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A 160 mm Fox Factory 36 fork with GRIP X2 damper, a Fox Factory Float X shock for 150 mm at the rear: the Trek Fuel MX 9.8 XT Gen 7 relies on top-end suspension, fitted to an OCLV Mountain carbon frame with a Shimano XT 1x12 drivetrain. Weight not published by Trek for this version, the closest references being the Fuel EX 9.8 XT (15.28 kg) and the Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2 (15.97 kg) in a size M. The Purple Phaze/Amethyst Marble colourway dresses the frame in a dark mauve veined with amethyst tints.
| Frame | OCLV Mountain carbon, integrated storage, adjustable progression, interchangeable rocker link and lower shock mount, down tube and transport protection, threaded BSA 73 bottom bracket, ISCG 05, ABP, UDH hanger, Boost |
| Suspension | Fox Factory 36 Float EVOL fork, GRIP X2 damper, 160 mm / Fox Factory Float X shock 205 x 60 mm, 150 mm at the rear |
| Drivetrain | Mechanical Shimano XT M8200 1x12, 30T chainring, 10-51 cassette, M8200 long-cage derailleur |
| Brakes | Shimano XT M8220 4-piston hydraulic, RT86 203 and 180 mm rotors |
| Wheels / tyres | Bontrager Line Comp 30 / mixed set-up: Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5 MaxxGrip up front, Minion DHR II 27.5x2.5 MaxxTerra at the 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 post, 150 to 200 mm of travel depending on size |
| Weight | Weight not published by Trek for this version; references in a size M: Fuel EX 9.8 XT 15.28 kg, Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2 15.97 kg |
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At a glance
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For the demanding rider who feels the difference between two clicks of rebound and wants suspension they can fine-tune to the trail. They ride varied terrain, from the fast singletrack of the Lodévois to slow, technical descents, and expect a bike that is at ease on both.
OCLV Mountain carbon, Trek's signature. Since 1992, Trek has been eliminating micro-voids from its frames by compacting the fibres under heat and pressure: this is the OCLV process. Its Mountain version, used on the Fuel MX 9.8 XT, prioritises impact resistance, essential on a bike that spends its rides in scree. The frame integrates storage, a threaded BSA bottom bracket and ISCG 05 mounts for a chain guide, under Trek's lifetime warranty.
| OCLV Mountain (Fuel MX 9.8 / 9.9) | Alpha NEXT Platinum (Fuel MX 9) | Carbon Fuel EX / LX | |
| Level | Trek's mountain bike carbon, tuned for impacts | Trek's most advanced aluminium | Same Gen 7 Fuel platform |
| Construction | Plies compacted under heat and pressure | Alpha NEXT Platinum alloy | Identical OCLV Mountain carbon |
| Gen 7 Fuel frameset (M) | 3.31 kg (Fuel EX figure) | 4.95 kg (Fuel EX figure) | 3.31 kg for the EX |
| What it means | Around 1.6 kg less on the frame, lifetime warranty | Heavier, gentler on the budget | 145 / 150 mm (EX) or 160 / 170 mm (LX) |
Put simply: here, carbon is not about climbing faster by a few grams, it lightens the frame by around 1.6 kg compared with Fuel aluminium, making the bike easier to handle and carry. The 9.8 XT pairs this frame with Fox Factory suspension and a proven cable-actuated Shimano groupset.
The Fox 36's GRIP X2 damper separates compression and rebound adjustments into low and high speed. In practice, you can keep the fork firm under braking and in corners, while letting it swallow fast hits from rocks. It is Fox's most complete damper, which we dial in with you at handover.
At the rear, the Fox Factory Float X has a lever to firm up the shock on long climbs on road or track. With 150 mm of travel, the Fuel MX stays efficient under pedalling: on the tarmac links around Lodève, you close the shock, then reopen it at the trailhead.
| Model | Frame | Travel rear / front | Drivetrain | Weight (M) |
| Fuel EX 9.8 XT | OCLV Mountain carbon | 145 / 150 mm | Shimano XT 1x12 | 15.28 kg |
| Fuel MX 9.8 Eagle 90 | OCLV Mountain carbon | 150 / 170 mm | SRAM Eagle 90 T-Type 1x12 | not disclosed |
| Fuel MX 9.8 XT | OCLV Mountain carbon | 150 / 160 mm | Shimano XT 1x12 | not published |
| Fuel MX 9.8 XT Di2 | OCLV Mountain carbon | 150 / 160 mm | Wireless Shimano XT Di2 | not disclosed |
Our take: with identical suspension, the 9.8 XT Di2 only changes the derailleur, which becomes wireless. For more front travel, the MX 9.8 Eagle 90 moves to 170 mm with RockShox; the Fuel EX 9.8 XT (15.28 kg in M) remains the trail version.
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LVR sizing advice If you are unsure, go for the smaller size for agility on technical trails, the larger for stability on fast descents. The Line Dropper goes from 150 mm (S) to 170 mm (M) then 200 mm.
Source: Trek size guide. Bike fitting available in our Béziers shop. |
| Do I need to know how to set up suspension? | No: we do the first set-up with you and note your baseline values. |
| What maintenance for the Fox 36? | A regular seal and oil service according to your riding hours, in our workshop. |
| Can the shock be locked out? | Yes, the Float X has a lever to firm up the rear on long climbs. |
| Is the mauve discreet? | Yes, it is a dark shade that reveals amethyst tints in full light. |
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The LVR Cycles verdict The carbon Fuel MX for those who want to get the best from a highly adjustable Fox Factory suspension. Its dark mauve with amethyst veins stays elegant without overdoing it.
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Why buy from LVR Cycles? In Béziers, we set up the Fox 36 GRIP X2 and Float X for your weight and style, note your settings and carry out periodic servicing of the Fox suspension.
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