PSA: the Trek Fuel Ex 5 is an Amazing Bike for the Money

Triathlon Forum
1

First, a disclaimer: I recently had a tiff with Trek so I definitely don’t have any love for the brand. Also, I’m by no means a great MTB rider.

That said, I’ve been riding off road primarily the last couple of years and I’ve ridden a ton of mountain bikes. I feel pretty confident in giving recommendations and the new Fuel Ex 5 is an amazing bike for the money:

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-5/p/29459/

$1900 for a full suspension trail bike with a dropper and a 1x drivetrain… and really good tires!

I own a 9.9 version of the last generation Fuel Ex and I recently test rode a new Fuel Ex 5 because I’m buying a mountain bike for my girlfriend for Christmas (I’m buying her this bike).

In the same size (large) the new Ex 5 is considerably heavier than my 9.9… about 7lbs I’d guess… but that really doesn’t hold it back on the trail. Yes you notice it steep climbs but that’s about it. The Recon RL isn’t as supple as my 34 but it’s still pretty darn good! The rear suspension isn’t as supple either and is a touch more progressive probably on account of the new kinematics. That all sounds “bad” but it’s not. THIS IS AN AMAZING BIKE! My 9.9 is absolutely dialed so it’s a very tough benchmark. I rode bikes in Sedona earlier this year that were 3x the price and only marginally more capable (and that’s strictly down to having Eagle 12 speed).

The biggest limitation this bike has is the 1x10 11-42 drivetrain. It’s not a deal breaker, however, and it will be perfectly serviceable for 95% of people 95% of the time.

This bike has great bones. If you are just dipping a toe into mountain biking this is a great starting point. It’s a bike that you’ll feel confident on and is capable enough to ride just about any trail. Throw a pair of XR2s on there if you’re racing something like XC. Not ideal but completely serviceable. Decide you don’t like mountain biking? You can probably sell it lightly used and not take much of a hit at all. Decide you love it? Get a better fork, carbon bars, better wheels, etc.

So again, Trek is on my crap list for personal reasons but that doesn’t change the fact that this is an amazing bike for the money.

2

Yeah, the new bikes are really good. The 9.9 is definitely on my Xmas list, but you’re right, that’s a great deal for someone looking for their first MTB.

3

In your opinion, is the Fuel EX 7 worth an extra $800 over the 5? Seems like a substantial jump in components (drivetrain, wheels, fork, shock, and brakes) that is likely cheaper than trying to add everything to the 5.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-7/p/29456/

4

Yes- the 7 definitely is worth the $800 if you have it. There are some very big improvements.

5

Yes the 7 is also a great bike for the money. As a general update, most of the Fuel Ex 5s are already sold out! Unless there’s a bike on a dealer’s floor the Fuel Ex 5 is backordered until February.