- New
Contact us for a personalized quote [email protected]
EU companies: VAT-free purchase available [email protected]
Need advice before your purchase? [email protected]
Mechanical Shimano XT from end to end, brakes included: that is the backbone of the Trek Fuel EX 9 XT Gen 7. Around it, an Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy chassis, a Fox 36 Factory with 150 mm of travel and a Float X Factory handling the 145 mm at the rear. Trek quotes 17.14 kg for a size M, dressed here in Lithium Grey/Trek Black Splatter, a mineral grey flecked with black splashes.
| Frame | Alpha NEXT Platinum aluminium, adjustable progression, interchangeable rocker and shock mount, internal storage, threaded BSA 73, ISCG 05 |
| Suspension | Fox Factory 36 Float EVOL GRIP X2 150 mm fork / Fox Factory Float X 205x60 mm shock, 145 mm |
| Drivetrain | Mechanical Shimano XT 1x12, M8100 derailleur, M8120 30T chainset, M8200 10-51 cassette |
| Brakes | Shimano XT M8220 4-piston hydraulic, RT86 203 mm (front) and 180 mm (rear) rotors |
| Wheels / tyres | Bontrager Line Comp 30 Tubeless Ready / Maxxis Minion DHF MaxxGrip / DHR II MaxxTerra 29x2.5 3C EXO+ |
| Cockpit | Race Face Turbine alloy 35 mm handlebar, 40 mm rise, Bontrager Elite 45 mm stem |
| Saddle / seatpost | Verse Short Comp 145 mm / Bontrager Line Dropper 170 (M) or 200 mm (L) |
| Weight | 17.14 kg in size M (Trek figure, with tubeless sealant, no inner tubes) |
|
At a glance
|
This bike is aimed at the mountain biker who is loyal to Shimano and wants a groupset renowned for durability, simple to maintain, with parts available everywhere. It suits riders who cover a lot of ground and want a bike that will not leave them stranded.
Alpha aluminium, Trek's expertise. Alpha is the generic name for Trek's alloys; the NEXT Platinum version, introduced with the Gen 7 Fuel, is the most advanced. This Fuel EX 9 XT benefits from a frame that does more than just be strong: you can change its progression, flip suspension parts to adjust the geometry, slip a repair kit into the down tube and fit a chain guide on the ISCG 05 mounts.
| Alpha Silver | Alpha NEXT Platinum | OCLV Mountain | |
| Level | Trek's entry-level alloy | The most refined of the Alpha alloys | Trek's mountain bike carbon |
| Construction | Alpha aluminium, hardtail frame | Alpha aluminium, adjustable Fuel platform | OCLV process tuned for impacts |
| Reference bike | Marlin 4 to 7 | Fuel EX 5, 8 and 9 | Fuel EX 9.8 and 9.9 |
| What it means | Simple and affordable, no rear suspension | 4.95 kg frameset in M, tough and more affordable | 3.31 kg frameset in M, 1.64 kg less |
In short: with identical Fox Factory suspension and XT drivetrain, the carbon Fuel EX 9.8 XT weighs 15.28 kg in M, 1.86 kg less than this aluminium version. The extra weight is felt on long climbs, much less once the slope tips downhill.
Shimano XT is a benchmark for longevity: chain, cassette and chainring last thousands of kilometres before needing replacement. The 10-51 cassette offers a full range, and the long-cage derailleur keeps chain tension consistent even on rough ground.
The XT M8220 brakes, with a 203 mm rotor at the front, are powerful and easy to bleed with mineral oil. We check them when we hand the bike over, then at every service: a well-bled Shimano brake keeps a consistent bite point all season.
| Model | Frame | Fork / rear | Drivetrain | Weight (M) |
| Fuel EX 8 | Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy | Fox Rhythm 36, 150 / 145 mm | SRAM Eagle 70 1x12 | 16.58 kg |
| Fuel EX 9 Eagle 90 | Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy | RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, 150 / 145 mm | SRAM Eagle 90 1x12 | 16.58 kg |
| Fuel EX 9 XT | Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy | Fox Factory 36, 150 / 145 mm | Shimano XT 1x12 | 17.14 kg |
| Fuel EX 9.8 XT | OCLV Mountain carbon | Fox Factory 36, 150 / 145 mm | Shimano XT 1x12 | 15.28 kg |
Our take: with identical Fox Factory suspension and groupset, the Fuel EX 9 XT Di2 weighs 16.88 kg in M, 260 g less. The Fuel EX 9 Eagle 90 drops to 16.58 kg with RockShox Ultimate suspension.
|
LVR sizing advice To choose between two sizes, think about your terrain: the more compact for twisty singletrack, the longer for fast, open descents. The dropper post grows with the frame, up to 200 mm in L and XL; the S switches to 27.5 inches at the rear.
Source: Trek size guide. Bike fitting available in our Béziers shop. |
| Why choose Shimano XT? | For its durability, parts available everywhere and simple maintenance. |
| Does Fox Factory need special maintenance? | An annual service of the seals and oil, which we carry out in the workshop. |
| Which sizes in this colour? | M and L in the Trek data for this version. |
| Is the speckled grey discreet? | Yes, it stays understated and hides small scratches well. |
|
The LVR Cycles verdict The Fuel EX 9 XT is a reliable, durable trail bike, with top-level Fox Factory suspension and a proven Shimano groupset. The lithium grey flecked with black gives it an understated look that will last through the seasons.
|
Why buy from LVR Cycles? As a Trek dealer in Béziers, we service your Shimano XT drivetrain, bleed the brakes and carry out the Fox service on your Fuel EX 9.
Please note that the specifications may be changed without prior notice by the manufacturer, based on the availability of components and other factors.
Data sheet
Specific References