Fuel EX 9.7 is our most affordable full suspension carbon trail bike. It pairs a lightweight, smooth-riding frame with a beefy 140 mm FOX 36 fork and 130 mm FOX Float Performance shock, Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain and powerful 4-piston brakes for a fast, fun mountain bike that's a ripper now, and ripe for upgrades later.
It's right for you if...
You want one carbon trail bike that can take on every adventure, from flowy singletrack to the gnarliest descents and most brutal climbs. You don't mind sacrificing a little on the parts so you can get the best frame right now.
The tech you get
A lightweight and stiff full OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with internal storage, a 140 mm FOX Rhythm 36 fork, 130 mm of rear travel with a FOX Float Performance rear shock with Trek's efficient RE:aktiv damper, a wide-range 1x12 Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain, Line Comp 30 TLR wheels with a 54-tooth Rapid Drive rear hub, a Bontrager Line dropper post and powerful Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
The final word
Full suspension control on a lightweight and trail-tough carbon frame makes for a fun and fast ride. It's rugged enough for rowdy descents, but still spry for lively climbing and accelerating.
See it in action
Why you'll love it
- Don't confuse the Fuel EX 9.7 with other value carbon models on the market this bike provides an outstanding frame and suspension, with a workhorse drivetrain and wheels
- A sleek internal storage compartment gives you a handy spot to stow flat fixing supplies or gear
- Bigger, stiffer 36 mm fork stanchions won't flex, so you can push harder with more precise, confident steering that helps you stay on your line
- RE:aktiv is smarter, more efficient suspension. It gives you firm pedalling support that instantly gives way over bumps
- 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
*Please note - spec applies to all sizes unless listed separately
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame and stays, internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armour, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130 mm travel |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Kabolt axle, 140 mm travel |
| *Shock | Size:XS , S |
| Size:S , M , ML , L , XL | |
| Max compatible fork travel | 150mm (561mm axle-to-crown) |
| Wheel front | |
|---|---|
| *Wheel rear | Size:XS , S |
| Size:S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Boost148, 12mm thru axle | |
| Hub front | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle |
| *Hub rear | Size:XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Rapid Drive 108, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
| Size:XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle | |
| Skewer rear | |
| Rim | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
| *Tyre | Size:XS , S |
| Size:S , M , ML , L , XL | |
| Tyre part | Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz |
| Rim strip | |
| Max tyre size | Frame: 29x2.60" Fork: See manufacturer |
| Shifter | Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed |
|---|---|
| Rear derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, long cage |
| *Crank | Size:XS , S , M , ML , L Shimano MT611, 30T steel ring, alloy spider, 52mm chainline, 170mm length |
| Size:XL Shimano MT611, 30T steel ring, alloy spider, 52mm chainline, 175mm length | |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano MT500, 92 mm, PressFit |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX M7100, 10-51, 12-speed |
| Chain | Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed |
| Max. chainring size | 34T |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138 mm width |
|---|---|
| *Seatpost | Size:XS , S Bontrager Line Dropper, 100 mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 345 mm length |
| Size:M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line Dropper, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 440mm length | |
| *Handlebar | Size:XS , S Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 750 mm width |
| Size:M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 780 mm width | |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on |
| *Stem | Size:XS , S |
| Size:M , ML , L , XL | |
| Head set | |
| Brake | Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, M6100 lever, M6120 calliper |
| *Brake rotor | Size:XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180mm |
| Size:M , ML , L , XL Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 203 mm |
| Bag |
|---|
| Weight | M - 13.65 kg/30.1 lb (with TLR sealant, no tubes) |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider and cargo) of 136 kg (300 lb). |
We reserve the right to make changes to the product information contained on this site at any time without notice, including with respect to equipment, specifications, models, colours, materials and pricing.
Bike and frame weights are based on pre-production painted frames at the time of publication. Weights may vary in final production
