Weight: 40.9 lbs. (medium, 9.9 XX1 AXS)
Price: $14,000 (9.9 XX1 AXS)
Trek kicks off a big week of mountain bike launches with the introduction of their latest e-mountain bike: The Fuel EX-e.
While the usual e-bike story is about more power, battery, and range, the EX-e falls into the intriguing e-light category where the story is less.
With this smaller and lighter e-bike, the EX-e, you can get the same power as a full rtr but without having to carry the weight.
With this more accessible bike, lighter riders will feel welcome. It’s also a lot of fun for less powerful riders who might enjoy an unpowered e-bike riding style.
Trek Fuel EX-e Ride Impressions
The Fuel EX-e is one of the first e-bikes to be powered by a battery instead of gas, forgoing the need for a traditional frame. Because it was released ahead of its time, I have already experienced many versions as an unpowered bike.
With the frame debut of Trek’s Fuel EX trail bike, I was surprised to see how one-dimensional the design of this all-new model is.
Plus, with new technology like the TQ motor on a new (to me) frame platform as well as the Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, I foresee this bike to be a great option for those wanting an all-around fun trail bike.
With the top of the line 9.9 XX1 AXS in Baja Yellow, I was able to ride with a smoothness that can only be found from RockShox and a feel like no other.
The Bontrager SE5 Team Issue tires performed well, too, getting me through rough terrain without issue. A step forward for RockShox was the 2023 parts which are smoother than normal.
Another feature missing from my bike was the Trek AirWiz fork and rear shock, or Quarq’s TyreWiz tire pressure sensors.
These settings are available for new purchasers of the EX-e model through the Project One customization program.
This bike really made an impression on me. I was impressed by how many features had been included in the EX-e package and I became very comfortable with it quickly.
I also love this bike because it has been called one of the best mountain bikes with or without power, and I can’t wait until Unplugged comes out!
The frame of the EX-e is both lightweight and durable; combining to make it a great companion for your mountain bike riding.
The frame’s geometry numbers are typical of modern mountain bikes with a balance that is in line with many types of climbs and descents.
As opposed to an average e-mountain bike, the EX-e pedal and leaps smarter and livelier satisfying even the most demanding riders.
Trek Fuel EX-e Battery and Range
Thanks to their 360 Wh internal battery (great for “two to five hours” of riding), this is one bike that can keep up with you no matter where you pedal.
While it’s frustratingly vague, it’s accurate as many factors will impact your range. I did a 25-mile ride with nearly 2500 feet of climbing and rode about two hours 40 minutes before finishing with less than 30% battery remaining, so I think the two-to-five hour estimate is accurate.
Need more range? If so, the EX-e offers a couple of options. One is a 160Wh piggyback battery ($660, 900 gram claimed weight) that fits into the bottle cage.
You will lose the ability to put a water bottle on the bike, but it will provide 40 percent more range. One clever thing about this range extender is that you can charge both the extender and in-frame battery through a charge port in the extender.
The other option is to buy an in-frame battery ($750). You can easily remove the in-frame battery from frame if you are willing to carry an extra 1835g battery in your pack.
