Mullet Update - Trek Fuel Ex 9.8 Gen 6

This is my first mullet bike set up and so far it feels like the best of both worlds between my Trek Remedy, 27.5 bike which I loved and sold, and the 29er set up on the Fuel last year. As it might appear, the front end of the bike feels almost exactly the same as it did in the full 29er set up and the back end feels nimble and playful like my Remedy. Best of both worlds as I was hoping.
As for the rest of the updates, the front chain ring going up to the 32t feels similar to the 30t with the start up speed with the 29er rear. The STFU has helped make the chain slap much less noticeable and distracting on the ride. The fork being updated to 160mm and the Grip2 damper update feels supportive and supple.
Highlight is the clip less pedals/shoes. I could not believe how much I noticed the difference. While climbing the smoother rotation of the pedals makes it feel like there’s a small motor assisting. While riding through chunky terrain, I can put a pedal stroke in or two and not worry about my foot bouncing off the pedal and having to work to adjust it to the right position again. It helps make you feel much more connected to the bike. I will still go back and forth with clipless and flats, because I could see how bad habits of picking up the rear wheel with bad technique. I am really excited to see how this feels during enduro races this year.
I can tell the weight difference in changing tires to the Maxxis EXO+ and Cushcore Trail, which is what I was intending to do now that I have the Slash for my enduro and big trail bike.
Overall, I am happy with the updates and can’t wait to ride bikes this season!

[@NoSuldoOceano]

NICE!!!! I have a Trek Fuel EX and just waiting for the parts to arrive and mount a 27,5 real wheel too.

[@aevans692]

is that the standard fork , how do you turn it up to 160 ? Cheers . .

[@BeachModeBiking]

It is the fork that came on the bike, I brought it to someone that works on suspension to have it serviced and have them change the air shaft to 160mm. You just have to purchase the new air shaft. Most forks can fit a couple different sized air shafts in them.

[@_integralnz]

Nice mods. Whats it weighing in at now?

[@BeachModeBiking]

35.84 lb

[@Chornballusa]

What to keep the chain quiet?

[@BeachModeBiking]

stfubike.com/

[@haorob]

Where is this riding at? Wish I could get some of these types of trails in SoCal

[@BeachModeBiking]

Just outside of Stevens Point, WI