About one year ago, Trek caused quite a stir. Its Fuel EXe trail bike was one of the very first models on the market to feature TQ’s HPR50 e-drive. This was celebrated not only by the manufacturer, but also a wide range of media were very enthusiastic and awarded the bike numerous prizes.
Presumably, some of you have also become aware of the Trek Fuel EXe, only to drop your plans to buy it again quite quickly due to the price. For those, there is now good news. Trek is presenting the Fuel EXe once again – only on the basis of an aluminium frame. In view of the noticeably lower prices, many a dream may suddenly be within reach again.
Felt like being at eye level
In creating its aluminium models, Trek has essentially limited itself to replacing the frame. The primary goal was to create a twin that was in no way inferior to the carbon frame models in terms of looks and handling. To make this work, especially in terms of external appearance, the weld seams, for example, were elaborately ground, which usually make the difference between the two frame materials immediately recognisable.
Trek has also introduced an angle-adjustable headset to the aluminium fleet. You can add this to the equipment if you wish. This was introduced on the carbon frame of the Trek Fuel EX Gen 6, where you can increase or decrease the head angle by one degree with the help of angled headset cups. So if you want to change the actual geometry to make your bike either a little more descent-oriented or a little more agile, you can also do this on the cheaper ebikes now being presented.
This will probably only be of real interest to those of you who are more experienced riders. Especially since the change takes a little time and is not something you can do in the blink of an eye on the trail. Nevertheless, this is an option that is not available on the more expensive carbon models, at least as things stand.
Sticking to the proven concept
Apart from that, however, we are talking about almost identical frames. The suspension travel remains at 140 millimetres at the rear and 150 millimetres at the front. Those who prefer the shock one size larger or the dropper seatpost one size longer than standard also have the necessary leeway here. If you want to know how the bike will ultimately ride on the trails, you can confidently consult the tests and reviews of the Trek Fuel EXe from the 2023 model year. You’re sure to find what you’re looking for quickly on the web. Experience shows that the difference between aluminium and carbon in terms of performance on the trails is rather small. Of course, the stiffness of carbon is higher than that of aluminium. However, you will only feel this if you push the bike really hard and at the same time have the sensitivity for the difference. Often, the two materials are simply very close to each other.
Price/weight ratio: example 1
The one who can accurately detect the difference is the scale. So let’s look specifically at two of the new aluminium models. This will help you to assess whether the lower price or the lower weight is worth it for you. We start with the Trek Fuel EXe 5, the new entry-level model. It costs 5,499 euros and weighs 20.80 kilograms in frame size M, according to Trek. The cheapest model with a carbon frame so far was the Trek Fuel EXe 9.5. At 6,999 euros, you get a trail bike with electric assistance that weighs 19.93 kilograms, just under the 20-kilogram mark. This results in a weight difference of 870 grams, with a price difference of 1,500 euros. You can break that down to a price of around 172 euros per 100 grams.
Given the modest difference, it’s not surprising that the technical specifications of the two models hardly differ. The suspension forks are almost identical, while the shocks are different. Qualitatively, this is on about the same level, which is why the scales are unlikely to tip towards one model or the other here. A Shimano cassette on the Trek Fuel EXe 5 is compared to a SunRace on the Trek Fuel EXe 9.5. Here there is even a slight advantage in favour of the cheaper EXe 5. As for the brakes, there is a model from Tektro and a model from TRP, Tektro’s sportier sister brand. In terms of weight, this also amounts to a draw. Since all other specifications are the same, the frame should be the main reason for the lower weight of the Trek Fuel EXe 9.5.
Price/weight ratio: example 2
Things look very different in the case of the top model in the range with the aluminium frame. We compare the Trek Fuel EXe 8 GX AXS with the Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS presented last year. The Trek Fuel EXe 8 GX AXS weighs 20.25 kilograms and costs 7,499 euros. The 10,699 euros for the Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS, which even comes in at 11,299 euros in the Baja Yellow colour, is a bigger jump in price. However, this is offset by a weight reduction of 2,080 grams. Overall, this adds up to 154 euros per 100 grams, if the lower price of the carbon bike is taken into account.
The respective features also differ correspondingly. If you spend more, you get a RockShox suspension system. Those who invest less have to make friends with Fox. However, the lower weight of the Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS is due more to the wheelset with carbon rims and the integrated carbon handlebar-stem unit. In return, the EXe 8 scores points for its gears. With the brand new transmission system, which is now also available for an electronically shiftable GX groupset, it makes up a few grams. On the Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS you will also find a wireless gearing, but still with a conventional derailleur hanger.
Do you prefer the app from the bike manufacturer or from the motor supplier?
No matter which model you choose, one tip is the Trek app. As in the TQ app, you can adjust the power of the motor, read the estimated remaining range and otherwise view all the usual information about the e-drive. On top of that, however, there are recommendations from Trek for tyre and suspension pressure, reminders for the next inspection and navigation, to name just a few functions.
Oh. very important. While you had to wait a while for the Trek Fuel EXe with carbon frame last year, the new aluminium models are available immediately.
Trek Fuel EXe Ally 2024 at a glance
- Variants: Fuel EXe 8 GX AXS T-Type, Fuel EXe 8 XT, Fuel EXe 5
- Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium
- Motor: TQ HPR50
- Battery: TQ 360 Wh
- Display: TQ LED display
- Suspension fork: Fox Rhythm 36 Float EVOL, RockShox Recon Silver
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle AXS, T-Type, Shimano XT, Shimano Deore, Tektro HD-M745
- Brakes: SRAM DB 8, Shimano M6100
- Weight: from 20.10 kg (frame size M)
- Maximum permitted total weight: 136 kg
- Colours: Matte Keswick, Rage Red to Deep Dark Blue Fade, Satin Mercury, Nautical Navy, Matte Dnister Black, Matte Blue Sage
Pictures: Trek Bicycle Corporation
