Trek has announced an alloy-framed version of its Fuel EXe, bringing the electric mountain bike down to more affordable price points.
The Fuel EXe was initially launched in carbon frame models only. Technical editor-in-chief Robin Weaver found the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS to balance its natural motor feel with impressive handling and surefooted geometry.
The new electric mountain bike shares its geometry and 150/140mm travel suspension layout with the carbon models. Trek says you can fit a 160mm fork if you wish, and it’s also coil shock compatible.
There are three models in the alloy Fuel EXe range. They use the same frame which is constructed using Trek’s Alpha Platinum Aluminium tubing and run on TQ’s HPR50 electric bike motor system.
TQ HPR50 motor
The mid-level-assist system packs 50Nm of torque, with the battery storing 360Wh of juice and the display is integrated into the top tube. TQ claims the battery offers around five hours of ride time in eco mode, or two hours in the highest power setting.
Adjustable geometry and a mullet setup
Unlike the carbon version of the bike, the alloy Fuel EXe is compatible with angled headset cups.
This enables you to slacken or steepen the head angle by up to one degree.
The alloy Fuel EXe runs on 29in wheels and like its carbon sibling, is compatible with a mullet wheel set-up, provided you set the Mino Link flip chip to the high position.
The Mino Link adjusts the head tube angle by half a degree and the bottom bracket height by 10mm.
Trek Fuel EXe specs and prices
There are three models in the new alloy line-up.
The Fuel EXe 5 starts at £5,175/$5,499/€5,799/AU$8,499.99 and features a RockShox Recon Silver fork, an X-Fusion Pro 2 shock, Tektro HD-M745 brakes and a Shimano Deore drivetrain.
The top-spec Fuel EXe 8 retails for £7,075/$7,399/€7,899/AU$11,499.99 and sports SRAM’s new GX Eagle Transmission groupset, a Fox Rhythm 36 fork and matching Float X Performance shock, SRAM DB8 brakes and Bontrager finishing kit.
The £6,575/$6,599/€6,999/AU$N/A Fuel EXe Alloy 8 XT sits between these two bikes and features a mix of Shimano Deore, XT and SLX drivetrain and brake components. It shares the same suspension components, finishing kit and wheels as the Fuel EXe 8.
