Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS
Specifications
Brand
Trek
Model
Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS
Battery
Lithium-ion
Battery Capacity
360Wh
Range
40 mi
Charge time
2 hours
App
Yes✅
Display
Yes✅
Motor
Mid Drive
Motor Position
-------
Motor Power
250W
Top Speed
15mph
Brake System
Hydraulic Disc
Weight
18.5 kg
Wheel Base
29"
Wheel Type
-------
Mudguard
-------
Chain Guard
-------
Drivetrain
SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS
Light
-------
Warranty
2 years
Pros & Cons
✅adaptable geometry
✅Great Handling
✅a weight of 18.5 kg
✅Responsive motor display
❌ High Price
❌ Less Motor Power
❌ Less Battery Range
Description
a bicycle with Full carbon frame with adaptable geometry, great handling and weight of 18.5kg make it easy to ride bike. This bicycle price is around $14,000 with a 360Wh Battery capacity and 250W motor power.
How to choice the right bike frame for you
It’s important to get the right bicycle size according to your need. Fortunately, Trek offers a good range of sizes from M to XL to suit every rider. There are 3 sizes available for the Canyon Precede:ON CF8.
Size:
S:
150cm - 160cm (4'11" - 5'3")
M:
160cm - 170cm (5'3" - 5'7")
L:
170cm - 180cm (5'7" - 5'11")
XL:
180cm - 190cm (5'11" - 6''3")
Full Details:
Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 Review:
The world of e-mountain biking has been evolving at a rapid pace, but every once in a while, a bike comes along that doesn’t just follow the trend—it changes the conversation. The Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 is one of those bikes. It doesn’t just aim to add electric power to a mountain bike; it reimagines how seamlessly a rider and machine can work together without losing the soul of traditional trail riding. If you’re the kind of rider who craves the physical connection of pedaling your way up a climb, but still appreciates the subtle push of assistance when needed, this might be the perfect fit for you.
This bike is designed for trail enthusiasts who aren’t willing to compromise on responsiveness, agility, or the authentic feel of riding. Whether you’re threading through tight switchbacks, taking on rugged descents, or climbing relentless singletrack, the Fuel EXe 9.9 bridges the gap between e-bike support and traditional trail bike performance.
A New Class of E-MTB
Many electric mountain bikes feel like machines first, bikes second. They’re heavy, overpowered, and can sometimes dull the riding experience. What makes the Fuel EXe 9.9 stand out is how “un-e-bike” it feels at first glance—and in many ways, during the ride too. It’s lighter than most of its competition and remarkably quiet, which gives it a stealthy, almost invisible assist. You don’t get that aggressive surge you’d expect from bigger motors. Instead, it’s more like a whisper of help that kicks in just when you need it.
This subtlety is where it truly shines. It caters to riders who still want to earn their ride but appreciate a boost that smooths out the effort without taking away the challenge. The electric assistance is responsive and well-integrated, but it never dominates the experience. It enhances your effort rather than replacing it.
Who Is It For?
Let’s be clear—this isn’t an entry-level e-bike. The Fuel EXe 9.9 is aimed at serious trail riders, performance-focused cyclists, and tech-savvy adventurers who are willing to invest in a premium riding experience. If your weekends are spent chasing elevation in the backcountry or navigating technical terrain for fun, this bike was made with you in mind.
At the same time, it’s also for those who’ve been skeptical of e-MTBs in the past. Maybe you love your analog bike and worry that an electric version will feel like cheating or rob you of the workout. This bike changes that perspective. It’s the kind of machine that keeps the ride honest, just with a little extra gas in the tank when the climb starts to bite.
The Tech You Feel (But Barely Notice)
What separates a high-end electric mountain bike from the pack isn’t just the power of the motor or the size of the battery—it’s the way everything works together. The Fuel EXe 9.9 integrates its motor and drive system so smoothly that, during my ride, I frequently forgot it was even helping me.
That’s because it uses a mid-drive motor—a design where the motor is mounted near the bike’s crank and pedals rather than in the wheels. This central placement allows for more natural weight distribution and better handling, especially on uneven terrain. Unlike hub motors, which can make the rear end feel heavier or disconnected, mid-drives deliver power more efficiently through the drivetrain, which translates to better climbing and a more balanced feel.
Pair this with a precision drivetrain and responsive controls, and you’ve got a machine that reacts almost instantly to your input. When you need to shift quickly on a steep ascent or thread through rocks at speed, everything feels tight, dialed in, and confidence-inspiring.
Handling That Matches Its Price Tag
You expect great handling from a premium trail bike—and the Fuel EXe 9.9 delivers. The geometry feels adaptable and sharp, giving you confidence whether you’re climbing, descending, or cornering. One of the standout features is how well it tracks on technical trails. It doesn’t feel twitchy or overly stiff, and it holds a line with precision, even when the terrain gets loose.
When I took it through a series of rooted sections and tight turns, the bike stayed planted, and I didn’t have to fight it to keep my momentum. The suspension setup soaks up hits without feeling sluggish, and combined with the bike’s light overall weight, it climbs with more grace than you’d expect from an e-MTB.
Ride Scenarios: Where It Excels
Weekend Trail Warrior: If you’re the kind of rider who spends long weekends exploring new trail systems, the Fuel EXe 9.9 is like having a trail sherpa by your side. You can pack more miles into a single ride without draining your legs, giving you more time to enjoy descents and technical play without fatigue setting in too early.
After-Work Escape: For those with limited ride windows, this bike is a time-saver. You can squeeze in a solid loop after work, crush climbs faster, and still make it home before sunset. The electric assist helps you push harder on time-crunched days without sacrificing ride quality.
Long Climb, Big Reward: Think of a trail that starts with a punishing climb but ends in a dreamy downhill. Normally, you’d be gassed before the fun part begins. With the Fuel EXe 9.9, you get there fresher, which means better control, more fun, and a safer descent.
Quiet Confidence
One of the things that surprised me the most was how quiet this bike is. Some e-MTBs have a telltale whine when the motor kicks in, but this one barely whispers. It’s a small detail, but one that adds up to a more immersive experience on the trail. You can actually hear your tires gripping, your suspension working, and the natural sounds of the forest or trail around you. It’s an understated kind of joy that keeps you feeling connected to the environment.
How to Get the Most Out of the Fuel EXe 9.9’s Geometry and Handling
One of the standout features of the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 is its adaptable geometry. When you’re investing in a high-performance e-MTB, you want to be able to tailor the bike to your riding style. Trek has done an excellent job of offering a geometry that can handle everything from technical descents to tight, challenging climbs.
Here’s how you can get the best ride out of the adaptable geometry:
Adjust Your Riding Position for Different Trails: The Fuel EXe 9.9’s adjustable geometry lets you dial in your ride based on the trail ahead. For downhill runs, you might want to slacken the head tube angle slightly for more stability, while for climbing technical sections, you can steepen the angle to keep the front end light and responsive.
Play Around with the Suspension: The bike’s suspension plays a huge role in how it handles different types of terrain. For smoother trails, you can set it to a firmer level to conserve energy, but for more rugged, rocky paths, soften it up to absorb more of the impact. This responsiveness allows for a more comfortable and controlled ride.
Experiment with Tire Pressure: Though not a direct geometry feature, tire pressure impacts how the bike handles. For better traction on loose soil or gravel, slightly lower the tire pressure to maximize surface contact. On firmer surfaces, increase the pressure for a faster, more efficient ride.
By adjusting these elements to suit the trail, you’ll see how versatile and responsive the Fuel EXe 9.9 is, making it feel like an extension of your own abilities.
How to Maximize the Electric Assistance
Even though the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 features a relatively subtle motor (compared to some more powerful e-bikes), it’s still there to help you when you need it. The key to getting the most out of the motor assistance lies in understanding its capabilities and limitations.
Here’s how you can leverage the mid-drive motor for maximum efficiency:
Use the Assist Strategically on Climbs: The mid-drive motor offers a more natural-feeling assist, and it works best on steep or sustained climbs. When you’re facing a tough uphill section, switch to a higher assist mode (if available) to keep your momentum. The motor will help you preserve energy and climb at a consistent pace, letting you tackle long, steep sections without completely burning out.
Pace Yourself on Long Rides: With a range of about 40 miles, the Fuel EXe 9.9 isn’t built for all-day epic adventures, but it’s perfect for a solid ride through intermediate trails. If you’re tackling a longer ride, pace yourself and switch assist modes based on the terrain. For flatter, more flowing sections, reduce the motor assist to conserve battery for the tougher climbs later on.
Don’t Rely on the Motor Too Much: One of the great things about the Fuel EXe 9.9 is that it’s still a fantastic bike without the motor. If you’re tackling easy sections or want to focus on your own endurance, you can leave the assist off and enjoy the ride as a traditional mountain bike. This helps you get the most out of your battery life while still benefiting from electric support when needed.
The motor might not be as powerful as other e-MTBs, but its subtlety makes it more natural, which many riders will appreciate, especially those who want to maintain a more traditional feel.
Real-Life Performance: Climbing, Descending, and Everything in Between
The Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 excels in performance on both climbs and descents, thanks to its high-quality components and responsive handling. Here’s a closer look at its real-world abilities:
Climbing: The bike is built to handle climbs with grace, and the mid-drive motor plays a key role here. Its design ensures that the assistance is efficient and smooth, offering a natural boost that helps you maintain your pace without overexerting yourself. The bike feels balanced, and you don’t get that jarring feeling you might experience with hub motors. On steep sections, you can power through without feeling like the bike is dragging you down.
Descending: For descents, the handling is where this bike really shines. The geometry ensures that the bike stays stable, even when things get fast and rough. The suspension setup absorbs shocks from rocks and roots with ease, and the responsive motor keeps the bike’s handling nimble without sacrificing stability.
Cornering and Technical Terrain: The combination of the adaptable geometry and responsive motor means the bike can handle tight corners and technical sections with ease. Whether you’re navigating switchbacks or weaving through rocks, the Fuel EXe 9.9’s lightweight frame and intuitive design allow you to shift your weight and respond to obstacles fluidly.
Trends and How the Fuel EXe 9.9 Stays Ahead
The Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 is in line with several important trends that are defining the future of e-bikes in 2024 and beyond.
Mid-Drive Motors Becoming the Standard: As e-MTB technology continues to evolve, more manufacturers are opting for mid-drive motors over hub motors. These motors provide a more balanced ride and better climbing power, making them ideal for riders who want a natural feel while still enjoying the benefits of electric assistance.
Battery Efficiency and Faster Charging: The Fuel EXe 9.9’s relatively compact battery offers good range and quick recharge times, a feature that’s increasingly common in modern e-bikes. With just two hours for a full charge, it makes sense for riders who don’t want to wait long before heading back out.
Connectivity and Smart Features: With the ability to connect via an app and the responsive motor display, the Fuel EXe 9.9 offers a glimpse of the future of connected e-bikes. This integration helps riders monitor performance, customize ride settings, and track routes with ease. Expect more e-bikes to adopt these tech-forward features in 2024 and beyond, keeping riders in sync with their performance metrics.
Common Issues and Concerns
While the Fuel EXe 9.9 excels in many areas, no bike is without its drawbacks. One common issue some riders might face is the bike’s weight. At 18.5 kg, it’s not the lightest e-MTB, especially when you compare it to other lightweight models on the market. However, its performance more than compensates for this, and the weight feels less of an issue when riding.
Another concern might be the price. As a premium model, the Fuel EXe 9.9 comes with a hefty price tag, which could deter some riders. That said, if you’re seeking the ultimate blend of performance, lightweight design, and advanced features, it’s hard to argue that it’s not worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 suitable for beginners?
Technically, yes—but with some caveats. While the Fuel EXe 9.9 is user-friendly in terms of control and ride stability, it’s a high-end piece of equipment designed with serious trail performance in mind. Beginners might appreciate the smooth assistance and intuitive handling, but the price and advanced components may be overkill for someone just getting into mountain biking. If you’re a beginner with ambitious trail goals and a long-term commitment, it could still be a worthwhile investment.
2. How far can I ride on a single charge?
Realistically, you can expect a range suitable for moderate-length trail rides. It’s enough for most 2–3 hour sessions, especially if you manage the assist levels smartly. While some bikes boast longer ranges, the Fuel EXe 9.9 is built to prioritize natural handling and weight balance over stuffing in a large battery. Riders who plan for shorter but more technical rides will find the range more than adequate.
3. How does the motor feel during a ride?
The mid-drive motor feels very natural and unobtrusive, which is a big selling point. Rather than jolting you forward, the assist comes on smoothly and matches your pedaling rhythm, giving you just the right amount of help when climbing or accelerating. It won’t overpower your ride—instead, it supports it. This subtle integration helps maintain the authenticity of a traditional mountain biking experience.
4. Is the bike too heavy for lifting or carrying?
At just under 19 kg, the Fuel EXe 9.9 isn’t featherweight—but it’s relatively light for an e-MTB. You’ll notice the weight if you’re trying to lift it onto a bike rack or carry it over a stile, but not so much when riding. The frame is well-balanced, and most of the weight is centered for better handling. If lifting is a concern, consider using a ramp or lower-mounted carrier to make transport easier.
5. Does it work without the motor assistance?
Absolutely. One of the bike’s greatest strengths is that it rides beautifully even without motor support. You can ride it like a regular mountain bike—just with a bit more heft. This is a key reason it appeals to traditionalists who want to dabble in e-biking without losing the feel of a classic ride.
6. Can the geometry be adjusted by the rider?
Yes, and that’s part of what makes this bike so versatile. Riders can tweak the geometry depending on their terrain or style—whether they prefer aggressive downhill stances or need a more upright position for longer climbs. These adjustments are simple to make and allow the bike to adapt to various conditions with ease.
7. Is the high price worth it?
This comes down to your priorities. If you’re looking for a premium e-MTB that balances innovation, ride quality, and build integrity, the Fuel EXe 9.9 absolutely justifies its price tag. However, if you’re mostly doing light trails or short commutes, you might not be taking full advantage of what it offers. It’s best for riders who demand performance and plan to push the bike to its full potential.
Final Thoughts: Where It Excels and Where It Could Improve
The Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 delivers an elite e-MTB experience with a surprisingly natural ride feel. It doesn’t scream “electric”—it whispers it, offering support when needed and letting you take full control when the trail calls for skill and strength. Its agility, geometry flexibility, and premium drivetrain components make it a serious tool for mountain bikers who don’t want their rides dictated by an aggressive, high-output motor.
However, it’s not without trade-offs. The battery range, while sufficient for most riders, may fall short for those looking to spend a full day exploring remote trails without recharging. The motor power is modest compared to some higher-torque options, meaning riders seeking a serious boost on steep climbs might find it slightly underwhelming. And, of course, there’s the price—undeniably steep, but arguably fair when you consider the precision engineering and trail performance it delivers.
That said, these limitations don’t feel like compromises once you understand the intent behind the bike. It’s not trying to be a throttle-happy powerhouse. It’s designed for those who value trail connection, subtle motor integration, and the craftsmanship that Trek is known for.
Wrapping It Up: Who This Bike Is For
The Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 is best suited for serious mountain bikers—those who already know their way around a trail and want an electric assist that enhances rather than overwhelms. It’s for riders who crave responsiveness, agility, and top-tier components. Weekend warriors, advanced trail riders, and e-MTB purists will all find something to love here.
It’s probably not ideal for:
Riders looking for high-speed commuting
E-bikers who prioritize range over ride quality
Budget-conscious beginners dipping their toes into the world of e-bikes
After spending considerable time analyzing this bike, my conclusion is simple: the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 is a powerhouse disguised as a purist’s trail machine. It doesn’t shout for attention with brute force or flashy features. Instead, it delivers a refined, confident, and deeply satisfying ride. If your goal is to conquer mountain trails with finesse, and you appreciate the blend of traditional biking soul with electric modernity, then this bike is more than worth the investment.
Just remember—this isn’t a bike that carries you. It partners with you. And if you’re ready for that kind of collaboration, the Fuel EXe 9.9 is more than ready for you.