Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Review
- Price: $4,329
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 27.5″ / 29″Aluminum
- Gear: 1 x 12
What we like about it: Outstanding carbon fiber frame paired with high-quality components, delivering excellent overall performance.
What we didn’t like about it: Limited choice of available paint colors.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 combines a lightweight and agile bike frame with a robust 140mm FOX 36 fork and a 130mm FOX Float Performance shock, Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain, and powerful 4-piston brakes to create a fast and fun mountain bike.
Now, let’s dive into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Trek Fuel EX 9.7. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it with several other bikes. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
When I got my hands on the Trek Fuel EX 9.7, I must say that Trek’s design is truly pleasing to the eye. Compared to bikes in the same class, it has a longer suspension travel, which had me quite excited for its off-road capabilities. So, I took this bike to the Deer Valley Resort mountain park, having booked a nearby hotel in advance on IHG. The route had many options, but I chose one that was less intense, with lots of ups and downs and some small drops. Finally, I opted for riding uphill to the starting point instead of taking the cable car.
Climbing
As I climbed with the Trek Fuel EX 9.7, the carbon fiber frame significantly reduced the bike’s weight, making my ascent feel more effortless. I also locked the front and rear shocks. The bike’s pedaling had no noticeable loss of power, feeling integrated and allowing me to maintain a faster climbing speed.
On steeper gradients, every pedal stroke became more strenuous. So, I adjusted the gear lever. Shimano’s drivetrain offers a rich 1×12-speed setup. Once I found the right gear combination, pedaling became effortless, allowing me to conserve energy for the upcoming descent.
Lastly, the dropper post design helped me maintain a stable riding position, increasing efficiency during climbs. It allowed me to have a comfortable posture throughout the climb.
Descending
When descending with the Trek Fuel EX 9.7, I released the front and rear shocks to unlock their full potential. I started by landing from a drop platform. Thanks to the Fox front and rear suspension components, they absorbed all the impacts and vibrations, ensuring I landed smoothly and safely.
On fast and long downhill sections, I was riding at high speeds. The 29-inch wheels, combined with excellent suspension components, made it feel as if I were riding on flat ground. The large wheels provided powerful traction, allowing me to effortlessly disregard minor bumps and obstacles, maintaining high-speed descents.
As I ventured onto winding trails, the powerful Shimano four-piston brakes delivered strong braking performance. I could reduce my speed rapidly when entering corners. While cornering, the 29×2.6-inch tires offered impressive grip, allowing me to navigate the trails more quickly.
Specifications
The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 is available in six sizes (XS-XL) with a carbon fiber frame, catering to riders with heights ranging from 4’9″ to 6’5″. It offers broad height compatibility, suitable for all riders.
Different frame sizes also come with various wheel options, making it more manageable for shorter or younger riders.
The Fox suspension system provides 140mm of front travel and 130mm of rear travel, effectively absorbing all surface vibrations to keep your ride stable.
The Shimano drivetrain offers smooth gear shifting with high transmission efficiency. Additionally, the Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable all-weather braking performance, ensuring ride safety.
Video
Other Versions
The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 is an excellent full-suspension mountain bike with a carbon fiber frame and high-performance components, meeting the riding needs of almost all riders. However, it may be relatively expensive for beginners or budget-conscious riders.
To address this, we also offer other versions of this bike that are more affordable, featuring dependable components that riders can trust.
Trek Fuel EX 5 Deore
The Trek Fuel EX 5 Deore features a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, which is robust and durable but slightly heavier. It is equipped with a Shimano Deore 1×12-speed drivetrain, offering reliable gear shifting with high transmission efficiency. The Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes are adequate for everyday riding but can be upgraded for higher braking performance.
This bike also provides 140mm of front travel and 130mm of rear travel. It utilizes RockShox shock absorbers, known for their sensitivity and excellent performance on continuous rough terrain, ensuring bike stability.
So, the Trek Fuel EX 5 Deore full-suspension mountain bike offers reliable performance at a lower price, making it a suitable choice for all riders.
What do we like about it?
- Shimano four-piston hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable braking performance, even in harsh conditions.
- The Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain offers a smooth gear-shifting experience with quick and precise responsiveness.
- Multiple frame sizes and wheel configurations are available, accommodating a wide range of riders.
- The Fox suspension system with 140mm front and 130mm rear travel absorbs all surface vibrations.
- The internal storage space in the downtube allows you to carry more supplies during your rides.
- The internal cable routing design offers a clean and sleek appearance and easy maintenance for daily cleaning.
What don’t we like about it?
- Limited color options are available; choices are somewhat limited.
FAQ
- How does this bike perform?
It has few if any, downsides; its front suspension is finely tuned for quick response while still effectively absorbing shocks. The lightweight structure, combined with its geometry, makes this bike fun to ride whether uphill or downhill.
- What is the weight of this bike?
It weighs 30 pounds 1.5 ounces (13,650 grams).
- How do I choose the right size?
We provide a size chart here. However, it’s not necessary to strictly adhere to this standard. The best way to find the right size is to test ride the bike.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’9″ – 5’1″ | XS |
| 5’1″ – 5’5″ | S |
| 5’5″ – 5’9″ | M |
| 5’8″ – 5’11” | M/L |
| 5’10” – 6’2″ | L |
| 6’2″ – 6’5″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Carbon frameBB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press FitTire Clearance: 2.6″Colors: Matte Raw Carbon; Matte Carbon Blue Smoke |
| Fork | Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Kabolt axle, 140mm travel |
| Rear Shock | Size: XS, S, Fox Performance Float EVOL, 3-position RE:aktiv damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210mm x 52.5mm; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, Fox Performance Float EVOL, 3-position RE:aktiv damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210mm x 55mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano MT500, 92mm, PressFit |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8” top, 1.5” bottom |
| Stem | Size: XS, S, Bontrager Elite, 35mm, 0 degree, 35mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager Elite, 35mm, 0 degree, 45mm length |
| Handlebar | Size: XS, S, Bontrager Line, alloy, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 750mm width; Size: M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager Line, alloy, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138mm width |
| Seatpost | Size: XS, S, Bontrager Line Dropper, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 345mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager Line Dropper, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 440mm length internal routing, 31.6mm, 440mm length |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, long cage |
| Crank | Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, Shimano MT611, 30T steel ring, alloy spider, 52mm chainline, 170mm length; Size: XL, Shimano MT611, 30T steel ring, alloy spider, 52mm chainline, 170mm length; Size: XL, Shimano MT611, 30T steel ring, alloy spider, 175mm length 52mm chainline, 175mm length |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX M7100, 12 speed |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX M7100, 10-51, 12 speed |
| Chain | Shimano SLX M7100, 12 speed |
| Brakes | Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, M6100 lever, M6120 caliper |
Wheels
| Rims | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
| Front Hub | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
| Rear Hub | Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Rapid Drive 108, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle; Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle ML, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
| Tires | Size: XS, S, Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength casing, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 27.5×2.50”; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50”; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager XR5 Team |
| Disk Rotors | Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180mm; Size: M, ML, L, XL, Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 203mm |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Travel | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Ibis Ripley AF SLX | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Aluminum | Shimano SLX M7100 | 1 × 12 |
| Intense Sniper T 29 Expert | Click View | 120mm rear, 120mm front | Carbon | TRP Slate T4 | 1 × 12 |
| Santa Cruz 5010 S / Carbon C / 27.5 | Click View | 130mm rear, 130mm front | Carbon | SRAM Guide R | 1 × 12 |
| Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 | Click View | 130mm rear, 140mm front | Carbon | SRAM Guide R | 1 × 12 |
Trek Fuel EX 9.7 vs. Ibis Ripley AF SLX
The former’s carbon fiber frame is lighter in weight, providing a better riding experience.
Regarding suspension, both of these bikes feature Fox suspension components. However, the former has longer suspension travel, offering an advantage when handling significant drops and rougher terrain.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former is equipped with a combination of Shimano XT and Shimano SLX components, which outperform the latter’s Shimano SLX components in certain aspects.
For braking components, both bikes use Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. Although the latter has a higher component level, the former’s brake calipers are four-piston, making its braking power even more robust.
In conclusion, between these two full-suspension mountain bikes, I would recommend the Trek Fuel EX 9.7. With a similar price range, the former offers superior performance.
Learn More: Is Ibis Ripley AF Deore Worth Buying? [Ibis Ripley AF Deore Review]
Trek Fuel EX 9.7 vs. Intense Sniper T 29 Expert
They both feature carbon fiber frames. However, the latter’s suspension design gives it an advantage during climbing.
Regarding suspension components, the former is equipped with a Fox 36 front fork, which offers longer suspension travel and a thicker fork stanchion compared to the Fox 34 front fork on the latter. This means that riders on the former can absorb more bumps when tackling rougher terrain, providing a more comfortable and secure riding experience.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former features Shimano components, offering smoother and more refined gear shifting. The latter, on the other hand, is equipped with SRAM components, providing crisper gear shifts.
So, both of these bikes are excellent options. The difference lies in the fact that the former performs exceptionally well on more challenging terrains, while the latter is better suited for climbing.
Learn More: Is Intense Sniper T 29 Expert Worth Buying?-[Intense Sniper T 29 Expert Review]
Trek Fuel EX 9.7 vs. Santa Cruz 5010 S / Carbon C / 27.5
They both feature carbon fiber frames. However, the former offers a wider range of wheel sizes to choose from, while the latter is limited to 27.5-inch wheels.
When it comes to suspension travel, these two bikes are quite similar. However, the former’s Fox 36 front fork has a thicker stanchion diameter compared to the Fox 34 front fork on the latter, making it better suited to handle more challenging terrains.
In terms of drivetrain components, both bikes use Shimano and SRAM drivetrain components, ensuring efficient gear performance. The main difference lies in the gear-shifting operation. As for the brake components, the former is equipped with Shimano brakes, providing a more linear braking experience, while the latter features SRAM Guide R components, offering a more powerful and direct braking response.
In summary, both of these full-suspension mountain bikes are excellent and robust options. However, I would lean towards the former, primarily because it comes at a lower price point.
Learn More: Is Santa Cruz 5010 X01 A Good Bike? [Santa Cruz 5010 X01 Review]
Trek Fuel EX 9.7 vs. Cannondale Habit Carbon 3
These two full-suspension mountain bikes share carbon fiber frames and have the same suspension travel. However, the former boasts a front fork with a thicker stanchion diameter, providing better support.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former utilizes Shimano components, known for their smooth and lightweight operation. The latter, on the other hand, uses SRAM components, offering crisp and precise gear-shifting.
Both bikes use reliable and trustworthy brake components, with one featuring Shimano brakes and the other using SRAM brakes. The primary distinction lies in the feel of the braking operation, and I prefer the feel of Shimano brakes.
In conclusion, both of these bikes are excellent and dependable options. However, I have a preference for the paint design of the former.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 Worth Buying? [2022 Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 Review]
Summary
Above is my review of the Trek Fuel EX 9.7. In our opinion, this is an outstanding full-suspension mountain bike with its carbon fiber frame and well-matched components, making it highly competitive among bikes in its class. Whether you plan to make upgrades down the line or not, this bike is a worthy choice. Hence, we’ve given it a rating of 4.8.
Of course, if you’d like to explore other full-suspension mountain bikes, we regularly review bikes of various price ranges, all of which are quite intriguing. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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