Carbon full-suspension mountain bike Trek Fuel MX 9.8 XT Di2 mauve: precise Di2 uphill, 10-51, 150/160 mm

Trek Fuel MX 9.8 XT Di2 Purple Phaze: at ease on technical climbs

On an OCLV Mountain carbon frame with Fox Factory suspension (150 mm of travel at the rear and 160 mm up front), the Trek Fuel MX 9.8 XT Di2 Gen 7 combines the wireless electronic Shimano XT Di2 M8250 derailleur, a 10-51 cassette and 4-piston XT brakes. Weight not published by Trek for this version, with the Fuel EX 9.8 XT (15.28 kg) and the Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2 (15.97 kg) in a size M as references. Its Purple Phaze/Amethyst Marble paintwork blends a dark mauve with amethyst-coloured marbling.

Technical specifications

Who is it for?

For the technical climber who refuses to put a foot down on rough climbs, and likes to shift at the last moment, mid-acceleration, without fear of the chain skipping. A common profile on the steep, rocky trails of the Montagne Noire.

The LVR workshop view

OCLV Mountain carbon, Trek's signature. OCLV carbon comes from compacting the fibre layers to eliminate internal air bubbles, the weak points of a frame. For its mountain bikes, Trek uses the OCLV Mountain variant, whose layup is calibrated to withstand rocks and jumps. The Fuel MX 9.8 XT Di2 benefits from it with guided internal cable routing, even cleaner with a wireless derailleur, and Trek's lifetime warranty on the frame.

Put simply: the frame and suspension are those of the 9.8 XT. The difference lies in the wireless XT Di2 M8250 derailleur with programmable shifting: a gain in everyday convenience and an adjustment that no longer drifts, not more advanced suspension.

On a technical climb, you often shift mid-effort, between two steps. The wireless Di2 executes every shift with the same precision, whatever the handlebar position or the state of the housing, and the shift button takes less thumb effort than a mechanical shifter, welcome on a long climb.

The mixed-wheel set-up also helps on the climbs: the 29-inch front wheel rolls over roots and rocks more easily, and the Float X shock, left open, keeps the rear wheel glued to the ground for traction. The 51-tooth sprocket lets you stay seated even on the steepest gradients.

Which Fuel should you choose?

Our take: the Fuel MX 9.8 XT shares everything with this model except the derailleur, which remains cable-actuated. For a 170 mm fork and carbon wheels, you need to move up to the 9.9 X0 AXS; the Fuel LX 9.8 XT Di2, 15.97 kg in M, adds 10 mm of travel at each wheel.

Your questions

Why buy from LVR Cycles? In Béziers, we configure the buttons of your Di2 drivetrain, set up the shock for climbing traction and service your Fuel MX.

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