2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.9

    A carbon frame, carbon wheels, SRAM's X01 Eagle 1x12 drivetrain, and FOX Factory Float suspension, the Fuel EX 9.9 comes full loaded.

    2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.9 Bike Review

    Words by Spencer Astra | Photos by Chris Grundberg

    As warmer temperatures hit the Pacific Northwest and the dirt starts to dry, I’m always eager to get out on some long rides with some big climbs.

    Naturally, when this Trek Fuel EX 9.9 showed up at the Freehub office, I knew it was time to put the nimble beast through its paces. I challenged myself to a 60-mile sufferfest on some of Bellingham, Washington’s toughest climbs and descents. It definitely didn’t let me down.

    Climbing on this bike was a joy. Trek equipped the 9.9 model with its proprietary RE:aktiv shock with a three-position damper, which I left wide open for the entire ride. The rear suspension had an overwhelmingly supportive feel while pedaling out of the saddle, yet as soon as I hit a bump it dived deeper into the travel, keeping the rear wheel firmly planted and providing excellent traction. The geometry is modern and balanced, with a long reach and a sensible 76-degree seat angle.

    On the descents, the bike inspired confidence, thanks to its long wheelbase and bottomless-feeling suspension. My confidence was further enhanced by the reliable stopping power of the Shimano XT brakes. As a 200-pound rider, I couldn’t have appreciated the ultra-powerful XT brakes and the 203-millimeter front rotor more—especially while bombing down some of Bellingham’s scariest double-black trails.

    Geometry & Specs:

    Wheel size: 29"
    Rear travel: 130mm
    Fork: 140mm
    Wheelbase: 1210mm
    Chainstay: 437mm
    Reach: 470mm
    Head tube angle: 66°

    A light and stiff full OCLV Mountain Carbon frame.
    Shimano XT 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
    Bontrager Line Pro OCLV Carbon handlebar.
    Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on
    Knock Block.
    Down Tube protection.
    Water bottle + frame storage.
    Compartment easily opens with flip of lever.
    Internal storage compartment.
    FOX Factory Float shock featuring Trek's exclusive RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft.
    SRAM X01 Eagle Carbon, DUB, 32T alloy ring.
    Integrated chain stay protection.
    1x12 SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain.
    Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 29x2.60''.
    Shimano XT 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
    140mm FOX Factory 36 Float fork with GRIP2 damper.
    Tubeless Ready Bontrager Line Carbon 30 wheels with a 54-tooth Rapid Drive rear hub for quick engagement.

    What’s more, the build kit on the 9.9 model is simply a work of art. With the 140-millimeter Fox Factory 36 fork and the SRAM X01 drivetrain, this bike leaves little to be desired. Capping it all off, the house-brand Bontrager components—from the saddle to the handlebars—felt just right. And the Bontrager XR4 tires, with their high-volume, 2.6-inch carcasses, were among the best I’ve ever ridden, even though their plushness comes with a cost in muddy conditions and high-speed corners.

    Though most mountain bikers would probably appreciate this bike, the Fuel’s ideal demographic would be a rider who needs a capable all-rounder that will not let them down on tough climbs. In a world where most new full-suspension mountain bikes are amazing, the Fuel EX 9.9 stands apart as even more than that.

    2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.9 - $7,499