Trek Fuel EXe 'Beast Mode' Coed Y Brenin Live Ride Review

Trek's EXe EMTB rewrote the rules on slick design and stealthy power but what is this ground breaking trail bike with its TQ motor like to ride. Find out as I go 'Beast mode' round the longest trail at Coed Y Brenin.
Thanks to Joe at Beics Brenin / Summit Cycles for the loan of the EXe, Trek for supporting the video, Giro Cycling UK, Peaty’s Products, Crud XL Fenders, Torq Nutrition and Hebtroco for supporting the channel, and to my Patreon supporters for their monthly pledges. If you like what I'm doing and want early, extended and exclusive edits, personal buying and tech advice and other Patreon perks click on the link here: www.patreon.co...
Any questions get busy in the comments.
Cheers
Guy

[@jasonkatz8]

Love your reviews. You seem very genuinely happy while riding and reviewing at the same time!

[@GuyKesTV]

Thanks Jason, I'd be a spoilt kid if I didn't appreciate getting new toys to play with every week!

[@AMehta-ok5pf]

God, I love those trails. The anti-flow trail center!

[@kayakutah]

This is the first time I've seen a "gear comparison" (14:40) for the climb. That's informative.

[@GuyKesTV]

I'm glad that helped. Just seemed the obvious way to calibrate it really.

[@mikelaughlin270]

If these trails were a little more rocky it would look just like the trails of central PA. Great review, I was wondering how this bike would handle this type of terrain.

[@excelexpresss]

Hi Guy, I’ve bought 2 bikes as a result of your reviews and I’m super interested in getting one of these with one exception, which is I love a playful poppy bike and you say it’s very grounded. Does it feel a it dead or is that an e-bike thing? Thanks in advance

[@marct273]

Nice review Guy. Have you ridden an Orbea Rise such as the H30 or H10, if so how do the two compare? I only do mountain biking occasionally so unsure whether to go full fat or one such as the Trek you're riding on? I can get quite fatigued so full fat may be better for me but I'm put off by the heavy weight of them.

[@everready_mtb]

Nice vid Guy. Quick question about the range.. Did you do the whole Beast trail (38km) in Trail mode? Or drop into Eco for some of it?

[@GuyKesTV]

I did it mostly in trail mode but at the risk of sounding a twat I am relatively fit so the motor was doing all the work. It was almost empty by the end too.

[@MrAndrew2509]

Great video Guy, whats the constant rattling coming from the bike.?

[@GuyKesTV]

It's the front fender slapping the tyre. Normally not an issue but Coed Y Brenin rocks are seriously percussive for a bit of twangy plastic and the tyres were big too so clearance was tight. Actual bike is totally silent so no Shimano motor 'death rattle' concerns

[@lifethroughalens9878]

Curious if you've tried riding this with no assist? Is the relative increased weight (over a non emb) noticeable or is it quite useable as a regular bike (esp when climbing hills...)

[@GuyKesTV]

I did some sections engine off and there's no sense of drag or grind from the motor so you can keep the speed up OK on rolling trails. Obvs that 19kg weight starts to dig into your legs quite quickly on climbs but at least it's a 29er on reasonably quick rubber not a mullet bike on stickies. In other words certainly useable but I don't think you'd make a habit of it unless I really wanted to save battery. Speaking of which I got some interesting stats from doing a lot more non motor climbs with a mixed group on another lightweight E bike launch, but you'll have to wait until later today for that video 👍

[@lifethroughalens9878]

@@GuyKesTV Thanks for the reply and additional insights. Looking forward to that video!

[@GuyKesTV]

@@lifethroughalens9878 New Turbo Levo SL video uploaded now boss

[@michalwiktorow2188]

New Turbo Levo SL ... I assume is to be tested :D

[@GuyKesTV]

Already tested and let's just say I've only got a few days to edit the footage 😜

[@ionadarlun22]

Hi I'm working on a production and looking for clips - 2 - 3 seconds of mountain biking in Coed y Brenin. Would you be willing for us to use some of your reels? Diolch Iona

[@GuyKesTV]

Hi Iona, what's your email and I'll get in touch direct

[@flippy66]

At 50nm I think this is the least powerful ebike other than the 35nm of the Levo/Kenevo SL? (new one notwithstanding lol)

[@GuyKesTV]

Yes it is, so 'Beast Mode' has more than a touch of irony about it. Though Rotwild run a lower wattage TQ and some of the early Fazua's are pretty feeble. Way off even Bosch/Brose/Shimano full fat though, but a lot quieter, sleeker and lighter as a result.

[@mikefidler4421]

Used to love riding the beast at Coedy. That is definitely cheating though, nice bike!

[@GuyKesTV]

Yeah, I felt a douche spinning past people on climbs. Esp as there's no bulk or noise to make it obvious you're on an E

[@flippy66]

Cheating against who?

[@SPCRacing1]

Where’s the rule book?