Issue #033, Review - May 10, 2018

Trek Fuel EX 8 29 XT review

All Trek’s bikes have one thing in common: you’ll feel right at home on them after just a few turns of the cranks. The Trek Fuel EX 8 29 is no exception. Read on to find out how it performs on the trail.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Good times guaranteed! 7 trail bikes under € 3,000 in Review

Trek Fuel EX 8 29 XT review — **Trek** Fuel EX 8 29 XT | 140/140 mm (front/rear) | 14.06 kg | € 2,999

Wow! The frame of the Trek Fuel EX 8 29 is a jaw-dropping looker, trust us. With its oversized down tube, sophisticated lines, and premium black/grey colour scheme, it looks really high-end, despite being specced with Shimano MT 500 brakes and a FOX 34 Rhythm fork. For € 2,999 Trek offers the Fuel EX with either a Shimano 2x or a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain. They gave us the 2x version for our group test, but if we had to choose, we would definitely go for the Eagle. As is typical for Trek, a lot of the components on the bike are from their in-house brand, Bontrager.

Unfortunately, the bars are a bit narrow at 750 mm, but aside from that there was nothing to complain about. Because of delivery issues with Bontrager tyres, our Fuel EX came with Schwalbe Nobby Nics. Like all full-suspension Trek models, the down tube of Fuel EX is straight: this provides increased stiffness but it also gets in the way of the fork, which is why Trek utilizes their so-called Knock Block headset to stop the fork spinning and hitting the down tube. This limits the steering angle to less than 90°, but you won’t notice it on the trail–it only gets annoying once you start trying to load the bike into a car.

The Fuel EX is the VW Golf in this comparison: reliable and down to earth!

When you get on the bike, you’ll get that typical Trek feeling, where everything just seems to fit. The only thing you need to do before you head out on the trail is to push the saddle forward. Once that is done, you’ll be sat nicely to transfer the power in your quads and glutes directly to the cranks. The specially developed FOX shock with RE:aktiv thru-shaft technology responds very sensitively, even in Trail mode, and offers a lot of traction going uphill. And as easily as the Fuel EX goes up, so it’ll go back down. The geometry is very balanced through corners, always remaining easy to control. Despite the large wheels, it’s quick and snappy in changing direction. On flat, flowing trails we recommend riding with the shock in Trail mode, which will have the suspension of the Fuel EX offer more support and feedback without becoming harsh. If you leave the shock open, the bike feels like it offers much more travel than the specified 130 mm, but it will also sap some of your energy when trying to pump through rollers and it’ll wallow a bit in compressions. When things get steep and demanding, the Fuel EX will confidently stay on course, although we would have preferred a more capable fork with at least 140 mm of travel.

And as easily as the Trek Fuel EX goes up, so it'll go back down.

Trek Fuel EX 8 29 XT in detail

Fork Fox 34 Rythm 130 mm
Rear shock Fox Float Performance Re:Aktiv 130 mm
Brakes Shimano MT500
Drivetrain Shimano XT/SLX
Seatpost Bontrager Drop Line 150 mm
Stem Bontrager Line 60 mm
Handlebar Bontrager Line 750 mm
Tires Schwalbe Nobby Nic
Wheels Bontrager Line Comp 30
Weight 14.06 kg
Price € 2,999

**Surprising**
The entry-level Shimano brakes convinced us with sufficient power and good modulation

**Swapped**
Usually, the Fuel EX comes with Bontrager tyres. But as they’re currently experiencing delivery problems, Trek put on some easy-rolling Schwalbe Nobby Nic instead. If you like to hit the trails hard, you’ll want more grip and puncture protection.

**Excellent**
The rear suspension of the Fuel EX impresses with its supreme sensitivity. When climbing and riding on flowing trails, it works best in Trail mode.

**Half-closed**
The FOX 34 Rhythm works best when the compression lever is closed by approx. one third. It will wallow less and help minimise brake-induced diving.

**Super short**
The Fuel EX’s head tube is very short, resulting in a high tower of spacers.

Geometry of the Trek Fuel EX 8 29 XT

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Top tube	543 mm	578 mm	595 mm	610 mm	610 mm	671 mm
Head tube	100 mm	100 mm	100 mm	100 mm	120 mm	145 mm
Head angle	67.7°	67.7°	67.7°	67.7°	67.7°	67.7°
Seat angle	74.7°	74.7°	74.7°	74.7°	74.7°	74.7°
Chainstay	432 mm	432 mm	432 mm	432 mm	432 mm	432 mm
BB Drop	39 mm	39 mm	39 mm	39 mm	39 mm	39 mm
Wheelbase	1141 mm	1172 mm	1204 mm	1235 mm
Reach	399 mm	433 mm	450 mm	465 mm	487 mm	487 mm
Stack	604 mm	603 mm	603 mm	603 mm	612 mm	644 mm

The Trek Fuel EX 8 29 is a great all-rounder.

Upgrade tip: larger brake rotors / wider handlebars

Conculsion

The Trek Fuel EX 8 29 is a great all-rounder. It climbs with aplomb and is brilliant fun going downhill. It’s a bike made for long rides and adventures into the unknown. Unfortunately, the fork limits the potential of the bike – a 140 mm version would have been a better choice.