What kind of trail bike do you need?
For that matter, what is the most desirable feature that most bikers want in their bikes?
The answer is versatility.
Now, is Trek fuel ex 8 versatile?
To answer that question, we need a complete Trek fuel ex 8 review. With outstanding geometry and impeccable frame design, Trek fuel ex 8 is one of the most popular and loved bikes that you will find.
Trek Fuel Ex 8 2020 Review
Specifications
Frame: ABP, Control Freak internal routing, Alpha Platinum Aluminum, Boost148, Knock Block, Full Floater, tapered head tube, down tube guard, Mino Link,
Wheels: Bontrager Line Comp 30
Tires: Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, 120tpi, aramid bead, 29×2.40˝
Drivetrain: Shifters: SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed
Crank: Truvativ Descendant 6k Eagle DUB, 32T Direct Mount
Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle, Roller Bearing Clutch
Cassette: SRAM XG-1275 Eagle, 10-50, 12 speed
Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB Press Fit, 92mm
Chain: SRAM GX Eagle
Saddle: Bontrager Arvada
Seatpost: Bontrager Line, internal routing, 31.6mm, 15.5: 100mm, 17.5 & 18.5: 125mm, 19.5 & 21.5: 150mm
Handlebar: Bontrager Line, 35mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on
Stem: Bontrager Line, Knock Block, 35mm clamp, 0 degree
Brake Set: Shimano Deore M6000 hydraulic disc
Weight: M – 13.79 kg / 30.4 lbs (with tubes)
So why is it worth buying? Let’s find out!
Frame Design
Frame Material
The frame is actually the foundation of a bike. So the frame material has to be top-notch. Most manufacturers go for either aluminum or carbon.
This particular bike from Trek is built around the Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame, which is pretty solid. One of the advantages is that it can absorb impacts from kicked-up rocks. As a rider, you probably know how convenient it is.
Having said that, there is an issue. Because of its frame material, it tends to be on the heavier side.
Control Freak Cable Routing
Trek’s frame has an internal “Control Freak cable routing.” Basically, it offers a simple solution to control routing so that it can match up with a high-performance bike
Knock Block
Knock Block is a smart piece of technology that has been implemented in various models of Treks bikes. Put simply; it’s an integrated frame protection system. With Knock Block, there is no need to be worried about self-inflicted scuffs or cracks from “spinning handlebars.”
Downhill Performance
Front and Rear Suspension
The suspension system of a bike allows the wheels to absorb small bumps. At the same time, it keeps the tires in contact with the ground so that you can have better control. Also, the suspension system makes sure that the bike can absorb massive shocks when landing jumps.
Good bikes offer both front and rear suspension, and Trek fuel ex 8 is no different. With a 130mm of rear suspension travel and a 140mm-travel fork, you’ll have the right amount of suspension.
Active Braking Pivot
Now, Trek is known for its ABP (Active Braking Pivot) suspension, and we got to talk more about it so that you can comprehend the value it brings.
You probably know that the rear suspension goal is to make sure that you are in control of your bike, and it does so by absorbing bumps. But the braking affects the suspension performance. To make sure that your suspension performs better, it’s mandatory to separate braking and suspension.
And this is where the ABP system comes to play. This technology makes sure that the suspension is active while braking.
Geometry
The geometry of a bike is the collection of critical measurements (angles and length) that define the bike configuration. Primary among these are wheelbase, steering axis angle, fork offset, and trail. The geometry of a bike can have an impact on its downhill performance
The beauty of Trek’s is that you can adjust its geometry, and it’s known as the Mino Link.
But what in the world is Geometry Adjustment?
Basically, it allows you to suit your own riding style. By adjusting the Mino link, you can slightly change the head tube angle. Simultaneously you can change the bottom bracket height.
Let’s get started with the head tube angle. If the angle is greater, then the bike is steeper. On the other hand, if the angle is smaller, it gets slacker.
Steeper angle means quicker steering, which allows the biker to put less input on the bike. But the bike won’t be too stable at high speeds. The slacker angle does the opposite. It slows the steering, which means the bike needs more input from the biker to turn. However, it makes sure that the bike is stable at high speeds.
Furthermore, the bottom bracket height also affects your bike the same way as the head tube angle.
Convenience and Control
Handlebars
To add stability, control, convenience, and confidence while going downhill, we always recommend bikers to use wider handlebars. When it comes to Trek’s handlebars, we feel Trek has done a solid job. It’s wide enough for the bikers to keep the beast under control.
Weight
The weight of the bike is almost 14 kg. For us, that’s slightly heavy. But it won’t necessarily bug you.
Saddle and Dropper Post
With Trek fuel ex 8, you’ll get a Bontrager Arvada saddle. It’s a typical modern saddle. It’s nothing extraordinary. So we’ won’t talk too much about it. But we will talk about the dropper post.
Put simply, it’s a height-adjustable Seatpost, and it allows you to lower the seat height quickly. This bike from Trek features a Bontrager Line dropper post. Basically, it’s a 31.6 mm dropper post. For us, it’s adequate, but some riders had different opinions.
Traveling performance
Wheels
For wheels, you are getting Bontrager Line Comp 30. It’s an extremely durable tubeless Ready mountain wheel. Rest assured that Trek offers the best wheelset.
Tires
Its Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tires are quite durable and gummy. With its inner Strength sidewall casing, you can exploit its full potential.
Drivetrain
The drivetrain consists of all the components that are used to push and pull the bike. These components are chainrings, cranks, pedals, derailleur, chain, and cassette.
Trek features an SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain. So it comes with the eagle rear derailleur, 10-50 tooth rear cassette, and a dub descendant 6k crankset, which uses a dub spindle that goes through a 92 mm press-fit bottom bracket.
Brake
Bikers want speed and force from a bike. It’s an irrefutable fact. But it’s also essential for us to think about slowing down. Yes, we are talking about the brake system. Our recommendation to bikers is to get a bike equipped with hydraulic disk brakes.
Trek fuel ex 8 features Shimano Deore M6000 hydraulic disc brake, which aligns with our recommendation. Rest assured that it provides a powerful, responsive braking system.
Complete Rating
Frame Design | 8/10 |
Downhill Performance | 10/10 |
Convenience | 8/10 |
Traveling performance | 9/10 |
Pros
- Extremely versatile.
- Agile and responsive
- Excellent downhill performance
- Outstanding Geometry
- Beautiful design
- Excellent control
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Some riders may want better dropper post
Final Verdict
So we are done with our Trek fuel ex 8 reviews. It’s definitely not the cheapest bike out there. Then again, good bikes are never cheap. However, it’s still pretty affordable, and you won’t regret buying it.