{"id":18330,"date":"2026-01-23T12:55:49","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T09:55:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/%e2%9e%a1%ef%b8%8f-a-long-term-review-of-the-trek-fuel-ex-8-proves-its-a-reliable-bike-you-can-truly-live-with\/"},"modified":"2026-01-30T20:29:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T17:29:00","slug":"a-long-term-review-of-the-trek-fuel-ex-8-proves-its-a-reliable-bike-you-can-truly-live-with","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/en\/a-long-term-review-of-the-trek-fuel-ex-8-proves-its-a-reliable-bike-you-can-truly-live-with\/","title":{"rendered":"A long review of the Trek Fuel EX 8 proves it\u2019s a bike you can rely on and that will stick with you \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"18330\" class=\"elementor elementor-18330 elementor-18281\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e37a38 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7e37a38\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-92ad39b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"92ad39b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"112\"><strong data-start=\"3\" data-end=\"112\">The new Trek Fuel EX captures the true essence of a trail bike: light, responsive, and fun to ride \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udd25   <\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"114\" data-end=\"183\"><strong data-start=\"117\" data-end=\"183\">All these features come in an easy-to-handle package, suitable for riders of all levels \ud83d\udc4c<\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"185\" data-end=\"214\"><strong data-start=\"188\" data-end=\"214\">\u27a1\ufe0f Brand: Trek <\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"216\" data-end=\"253\"><strong data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"253\">\u27a1\ufe0f Product: Fuel EX 8 (Gen 7) <\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"279\">\u27a1\ufe0f <strong data-start=\"258\" data-end=\"279\">\u27a1\ufe0f Price: \u00a33,200 <\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"281\" data-end=\"307\">\u27a1\ufe0f <strong data-start=\"284\" data-end=\"307\">From: Trek Bikes <\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"363\"><strong data-start=\"312\" data-end=\"363\">Tested for five months by Aran and Benji \u23f1\ufe0f<\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"413\">\u27a1\ufe0f Pros:<\/p><p data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"413\"><strong data-start=\"368\" data-end=\"413\"> Easy and fun to ride from the first pedal \ud83d\udd25<\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"415\" data-end=\"458\"><strong data-start=\"418\" data-end=\"458\">Excellent kit with well-thought-out details \ud83d\udc4a<\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"460\" data-end=\"524\"><strong data-start=\"463\" data-end=\"524\">Short and straight seat tube gives you maximum dropper post travel \ud83d\udcba<\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"526\" data-end=\"578\"><strong data-start=\"529\" data-end=\"578\">\u27a1\ufe0f Cons:<\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"526\" data-end=\"578\"><strong data-start=\"529\" data-end=\"578\"> Grips are a bit thick for smaller hands \ud83e\udd0f<\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"580\" data-end=\"595\"><strong data-start=\"583\" data-end=\"595\">And honestly\u2026<\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"597\" data-end=\"636\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"636\" data-is-last-node=\"\">I don\u2019t like red paint jobs on bikes \ud83d\ude05<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a26e5d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7a26e5d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike1-768x512.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-18296\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike1-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike1.webp 1110w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40b4e69 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"40b4e69\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The new Trek Fuel EX 8 is awesome, but let me start with the things I don\u2019t like so we get them out of the way!  \ud83d\ude0e<\/p><p>It\u2019s not very quiet, the cables rattle a bit, and despite solid chain protection, there\u2019s still some chainslap. Also, the SRAM Eagle 70 clutch isn\u2019t very strong.  <\/p><p>The bike isn\u2019t light, and it gets heavier with beefier tires, but its trail weight still offers a fun and efficient ride.  <\/p><p>Trek says the new frame design is stiffer than the previous generation, and the bike indeed handles responsively and enjoyably, popping out of corners and accelerating on the trail.  <\/p><p>The straight seat tube allows for a long dropper post (200mm on the Large size).<\/p><p>The front triangle space is bigger now, letting you fit a full-size bottle and still have room for extra accessory mounts. <\/p><p>Overall, the ride is fun and full of life on the trail, despite a few minor details I didn\u2019t like \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13897da e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"13897da\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f3ca784 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f3ca784\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.0-1024x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-18292\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.0-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.0-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.0-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.0-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.0-2048x2048.webp 2048w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.0-100x100.webp 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b875bd elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5b875bd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.1-1024x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-18290\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.1-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.1-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.1-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.1-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.1-2048x2048.webp 2048w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.1-100x100.webp 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2077bf5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2077bf5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.3-1024x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-18288\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.3-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.3-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.3-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.3-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.3-2048x2048.webp 2048w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.3-100x100.webp 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0126f0c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"0126f0c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.2-1024x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-18286\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.2-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.2-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.2-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.2-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.2-2048x2048.webp 2048w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike2.2-100x100.webp 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5dcbfca e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5dcbfca\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56c18e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"56c18e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"><div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"><div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"><div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"62095035-f478-4714-b39f-212e01581f11\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-mini\"><div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"><div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"><p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"92\">The Fuel EX pedals excellently, whether sprinting or on long seated climbs \ud83d\ude0e <\/p><p data-start=\"94\" data-end=\"192\">There\u2019s very little pedal bob, and with the steeper seat angle, the riding position is great for long stints in the saddle.  <\/p><p data-start=\"194\" data-end=\"345\">The adjustability in the new Fuel range is awesome; instead of the minor tweaks on previous MinoLink models, you can swap the rocker link for an MX (mullet) or LX (longer travel).  <\/p><p data-start=\"347\" data-end=\"436\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Changing the rocker isn\u2019t cheap (\u00a399.99 RRP), but it\u2019s still cheaper than buying two full bikes \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dcf6516 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"dcf6516\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c393f77 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c393f77\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.2-1024x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-18312\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.2-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.2-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.2-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.2-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.2-2048x2048.webp 2048w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.2-100x100.webp 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff83b5b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ff83b5b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.1-1024x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-18314\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.1-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.1-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.1-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.1-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.1-2048x2048.webp 2048w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.1-100x100.webp 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ac3381 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"4ac3381\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.0-1024x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-18316\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.0-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.0-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.0-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.0-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.0-2048x2048.webp 2048w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike3.0-100x100.webp 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6655c6a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6655c6a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>There are some small tweaks you can make \ud83d\ude0e You can adjust the flip-chip on the lower shock mount to change the progression.<\/p><p>Bringing the mounting bolt closer to the back gives more progression, and the other setting makes the shock more linear. It\u2019s only a 5% change, but it could be all you need to dial in your setup. Easy to switch between rides, for example, flip it to the progressive setting if you\u2019re heading to a bike park.     <\/p><p>As a daily companion, the Fuel has been excellent, and as a trail bike, it could easily be your only mountain bike, capable of handling whatever you throw at it \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f    <\/p><p>Nice touches include cables that don\u2019t run through the headset, a larger front triangle storage box, and rubber flaps protecting delicate parts from mud.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e621db9 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e621db9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7737ba9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7737ba9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.0-768x512.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-18326\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.0-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.0-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.0.webp 1110w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2fc9321 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2fc9321\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.1-768x512.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-18324\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.1-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.1.webp 1110w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3d4488f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3d4488f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.4-1-768x512.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-18318\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.4-1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.4-1-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.4-1.webp 1110w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-afb670d e-grid e-con-full e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"afb670d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c9b2ea elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3c9b2ea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.3-350x450.webp\" title=\"bike4.3\" alt=\"bike4.3\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28474e4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"28474e4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike4.2-350x450.webp\" title=\"bike4.2\" alt=\"bike4.2\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c81c64 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3c81c64\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3fc4677 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3fc4677\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Fuel EX strikes an excellent balance \ud83d\ude0e Fun, efficient, and not too limiting on descents. <\/p><p>The head angle isn\u2019t overly steep, so steep tracks feel similar to a bigger-travel enduro bike. <\/p><p>The 150mm\/140mm front and rear travel EX isn\u2019t a bike that can plow straight through rocks; it demands a more considered approach. But with smart line choice and measured riding, the Fuel EX is incredibly capable \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f   <\/p><p>A strength of the bike is that it teaches you to pick the right lines, and its nimble nature makes finding smooth, fun lines easy. <\/p><p>If the Fuel EX makes you a better rider, it\u2019s not by compensating for your skills, but by encouraging smarter, more technical riding.  <\/p><p>That said, the bike is really capable\u2014I\u2019ve taken it on long classic rides like the \u2018Big Days at the Golfie,\u2019 rough local trails, and even downhill races with friends.    <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9e4527e elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"9e4527e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7c1edf0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7c1edf0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tweaks and changes \ud83d\ude0e<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fac816e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fac816e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"27\" data-end=\"92\">The 40mm rise handlebars are great; I shortened them to 750mm width to suit my personal preference. <\/p><p data-start=\"94\" data-end=\"186\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I personally favor narrower bars, and I think a narrower bar enhances the playful character of the Fuel EX \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7eec939 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7eec939\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-abd38c5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"abd38c5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.0-768x512.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-18308\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.0-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.0-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.0.webp 1110w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c277869 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c277869\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.1-768x512.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-18306\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.1-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.1.webp 1110w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-509978c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"509978c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.2-768x512.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-18304\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.2-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.2-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.2.webp 1110w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f4baed elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"0f4baed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.3-768x512.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-18302\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.3-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.3-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.3.webp 1110w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d38a09 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6d38a09\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.4-768x512.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-18300\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.4-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.4-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.4.webp 1110w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-333c64d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"333c64d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.5-768x512.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-18298\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.5-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.5-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike5.5.webp 1110w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5272c32 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5272c32\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0ed7527 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0ed7527\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>I tried playing with the two different lower shock mount settings \ud83d\ude0e<\/p><p>I found the \u2018more linear\u2019 setting excellent, especially in wet conditions when you\u2019re not riding at high speeds. <\/p><p>For drier, faster conditions, I prefer to run the \u2018progressive\u2019 setting \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c60267 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"9c60267\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e3e9c5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6e3e9c5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\">Bike specifications \ud83d\ude0e<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p><p>Overall, I was satisfied with the Fuel EX spec. The SRAM Eagle 70 drivetrain\u2014though a bit noisy on rough ground\u2014never missed a beat. The SRAM DB8 brakes worked well, and the suspension platform was smooth and trouble-free.    <\/p><p>However, the Bontrager wheels struggled when hitting corners hard or riding very rough trails, and by the second month, spoke tightening and wheel truing became a regular task. <\/p><p>The EX 8 tested here is a step up from the base aluminum model, hitting a sweet spot between price and quality \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f The gloss red and black colorway is nice too. <\/p><p>In summary, the Trek Fuel EX captures what a trail bike should be: light, responsive, and fun, all in an easy-to-ride package \ud83d\ude0e You could race it in enduro events now and then, or take it on long missions into the hills. Aluminum bikes are great, and the Gen 7 Fuel EX is a versatile little all-rounder. Changing the rear wheel size or travel is a nice option, but the standard EX is a strong starting point and perfect for most riders.<\/p><p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\"><em><strong>Trek Fuel EX 8 specifications:<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p><p data-start=\"29\" data-end=\"154\">Frame is Alpha NEXT Platinum Aluminum with 145mm travel, paired with a Fox Float X Performance rear shock 205x60mm and a Fox 36 Rhythm GRIP fork with 150mm travel. <\/p><p data-start=\"156\" data-end=\"248\">Wheels are Bontrager Line Comp 30, with Bontrager Brevard Pro XR 29\u00d72.5 tires front and rear. <\/p><p data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"341\">Drivetrain is SRAM Eagle 70 with 170mm crank arms and a 30T chainring, paired with SRAM DB8 4-pot brakes, 180\/180mm. <\/p><p data-start=\"343\" data-end=\"442\">Stem is Bontrager Elite 35, 45mm, handlebars are RaceFace Turbine 780\u00d740mm, with Bontrager Lock-on grips.  <\/p><p data-start=\"444\" data-end=\"521\">The dropper is a Bontrager Line 34.9mm, 200mm travel, paired with a Bontrager Verse P3 saddle. <\/p><p data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"589\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Available sizes S to XXL, tested size L, weight 16.6kg \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a3bb67 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2a3bb67\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d05570 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5d05570\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\"><strong>Geometry for the Large size:<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p><p data-start=\"22\" data-end=\"116\">Head angle 64.5\u00b0, effective seat angle 77.4\u00b0, seat tube length 420mm, head tube length 125mm.   <\/p><p data-start=\"118\" data-end=\"207\">Rear chainstay 442mm, wheelbase 1,269.1mm, and effective top tube length 616.9mm.  <\/p><p data-start=\"209\" data-end=\"243\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">BB height 35mm (BB drop) \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6be4215 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6be4215\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike1-768x512.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-18296\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike1-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/hikeriderun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bike1.webp 1110w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c2a295 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4c2a295\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1216e18 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"1216e18\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7465125 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7465125\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"25\"><em><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\">Initial ride thoughts \ud83d\ude0e<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p><p data-start=\"27\" data-end=\"206\">The Fuel EX 8 gets off to an easy start thanks to the Fox 36 Rhythm fork and Float X rear shock, two great units that don\u2019t need to be run fully open all the time. Set the sag, add a few clicks of rebound, and get riding \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f    <\/p><p data-start=\"208\" data-end=\"418\">The suspension feel is very well matched between front and rear\u2014not too firm, not too soft\u2014providing a comfortable initial ease without losing traction. Once off and freewheeling, there\u2019s ample mid-stroke support for working the terrain with precise, predictable handling.    <\/p><p data-start=\"420\" data-end=\"519\">The metal frame is excellent as expected, though I\u2019ll hold off on final judgment until I\u2019ve racked up more miles. So far, everything\u2019s great.   <\/p><p data-start=\"521\" data-end=\"616\">The contact points are well set: the saddle is great in the neutral position, and the handlebars are wide and nicely high at 780\u00d740mm.  <\/p><p data-start=\"618\" data-end=\"745\">The saddle and grips are a bit chunky, but very comfortable for me \ud83d\ude0e Though people with smaller hands or less sensitive bum bones might not get along with them as well. <\/p><p data-start=\"747\" data-end=\"881\">The Bontrager components\u2014dropper, wheels, tires, etc.\u2014are all good, and the SRAM DB8 brakes are excellent, with the option to fit bigger rotors if you want.  <\/p><p data-start=\"883\" data-end=\"949\">The SRAM Eagle 70 drivetrain is smooth, I didn\u2019t notice any issues, and the 30T chainring is excellent.  <\/p><p data-start=\"951\" data-end=\"1071\">The geometry is well balanced, and the bike is enjoyable for precise \u201cpick-and-place\u201d riding, preferring to loft over obstacles rather than plow through them, which is perfectly fine.   <\/p><p data-start=\"1073\" data-end=\"1282\">I\u2019m borderline a Large, and if I went for an XL I\u2019d fit a shorter stem, but there\u2019s no need to hold back on anything. I\u2019m looking forward to many rides on the Fuel EX 8, a metal mountain bike with no motor, no thru-headset cabling, and no offensive price tag.      <\/p><p data-start=\"1284\" data-end=\"1304\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">What\u2019s not to like? \ud83d\ude0e<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The new Trek Fuel EX captures the true essence of a trail bike: light, responsive, and fun to ride \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udd25 All these features come in an easy-to-handle package, suitable for riders of all levels \ud83d\udc4c \u27a1\ufe0f Brand: Trek \u27a1\ufe0f Product: Fuel EX 8 (Gen 7) \u27a1\ufe0f \u27a1\ufe0f Price: \u00a33,200 \u27a1\ufe0f From: Trek Bikes Tested for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":18283,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[323],"class_list":["post-18330","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gear-equipment","tag-bike"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - 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