The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX, now on sale at $5,799, is the latest addition to the line-up of Trek Fuel EX bikes, renowned for their all-rounder unisex capabilities. This review will examine how the Fuel EX 9.8 GX performs compared to its pricier counterparts and whether the mid-level specification makes it a worthy choice.
Overview and Design
The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX features a sleek carbon frame with a semi-translucent red finish that highlights its visible carbon fibers. It comes with a 140mm travel FOX 36 Performance Elite fork, which provides adequate performance but does not match up to the high-end GRIP2 cartridge that comes with the top-spec model. The bike boasts 130mm of rear travel, and a FOX Performance Float Thru Shaft shock with Trek’s Thru Shaft technology, developed by RockShox, which reduces friction and enhances sensitivity.
The bike features a proprietary internal storage compartment in the downtube that offers enough room to store essentials such as a spare inner tube, a CO2 cartridge, and trail snacks. Additionally, a long TPU downtube guard protects the carbon frame from impacts and stray rocks. The chainstay protector dampens chain slap, keeping the ride quiet and ensuring a comfortable experience. The integrated Knock Block limits the steering angle, preventing the fork crown from damaging the frame or cables from tearing off. It is worth noting that hitting this limit on the trail is unlikely, but it could be problematic when transporting the bike.
Components
The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX comes equipped with a 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and a 10-52 cassette, delivering the same gear range and shifting performance as more expensive offerings from SRAM. The bike has SRAM G2 RS brakes, which provide adequate stopping power, but the 180mm rear disc tends to overheat on long descents, compromising braking performance. For all other components, Trek relies on in-house Bontrager components, including a 170mm Line Elite dropper post and 780mm carbon bars.
The bike rolls on wide, puncture-prone 2.6” Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tires, which generate little traction and offer undefined handling. Given this limitation, we recommend upgrading to a narrower 2.4″ or 2.5” model with a more robust casing to enhance grip and improve the ride experience.
Performance
The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX weighs 29.13lbs making it reasonably light and nimble, particularly on ascents, where it generates a lot of traction and offers a high level of comfort. The bike delivers an impressive uphill performance, navigating all imaginable uphill situations with ease. As a first-timer on a 29er and smaller gal (5’3″), I found this bike to handle the uphill particularly well. My weight felt centered, but slightly forward, which helped me power up Cozyline Trail at Snowmass’ Sky Mountain Park, where I took the Fuel for it’s first spin.
On descents, the Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX provides adequate performance, but the brakes and tires fall short of expectations. The SRAM G2 RS brakes provide sufficient stopping power, but the 180mm rear disc overheats on long descents (which I experienced on an Upper Plunge to Hummingbird in Aspen’s Hunter Creek Valley). The braking performance was a bit compromised. Similarly, the traction on the Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tires is a bit limited.
Pros:
- The integrated storage compartment provides ample space for snacks and tools, making for a more comfortable ride.
- The Thru Shaft shock technology delivers less friction and increased sensitivity for a smoother ride.
- The FOX 36 Performance Elite fork is high-performing and keeps up well with its high-end counterparts.
Cons:
- The Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tires don’t provide sufficient traction and compromise the bike’s handling.
- The 180 mm disc brake at the rear overheats on long descents and requires strong fingers.
- The Knock Block in the headset, designed to prevent the fork from damaging the frame, could pose some transportation issues.
