NEW 2023 Trek Fuel eMTB: Super Light, Super Quiet

Trek Fuel EXe, a brand new lightweight electric mountain bike from Trek. Featuring 300w motor, 360Wh battery, range extender and weights from 17.47KG. Trail based geometry, 29er wheels and super quiet ebike motor from TQ-Systems.
The bike is a 140mm travel bike, 150mm fork and a 64.8 degree head angle, with a long reach in size XL of 508mm. Weight for my 9.9 AXS model is 18.6KG. Prices start from £5700 to £13,250.
ETHICS and DISCLAIMER: Trek hired me to test the bike, review it and to produce a video for on my KZbin channel, and is such labelled as a paid partnership on KZbin. Trek have have had no direct input on this content or any editorial or narrative control over the video. This paid partnership with Trek has allowed me time to test the bike and also film and edit over multiple days working with an independent film crew to help capture the bike shots and produce the video content.
This Channel is supported by the following partners (and videos may include promotional products, including paid product placement) from:
Troy Lee Designs: troyleedesigns.co.uk/pages/bike
Peaty's Products. By Riders, For Riders: peatys.co.uk

[@RobRidesEMTB]

What a bike! Fun fact: I changed the wheels on the bike and drove to the quantock hills for some filming. I realised when I got there, just as I was about to start a 1000ft climb that I forgot to change the rear wheel magnet. I thought about bailing out, but thought I'd give the bike a go with NO motor support. Turns out it pedals just like a regular bike - I rode it for 2.5 hours with no motor support at all. That's the first time I've ridden a 'regular' pedal bike in 18 months!

[@Todd66]

Sounds like something I would do. My Dengfu fat bike weighs 66lbs and is a 10spd, even with 4.8 wide tires, the bike is a pleasure to pedal without the motor. I’m not saying i would try to jam on some technical stuff without my juice, but it’s amazing to be able to ride my beast with no juice. I wish my Bafang Ultra M620 was half as quiet as that Trek. As always, really good job on the video

[@do-ineedtosay723]

Interesting! You didn't get an error code with the magnet missing?! *

[@RobRidesEMTB]

@@do-ineedtosay723 yes I did. As soon as I started to pedal there was an error message on the screen. Not a lot I could do about it though, I just ignored it and rode.

[@Extremegaz25]

It's hard when you haven't rode a normal bike for so long, eh rob, last year my brothers levo packed up, and me being slightly fitter rode it home with no motor up a huge hill, it was a killer.

[@do-ineedtosay723]

@@RobRidesEMTB How much did the shop charge you to reset the error code? *

[@pchudzik1014]

Although I ride ‘acoustic’ MTBs (because I can’t afford an ebike 😅) I still regularily watch Robs channel because of sheer quailty of his videos is oustanding. The shots, the colours, everything top notch. He’s also such a great presenter. All the other bike channels I watch are miles behind (although I like them too). Really really well done Rob 👏👏👏

[@drewjonespdx]

Acoustic is a description of sound not mechanics

[@pchudzik1014]

@@drewjonespdx I know that, it’s just a humorous nod to the world of guitars (electric vs acoustic), my other passion 😅. Me and my riding mates like to use this analogy when talking about bikes.. I guess not everyone gets it🤦‍♂️

[@drewjonespdx]

@@pchudzik1014 lol I get it. I play guitar too :-) except now I constantly see non musicians calling them acoustic bikes

[@chrisgenovese8188]

@@drewjonespdx language and words are fluid, not static. just because you play guitar, or have a personal connection to the word, doesnt mean it cant be applied to other things. youre gonna have to get over it, because "acoustic" has already been pretty fully integrated into the biking lexicon.

[@drewjonespdx]

@@chrisgenovese8188 wrong. It’s grammatically incorrect and improper use of the word. It will never be adopted on a large scale because of that. Only uninformed ignorant people will refer to them as acoustic bikes in the future if at all. It shows a fundamental lack of understanding of the English language

[@Cezex]

Quality of you videos is superb, way way above what EMBN offers, you really stepped up the game! Congrats. And big kudos to the camera operator, the footage looks really sweat. As for review itself it had everything that we wanted to know, good job. All in all it was really pleasant to watch.

[@pchudzik1014]

Agree 100%

[@TheBikePilot]

Thanks so much Cezary, I really appreciate the feedback! A lot of kudos should also go to Rob who does the edit/grade though!..Thanks again for taking the time to comment. Jon (Camera Operator)

[@luisdanieldiazreyes]

Agreed!

[@EdBraunbeck]

That's one of the reasons I subscribed.

[@halfbrain86]

It really is a piece of art like the bike itself. You can't hide how passionate you are about emtbs and the fuel exe. It transfers very well to the viewer. I think also partly because of the top quality video. Such great editing and cutting and the music selection is awesome too.

[@Matt-ns2ei]

Thanks for all the effort and time you put into making these. By far my favourite ebike channel!

[@craigheller9053]

Rob, new to ebikes and have to say your information and feedback is fantastic. The quality of your videos, the shots, the sounds on the trail and in the studio is absolutely outstanding. I can't imagine what it takes to achieve this quality, but please know it is much appreciated! Keep it up!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks Craig, appreciated! Rob.

[@Madsmtb]

wow, insane how high the quality is!! keep up the good work, this is really good

[@finroddd]

The system looks soooo nice! I am sure this is the way all e-mtbs are going to take - smaller, quieter motors which will get more and more powerful. Batteries also will get lighter and with more capacity. I have to say - I can't wait for this. Thanks, Rob for your beautiful videos - I admit that I watch every single one of them.

[@bimmerfan729]

Cool bike! Super excited to see where the ebike world is going. I can't wait to see the motor/gearbox combined as one unit. As always, awesome vid Rob!

[@houndmediani3549]

awesome bike. watching these videos is like watching a review of a lambo - its nice to look at but ill never afford one

[@michalmalanowicz7595]

I have to admit, that the quality of the video footage is the best on the Internet in bikes reviews category. Well done! Alse the bike itself... wow, this is how eBikes are suppose to look and feel in the future. However 50nm seems a bit too low, 60 would be a sweet spot. I'll be looking forward to see more with the new Fazua 60nm system.

[@p.k.7111]

Clearly in this case orbea rise is the way to go.

[@krusch75]

@@p.k.7111 Nah. Great bike to ride. Playful and nimble. But noisy as f#% going up and down...

[@p.k.7111]

@@krusch75 yeap Shimano...

[@billclark8241]

@@p.k.7111 Are you talking about one of the noisiest bikes on the planet?

[@billclark8241]

Video quality is definitely good but best on the Internet is hallucinogenic

[@squirerides8371]

Nice bike. Awesome video quality. Thanks for the thorough overview. 👍

[@krusch75]

Love where the emtbs are going now:) I have levo myself as it was available when buying. But after having tried many other bikes. It is also the most quite going up and down. And have gas on new bikes. But a bit more patience as i think the next gen of ebikes are game changer. Unlike what we have seen the last 4 years. Orbea rise opened many doors. The Specialized SL bikes are great as well. But dont give enough power on long steep climbs. And as many mention. Your videos are top notch:)

[@bbutters7263]

This is a brilliant review. Well done Rob, thank you!

[@Bertdoggy]

Wow what a vid Rob. The videography from 9:05 to 10:50 is unreal. Best on KZbin IMO. Most underrated MTB channel out there! I know the Levo SL isn’t a new bike, so the recent memory is always at the forefront, however, what would you say is better at stock and also with upgrades….Like your Levo Sl vid with the upgrades 👌🏽

[@BenoSaradzic]

agreed about cinematography. By far the best i've seen on YT so far.

[@brentgregory1359]

a quality video and review Rob. and an awesome bike!

[@simonpage2941]

Enjoyed that one Rob & the channel looks very polished from a production point of view. I would like to try a low power emtb, however I do love my Orange Phase & it's full fat ability.... Look forward to the next one 😃

[@CoderShare]

Him: "Very silent in the background" Motor: "Loud ass whirring"

[@TerraNova9147]

Great looking bike and great review as always Rob..!

[@TheSuperpod]

Amazing cinematography and quality of the review. I have this bike and can’t have enough of it. Stellar machine

[@jeanmarc_in_Hudson]

Wow! Great video, review & bike! Sure looks like the future of e-mtbs.

[@MrDuneTwo]

Very good review and on top of it some stunning bike riding footage. So kudos both to the rider and the camera man who captured the action. 🤙

[@Gonzarelli]

Wow, my Levo SL is really starting to show its age and i have only had it 2 years. Exciting times for the lightweight e bikes

[@jamesj97370]

Not denying these "superbikes" aren't brilliant but £10-£14k for a pedal bike is ridiculous. I've been riding/racing since 2007 and a top of the range road/MTB bike was always c£3.5 - £5k max. The only thing that has changed is a lot more people have entered the sport/hobby especially over the last 3-5 years and they aren't away that bikes have tripled in value. More over you can buy a very good supersport motor bike for the same price. To me these bikes are like charging £2 a litre for petrol, people are conditioned by the prices creeping up over the years. Great video but would be interested in you doing a video tracking the price of the top of the range bikes over the years to draw attention to what the manufacturers are doing!

[@getstrongby4038]

Starts at 5k though, dont have to spend 14

[@veldhuisracing]

Charging more for a less powerful motor and less capacity battery is even more ridiculous. Such a great marketing masterplan they unfolded here. It makes no sense whatsoever that these bikes (SL versions etc.) are even more expensive than the regular versions. Total madness!

[@jamesj97370]

@@getstrongby4038 Exactly you're missing the point, top of the range used to be £5k and when I say "used to be" I'm not talking 30-40 years ago, I'm talking 10. That's ridiculous and they're taking people for mugs!

[@MikaHakkinen83]

I had a Top Fuel 9.8 or 9.9 2006 model that was about 5k new. A 10-11kg 100mm full-sus. Derailleur(s), levers, hoops and frame were carbon. Dunno if it had any metal in it. So the inflation works

[@SH44527]

That costs as much as the 1100cc Africa twin adventure sports I got last year, the price of bikes of this type now is getting ridiculous, no way is any push bike worth that much money.

[@xaviernieblaogorman236]

Great review! How on earth are you making these amazing moving scenes? The footage is on another league.

[@z33r0now3]

Gimbal

[@jdazmtnbkr9571]

Beautiful Video. Beautiful Bike. I’m a HUGE fan of the SL Ebikes, lots of good ones coming.

[@socialising6037]

Wasnt expecting an e fuel ex. Bike looks super cool but I still enjoy a bike without a motor. Excellent review!

[@borjastick]

I have just bought a Levo SL Comp and I have to say it is already changing everything. This Trek looks cool too.

[@jensh.9779]

Brilliant video!

[@davefreeman9347]

Ive had this bike for about 4 weeks now, It’s my first e-bike and I cant praise it enough what a magnificent piece of engineering, I have fallen back in love with Mountain Biking again I cant get enough of this bike.

[@roddas26]

Had to watch your review first Rob. Top job as usual.

[@GlennRacing1]

Cracking review as ever. I see this as an early insight into a future Rail with less weight, more powerful motor but even more range. The future is bright.

[@CloserApproximations]

Insane production values Rob! Your videos have noticeably increased in quality significantly of late. Not that they were bad to begin with.

[@AlexanderRoseTz]

Amazing camera and audio work at the beginning! Stopped everything I was doing.to enjoy this at my HD screen

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@5DEV]

Looks Insane!

[@shellderp]

thanks this is a great review, covered everything

[@steveward5473]

Hi Rob, which one would you pick between a Rail or EXe? I have a 2022 Rail 9(6 months old) and it's a great bike but I am leaning towards a lighter Ebike, the Orbea Rise is hard to get in Australia and I'm not a fan of Specialized SL's, so I now have a hard choice to make. Enjoy the vids.

[@ianross225]

Great review, Rob. I guess the silence is down to the lack of internal gearing, belts, moving parts etc. The price, however, is eye watering and I find myself comparing it to the motorbikes at similar cost. My Trek Rail will have to do for the time being.

[@xyz12334567898]

Most in depth review so far. Really exciting bike

[@johnspooner4128]

That video work was every bit as good as this great bike Bravo!

[@nomaddict5279]

Great video!! Super helpful!

[@lefthorse1]

How it was filmed this video ?? It was so beautiful .. i like this Trek frame very much , but i noticed the bike in the video was equipped with three different stems , it was always the same frame or different sizes ??

[@phenoge]

super impressed with the TQ motor. now we just need batteries with greater power density (and make USB-C the charge standard!)

[@robhaskins3068]

I've been banging on about noisier new Emtbs for some time. Bought one of these 9.7 model with shimano gears and Fox suspension which I prefer. $11k Australian. Should suit me well as I'm nearly back to my birth weight at 61kg and only use 55% max power on my levo's. Silence is absolutely golden. E=Mtb².

[@BramBiesiekierski]

My mate has a regular fuel ex. I borrowed it for a week or two when my bike was needing repairs. I gotta say, the platform is a very efficient bike to ride, and also quite capable considering its travel numbers. This electric version looks to be a great addition to the platform.

[@BramBiesiekierski]

@UCFoS2Fwkv16qJvH5plUew7w great.

[@tomcagle5324]

Damn Rob! Showcasing your "causal" shredding skills. Maybe it's the light E-mtb highlighting your ability. Most def gives mad street cred to your normal comprehensive, excellent reviews!💪

[@tomcagle5324]

Oh yeah! Sweet Trek. Good competition to the Transition Relay. With either rig, I still think I would have to donate a kidney to afford one. Wait! I can just take out a second home mortgage💸🍻

[@dcrunicycles]

Thank you from Truckee California

[@markgrainger5727]

For a minute i thought he said that bike was £13 grand 🤣🙀

[@socialising6037]

Unfortunately it is lol

[@jay8miller]

Great video Rob 👌🏻

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Cheers Jay!

[@zimbarbaluba]

First proper rival to the Rise but I didn't hear him mention a comparison in the video? How does the assist feel compared to the EP8 RS?

[@ccallure]

Sublime video and bike!

[@maynardian2506]

Interesting stuff, beautifully shot! I've just sold my Powerfly FS for the reasons you mention. I have an Xcaliber hardtail and found it to be a far more engaging and involving experience. The 'full fat' ebike experience is interesting, but feels like a different sport, more akin to a motorcross bike powering through the terrain rather than working with it and riding it... I shall have to get a test ride, once finances allow me to think about owning one...

[@stephenlord599]

I get that but I still can’t really see the point in semi skimmed .. unless you can only have one bike perhaps or your mates all ride analogue ? I tend to ride my EEB less than other bikes but when I do I want to smash up hills .. I don’t weigh much though so perhaps 50Nm would be ok and I’d keep up with mates on full fat ??

[@mxengineer1]

Another great review - excellent video quality along with great details. Quick question: How does the torque/assist feel on this new Trek TQ 50Nm motor feel while pedaling uphill compared to the Levo SL or Kenevo SL 35Nm motor?

[@TheJubeiam]

Omg this vid is on another level

[@86309]

Rob, your photog is STUNNING. Well done Sir! How did the walk mode feel, and also riding with power off?

Nice, but I like longer travel bikes and that Transition Relay looks good and is 60 Nm!

[@CoyoteMTB77]

Looks like the Orbea Rise finally has some competition. Looks so subtle as an E-bike

[@emtbtrailrider539]

Incredible quality review

[@Roaming50]

I put SRAM HS2 centerlock rotors on my Orbea Rise but then found an issue that no "official" magnet solution works with these centerlock rotors. In the end I superglued a Nd magnet to the rotor. I see that this also has the HS2 rotors so I took a screen grab at 9:31 and looked at the rotor. I was confused at first and then realized that these are the 6-bolt rotors (not centerlock) with a bolt on magnet, but what was confusing was that one of the rotor bolts (which also holds the magnet) has fallen out. So Rob, you where running only 5-bolts on your rotor and one 1 for the magnet (not two). As a result you magnet is out of position. Lucky you did not have any issues. LOL.

[@ericm8811]

Hey Rob Rides Emtb! The word bikes no longer is adequate to describe these MTB technology systems! Absolutely amazing! Ride ride ride!

[@th_js]

Nothing compared to modern motorcycles and they are also called bikes.

[@drewl4921]

Great review, just the sort of bike I’d like to upgrade from my old Spec HT. Some deciding to do between this and the Rise I think. If prices started at sub 5k then no decision necessary I would buy a Fuel!

[@do-ineedtosay723]

Agreed. That trend of ebikes costing an arm and a leg and almost your first born has got to go away! *

[@cezarysieluzycki4303]

Hi, thanks for a nice in-depth review. How much engine resistance do you feel when the e-support is not engaged? Did you compare the bike in this regard to the E-Caliber with the Fazua drive?

[@4KMTBRider]

Wow what an impressive bike and motor. These light weight emtb's I imagine are the perfect balance between regualar and full fat assisted bikes.

[@robmccall5017]

My Orbea Rise is also 17.7 Kilos has 60Nm, is Full Carbon; costs 8.800 Euros including full XTR, 36 all Factory Fox.

[@Roaming50]

I think a key feature that is perhaps overlooked is that the AXS rear mech is now powered from the internal battery! looks like the dropper is still separate battery though.

[@stevedzurilla2436]

Ya, pretty stupid idea that 100% kills the sole purpose of a wireless drivetrain.

[@BramBiesiekierski]

I saw the wires coming out the derailer, and had a little chuckle. A wireless system, with wires....lol

[@easty-stage-4-fighter.]

Faultless review mate, well done.

[@hansstalhandske]

Wow the video footage and production! How did you even make the shots when the camera went sideways along with you and then in front of you. A drones noise should've been picked up in your mic.

[@z33r0now3]

Probably a DJI ronin gimbal

[@MashiroMartinez]

What camera was used to film this? Amazing quality!

[@ralphlee4110]

Rob, as always, great review. If possible, kindly compare this bike with Orbea Rise. Just curious which one is a better bike. Thank you.

[@hannes6114]

But what advantages does that motor give you specifically?

[@BigPaco213]

why does this channel have so lil subs? such high end quality content!!!

[@ashdiggity504]

Great review! One recommendation, would love to hear a review of the 9.7 or 9.8. I am sure most people are more likely to afford and purchase those models. I know you really enjoyed the bike, but for that money and spec quality I would expect nothing less. I think if your goal is to help more people make a purchase decision, it would be worth it to take the time to help educate them on the model they will be purchasing.

[@BikeParkLane]

Is it realistic to only use the motor on the steeps/push up paths and switch it off for the downhill bike park trails and it still perform well? I'm fine with xc trails on acoustic but looking for a replacement for uplifts as some parks are so steep it kills you after a few climbs

[@supervelomantrek7015]

Hi, what do u think of this bike compared to Orbea Rise? Nice video

[@pchudzik1014]

The new Lyrik chassis looks sweet too 🤩

[@garnerjm1]

Top, top quality review. One Q Rob is the battery removable for charging?

[@shaneward4065]

Nice review Rob. Are you still reviewing the voima and when will you release that?

[@gbarton800]

Can’t wait for my 9.8XT to arrive!

[@paulturner7829]

Well the build quality and spec on your test bike is superb as ever for Trek. In comparison to the new Cheeb build if you specked a smaller battery and lighter tyres etc and super light wheels and gears etc you voild get nearer the weight of the Trek with a more realistic price tag for Mr average income as opposed to team sponsorship prices 😀

[@corwath1]

Very nice bike, but the price range is ridiculous. The cheapest one is the 9.5. It´s £5750 and comes with a rockshox 35 and tektro brakes, lol!

[@LastAphelion]

Yeaaah. That's why I'm waiting on the Relay. If Transition specs it like they do the rest of their bikes it'll actually be better specced for less or equivalent price.

[@markbishop5998]

Beautiful

[@pauljohnson2478]

Trek need colour eInk like ClearInk screens to match those crazy premium prices. Though when I was riding the 22 Rail the pop-out oled looked pretty stupid, and really wasn't even used. The spot's not a great location for the HUD but nice to see it made flush to the frame. LCD is fine for the light conditions on the trail, ClearInk would be better and allow for a much more impressive experience though.

[@dallasdrew2390]

Sweet machine 😍

[@Todd66]

Cleanest cockpit ever. I want that exact bike with 160nm ;) oh and in white with white spokes.

[@r00kiet80]

just buy the cheapest option and upgrade fork and coil like he said in the video

[@Todd66]

@@r00kiet80 I said newton meters, as in POWER . I want big big power. And I would upgrade forks and coil. Big power and big travel is the future…I hope. ;) I ride a Cheeb fatbike with 160NM of torque.

[@r00kiet80]

@@Todd66 ohh i get it just get a surron then

[@Todd66]

@@r00kiet80 your not going to pedal a Surron and enjoy it, so a eMTB with tons of power is the way for me. My fat bike is a pleasure to ride with or without the motor. Every time I ride, I get at least 4 miles of no motor. As long as I’m not going up a hill or riding into the wind, no motor is fine.

[@mattbright8635]

One thing I’d like to see with the computers of all emtb’s is to add a 6 digit pin code for security of your bike. And only way to change it would be via your email or a secured app! It’s a wonder this hasn’t been created yet!

[@jeffp5418]

The best upgrade is that small Trek logo. lol. Looks like a great bike, Power is about the same as a regular EP8 bike.

[@petec8736]

Rob what trails do you ride please they look great 👍 👌 Oh and I love your content! 😂

[@thomasthrower2669]

Sweet looking bike, and I'm really intrigued by the integrated design. What I struggle with is getting a sense for how frisky a bike can be at 40lb. It's quite easy for me to launch my 26lb FS trail bike into the air from flat in order to bunny hop over a log or even a narrow stream. I can't see how the motor is going to help me in handling the additional 15lbs in those situations. If I could afford to have a second bike for all-day epics in the mountains though, this would be it.

[@robhughes645]

I have a full fat Levo and while it is a lot heavier I find it easier to play with than my trail bike. Now 'trials' riding is almost an impossibility without ridiculous skills but every other part of riding is better. The biggest problem I have is that I ride alone now, none of my riding buddies are on ebikes yet

[@UncleTonyL]

How does this feel compare to the orbea rise?

[@kydong95111]

Thanks for a great review. Do you know if this motor will be compatible with Garmin head unit like Shimano EP8? Thanks.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hi, yes it transmits power and cadence 👍

[@andreijorda4598]

The pricing is ludicrous. Entry level is priced almost as much as the Reign e+ 0.

[@getstrongby4038]

It's because they're all carbon

[@reubenbacon9156]

Looks so good! What’s it like over the limiter?any drag? Thanks

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Easy to pedal over the limiter, in fact, its super smooth transition once motor assist stops. Very little drag from the motor system.

[@wreckage-vs5jv]

4:37 cudos to the steadycam operator running uphill

[@jimbo4203]

Wow ! Ive got a turbo levo sl that I really like but 50nm's is calling my name

[@th_js]

Why is 1 chainring bolt missing?

[@andyukh1625]

Outstanding presentation Rob, slick, smooth and straight to the point ! The more I see these lightweight emtb’s it makes me won’t to swop out my full fat Cube and experience as you say a more natural ride…………. Just have to convince my wife 😬😆keep up the good work 👏🏽

[@tommosby8833]

The motor size and integration into the frame is really awesome. But 360Wh is not enough for me. If they had 500Wh+ battery I'd consider it, because it looks like great emtb otherwise.

[@michalmalanowicz7595]

Yes, TREK should provide a bigger battery option for this bike without a need of a range extender. I got the idea, 90% of the rides just don't utilise full battery capacity and also there is always a weight penalty, but you should have a choice as a consumer. This is a premium brand, you pay a lot for the logo itself...

[@jimji2774]

You should get quite a bit more range than on a full power bike with same battery as it uses less but 360 sure seems small. My lightweight Wildflow from Bulls I think only had 250 which was too small.

[@wimvanbever561]

Sweet bike, Rob

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hey Wim hope you're good! Still dream of Trans Savoie - hope to go back soon!!

[@abeham5720]

I like the retro look and doesnt look like an ebike at all. Wow

[@captainkette3411]

Absolute great Video Rob! Stunning Bike, but a prize 14.999€ Euro in Germany, thats redicules. I hope the whole bike industry make the Bikes more affordable. Greetz from Germany

[@sic04250f]

That's an awesome bike