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When the descents get longer, the Trek Fuel MX 9 XT Gen 7 makes the most of its four-piston Shimano XT brakes, its 203 mm front rotor and its 160 mm Fox Factory 36 GRIP X2 fork, backed by 150 mm at the rear. The Alpha NEXT Platinum aluminium frame brings the whole package to 16.91 kg in size M according to Trek. The Matte Sedona Red/Pennyflake Splatter colour pairs a matt earthy red with copper glints.
| Frame | Alpha NEXT Platinum aluminium, integrated storage, adjustable progression, interchangeable rocker and lower shock mount, ABP, threaded BSA 73 bottom bracket, ISCG 05 |
| Suspension | Fox Factory 36 GRIP X2 fork, 160 mm / Fox Factory Float X 205x60 mm shock, 150 mm at the rear |
| Drivetrain | Shimano XT 1x12, long-cage M8200 derailleur, M8200 30T chainset (165 or 170 mm depending on size), M8200 10-51 cassette |
| Brakes | Shimano XT M8220 4-piston hydraulic, RT86 rotors, 203 mm front and 180 mm rear |
| Wheels / tyres | Bontrager Line Comp 30 / Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip 29x2.5 front, Minion DHR II MaxxTerra 27.5x2.5 rear, EXO+, Tubeless Ready |
| Cockpit | Race Face Turbine alloy 35 mm handlebar (40 mm rise), Bontrager Elite 45 mm stem, Trek Line Elite grips |
| Saddle / seatpost | Verse Short Comp 145 mm / Bontrager Line Dropper 34.9 mm dropper post (150 to 200 mm travel depending on size) |
| Weight | 16.91 kg in size M (Trek figure, with tubeless sealant, no inner tubes) |
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At a glance
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For the rider who loves long technical descents, such as those of the Caroux or the Orb valley, and wants to keep effective brakes all the way to the bottom. It suits mountain bikers from 165 to 188 cm, as this version is available in M and L.
Why an aluminium Fuel MX? The frame is built from Alpha NEXT Platinum, the top tier of Trek's alloys, ahead of Alpha Platinum and Alpha Silver. On the Gen 7 Fuel platform, the aluminium frame kit (4.95 kg in M, measured on the Fuel EX) weighs 1.64 kg more than the carbon kit (3.31 kg): that is the price of toughness and a controlled budget.
| Alpha NEXT Platinum (Fuel 9) | OCLV Mountain (Fuel 9.8 / 9.9) | Alpha Platinum (Slash 8) | |
| Level | Trek's best aluminium | Trek's mountain bike carbon | High-end alloy, one step below NEXT |
| Designed to | Take knocks at a sensible cost | Save weight, resist impacts | Aluminium enduro frames |
| Gen 7 Fuel EX frameset (M) | 4.95 kg | 3.31 kg | not applicable |
| What it means | Heavier, but unbothered by small knocks | 1.64 kg less on the frameset | Previous aluminium generation |
In short: for a rider who lives for descending, the weight difference with carbon matters little; the quality of the brakes and fork matters much more.
On a long descent, brakes heat up and their effectiveness can drop. The 203 mm front rotor offers more surface area to dissipate heat, and the four-piston callipers spread the load. The result: a lever that keeps its bite point, even after several minutes of braking.
The GRIP X2 cartridge in the Fox 36 lets you adjust low and high-speed compression and rebound separately: the fork rides high on steep slopes and absorbs big hits. We set these parameters with you according to your weight and riding.
| Model | Frame | Travel rear / front | Drivetrain | Weight (M) |
| Fuel EX 9 XT | Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy | 145 / 150 mm | Shimano XT 1x12 | 17.14 kg |
| Fuel MX 9 XT | Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy | 150 / 160 mm | Shimano XT 1x12 | 16.91 kg |
| Fuel MX 9 XT Di2 | Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy | 150 / 160 mm | Shimano XT Di2 1x12 | not disclosed |
| Fuel LX 9 XT | Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy | 160 / 170 mm | Shimano XT 1x12 | 17.79 kg |
Our take: compared with the Fuel MX 9 Eagle 90 (16.78 kg), the MX 9 XT weighs only 130 g more and switches to Shimano XT, M8220 brakes included. The Fuel EX 9 XT (17.14 kg) remains more of a versatile trail bike.
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LVR sizing advice If you are between two sizes, the smaller favours handling in switchbacks and slow sections, the larger brings stability as speed rises. Dropper post travel follows frame size.
Source: Trek size guide. Bike fitting available in our Béziers shop. |
| Do the brakes overheat? | The 203 mm rotor and four-piston callipers limit heat build-up. |
| Can I set up the fork myself? | Yes, but we recommend an initial set-up in the workshop to start from a good base. |
| Is it suitable for a heavier rider? | Yes, the air pressure and frame progression adapt to the rider's weight. |
| Does the matt red scratch? | Small marks barely show thanks to the copper flecks. |
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The LVR Cycles verdict A Fuel MX designed for long, technical descents, with braking that does not fade. Its matt earthy red with copper glints gives it plenty of style.
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Why buy from LVR Cycles? In Béziers, we set up your Fox fork and shock, bleed the XT brakes and advise you on preparing for your long descents.
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