TESTED: Trek Fuel EXe trail lightweight e-bike - mid power and full on fun!

Trek's new Fuel EXe is an ideal addition to not just Trek's range of bikes, but the whole bike and e-bike market. As a mid-power e-bike, Trek set out to make the e-bike that any of us would want to ride. And we think it is an excellent eMTB to get out and ride!
The Trek Fuel EXe has 50Nm of torque with a maximum of 300W assistance, with a 360Wh in-tube battery, all from a brand new TQ-HPR50 motor system from Germany. The bike is available in carbon frame 29ers only, with 150mm travel forks and 140mm travel in the back end. Lots of standard Trek features like the MinoLink geometry adjustment, Active Braking Pivot and internal cable routing are all here. But Knock Block is gone to make way for the head unit, and the ThruShaft shock is no longer.
Australian models range from $9499.99 to $12999.99, and come in 4 frame sizes. Our 9.9 AXS model isn't available in Australia, but weighs just 18.47kg in large! It won't be available as a Project One bike, which was the case when we recorded the review.
There's a lot of detail to go over, so jump right in via the review below. Don't forget to like and subscribe!
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0:00 - Introduction
0:53 - Trek Fuel EX-e - a new motor, frame and more
1:24 - All about the Trek Fuel EX-e frame: features and functions
4:07 - Geometry on the Trek Fuel Ex-e eMTB
5:23 - Yes, it is mullet approved.
6:02 - The TQ HPR50 eMTB motor system: weight, assistance and more
8:26 - How the Harmonic Pin Ring motor works
10:06 - Modes, mode selection, batteries and a range extender
11:45 - Riding without the battery - or just the Range Extender
12:35 - How quiet is it?
13:03 - All about integration - head units in the frame
14:15 - On the bike, using the the modes and the head unit
15:44 - How the system lets you limp home, not ride home empty
16:15 - The Trek Central App: customisation, ride tracking and more
20:38 - The Trek Fuel EX-e range in Australia: pricing and spec
23:20 - How does the Trek Fuel EX-e ride?
25:10 - High power eMTB or mid-power? Which suits you?
30:58 - What was the range on the 360Wh battery like?
31:51 - Our take on the Trek Fuel EX-e eMTB
_____________________________________________________________________
If you've got more questions on the bike or our review, drop them in a comment and we'll get back to you.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram, plus on our website:
/ australianmountainbike
/ ambmag
www.ambmag.com.au/

[@robhaskins3068]

I bought a EXe 9.7 model on the day of release with Shimano gears and Fox suspension $11k Australian. Didn't know it existed in the morning and bought it in the afternoon. They actually have stock but with disappear fast when the flickers and flyers work out what this thing is.🤔 I've ridden it twice but first 1½ hours both times without motor On because it kept feeling so good 17kg no battery 19kg with. Power,traction and balance from standstill on a steep incline is amazing. It's a mtb and a Emtb. Well done Trek 👏. Beautifully balanced power to weight and geometry .The near silence is absolutely golden. Probably not for heavy riders, stick to full 90Nm Emtbs and eat more salad. At 61kg (I'm nearly back to my birth weight and 68years) it suits me well. Specialized will have to get their act together and the price of the 9.7 is very reasonable for what you get. E=Mtb²

[@Australianmountainbike]

Thanks for the comment - we reckon they're a great bike, and Trek have done a great job.

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

Damn. You covered pretty much everything. Nice video. I switched from a YT Decoy to the 9.8XT. For me this is the right bike. I want a more "normal" mountain bike experience with the ability to clean some steeper/more technical pitches that I wouldn't be able to do on my regular MTB due to my age (52), and slight lack of fitness. The stealth factor is nice as well. I will still occasionally ride trails closed to e-bikes (get with the times if you manage these trails). And the ability to ride with no battery is another bonus (for lift served days).

[@Australianmountainbike]

Thanks! Glad you liked our review.

[@tomordr]

An exceptional quality bike review! Well done. Thank you!

[@Australianmountainbike]

You're welcome!

[@ZillaYT]

The best no none sense review! Thanks.

[@paulhodgson6027]

The best and most comprehensive review of this bike I have found.

[@Australianmountainbike]

Thanks Paul, hope it was a helpful resource.

[@DPCPhotos]

I agree!!! I watched a bunch on this bike and you nailed everything with this review! Thank you! 🤘🏼

[@kiwiburger11]

Such a good video, well done mate.

[@Australianmountainbike]

Glad you found it useful!

[@milesholland6826]

Very thorough and helpful thanks!

[@Australianmountainbike]

No worries! Glad you liked it.

[@collette7440]

Thank you for a great review, sounds perfect for the single track in the Surrey hills UK

[@Australianmountainbike]

Yoghurt Pots repeats!

[@drewyager4020]

Rode one today. Friggin loved it. Was the 9.6 build

[@Australianmountainbike]

Lots of value in that one.

[@joseg.5937]

Nice review. Hopefully more manufacturers adapt to this motor, I’d love to see an Enduro bike with this motor with a mullet set up.

[@Australianmountainbike]

We heard Trek have a 12 month exclusive with the TQ motor... but then Scott have a bike with it so... let's see what pops up.

[@PigFarmInThePhilippines]

Really nice

[@enriquee.k3329]

Great video bro, I have the trek ex 8 2022, and so loving it, but thinking to upgrade to this new carbon ex.e to have a little power help on the hills 🙏

[@Australianmountainbike]

That'd be a sweet upgrade

[@db9889]

love to know when project one will be available - and select the yellow (hope that will be available) ! pity they didn't bring that build/colourway to AUS - elite bike great review

[@Australianmountainbike]

We heard spring for Project One. Check in with your local Trek dealer for firmer dates, they'll likely have a more precise update. And thanks for the review feedback.

[@sergepanasuk5655]

Nice review. Like almost all mid power reviews you forget to mention that this class of power is perfect for most lighter riders ie women. For my wife who weighs 130 pounds an Sl offers ‘almost’ the same power to weight ratio as me at 200 pouds on a rail 7. It appears most reviewers do not ride with their wives.

[@Australianmountainbike]

We dare you to work in media and pigeon hole a product for women.

[@wayne_kurr]

Great review, thanks. I’m half convinced to trade in my Merida E160 9000 for a EXe 9.8 - waiting for my local store to get a demo in first though.

[@Australianmountainbike]

Both great bikes, the E160 really did set a benchmark for e-bikes. But if you're not chasing the longer travel, full power, you'll likely love the Fuel EXe

[@wayne_kurr]

@@Australianmountainbike I think so - I find it a little cumbersome in the tight stuff. Just not sure if I would miss the full power. That said, I do 95% of my riding in trail set to 60nm and it’s far heavier.

[@Australianmountainbike]

@@wayne_kurr a 6 pack of the finest craft beer says you will love it.

[@wayne_kurr]

@@Australianmountainbike cheers to that!

[@johnnydangerously9426]

I’ve got a Rail , I’m 64 and like the power . A lighter bike would be better for catching air . I’d have both if my wife would let me 😎

[@Australianmountainbike]

You know what, we hear that a lot!

[@thearoom]

We don't seam to have the map in the app here in the States

[@jeffp5418]

Had a chance to ride on finally.... For reference I'm riding a Trek Rail full power Bosch ebike in all sorts of terrain. I also have a regular MTB. If you have never ridden a full power ebike than your experience on this will be different because you just don't know what the power of the Bosch motor feels like. Riding the EXe was a complete let down, it is too underpowered, you do not get that ebike sensation. My Trek Rail on Eco mode has more power even on though its heavier. To me its the worst of both worlds, not the best.

[@Australianmountainbike]

They're unlikely to be what someone who likes a full power eMTB wants. But that's also the benefit, as for people who don't like the feeling of a full power eMTB - they may be perfect! it's good to see the eMTB market evolving in this way and having options.

[@hayden33533]

Great stiff Mike!

[@Australianmountainbike]

We are just here to help.

[@barrylee8196]

There is no mention on any review how tiring this bike is to ride uphill. High cadence is required to get the torque from this motor. The support and power is very reliant on rider input. Compared to the Specialized Kenevo SL this bike is very tiring to ride uphill especially on steeper trails. The Trek is slightly faster uphill than the KSL but the rider will have to acclimatise to the input required especially if they have been used to other ebikes. It has an interesting type of torque and power measurement. The Fuel handles well on the descents. After a ride on a friends Trek I quickly gave it back in favour of my KSL as the uphill was too tiring.

[@BikeFixIT]

I’ve heard you can tune the motor in the app and that can help with low end torque

[@tonyrobinson1623]

The integrated bar and stem looks cool, but it's a terrible idea.

[@barry9559]

Hi, great review. I wonder if you can offer an opinion on range vs. a typical 85/90nm 700wh eBike? I know it's relative and was impressed at you quoting around 1500m using just the battery but what would you get out of a full fat eBike riding it in a similar way? Range anxiety coming from a 700wh bike is the only thing stopping me ordering one of these. Thanks in advance.

[@Australianmountainbike]

Likely a little less, but given how it uses the power with a smaller torque motor (and 5-6kg less weight), you might find that with a range extender (160Wh) it's either equivalent, or a little more than a 700Wh - while understanding the inherent problems with like for like comparisons on range.

[@robhaskins3068]

@@Australianmountainbike My experience is that if your riding on your own you will flick the motor off a lot because it feels so good as a normal mtb. If you are ego shuffling with your mates on up tracks it won't have a full turbo feel, but like a levo set at 60% Max on midpower. Range is really impressive and you don't get range anxiety as it pedals like say a 14.5 kg Trek Slash with water bottle, tube, pump and tools fitted.. Probaly because the 2kg motor is very low it gives a bit more stability and feels like that it Rolls really well. E=Mtb²

[@Australianmountainbike]

@@robhaskins3068 'ego shuffling'. Thanks, we'll use that!🤣

[@robhaskins3068]

@@Australianmountainbike Yes "ego shuffling " describes how our human instinct to compete in many different ways and situations can lead us to a self inflicted injury. I do a lot of riding in Tasmania especially at Derby and the safest way to ride is definitely on my own. You can only show off to yourself. I say" if your ego is looking for a trip I suggest you give a Emtb a proper long ,hard and fast up / down flow. It's not one or the other but ride both Emtbs and naturally aspirated mtbs to enhance the fun." The Trek Fuel EXe is both.😁👏

[@barry9559]

Thanks, really helpful feedback.

[@rubenconzales9718]

Excellent review. Q how does it pedal without the battery in?

[@Australianmountainbike]

Hi Ruben - pretty good! Without the battery it's about 16.5kg, and as there is no drag from the system, it pedals like a 16.5kg trail bike. So extra weight, but no extra drivetrain drag.

[@350zKiller]

Is there anyway to use the energy from petaling or your wheel spinning to create electricity to charge the battery as you right to help extend the range? Also feel like we should be able to get the eight a little lower.

[@Australianmountainbike]

Not at this stage - it would add weight and some complexity. But hopefully in time that will happen! There are lighter emtbs that are possible, but not that are still truly capable eMTBs. We have tested enduro and trail bikes (albeit a lot cheaper) the same weight as this one.

[@350zKiller]

@@Australianmountainbike I see, hopefully one day they can get the weight down a bit more and keep the same range and power and find a way to add like a regenerative braking feature like hybrid cars use to prolong the battery life and it would be the perfect bike in my opinion.

[@Australianmountainbike]

@@350zKiller the technology is improving all the time. We may well be there in 5-10 years!

[@yamahschector]

Why does the frame change what does the 9.7 black and grey frame look to be shaped different

[@Australianmountainbike]

It must just be based on colour or etching the images. The frames are the same throughout the range.

[@tammyhenderson3871]

So when climbing a steep mountain… on the 3rd level of power… what gear should I be using? Did this yesterday for two miles and wow it was rough … very hard still.

[@Australianmountainbike]

There's still only a 300W peak power assistance and that comes from higher cadences which do require more aerobic input. On a mid-power eMTB like the Fuel EXe you still need to work fairly hard on the steep stuff. But it still helps! Use the screen that shows your power input and that of the bike to see the breakdown.

[@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?

[@Australianmountainbike]

The big difference is how steep your climbs are and how much support you want. Side by side on a steeper climb, the Bosch motor in the Rail compared to the TQ HPR50 don't compare. The higher torque Bosch motor easily pulls away. But on trails, the ride feedback tends to feel far more natural on the TQ. Another option could be getting TOUR+ mode added at a Bosch centre to your Rail, it's a dynamic mode like eMTB but using less power. Based on your question, with the range extender you'll probably be fine for battery life on those rides, depending how you use the modes. As you can see the percenatge of battery and get updates on how much time you have left (or via the map in the app) it's easy ot predict based on terrain and current use whether you'll make it, or if you have to drop back a mode.

[@204FR]

I have a Rail 9.7 I ride mostly in Tour mode. But I do go into emtb mode for steeper trail sections where I ride. (these are not always mtb specific trails) It would be nice to have the lighter weight for getting over trail obstacles, but sounds like the exe might not have enough power for those steep sections. It would be helpful to see a direct comparison of rider power required going up a steep climb in the various power modes of each bike.

[@asc968ccc8]

🤘🏼

[@terb5804]

Shimano EP-8 is only 1pound10.4 oz. or 750 grams heavier than the TQ motor...

[@Australianmountainbike]

Sure is! It's also larger, and with a greater 85Nm of torque it has a higher drain on the battery, which is typically larger. What makes the Fuel EXe impressive is the low weight for a very capable trail eMTB, and the drag free running. Things like weight count, so do motor size, output etc. The Pivot Shuttle has always been a very light full power eMTB with the EP8 system. But the mid power models like the EXe, Orbea Rise, Kenevo SL, Levo SL (and more to come) really create a different e-bike segment.

[@posivibegaming9299]

Can this bike go from like 0mph to 30mph without peddling or is peddling a requirement

[@Australianmountainbike]

It's a pedal assist bike, with a 32km/h limit in the USA and New Zealand, and 25km/h assist limit in every other country.

[@posivibegaming9299]

@@Australianmountainbike ohh ok ty

[@HD46409]

Fox Suspension options please....

[@Australianmountainbike]

The Trek Fuel EXe 9.7 has Fox suspension and a Shimano SLX group set.

[@cupra2Jock.]

These have 64.9 head angle not 65 in the low setting.

[@starkalarm]

Just went and bought one..typical impulse buying

[@Australianmountainbike]

But are you dissatisified?

[@RalfSRobotRalf]

Sound is wrong in video: low level, and white background noise throughout the video. Check your edit software.

[@Australianmountainbike]

That was heavy rain on a tin roof.

[@ckkone]

Would have been more excited to see a Slash EMTB, short travel EMTBs aren't really what people want. We want big travel, coil shock, full power EMTBs.

[@Australianmountainbike]

That's where the Trek Rail with Bosch Smart System fits in. We hope to have one for review by the end of the year. As noted in the review, the need for more power never really came up, and the bike was more rideable as a trail bike for this reason. Still, for riding chunkier jank - the Rail delivers. And the updates with the Smart System model on geo and motor tech look really good.

[@soakinoak]

There is already a Slash Emtb out there. It's called the Rail. The new geo is based on the Slash. Put a 170 mm airshaft on and you are good to go.

[@koho]

No we don't. We want light Ebikes that ride like good mountain bikes, with enough power consistent with that, and not more. More lightweight ebikes pleeez! And don't forget the short chainstays! Full power ebikes sacrifice geometry.

[@streddaz]

@@koho totally agree. Not everyone wants a big heavy Ebike. Many want a bike that feels light and nimble, doesn’t feel like your brakes are dragging when you hit the speed limiter and extends the distance of your normal ride.

[@robhaskins3068]

@@streddaz I bought a 9.7 model as my +1 bike. ." N+1"means Number of bikes + 1 you want. Have 3 Emtbs and and one carbon hard tail mtb but this thing is special in that it's great to ride with motor off 😀 and On the silence is golden. E=Mtb²

[@michaelb9940]

Orbea Rise M10 - Lighter + stronger + better component + cheaper.

[@Australianmountainbike]

It's a few thousand dollars more than the 9.8 XT that we can get in Australia so it's a bit of an apples v oranges sort of comparison. Another great bike though!

[@derekgieralt2261]

I can get a Ducati(not Honda) scrambler for $ 9100 you guys are keeping these prices high by willing to pay these ridiculous prices thanks a lot😳

[@Australianmountainbike]

Our experience would suggest throttle-equipped internal combustion motorbikes aren't welcome on all the awesome purpose built mountain bike trails we have here in Australia.

[@peterparcej1856]

Trek should be asking what the riders want,not be given what trek wants to give us!I'll be picking up my my 21 Trek rail 7 in a couple of weeks with an Alloy frame,big battery big suspension,SR5 tyres what more could i want! Shove the fuel exe where the sun dont shine is what i say.

[@Australianmountainbike]

We had a Trek Rail 7 on review recently (it's on our website). It's a great bike. But the Fuel EXe doesn't replace the Rail range, it's just a new model range. The Rail isn't going anywhere! We're looking forward to testing a Smart System-equipped Rail later this year.

[@streddaz]

Peter, just because it’s not something YOU want doesn’t mean it’s not something everyone else wants. I prefer the lightweight Ebikes, they ride much more like a normal bike and don’t feel like a big heavy slug when you hit the 25kph limit.