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Carbon full-suspension mountain bike Trek Fuel LX 9.8 XT gloss dark carmine/matte trek black 12-speed

Carbon full-suspension mountain bike Trek Fuel LX 9.8 XT carmine red: adjustable progression, XT, 160/170 mm

$7,469.86 Incl. Tax

Color

Black and red

Size

Size charts

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Trek Fuel LX 9.8 XT Dark Carmine: moving from trail to enduro

The Trek Fuel LX 9.8 XT Gen 7 pushes the Fuel platform towards enduro: OCLV Mountain carbon frame with adjustable progression, 160 mm at the rear on a Fox DHX2 coil, 170 mm Fox 38 fork and a mechanical 12-speed Shimano XT groupset. Trek has not published a weight for this version; for reference, the Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2 on the same carbon frame weighs 15.97 kg in a size M. The Gloss Dark Carmine/Matte Trek Black finish contrasts a glossy dark carmine red with a matte black.

Technical specifications

Frame	OCLV Mountain carbon, integrated storage, adjustable progression, interchangeable alloy rockers and lower shock mount, ZS headset, BSA 73 threaded bottom bracket, ISCG 05, ABP, UDH hanger, Boost
Suspension	Fox Factory 38 Float EVOL fork, GRIP X2 cartridge, 170 mm, 44 mm offset / Fox DHX2 coil shock 205 x 65 mm, 160 mm
Drivetrain	Mechanical Shimano XT M8200 1x12: 30T chainring, 10-51 cassette, M8200 long-cage derailleur, 170 mm cranks (165 mm depending on size)
Brakes	Shimano XT M8220 4-piston hydraulic, RT86 203 mm and 180 mm rotors
Wheels / tyres	Bontrager Line Comp 30 / Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip and Minion DHR II MaxxTerra 29x2.5, EXO+ casing, Tubeless Ready
Cockpit	Race Face Turbine alloy handlebar 35 mm, 40 mm rise / Bontrager Elite stem 45 mm, 0°
Saddle / seatpost	Verse Short Comp steel rails, 145 mm / Bontrager Line Dropper 150 to 200 mm depending on size
Weight	Weight not published by Trek for this version (for reference: Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2, same carbon frame, 15.97 kg in a size M)

At a glance

✓ OCLV Mountain carbon frame	✓ Enduro 160 mm rear / 170 mm front
✓ Fox DHX2 coil shock	✓ Mechanical Shimano XT 1x12, 10-51
✓ Maxxis 29x2.5 EXO+ tyres	✓ Weight not published (reference 15.97 kg in M)

Who is it for?

For the mountain biker currently riding a 130 to 150 mm trail bike who feels they need more margin on their favourite descents. It is aimed at those who want a more capable bike without losing the pleasure of pedalling on Sunday-morning trails.

The LVR workshop view

OCLV carbon, Trek's signature. On an enduro mountain bike, carbon is not just about saving weight: the OCLV Mountain version is laid up to withstand rock strikes and botched landings, with Trek's lifetime warranty on the frame. On the Gen 7 Fuel platform, Trek claims a frameset of 3.31 kg in carbon versus 4.95 kg in aluminium (measured on the Fuel EX in a size M).

	OCLV Mountain (Fuel LX 9.8 / 9.9)	Alpha NEXT Platinum (Fuel LX 9)	Alpha Silver (Marlin)
Level	Trek's mountain bike carbon, top end	Trek's best mountain bike aluminium	Entry-level aluminium
Construction	OCLV process, impact reinforcements	Hydroformed tubes, smoothed welds	Simpler tubes, more material
Gen 7 Fuel frameset	3.31 kg (Fuel EX, M)	4.95 kg (Fuel EX, M)	not applicable
What it means	Lively acceleration, lifetime warranty	Robust, gentler on the budget	Reserved for hardtails

Put simply: with an identical drivetrain, the Fuel LX 9.8 XT takes the components of the alloy Fuel LX 9 XT and swaps the frame for carbon. Trek does not publish its weight, but the frameset difference measured on the platform (over 1.6 kg) gives an idea of the gain to expect on the climbs.

The Gen 7 Fuel frame stands out for its interchangeable parts: alloy rocker links, lower shock mount and progression adjustment. They are what allow the same platform to become an EX, MX or LX, and let you fine-tune the suspension's behaviour to your style, softer and more comfortable or firmer at the end of the stroke.

Coming from a trail bike calls for a few adjustments: slightly more generous sag, tyre pressure suited to the 2.5-inch EXO+ casings, and a slightly more central position on the bike. The Race Face Turbine handlebar with 40 mm rise and the short 45 mm stem naturally place the upper body in a descending posture.

Which Fuel should you choose?

Model	Frame	Travel rear / front	Drivetrain	Weight (M)
Fuel LX 9 XT	Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy	160 / 170 mm	Mechanical Shimano XT 1x12	17.79 kg
Fuel LX 9.8 XT	OCLV Mountain carbon	160 / 170 mm	Mechanical Shimano XT 1x12	not published
Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2	OCLV Mountain carbon	160 / 170 mm	Shimano XT Di2 1x12	15.97 kg
Slash 9.8 XT Di2	OCLV Mountain carbon	170 / 170 mm	Shimano XT Di2 1x12	16.63 kg

Our take: if 160/170 mm seems a lot, the alloy Fuel MX 9 XT sticks to 150/160 mm for 16.91 kg. For a published carbon weight, the Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2 claims 15.97 kg in M.

LVR sizing advice

The Fuel LX is chosen first according to the rider's height: between two sizes, the smaller one makes the bike more playful in hairpins, the larger one more stable at high speed. Dropper post travel increases with size.

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Rider height (cm)	155-165	165-177	177-188	188-195	195-203
Inseam (cm)	74-78	79-83	84-89	89-91	91-97
Dropper post (mm)	150	170	200	200	200

Source: Trek size guide. Bike fitting available in our Béziers shop.

Your questions

Too much travel for trail riding?	Not on rough terrain; on smooth trails, a Fuel EX or MX will be livelier.
Adjusting the progression?	Yes, the frame allows it: we show you the adjustment and its effects in our workshop.
Why a coil spring?	It offers consistent sensitivity over repeated impacts, at the cost of a few grams.
Does the matt black scratch?	Clean it with a gentle wax-free product; adhesive protection limits rubbing.

The LVR Cycles verdict

The ideal Fuel LX for making the leap from trail to enduro, with adjustable suspension that keeps pace with your progress. The glossy carmine red and matte black give it an understated, assertive look.

Pros
+ Adjustable progression
+ Natural descending position
+ Elegant carmine red

Cons
- Weight not published by Trek
- Less lively than a Fuel EX on the flat

Why buy from LVR Cycles? As a Trek dealer in Béziers, we help you set up the progression and suspension of your Fuel LX, and advise you on the move from trail to enduro.

Please note that the specifications may be changed without prior notice by the manufacturer, based on the availability of components and other factors.

Reference TRK-5351734

Data sheet