2020 Trek Fuel EX8 29 review [Ep#82]
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- I was pretty excited to get hold of Trek's new 2020 Fuel EX8 for a couple of days riding at Waitangi MTB Park.
With the weather being perfect and the tracks in fantastic shape, it was difficult to stop and take photos and ponder the specs as I just had so much fun ripping the trails on this machine.
The 2020 model has been redesigned from the ground up for this year and Trek have given the Fuel EX 10mm more travel up front than the previous model, making it 140mm front and 130mm rear. Add the fact that they slackened the head angle and steepened the seat tube and you have a trail-buster that's equally at home going down as it is going up.
Check out the Fuel EX8 at Evo Cycles here:
www.evolutionc...
Where I rode: www.trailforks...
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It's great seeing someone review reasonably priced bikes, it seems a lot of reviewers only review uber expensive superbikes.
A lot of the manufacturers only want the hero model shown so everyone is wowed by it. I like to show the bikes that I would actually consider myself.
exactly, bikes the majority of us actually consider buying
That’s not a bad deal!
I bought the ex5 .. the ex8 is way out of my budget
I got the Fuel EX 9.7 and love it!!
I’m currently riding a trek fuel ex8 2010 model. It’s been treating me fantasticaly and if you are looking to buy a older version def get the ex82010. Best investment of my life
Hey man I thought I should let you know, but I actually bought the bike after seeing your review and I'm actually really happy with. Thanks.
Great stuff! Hope you're making the most of the good weather and riding lots!
did you get the aluminum or carbon fiber? is it heavy?
@@fernandopoblete6064 i got the aluminium, and its not very heavy.
The Bontrager XR4 tyres are massively underated. I'm by no means an expert, but I've ridden a lot of tyre brands/models over many years of mtb'ing (I'm a 'vintage' rider😁) and the XR4's , in my opinion are amongst the best tyres out there. They have the magic formula of grip yet fast rolling.
They are surprisingly nice tires. They roll very fast. Grip quite nicely in dry conditions. They get iffy when riding aggressively (fast) and taking sharp corners of consequence. As such I switched out my front tire to a Maxxis 2.5” Minion DHF and never looked back. Way more security in fast loose turns. It definitely makes peddling up the trails slower however. Everything in life is compromise. I originally also switched out the rear for a 2.4” Maxxis Minion DHR 2. Again for fast downhill cornering. But that combo was so damn sluggish on uphill climbs and on flat sections that I switched my rear back to the Bonny 2.6” XR4. It rolls so MUCH better with the XR4.
Congrats on the support from EVO. A great and honest gear review with the right balance of tech/spec and actual riding. Keep up the good work
Thanks for the support Aaron!
As a British landscaper and horticulture student and a mountain bike rider and enthusiast im in awe of every thing here the dope bike the gnarly trails and the absolutely insane topic foliage just on the trails side! Beats a bag of dog shite and crisp packets we get in the UK on the trail side thats for sure.
Drop everything, leave that UK winter behind and get yer arse down here for next summer. Guarantee you won’t want to leave!!
Ride single track lots of roots, jumps have a 2017 fuel ex 9 awesome bike love trek love the fuel.
I have the 2020 Fuel EX8 but in black and I absolutely LOVE it. It climbs like a beast and I went tubeless on the Bontrager tires and they really hug the trail. I can't say enough good things about it. And, yes, the sound of the bike is awesome as well. Great video!
Just bought a 2022 Marlin 6 and it definitely rocks! But even more excited to own a double-suspension bike tho in the nearest future. Cheers from Rostov-on-Don, Russia! \m/
I was wondering if the Fuel EX 8 2020 could tolerate beginner-intermediate downhill. According to your video, it definitely can. I'm seriously thinking of getting this bike because it's time to upgrade from my hardtail Trek Marlin 5
I would say it is. It doesn’t have the travel of the actual DH bikes but unless
You are doing big drops the 130mm F/R will be fine for beginners. I have a HT similar to the Marlin and got on a friends EX5 and it’s was easy mode. Everything was plush. The EX8 has better shocks so it should be better. You can even dial in the air shocks to be stiffer or softer but keep tabs of the travel you use when setting it up too soft.
I’m now looking at the EX8 XT as my next bike.
@@ShaneXCS a Remedy would be a lot better for this person than a FEX. FEX geo is xc/trail, remedy is trail/enduro
@@ShaneXCS lol im doing big drops on my 100 mm travel hardtail 🤣
@@peakz1099 I have done the same but its def not recommended. LOL
@@ShaneXCS depends on alot of things i guess 🍻
I would love to do some cycling in New Zealand.
I was there a few years ago and for sure coming back…
Great video!
I have a 2019 Fuel ex7, and this review is spot on. The Bonty tires were a pleasant surprise, good all-around tire. The wheels are bomb proof (I'm 225 lbs. 6'2" so my wheels get a workout). the handlebar, grips and saddle are not so good, but are easily replaced. Excellent review mate, greetings from Puerto Rico!
Thanks Octavio!!!
@@TheAverageMTBGuyhey man, thank you for the good work.
I had a 2016 Trek Fuel EX8. It was a great bike. 👍
I’d be keen to hear what previous owners think of the new one. I think it’s a great ride.
wow!!!...that's a very nice and cool trail bike again, I hope someday I can buy one.
Didn't realise that New Zealand was soo beautiful.
It's gorgeous, very picturesque place indeed especially the Sth island.
It's a incredibly beautiful place, very diverse landscape.
Awesome review. Thank you!
Considering as my very first MTB ever.
SO MANY OPTIONS to choose from in the same price range: ‘20 Rocky A50, ‘20 Devinci TROY GX... 🙄
Thoughts?
For a first MTB I would get a marlin 5 it’s a hard tail. But it’s very fun and it’s one of the best hard tails out there.
After riding a '14 650b and a '16 29er Remedy for the past almost 6 seasons, I went with the '20 Fuel ex this time around. Only two rides on it after picking it up a week ago, but I am blown away by it. I still have some dialing in to do, but it descends as well or better than my older Remedys, and feels more quick and nimble on climbs, though I had no qualms with how those Remedy climbed. I know its brand new, but I dont ever recall a bike being so quiet. Its uncanny. I know PinkBike favored the tallboy over this bike, but Im hard pressed to find fault with anything with the new EX. Only thing I would like Trek to change, is the ability to order the bike with an upgrade option for the higher end fork or shock to go with the lower end frame.
Nice one Douglas. Totally agree with how eerily quiet it is!! Go out and enjoy that bike mate!
Which model of the EX did you get? Do you find yourself using the lockout on the rear shock for climbs, or did you find it to be pretty efficient without? I'm looking at purchasing a EX 5, and wondering how it's going to be climbing without the re:aktiv shock.
@@paul2673 I got the 8. Unless i know that it's a really gnarly descend section, I run the rear shock in the middle platform. It climbs extremely well in that "trail" setting and I've never felt the need to put it in climb mode.
@@douglaseaton1581 Cool, thanks for the response!
@@paul2673 hello . I've tested the 5 last week end and it s a beast in descend and for climbing
I own a 2018 Fuel EX 8 and as far as the 2020 carbon ones are cool, I can't find a single reason to update mine to the latest alloy one. Oh, and the welds connecting top tube and seattube are buttery smooth on 2018/19 models.
Great review thanks mate! I’ll buy one! First time mountain biker moving to Warburton in Victoria and this seems like the bike for me!
Will be an ideal bike to take you through the whole learning process to still being very capable when you get really confident. Warburton looks to have some good trails and Mt Buller is reasonably close offering a great trail network. Have fun!
Im in the market for a new bike im debating between the tallboy and trek fuel ex 8, i see the fuel ex has better components on the drive traing for the same price and im talking about the alloy edition on both bikes if it was you what would you choose based on your professional experience, please advise
Great review! This is how they should be 😬 Ordered one last week in black, will arrive within a week :)
Hows the new bike going I'm think of getting one.
I have this bike model 2019. Funtastic in this price.
Yes great price as long as you dont expect much in the way of customer service.....
Nick Taylor thats right ;-(
@@nicktaylor7680 Do tell.
Is there any age limit to ride trail bike? I am 43 years. I am interested on trail bike riding
Umapathi Rayapati no! Anyone can ride! Be careful out there
The wife and I are 43 and have one season in on trail riding. We both love it. It’s the right amount of skill and exercise. I sold my motor bike and bought us each a trek roscoe. We love them. But I am eyeing up the fuel ex8 for my next one.
i have an ex5 and my eyes are on this bike
Does this bike feel a bit heavy to you? I just got the 7 and it feels pretty heavy next to the tallboy. Will slimmer tires help? Anything else?
I second this question.
i have this bike and to be honest it does feel heavy, its odd hitting jumps with it but honestly its an amazing bike and it shreds
I’ll admit that it’s not a lightweight but it’s aluminium, 29er running 2.6” tyres and not an XC bike. It’s not about the weight but where the weight is placed and I felt it was a stable bike for the riding I enjoy.
I put maxis dhr dhf 2.3 and some other components way lighter and faster
Outstanding!
Have you noticed a lot of chainslap? Or is the bike very quiet? I noticed the chain is very close to the chainstay
Bike is seriously quiet as far as rattles go and there wasn't any chainslap that I could hear - the clutch on the GX derailleur seemed to be doing its job. There's a rubber guard on the chainstay too in case the gnar is so great that it does flap about.
It's a super quiet bike
Nice video and channel. You have another subscriber. I just got a Fuel EX 8 last week. My first full suspension, big step up from my marlin 7.
I have a Marlin 7 and thinking about this fuel. Worth the money? Please give your opinion
Have you ridden Rocky Mountains Instinct? I've been looking at that and the Trek Fuel EX as my next bike and wondering if you can speak to either of those two. They both seem great all-round bikes for climbing and descending.
So, question, have you had a chance to ride the Giant Trance 3? It is Giant's direct competitor to this bike, and I am leaning towards this bike and the Giant as my next bike (one of those riders coming off an entry level hardtail).
1 year later: I've ridden 200 days of thrashing, robust trails on this bike! The only thing that gave out is the tires...
5 stars! From Tucson Arizona
Awesome! Great to hear you’ve been able to ride that much - I’d love to swap places with you!
It’s a ripper ⚡️
I'm crazy about what the did to it. It used to be an all around XC/trail bike. Now it's and all around Trail/downhill bike. It's heavier and beefier. They also make the Top Fuel which is more of a XC bike. The fuel ex8 was good in niche it was in.
Did you find it to be an efficient pedaling bike? Much pedal bobbing, etc? Did you use the lockout on the rear shock on climbs? Thanks in advance!
Hi Paul. I didn’t find pedal bobbing to be a problem on the Fuel. The EX8 has pretty much the same shock as my ‘17 Giant Trance so I know it’s characteristics and I usually put it in climb mode or at least in trail mode. As I said in the video, I was more than happy to climb on the thing all day - really can’t complain about its climbing ability. One thing I will mention is that obviously the greater width tyre does have some effect on rolling resistance, weight and drag but it’s a small price to pay for the added grip and confidence it provides.
I would love to see a review on some of the Norco fuel bikes. Love the video though.
Had a problem with this bike.. The swing bolt on left part has losen and i dont know where to find it.. Wish some one could help me where to buy it..
Sorry to hear that. Where do you live?
Harvey, did you get the bolt fixed?
Great review, I am seriously considering this bike 2020 Trek Fuel 9.8, what are your thoughts about 2019 YT Jeffsey or the new 2020 Tallboy?
Carmelo Asuncion can’t comment on either of those bikes as YT would be hard to get me a demo and SC, from what I’ve heard the Megatower is pretty bloody awesome.
Thanks for the great review. I’ve got a fuel ex 8 and I was very keen to know how it compares to the new Trek Slash 2021 when it comes to climbing, as I have my eyes on it at the moment.
Have you ever ridden one? If so, what are your thoughts?
Keep up with the great work.
Thanks
Really enjoy your videos, hope I can progess as you have. Keep the videos coming, would love to see some more of places that have decent kid friendly trails. We're heading up the far north this summer and will definitely be taking my girls out =)
What size is that frame and how tall are you if you don't mind me asking 👍
I’m 5’8” (174cm) so should be on a M/L. This bike was a M so a fraction too small but it was all that was available - didn’t detract from being an awesome ride though.
There’s 8 sizes for the Fuel so is important to get the fitting right.
I'm 5'9 and 32" inseam. M/l feels appropriate. As much as I hear people talking about seat tube angle and slamming the seat forward, I actually feel like i need to slide it back a hair, at halfway up on the rails.
How low is the BB? Do you get pedal strikes? My trails are pretty rocky.
out2burn I have this bike and yes pedal strikes are a issue. I run the bike in the low position tho..maybe in the high position it would be a little better
Great review.
Im looking at upgrading from the merida big seven 2020 to the 2021 fuel.. or slash.. or even the powerfly or rail IF I want to go ebike all the way... im just so undecided lol
Great vid!
I know this is the ex8, and im looking at the ex7. but it was a great watch. hoping to get one early next year, also open to other 130/140mm travel 29ers if anyone has any recommendations.
WillBMTB 89
Hey bro. Check out Merida one twenty or Marin rift zone
thank you, i think your video made i clear to me to visit my Trek dealer tomorrow :)
I didn't know the 4th bike in the Fuel EX range was actually a Top Fuel...interesting
Good spotting but the 2020 Top Fuel has the shock mounted upside-down. That’s a Fuel EX 8 XT - got the pic from the Trek UK website.
Interesting though is the stem length - I think this may have been a mistake or a placeholder image as it’s running XX1 cranks! 🤣
holy, this trail is so smooth. got the 2018 alum, course with 130/130mm. if you ride this bike as your daily mtb ride, 4-6 hrs everyday or other day, my question is does 2020 w/ 140/130mm suspension feel like easy to pedal still in long hours, 4-6 hrs of riding? my guess is we wont notice that difference. oh, just subscribed by the way, with the bell ON!
Great editing in this vid. When you explain something, you take a vid of that part In the forest makes the viewer see what you are talking about. I also think over time the seat will mould to your bum or bum will mould to the seat. Also just a question can you wheelie. I haven’t been out on any trails for a long time but I have been practicing wheelies around my local streets. Happy mtbing
I am absolutely hopeless at wheelies! I wasn’t any good as a kid but it was difficult trying to wheelie a Chopper! Any time on the bike is good time so keep it up.
The Average MTB Guy, how would you compare this bike to the Giant Trance Advanced Pro 2?
It all depends on your riding style and trails you’ll most likely ride on. Personally , for my riding, I’d give the nod to the Trek with a bit more travel (albeit marginal at 15mm!) it has SRAM GX whereas Trance has NX.
Trance would be more suited to XC+ style of trail and Fuel covers more of a trail bike that can handle more of the downhill fun stuff.
Hope that helps!
Nice review - thanks.
How does it compare to your Reign 29'er?
Fun factor / Confidence / Bike Ability etc...
I guess it all comes down to what you get used to over time and without actually riding them back-to-back it’s tough to make a call. I’m now quite used to how the Reign handles on the trails I like so I would lean towards that. But due to its geometry the Trek would feel more playful - it’s a trail bike after all and the Reign is in the Enduro category.
If you’re happy just riding grade 3-4 trails with nothing too big or gnarly then the Trek would be the one. But my goal was to push my boundaries a little and the Reign has definitely boosted the confidence to do so - the only thing holding me back most times is the psychological side!
What bar is on that bike ?
hi, which is better trek ex8 or giant reign advance pro 29 2. thanks
Depends on what you want to do. If it’s a lot of climbing and grade 2/3/4 trails then the Trek will suit but if you ride more downhill than up and there’s gnarly terrain, drops n jumps then I’d choose Reign.
@@TheAverageMTBGuy thanks so helpful. i just got the trek ex8 from evo. cheers!
Awesome!! Enjoy!!!
@@TheAverageMTBGuy thanks cheers!
Trek has some of the sickest color ways, especially that cobra blood to magenta one. Getting tired of seeing only one color on most other brands on given models.
just check this bike out for a demo myself I have it for the next two days super excited 😁
Cool. Interested to hear your view so drop me a line after the weekend.
Fantastic review. Would you feel comfortable riding an amateur cross country race on this one weekend and an enduro the next weekend?
I don’t know whether I’d feel comfortable racing full stop at the moment!! The old body has seized up over lockdown 🤣 I guess it all depends on the rider and whether you’re fine with doing that on one bike. Of course an XC bike will be lighter and quicker but are you going out there for fun or to qualify for the next Olympics? And it would handle an enduro fine.
Nice review. I'd like to see you review a Giant Trance 29er if you get a chance
Hi Chis, I reviewed the Trance Advanced 29er last year when it was released. Hasn’t changed since then.
Here’s the link th-cam.com/video/drzch0W7UtE/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for this good rewiew. How do you feel the fox reactiv. Some other rewiewers say it was a little hard for light people..?
I’m 70kg and I didn’t find it hard at all. I usually run my suspension quite plush and this gave a sweet ride over all those roots.
Sometimes you don’t have much time reviewing a bike to get the suspension setup correctly but I found this was pretty close.
I ve tested the remedy 18 and the reactiv was too harch for my weight (62kg)and I ve tested the fuel ex5 2020 without reactiv and it Was perfect for the rear schock
Nice, thanks for making this. Nice to see some familiar NZ trails. What size did you test, and what's your height?
I’m 174 cm and had a M but I think I needed a Medium/Large (Trek do “in-between” sizes!)
@@TheAverageMTBGuy cool thanks. Are you able to say how this compares to the Remedy?
Doorya I’m afraid I can’t sorry as I’ve not ridden a Remedy yet. So many bikes and so little time!!
Nice review
As a fellow crashing dad, do you think this is a forgiving all rounder?
I’m looking for my first full suspension bike but some other bikes eg Marin rift zone and Kona process are about 1k cheaper.
This would be great as a first FS bike! If you’re comparing it to the standard Kona Process 134 29 (green one) then the Trek is higher spec’d so would be more expensive. Haven’t ridden the Kona so can’t make the comparison sorry
How would you compare this bike to the giant trance 29er?
Oooh, that’s quite an interesting choice to make. As much as I enjoyed the TranceI think for me personally the Fuel would probably just edge ahead. The extra travel would be well used.
The Average MTB Guy awesome thanks for the reply the 15% bupa discount makes the fuel a good buy aswell,will do a test ride soon cheers!
@@lee.j7077 Are you in OZ or NZ - I see BUPA is an Australian health insurance but wondering if its here in NZ too
The Average MTB Guy im in Australia not sure about nz
Just googled it they are in nz aswell
Would you recommend for a guy 5'6 ft
This size (M) would be right for you I reckon. It was a tad small for me at 5’8. Good thing about Trek is they do a wide range of sizes.
Like the channel!!
Subbed
I’m looking to buy the ex 8 at eco anyone know the price ?
2020 EX 8 is still available at a few Evo stores for $4499
www.evocycles.co.nz/Product/320399/2020-trek-fuel-ex-8-29-mtb-black
2021 model is $5499
The Average MTB Guy okay tanks
Also do you recommend any other full suspension bikes under 4500
Nice review I'm looking at my next bike upgrading from a trek roscoe so this could be a good option.
Think it would be an excellent step up from the Roscoe and I’m sure you’d love it!
That's a huge upgrade.
You mean going from hardtail to full suspension?
again, nice vid!
Danke!
My buddy has an older version and his older brother just got the new one and they did a comparison and there’s not a big difference
So what's your point? If someone likes it ,piss off
How many model years older? There have been some significant changes made for '20 that should be noticeable.
Do a review of TREK Remedy 8 2020, pls, if you can. I will buy one, but i want a second opinion. Thanks :)
I got a remedy 9.8 2019 and it's pretty awesome
Is it easy to wheelie?
I totally suck at wheelies so probably not the best person to ask! But most trail bikes are so I reckon it would be fine
You didn't sell me on the bike (purple, really?) But I've gotta find a weekend to get Waitangi soon, trails look awesome.
They are man so fun and there's shuttles too
I think the purple/black is good because it’s different to a lot of other colour schemes. But the EX8 a black version as an alternative too - most of the Fuel EX range have two colour options.
Personally I love the colour
You've got to see the trek purple in person though. It's really well done
Almost shat myself at 6:46 but you just jumped right over that turn with no problem lol
Haha - thought I was gonna stack it for sure! Surprised myself that I got through it.
yea but it costs the world like who has that much money because i certainly dont
Set up a savings.. you need a new bike. I just ordered mine yesterday. I used to work at a shop. Now it kills me to give him thousands.. money well spent. Should last several years
Good luck in finding a large lol
Boyk, here to roid my boyk.
My god that's horrible, for that price you can get a yt better, imo 29er jeffsy cf pro race with fox 36 in the front and the fox float dpx 2. Way better components. Way more bang for your buck !
Ricardo Juarez MTB isn't the Jeffsy a lot more expensive?
Lee - that particular bike is NZ$500 more expensive than the Fuel
EX8 and Ricardo, you are correct, it is a better spec and good value. Unfortunately here in New Zealand getting hold of a YT is difficult as they get snapped up quickly. Online sales like YT and Canyon might be good but there is a limitation to them sometimes.
The Average MTB Guy the jeffsy looks nice but out of my budget I'm looking at the trek as I can get it for $3900 Australian my local shop won't have stock until next month and my mrs won't let me spend anymore than that!
@@TheAverageMTBGuy that you are right about 100%
Ricardo Juarez MTB Totally appreciate your point of view mate 👍🏻
Better watch a few reviews on it... that bike kinda sucks
Kazak Thranduil why does it suck?
Kazak, have you ridden one? Having ridden it for three days I can certainly doesn’t suck and can handle pretty much what most people could throw at it. Unfortunately there are a lot of people out there that think only certain brands or certain bikes are acceptable. Brandon Semenuk rides and develops for Trek - enough said.
Thanks for the great review. I’ve got a fuel ex 8 and I was very keen to know how it compares to the new Trek Slash 2021 when it comes to climbing, as I have my eyes on it at the moment.
Have you ever ridden one? If so, what are your thoughts?
Keep up with the great work.
Thanks
I actually have not ridden a Slash. But I guess it all comes down to what you love more - if, like me, you live for the downhill and don’t care about enjoying the uphill or how long it takes to get there, then by all means get a Slash and rip it hard.
@@TheAverageMTBGuy agreed!! 😀 thanks!