Fuel EXe Trek Fuel EXe Megathread!

[ThierryGTLTS]

nope she’s pedalling at a normal speed on mid mode and she’s fit i.e. runs 60km a week and used to do lots of CrossFit . Has also represented her alma mater in a marathon . The sound actually isn’t there when she’s pedalling slowly and it’s only when she’s pedalling at a normal to high cadence. Her normal cadence is 90rpm. Also this isn’t the trek rail where the motor does all the work.

Any news about the problem?!

Just wanted to know if it's a motor or Battery/harness issue.

A battery/harness issue is not important for me, because it could be fixed quickly..

Have a Nice Day.

Thierry

 

[Cell4soul]

How long have they said before the ridewrap is available? I looked yesterday and it said pre-order.?

Frameskin has bike wraps for every size frame of the Fuel EXe. I contacted Invisframe. They have nothing and have no idea when they will have it. I contacted Ride Wrap. They have XL ready to ship. They will have medium ready to ship in about 3 weeks. They have no ETA on large or small.

I ordered the Frameskin yesterday. Service was incredible and personal. The person I dealt with took a lot of his extra time to share his ride experience on the EXe (all really positive).

 

[The Reverend]

Frameskin has bike wraps for every size frame of the Fuel EXe. I contacted Invisframe. They have nothing and have no idea when they will have it. I contacted Ride Wrap. They have XL ready to ship. They will have medium ready to ship in about 3 weeks. They have no ETA on large or small.

I ordered the Frameskin yesterday. Service was incredible and personal. The person I dealt with took a lot of his extra time to share his ride experience on the EXe (all really positive).

I can confirm the RideWrap xl kit is ready and being shipped. Mine arrives tomorrow after a 3 week wait. Was expecting it in a month so very good stakeholder management from them.

If you hear screaming and insistent sighing noises coming from Australia, that'll be me trying to apply it. I may yet pay my store to do it.

 

[Zed]

Good FTP W/kg is code for “Do you enjoy drinking beer and eating pies or Kombucha and salads”

Hahaha I love this, so true...

 

[Jujujuice]

Any news about the problem?!

Just wanted to know if it's a motor or Battery/harness issue.

A battery/harness issue is not important for me, because it could be fixed quickly..

Have a Nice Day.

Thierry

Hi Thierry

No news yet, my LBS is bringing my wife's bike on the trails today to replicate what is happening as it is hard to do it on the flat. My LBS said they checked everything else on the bike and there are no issues with it so that only leaves the motor. I guess Trek is just trying to see if there are other issues on the bike that is causing the grinding/rattling noise as my wife is already on her second TQ motor in less than two weeks and half of that time spent in the bike shop trying to repair it.

Our other mate up in Auckland is now facing the issue with his exe 9.8xt after two rides when he is going uphill so he says he might replace it for a rail 9.8xt instead like what I did.

 

[CrashMaster]

Thx great review. I have the M10 for XC Trail and Levo Gen 3 for mountain and are looking for something in between. Guess the Pivot, Transition and or next SP SL will be interesting to evaluate as an alternative. Ibis is set to release an e-bike too…

Think winners will be the one that really makes the best sw hw and customer service integration like Tesla in the automotives. Maybe that’s why Porsche acquired Fazua to maybe do this. Then it becomes a platform business.

Yes – software integration will be key…. And to that point, I just paired the EXe to a Garmin Edge 1040 and I’m happy to report it picked up on all the goodies — Battery life by 0-100%, mode, range (which is constantly calculated based on mode and conditions), rider POWER METER, speed, cadence, etc. The Trek Central app is also pretty cool but does have a couple bugs that need to be worked out. Overall, I’m very happy with the TQ integration.

Overall, I’m really enjoying the bike. I really like how quiet the motor is…. I forget it’s power assist — until I hit 20 MPH…. Then it just feels like you got a flat when the motor smoothly stops assisting.

 

[Trail Blazer]

Yes – software integration will be key…. And to that point, I just paired the EXe to a Garmin Edge 1040 and I’m happy to report it picked up on all the goodies — Battery life by 0-100%, mode, range (which is constantly calculated based on mode and conditions), rider POWER METER, speed, cadence, etc. The Trek Central app is also pretty cool but does have a couple bugs that need to be worked out. Overall, I’m very happy with the TQ integration.

Overall, I’m really enjoying the bike. I really like how quiet the motor is…. I forget it’s power assist — until I hit 20 MPH…. Then it just feels like you got a flat when the motor smoothly stops assisting.

What sizes M10 and EXE?

 

[CrashMaster]

What sizes M10 and EXE?

The M10 is Large and the EXe is XL.

 

[Trail Blazer]

The M10 is Large and the EXe is XL.

Hmm I’m on XL M10 and Trek geo chart says L. I’m 185 6.1

 

[The Reverend]

For anyone looking to get the RideWrap frame protection kit for this bike, I can tell you it's excellent. Exceptional quality and well designed and executed.

It does take time to apply though, but with lots of patience and a slow methodical approach it works out well. In a well lit room with LOTS of additional lighting, it probably took me 5.5 hrs over two days.

It's almost invisible, covers every aspect of the bike with holes cut for bolts (like the chainstay protector) accurate to the millimetre.

 

[maynard]

Good FTP W/kg is code for “Do you enjoy drinking beer and eating pies or Kombucha and salads”

What if you like all the above?

 

[Loamranger]

Can anyone answer : regarding warranty is this for 2 years transferable/ non transferable and is there a stated maximum number of hours ride time for warranty cover?

 

[The Reverend]

Ok, so of you're on the fence on this bike I can tell you it is superb.

I took my first ride on it after spending a while wrapping it and a couple of tweaks for fit.

Climbing.
The best way to describe it is feeling supremely strong and fit. In low / eco mode it is supportive and subtle.

In mid it's great and more then sufficient for most climbs.

In high, it's just super strong yet not overpowering or overwhelming. Enough for very steep pinches.

I generally moved between the modes depending on how steep the climb was.

It felt like I was pedalling, but at ~65% effort but feeling well within comfort levels and travelling at over 3* the pace.

Climbing had become a real chore for me but now feels great fun.

On one climb I switched the power completely off and it was no more effort than my preferred trail bike, a Deviate Highlander 150.

Descending.
Very surprising actually. It feels planted, plush, responsive and not at all weighty or tank like. It feels like a really well sorted trail bike.
Speeding up the rebound at the rear makes it track the ground beautifully, and the support on climbing means one can get away with it.
Handling is precise and it hops and moved about on request easily.

When I get back to riding a non powered bike I'm sure it'll feel super light, but its weight is not the overriding feeling / memory I have riding the Fuel Ex-e.

Overall.
Very happy is an understatement. Great support on the climbs, gentle / subtle power delivery and no knocking / clanking or standard E-bike sounds.

Battery life was pretty impressive too. I didn't track the ride but was out for 3+hour with plenty of steep & long climbing. I'm 107kgs and it had over 60% battery left.

My only gripe, which is highly personal, is the integrated bar and stem. This is too low and I didn't like the roll position which is fixed. Trek will fix that though at no charge so I can get a different set up.

 

[TorAtle]

Using a simple torque/power calculator and a peak power of 300 watts, 50 Nm is limited to a cadence of 58. Over that it drops. At 75 it's down to 38 Nm. At 100 (often seen after downshifting when entering a climb) only 28 Nm. Power in watts = torque * cadence / 9.5488.

I'm not bashing the Trek, all emtbs are power limited. On paper, the Pivot Shuttle SL has a pretty similar power/torque relationship with 350 watts and 60 Nm, but in addition has a 12 second "boost" mode with 450 watts which is much better.

 

[The Reverend]

Using a simple torque/power calculator and a peak power of 300 watts, 50 Nm is limited to a cadence of 58. Over that it drops. At 75 it's down to 38 Nm. At 100 (often seen after downshifting when entering a climb) only 28 Nm. Power in watts = torque * cadence / 9.5488.

I'm not bashing the Trek, all emtbs are power limited. On paper, the Pivot Shuttle SL has a pretty similar power/torque relationship with 350 watts and 60 Nm, but in addition has a 12 second "boost" mode with 450 watts which is much better.

Wouldn't the ability for the TQ motor to provide a similar functionality be a matter of a software upgrade or patch perhaps?

What I'd like to see is Bluetooth connection from the bar mounted controller to the motor or integrated display unit. That shouldn't be too hard to produce should it?

 

[Chicane]

Using a simple torque/power calculator and a peak power of 300 watts, 50 Nm is limited to a cadence of 58. Over that it drops. At 75 it's down to 38 Nm. At 100 (often seen after downshifting when entering a climb) only 28 Nm. Power in watts = torque * cadence / 9.5488.

I'm not bashing the Trek, all emtbs are power limited. On paper, the Pivot Shuttle SL has a pretty similar power/torque relationship with 350 watts and 60 Nm, but in addition has a 12 second "boost" mode with 450 watts which is much better.

Interesting figures considering normal cadence(spinning in the correct gear) on climbs or flats is around 75-85 cadence.

 

[ilostmypassword]

Ok, so of you're on the fence on this bike I can tell you it is superb.

I took my first ride on it after spending a while wrapping it and a couple of tweaks for fit.

Climbing.
The best way to describe it is feeling supremely strong and fit. In low / eco mode it is supportive and subtle.

In mid it's great and more then sufficient for most climbs.

In high, it's just super strong yet not overpowering or overwhelming. Enough for very steep pinches.

I generally moved between the modes depending on how steep the climb was.

It felt like I was pedalling, but at ~65% effort but feeling well within comfort levels and travelling at over 3* the pace.

Climbing had become a real chore for me but now feels great fun.

On one climb I switched the power completely off and it was no more effort than my preferred trail bike, a Deviate Highlander 150.

Descending.
Very surprising actually. It feels planted, plush, responsive and not at all weighty or tank like. It feels like a really well sorted trail bike.
Speeding up the rebound at the rear makes it track the ground beautifully, and the support on climbing means one can get away with it.
Handling is precise and it hops and moved about on request easily.

When I get back to riding a non powered bike I'm sure it'll feel super light, but its weight is not the overriding feeling / memory I have riding the Fuel Ex-e.

Overall.
Very happy is an understatement. Great support on the climbs, gentle / subtle power delivery and no knocking / clanking or standard E-bike sounds.

Battery life was pretty impressive too. I didn't track the ride but was out for 3+hour with plenty of steep & long climbing. I'm 107kgs and it had over 60% battery left.

My only gripe, which is highly personal, is the integrated bar and stem. This is too low and I didn't like the roll position which is fixed. Trek will fix that though at no charge so I can get a different set up.

View attachment 95285

That frame looks to small if you need that much seatpost. You must be falling over the handlebars riding that!

 

[The Reverend]

That frame looks to small if you need that much seatpost. You must be falling over the handlebars riding that!

It's a challenge finding bikes to fit I'll admit.
The closest I have found was a Banshee Paradox hardtail but hardly a comparison.

My saddle to BB length is 86cms as I have very long legs. It looks very pronounced on this image but it works.

The nose on this bike is low, and the integrated stem and bars don't help so I'm changing those out.
Riser bars plus 160mm fork will make that better.

 

[jwrx]

Ok, so of you're on the fence on this bike I can tell you it is superb.

I took my first ride on it after spending a while wrapping it and a couple of tweaks for fit.

Climbing.
The best way to describe it is feeling supremely strong and fit. In low / eco mode it is supportive and subtle.

In mid it's great and more then sufficient for most climbs.

In high, it's just super strong yet not overpowering or overwhelming. Enough for very steep pinches.

I generally moved between the modes depending on how steep the climb was.

It felt like I was pedalling, but at ~65% effort but feeling well within comfort levels and travelling at over 3* the pace.

Climbing had become a real chore for me but now feels great fun.

On one climb I switched the power completely off and it was no more effort than my preferred trail bike, a Deviate Highlander 150.

Descending.
Very surprising actually. It feels planted, plush, responsive and not at all weighty or tank like. It feels like a really well sorted trail bike.
Speeding up the rebound at the rear makes it track the ground beautifully, and the support on climbing means one can get away with it.
Handling is precise and it hops and moved about on request easily.

When I get back to riding a non powered bike I'm sure it'll feel super light, but its weight is not the overriding feeling / memory I have riding the Fuel Ex-e.

Overall.
Very happy is an understatement. Great support on the climbs, gentle / subtle power delivery and no knocking / clanking or standard E-bike sounds.

Battery life was pretty impressive too. I didn't track the ride but was out for 3+hour with plenty of steep & long climbing. I'm 107kgs and it had over 60% battery left.

My only gripe, which is highly personal, is the integrated bar and stem. This is too low and I didn't like the roll position which is fixed. Trek will fix that though at no charge so I can get a different set up.

View attachment 95285

how does your back not hurt with so much seatpost? you must have a really long leg to torso ratio. Are you sure you arnt a frame size too small?

 

[The Reverend]

how does your back not hurt with so much seatpost? you must have a really long leg to torso ratio. Are you sure you arnt a frame size too small?

Seriously, it's fine. It's an XL frame so they don't make a bigger one. Reach and effective TT are fine and comfortable.
The only thing it lacks is stack height which I can sort out as mentioned earlier.

My legs are indeed very long and it's made Thai boxing great fun!

 

[Kepler]

I have had my 9.7 for 6 weeks now and have done around 200km all single track. No problems so far (touch wood).
A couple of mods. A 160mm Fox 36 Fork and a Sram ASX derailleur and shifter which works perfectly on the Shimano 12 speed cassette. (All ratted off my modified acoustic Stumpy)
I love that I can ride with my acoustic buddies with no assist and a bit of low assist then on the next weekend ride with my full fat ebike buddies and smash it out as hard as I can for 30 odd km at full assist. I am not a young man but pretty light and relatively fit so I quite enjoy doing my best best to keep up.

With regards to riding with full fat ebikes, I find that only the steepest climbs see me falling behind. The rest is fine but do need to work hard.

If like me you have mix of riding buddies, this bike is the bomb. However if you mainly ride with mates on full fat ebikes, this probably isn't bike for you.

 

[MLJumpman]

Does anybody have a Trek Rail and have ridden the new Fuel Exe? I'm looking to getting an e-bike as a new mt. biker and would love to hear some insights on whether I should get the Rail or Exe.

I've been reading that Exe is obviously not as powerful as a full-assist Rail but I don't know how to decide between Rail and Exe experience. The Exe appeals to me in that it's agile and light but I fear that it doesn't carry the power I want like the Rail which I read rides basically like a mini motorcycle.

 

[JP-NZ]

Does anybody have a Trek Rail and have ridden the new Fuel Exe? I'm looking to getting an e-bike as a new mt. biker and would love to hear some insights on whether I should get the Rail or Exe.

I've been reading that Exe is obviously not as powerful as a full-assist Rail but I don't know how to decide between Rail and Exe experience. The Exe appeals to me in that it's agile and light but I fear that it doesn't carry the power I want like the Rail which I read rides basically like a mini motorcycle.

I haven't ridden either although my rail is almost ready to pickup. I would judge that decision on a few factors..

1. Do you ride in a group or alone? If in a group what sort of bikes do your friends ride?
2. How long, distance and time does your current fitness allow you to ride and or how long does your day to day life allow you to be out riding for?
3. How mountainous is the area you ride in, how much elevation are you wanting to fit in a ride and how steep is it?

 

[MLJumpman]

I haven't ridden either although my rail is almost ready to pickup. I would judge that decision on a few factors..

1. Do you ride in a group or alone? If in a group what sort of bikes do your friends ride?
2. How long, distance and time does your current fitness allow you to ride and or how long does your day to day life allow you to be out riding for?
3. How mountainous is the area you ride in, how much elevation are you wanting to fit in a ride and how steep is it?

Thanks for asking these thoughtful questions to help me narrow down my choice.

1. I would be riding alone although I'm trying to convince my gf to get an e-mtb but alas she does not want to spend 6k plus on something she isn't passionate/interested in which is totally reasonable.
2. That's part of the reason I want an e-mtb since I would prefer get more reps in the shortest amount of time and just enjoy the ride rather spending time doing uphills. I exercise in other forms by lifting weights and running.
3. I live in Orange County, California so there's a variety of trails out here from light, easy trails to hilly and mountainous ones such as in Aliso Viejo or Crystal Cove.

May I ask what made you decide on the Trek Rail? What did you ride before? I currently have the new 2022 Roscoe 8 as my intro to MTB world but realized the amount of time and effort going uphill is dissuading me from riding as frequently.

Thanks for all our help!

 

[JP-NZ]

May I ask what made you decide on the Trek Rail? What did you ride before? I currently have the new 2022 Roscoe 8 as my intro to MTB world but realized the amount of time and effort going uphill is dissuading me from riding as frequently.

Thanks for all our help!

Based on those answers I'd be leaning towards a full fat bike (Rail etc) to fit in the most amounts of riding in the fastest time. Unless your fitness is very good then you may want the mid ebike such as a Fuel EX-E.

I chose the Rail as I wanted to do all day adventure riding 35-50 miles+ and to ride multiple uplifts at my local chairlift bike park.

Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[dajimmers]

1. I would be riding alone although I'm trying to convince my gf to get an e-mtb but alas she does not want to spend 6k plus on something she isn't passionate/interested in which is totally reasonable.

Are you close-ish in size? Say, get a medium fuel EXe. Let her ride it while you struggle with the Roscoe. If kicking your butt doesn't instill a love of mountain biking in her, then congrats, you have an EXe! If it does, she gets the EXe and you get one too if you like it, or get a Rail if you want more power (and to return the butt-kicking).

 

[jwrx]

Does anybody have a Trek Rail and have ridden the new Fuel Exe? I'm looking to getting an e-bike as a new mt. biker and would love to hear some insights on whether I should get the Rail or Exe.

I've been reading that Exe is obviously not as powerful as a full-assist Rail but I don't know how to decide between Rail and Exe experience. The Exe appeals to me in that it's agile and light but I fear that it doesn't carry the power I want like the Rail which I read rides basically like a mini motorcycle.

personally as someone who owns both FF and SL ebikes, i feel new bikers should always start off with a SL. I fee starting off straight with FF gives you alot of bad habits and you rely too much on the motor, to get you over obstacles etc.

Dont worry about the power of the EXE, its more than enuff. You wont feel "tired" unless you are REALLY pushing it, hammering up the uphills, pushing for PRs etc

 

[Jilleride45]

Thanks for asking these thoughtful questions to help me narrow down my choice.

1. I would be riding alone although I'm trying to convince my gf to get an e-mtb but alas she does not want to spend 6k plus on something she isn't passionate/interested in which is totally reasonable.
2. That's part of the reason I want an e-mtb since I would prefer get more reps in the shortest amount of time and just enjoy the ride rather spending time doing uphills. I exercise in other forms by lifting weights and running.
3. I live in Orange County, California so there's a variety of trails out here from light, easy trails to hilly and mountainous ones such as in Aliso Viejo or Crystal Cove.

May I ask what made you decide on the Trek Rail? What did you ride before? I currently have the new 2022 Roscoe 8 as my intro to MTB world but realized the amount of time and effort going uphill is dissuading me from riding as frequently.

Thanks for all our help!

I hope you realize all the area you mention ban ebikes and will ticket you if caught. Just information you should be aware of.

 

[Chicane]

I hope you realize all the area you mention ban ebikes and will ticket you if caught. Just information you should be aware of.

You are correct as I live in OC and have been riding my Rise for just over a year now without a concern. During week days the ratio that I see is about 60% Ebikes and a little less on the weekends, so it’s really a non issue.

There’s a few trails around OC where Class 1 are legal, like San Clemente, Luge, O’niell Park, but the majority of trails I ride they are still prohibited.

 

[scott.kibbler]

Please dont hate but has anyone tried a longer stroke shock on one yet for more travel?