Fuel EX 9.7 is an all-mountain ripper that rolls in with the best balance of performance and pocket-friendly components, without skimping on the good stuff. It features a lightweight carbon frame, plus a cherry-picked blend of Shimano SLX and XT components that balance price and ride quality, plus, the ultra-smooth handling of a FOX 150mm front and 140mm rear suspension.
It's right for you if...
You're after the light weight and smooth ride of a carbon frame and want solid parts without the top-shelf price.
The tech you get
A light and stiff full carbon frame, 150mm of travel from FOX's Rhythm 36 fork with Float EVOL air spring and GRIP damper for small bump compliance, plus a FOX Performance Float X rear shock. A perfect blend of Shimano SLX and XT components for reliable shifting and durability on the trail. Finally, you'll find adjustable geometry and in-frame storage for keeping your setup dialed just for you.
The final word
Fuel EX 9.7 is an evolved trail bike for the rider who wants it all. Its lightweight carbon frame is lively and stiff, and spec'd with the perfect build thanks to a FOX suspension package and Shimano XT and SLX drivetrain for a full package deal that's build to charge.
Why you'll love it
- You get the light and stiff feel of a carbon fiber frame, plus progressive trail geometry that's ready to handle it all
- You'll find the right balance of price and performance with a cherry-picked blend of Shimano SLX and XT components
- With the adjustable angle headset (angled cups sold separately) and Mino Link, you can choose from six different geometry configurations
- Guided internal routing, universal derailleur hanger, improved hardware, and a threaded BB make maintenance a breeze
- We expanded our size range to ensure a better fit for all riders, and use the best-fitting wheels for each frame size: XS frames get 27.5˝ wheels, S frames get to choose between 27.5˝ or 29˝, and sizes M and up get 29˝ wheels
*Please note - spec applies to all sizes unless listed separately
Frameset
Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, guided internal routing, magnesium rocker link, 34.9mm seat tube, ISCG 05, 55mm chainline, BSA 73, downtube guard, shuttle guard, ABP, UDH, Boost148, 140mm travel |
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*Fork |
Size: XS , S Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Kabolt axle, 140 mm travel |
Size: S , M , ML , L , XL Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Kabolt axle, 150mm travel |
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Shock | Fox Performance Float X, 2-position damper, 185mm x 55mm |
Wheels
Wheel front | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
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*Wheel rear |
Size: XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
Size: XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 54, 6-bolt, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle |
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Size: S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
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Hub front | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle |
Hub rear | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle |
Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru-axle, removable lever |
Rim | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
Rim strip | Bontrager TLR |
Drivetrain
Shifter | Shimano SLX M7100, 12 speed |
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Rear derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, long cage, 51T max cog |
Crank | Shimano Deore M6120, 30T ring, 55 mm chainline, 170 mm length |
Bottom bracket | Shimano SM-BB52, 73mm, threaded external bearing |
Cassette | Shimano SLX M7100, 10-51, 12 speed |
Chain | Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed |
Components
Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138 mm width |
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*Seatpost |
Size: XS , S TranzX JD-YSP39, 100 mm travel, internal routing, 34.9 mm |
Size: M , ML TranzX JD-YSP39, 150 mm travel, internal routing, 34.9 mm |
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Size: L , XL TranzX JD-YSP39, 170 mm travel, internal routing, 34.9 mm |
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*Handlebar |
Size: XS , S Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 750 mm width |
Size: M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 780 mm width |
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Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on |
*Stem |
Size: XS , S Bontrager Elite, 35mm, 0 degree, 35mm length |
Size: M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Elite, 35mm, 0 degree, 45mm length |
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Headset | Integrated cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom, angle adjust cup compatible |
Brake | Shimano M6120 4-piston hydraulic disc |
*Brake rotor |
Size: XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 180mm |
Size: M , ML , L , XL Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 203 mm |
Accessories
Weight
Weight | M - 14.76 kg / 32.55 lbs (with TLR sealant, no tubes) |
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Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). |
We reserve the right to make changes to the product information contained on this site at any time without notice, including with respect to equipment, specifications, models, colors, materials, and pricing. Due to supply chain issues, compatible parts may be substituted at any time without notice.
Bike and frame weights are based off pre-production painted frames at time of publication. Weights may vary in final production.