Glad to see some aggressive riding on one of these by someone that isn’t like a super-pro. Just snagged a ex 9.8 for my 3 months in New Zealand! Pretty pumped, but a little nervous cause it has a lot to live up to my love my stumpjumper which is ridden in all my videos.
Thanks, I was very impressed with this bike. I rode the old version and it was definitely not something I would want for most my riding. I had a Transition Spire at the same time and while I rode all the same terrain, I used the Spire any time I needed to guinea pig something.
Is this a 7 > 8 > or 9 ? There are also about 15 variations of the 9. Saying Trek Fuel EX doesn't really narrow it down much. Kind of like saying "Nike Air" Nike brands 90% of it's shoes with the "air" moniker.
It’s a frame up build. It started as an XT build and was upgraded to XTR by the end. It ended up being an almost complete 9.9 but with a different bar, stem and seatpost.
For sure, I like that build and I've had good luck with the carbon. This alloy 8 is also a good build for the money Shimano or Sram and on sale: alnk.to/bitQyq9
For someone looking there first full suspension mtb . This new fuel ex is on top list im considering the fuel ex 8 aluminum or should i jump to the 9.7 carbon any suggestions will be greatly appreciated
If you can, then definitely the 9.7 is worth the extra cash. Some brands do a higher end alloy bike but the parts spec from the 8 to 9.7 is almost identical. The 9.7 is two pounds lighter and in the long run will be a better frame to build off.
Looking at this for a new bike, I’m a little shorter at 5”10 178cms. Do you think I’d be find the m/l to be a good size. I’m downsizing as the bike I’m on now is 490mm reach and feels way too big and don’t want to do it again lol
Great review, thanks! A couple questions, did you have any issues getting a little beat up through your wrists or shoulders? I heard in a couple of other reviews that reviewers felt a lot of trail chatter and had sore wrists after riding the gen 6 fuel ex however they were reviewing the 9.9 with the one piece carbon bar/stem and carbon rims. I notice you’re running a regular stem and bars, did you have any issues with wrist or shoulders getting sore with this bike? Did you run it with carbon rims? How tall are you and how did you find the M/L sizing? I’m 5’11 coming off a older spec enduro with 450 reach and I’m considering the same M/L in 470mm reach. I have been on M/L in a local store and it feels right size, but I can’t find any rent or demo bikes in my area to actually test it properly.
I did not have any problems with wrists or shoulders. I did immediately swap the bar/stem combo as I wanted a higher rise bar. I am still running the carbon wheels and have not had a problem other than the rear loosing tension early on in ownership. I am also 5'11, I chose the ML and have felt 470 to be pretty spot on. I rode the Large with a 485 reach and preferred the agility of the ML.
The EX 7 will do well as a beginner/first full suspension. The 12spd Shimano drivetrain and 4 piston brakes will be able to keep up as you progress. The limiting feature on the build is definitely the fork. If you’re a larger or faster rider you may out grow it quickly and need to upgrade. Other than that, it is a solid build to get you started!
@@NICADV thanks for the response. Right now the Ex 7 is onsale at my local bike shop for $3740 (reg $4400). Unfortunately The Ex 8 isn’t onsale or Id probably jump into that. I’m not a large guy and certainly not fast lol. Thanks for the advice
it depends on the level, I built mine from the frame. That and the 9.9 come with the Fox Factory Float X. The 9.8 9.7 and 8 come with the Fox Performance Float X but below that you get the Fox Performance Float. Which are you looking for?
All over the PNW, mostly Raging River in Washington, but there is some riding from Robert's Creek on the Sunshine Coast of BC, Bellingham, and even a clip from Moab
I've rode Raging River in 2022, but don't remember those jumps! Bellingham is on my hit list. I will be in Whistler for the summer so may zip down to Bellingham for a night. @@NICADV
@@coreymtb We should ride! I'm up in Whistler a bunch and can probably show you around Bellingham. Most the jump trail footage is Hand Solo in Robert's Creek, BC.
The Gen 6 does climb better. The Gen 5 has a more traditional climbing position and is lighter, but the more centered climbing position, better weight distribution, and improved kinematics allow for a more efficient climb.
I owned both and can say I like the gen 6 more in almost every way. The gen 6 is more supportive pedaling which is odd for having more rear travel, it is poppier and more playful. I guess the trade off is that it isn't quite as plush. Worth trade off IMO. Only downfall is the bb is really low and I have longer crank arms causing more pedal strikes. Will have to try in high.
@@orla222 it probably would help but I am already close to over biked for everything in my area. The efficiency of the bike is what keeps it fun around my local trail, I don't want to turn it into an enduro rig.
Soooo, i got the M size I'm 5'7" i feel it's my size but I'm kinda over the handle bar alot. Still trying to figure out away to maybe shorten the bar from the stock size. I don't know if it's worth it to size up. Any thoughts?
Not sure what you're asking. Are you over the bar seated or standing? "shorten the bar"? Are trying to shorten the reach? Do you have the one piece bar stem or a regular setup? If you can find the headset cups, there is a lot you can do with those and the mino link to mess with the reach.
@@NICADV well, I should've said the reach is kinda short. I tried the M/L and the reach was perfect my body mass was centered unlike the M where I was shifted towards the handle bar.
@@baryon9446 that’s a hard one as the 20mm difference is pretty big. A high rise bar will get you back and more weight off the front. That could be the easiest. The slacker headset cups combined with the mino link in the high position will also give you almost 9mm more reach and slacken the headtube by a half degree.
I would definitely recommend the Fox Factory 36 with the Grip 2. They are on huge sale at Jenson USA. Here's a link: alnk.to/2QvvDYK The Ohlins RXF36 m.2 is also a solid option and also on sale: alnk.to/ge56c4o
I definitely think it can hold up. The new linkages have held up significantly better than the old including the current generation Slash. You’ll probably need some volume reducers for the rear shock or have it tuned for your size.
@@NICADV we got some gnarly stuff out here in SoCal I know I’ll eventually do I test rode a friends slash wasn’t what I liked hard to go up hills and to much travel for my taste felt like the suspension soaked up everything and didn’t feel as playful as I’d like
@@trailrider9582 Yeah, the EX is a significantly better climber especially due to the climbing position. Setting the suspension in the hi progression setting will also help with the playfulness.
@@MichaelLizzio the Gen 6 EX 7 for sure, not only is it the new generation but the parts are much better. You get a Fox rear shock, 4 piston brakes, and it is tubeless.
Appreciate your gentleman and polite demeanor. We need more of that!
Thank you
Such a sick video! Very well done with great detail and some smooth riding!
Thanks dude!
Glad to see some aggressive riding on one of these by someone that isn’t like a super-pro. Just snagged a ex 9.8 for my 3 months in New Zealand! Pretty pumped, but a little nervous cause it has a lot to live up to my love my stumpjumper which is ridden in all my videos.
Thanks, I was very impressed with this bike. I rode the old version and it was definitely not something I would want for most my riding. I had a Transition Spire at the same time and while I rode all the same terrain, I used the Spire any time I needed to guinea pig something.
Amazing riding and trails! Looks like an amazing bike too. Probably trail bike of the year
Haha, yeah I think I heard something about that.😁The trails out here are all time, I have a constant stream of friends visiting from CO.
This is exactly the type of riding I was curious to see this bike handle. Great vid, thanks
Glad you liked it!
Is this a 7 > 8 > or 9 ? There are also about 15 variations of the 9. Saying Trek Fuel EX doesn't really narrow it down much. Kind of like saying "Nike Air" Nike brands 90% of it's shoes with the "air" moniker.
Based on the rear suspension cannister it's some version of either the 8 or 9. BUT thanks for not being more specific.
It’s a frame up build. It started as an XT build and was upgraded to XTR by the end. It ended up being an almost complete 9.9 but with a different bar, stem and seatpost.
Hey bro would you recommend the 9.7 for a begginer? First MTB, I'm scared to crash and break the carbon lol.
For sure, I like that build and I've had good luck with the carbon. This alloy 8 is also a good build for the money Shimano or Sram and on sale:
alnk.to/bitQyq9
Damn, this is one solid bike.
Oh yeah!
For someone looking there first full suspension mtb . This new fuel ex is on top list im considering the fuel ex 8 aluminum or should i jump to the 9.7 carbon any suggestions will be greatly appreciated
If you can, then definitely the 9.7 is worth the extra cash. Some brands do a higher end alloy bike but the parts spec from the 8 to 9.7 is almost identical. The 9.7 is two pounds lighter and in the long run will be a better frame to build off.
Thank you for the feedback appreciated
That’s a nice bike. I’m lookin for a bike myself. I live off of Blue Mountain Road. So do I need a road bike or do I need a mountain bike?
@@jeffminor5001 well it’s a mountain road so probably a mountain road bike 😓
Looking at this for a new bike, I’m a little shorter at 5”10 178cms. Do you think I’d be find the m/l to be a good size. I’m downsizing as the bike I’m on now is 490mm reach and feels way too big and don’t want to do it again lol
@@jackford1841 yes, the ML should be a good size. 490 is pretty big, what’s your saddle height?
@ from middle of BB to seat fully up is 720mm ish
@@jackford1841 then it should fit well. Trek has serious deals on the XTR bikes: alnk.to/6TALkcd
Great review, thanks!
A couple questions, did you have any issues getting a little beat up through your wrists or shoulders? I heard in a couple of other reviews that reviewers felt a lot of trail chatter and had sore wrists after riding the gen 6 fuel ex however they were reviewing the 9.9 with the one piece carbon bar/stem and carbon rims. I notice you’re running a regular stem and bars, did you have any issues with wrist or shoulders getting sore with this bike? Did you run it with carbon rims?
How tall are you and how did you find the M/L sizing? I’m 5’11 coming off a older spec enduro with 450 reach and I’m considering the same M/L in 470mm reach. I have been on M/L in a local store and it feels right size, but I can’t find any rent or demo bikes in my area to actually test it properly.
I did not have any problems with wrists or shoulders. I did immediately swap the bar/stem combo as I wanted a higher rise bar. I am still running the carbon wheels and have not had a problem other than the rear loosing tension early on in ownership.
I am also 5'11, I chose the ML and have felt 470 to be pretty spot on. I rode the Large with a 485 reach and preferred the agility of the ML.
Thanks, that’s good to know
Thoughts on the Ex 7 for a beginner and first full suspension bike?
The EX 7 will do well as a beginner/first full suspension. The 12spd Shimano drivetrain and 4 piston brakes will be able to keep up as you progress. The limiting feature on the build is definitely the fork. If you’re a larger or faster rider you may out grow it quickly and need to upgrade. Other than that, it is a solid build to get you started!
@@NICADV thanks for the response. Right now the Ex 7 is onsale at my local bike shop for $3740 (reg $4400). Unfortunately The Ex 8 isn’t onsale or Id probably jump into that. I’m not a large guy and certainly not fast lol. Thanks for the advice
@@EastCoastEDCdid you end up getting it?
I'm thinking of getting one, and I have one question. What shock does it come with? Because I've seen many reviews and they all have different shocks
it depends on the level, I built mine from the frame. That and the 9.9 come with the Fox Factory Float X. The 9.8 9.7 and 8 come with the Fox Performance Float X but below that you get the Fox Performance Float. Which are you looking for?
What trail is this btw?
All over the PNW, mostly Raging River in Washington, but there is some riding from Robert's Creek on the Sunshine Coast of BC, Bellingham, and even a clip from Moab
I've rode Raging River in 2022, but don't remember those jumps! Bellingham is on my hit list. I will be in Whistler for the summer so may zip down to Bellingham for a night. @@NICADV
@@coreymtb We should ride! I'm up in Whistler a bunch and can probably show you around Bellingham. Most the jump trail footage is Hand Solo in Robert's Creek, BC.
and comparing to old Gen 5 does the new Fuel Ex gen 6 climbs better ?
The Gen 6 does climb better. The Gen 5 has a more traditional climbing position and is lighter, but the more centered climbing position, better weight distribution, and improved kinematics allow for a more efficient climb.
I owned both and can say I like the gen 6 more in almost every way. The gen 6 is more supportive pedaling which is odd for having more rear travel, it is poppier and more playful. I guess the trade off is that it isn't quite as plush. Worth trade off IMO. Only downfall is the bb is really low and I have longer crank arms causing more pedal strikes. Will have to try in high.
@@terrybull4604 how about bringing It to 160 front? Maybe can reduce pedal strikes
@@orla222 it probably would help but I am already close to over biked for everything in my area. The efficiency of the bike is what keeps it fun around my local trail, I don't want to turn it into an enduro rig.
Soooo, i got the M size I'm 5'7" i feel it's my size but I'm kinda over the handle bar alot. Still trying to figure out away to maybe shorten the bar from the stock size. I don't know if it's worth it to size up. Any thoughts?
Not sure what you're asking. Are you over the bar seated or standing? "shorten the bar"? Are trying to shorten the reach? Do you have the one piece bar stem or a regular setup? If you can find the headset cups, there is a lot you can do with those and the mino link to mess with the reach.
@@NICADV well, I should've said the reach is kinda short. I tried the M/L and the reach was perfect my body mass was centered unlike the M where I was shifted towards the handle bar.
@@baryon9446 that’s a hard one as the 20mm difference is pretty big. A high rise bar will get you back and more weight off the front. That could be the easiest. The slacker headset cups combined with the mino link in the high position will also give you almost 9mm more reach and slacken the headtube by a half degree.
Hi mate...what fork should i fit to upgrade the Fox 36 rhytm on gen6 9.7? Lyrik 2023 or 36 or other?
I would definitely recommend the Fox Factory 36 with the Grip 2. They are on huge sale at Jenson USA. Here's a link: alnk.to/2QvvDYK
The Ohlins RXF36 m.2 is also a solid option and also on sale:
alnk.to/ge56c4o
@@NICADV i am in Europe and Fox costs a lot more...what s wrong with the new lyrik?
@@orla222 Nothing wrong with the newest Lyrik. They just don't have as much ability to fine tune and cost more here in the USA.
Think it’ll be a good bike for a 217lb guy ? Haven’t ridden a mtb in years and super out of shape now
I definitely think it can hold up. The new linkages have held up significantly better than the old including the current generation Slash. You’ll probably need some volume reducers for the rear shock or have it tuned for your size.
@@NICADV we got some gnarly stuff out here in SoCal I know I’ll eventually do I test rode a friends slash wasn’t what I liked hard to go up hills and to much travel for my taste felt like the suspension soaked up everything and didn’t feel as playful as I’d like
@@trailrider9582 Yeah, the EX is a significantly better climber especially due to the climbing position. Setting the suspension in the hi progression setting will also help with the playfulness.
how forgiving are these bikes for a new rider?
This is a great bike for a new rider. It has enough travel for most trails and the geometry is forgiving when you make a mistake.
Anyone with the old model probably feels pretty silly rn
Haha, you can always sell yours and upgrade. The old bike was fine, and is probably on sale, but the new one will make you ride like a superhero.
If you had the chance to buy a ex 5 gen 5 for $2000 or a ex 7 gen 6 for $3000, do you think that it's worth the extra $1000.
@@MichaelLizzio jump from 5 to 7 is worth the extra money anyways regardless of generation, so I'd say for sure
@@MichaelLizzio the Gen 6 EX 7 for sure, not only is it the new generation but the parts are much better. You get a Fox rear shock, 4 piston brakes, and it is tubeless.
@@NICADV @tylertruksa1378 I will definitely be taking you advice into consecration
Love this bike, only gripe is the weight at 31lbs.
Agreed, but It did hold up much better than the last generation EX I had which meant less downtime for warranty and repair.