The Fuel EX 9.7 29 is a versatile full-suspension trail bike with performance tech where it makes the biggest difference. It blends the confidence and capability of 29er wheels, a lightweight OCLV Mountain Carbon frame, and quality FOX suspension to make a fast, fun mountain bike that can carve around corners, weave through tricky descents and charge through rock gardens with ease.
It's right for you if...
You want a single carbon trail bike that can take on every adventure, from single-track and XC races to the gnarliest descents. You prioritise a lightweight frame and performance suspension over the highest-end drivetrain available.
The tech you get
A lightweight and stiff OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with Carbon Armour, a 130 mm FOX Rhythm fork, a 130 mm FOX Float Performance rear shock with Trek's exclusive RE:aktiv damper, a wide-range SRAM NX 1x11 drivetrain, a Bontrager Drop Line dropper post and Tubeless Ready Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels.
The final word
The Fuel EX full suspension performance on a lightweight and trail-tough carbon frame makes for a fun and fast ride with the rugged capabilities of a long travel bike and the responsiveness of an XC bike. They don't call it a quiver-killer for nothing.
Why you'll love it
Don't confuse the Fuel EX 9.7 with other value carbon models on the market – this bike provides an outstanding frame and suspension, with a workhorse drivetrain and wheels
You get carbon where it counts and an alloy rear end to keep the cost down
It's great for riders who don't want to do just one kind of mountain biking, but want to explore everything from XC marathons to epic descents
The shifter-style, underbar remote dropper post lever is super intuitive and easy to use
Frameset
Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, alloy stays, ABP, Boost148, Knock Block steerer stop, Full Floater, EVO link, E2 tapered head tube, Mino Link, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, PF92, ISCG 05, G2 Geometry, 130 mm travel
Front suspension: Fox Rhythm 34 Float, GRIP adjustable damper, E2 tapered steerer, G2 Geometry w/51 mm offset, Boost110, 130 mm travel
Rear suspension: Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210x52.5 mm
Wheels
Wheels: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 54T Rapid Drive, Boost110 front, Boost148 rear, tubeless strips included, valves sold separately
Tires: Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, 120tpi, aramid bead, 29x2.40˝
Drivetrain
Shifters: SRAM NX, 11-speed
Rear derailleur: SRAM NX, Roller Bearing Clutch
Crank: SRAM NX, 32T Direct Mount X-Sync
Bottom bracket: PF92
Cassette: SRAM PG-1130, 11-42, 11-speed
Chain: SRAM PC-1110
Pedals: Not included
Components
Saddle: Bontrager Evoke 2, chromoly rails
Seatpost: Bontrager Drop Line, internal routing, 31.6 mm (15.5: 100 mm/17.5 & 18.5: 125 mm/19.5 & 21.5: 150 mm)
Handlebar: Bontrager Line, 35 mm, 15 mm rise, 750 mm width
Stem: Bontrager Line, Knock Block, 35 mm clamp, 0-degree, 60 mm length
Grips: Bontrager Race Lite, lock-on
Headset: Knock Block Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8˝ top, 1.5˝ bottom
Brakeset: SRAM Guide R hydraulic disc
Buy Trek Fuel Ex 9.7 29 2018 Matte Trek Black/Viper Red Mountain Bike online