Trek Fuel EXe 9

84/100
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Charge Time
2.5 Hours
Top Speed
20 mph
Watts
250 W
Torque
50 Nm
Volts and Amp Hours
52V 6.8Ah
Class
Drive
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
41.85, 41.74, 42.62 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Trek Fuel EXe 9. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

12 reasons to buy

  • The Fuel EXe comes in three builds: two top-tier 9.9s with SRAM drivetrains and RockShox suspension and the mid-range 9.7 with Shimano and FOX.
  • Two group tests declared the Fuel EXe 9.9 the best e-MTB of 2023.
  • Most reviewers savor the fluid, lightweight, analog feel, saying the bike is excellent with or without motor assistance.
  • The compact, near-silent motor and minimalist controls create a remarkably stealthy package.
  • Experts say the lightweight feel, balanced handling, and responsive assistance make technical climbs easier.
  • The Fuel EXe handles descents almost as well as an enduro bike, according to testers.
  • The riding position is balanced and comfortable enough for long days in the saddle, say testers.
  • Reviewers praise the frame, which is stiff and responsive without being harsh.
  • A 200lb tester covers 28 miles and 3,280 feet of elevation in Eco mode, and a 150lb rider gets 20 miles and 4,419 feet.
  • The EXe frame can support a 160mm fork and a 29/27.5 mullet setup.
  • The EXe's flip-chip allows quick adjustment to head angle and BB height.
  • An optional 160Wh range extender boosts range by 40%.

8 reasons not to buy

  • Experts deem the EXe 9.7 overpriced, given the component choices.
  • Some testers feel the Fuel EXe isn’t powerful enough for an e-MTB.
  • The Fuel EXe 9.7 has the lowest power and shortest range of eight comparable lightweight e-MTBs in one group test.
  • Most reviewers think this bike requires the range extender, driving up the weight and already high price, and eliminating the bottle cage.
  • Some testers complain about rattles from internal cables, brake hoses, and the steerer-integrated multitool (9.9 builds).
  • A reviewer complains that the Fuel EXe 9.7’s Deore brakes suffer from an “erratic” feel and bite point.
  • A 150lb tester runs out of adjustment on the 9.9’s RockShox fork and shock; lighter riders will probably need lighter tunes.
  • The FAZUA RIDE 60 motor on some competing models is torquier (60Nm) than this bike’s 50Nm TQ motor.

Bottom line

Trek’s Fuel EXe 9 is a super-light electric trail bike with a full carbon frame, compact 50Nm mid-drive motor, and removable 360Wh battery. Experts praise the bike’s balance, lightweight analog feel, and subtle, smooth motor. The handling, climbing ability, enduro-like capacity for descents, and stealthy, near-silent operation also impress. Some complain about what they see as limited range and a lack of power. Others applaud the workout, engaging ride, and easy unassisted pedaling. Overall, reviewers declare the Fuel EXe a stunning success and a reference mid-power e-MTB, though some question the bike’s value, especially the 9.7 build.

Expert Reviews

77/100 based on 5 rated expert reviews
92
eBikes.org

Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS Review

If you are a fit rider and want the benefits of an e-MTB in a true MTB package, this is the bike for you. It’s the top product available on the market, it’s almost wildly expensive.

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60
Mountain Bike Rider

Silent, Smooth, and Streamlined – The Trek Fuel EXe 9.7 With TQ Motor Looks, Sounds, and Sadly Feels, a Lot Like an Analogue Bike

The Trek Fuel EXe needs more power and more range… to be competitive with the next generation of SL e-bikes. I also think that Trek needs to take a hard look at its pricing, because the original RRP… was way too high…

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80
Mountain Bike Rider

Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS Review

Not only is the Fuel EXe 9.9 XTR cheaper than the wireless SRAM XX1 AXS bike tested here, it’s every bit as strong and almost one kilo lighter. So that’s the bike to get, budget permitting.

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90

Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS Review

… Trek has really delivered on its original promise with this bike. A couple of spec changes and some tweaks here and there don’t hold it back from being one of, if not the best, bikes in its category.

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70
enDHuroBIKE

Trek Fuel EXe: An E-MTB Ahead of Its Time [French]

Trek’s first lightweight e-MTB is a resounding success: quiet, with very natural assistance, excellent battery life, a highly advanced connected interface, and very balanced performance on the trail. However, the price tag is seriously steep!

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The Loam Wolf

Trek Fuel EXe Review

It does everything pretty darn well and would be a great jack-of-all-trades lightweight e-bike for those looking to have a mid-power e-MTB for trail-shredding fun.

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E-MTB Review

2024 Specialized Levo SL vs. Trek Fuel EXe – Best Lightweight E-MTB Comparison

They’re both very configurable, both amazing options, the best two riding e-bikes I think out there in the market. For me right now, it’s the Specialized Levo SL.

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Phil Crombie MTB

Trek Fuel EXe 9.7 Lightweight Bike – Honest Review

My overall opinion of this bike is, would I buy one? If it was a bit cheaper, I’d probably buy one, but for me the Orbea Rise is still the bike for me, with that 10 extra Nm.

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Best Day Ever MTB

Trek Rail vs Fuel EXe. Which One Would I Choose?

If I was going out on my own… training… wanted the feel of a light bike, I would take [the Fuel] but if I… go out with my mates and… don’t want range anxiety [or] to be left behind, I would take the [Rail.]

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Trek’s Fuel EXe Is the Best E-Mountain Bike of 2023

The EXe provides an e-bike experience that doesn’t overwhelm the mountain bike experience… if you’ve tried a full-power e-bike and found it just too much, the EXe will be a revelation.

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E-MOUNTAINBIKE

The Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS – In Our Huge “Best E-Mountainbike of 2023” Group Test

Thanks to the quiet drive and near-invisible motor and display integration, the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS 2023 is hardly recognisable as an e-MTB… Overall, the Trek is an excellent partner for sporty trail riders who know how to deal with the direct handling.

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Review: Trek Fuel EXe E-MTB Smashes Rough Trails & Climbs Like (You’re) a Beast

The point is, at the end of each ride, I was all grins and knew quite well that I’d earned them. Well done, Trek.

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brujulabike

We Test the New Trek Fuel EXe 2023: The Most Natural Electric Bike of the Moment

With this bike Trek opens the door to what is possibly the way forward for the lightweight e-bikes of the future. An option to consider for those who want to make the leap to an e-MTB without losing the natural riding feeling of a traditional bike.

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Canadian MTB

Long-Term Review: Trek Fuel EXe Shifts the Standard for E-MTB

Trek has done an excellent job with the EXe, designing a mid-travel trail bike that fully takes advantage of the opportunities TQ’s small-but-powerful HPR50 creates.

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Mountain Bike Action

Trek Fuel EXe Review – Not Your Average Lightweight Electric Mountain Bike

The Trek Fuel EXe is not just a minor advancement, it’s a quantum leap into the future that sets the bar for all mid-powered electric bikes to come.

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Review: Trek’s 2023 Fuel EXe Is Light & Nearly Completely Silent

Trek’s foray into the lightweight e-MTB category with the Fuel EXe is a true beauty of a trail bike, assisted or not.

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Singletrack World

Trek Fuel EXe Reviewed (Finally)

Fundamentally, the Trek Fuel EXe is a beautifully executed machine that is going to be exactly what a great swath of experienced MTBers are looking for.

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SPOKE Magazine

Trek Fuel EXe Review

This bike was highly addictive, and my mindset had shifted from riding an e-bike to just riding this thing like a normal bike.

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User Ratings

91/100 based on 16 ratings
  • 5 star
    75%
  • 4 star
    13%
  • 3 star
    6%
  • 2 star
    6%
  • 1 star
    0%

Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#72 Best Mountain
Bottom 50%
#41 Best Trail
Bottom 50%
#8 Best Trek Bike
Bottom 40%
#404 Best of All Bikes
Top 50%

Bike Comparison

Trek Fuel EXe 9 in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

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