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Available from S to XXL, the Trek Fuel EX 9.8 XT Gen 7 adapts its wheels and dropper post to each size: a mixed 29 / 27.5-inch set-up in S, 29 inches everywhere else, and a 150 to 200 mm post. OCLV Mountain carbon frame, 145 / 150 mm Fox Factory suspension and 12-speed Shimano XT, for 15.28 kg in size M. Purple Phaze/Amethyst Marble layers a dark purple with marbled amethyst veins.
| 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) |
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At a glance
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For shorter mountain bikers, who are often poorly served by full-suspension bikes, and more broadly for anyone who wants a bike that is truly sized to their build. The S, intended for 155 to 165 cm, gets a 27.5-inch rear wheel that frees up space behind the saddle.
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 mixed set-up on size S is no minor detail: a smaller rear wheel leaves more room to shift your hips back on steep slopes without your backside touching the tyre. The front stays at 29 inches, which rolls over obstacles better and holds speed. It is a real plus for smaller riders on the steep trails of the Caroux.
The Bontrager Line Dropper post grows with the frame: 150 mm in S, 170 mm in M, 200 mm from L. A saddle that drops low is the key to feeling at ease on descents; at handover, we check that the insertion length suits your inside leg.
| 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: in every size, the 9.8 XT keeps the same Fox Factory suspension. For a smaller rider, every kilo counts even more: compared with the aluminium Fuel EX 9 XT (17.14 kg in M), carbon makes a real difference.
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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. |
| Why a 27.5-inch wheel in S? | To free up space behind the saddle for smaller riders and make steep descents easier. |
| Which size for 1.75 m? | The M covers 165 to 177 cm; depending on your inside leg, we confirm it in the shop. |
| Is the post adjustable? | It is operated from the bar; its length depends on frame size. |
| Does the purple age well? | Yes, the amethyst marbling hides small signs of wear well. |
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The LVR Cycles verdict A carbon trail bike that looks after every build, from the smallest with the mixed set-up to the tallest in XXL. The amethyst-marbled purple gives it an understated charm.
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Why buy from LVR Cycles? As a Trek dealer in Béziers, we help you choose the right size and adjust the dropper post and suspension to your build before handover.
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