2013 Trek Fuel EX 6 Special Review

Trek Fuel EX 6 MSRP: $2,199.99 CAD is the second cheapest in Trek’s Fuel lineup, Fuel EX sets the bar for mountain bike versatility with a ground-up redesign that brings race-day tech to all-day adventure. Still the go-to full suspension trail bike, only better.

Ride & handling Trek Fuel EX 6 :

Without the two-stage DRCV shock there isn’t quite the feeling of getting over the particular travel, though the very fact the EX will currently have additional helps. Even with the less complicated Monarch shock, the Fuel is untroubled by most conditions. the additional 10mm hasn’t reworked this into a completely totally different reasonably bike, but – it handles identical and hasn’t placed on weight.

The Fuel’s pure mathematics has been step by step loosening over the years, though Trek’s goal is to deliver an excellent all arounder thus it’s virtually as set back as a number of the bikes here. The 68-degree head angle remains smart for high-speed stability and poise, and also the huge 720mm bars offer lots of leverage to push it into corners, wherever it proves a vice-free and balanced handler.

On climbs the Fuel’s comparatively low weight pays dividends. Trek haven’t gone for the extra-steep seat angle of a number of the competition, however the cockpit layout works well for sustained pedalling. the rear finish is stable underneath power and unobtrusive over steppy, square-edge bumps.

Frame & Equipment Trek Fuel EX 6 :

While the Fuel EX frame appearance identical across the vary (except the carbon fibre models) there area unit some variations. the most affordable 3 (including this EX 6) get a standard rib bottom bracket, a band-on front mech and IS rear brake mount – by the time you get to the EX eight you discover a additional current press-fit bottom bracket shell, a direct-mount front mech and a post mount for the rear brake.

All Fuel EXs have a tapered head tube currently, although the 130mm Sektor fork fitted here may be a regular straight-steerer model. nonetheless, the futureproofing is welcome.

The Fuel offers the expected Trek fundamentals, with the ABP concentrical rear axle/pivot style and also the floating shock – it’s mounted between the metallic element rocker and also the swingarm, thus it’s driven from each ends. You don’t get the clever twin-chamber DRCV shock found to a higher place the vary, as it’s fitted with a RockShox Monarch RL instead.

There aren’t any nice surprises elsewhere, with a 3×10 Shimano mostly-Deore transmission – the rear mech gets Associate in Nursing upgrade to SLX, though it’s not Associate in Nursing anti-slap Shadow and unit.

The inclusion of Associate in Nursing Octalink splined bottom bracket Associate in Nursingd chainset appearance somewhat penny-pinching (although in fairness the Trek is comparatively low cost for its niche) – an HTII setup is less complicated to figure on, however there’s nothing in it once it involves shifting. whereas it should look slightly ‘budget,’ the actual fact the Fuel is lightweight shows that Trek understand what they’re doing with verbal description.

The high-end Fuels have continuously been nice bikes, however we’ve generally found the cheaper models clearly compromised to hit a worth. The EX six is entirely convincing. You get what you would like from its pricier stablemates, and it’s a all-round ride.

Fit & Sizing Trek Fuel EX 6 :

Proper bike fit is essential for best performance and comfort. Any size and geometry measurements shown on trekbikes.com are for general comparison purposes only. To find your perfect fit, visit an authorized Trek retailer, where an expert skilled at sizing will help you find the appropriate bike and size for your individual needs.

Specs Trek Fuel EX 6 :

Image Credit: © Trek