The frame of the new Trek Fuel EX 9.8 is very reminiscent of its predecessor. The concept of this trail bike is also the same. In fact, the new EX stands out with seemingly minor changes. Larger wheels, but less suspension travel. The head angle has been slackened by one degree to 68, while the seat angle remains at 73 degrees. The EX 9.8 is fully specified with Shimano's solid XT groupset. But Trek also rides a good middle line between lightness and stability with the other components such as the Rhythm Comp wheels, handlebars and stem from the Race X-Lite series and the Evoke saddle from Bontrager. The bumpers come from suspension specialist Fox.

The first few meters with Trek's "Fuel EX 9.8" trail bike are a déja vue. Yet something is different. The reason lies in the suspension. This contains Trek Formula 1 technology called Re:aktiv. This promises significantly better traction - see http://www.ride.ch/site/index.php/9012-trek-meets-formula-1-neue-re-aktiv-daempfung.html. Trek is not promising too much. On rooty trails, the bike actually rolls along relatively smoothly. But the suspension also leaves a positive impression on forest or asphalt roads. Hardly any bobbing is noticeable in open mode. The suspension should not be tuned softly. The suspension strut is so linear that it will otherwise bottom out. Tuned with 20 percent negative suspension travel, there is a little end progression, but the 120 millimetres of suspension travel are used throughout. It is precisely this aspect that really comes into its own downhill. The bike sits firmly on the ground and cries out for you to leave the brakes open. However, this doesn't last too long as the 120 millimeters of travel are soon used up and the Fuel reaches its limits. The Float 32 fork from Fox fits in well with the concept and the rear end. However, it's hard to suppress the thought of how much more you could tease out with a slightly longer-travel fork. Where it gets nervous at high speeds, the Fuel EX feels all the better on twisty trails. It's easy to maneuver around the tightest corners, which benefits passive riders. Active bikers, on the other hand, are literally tickled out of their desire to play.

The Trek is very pleasant to ride uphill and impresses with its comfortable riding position. It strikes a good balance between uphill and downhill suitability. A bit of a shame is the weight, which at just under 12.6 kilograms is not particularly light for a carbon trail bike with XT equipment. However, the weight, which is due to the robust equipment, is only noticeable to a limited extent. Bontrager's 27.5-inch tubeless-ready wheels do their job well in terms of smoothness and stiffness. The tires also perform well in terms of smoothness. The Bontrager "XR3 Expert Tubeless Ready" in 27.5x2.2 inch at the rear and in 2.35 inch width on the front wheel also impress with good grip. On wet surfaces, however, the all-round rubber weakens.

Conclusion: The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 is not as good as its predecessor. It has improved with the new Re:aktiv technology and even rolls a little lighter with the 27.5-inch wheels. However, its performance is more tempting than it is ultimately capable of. As a trail bike, however, it more than lives up to its reputation and provides the rider with plenty of fun up to moderately difficult terrain.

Specifications

Frame material:	OCLV Carbon
Price:	CHF 5'499.00, from CHF 4'299.00 (with Re-Active - without from CHF 2'699.00)
Weight:	12.54 kg (size M, without pedals)
Suspension travel:	120mm front / 120mm rear
Forks:	Fox Performance Series 32 Float, CTD-FIT
Suspension strut:	Fox Performance Series Float, DRCV, RE:active, CTD damping
Shifting:	Shimano Deore XT, 2x10
Brakes:	Shimano Deore XT 160/180
Crankset:	Shimano Deore XT 38/24t
Rims:	Bontrager Rhythm Comp Tubeless Ready
Hubs:	Bontrager Rhythm Comp
Tires:	Bontrager XR3 Expert Tubeless Ready, 27.5x2.35 front, 27.5x2.20 rear
Saddle:	Bontrager Evoke 2 CroMo
Saddle post:	Rock Shox Reverb Stealth
Grips:	Bontrager Race Lite, screw clamp
stem:	Bontrager Race X Lite, 31.8 mm, 7 degrees
Handlebars:	Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon Riser, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise

Manufacturer: www.trekbikes.com