Trek 27.5 Fuel EX and Lush launched

Mid-size wheels come on Trek’s short-travel trail bikes

Trek is offering 27.5in (650b) versions of the Fuel EX across the entire range. Shown here is the Fuel EX 27.5 9.8. Stay tuned for a first ride review

Sterling Lorence

Josh Patterson

Published: June 11, 2014 at 1:46 am
Sterling Lorence
Sterling Lorence
Courtesy
Sterling Lorence

Trek is expanding its line of 27.5in models, offering mid-sized wheels on the 120mm Fuel EX and Lush trail bikes.

The Waterloo, Wisconsin-based company recently announced it would simplify sizing of its entry-level Marlin and Skye hardtails by offering the smallest two sizes with 27.5in wheels. Larger sizes would retain 29in wheels.

In contrast to this size-specific approach, Trek’s global mountain bike brand manager Travis Ott said the company is dividing its trail bike lines into two wheel sizes — across all frame sizes — because the company feels that some riders enjoy the roll-over benefits of 29ers, while others prefer the agility of 27.5in wheels.

If you prefer to steamroll through rock gardens with reckless abandon, the Fuel EX 29 or Remedy 29 may be for you. If you prefer to hop, skip and jump your way through technical terrain, the 27.5in versions of these bikes may be a better fit. (The 27.5in Remedy was introduced last year.)

“One trail, two riders,” as Trek likes to call the concept.

Check out more of our Trek 2015 coverage.

Trek is offering 27.5in (650b) versions of the fuel ex across the entire range. shown here is the fuel ex 27.5 9.8. stay tuned for a first ride review: trek is offering 27.5in (650b) versions of the fuel ex across the entire range. shown here is the fuel ex 27.5 9.8. stay tuned for a first ride review - Sterling Lorence

Stay tuned for first ride impression of the Fuel EX 9.8 27.5

The Fuel EX 27.5 makes use of the same technologies as its 29in counterpart with smaller wheels and geometry that is lower, slacker and better suited to riders who enjoy a more playful ride.

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For 2015, Trek will offer the EX with 27.5in wheels in three alloy-frame builds, as well as carbon versions at the 9.8 and 9.8 levels.

The Fuel EX 9, 9.8 and 9.8 will also come equipped with Trek’s new RE:aktiv suspension technology co-developed with Fox and Penske Racing Shocks.

Trek partnered with penske racing shocks to develop a damper that that boosts low-speed compression to improve pedaling performance while allowing the shock to handle larger, high velocity impacts : trek partnered with penske racing shocks to develop a damper that that boosts low-speed compression to improve pedaling performance while allowing the shock to handle larger, high velocity impacts - Sterling Lorence

RE:aktiv is a regressive damper that balances pedaling performance with big-hit absorption

This new shock uses Trek’s proprietary DRCV air spring and adds damper technology that boosts low-speed compression to improve pedaling performance while allowing the shock to handle larger, high-velocity impacts without feeling harsh.

The women-specific counterpart to the fuel ex, the lush, will also be available with 27.5in wheels: the women-specific counterpart to the fuel ex, the lush, will also be available with 27.5in wheels - Sterling Lorence

The Trek Lush now comes with 27.5in wheels

The women's counterpart to the Fuel EX, the Lush, will also be available with 27.5in wheels.

The lush features a shock tuned for lighter riders: the lush features a shock tuned for lighter riders - Courtesy

The Lush is more than pinked-and-shrinked, making use of a shock tuned for lighter riders and frame geometry tailored to women

Read: Are 29ers mountain bikes good for women?

The Fuel EX 27.5 and Lush 27.5 will be available in the coming weeks.

Josh Patterson

Contributor

Josh Patterson is a BikeRadar contributor and former technical editor. He has spent most of his career working in the cycling industry as an athlete, mechanic and journalist. He holds a master's degree in journalism and has more than 20 years of experience as a cyclist and 12 years of experience riding and writing for BikeRadar, Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Dirt Rag, RoadBikeReview and Outside Magazine. A native of the Flint Hills of Kansas, Josh was a pioneer in the gravel cycling movement, having raced the first Unbound 200 and many other gravel events around the globe. He considers himself a cycling generalist and enjoys road, gravel and mountain biking in equal measure. When not traveling for work, he can be found exploring the singletrack and lonely gravel roads that surround his home in Fort Collins, Colorado. In addition to his love of cycling, Josh is an enthusiastic supporter of brunch, voting rights and the right to repair movement.
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