Trek Fuel EX 9.8 XT Gen 5 - 2022
Details
Fuel EX 9.8 combines a light full-carbon frame with parts chosen for the highest performance-to-price ratio. High-end FOX suspension with upgraded front and rear dampers, carbon wheels with a Rapid Drive rear hub, and a super-smooth Shimano XT wide-range drivetrain give this model an extra edge you'll notice from the first pedal stroke.
It's right for you if...
You want a single bike that can handle any trail with the light weight and vibration damping of a carbon frame. You're willing to pay for parts that give you a better connection with the trail, but you'd rather skip the bling.
The tech you get
A light and stiff full-carbon frame with internal storage, FOX Performance 36 fork with a GRIP2 damper that offers more adjustment, and a RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft shock. A Shimano XT 1x12 drivetrain for super-smooth shifting that's easy on the thumb—plus an extra-low 51-tooth climbing gear, and all-new Bontrager carbon wheels with a 108-tooth Rapid Drive hub for fast engagement.
The final word
Fuel EX 9.8 is a great investment for one bike that does it all. You get a light carbon frame, but it's the parts that make this model, like the extra-adjustable GRIP2 damper, the magic-carpet ride of Thru Shaft, and the blistering acceleration of carbon wheels with a Rapid Drive hub.
Why you'll love it
- Fuel EX 9.8 will take your riding to the next level with a parts package that gives you top-shelf performance without the top-shelf price tag
- RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft works faster than a normal shock, so it tracks the ground better and keeps you in control
- The Fox Performance 36 fork gives you four-way damping adjustments for extra-dialed suspension
- We expanded our size range to ensure a better fit for all riders. And, you get the fastest wheel that fits your frame: XS frames get 27.5" wheels, S frames get to choose between 27.5" or 29", and sizes M to XL get 29" wheels
- Make it yours: it's customizable through Project One
A dropper seatpost allows you to quickly lower and raise your seat to give you an ideal riding position. Dropping your seat creates a lower center of gravity for better control and maneuverability on steep descents, while raising it puts you at normal riding height for efficient pedaling.
Construction can include either hydraulic- or cable-actuated systems and the post’s travel can either be infinitely adjustable or stopped at set intervals, depending on the model.
Dropper seatposts come in standard lengths and diameters and vary by the amount of travel.
Will my bike have a curved top tube?
Smaller frames (XS and S) have a top tube that dips down as it approaches the seat tube. This design makes for a lower standover height, which is good for shorter riders because it allows them to straddle their bike more easily. Larger frames (M and up) have a straight top tube because taller riders with longer legs typically don’t have the same issues with standover height.
Wheel size:
Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch
Sizes Small – X-Large: 29-inch
Pedals sold separately
Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.
Specs
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays, internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, 130mm travel |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox Performance 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, 15mm Kabolt axle, 140mm travel |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom |
| Rear Shock | Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab; XS – S: 210x52.5mm / M – XL: 210x55mm |
| Axles |
Front: 110 x 15mm thru-axle Rear: 148 x 12mm thru-axle |
| Rims/Wheels | Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub |
| Tires | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 TPI, 2.60 / 2.40" |
| Crankset | Shimano XT M8100, Boost (52mm chainline) |
| Chainrings | 30T alloy ring |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano MT500, 92mm, PressFit |
| Chain | Shimano XT M8100, 12 speed |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, long cage, 51T max cog |
| Cassette/Rear Cogs | Shimano XT M8100, 10-51, 12 speed |
| Shifters | Shimano XT M8100, 12 speed |
| Handlebars | Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width |
| Tape/Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on |
| Stem | Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, Blendr compatible, 0 degree |
| Brakes | Shimano SLX M7120 4-piston hydraulic disc w/Shimano RT66, 6-bolt rotors |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138mm width |
| Seat Post | Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm; XS – S: 100mm travel / M – ML: 150mm travel / L – XL: 170mm travel |
| Accessories & Extras | Bontrager BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag |
* Subject to change without notice.
Videos
Part Numbers
| Option | UPC | MPN | Store SKU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matte Carbon Smoke / Medium/Large / 29-inch | 601842438572 | 1050783 | FUE30860818E |