Tech

Trek announce Fuel EX with 27.5 Plus

· By Press Office · 20 comments

Trek has expanded one of the world’s most popular trail bike lines with the introduction of the Fuel EX 27.5 Plus. The popularity of mid-fat tires has shown riders how a little extra tire volume can yield a lot more traction and a lot more fun. Now the benefits of wider tires are being combined with full-suspension capability in the all-new Fuel EX 27.5 Plus.

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A stiffer, more confidence-inspiring frame gets the mid-fat tire treatment along with an increased 130/140mm of suspension travel. The key feature of the new model is its freshly updated 27.5 x 2.8 Bontrager Chupacabra tires, rolling on 40mm rims. This setup significantly increases traction and stability, but keeps weight and rolling resistance low enough to maintain the nimble handling and quick acceleration that fans of Fuel EX have come to expect. Fans of 29” wheels need not worry as the Fuel EX will still be available as a 29er.

Novice and intermediate riders will instantly feel more confident aboard Fuel EX Plus with increased stability and traction on any trail. Advanced riders will find themselves clearing more technical trail features than ever thanks to the added grip in extreme situations like ultra-steep blown-out climbs and rowdy off-camber roots.

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To go along with all that extra fun, we added more travel to Fuel EX with 130mm out back and 140mm up front. Of course, we still use our proven suspension technologies including ABP, Full Floater, and RE:aktiv for a chassis that’s ready for the plus-sized party. Boost hub spacing makes room for those meaty tires and allows us to keep the chainstays to a playful 433mm.

The new frame is available in either Alpha Platinum Aluminum or OCLV Mountain Carbon to cover a wide range of riders. The new bikes feature updated The new bikes feature updated slacker, low and long geometry and a robust straight downtube producing the stiffest frame in its category. For an added measure of protection, we developed Knock Block frame defense, which keeps the fork crown and handlebar controls from hitting the frame. All of the new Fuel EX 27.5 Plus frames come with our Control Freak internal routing system for a set up that’s versatile and easy to use, while Mino Link allows riders to further fine tune their geometry. The Fuel EX 27.5 Plus is backed up, as are all Trek bicycles, with Trek Care, the industry’s best warranty.

Models

Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus

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  • FrameOCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & seatstay, alloy chainstay, ABP, Boost148, Knock Block steerer stop, Full Floater, EVO link, E2 tapered head tube, Mino Link, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, PF92, ISCG 05, G2 Geometry, 130mm travel
  • Front suspensionFox Performance 34 Float, FIT4 3-position damper, E2 tapered steerer, Boost110, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset, 140mm travel
  • Rear suspensionFox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210×52.5mm
  • Front HubDT Swiss 350 centerlock disc, Boost110
  • Rear HubDT Swiss 350 centerlock, Boost148
  • RimsSUNringlé Duroc 40 SL 28-hole
  • TyresBontrager Chupacabra, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 27.5×2.80″
  • Bottom bracketPF92
  • CassetteShimano Deore XT, 11-40, 11 speed
  • ChainShimano Deore XT
  • CrankShimano Deore XT, 36/26
  • Front derailleurShimano Deore XT, high direct mount
  • Rear derailleurShimano Deore XT, Shadow Plus
  • ShiftersShimano Deore XT M8000, 11 speed
  • BrakesetShimano Deore XT hydraulic disc
  • HandlebarBontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
  • HeadsetKnock Block Integrated, cartridge bearing, sealed, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom
  • SaddleBontrager Evoke 3, titanium rails
  • SeatpostRockShox Reverb Stealth, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, zero offset
  • StemBontrager Line Pro, Knock Block, 35mm, 0 degree
  • GripsBontrager Race Lite, lock-on
  • US Retail Pricing$5 299,99

Fuel EX 8 27.5 Plus

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  • FrameAlpha Platinum Aluminum, ABP, Boost148, Knock Block steerer stop, Full Floater, EVO link, E2 tapered head tube, Mino Link, Control Freak internal routing, down tube guard, PF92, ISCG 05, G2 Geometry, 130mm travel
  • Front suspensionFox Rhythm 34 Float, Grip adjustable damper, E2 tapered steerer, Boost110, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset, 140mm travel
  • Rear suspensionFox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 210×52.5mm
  • Front HubBontrager sealed bearing, alloy axle, Boost110
  • Rear HubBontrager sealed bearing, Boost148
  • RimsSUNringlé Duroc 40 SL 28-hole
  • TyresBontrager Chupacabra, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 27.5×2.80″
  • Bottom bracketPF92
  • CassetteSRAM XG-1150, 10-42, 11 speed
  • ChainSRAM PC 1130
  • CrankSRAM GX 1000, 32T X-Sync
  • Front derailleurN/A
  • Rear derailleurSRAM GX, Roller Bearing Clutch
  • ShiftersSRAM GX, 11 speed
  • BrakesetShimano Deore hydraulic disc
  • HandlebarBontrager Line, 35mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
  • HeadsetKnock Block Integrated, cartridge bearing, sealed, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom
  • SaddleBontrager Evoke 2, chromoly rails
  • SeatpostKS eThirty Integra, remote lever, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, zero offset, internal routing
  • StemBontrager Line, Knock Block, 35mm, 0 degree
  • GripsBontrager Race Lite, lock-on
  • US Retail Pricing$3 299,99

Fuel EX 5 27.5 Plus
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  • FrameAlpha Platinum Aluminum, ABP, Boost148, Knock Block steerer stop, Full Floater, EVO link, E2 tapered head tube, Mino Link, Control Freak internal routing, down tube guard, PF92, ISCG 05, G2 Geometry, 130mm travel
  • Front suspensionRockShox Sektor Silver RL, Solo Air, TurnKey lockout, E2 tapered steerer, Boost110, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset, 140mm travel
  • Rear suspensionRockShox Deluxe RL, 210×52.5mm
  • Front HubBontrager alloy, Boost110
  • Rear HubBontrager alloy, Boost148
  • RimsSUNringlé Duroc 40 SL 28-hole
  • TyresBontrager Chupacabra, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 27.5×2.80″
  • Bottom bracketPF92
  • CassetteShimano HG50, 11-36, 10 speed
  • ChainKMC X10
  • CrankRace Face Ride, 36/22
  • Front derailleurShimano Deore, high direct mount
  • Rear derailleurShimano Deore, Shadow
  • ShiftersShimano Deore, 10 speed
  • BrakesetShimano M315 hydraulic disc
  • HandlebarBontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
  • HeadsetKnock Block Integrated, cartridge bearing, sealed, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom
  • SaddleBontrager Evoke 1.5
  • SeatpostBontrager SSR, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, 12mm offset
  • StemBontrager Rhythm Comp, Knock Block, 31.8mm, 0 degree
  • GripsBontrager Race
  • US Retail Pricing$2 399,99

Question and Answer:

How much suspension travel does Fuel EX 27.5 Plus have?

Fuel EX 27.5 Plus features 130mm rear and 140mm front suspension travel.

Why 27.5×2.8?

We tested every rim and tire combo out there and found that 27.5×2.8 tires on 40mm rims gave us that extra traction and stability we wanted, but also kept the weight and rolling resistance low enough to maintain nimble handling and good acceleration.

Will standard 29” wheels fit? What about standard 27.5 wheels?

The frame will accept standard 29” wheels, which will raise the BB slightly. We don’t recommend running standard or smaller 27.5” tires, as that would lower the BB too much, and the handling will suffer.

What is the max tire size?

27.5×2.8 or 29×2.4

Will there be any new Fuel EX’s spec’d with 29” wheels?

Not at this time.

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What is new with the suspension?

We still use our proven suspension design with ABP, Full Floater, EVO Link, and RE:aktiv, but we’ve refined the system in two ways. We’ve adjusted the leverage ratio to optimize the performance of the larger negative air springs on the new Fox EVOL and RockShox DebonAir shocks without having to resort to higher-than-ideal air pressures.

We also went to a slightly longer metric-sized shock. This allows for better compatibility and it also gives us a more space for the shock’s internals for optimized performance in a more svelte package.

What’s new on the frame?

The geometry gets lower and slacker for better stability at high speeds and on steep terrain. We’ve also straightened the down tube and eliminated the curve behind the head tube to gain stiffness without adding weight. This frame is boasting an added level of frame protection with our Knock Block steerer stop, which protects the down tube from fork crown impacts and the top tube from handlebar controls. While our Control Freak internal routing system isn’t new on the carbon frame, we have added this slick feature to the alloy models as well.

What is the head angle? Chainstay length?

Low Mino Link position: 66.6
High Mino Link position: 67.2
Chainstay length: 433mm

Does the fork feature G2 Geometry?

Yes. Since the overall diameter of a 27.5×3.8 tire is close to that of a 29er, this platform benefits from the quick slow-speed handling and stable high-speed handling offered by G2 Geometry.

Is there a recommended starting tire pressure?

As always, the ideal tire pressure depends on many factors such as rider weight, riding style, and terrain. However, these higher-volume Plus tires will perform best at lower pressures than a standard mountain bike tire. For most riders, the ideal tire pressure will be between 13-18 psi. Keep in mind that even a half psi can make a big difference in finding the sweet spot between traction and sidewall stability.

Will new Fuel EX be offered as a frame only?

Not at this time.

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Comments

popcorn_skollie

May 27, 2016, 7:44 AM

http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/theamazingworldofgumball/images/d/de/StormScreen9Bigeyes.png/revision/latest?cb=20130528122956

shaper

May 27, 2016, 8:42 AM

If only I had R83k lying around.....

whattingh

May 27, 2016, 9:20 AM

thank you very much ex-change rate. It savesme from buy another bike

raptor-22

May 27, 2016, 9:34 AM

Trek, spaz and cannondale seem to be pricing themselves into the stratosphere these days

TheJ

May 27, 2016, 11:36 AM

Or, buy a set of AM Classic Wide Lightening wheels, just about giving you Plus width tyres - for under R10k.

Tjeckboek

May 27, 2016, 12:48 PM

WoW This will be one kick a$$ fun bike to ride !!!! 

Really nice !!! 

Mohs

May 27, 2016, 5:26 PM

The Bastard child of Moondraker and Pyga....I'll adopt it!!

BrandonF_

May 27, 2016, 5:43 PM

MM....was nog nooit so MM nie.

FCH

May 27, 2016, 6:49 PM

All fine and well blaming the useless Rand; but bike companies are busy taking the ..ss , seriously these bikes cost more than motorbikes now. My mates in US are choking at new bike prices, they earn in $.

Paying 80k for XT equiped bike.

King Dean

May 28, 2016, 8:41 AM

That 9.8 is a thing of beauty! 

flyluis

May 28, 2016, 9:25 AM

Such a pity the ZAR is messing this up for us. Looks like a fun bike to shred!! 

Headshot

May 30, 2016, 10:32 AM

Good fun but my feeling is this can never be your one and only bike. If you buy a mid range ali version it will weigh a tonne. Put on decent strong tyres - if they ever become available - and it will weigh a tonne more. Don't do that and you are far more at risk of side wall tears that a tube and sealant wont fix. 

 

Rather run wide rims and 2.4 tyres on a normal bike. I'll change my mind when DH and enduro racers start running plus size... 

Odinson

May 30, 2016, 11:12 AM

Good fun but my feeling is this can never be your one and only bike. If you buy a mid range ali version it will weigh a tonne. Put on decent strong tyres - if they ever become available - and it will weigh a tonne more. Don't do that and you are far more at risk of side wall tears that a tube and sealant wont fix. 

 

Rather run wide rims and 2.4 tyres on a normal bike. I'll change my mind when DH and enduro racers start running plus size... 

 

Never going to happen. Maybe only as a publicity stunt.

 

There's talk that the best compromise might be 2.5" (or thereabouts) tyres on wide (30-40mm internal width) rims.

 

Maxxis is already making wide rim specific tyres.

JXV

May 30, 2016, 11:51 AM

I think 27.5 plus will be great for the Kzn coastal guys who ride and train in the sandy trails of local plantations and sugar cane fields. Reckon it would handle wet beach sand at low tide quite well too.

 

Gonna get horribly heavy in mud....

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

NicoBoshoff

May 30, 2016, 11:57 AM

As soon as the rubber on my new bike goes, I'm fitting some 2.4's on to see what all this wider blah-blah is about. Have 30mm rims now, but with the stock OEM 2.3's on atm.

 

As for 27.5+?  If I wanted a bouncy castle I'd phone a kids party planner.

Captain Fastbastard Mayhem

May 30, 2016, 12:00 PM

As soon as the rubber on my new bike goes, I'm fitting some 2.4's on to see what all this wider blah-blah is about. Have 30mm rims now, but with the stock OEM 2.3's on atm.

 

As for 27.5+?  If I wanted a bouncy castle I'd phone a kids party planner.

Ja, but WHICH 2.4... A 2.4 is not a 2.4 is not a 2.4... 

 

Just ask Schwalbe & Continental... 

Odinson

May 30, 2016, 12:07 PM

Ja, but WHICH 2.4... A 2.4 is not a 2.4 is not a 2.4... 

 

Just ask Schwalbe & Continental... 

 

Yahtzee.

 

I've got a 2.35" Michelin Wild Grip'R on a 21mm inner width rim. My wife's got a 2.35" Nobby Nic on a 25mm inner width rim. Over the weekend I held the two wheels next to one another and it looked like I was comparing a 29er to a 650B. The Nobby Nic has significantly more volume and is a much "taller" tyre.

NicoBoshoff

May 30, 2016, 1:25 PM

Ja, but WHICH 2.4... A 2.4 is not a 2.4 is not a 2.4... 

 

Just ask Schwalbe & Continental... 

I don't know.  Whichever ones don't make my bike look like a fat bike?

AlanD

Jun 1, 2016, 7:38 AM

It's a thing a beauty this but I do have a question and pardon my ignorance, what happens if you need to put the seatpost further down in the seat tube? There doesn't look like a lot of space with that angle or am I totally missing something here?

Skinnyone

Jun 2, 2016, 10:34 AM

It's a thing a beauty this but I do have a question and pardon my ignorance, what happens if you need to put the seatpost further down in the seat tube? There doesn't look like a lot of space with that angle or am I totally missing something here?

I'm pretty sure they have accommodated all of the lower part of the dropper post to go in, and if you need it lower than that then you are on the wrong size bike..

 

Having said that tho I did have a client once who rode a small size and couldn't ride a dropper cuz we couldn't get it low enough...in that sort of case there would have to be a compromise i.e. ride a standard post and don't have a dropper...

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