. It was a curious decision on Trek's behalf, given this model won't be available in Australia. That being said, the spec is actually pretty similar between the 9.9 we tested and the 9.8 XT model, which I suspect will be the most popular option. The frame, TQ motor and battery are the same throughout the range, but the 9.8 XT model also features the same tyres, the same carbon rims, carbon cranks and one-piece RSL cockpit as the 9.9 models. You don't get the Lyrik Ultimate, but the Lyrik Select+ fork still has the same chassis, DebonAir+ spring and Charger 3 damper, so you can expect similar performance between the two bikes. As mentioned in the video, we generally avoid talking about components on bikes, unless they have a big impact on the ride quality, or we have an issue with them during testing. Instead we try to focus our reviews on the broader ride qualities of the bike (handling, suspension, and in this case - the motor), which typically translates through to all models. Hopefully folks find this review useful in getting an impression of what the Fuel EXe is like to ride. [Wil]

[@The_Rumpo_K1d]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin Had a feeling it was down to Trek. I appreciate your explanation regarding the difference in specifications. Thanks for your reply

[@joaooquimar8202]

Qual preço da trek fuel exe

[@AIMarketingFunnels]

I bought a 2023 9.8 XTR last week. This morning it would not turn on. I plug the charger in and it turns on, 150% charge. When I turn it off I cannot turn it back on unless I plug the charger in. It also has rebooted on two different occasions when the power went from the the extender to main battery. I should have bough the Orbea. This is a lemon and it is wrong that a person can spend this kind of money and get such poor results.

[@fudganuld]

Blah Blah Blah...13 Grand for a bike...come on people....Thats just stupid !!

[@Montblanc1986]

All in the marketing. The e caliber doesn’t sell well since they didn’t market the heck out of it

[@ben_pedelty]

that and it wasnt really relevant

[@frotto]

don't buy something with a new motor... at least wait for the second generation

[@wolfgangamadeusmozart9323]

Nasa use this type of motor..

[@nicolapellegrino1072]

@@wolfgangamadeusmozart9323 haibike use TQ motors too and the performances are not so good specially on battery consumption, but this one is completely different.

[@tomcagle5324]

Although impressive, I would wait too. Better left to those Richie's ready to burn 💸 and do the long term beta testing🍻

[@timfreeman2603]

Disappointing that it comes hobbled to 25km/h despite being off road focused. Even worse if you put a 27.5” on. Better off importing from USA and getting 20mph.

[@dgw6448]

"it's so nice to be out on the trail on a quiet bike" "it's so expensive" etc. why not ride a bike without a motor?

[@ZillaYT]

More laps, if that's what you want.

[@nicolapellegrino1072]

A full power emtb now weights about 21-22 kg with a 750 wh battery and the price is lower... why I should pay more to have less? With my rail 7 I have enough juice to climb everything I want without concerning about the autonomy of the battery and bosch is a motor that has a perfect balance between power and battery consumption, TQ motors on haibikes weren't so good and caused lots of problems because there wasn't enough motors to satisfy the needs, this one is different but I don't think this bike will be a "game changer" just all the "light ebikes" on the market.

[@jyneoh]

i have owned 2 full power Levos and now on a SL. my previous levos were both above 21kg vs my SL at 18kg. I love it to bits and cant wait to get my ordered Fuel EXe. Not all riders want to blast around at full power on 23kg bikes and coming home with 50% battery left.

[@nicolapellegrino1072]

@@jyneoh if "pay more have less" suits you... you're welcome. I prefer to have a more versatile bike and I prefer to close the ride with 50% instead of 0 😁 to be precise the difference between 18.6 and 21 is not the same with 23... considering the fact you have to add to the trek a range extender the weight will increase and the difference between the two becomes thinner. Light ebikes are really nonsense.

[@barrygibson4504]

@@nicolapellegrino1072 I'd say don't knock it until you try it. I see your point and love my full power eBike but there are disadvantages too. It's hard to slow down on really steep trails and the power delivery in turbo is not great, I spend more time in the mid-setting. But I guess it really depends on where you ride, where I live the climbs are technical and the descents are steep and tight. I'm very light too which probably exaggerates things. The XT build Rail is 23.4kg and the EXE is 18.1kg and the price (UK) is very similar at £8,350 vs. £8,500 - no one is going to argue the display/remote alone on the EXE justifies the £150 price difference. For me 5.3kg is significant and the added bonus of being able to fly with the bike is really attractive; not to mention I can put it on the roof of my car without breaking both my back and the 20kg Thule limit. I agree though, if you ride somewhere that has steep fire road climbs and rough fast descents then the Rail wins every time. But it's nice to have the choice and just because it doesn't suit you definitely doesn't make it nonsense.

[@nicolapellegrino1072]

@@barrygibson4504 in these days Rotwild released a 750 wh bike that on top tier model costs less than this Trek, weights 21 kilos in size L, (3 more than trek) why I should prefer the trek over the Rotwild? Because 3 kilos makes this HUGE difference in handling so I'd sacrifice range over that at higher cost? Lol I don't think so. 😁 anyway you may prefer this trek but numbers say it clearly... you pay more to have less, you're happy with that? Ok for you 😁

[@barry9559]

@@nicolapellegrino1072 And now we really are comparing Apples with Oranges. At least before you were comparing two bikes from the same brand. There is a place for all of these options, doesn’t matter whether it’s two bikes from Trek or cheaper direct sale brands. My point is not that the EXE is amazing or superior as it definitely won’t be for everyone. But it certainly isn’t “nonsense” either.

[@323johnnybravo]

Just wait for the next Turbo Levo SL, aka the bike Trek will clone, be ahead of the game.

[@streddaz]

I have the SL so I'm interested to see what Specialized have to compete with this.

[@davidoff123]

Trek is really copying Spec. 😤

[@streddaz]

@@davidoff123 not really, apart from being an Ebike it has a totally different frame, suspension, and motor. If you are saying that they are copying Specialized because it's a lightweight Ebike there were lightweight bikes before the SL like the E Zesty.

[@michaelpenrose1]

Would love a lighter eBike, but let's get real with the pricing, £5k for the entry-level bike and £9k for the 9.8 XT in yellow...

[@do-ineedtosay723]

Agreed. Trek is usually known for better color selection. That yellow is terrible. *

[@LastAphelion]

Can't wait for the Transition Relay, if it's like the rest of their bikes it'll be way better specced for less or equivalent price with more battery and power

[@do-ineedtosay723]

Just went to Trek's website. The Fuel EXe is customizable under Project One. So we don't have to be stuck with that yellow color. *

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

I mean the entry level MTB's are 3k US as it is... That's with the most basic of parts for a full suspension MTB.. Enduros start at 4k US Generally so not really for what you're getting for 3 more grand makes sense since a battery is 1k and a motor 1k (plus all the cost of tech etc)

[@michaelpenrose1]

@@do-ineedtosay723 The stock colours are horrible for such an expensive bike.

[@jamietaylor9410]

Aus$1199.99 for a 160Wh range extender battery (*retension strap and charge cable are required and sold separately) after paying $13,000 for a bike is bulls@%t. Pull your head In Trek

[@jamesthomson7305]

You realize the base model for 6500 has the same frame, motor and battery as the 13k one???

[@jamietaylor9410]

@@jamesthomson7305 Yes I do. The base 9.5 in Aus is $9500. I was talking about the 9.8XT, but I think your missing my point.

[@ZillaYT]

@@jamietaylor9410 The higher 9.9 models come with the battery extender.

[@s14sx]

Fuel exxy 🙊

[@joehoeper3941]

I wish trek would stop making one piece bar and stem combos. Ugly and makes it impossible to adjust bar roll or put in a new bar easily for more rise. Part of the fun of bikes is their modular abilities.

[@ZillaYT]

This is easily swappable to a non-integrated bar/stem combo.

[@whosspyingonme]

There's no direct link comparing the 3. If your going to say go to the link...at least put the link in. 👎

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hmm, link should be in the video description, though here it is if you haven't seen it; flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-fuel-exe-review-2023/ You'll see the comparison between the three bikes towards the end of the review. Hope that helps! [Wil]

[@Jacob99174]

First

[@EustacioMarquez]

sure is purdy !! but 12k is a fantasy for me !! --thank for the video