Fuel EXe Trek Fuel EXe Megathread!

prolix2

Member
Aug 21, 2022
64
31
United States
I actually have a noise that sounds very similar to Juju's recording, but it only occurs every now and then. I can't seem to find a set of circumstances that produces it. I can be riding along a flat concrete bike path in ECO with what is from my side constant effort, and it will grind for a stroke or two or three, and then disappear. Doesn't seem to affect power or feel weird through the pedals. It's kind of a fluttering noise, hard to describe. It might happen a handful of times in a 90 minute ride. I'm not at the point of raising with the shop yet but will at first service, when I go back to mainly try and get the correct carbon cranks.

Other than that, loving the bike. It's funny though now I've used a low powered bike I have to admit, the Specialized SLs probably would be enough. It never seemed like they would be on paper. The Kenevo would be too much for my trails and make it boring, but I'd entertain the Levo SL. Not sure they ever had comparable spec to the 9.8XT for those dollars though, not here in AUS.

EDIT: I'm at 280km/43 hours.
My grind/rattle/flutter started exactly the same way. Very subtle and very infrequently. Overtime, over approximately 30 miles of riding, it has become more consistent and occurring more frequently. I can reproduce it now reliably by peddling just below the speed that the motor would theoretically be operating at. This can be done by coasting, , ( When the motor is not activated by any torque or strain through the crank ) and gradually increasing your pedal speed just enough to not produce any torque on the crank and it will make the sound reliably as long as you don’t put any torque on the crank which would turn the motor on. Actually it will be reproduced now by applying slight torque On the crank , but not enough to really get the motor to engage fully . This does not happen when the motor is turned completely off . ( ie When the control is powered off completely, or when the control is on but a long press of the lower speed, stops even eco )
 

Swingset

Active member
Sep 9, 2022
276
310
Southern Cal
If I interpret this correctly it sounds like the engagement of the sprag clutch? Have to look at the exploded diagram of the gearbox a bit more closely.
 

DugT

Active member
Sep 4, 2022
136
119
Truckee, CA
The Trek Support person that I spoke with today wasn't familiar with the 4414 HW error code but he said he would investigate and get back to me.

He didn't know why my bike doesn't beep when I press the assist button but he will look into that too. I would like that beep feedback because then I would know if I pressed the button hard enough. It takes a couple of seconds for the assist level to change to immediate feedback would help, especially when going up a scary steep hill.

He said he wasn't aware of anyone having a problem getting the cap onto the charging connector. I told him that I smeared a tiny bit of silicone grease on the interface parts of the cap and now it slides on and off almost too easy. Grease will collect dust so if you use some, use very little.
Here is an update of my 4414 problem. MY LBS hooked my bike up to their diagnostic tool. The only thing it noticed was an out of spec speed sensor problem. The LBS fixed that problem and hopefully the 4414 error code problem is solved too. If not, Trek will want to do more homework.
My beeper has been working and beeping when I change assist levels but it is very low volume and very high pitch so, to hear it, my ear has to be right next to the display. So for me at least, it is useless. I doubt if anyone could hear it while riding. A functional beep would be nice but it isn't important. I'll turn the beep off and just yell out "Beep" whenever I press the button. :)
 

Swingset

Active member
Sep 9, 2022
276
310
Southern Cal
20.jpg
 

socal_rider

Member
Jun 6, 2021
79
89
Temecula, CA
Here is an update of my 4414 problem. MY LBS hooked my bike up to their diagnostic tool. The only thing it noticed was an out of spec speed sensor problem. The LBS fixed that problem and hopefully the 4414 error code problem is solved too. If not, Trek will want to do more homework.
My beeper has been working and beeping when I change assist levels but it is very low volume and very high pitch so, to hear it, my ear has to be right next to the display. So for me at least, it is useless. I doubt if anyone could hear it while riding. A functional beep would be nice but it isn't important. I'll turn the beep off and just yell out "Beep" whenever I press the button. :)
I just checked and my beep tone is worthless too. I’d assumed it was off. Nope. I checked and it’s on. I can’t even hear it.

I dropped my bike off tonight to have the 4414 investigated. I’m also having the LBS check why the lower shock connection to the frame is moving and making a knock noise. The lower shock bolt is tight but I didn’t check it for proper torque.
 

Moe Ped

Well-known member
Apr 19, 2020
215
357
Perth Australia
Has anyone run a 160mm front fork ? are there any other changes that need to be made for that to work, and did it make a difference to the handling?.
 
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Rob Rides EMTB

Administrator
Staff member
Subscriber
Jan 14, 2018
6,260
13,700
Surrey, UK
Has anyone run a 160mm front fork ? are there any other changes that need to be made for that to work, and did it make a difference to the handling?.
a 160mm fork will make a slight difference. Will slacken the head angle by approx 0.5 degrees and change the feel ever so slightly. Will make it slightly more stable at speed, and on steeper terrain. It'll slacken the seat tube angle very slightly too.
 

Zed

Active member
Feb 26, 2019
369
320
Brisbane, Australia
It's a sad day, but I'm canceling my Fuel EXe order for 3 reasons:

1) Maybe forums attract the most disgruntled users (selection bias) but based on accounts in this thread and elsewhere it sure seems like Trek is having an issue keeping these bikes running. Trek, if you're reading this, I'm cancelling my order primarily out of concern this groundbreaking bike will spend more time in the shop than out on the trails.

2) Specialized just discounted their Turbo Kenevo SLs by 25%. Spec-for-spec, I estimate the average price difference across the lineup at about US$1-2k in the Kenevo's favor. It's not the bleeding edge, the motor is weaker and louder, but this is my first eMTB and it's gonna blow my mind regardless.

3) I picked my spec/color mostly on build date, hoping for fall riding (gonna swap out the parts anyway) and my build date keeps getting pushed out (first September, then December, now next year?). This week I spoke to a rider who just got his (similar spec as mine) and said he "knew the right guy" at the shop to get one on relatively short notice - he only just learned about the bike a couple weeks ago, whereas I placed my order back in August. I don't know for sure if line-jumping is happening, but it would explain a lot.

I hope I'm wrong on all the above (well, except the Kenevo discount) and that you all have awesome experiences on your EXes, but I gotta go with my gut on this one. Happy trails!
Actually point 3 would do it for me. I'm far too impatient. :)
 

Moe Ped

Well-known member
Apr 19, 2020
215
357
Perth Australia
I’m running one. According to Trek, you have to run the Mino Link in the high position.
So did you change the Mino Link to the high ? How did it ride without that?

Really just wanted to raise the front up a bit and managed to get a set of forks that are 160mm maybe should have bought 150mm.
 

Moe Ped

Well-known member
Apr 19, 2020
215
357
Perth Australia
a 160mm fork will make a slight difference. Will slacken the head angle by approx 0.5 degrees and change the feel ever so slightly. Will make it slightly more stable at speed, and on steeper terrain. It'll slacken the seat tube angle very slightly too.
Hi Rob did you change the Mino Link as per the post above?
 

Balboa

Member
Sep 25, 2022
46
23
NL
The Trek Support person that I spoke with today wasn't familiar with the 4414 HW error code but he said he would investigate and get back to me.

He didn't know why my bike doesn't beep when I press the assist button but he will look into that too. I would like that beep feedback because then I would know if I pressed the button hard enough. It takes a couple of seconds for the assist level to change to immediate feedback would help, especially when going up a scary steep hill.

He said he wasn't aware of anyone having a problem getting the cap onto the charging connector. I told him that I smeared a tiny bit of silicone grease on the interface parts of the cap and now it slides on and off almost too easy. Grease will collect dust so if you use some, use very little.
The beep is not very loud. I only hear the beep when the bike is not moving. And even then it's hard to hear it.
 

Chicane

Active member
Nov 11, 2020
363
317
SoCal
I’m running one. According to Trek, you have to run the Mino Link in the high position.
This makes no sense to me. Running the mino link in the high position raises the BB, doesn’t it? Going to a 160mm fork also raises the BB, so if anything, wouldn’t you want to run the mino link in the low position to keep the BB the same.

For instance on my Rise the BB is low and the 160mm fork raises it enough to help prevent pedal strikes.
 

BBFII

Member
Nov 4, 2020
14
12
Madison Wisconsin
Has anyone run a 160mm front fork ? are there any other changes that need to be made for that to work, and did it make a difference to the handling?.
160mm Fork is GREAT on the EXe.

You can choose to run the MINO either way.
Mino Low + 160: You probably went to 160 for more confidence downhill, the slacker headtube should add to this.
Your BB is a touch higher from the fork, and some FWD saddle sliding may help with your seatube angle change.
(this is how I run mine + 205x60 coil to keep within the Trek warranty ;)

Mino High + 160: Revert back closer to stock head angle quick steering as stock, but raises the BB even more.
If you find pedal strikes often, this can help, but shorter cranks (155ish) is an even better way keeps your bike confident!
(don't recommend this unless you miss the snappy steering, or constantly pedaling thru mine fields)

Mullet: Mino HIGH & 160 fork is strongly recommended. Nothing will break with the bike, but you will get many more pedal strikes and the bike gets much slacked out. Personal preference on ride feel here. I prefer the balance of 29/29 but not a Hucking/Jumper
 

Rob Rides EMTB

Administrator
Staff member
Subscriber
Jan 14, 2018
6,260
13,700
Surrey, UK
This makes no sense to me. Running the mino link in the high position raises the BB, doesn’t it? Going to a 160mm fork also raises the BB, so if anything, wouldn’t you want to run the mino link in the low position to keep the BB the same.

For instance on my Rise the BB is low and the 160mm fork raises it enough to help prevent pedal strikes.
Its also about front to rear weight distribution.

I'm running the Mino in high, with 170mm fork. BB height is 344mm with 2.4" tyres. Thats pretty good for a 152mm / 170mm travel bike I think.

Edit - should add that a 170mm fork and longer stroke shock will prob void any warranty.

170mm FUEL.jpg
170mm FUEL2.jpg
 
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Rob Rides EMTB

Administrator
Staff member
Subscriber
Jan 14, 2018
6,260
13,700
Surrey, UK
Hey Rob - would we void our warranty if we copied the setup? ie - increasing the travel over the recommended specs
Probably anything more than 160mm fork out front and warranty is void. Also, over stroking rear will likely void.

Consider my build a dirty experiment!
 
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Swingset

Active member
Sep 9, 2022
276
310
Southern Cal
The wonders of high def vid. Robs vid on whether the EXe is a game changer at the 10:30 mark. You are missing a chain ring bolt...... thing had to be creaking a bit.
 

Cell4soul

E*POWAH Master
Jul 11, 2022
518
1,325
Mesa, AZ
So did you change the Mino Link to the high ? How did it ride without that?

Really just wanted to raise the front up a bit and managed to get a set of forks that are 160mm maybe should have bought 150mm.

I never did any rides on the EXe. I had my LBS strip it to the frame and build it per my specs. Mine is mullet with a 160 fork. So far, so good. I only have 4 rides in, so still getting used to the geometry. The bike felt really good on my 25 mile ride this morning. It climbs and descends really well. It is only going to get better as I ride it more.
 

Cell4soul

E*POWAH Master
Jul 11, 2022
518
1,325
Mesa, AZ
I rode this morning until the battery drained to only 3%. I wanted to do a full range test. This was on my local trails, Hawes in Mesa, AZ. These trails are a mix of intermediate and advanced, with a touch of beginner mixed in. I rode mostly in a combination of Eco and Trail, using Boost only for the steeper and punchier climbs. Here are my ride numbers and map of the ride:

BF5A7F4B-F122-4667-A5C0-BA490D4A72E0.jpeg 95272B30-1CC4-463D-B183-94B683D6B153.jpeg D96300A1-02CD-47A4-A11F-3157140BAC75.jpeg
 

Zed

Active member
Feb 26, 2019
369
320
Brisbane, Australia
My bike won't turn on at the moment :(

I charged it, washed it, changed the back tire and handlebars, and now it won't turn on.

I rang the shop and "they don't have a mechanic at the moment he's on 2 weeks leave". I specifically went across town to a busier Trek branded shop so I'd get good service. So much for that theory, very much misjudged that one. They directed me to go to another shop and said they'd look after me.

I decided to pull the battery out and leave it over night first. Clearly relying on shops is going to be a hassle and I might as well see if I can sort it myself first.

The top of the battery actually was wet, along with the hardware up there around the charge port. The charger lights up green when plugged into the charge port though, suggesting its' OK.

I'll leave it overnight in case some connection is just wet. Before someone asks, no I didn't power wash :), it was mostly a soapy-water and rag wash of the back wheel because I was changing the tire.

I think I'm about 300kms in.
 

Zed

Active member
Feb 26, 2019
369
320
Brisbane, Australia
My bike won't turn on at the moment :(

I charged it, washed it, changed the back tire and handlebars, and now it won't turn on.

I rang the shop and "they don't have a mechanic at the moment he's on 2 weeks leave". I specifically went across town to a busier Trek branded shop so I'd get good service. So much for that theory, very much misjudged that one. They directed me to go to another shop and said they'd look after me.

I decided to pull the battery out and leave it over night first. Clearly relying on shops is going to be a hassle and I might as well see if I can sort it myself first.

The top of the battery actually was wet, along with the hardware up there around the charge port. The charger lights up green when plugged into the charge port though, suggesting its' OK.

I'll leave it overnight in case some connection is just wet. Before someone asks, no I didn't power wash :), it was mostly a soapy-water and rag wash of the back wheel because I was changing the tire.

I think I'm about 300kms in.
All right so the run around has started in earnest for me. I faffed about a bit more with it and I just can't see how this is a wet connection or something so thought I'd get the ball rolling with the shop, I think it's going to be the display that's dud or something. The second shop also doesn't have a mechanic for two weeks. They said if I bring it in to either shop, the service advisor can plug something in and maybe get a diagnostic. Seems unlikely this will be useful as if it's broken something, there is no mechanic. I'm waiting for their service advisor to call me back. I guess he's like a triage guy. If I can get a diagnostic saying what's broken it might save time later.

The seeds of regret have been sown. It really burns that $13K in this is the story. I must be mental.
 

Zed

Active member
Feb 26, 2019
369
320
Brisbane, Australia
All right so the run around has started in earnest for me. I faffed about a bit more with it and I just can't see how this is a wet connection or something so thought I'd get the ball rolling with the shop, I think it's going to be the display that's dud or something. The second shop also doesn't have a mechanic for two weeks. They said if I bring it in to either shop, the service advisor can plug something in and maybe get a diagnostic. Seems unlikely this will be useful as if it's broken something, there is no mechanic. I'm waiting for their service advisor to call me back. I guess he's like a triage guy. If I can get a diagnostic saying what's broken it might save time later.

The seeds of regret have been sown. It really burns that $13K in this is the story. I must be mental.
It is with great happiness that I eat my words. After talking to the "service advisor" guy who is apparently not a mechanic, I took the bike in, with not high hopes. He tried to run diags, came out and said the display is dead, dragged one of the new ones off the floor. Came back out with mine all working, latest firmware etc, all sorted. Maybe 20 mins after I arrived I was leaving with a working bike. I'm really happy with that, and I can ride tomorrow.

Maybe water got in the display, I did wash it, but then I've washed it loads of times the same way. Dunno.
 

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