Fuel EX 9.8 combines a light full-carbon frame with parts chosen for the highest performance-to-price ratio. High-end FOX suspension with upgraded front and rear dampers, carbon wheels with a Rapid Drive rear hub, and SRAM's latest, widest-range drivetrain give this model an extra edge you'll notice from the first pedal stroke.
It's right for you if...
You want a single bike that can handle any trail with the light weight and vibration damping of a carbon frame. You're willing to pay for parts that give you a better connection with the trail, but you'd rather skip the bling.
The tech you get
A light and stiff full-carbon frame with internal storage, FOX Performance 36 fork with wider stanchions for more stiffness on rough terrain, and a RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft shock. SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with a leg-saving 52-tooth climbing gear, plus Bontrager carbon wheels with a 108-tooth Rapid Drive hub for instant engagement.
The final word
Fuel EX 9.8 is a great investment for one bike that does it all. You get a light carbon frame, but it's the parts that make this model, like the extra-adjustable GRIP damper, the magic-carpet ride of Thru Shaft, and the blistering acceleration of carbon wheels with a Rapid Drive hub.
Why you'll love it
- Fuel EX 9.8 will take your riding to the next level with a parts package that gives you top-shelf performance without the top-shelf price tag
- RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft works faster than a normal shock, so it tracks the ground better and keeps you in control
- The Fox Performance 36 fork gives you four-way damping adjustments for extra-dialed suspension
- We expanded our size range to ensure a better fit for all riders. And, you get the fastest wheel that fits your frame: XS frames get 27.5˝ wheels, S frames get to choose between 27.5˝ or 29˝, and sizes M to XL get 29˝ wheels
Specifications
*spec applies to all sizes unless otherwise noted
Frameset
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame and stays, internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armour, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130 mm travel |
|---|---|
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame and stays, internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armour, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130 mm travel |
| Fork | Fox Performance 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Kabolt axle, 140 mm travel |
| *Shock | Size: XS , S Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with ThruShaft 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210 mm x 52.5 mm |
| Size: S , M , ML , L , XL Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv with ThruShaft 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210 mm x 55 mm |
|
| Max compatible fork travel | 150mm (561mm axle-to-crown) |
Wheels
| Wheel front | NEW Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
|---|---|
| Wheel rear | NEW Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
| Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru-axle, removable lever |
| Rim | Bontrager Line Elite 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
| *Tire | Size: XS , S Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5x2.50" |
| Size: XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29.x2.40" |
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| Size: XS , S Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5x2.60" |
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| Size: S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.50" |
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| Size: S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.60" |
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| Tire part | Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz |
| Rim strip | Bontrager TLR |
| Max tire size | Frame: 29x2.60" Fork: See manufacturer |
Drivetrain
| Shifter | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
|---|---|
| Rear derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle |
| *Crank | Size: XS , S , M , ML , L SRAM GX Eagle, DUB, 30T alloy ring, Boost, 170 mm length |
| Size: S , M , ML , L , XL SRAM GX Eagle, DUB, 30T alloy ring, Boost, 175 mm length |
|
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB, 92 mm, PressFit |
| Cassette | SRAM Eagle XG-1275, 10-52, 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Max chainring size | 34T |
Components
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width |
|---|---|
| *Seatpost | Size: XS , S Bontrager Line Elite, 100 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 340 mm length |
| Size: XS , S Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100 mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 340 mm length |
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| Size: M , ML Bontrager Line Elite, 150 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 440 mm length |
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| Size: M , ML Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 440mm length |
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| Size: L , XL Bontrager Line Elite, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 480 mm length |
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| Size: L , XL Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 480mm length |
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| *Handlebar | Size: XS , S Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35 mm, 15 mm rise, 750 mm width |
| Size: XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 780 mm width |
|
| *Grips | Size: XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on |
| Size: XS , S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on |
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| *Stem | Size: XS , S Bontrager Line Pro, 35 mm, Knock Block, Blendr-compatible, 0-degree, 35 mm length |
| Size: M , ML , L , XL Bontrager Line Pro, 35 mm, Knock Block, Blendr-compatible, 0-degree, 45 mm length |
|
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom |
| Brake | SRAM G2 RS hydraulic disc |
| *Brake rotor | Size: XS , S , M , ML , L , XL SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 180 mm |
| Size: M , ML , L , XL SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 200 mm |
Weight
| Weight | M - 13.10 kg / 28.89 lbs (with TLR sealant, no tubes) |
|---|---|
| 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, and materials.
Bike and frame weights are based off pre-production painted frames at time of publication. Weights may vary in final production.