The Fuel EX is Trek's VW Golf - an all-rounder for everyone. Not a slimmed-down race bike, but not an overweight freeride machine either. A bike for after-work rides, for extended Alpine tours, for the Transalp. Nothing new so far. For the 2020 model year, Trek has optimized and modernized the bike with this in mind. There is now 140 millimetres of travel at the front (130 millimetres at the rear), a 2.6-inch tire on the rim, the head angle has been slackened while the top tube has been lengthened and the wheel size is now 29-inch across the board. These are exactly the ingredients of a contemporary all-mountain bike. The most obvious change: the Fuel EX has an integrated storage compartment in the main frame for tools or other products that need to be carried unseen. This is also nothing new in itself, as this feature has already been familiar to the buddies with the big S for some time.

No more women's bikes

At first glance, the introduction of the new Fuel EX seems evolutionary, not revolutionary. However, a look behind the scenes is interesting, as some of the details of the Fuel EX reveal Trek's internal strategy papers. For example, the frame sizes: The bike will be available down to frame size XS. The consequence of this will be that Trek will get rid of its range of women's bikes. Trek will no longer offer women's specific bikes, but will consistently offer the available frame sizes up to 150 centimeters. The models will then be available in two different frame colors to meet visual preferences. This strategy has been implemented immediately for the Fuel EX.

Bye bye, Remedy

Another interesting detail: With the upgrade of the Fuel EX in terms of suspension travel, there is a small disruption in Trek's model range. A completely new model is being added to the cross-country racing sector, which is already in use in the World Cup and will be presented to the public at the beginning of September. This turns the Top Fuel model into a marathon bike. The Fuel EX all-mountain model forms the seamless transition to the enduro horse called Slash. In other words: The trail classic Remedy remains on the trail. It is the only bike that continues to run exclusively on 27.5-inch wheels and has not undergone any significant changes. With this in mind, it can be assumed that the Remedy's days at Trek are numbered.

Bye bye, Full Floater

Farewell to the Trek suspension system of the Full Floater. With this technology, the rear suspension was mounted on the continuation of the chainstay. This system is no longer used on the Fuel EX; the shock is now connected directly to the main frame via the down tube. The "Active Braking Pivot", i.e. the rear pivot point directly in the wheel axle, remains unchanged. This proprietary Trek technology prevents braking influences on the suspension.

Further information:

www.trekbikes.com