- New
Contact us for a personalized quote [email protected]
EU companies: VAT-free purchase available [email protected]
Need advice before your purchase? [email protected]
The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 XT Gen 7 brings together the Fuel EX OCLV Mountain carbon frame, a 150 mm Fox Factory 36 GRIP X2 fork, a 145 mm Fox Float X shock and a mechanical 12-speed Shimano XT drivetrain, for 15.28 kg in size M. It is one of the two carbon Fuel EX models for which Trek publishes a weight, and it serves as the benchmark for the whole range. Miami Green/Aloha Marble dresses it in an intense teal veined with light green marbling.
| Frame | OCLV Mountain carbon, integrated storage, adjustable progression, threaded BSA 73, ISCG 05, UDH hanger, Boost |
| Suspension | Fox Factory 36 GRIP X2 150 mm / Fox Factory Float X 145 mm |
| Drivetrain | Mechanical Shimano XT 1x12, long-cage M8200 derailleur, XT M8200 30T chainset, XT 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 aluminium / Maxxis Minion DHF (front) and DHR II (rear) 2.5, EXO+, Tubeless Ready |
| 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, 150 to 200 mm depending on size |
| Weight | 15.28 kg in size M (Trek figure, with tubeless sealant) |
|
At a glance
|
For the mountain biker who wants one bike to do it all: the sporty ride with friends, the big mountain day and the technical descent. It will particularly suit riders torn between a light trail bike and an enduro bike who are looking for the broadest compromise.
OCLV carbon, Trek's signature. Trek has made its carbon frames using the OCLV process since 1992: heat and pressure drive out air bubbles between the fibre layers. For mountain biking, the brand developed OCLV Mountain, whose layup is calibrated to withstand rock strikes, landings and crashes, whereas road carbon mainly aims for lightness. The Fuel EX 9.8 XT benefits from it with a 3.31 kg frame kit in M, covered by Trek's lifetime warranty.
| OCLV Mountain (Fuel EX 9.8 / 9.9) | Alpha NEXT Platinum (Fuel EX 5 to 9) | Road OCLV (Madone, Domane) | |
| Level | Off-road version of OCLV carbon | High-end MTB aluminium | Trek road bike carbon |
| Construction | Layers reinforced in impact zones | Hydroforming, tuned wall thicknesses | Layers optimised for weight |
| Fuel EX frameset (M) | 3.31 kg | 4.95 kg | not applicable |
| What it means | Lighter and livelier when accelerating | Tough, but 1.64 kg heavier | Different use, different stresses |
In short: with comparable Fox Factory suspension, the 9.8 XT weighs 15.28 kg in M, 1.86 kg less than the aluminium Fuel EX 9 XT (17.14 kg). Most of the difference comes from the frame, and a lighter frame is felt at every acceleration and on every climb.
The Fox GRIP X2 cartridge in the 36 separates compression and rebound adjustment into high and low speed: you can keep the fork firm in the turns without it becoming harsh on fast hits. On the rocky trails around Béziers, this fine-tuning avoids forearm fatigue at the end of a ride.
Mechanical Shimano XT remains a benchmark for precision and durability: the cable can be changed in a few minutes, parts are available everywhere and shifting under load is positive. The 10-51 cassette covers the steepest climbs as well as fast accelerations on tracks.
| Model | Frame | Travel rear / front | Drivetrain | Weight (M) |
| Fuel EX 9 XT | Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy | 145 / 150 mm | Mechanical Shimano XT | 17.14 kg |
| Fuel EX 9.8 XT | OCLV Mountain carbon | 145 / 150 mm | Mechanical Shimano XT | 15.28 kg |
| Fuel EX 9.8 XT Di2 | OCLV Mountain carbon | 145 / 150 mm | Wireless Shimano XT Di2 | not disclosed |
| Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2 | OCLV Mountain carbon | 160 / 170 mm | Wireless Shimano XT Di2 | 15.97 kg |
Our take: the 9.8 XT is the cornerstone of the range: 1.86 kg lighter than the aluminium Fuel EX 9 XT, the same Fox Factory suspension and a proven mechanical drivetrain. The 9.8 XT Di2 changes only the derailleur; the Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2 moves up to 160 / 170 mm for 15.97 kg.
|
LVR sizing advice If you are between two sizes, choose the shorter one for a lively bike on twisty trails, the longer one for more stability on fast descents. Dropper post travel grows with the frame.
Source: Trek size guide. Bike fitting available in our Béziers shop. |
| Fuel EX or Fuel LX? | The EX for versatile trail riding; the LX, with 160 / 170 mm, for enduro and the bike park. |
| What can be adjusted on the GRIP X2? | Compression and rebound, each at high and low speed; we give you a base setting. |
| Is the XT drivetrain durable? | Yes, it is one of the most durable groupsets, and spare parts are easy to find. |
| Is Miami green really green? | It is a deep teal, lit up by light green marbling. |
|
The LVR Cycles verdict The benchmark carbon Fuel EX, balanced and with no weak points, with a known weight of 15.28 kg in M. The teal marbled with light green gives it a very strong identity.
|
Why buy from LVR Cycles? In Béziers, we give you a Fox base setting suited to your weight, set the tyres up tubeless and service the XT drivetrain.
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