Fuel EXe Trek Fuel EXe Megathread!

[Balboa]

Yesterday I changed the brakes on my 9.5. It came with Tektro Orion 4P brakes and changed it for a set Magura MT7. I planned to change them directly, when I bought the EXE, but found them good brakes. Didn't like the feel in the levelers that much and they are a bit heavy but with good stopping power!

Changing the hose of the rear brake is quite a hassle. It took me 1.5 hour to get the hose through the right holes in the frame. Every time it went up to the seatpost. My other bikes don't have hoses in the frame, which is very easy for swapping brakes.

I changed the R35 RS fork a while ago for a Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil 160mm. It is such a big difference in the positive way compared to the RS 35 fork. Night and day. It is much more planted and the smoothnes is very good. Even compared to a Fox36 performance elite in my Banshee Prime.

I didn't like te standard dropper on the 9.5 and swapped it for a BikeYoke 185 Revive MAX. You cannot compare the two pricewise, but it is a dropper from another level. I have a BY in my Banshee and OneUp V2 in a Kona Big Honzo, but the BY is the winner of the two.

It won't take long and only the frame, motor and E13 cranks are the only stock items Just the way I planned when buying the 9.5

​

 

[Gd3fit]

Yesterday I changed the brakes on my 9.5. It came with Tektro Orion 4P brakes for a set Magura MT7. I planned to change them directly, when I bought the EXE, but found them good brakes. Didn't like the feel in the levelers that much and they are a bit heavy but with good stopping power!

Changing the hose of the rear brake is quite a hassle. It took me 1.5 hour to get the hose through the right holes in the frame. Every time it went up to the seatpost. My other bikes don't have hoses in the frame, which is very easy for swapping brakes.

I changed the R35 RS fork a while ago for a Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil 160mm. It is such a big difference in the positive way compared to the RS 35 fork. Night and day. It is much more planted and the smoothnes is very good. Even compared to a Fox36 performance elite in my Banshee Prime.

I didn't like te standard dropper on the 9.5 and swapped it for a BikeYoke 185 Devine. You cannot compare the two pricewise, but it is a dropper from another level. I have a BY in my Banshee and OneUp V2 in a Kona Big Honzo, but the BY is the winner of the two.

It won't take long and only the frame, motor and E13 cranks are the only stock items Just the way I planned when buying the 9.5

​

When planning to swap out a bunch of components buying the low spec is the way to go. I considered doing that but found the 9.7 to be relatively good value (and I liked the matte pennyflake) for a few pieces I wanted to keep and others I could sell to make up the $1K difference. I had planned to swap the brakes but my bike came with SLX 4pot which will be plenty good for my trails. The fox 36 rhythm is solid but I swapped in a Pike ultimate 160mm and plan to sell the fox 36 for a fair amount. The line comp Wheelset is pretty nice as well however I’m swapping in a mullet rear. I’m keeping the fox float X.

The dropper post has been something I thought about. I haven’t ridden the bike out yet but it didn’t feel as smooth as my reverb. Seriously considering the bike toke. Im just not sure if I should get a 31.6 and shim as these are a little cheaper used vs a 34. Max post. Is the bike yoke significantly better than the Oneup? Thoughts on the trans X vs Oneup?

 

[Balboa]

When planning to swap out a bunch of components buying the low spec is the way to go. I considered doing that but found the 9.7 to be relatively good value (and I liked the matte pennyflake) for a few pieces I wanted to keep and others I could sell to make up the $1K difference. I had planned to swap the brakes but my bike came with SLX 4pot which will be plenty good for my trails. The fox 36 rhythm is solid but I swapped in a like and plan to sell the fox 36 for a fair amount. The line comp Wheelset is pretty nice as well however I’m swapping in a mullet rear. I’m keeping the fox float X.

The dropper post has been something I thought about. I haven’t ridden the bike out yet but it didn’t feel as smooth as my reverb. Seriously considering the bike toke. Im just not sure if I should get a 31.6 and shim as these are a little cheaper used vs a 34. Max post. Is the bike yoke significantly better than the Oneup? Thoughts on the trans X vs Oneup?

I found the Bikeyoke way better than the OneUp. The OU has some movement/play - bit the same as the standard dropper in the 9.5 - and needs more maintanance. OU is cheaper and you can use longer droppers. Using a shim is something that crossed my mind, but eventuately I bought the Devine MAX 34.9 on a good BF deal.

 

[Gd3fit]

I found the Bikeyoke way better than the OneUp. The OU has some movement/play - bit the same as the standard droper in the 9.5m - and needs more maintanance. OU is cheaper and you van use longer droppers. Using a shim is something that crossed my mind, but eventuately I bought the Devine MAX 34.9 on a good BF deal.

Thank you. May I ask how much the max was? I’m eyeing one used and don’t want to pay more than what a new sale was at lol. Otherwise I’ll just get a 31.6 for under $200. Thanks again for your input.

 

[Mteam]

Yesterday I changed the brakes on my 9.5. It came with Tektro Orion 4P brakes for a set Magura MT7. I planned to change them directly, when I bought the EXE, but found them good brakes. Didn't like the feel in the levelers that much and they are a bit heavy but with good stopping power!

Changing the hose of the rear brake is quite a hassle. It took me 1.5 hour to get the hose through the right holes in the frame. Every time it went up to the seatpost. My other bikes don't have hoses in the frame, which is very easy for swapping brakes.

I changed the R35 RS fork a while ago for a Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil 160mm. It is such a big difference in the positive way compared to the RS 35 fork. Night and day. It is much more planted and the smoothnes is very good. Even compared to a Fox36 performance elite in my Banshee Prime.

I didn't like te standard dropper on the 9.5 and swapped it for a BikeYoke 185 Devine. You cannot compare the two pricewise, but it is a dropper from another level. I have a BY in my Banshee and OneUp V2 in a Kona Big Honzo, but the BY is the winner of the two.

It won't take long and only the frame, motor and E13 cranks are the only stock items Just the way I planned when buying the 9.5

​

I bought the 9.5 with the intention of swapping a lot of parts over, so far I have swapped the following

- swapped the rockshox 35rl fork for a fox 36 factory 160mm
- fitted an axs derailleur instead of the XT
-swapped the wheels for some dt swiss wheels, and swapped the cassette for an xt cassette.
- swapped the awful shimano m420 brakes for magura mt7
- swapped the handlebars for oneup carbon bars
-got rid of the stock tyres and replaced with assegai exo+ up front, and DHR2 double down on the rear.

I had assumed that the seatpost was going to be pretty terrible, and had plans to replace it with a oneup v2 dropper post, but when I used it I was quite pleasantly surprised, so thats staying, although the lever is a bit big and clumsy looking, but it can stay.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the rockshox select+ shock, I have a fox float x2 factory here that will fit, but I havent felt the need to swap it over.

The 9.5 wheels were pretty terrible - very heavy, and quite weak, it didnt take many rides before the spokes started losing tension, plus it only had a shimano HG freehub, not microspline or sram XD, so limited choice of lightweight cassettes.

weight is now down to 19.2kg without pedals, it started life at 20kg without pedals. AS it stands now its pretty much finished, rides well, is light enough and tough enough

 

[Balboa]

Thank you. May I ask how much the max was? I’m eyeing one used and don’t want to pay more than what a new sale was at lol. Otherwise I’ll just get a 31.6 for under $200. Thanks again for your input.

I bought it at and it 's still the same price : Bike Yoke Revive Max Internal Passage Telescopic Seatpost Black (No Command) van € 342,99 in plaats van € 410,00

 

[SensonicHp]

What about delivery times in Europe now?
We ordered three bikes in late june 2022. One yellow 9.8 XT and two Blue 9.8 XT.
Blue have now prel delivery end Januray 2023 and yellow is June 2023!!!

One year delivery time!!! Why does Trek even start the sale if they cant deliver units?
Its the third time delivery dates move for all three bikes.

Is it maybe true that all yellow frames goes to the 9.9 ? But that can be the only reason .

( Specialized bikes are in stock at LBS , just saying )

 

[Xinto]

What about delivery times in Europe now?
We ordered three bikes in late june 2022. One yellow 9.8 XT and two Blue 9.8 XT.
Blue have now prel delivery end Januray 2023 and yellow is June 2023!!!

One year delivery time!!! Why does Trek even start the sale if they cant deliver units?
Its the third time delivery dates move for all three bikes.

Is it maybe true that all yellow frames goes to the 9.9 ? But that can be the only reason .

( Specialized bikes are in stock at LBS , just saying )

Few bikes in stock here in Finland.
All other color available but no yellow.
For yellow few LBS I asked said atleast a year wait time (this was in July).
Even asked Trek about the Project One, but got no info when it comes.

That's why I bought pennyflake.

 

[Swingset]

Finally got around to putting on my Ride Wrap "covered" kit. I guess I had expected some pieces that were designed around all the specific questions you are asked when you order it. I got a generic kit with very few clues with shapes that don't particularly match well. Cleaned the area as I went and its a pretty smooth install. I had to split the down tube piece in half to miss all the water bottle, battery, and charge port areas. Its better than nothing I suppose.

 

[gmcttr]

...You said the seal didn't come out with the lock ring, my understanding is that the seal as well s the oring should be attached to the locknut, so that is puzzling to me.

Soft jaws in vise, rock back and forth while pulling up on the wheel. Takes some doing but it will eventually get there. Be mindful you don't smack yourself in the nose when it lets go

Photos of a Bontrager Line Pro wheel.

Using soft jaws to remove the top cap...

Wheel with top cap removed...

Top cap with pointer touching the internal o-ring...

Hope this helps.

 

[Gd3fit]

Thanks. Visual help’s unfortunately my cheap vice and “soft jaws” don’t hold the end cap tight enough when I’m pulling and rocking. I am tightening down a bit but afraid to do any more damage to the end cap. Meh

 

[gmcttr]

Thanks. Visual help’s unfortunately my cheap vice and “soft jaws” don’t hold the end cap tight enough when I’m pulling and rocking. I am tightening down a bit but afraid to do any more damage to the end cap. Meh

I had to mount it in the end of the jaws rather than the top to get it to hold. I lightly greased the o-ring before putting it back together.

The o-ring is the only thing that makes the top cap snug and difficult to remove.

 

[Swingset]

I tend to get a little devious when it comes to problems like this. Perhaps a hose clamp around the cap that gives you a lip to help pry against the hub?

 

[levity]

Here's a different approach to the "reluctant end cap problem":

Insert a wood dowel into the end cap and just pop the cap off by leveraging the dowel slightly.
I've used it to swap 12 and 15mm end caps on on several wheels.
The dowel shouldn't be too loose, but it doesn't need to fit tightly.
Much less likely to damage the cap than pliers or a vice.
(Disclaimer: have not tried it on the 9.7 Bonty hub as I use wheels with DT350 hubs)

 

[Balboa]

I bought an endcap remover lately for this problem. Don't know if it works for the bontrager hub too
Endcap Tool 2

 

[Psythepie]

I bought the 9.5 with the intention of swapping a lot of parts over, so far I have swapped the following

- swapped the rockshox 35rl fork for a fox 36 factory 160mm
- fitted an axs derailleur instead of the XT
-swapped the wheels for some dt swiss wheels, and swapped the cassette for an xt cassette.
- swapped the awful shimano m420 brakes for magura mt7
- swapped the handlebars for oneup carbon bars
-got rid of the stock tyres and replaced with assegai exo+ up front, and DHR2 double down on the rear.

I had assumed that the seatpost was going to be pretty terrible, and had plans to replace it with a oneup v2 dropper post, but when I used it I was quite pleasantly surprised, so thats staying, although the lever is a bit big and clumsy looking, but it can stay.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the rockshox select+ shock, I have a fox float x2 factory here that will fit, but I havent felt the need to swap it over.

The 9.5 wheels were pretty terrible - very heavy, and quite weak, it didnt take many rides before the spokes started losing tension, plus it only had a shimano HG freehub, not microspline or sram XD, so limited choice of lightweight cassettes.

weight is now down to 19.2kg without pedals, it started life at 20kg without pedals. AS it stands now its pretty much finished, rides well, is light enough and tough enough

I have done pretty much the same & my build currently is this

Fork - '23 Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate
Wheels - Nukeproof Horizon V2
Disc rotors - Sram HS2 @ 200mm
Cassette - Sram GX 10-52T
Seatpost - OneUp with the latest OneUp lever
Bars - OneUp carbon
Stem - OneUp 35mm long

Some of the parts like the cassette, disc rotors & bars I already had & were either new or very recent purchases for my previous bike so it made sense to fit them. I was also fortunate that due to a problem with the original shock when they unboxed the bike at my LBS it was replaced with a Rockshox Deluxe Ultimate so I guess that counts as an upgrade too.

The brakes are on the pending list, I've got no issue with the power of the standard ones seeing as they are 4 pot but the lever shape is pretty awful so I may well change the lever end if I see a good deal.

@Mteam even if you keep the seatpost do yourself a favour & change the lever. The OneUp lever I bought has a lighter action & is much shorter overall which I found made it far easier to find a good position on the bars in relation to my thumb.

 

[Flow81]

I think you ended up being pretty close to correct. Trek seems to have updated their numbers to be closer in line with your bb heights. 341 high and 334 low

Good catch! Not the solution I wanted though. I wonder if Trek will retract or "recall" their "the bike is mullet-able" approval, given the low low mullet BB? I believe they made a mistake in the the spec of the seatstay mold, and decided to just keep going.

I made a fuss about it, and all I got was that "BB heights varies due to tyre stretch, you can have your money back if you want, because the website is wrong". Frustrating!

 

[Flow81]

Given my low-bb frustration, I found 160mm E13 alloy cranks for the TQ / Brose / Fazua, and to my surprise the q-factor of the 160mm length cranks measures a measly 169mm, with the 165mm length cranks measuring a q-factor of 175mm. I would say thats a nice win, its exactly the same as my Next SL cranks on my normal bike. Another benefit of the tiny TQ motor.

In contrast, the Flow mountainbike Fuel EXe review measured the q-factor of the carbon E13 cranks at 195mm, which is nuts!

 

[Gd3fit]

Given my low-bb frustration, I found 160mm E13 alloy cranks for the TQ / Brose / Fazua, and to my surprise the q-factor of the 160mm length cranks measures a measly 169mm, with the 165mm length cranks measuring a q-factor of 175mm. I would say thats a nice win, its exactly the same as my Next SL cranks on my normal bike. Another benefit of the tiny TQ motor.

In contrast, the Flow mountainbike Fuel EXe review measured the q-factor of the carbon E13 cranks at 195mm, which is nuts!

Oh man good to know. I might see if I can snag some 160mm cranks then since I am mulleting.

 

[Bjeast]

Oh man good to know. I might see if I can snag some 160mm cranks then since I am mulleting.

This is terrific news - thanks for sharing this!

 

[dannyb]

Given my low-bb frustration, I found 160mm E13 alloy cranks for the TQ / Brose / Fazua, and to my surprise the q-factor of the 160mm length cranks measures a measly 169mm, with the 165mm length cranks measuring a q-factor of 175mm. I would say thats a nice win, its exactly the same as my Next SL cranks on my normal bike. Another benefit of the tiny TQ motor.

In contrast, the Flow mountainbike Fuel EXe review measured the q-factor of the carbon E13 cranks at 195mm, which is nuts!

Interesting. So it's only the carbon cranks that are problematic?

Any good alternatives out there to consider other than the (heavy) E13s?

 

[dannyb]

I have done pretty much the same & my build currently is this

Fork - '23 Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate
Wheels - Nukeproof Horizon V2
Disc rotors - Sram HS2 @ 200mm
Cassette - Sram GX 10-52T
Seatpost - OneUp with the latest OneUp lever
Bars - OneUp carbon
Stem - OneUp 35mm long

Some of the parts like the cassette, disc rotors & bars I already had & were either new or very recent purchases for my previous bike so it made sense to fit them. I was also fortunate that due to a problem with the original shock when they unboxed the bike at my LBS it was replaced with a Rockshox Deluxe Ultimate so I guess that counts as an upgrade too.

The brakes are on the pending list, I've got no issue with the power of the standard ones seeing as they are 4 pot but the lever shape is pretty awful so I may well change the lever end if I see a good deal.

@Mteam even if you keep the seatpost do yourself a favour & change the lever. The OneUp lever I bought has a lighter action & is much shorter overall which I found made it far easier to find a good position on the bars in relation to my thumb.

Great point, so the OneUp lever is plug and play with the factory TransX setup? Which adapter is needed the 22.2 bar clamp?

 

[dannyb]

Good catch! Not the solution I wanted though. I wonder if Trek will retract or "recall" their "the bike is mullet-able" approval, given the low low mullet BB? I believe they made a mistake in the the spec of the seatstay mold, and decided to just keep going.

I made a fuss about it, and all I got was that "BB heights varies due to tyre stretch, you can have your money back if you want, because the website is wrong". Frustrating!

Can't we just run slightly less sag (and maybe increase travel by 10mm) to increase the BB height?

 

[Cell4soul]

Oh man good to know. I might see if I can snag some 160mm cranks then since I am mulleting.

I am running mullet with 160 mm E-thirteen cranks. I do get a few more pedal strikes, but nothing to worry about. I am in Arizone and the trails here are chunky and have plenty of tech. I am also running a 160 fork, which made up for some of the BB height.

 

[socal_rider]

Great point, so the OneUp lever is plug and play with the factory TransX setup? Which adapter is needed the 22.2 bar clamp?

FYI on my 9.7 I was able to swap out the TransX lever for a PNW Loam Lever Gen2 with the 22.2mm bar clamp. Didn’t even need a new cable. It works great!

 

[DancingWithMyself]

Let me know if you find something... I want to install one too... Just wish that they would had the foresight to put iscg mounts on the frame

Backorder the 104BCD spider that comes on the higher-end versions from FSA. When it eventually gets here, buy a wolftooth chain bash.

I cannot see how ISCG mounts could have been achieved with the motor.

 

[Bjeast]

Backorder the 104BCD spider that comes on the higher-end versions from FSA. When it eventually gets here, buy a wolftooth chain bash.

I cannot see how ISCG mounts could have been achieved with the motor.

So, at the risk of asking a question I should know the answer to, does that 104BCD spider come on my 9.8?

 

[Gd3fit]

Alright I’m finally ready to post my 9.7 Pennyflake build. Have not even taken it out on the trails yet but I think I’m pretty much ready. Using many parts I’m swapping out from my 5010 as I plan to use the Fuel EXe for all of my riding.

Weight without pedals and Oneup steerer tube tool: 39.86 pounds (18.08 kg)

Changes from the stock 9.7 build (mine came with SLX 4 pot as an upgrade from Trek.

1. Mullet
2. Pike Ultimate 2.1RC 160mm travel with Oneup threaded top cap and stem tool kit.
3. Oneup 35mm rise carbon handlebar
4. DMR Defy 35mm Stem (27mm stack)
5. MT-800-IL XTR dropper lever 7mm stroke
6. Ergon GE1 grips
7. M8100 XT shifter
8. M8100 XT cassette
9. 29” XR4 2.4” Raceface AR30
10. 27.5” XR4 2.4” Raceface AR30
11. Raceface Chester pedals
12. Specialized Power Expert Saddle
13. Invisi-shield Wrap

Measured bottom bracket height at 330mm with the Mullet and increased fork travel. For reference my 5010 27.5” in low setting is 336mm which I get some pedal strikes so this will be interesting. Head tube measured at 64.1 degrees. Bike geo calculator seems to agree with my of the measurements.

Pretty happy with the weight. Removing battery will make it a 35 pound heavy trail bike which should be just fine if I wanted to go that route.

Now I just need pics of it out in the wild.

 

[wizard604]

Backorder the 104BCD spider that comes on the higher-end versions from FSA. When it eventually gets here, buy a wolftooth chain bash.

I cannot see how ISCG mounts could have been achieved with the motor.

You will have let me know how that works out. Looks like you would also need new chainring to fit on the 104BCD spider. Also I wonder if there's enough clearance for the chain guide. Might have to remove it.

Makes for a expensive bashguard but I guess if there's no other solution.

 

[Psythepie]

Great point, so the OneUp lever is plug and play with the factory TransX setup? Which adapter is needed the 22.2 bar clamp?

Yep that's the one. I think any of the aftermarket levers that have a cable clamp at the lever end will work, I've read good things about the Wolftooth one too.