The Bottom Line
The component spec on the Fuel EX 7 is both reliable and well thought out, creating a cockpit that feels comfortable and natural.
The rear suspension was a small issue for us, but those looking to benefit from some extra suspension while maintaining a bit of a core XC feel will enjoy this bike.
- Excellent component spec
- Nice fork
- Good performing XC geometry
- Lightweight and simple suspension frame design with fewer pivots
- Somewhat harsh rear end with the RockShox MC 3 motion control
Description
- RockShox Reba SL 100mm Fork
- Deore / Deore XT drivetrain
- ZR 9000 Alloy Frame
- Hayes HFX-9 hydraulic disc brakes
- RockShox MC 3 rear shock
- Trek Bikes' PowerPoint Triangle / RockerLink suspension
Guide Review - Trek Bikes Fuel EX 7 Review
In general, the Trek bikes Fuel EX 7 is a great bike. The component spec leaves little to complain about, and will perform well over time. With the Trek Fuel EX 7, Trek bikes has done a good job of matching up good comfortable components with proven geometry to create a bike that feels right from the get go.
We felt very confident cornering the Fuel EX 7 from Trek Bikes and the 100mm RockShox Reba fork performed nicely when things got rough.
The bike had no mechanical problems through hours of testing and the brakes and drivetrain performed flawlessly.
The biggest issue we had with the the Fuel EX 7 from Trek Bikes was the performance of the rear suspension when matched up with the RockShox MC 3 rear shock. We found the ride to be relatively harsh in all but the lightest Motion Control adjustment setting. Anywhere else, we sacrificed some bump, comfort and traction performance.
For downhills and comfort cruising we really liked the fully open (non-Motion Control) position. With this setting, the rear end was was more plush, but this is no all-mountain machine. The bike is designed as an XC bike and the rear end feels like one.
There is a Women's specific Trek Fuel EX 7 WSD model available along with some higher and lower end Fuel EX and EX WSD models.
