Adventure seekers and mountain biking enthusiasts, get ready for an exhilarating ride! After bidding farewell to my long-term Pivot Switchblade test bike, I dove into an exciting search for a new steed this summer. My quest? A versatile trail bike that not only serves as my personal ride but also lets me test various components throughout the year.

Cast wide in my search, I honed in on a few must-haves: 140-160mm of travel, simple cable routing, a threaded bottom bracket (BB), and no proprietary components—no funky headsets or integrated gadgets! Plus, I aimed to keep my investment sensible by opting for an alloy frame over carbon.

To kick off my shortlist, I grabbed the alloy versions of bikes I previously reviewed, including the popular Specialized Stumpjumper and Giant Trance X. My affection for the Trek Top Fuel encouraged me to consider its beefier sibling, the Fuel EX.

Debuting back in 2022, the sixth-generation Fuel EX ticked all my boxes and even offered a price drop since the pandemic highs. The Boxing Day sale on last year’s Fuel EX 8 sealed the deal!

But I wasn’t ready to ride it stock. I stripped it down to the frame, eager to create a fully customized ride with a mix of tried-and-tested components and new ones for review.

Why the Trek Fuel EX Stands Out

Balancing between the lightweight Top Fuel and the rugged Slash, the Fuel EX is designed as an all-mountain powerhouse ready for any challenge. Featuring a robust ABP suspension design, the stock configuration sports a 150mm fork and 140mm rear travel with dual 29-inch wheels. But versatility reigns supreme as the frame supports a 160mm fork and even a mullet setup with a 27.5-inch rear wheel.

Adjustable leverage rates allow riders to switch between 16% and 21% progression, ideal for those curious about coil shocks.

The bike features an adjustable headset and internal guides for cables and hoses, paired with full downtube armor for ultimate protection on rough trails. It’s built to be both quiet and tough.

Revamping with RockShox Super Deluxe

Every Fuel EX, except the base model, comes with a Fox Float X shock, which I initially found lacking in sensitivity during my 2022 testing. So, I opted for the latest RockShox Super Deluxe, praised for its improved performance.

The redesigned shock boasts a larger air can, enhanced bushing overlap, and adjustable compression settings. It promises a smoother ride, and I was eager to experience its full potential.

A Dynamic Setup: Lyrik Ultimate and SRAM Gear

Paired with the Super Deluxe is the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate at 160mm travel—my clear choice after previous tests proved it outperformed competitors. With a slacker head angle, I anticipated improved handling.

Taking it up a notch, I've been testing the new SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission. This innovative drivetrain combines top-notch shifting with a friendly price point. Its reliability and smooth performance have wowed me over two months of riding.

The Power of SRAM Motive Brakes

Incorporated into my custom build are the impressive SRAM Motive brakes—perfect for aggressive trail riding yet responsive enough for XC racing. Their modulation is fantastic, especially when outfitted with heavier rotors for enhanced stopping power.

RockShox Reverb AXS: The Finishing Touch

Crowning off my custom setup is the RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post. Sporting up to 250mm of travel and an upgraded battery design, it brings an excellent balance of comfort and responsiveness.

Performance Review of My Custom Trek Fuel EX

So what’s the verdict? My Trek Fuel EX is a masterpiece of trail bike engineering. Trek sets itself apart with seven frame sizes, ensuring the perfect fit for every rider. The suspension performs splendidly, delivering traction and comfort while maintaining stability over rocky terrain.

With a weight slightly over 16kg, it could shed a few pounds, but I’m not deterred. The bike’s efficiency and climbing prowess astound me, providing the perfect balance of liveliness for technical challenges.

Room for Improvement

While I’m thrilled with my custom build, I’d love to see some minor tweaks—like additional mounts for accessories and more flexible internal tubing routing. But with the current performance, I have no immediate plans to change.

The Future of My Trek Fuel EX

I’ll continue to use this bike as a platform for testing new components, including potential wheel size changes. Stay tuned for updates as I pile on the hours and refine this incredible machine. What do you think of my Trek Fuel EX? I'm eager to hear your thoughts!

Specifications at a Glance

- **Frame**: Alpha Platinum Alloy, ABP Suspension Design, 140mm Travel - **Fork**: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, 160mm Travel - **Shock**: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate - **Wheels**: Race Face Turbine, Alloy Rims - **Tyres**: Maxxis DH Casing - **Drivetrain**: SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission - **Brakes**: SRAM Motive Ultimate - **Seatpost**: RockShox Reverb AXS, 175mm Travel - **Total Weight**: 16.06kg (Medium, Without Pedals)