Bike Review:
Trek Fuel EX Generation 6
A Well-Rounded Trail Ripper
The Trek Fuel EX generation 6 is the newest iteration to the Fuel EX, sporting 29-inch wheels with 140mm of rear wheel travel and 150mm up front. I have ridden versions of the Fuel EX from when it had 26″ wheels and 120mm of travel and even owned the last 5th generation.
Geometry and Updates:
I am 5′ 11″ and riding Trek’s ML. The bike is set up with the neutral headset cups and the mino link in low, all comparison is between the gen 5 also in the ML. The 6th generation of the Fuel EX only sees a small bump in travel and while the suspension layout and wheel size remains the same, this is the biggest change since Trek introduced the ABP suspension. It features a 64.5-degree head tube angle and a 77.5-degree effective seat tube angle, That head angle is a significant change and can be slacked all the way to 63.5°. The reach has been extended to 470mm, 15mm longer than the last bike, making for a more comfortable and modern riding position. Additionally, the bike has size-specific rear ends, with the medium-large sitting at 440mm. All the linkage bolts have been updated using more steel hardware and updated spacers that make service easier. They also ditched the Knock Block and press fit bottom bracket making it threaded. There is also a flip chip to add progression to the shock that Trek says this will allow for a coil shock option. The Fuel EX has long been a bike that caters to a wide range of riders but seemed to lean toward the XC side of things. The new frame, while a bit heavier, feels considerably more stout compared to both the previous Fuel EX and Slash that I owned in the past. It has also held up much better and been easier to tune for more aggressive riding. It has the option to be run as a mullet and I plan to check that out. However, after riding the stock bike I am not sure how the small wheel could make it more nimble. Trek also has a cool new dynamic geometry chart on the website to better visualize what these changes mean. On that note it would be helpful if the chart gave you numbers for running a 160mm fork with 29″ wheels. Trek finished things up with the larger seat tube that is now standard on the Top Fuel and Slash and the EX stil has the in-frame storage that is just so good. This is a modern trail bike that can hold its own, and won’t be outdated in a couple seasons.
The Climb:
The new Fuel EX handles climbs exceptionally well, feeling light at the pedals and more centered compared to its predecessor. The revised geometry, including the steepened seat tube angle, allows for better traction and improved climbing efficiency especially on technical terrain. It is efficient for mellow and meandering climbs but has the traction when things get tight and technical.
The Descent:
The Fuel EX has some tough competition, especially when it comes to descending. It handled everything I threw at it, but truly excels when it comes to cornering and jumping. The suspension has an abundance of traction for steep trails and rock rolls and the new frame has plenty of stiffness when things get chunky. The bike’s ability to pop off lips and jumps, combined with its stout frame, makes it a blast on descents. The bike’s traction and suspension performance shine on loose, chundery trails, keeping the ride composed and predictable.
Jumps and Corners:
One of the bike’s standout attributes is its ability to get off the ground and rail a corner. The Trek suspension is known for being playful, and the new Fuel EX maintains that reputation. The bike loves to be pushed into lips and berms. It will rip the tire off the rim and pops off everything in sight. If you thought you needed small wheels to be playful then you may want to check this thing out.
Final Thoughts:
The Generation 6 Fuel EX is now more suitable for an even broader range of riders. It won’t slow you down on climbs and handles technical descents with ease. Its geometry can be adjusted from a very cross-country 66° head tube to a brotastic 62.9° when set up as a mullet. It climbs more efficiently than its predecessor and gets down like a bike with 140mm of travel has no business. After six months of testing, the new Trek has proven to be an impressive trail bike. With its blend of climbing efficiency, playful trail manners, and cornering abilities, it’s a fantastic all-rounder. The new Fuel EX is perfect for those who enjoy cruising local trails, tackling long rides, and exploring everything the mountain has to offer. Its well-rounded performance makes it one of the most versatile and enjoyable bikes I’ve recently ridden.