Carbon full-suspension mountain bike Trek Fuel LX 9.8 XT chameleon green: big days, storage, 160/170 mm

Trek Fuel LX 9.8 XT Chameleon Green: big days in the mountains

Built around an OCLV Mountain carbon frame with integrated storage, the Trek Fuel LX 9.8 XT Gen 7 combines 160 mm at the rear, a 170 mm Fox 38 fork and a cable-actuated Shimano XT 10-51 drivetrain. As for weight, Trek has published nothing for this version; for reference, the Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2 with an identical frame weighs 15.97 kg in a size M. Its Gloss Chameleon Green/Matte Black colourway features a glossy chameleon green that shifts with the light, set against a matte black.

Technical specifications

Who is it for?

For the experienced mountain biker who heads into the mountains for the day, links long climbs and technical descents, and wants a bike that will not let them down far from anywhere. It suits riders who prefer mechanical components they can repair themselves on the trail.

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).

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.

In the Caroux massif and along the ridges of the Espinouse, a ride can last several hours far from the road: the frame storage holds an inner tube, a tool and a quick link, freeing up your backpack. A cable drivetrain can be fixed without special tools, a real asset when the nearest shop is miles away.

On these granite rocks, the 2.5-inch Maxxis tyres in EXO+ casing resist cuts better than a light casing, and tubeless set-up prevents most pinch flats. The 51-tooth sprocket lets you stay seated on rocky ramps while keeping rear traction.

Which Fuel should you choose?

Our take: for self-sufficiency in the mountains, the mechanical XT drivetrain is a reassuring choice. The 9.8 XT Di2 brings electronic shifting for a published weight of 15.97 kg; the Fuel LX 9 XT keeps cable XT in aluminium, at 17.79 kg.

Your questions

Why buy from LVR Cycles? In Béziers, we prepare your Fuel LX for the mountains: tubeless with inserts if needed, suspension set-up, and advice on the repair kit to slip into the frame.

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