trek fuel grey

Trek Fuel EX 2023 Review | A bigger, musclier & hugely adaptable trail bike

The not-so-minor details.

2023 Trek Fuel EX

https://www.trekbikes.com

$4,999 AUD - $8,999 AUD

- Sturdy, flex-free chassis - Superb geometry with adjustable head angle - Efficient & comfortable climbing performance - Coil shock, big fork & mullet compatibility - Mechanic-friendly frame furnishings - Internal storage

- Frame is on the heavy side - Rear shock tune lacks small-bump suppleness - Rattly rear thru-axle lever

Wil reviews the Trek Fuel EX 2023

Having undergone a ground-up redesign for 2023, the Trek Fuel EX has entered its burliest and biggest travel form yet. This latest model represents the 6th generation of Trek’s popular mid-travel trail bike, with the original having debuted all the way back in 2005. Trail riding has evolved a lot since then, and the new Fuel EX aims to keep up with that evolution by incorporating almost every mod-con you can think of.

Of course it’s big news whenever Trek releases a new Fuel EX, and given how important this bike is for the US brand, we were curious to see how the raft of updates would play out on the trail. We had a bit of an idea, having thoroughly enjoyed riding the electrified Trek Fuel EXe over the past few months. Would the muscle-powered version deliver the same good vibes? And how would it compare to the previous models that have given us so many fond riding memories over the years? We’ve been putting the Trek Fuel EX 2023 to the test to find out!

Watch our video review of the Trek Fuel EX 2023:

Along with the downtube storage, generous frame armour and size-specific chainstays, the Fuel EX appears to pack in almost everything you could possibly want in a modern trail bike.

An overview of the Trek Fuel EX 2023

For 2023, the Trek Fuel EX is built around an entirely new frame that’s produced in carbon and alloy variants. Suspension travel has increased by 10mm at both ends, with the new Fuel EX now sporting a 150mm fork and 140mm of rear travel via the ABP four-bar suspension design.

It’s worth noting that the frame will handle a 160mm travel fork, and thanks to the two-position Mino Link, it can also be run as a mullet. Borrowed from the Session downhill bike, there’s a two-position flip chip at the lower shock mount that offers linear and progressive settings. The latter option is what makes the new Fuel EX coil shock compatible.

On top of that, Trek will be offering aftermarket headset cups to steepen or slacken the head angle by a degree. Along with the downtube storage, generous frame armour and size-specific chainstays, the Fuel EX appears to pack in almost everything you could possibly want in a modern trail bike. It’s certainly an appealing package on paper, and one that’s ready to take on contemporaries like the Specialized Stumpjumper , Merida One-Forty , Canyon Spectral and Giant Trance X .

Trek Fuel EX price & specs

There are a number of different models available in the Trek Fuel EX 2023 lineup, though availability will vary depending on where you are in the world.

In Australia, prices currently range from $4,999 AUD for the Fuel EX 7, and go up to $8,999 AUD for the Fuel EX 9.8 XT model. The cheapest option is actually the Fuel EX 5, though that model carries over the previous generation frame. For a closer look at the specs, prices and all the new details, check out our Trek Fuel EX 2023 overview article for more.

Here we’ll be diving into our experience of testing the Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS model, which will be available in Australia in limited quantities through the custom Project One bike builder. It’s a media bike that was provided to us by Trek, and of course it comes dripping with lots of gold, carbon and wireless bits. However, as usual with our reviews, we won’t be going into detail about the Gucci-level spec. Instead, we’ll be concentrating on the important aspects that are shared throughout the Fuel EX lineup; the frame design, suspension performance and its on-trail handling.

2023 Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX1 AXS

• Frame |  OCLV Mountain Carbon Fibre, ABP Suspension Design, 140mm Travel
• Fork |  Fox 36, Factory Series, GRIP2 Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
• Shock |  Fox Float X, Factory Series, 185x55mm
• Wheels |  Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Carbon Rims, 29mm Inner Width
• Tyres |  Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 2.5in Front & Rear
• Drivetrain |  SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS1×12 w/30T Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
• Brakes |  SRAM Code RSC 4-Piston
• Bar |  Bontrager RSL Integrated, OCLV Carbon, 27.5mm Rise, 820mm Width
• Stem |  Bontrager RSL Integrated, OCLV Carbon, 45mm Length
• Seatpost |  RockShox Reverb AXS, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 150mm (M-M/L), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL)
• Saddle |  Bontrager Arvada, Austentite Rails
• Confirmed Weight | 14.4kg
• RRP |  $TBC

The chassis feels near-bombproof, and combined with the supportive suspension, powerful brakes and high volume rubber, you’re served up plenty of confidence for pushing the front wheel into steep chutes and over technical A-lines.

Trek Fuel EX size & geometry

From X-Small through to XX-Large, the Trek Fuel EX is produced in no fewer than seven different sizes. Seven! Given that many brands only offer four or sometimes even just three frame sizes, that’s impressive.

The two smallest sizes feature 27.5in wheels, while the Medium and above come standard with 29in wheels. The Small is the only option that is available in either wheelsize.

At 175cm tall I’ve been riding a Medium, which features a 450mm reach. Thanks to the use of short seat tubes, a rider of my height could easily upsize to the M/L size to get a longer 470mm reach. Personally, I’ve found the fit of the Medium to be spot-on.

As for geometry, the Fuel EX features a 64.5° head angle and approximately a 77.5° effective seat tube angle in its stock configuration. The rear centre length varies between sizes, going up to 450mm on the largest frame. On the Medium I’ve been riding, the rear centre is a compact 435mm.

Coming off the Fuel EXe, I found it easy to settle into the Fuel EX. The only modification I needed to perform was to chop the comically wide handlebars from 820mm down to a more reasonable 780mm.

Suspension & tyre setup

Getting the Fuel EX set up is made easy thanks to Trek’s detailed online suspension calculator . Input the bike model and your riding weight, and out spits suggested air pressure and rebound settings for both the fork and shock. It even suggests tyre pressures, giving you a good place to start before hitting the trail. When brands like Canyon struggle to provide any recommendations at all, Trek should be commended for helping riders to get the most out of their bike.

For my 68kg riding weight, Trek suggests setting up the Fox 36 fork slightly softer and slower than usual. Recommended rear shock sag is 29%, and the calculator’s suggestion of 158psi got me to exactly that figure. Initially I set the rebound at 6/15 clicks as recommended, but while everything felt quite balanced front to back, the suspension was a little sluggish and duller than I wanted. Speeding up the rebound by a couple of clicks in both the fork and shock helped to make the whole bike feel a bit more lively, while improving small-bump reactivity.

Although the Bontrager SE5 tyres feature reinforced Core Strength casings, I still fitted a CushCore Pro insert to provide some additional pinch-flat protection and insurance for the carbon rims. Tyre pressures were set as per Trek’s recommendations with 20psi in the front and 22psi in the rear.

Trek Fuel EX weight

Confirmed weight for our Trek Fuel EX test bike is 14.4kg. That’s with the tyres set up tubeless, but without the CushCore insert or pedals.

It’s on the heavier side for a high-end carbon trail bike, though the 2.5in tyres, stocky carbon wheels and AXS components aren’t exactly the lightest going. Of course weights do vary throughout the Fuel EX lineup depending on the spec, and you can see the weights for all the different models in our range overview .

A contributing factor to the overall weight is the new frame, which has gained almost 700g over its predecessor. Trek claims the carbon frame weighs 3.4kg with the rear shock, making it a bit of a porker alongside some of the competition;

• Scott Genius HMX Carbon: 2,249g
• Specialized Stumpjumper Carbon: 2,280g
• Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29: 2,498g
• Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Carbon: 2,750g
• Canyon Spectral CF: 3,047g
• Trek Fuel EX Carbon: 3,400g

The new alloy Fuel EX frame is heavier again, coming in at a hefty 4.6kg with shock.

Of course weight isn’t everything, and it’s unsurprising that the new frame has gotten heavier given how much longer and slacker it is. Still, for those who are especially concerned by grams, there are certainly lighter options on the market.

What do we dig about the Trek Fuel EX 2023?

With its added heft and updated geometry, the Trek Fuel EX 2023 is no doubt the burliest iteration yet. The chassis feels near-bombproof, and combined with the supportive suspension, powerful brakes and high volume rubber, you’re served up plenty of confidence for pushing the front wheel into steep chutes and over technical A-lines.

Indeed it’s massively capable for a 140mm travel bike, with the slack 64.5° head angle and roomy wheelbase giving it a purposeful stance on the trail. The geometry is superb, with welcome updates that have brought the Fuel EX right up to speed.

The steeper seat angle is particularly noticeable over the old bike, providing a much improved seated position on steep climbs. Pedalling efficiency has also levelled up. Trek has lifted the main pivot above the chainring to increase anti-squat, which helps to reduce pedal-induced bobbing. The Float X shock has a two-position climb switch, but I never once needed to use it while riding off-road since the rear end is so well behaved.

It rips through the turns

Once up to speed on flower singletrack, the taut chassis means the Trek Fuel EX is highly responsive when rounding corners and pushing into berms.

With its boxy downtube, split top tube and the supporting strut for the lower shock mount, the front triangle is heavily braced to resist torsional flex. Along with the wide main pivot and boxy one-piece chainstays, the Fuel EX possesses a strong spine from its shapely head tube to the rear thru-axle. The muscly frame effectively translates handling inputs while resisting lateral deflection through the turns.

Likewise, the short rear end and generous 38mm BB drop are fantastic when threading your way through twisty sections of trail, keeping you connected to the terrain and contributing to the playful ride quality. The low-hanging BB did mean I caught the pedals occasionally, so those who frequent off-piste terrain and technical climbs will want to consider flipping the Mino Link into the High position to indulge in an extra 7mm of pedal clearance.

Otherwise the riding position and weight distribution are totally sorted. The handling is approachable, and the Fuel EX doesn’t demand a whole lot from you as the rider. Compared to the old bike it does need a more concerted lean when entering tighter corners, though this is a part of the natural evolution of modern trail bike geometry. Even if you’re coming off a 5-year old bike, you’ll only need a few rides to get accustomed to the Fuel EX’s steering behaviour.

Trail-tweakable

In addition to the Mino Link, we’ve also been experimenting with the lower shock flip chip on the Trek Fuel EX. Requiring just a single 6mm hex key, it’s a quick adjustment to make trailside, and the change in suspension behaviour is noticeable.

I ended up preferring the ‘Less’ setting, which provides a more linear leverage rate. With the shock set at the recommended sag, this position provides great pedalling support, along with more comfort and activity deeper into the stroke. There’s still a good deal of progression though. Combined with the large bottom-out bumper in the Float X shock, hitting full travel proved to be a well-controlled affair.

One of our fellow testers, who generally spends more time in the air than on the ground, preferred riding in the ‘More’ setting. This increases progression, providing a stronger ramp-up in the latter half of the travel. He also reduced the shock pressure by 5psi to further enhance small-bump compliance, while still being able to enjoy the additional big-hit support. Pedal efficiency isn’t as stable in this setting, but it does mean the Fuel EX takes to jumps like a duck to water, popping off lips enthusiastically and absorbing hard landings with a solid and flex-free touchdown.

One thing to note on the More/Less flip chip is that while you are altering the progression of the air spring, you’re also affecting the damper too. As well as adjusting air pressure, we found we needed to tweak the rebound and low-speed compression settings between the two positions. It is indeed a useful tuning tool, but it doesn’t dispel the need for air volume spacers entirely.

What does it struggle with?

With the Trek Fuel EX adopting a beefier frame, the added weight is noticeable compared to lighter bikes in this category. That’s compounded by the heavy-duty brakes, stocky wheels and chunky tyres, which mean there’s more inertia to overcome during micro-accelerations on an undulating climb.

For those who are looking for a sharper and sprightlier trail bike to whip through the trees along smoother singletrack, the latest Trek Top Fuel will be a better fit. In comparison, the new Fuel EX is a burlier beast that thrives on steeper and more technical terrain.

Curiously, it does feel stiffer than the electrified version, the Fuel EXe . Despite both our test bikes featuring carbon frames with a near-identical build kit, I’ve found the Fuel EX to transmit more trail feedback.

Some of this may be due to structural differences, and perhaps the more favourable sprung-to-unsprung mass ratio on the electric version thanks to the added weight of the motor and and battery. Either way, the Fuel EX doesn’t exactly exude off-camber compliance. As a lighter rider on very rocky terrain, I’ve found myself getting knocked around a little more than I would like.

This sensation reminded me of the Canyon Spectral 125 , which proved to be overly stiff and quite uncomfortable at slower riding speeds. The Fuel EX is more compliant overall than the Spectral 125, but it’s still pretty stiff.

It’s not as supple as Fuel EX models gone by

Contributing to this sensation, the suspension isn’t as plush as previous Fuel EX models, particularly those that featured the Thru Shaft shock. Those bikes did require the rider to make use of the compression lever to provide pedalling support, but it meant that in the open mode the rear end absorbed the terrain like melted butter.

You may have noticed that Trek has been making a conscious move away from proprietary suspension components lately, and that’s coincided with building bikes that offer more neutral pedalling performance. The increased anti-squat is one part of the equation on the new Fuel EX, and the other part is the custom-tuned Float X, which Trek has configured with a digressive compression tune on the main piston. This creates a decent low-speed threshold, which provides a level of support that sits between the Open and Medium settings on the previous RE:aktiv damper.

The result is that you can ride with the shock fully open, and the Fuel EX still offers great stability under pedalling inputs, with no real need to activate the climb switch. If you detest remote lockouts and having to flip shock levers all the time, this will certainly be appealing.

The downside is that the suspension isn’t as supple over smaller rubble and at slower speeds. Along with the stiff chassis and carbon wheels, more of those vibrations are transmitted to the rider. As such, careful consideration with tyre pressure is needed to maximise grip and comfort.

Because there is more support however, the Fuel EX gives your feet a stronger platform to push off of, with greater feedback during high-load scenarios. Indeed the harder and faster you push, the better the Fuel EX responds. In that sense, it’s less of a comfy cruiser like its predecessors, and more of a mid-travel bruiser that loves to ride hard and fast.

Component highs & lows

As a complete bike, the Trek Fuel EX is a solid package that puts the emphasis on capability over light weight.

The Bontrager SE5 tyres are a good example, coming in at 1,100g each on our workshop scales. They roll reasonably well given their weight and size, and we’ve found them to provide consistent grip on rocky, hard-packed soil, which will suit most Aussie trail riders. The tread is a little shallow though, and the compound isn’t the softest, which sees them struggling to latch on when the conditions are wet and loose. We’d prefer something a little stickier and toothier up front, like a Maxxis Minion DHR II with 3C MaxxGrip rubber.

While the carbon Bontrager Line Pro rims are quite stiff, they have proven to be plenty tough. We’ve tested five of these wheelsets across various bikes over the past few years and we’ve not encountered a single issue. The y also come with a two-year crash replacement guarantee, which is great insurance given the hell that you can put this bike through. Furthermore, the frame itself comes with a lifetime warranty for the original owner.

There’s still plenty of real-world protection though, including a generous two-piece armour plate that bolts to the underside of the downtube. There’s also a metal chain-suck guard behind the chainring, and a full-coverage chainstay protector. Along with the fully guided internal cable routing, the Fuel EX is an impressively quiet and rattle-free bike on the trail. Well, except for the rear thru-axle lever, which I removed after the first ride.

Otherwise the finishing details are all sound. The adoption of a bigger 34.9mm seat tube diameter is welcome, as it accommodates a stiffer and stronger dropper post, particularly for the larger sizes. Mechanics will be happy to see a threaded BB shell, and we’re fans of the downtube storage. The trap door has none of the play that we encountered on the last Fuel EX we tested, with a tight fit and a nice lever action.

It’s certainly a high quality chassis, and many riders are likely to appreciate the in-built versatility. We’re looking forward to trying out the adjustable head angle once the aftermarket cups become available, and we’d also be keen to try out the Fuel EX with a coil shock. Setting it up as a mullet will be more straightforward, especially as you only need to buy an air spring to extend the Fox 36 up to 160mm of travel.

Trek Fuel EX vs Specialized Stumpjumper

Alongside the Trek Fuel EX, the Specialized Stumpjumper is one of the most popular and well-known trail bikes in this category. In terms of travel and the overall build, the Fuel EX sits right in between the regular Stumpjumper and the Stumpjumper EVO. However, it’s the regular Stumpy that I’ve been spending the most time on lately, both in its stock configuration and with a burlier mullet setup .

Compared to the Fuel EX, the Stumpjumper has a touch less travel with a 140mm fork and 130mm at the rear. It also uses a simpler suspension layout, with the carbon models employing a flex-stay design. Combined with its slimmer tube profiles, the carbon Stumpjumper frame is very light. Specialized claims it weighs just 2.28kg including the shock, which is over a kilo lighter than a carbon Fuel EX.

This theme extends to the Stumpjumper’s build kit, with Specialized electing for the skinnier Fox 34 over the 36. Along with an in-line shock, lighter brakes, wheels and tyres, there’s a considerable difference in the overall bike weight. For example, the Stumpjumper Pro we tested weighed 12.84kg.

While the geometry is pretty similar between the two bikes, the Specialized Stumpjumper rides much lighter on the trail compared to the Trek Fuel EX. It offers more comfort, with its lithe chassis and smooth suspension performance providing better compliance over rough terrain. It’s quite sporty and sprightly, though its active suspension design does need taming on the climbs by making use of the rear shock’s compression lever.

In comparison, the Fuel EX is more naturally efficient. It’s also more planted at speed, with its sturdy chassis and supportive suspension providing better big-hit capability. It feels more like a short travel enduro bike, which will suit heavier and harder riders.

Both bikes will handle a longer fork and can be set up as a mullet, though Specialized makes a specific link for the Stumpjumper to maintain the stock geometry. There is greater versatility in the Fuel EX chassis, with the option to adjust the head angle and fit a coil shock.

As for value, the Fuel EX offers a more appealing spec package. A Stumpjumper Expert sells for $9,800 AUD and comes with a Fox 34 GRIP2 fork, SRAM G2 brakes, an X01 drivetrain, alloy wheels and handlebars. In comparison, an equivalent Fuel EX 9.8 XT sells for $800 AUD less. It gets a simpler GRIP damper for its Fox 36 fork, though it does feature a piggyback shock, a Shimano XT groupset, a carbon one-piece RSL cockpit and carbon wheels with that 2-year crash replacement guarantee.

Flow’s Verdict

For many trail riders, the Trek Fuel EX 2023 is likely to tick just about every box on your new bike wish list. It’s as up to date as it gets, featuring loads of adjustability, internal storage and a nuanced approach to its size-specific geometry. Along with the increased travel and muscly frame, it offers greater stability and big-hit control over its predecessor, while still being a fun and involving bike to ride on modern flow trails.

It is a bit of a chonker though, so those who are looking for a lightweight and speedy trail bike may be better served by the latest Top Fuel .

The stiff chassis and supportive suspension also mean the Fuel EX tends to transmit more feedback, making it less comfortable to ride over rocky terrain. We’d be curious to try out a lighter shock tune to see how much of a difference that would make to the overall ride quality, but in its stock form the Fuel EX isn’t as plush as competitors like the Giant Trance X and Specialized Stumpjumper .

It is impressively efficient though, and the stable suspension gives you a load of support when you’re really giving it the beans on the descents. In this sense, the Fuel EX is closer in feel and performance to an enduro bike. You’ll still want to look towards the Slash if you’re serious about racing, but outside of the tape the Fuel EX will handle just about everything a modern trail centre or bikepark could throw at it. And for those who really want to up the limits, the adaptable chassis can easily be configured for some pretty aggressive riding.

Indeed for those who are chasing maximum capability without going to a big, spongy enduro bike, the Fuel EX is a mighty appealing option.

You’ll still want to look towards the Slash if you’re serious about racing, but outside of the tape the Fuel EX will handle just about everything a modern trail centre or bikepark could throw at it.

• Submit for Review
• Terms & Conditions

Enjoy reading this?

Get similar articles delivered directly to your inbox

2023 Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 Bike

• Write Review

Specifications

Sizes and geometry.

trekbikes.com

More Products

2022 Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy Bike

2023 Trek Top Fuel 5 Bike

2022 Bird Forge SRAM Eagle 12-speed Bike

2022 Spawn Rokk 24/26 - 24" Bike

2022 Bird Zero 29 Shimano 12-speed Bike

2022 Trailcraft Timber 26 Carbon Pro Bike

2023 Trek Roscoe 9 Bike

2023 Kona Process 134 27.5 Bike

• Mountain Bikes
• Trek Mountain Bikes
• Trek Fuel EX
• 2023 Trek Fuel EX

Most Popular

• Rider Notes

2021 Trek Fuel EX 5

A 27.5″ / 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Similar Bikes

(descending)

Add custom gearing

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Dec 2022 · Ian Collins

A couple months ago, I was on the hunt for a new mid-travel personal bike and found myself largely unconvinced by most of the offerings on the market. Then a new, highly adjustable and longer in the tooth Trek Fuel EX was announced. When I reached out to Trek to inquire about testing one they offered to send a frameset for me to build out. On paper given that it had my ideal geometry, loads of adjustments (including leverage rate!), internal storage and the options of  air or coil and mullet or straight 29″, this was the ultimate Swiss army

Read Review

Dec 2022 · Mike Levy

The downtube storage compartment is on the new bike, and while it seems like Trek has put all the things onto the latest Fuel EX, there's one that they didn't: Knock Block.

Wide range of effective geometry adjustments

Just as much fun on smooth trails as it is on scary trails

Great climber, efficient pedaling

One-piece handlebar might be too stiff for some riders

Paint chips easily

New geometry, more travel, and even better suspension improves Trek's mid-weight trail bike.

Sep 2022 · Tom Marvin

Does the benchmark trail bike retain its reputation as a solid choice?

Excellent suspension

Solid feel to the frame

Great geometry

Doesn’t feel as sprightly on climbs as some

Tyres give up corner traction too easily in loose or muddy conditions

May 2022 · Guy Kesteven

Trek’s alloy Fuel EX trail mountain bike lacks the latest features but is the overall package still a winner?

Tight, precise frame

Sorted all round handling

Very efficient suspension feel

Durable Shimano kit

Excellent sizing options

Heavy frame

No internal storage

Press fit bottom bracket

Top Fuel is more playful

Jun 2021 · Peter Walker

The Trek Fuel EX has proven itself as an excellent all-rounder in the past. This year, the American brand enters the race with the € 5,999 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX, which combines a high-end frame with a mid-level spec but still features Trek's Thru Shaft shock technology. So does it always have to be top-spec? How big is the difference in performance and how does the Fuel EX 9.8 GX fare against its more expensive peers?

Very comfortable uphill

Intuitive handling

High-quality frame with integrated storage compartment

Tires are very puncture prone and generate little traction

Brakes don't do the bike’s potential justice

Oct 2020 · Benjamin Topf

The Trek Fuel EX 9.9 is an absolute classic in the trail bike segment. Could it also be the perfect bike for the next bikepacking adventure with its modern geometry and spare parts compartment in the down tube? We put the Fuel EX to the test.

Maximum fun on the descents

Intuitive and good-natured handling

Storage compartment in the down tube for tools or snacks

Too sluggish on easy terrain

Too much bike for long straights

Jun 2020 · Spencer Johnson

As warmer temperatures hit the Pacific Northwest and the dirt starts to dry, I’m always eager to get out on some long rides with some big climbs. Naturally, when this Trek Fuel EX 9.9 showed up at the Freehub office, I knew it was time to put the nimble beast through its paces. I challenged myself to a 60-mile sufferfest on some of Bellingham, Washington’s toughest climbs and descents. It definitely didn’t let me down. Climbing on this bike was a joy. Trek equipped the 9.9 model with its proprietary RE:aktiv shock with a three-position damper, which I left wide open for the entire ride. The rear suspension had an overwhelmingly supportive feel while pedaling out of the saddle, yet as soon as I hit a bump it dived deeper into the travel, keeping the rear wheel firmly planted and providing excellent traction. The geometry is modern and balanced, with a long reach and a sensible 76-degree seat angle. On the descents, the bike inspired confidence, thanks to its long wheelbase and bottomless-feeling suspension. My confidence was further enhanced by the reliable stopping power of the Shimano XT brakes. As a 200-pound rider, I couldn’t have appreciated the ultra-powerful XT brakes and the 203-millimeter front rotor more—especially while bombing down some of Bellingham’s scariest double-black trails.

Last updated August 15 Not listed for 612 days

• Stores Stores
• Account Account
• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart
• Bicycling Catalog
• Full-Suspension
• Fuel EX 5 Deore Gen 5

Trek Fuel EX 5 Deore Gen 5

Fuel EX 5 is the gateway to full suspension trail bikes. Trail-taming front and rear suspension, a Shimano 1x12 drivetrain, a dropper post for getting low on descents, and hydraulic disc brakes make Fuel EX 5 a high-value, high-performance mountain bike with exceptional versatility. It's right for you if… You're ready to go full suspension, and you want a versatile trail bike at a great value. You want a ride that's sure-footed, capable, and responsive so you can stay in control no matter where you're riding. The tech you get A lightweight aluminum frame with a Knock Block steerer stop to protect against spinning bars. A 140mm RockShox Recon Silver fork, 130mm of rear travel with an X-Fusion Pro 2 shock, a durable 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, dropper post, and hydraulic disc brakes. The final word You get full suspension performance without the sticker shock. Fuel EX 5 has the same frame technology as our higher-end alloy Fuel EX models with parts chosen to keep the price tag low and stoke level high. Why you'll love it: - You get a high-end ride at an exceptional value with frame features like Boost148 and ABP that give you confident handling and room to upgrade parts as your skills grow - It has the capability of far more expensive trail bikes: it shreds singletrack and can even handle the occasional XC or enduro race - The dropper post lets you lower your saddle on the fly so it's out of the way on descents - The RockShox fork's DebonAir spring can easily be adjusted for a specific rider weight, and it's lighter than a coil spring - We expanded our size range to ensure a better fit for all riders. And, you get the fastest wheel that fits your frame: XS frames get 27.5" wheels, S frames get to choose between 27.5" or 29", and sizes M to XL get 29" wheels

Geometry (27.5-inch Wheel Size)

Geometry (29-inch Wheel Size)

Will my bike have a curved top tube?

Smaller frames (XS and S) have a top tube that dips down as it approaches the seat tube. This design makes for a lower standover height, which is good for shorter riders because it allows them to straddle their bike more easily. Larger frames (M and up) have a straight top tube because taller riders with longer legs typically don’t have the same issues with standover height.

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

Part Numbers

2023 Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 Review

Are you looking for a high-performance mountain bike? The 2023 Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 is the perfect choice. 

This latest mountain bike in the Fuel EX lineup has been refined to perfection and comes with tons of great features.

The Fuel EX series from Trek has long been an industry standard as one of the most trusted mountain bikes on the market.

The fifth generation of these bikes has taken this legacy to the next level with its combination of cutting-edge materials, impressive technology and innovative design that makes it look and ride better than ever before.

This review will explore all of the aspects behind what makes the 2023 Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 stand out and help you decide whether it’s the right bike for you. We’ll go in-depth into everything from performance to price, and show you exactly why this model is one of the best choices on the market.

The Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 is an unforgettable new mountain bike that was released in 2023 and has already become the talk of the town! 

This awesome bike features some of the most advanced MTB construction and components, providing a truly unique and thrilling experience for riders. 

Read on to learn more about why this bike has made such a huge impact on cyclists everywhere.

The 2023 Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 is the pinnacle of mountain biking performance with features designed to give riders unprecedented freedom and control on the trail. 

It features an aluminum frame with light and stiff geometry, as well as a dropper seat post for tackling big climbs, mountain descents, and off-road adventures with ease.

The Fuel EX 5 also comes with a reliable 12-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes that are ideal for navigating technical sections in any weather. This bike was built to tackle any terrain – from gravel roads to singletrack trails – allowing you to explore farther than ever before.

– Lightweight Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame

– RockShox Recon Silver front fork with 140 mm suspension travel delivers added control on descents

– X-Fusion Pro 2 rear shock with 210mm of travel to cushion those huge drops

– Shimano Deore 1×12 speed drivetrain offers gearing options for all terrains

– 30t chainring bolted to a Shimano crank and paired to a 10-51t cassette

– Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes perfect for reliable stopping power in any conditions

– TranzX dropper post takes your ride’s capabilities up a notch so you can take on challenging terrain

– Alex MD35, tubeless compatible wheels wrapped in either Maxxis Rekon EXO or Bontrager XR4 Comp tires provide superior trail feedback

– Sizes XS and S ship with 27.5″ wheels while the Medium and larger sizes ship with 29″ wheels

Rides Like A Racehorse

The Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 is designed with a lightweight aluminum frame and full suspension which make it capable of ripping over rough terrain. It also makes for snappy handling, so you can get around tight corners quickly thanks to its agile geometry.

Versatile Yet Refined

Despite its impressive performance, the Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 remains very user-friendly and simple to use. Its Shimano 1×12 drivetrain may only contain 12 gears but still offers an unbeatable range of gearing options, allowing you take on any type of trail or climb imaginable. 

The long range Deore derailleur also offers crisp shifts with reliable accuracy even under pressure, while the hydraulic disc brakes offer accurate modulation control so you can slow down in style.

Smooth as Silk Suspension

Thanks to its full-suspension design, the Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 gives you plenty of cushioning as well as unbeatable grip when riding over roots or rocks. 

Further refining things is a RockShox Recon Silver air fork up front along with X-Fusion Pro 2 rear shock, offering 140mm and 210mm of travel, respectively, for great off-road responsiveness yet enough composure for fast XC sensations too.

Final Thoughts

In short, it’s easy to see why so many experienced mountain bikers have given the 2023 Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5 rave reviews recently. 

It’s an insanely versatile ride that allows riders from all disciplines to enjoy blazing speeds combined with great control over varied trails and climbs. 

If you’re looking for a no compromise bike that will perform at an incredible level whatever trail conditions come your way – this is it!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

Related Posts

Schwinn Discover Review

2023 Cannondale Topstone 3 Review

Giant Revolt Advanced 0 Review

Electra Vale Go! 9D EQ S Step-Thru Electric Bike Review

• Rocky Mountain
• Specialized
• YT Industries
• Allied Cycle Works
• Black Market
• DALLINGRIDGE
• Diamondback
• Early Rider
• EVO Bicycles
• Growler Bikes
• Guerrilla Gravity
• iGO Electric
• Intense 951
• Juiced Bikes
• View all brands
• Production Privee
• Rad Power Bikes
• Rambo Bikes
• Riese & Müller
• Soul Fast E Bikes
• Spark Cycleworks
• State Bicycle Co.
• Structure Cycleworks
• Surface 604
• Van Nicholas
• Vintage Electric
• We Are One Composites

• Cross Country

• All Mountain

Trek Fuel EX 5

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Weight / M - 15.55 kg / 34.29 lbs (with tubes)

At a glance

Where to buy.

"A world-class trail bike"

"Fuel EX is a beautifully balanced and capable trail bike. The rear suspension is beautiful; as close to ideal as any bike I've ridden. It's sensitive where you want it to be, firm and crisp where it should be. It feels deep and controls big hits very well, and there's a nice platform for pedaling, and to pump and pop off when you're playing."

"Good at pleasing everybody"

"Fuel EX has a few tricks that help it keep a level head when outside of its comfort zone, and to be a cloud on rails when it's in the zone. Everything about the Fuel EX, which was already good at pleasing everybody, is now even better at it."

"An absolute trail rocket"

"Thanks to its burlier components, increased travel, and more aggressive geometry, it has become more of a shredder than ever! More performance, fun, and trail prowess."

Specifications

• Frame Alpha Platinum Aluminum, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, downtube guard, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 130mm travel
• Fork Size: XS , S RockShox Recon Silver, Solo Air spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 46mm offset, Boost110, Maxle Stealth, 140mm travel Size: S , M , ML , L , XL RockShox Recon Silver, Solo Air spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, Maxle Stealth, 140mm travel
• Shock Size: XS , S X-Fusion Pro 2, 2-position damper, 210x52.5mm Size: S , M , ML , L , XL X-Fusion Pro 2, 2-position damper, 210x55mm
• Wheel Size 29" 27.5"
• Tires Size: XS , S Bontrager XR4 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 27.5x2.60'' Size: S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager XR4 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29x2.60''
• Chain Shimano Deore M6100, 12 speed
• Crank Size: XS , S Shimano MT511, 30T steel ring, Boost (52mm chainline), 170mm length Size: M , ML , L , XL Shimano MT511, 30T steel ring, Boost (52mm chainline), 175mm length
• Shifters Shimano Deore M6100, 12 speed
• Cassette Shimano Deore M6100, 10-51, 12 speed
• Brakeset Shimano hydraulic disc, MT201 lever, MT200 caliper
• Handlebar Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width
• Seatpost Size: XS , S TranzX JD-YSP18, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 361mm length Size: M , ML , L , XL TranzX JD-YSP18, 130mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 425mm length
• Headset Knock Block Integrated, 58-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

Q: Where to buy a 2021 Trek Fuel EX 5?

The 2021 Trek Fuel EX 5 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2021 Trek Fuel EX 5 weigh?

A 2021 Trek Fuel EX 5 weights M - 15.55 kg / 34.29 lbs (with tubes).

Q: What size wheels does the 2021 Trek Fuel EX 5 have?

The 2021 Trek Fuel EX 5 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2021 Trek Fuel EX 5 should I get?

No comments on this bike yet. Why not be the first?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want more MTB in your mailbox?

The latest on mountain bikes delivered straight to your mailbox.

More Bikes in Range View All

Trek Fuel EX 7

Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX AXS

More trail bikes view all.

BH XTEP Lynx 5.5 Pro-L 27.5+

Split Pivot suspension system, Internal cable routing, Includes 4A fast charger

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR S-Works EVO

Cannondale F-Si Carbon 1

Full Tilt XC. A mountain race bike loaded with performance features that ensure victory, all while weighing next to nothing.

Deals View All

View all deals, recent posts view all.

Blackburn Honest Digital Pressure Gauge Review

It's 2020 people. The squeeze and bounce test doesn't cut it anymore (and this is…

Comparing Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes are complicated machines. They have parts from hundreds of different manufacturers, come in…

Undomestic Mountain Bikes: Here’s what we know

Update March 2020: Undomestic has announced that they are manufacturing frames "at this moment" and…

Send Feedback

Have a suggestion? Looking for a bike that's not on MTB Database? Or perhaps you've spotted an error?

We'd love to hear from you. Let us know with the form below.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible. Learn more.

About MTB Database

Explore, search and compare thousands of the world’s best mountain bikes here on Mountain Bike Database.

Compare prices, components, suspension, reviews, images and more on current and past MTB’s. You can even share reviews, comments and questions on mountain bikes. View and compare a huge selection of bikes from brands such as Trek , Specialized , Giant , Santa Cruz , Norco and more .

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information for mountain bikes on MTB Database. If you’ve spotted any issues, please let us know . We also include helpful tools, such as our frame size calculator, to assist you in choosing the right mountain bike. Bear in mind that these tools serve as a guide and simply provide a general indication. Refer to information provided by your bike manufacturer for the most applicable information for your bike.

Bikes By Brand

Bikes by year, bikes by riding style, bikes by wheel size, popular bikes.

• 2022 Specialized Epic EVO Comp
• 2022 Trek Marlin 6
• 2022 Specialized Enduro Comp
• 2022 Specialized S-Works Epic EVO
• 2022 Specialized Epic EVO Expert
• 2022 Giant Fathom 29 1
• 2022 Trek Marlin 7

Latest Bikes

• 2023 Commencal SUPREME DH V5 SIGNATURE 70'S
• 2023 Orange Phase 29 Factory
• 2022 Commencal META SX V4 TEAM Frame
• 2023 Commencal SUPREME DH V5 SIGNATURE LTD
• 2023 Commencal META SX V4 - Frame
• 2023 Riese & Müller Swing4 vario
• 2023 Riese & Müller Swing4 silent

Trek Fuel EX 8 29 XT review

All Trek’s bikes have one thing in common: you’ll feel right at home on them after just a few turns of the cranks. The Trek Fuel EX 8 29 is no exception. Read on to find out how it performs on the trail.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Good times guaranteed! 7 trail bikes under € 3,000 in Review

Wow! The frame of the Trek Fuel EX 8 29 is a jaw-dropping looker, trust us. With its oversized down tube, sophisticated lines, and premium black/grey colour scheme, it looks really high-end, despite being specced with Shimano MT 500 brakes and a FOX 34 Rhythm fork. For € 2,999 Trek offers the Fuel EX with either a Shimano 2x or a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain. They gave us the 2x version for our group test, but if we had to choose, we would definitely go for the Eagle. As is typical for Trek, a lot of the components on the bike are from their in-house brand, Bontrager.

Unfortunately, the bars are a bit narrow at 750 mm, but aside from that there was nothing to complain about. Because of delivery issues with Bontrager tyres, our Fuel EX came with Schwalbe Nobby Nics. Like all full-suspension Trek models, the down tube of Fuel EX is straight: this provides increased stiffness but it also gets in the way of the fork, which is why Trek utilizes their so-called Knock Block headset to stop the fork spinning and hitting the down tube. This limits the steering angle to less than 90°, but you won’t notice it on the trail–it only gets annoying once you start trying to load the bike into a car.

   The Fuel EX is the VW Golf in this comparison: reliable and down to earth!

When you get on the bike, you’ll get that typical Trek feeling, where everything just seems to fit. The only thing you need to do before you head out on the trail is to push the saddle forward. Once that is done, you’ll be sat nicely to transfer the power in your quads and glutes directly to the cranks. The specially developed FOX shock with RE:aktiv thru-shaft technology responds very sensitively, even in Trail mode, and offers a lot of traction going uphill. And as easily as the Fuel EX goes up, so it’ll go back down. The geometry is very balanced through corners, always remaining easy to control. Despite the large wheels, it’s quick and snappy in changing direction. On flat, flowing trails we recommend riding with the shock in Trail mode, which will have the suspension of the Fuel EX offer more support and feedback without becoming harsh. If you leave the shock open, the bike feels like it offers much more travel than the specified 130 mm, but it will also sap some of your energy when trying to pump through rollers and it’ll wallow a bit in compressions. When things get steep and demanding, the Fuel EX will confidently stay on course, although we would have preferred a more capable fork with at least 140 mm of travel.

Trek Fuel EX 8 29 XT in detail

Fork Fox 34 Rythm 130 mm Rear shock Fox Float Performance Re:Aktiv 130 mm Brakes Shimano MT500 Drivetrain Shimano XT/SLX Seatpost Bontrager Drop Line 150 mm Stem Bontrager Line 60 mm Handlebar Bontrager Line 750 mm Tires Schwalbe Nobby Nic Wheels Bontrager Line Comp 30 Weight 14.06 kg Price € 2,999

Geometry of the Trek Fuel EX 8 29 XT

   Upgrade tip: larger brake rotors / wider handlebars

The Trek Fuel EX 8 29 is a great all-rounder. It climbs with aplomb and is brilliant fun going downhill. It’s a bike made for long rides and adventures into the unknown. Unfortunately, the fork limits the potential of the bike – a 140 mm version would have been a better choice.

+ good all-rounder + potent rear end + balanced handling

– seat tube angle too slack – fork limits the bike – handlebars too narrow

Uphill Downhill Stability Agility Value

For more information head to: trekbikes.com

The test fleet

All bikes in test: Canyon Spectral CF 8.0 | Ghost SLAMR X 5.9 AL | Giant Trance 1.5 LTD | ROSE ROOT MILLER 2 | Whyte T-130 S | YT JEFFSY 29 AL Comp

This article is from ENDURO issue #033

ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine is published in a digital app format in both English and German. Download the app for iOS or Android to read all articles on your tablet or smartphone. 100% free!

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more .

Words & Photos:

You may also like

New MAXXIS Aspen ST – A new XC tire with minimal rolling resistance

The FOX Transfer Factory 2025 seatpost with 240 mm travel in review...

New 2024 Yeti SB165 on test – Fun > Fast

New RAAW Jibb V2 on test – Old terrier, new tricks?

Unstoppable – the new ENDURO issue #059 is here!

New 2025 FOX dampers on test – GRIP X2, GRIP X and GRIP SL

Shop in-store for even more deals!

Shop in store for even more deals we can't advertise!

Mountain Bike Suspension Service

Trade In Your Bike

• Base Layers
• Mountain Bike Shorts
• Bibs, Tights + Knickers
• Mountain Bike Shoes

SAFETY GEAR

• Adult Helmets
• Youth Helmets
• Road Helmets
• Casual Wear
• Road Bike Shorts
• Bibs, Tights & Knickers
• Road Bike Shoes
• Accessories/Parts

Safety Gear

• Women's Helmets
• Road Bike Helmets
• Mountain Bike Helmets

WHEELS & TIRES

• Road Wheels
• Mountain Bike Wheels
• Mountain Bike Tires
• Wheels Accessories and Parts
• Derailleurs
• Chains & Cassettes
• Cranks and Chainrings
• Bottom Brackets
• Cables and Housing
• Power Meters

BRAKES & PEDALS

• Clipless Pedals
• Flat Pedals
• Mountain Bike Brake Sets
• Mountain Bike Brake Pads
• Road Bike Brakes and Pads
• All Brakes/Levers/Pads

Forks & Cockpit

• Grips and Bar Tape
• Rigid Forks
• Suspension Forks

Accessories

• Car Rack Accessories
• Electronics
• Front Lights
• Tail Lights
• Locks/Security
• Media/Resources
• Bicycle Mounted Racks
• Pumps/Inflation
• Tools/Maintenance
• Trailers/Strollers
• Trainers/Rollers
• Travel/Storage
• Water Bottles & Cages

Brand Guides

Bike buyer's guides, gear guides, new bike releases, summit bicycles online (855) 245-3663 [email protected] email, burlingame (650) 343-8483 [email protected] email, summit outfitters (408) 878-3252 [email protected] email, los gatos (408) 399-9142 [email protected] email, san jose (408) 264-2453 [email protected] email, palo alto (650) 304-0035 [email protected] email, summit bicycles mobile we'll come to you schedule mobile service today, (855) bike-one - for online orders and rental inquiries.

• Account Account
• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart
• Bicycling Catalog
• 29-Inch Wheel (29ers)

Trek Top Fuel 5

Top Fuel 5 is a full suspension mountain bike that's equal parts efficient and capable. It soaks up rough, rugged descents but still flies like a rocket up hills and on flat stretches. The light and sturdy alloy frame is built with parts picked for performance and value, making this bike perfect for your first full suspension trail bike. It's right for you if... You've fallen in love with mountain biking, and are ready for the confidence, traction, and capability of a full suspension bike. You're looking for a rugged frame and solid parts spec that pack performance without breaking the bank. The tech you get A lightweight aluminum frame with internal storage, 120mm RockShox Recon fork, 120mm of rear travel with an X-Fusion Pro 2 shock and a wide-range 1x12 Shimano Deore drivetrain. Plus, tubeless ready rims, hydraulic disc brakes, and a dropper post. The final word A solid full suspension bike at a wallet-friendly price. The best-value bike in the Top Fuel lineup is made for having a blast going fast on just about any trail. Why you'll love it - This bike's killer suspension setup is both efficient and ready to party - Mino Link lets you make small adjustments to your geometry quickly and easily, even mid-ride - A sleek internal storage compartment gives you a versatile spot to stow tools and gear - New, removable Knock Block has a bigger steering angle to keep cables and hoses safe without sacrificing turning radius

Geometry (Low)

Geometry (High)

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

Part Numbers

Mountainbike

• TFR Downhill
• TFR Cross Country
• Baloise-Trek
• TFR Triathlon
• Trek Ambassadors
• Regional teams and athletes

• Lidl-Trek Fanclub
• trekbikes.com

Juanpe López wins Tour of the Alps

The animated Andalusian climber successfully defended his race lead all the way to the finish in Levico Terme, after five days of racing.

How it happened.

On Stage 3, Juanpe attacked through the icy rain to take a beautiful solo win 38 seconds ahead of his main GC rivals. A solid margin, but by no means comfortable with two more days in the mountains left to race. The next day, proudly wearing the green jersey as race leader, Juanpe stepped up and doggedly defended his lead. With so many riders dangerously close in the overall standings, he had no choice but to follow every move he could, right to the end of the stage.

The final stage, a loop around Levico Terme, presented two more mountains standing in the way of Juanpe and his first stage-race victory. Fortunately, it wasn’t just Juanpe who stepped up to the challenge, but also his teammates who played a vital role in controlling the peloton throughout the day. When the time came for Juanpe to take matters into his own hands, he did, looking as composed and experienced as his nickname ‘El Patrón’ suggests.

As the group of climbers fought for the stage win, Juanpe crossed the line a few meters behind punching the air with elation to celebrate the first overall race victory of his career.

The winner’s words

“I feel super happy because I worked really hard in Tenerife with the team, and being with all my teammates there made me really motivated. Last year I had some hard months after the crash, but now I’m really good, especially in the downhill. I really surprised myself, it was super nice for me.

“Today the team did a good job one by one, the young ones – Nils and Liam – were great from the start, and then Fabio and Dario were really important for me, keeping me calm and giving me confidence. Then, if I said Amanuel and Carlos did their job 100%, that wouldn’t be enough praise. They did a f***ing nice job. This victory is for the whole team.

“The green jersey is extra special because it is the color of Real Betis, my team.”

The day in photos

Discover more

Cicco, here we go! Giulio makes his return at Tour de Romandie

How Bear National Team has helped fuel the U.S. MTB Renaissance

Longo Borghini third on the Mur de Huy

• Juanpe Lopez

Previous story

Ciccone is progressing well, allowing Lidl-Trek to plan his upcoming races. First, a return in Switzerland, followed by a double Grand Tour program at Tour de France and the Vuelta a España

First refuelling for Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov floating NPP

!{Model.Description}

The FNPP includes two KLT-40S reactor units. In such reactors, nuclear fuel is not replaced in the same way as in standard NPPs – partial replacement of fuel once every 12-18 months. Instead, once every few years the entire reactor core is replaced with and a full load of fresh fuel.

The KLT-40S reactor cores have a number of advantages compared with standard NPPs. For the first time, a cassette core was used, which made it possible to increase the fuel cycle to 3-3.5 years before refuelling, and also reduce by one and a half times the fuel component in the cost of the electricity produced. The operating experience of the FNPP provided the basis for the design of the new series of nuclear icebreaker reactors (series 22220). Currently, three such icebreakers have been launched.

The Akademik Lomonosov was connected to the power grid in December 2019, and put into commercial operation in May 2020.

Electricity generation from the FNPP at the end of 2023 amounted to 194 GWh. The population of Pevek is just over 4,000 people. However, the plant can potentially provide electricity to a city with a population of up to 100,000. The FNPP solved two problems. Firstly, it replaced the retiring capacities of the Bilibino Nuclear Power Plant, which has been operating since 1974, as well as the Chaunskaya Thermal Power Plant, which is more than 70 years old. It also supplies power to the main mining enterprises located in western Chukotka. In September, a 490 km 110 kilovolt power transmission line was put into operation connecting Pevek and Bilibino.

Image courtesy of TVEL

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Newsletter sign up
• Digital Edition
• Editorial Standards

We'll take care of you. Period.

It's our mission to provide you with world-class hospitality every time you visit us online or in-store. We're always here to help you. It's the Trek way.

Free shipping and professional assembly

All bikes ordered online ship for free to your local Trek shop for professional assembly. Participating retailers will even deliver your new ride to your doorstep!

30 Day Unconditional Guarantee

If for any reason you aren't 100% happy with your trekbikes.com purchase, you can return it in like new condition within 30 days - no questions asked.

MBUK’s Trail Bike of the Year 2022

“It’s easy to look at the bike from afar and assume this is just another downcountry rig... It wasn’t until I’d fired it over some jumps, nosed it down the odd steep chute and slung it through my test loops’ berms that I realised the Top Fuel is, simply put, a bloody brilliant trail bike.”

"Enduro’s Best Downcountry Bike of 2022"

"Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS earned top honors in Enduro’s round-up of best downcountry rippers, thanks to the bike’s clean look, practical details, and progressive suspension."

"This is a really, really good bike"

"The Top Fuel is a very capable descender, but its well-proportioned geometry is just half the story. It manages to strike a great balance between grip, tracking, and precision. The whole bike seems to just will you on to hit things faster and with more precision."

"This thing rips"

"The new Top Fuel is also much more composed on rough and fast descents. Thanks to the longer reach and slacker head angle, the overall wheelbase length has grown by almost 40mm. That’s huge, and it offers a vastly more planted feel at speed. Along with the big tyres and active suspension, this really is a solid little trail bike."

More options

Mess is best: Disordered structure of battery-like devices improves performance

The energy density of supercapacitors -- battery-like devices that can charge in seconds or a few minutes -- can be improved by increasing the 'messiness' of their internal structure.

Researchers led by the University of Cambridge used experimental and computer modelling techniques to study the porous carbon electrodes used in supercapacitors. They found that electrodes with a more disordered chemical structure stored far more energy than electrodes with a highly ordered structure.

Supercapacitors are a key technology for the energy transition and could be useful for certain forms of public transport, as well as for managing intermittent solar and wind energy generation, but their adoption has been limited by poor energy density.

The researchers say their results, reported in the journal Science , represent a breakthrough in the field and could reinvigorate the development of this important net-zero technology.

Like batteries, supercapacitors store energy, but supercapacitors can charge in seconds or a few minutes, while batteries take much longer. Supercapacitors are far more durable than batteries, and can last for millions of charge cycles. However, the low energy density of supercapacitors makes them unsuitable for delivering long-term energy storage or continuous power.

"Supercapacitors are a complementary technology to batteries, rather than a replacement," said Dr Alex Forse from Cambridge's Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, who led the research. "Their durability and extremely fast charging capabilities make them useful for a wide range of applications."

A bus, train or metro powered by supercapacitors, for example, could fully charge in the time it takes to let passengers off and on, providing it with enough power to reach the next stop. This would eliminate the need to install any charging infrastructure along the line. However, before supercapacitors are put into widespread use, their energy storage capacity needs to be improved.

While a battery uses chemical reactions to store and release charge, a supercapacitor relies on the movement of charged molecules between porous carbon electrodes, which have a highly disordered structure. "Think of a sheet of graphene, which has a highly ordered chemical structure," said Forse. "If you scrunch up that sheet of graphene into a ball, you have a disordered mess, which is sort of like the electrode in a supercapacitor."

Because of the inherent messiness of the electrodes, it's been difficult for scientists to study them and determine which parameters are the most important when attempting to improve performance. This lack of clear consensus has led to the field getting a bit stuck.

Many scientists have thought that the size of the tiny holes, or nanopores, in the carbon electrodes was the key to improved energy capacity. However, the Cambridge team analysed a series of commercially available nanoporous carbon electrodes and found there was no link between pore size and storage capacity.

Forse and his colleagues took a new approach and used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy -- a sort of 'MRI' for batteries -- to study the electrode materials. They found that the messiness of the materials -- long thought to be a hindrance -- was in fact the key to their success.

"Using NMR spectroscopy, we found that energy storage capacity correlates with how disordered the materials are -- the more disordered materials are able to store more energy," said first author Xinyu Liu, a PhD candidate co-supervised by Forse and Professor Dame Clare Grey. "Messiness is something that's hard to measure -- it's only possible thanks to new NMR and simulation techniques, which is why messiness is a characteristic that's been overlooked in this field."

When analysing the electrode materials with NMR spectroscopy, a spectrum with different peaks and valleys is produced. The position of the peak indicates how ordered or disordered the carbon is. "It wasn't our plan to look for this, it was a big surprise," said Forse. "When we plotted the position of the peak against energy capacity, a striking correlation came through -- the most disordered materials had a capacity almost double that of the most ordered materials."

So why is mess good? Forse says that's the next thing the team is working on. More disordered carbons store ions more efficiently in their nanopores, and the team are hoping to use these results to design better supercapacitors. The messiness of the materials is determined at the point they are synthesised.

"We want to look at new ways of making these materials, to see how far messiness can take you in terms of improving energy storage," said Forse. "It could be a turning point for a field that's been stuck for a little while. Clare and I started working on this topic over a decade ago, and it's exciting to see a lot of our previous fundamental work now having a clear application."

The research was supported in part by the Cambridge Trusts, the European Research Council, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

• Energy Technology
• Energy and Resources
• Nuclear Energy
• Solar Energy
• Materials Science
• Potential energy
• Battery electric vehicle
• Quantum dot
• Battery (electricity)

Story Source:

Materials provided by University of Cambridge . The original text of this story is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Xinyu Liu, Dongxun Lyu, Céline Merlet, Matthew J. A. Leesmith, Xiao Hua, Zhen Xu, Clare P. Grey, Alexander C. Forse. Structural disorder determines capacitance in nanoporous carbons . Science , 2024; 384 (6693): 321 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn6242

Cite This Page :

Explore More

• Warming Antarctic Deep-Sea and Sea Level Rise
• Octopus Inspires New Suction Mechanism for ...
• Cities Sinking: Urban Populations at Risk
• Puzzle Solved About Ancient Galaxy
• How 3D Printers Can Give Robots a Soft Touch
• Combo of Multiple Health Stressors Harming Bees
• Methane Emission On a Cold Brown Dwarf
• Remarkable Memories of Mountain Chickadees
• Predicting Future Marine Extinctions
• Drain On Economy Due to Climate Change

Trending Topics

Strange & offbeat.

Star Trek: Prodigy's Brett Gray Prepared For His Role By Keeping Himself In The Dark

The second season of "Star Trek: Prodigy" is still awaiting a release date in North America, although French readers should be able to view it right now on the region-specific France.TV. The story of the cancelation of "Prodigy" is sad for Trekkies, as the kid-centric animated series, created by Kevin and Dan Hageman, was just growing into its own and emerging as a proper "Star Trek" series.

The premise was fun: in an unknown and distant part of the galaxy, a group of teenage aliens -- fleeing slavery in a mine -- discover an abandoned Starfleet vessel called the U.S.S. Protostar. On board, they meet a holographic version of Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew), who assumes the teens are Starfleet cadets and require tutelage. The teens are hotheaded, feisty, and brooding in the way that teens tend to be, but Janeway teaches them to operate as a crew and mature as individuals. By the end of the first season, the teens were wearing uniforms and staging dangerous rescue missions.

The ersatz captain of the crew was Dal R'El, played by actor Brett Gray. Dal didn't have a family and didn't even know what species he was. He initially took command out of bluster and unearned confidence but eventually learned to get along with his crew and even came to care for them as friends. Scant exposure to Starfleet ideals was enough to inspire ambition and growth.

It seems that Gray, when preparing for "Prodigy," deliberately didn't do any "Star Trek" research. Gray was not a Trekkie by any stretch and had no working knowledge of the franchise. However, since Dal was also clueless about the details of Starfleet, Gray felt it was fitting to keep his homework to an absolute minimum. Gray admitted as much in a 2022 interview with TrekMovie.

Read more: Star Trek's Gene Roddenberry Always Regretted Cutting One Character From The Show

Barely Preparing

Of course, Trekkies would likely prefer to hear from actors that they are as learned in "Star Trek" as most diehard fans. "Star Trek" is a vast and complicated universe and I think many Trekkies would be comforted to know that the actors they watch every week are just as sensitive to continuity as they are. Not so with Gray. When asked about how much "Star Trek" knowledge he entered "Prodigy" with, Gray was frank, saying:

"You're not going like this answer. I tried to barely prepare it all. I was really nervous coming into it. I thought maybe I should watch every 'Star Trek' and I should go learn about everything; see who the people are and things like that. But as I was reading the scripts for the first season, I realized that I could discover this all as myself with Dal. I don't know if that was the right way to do it but I feel like it's freed me up so much."

To be fair, ignorance would actually aid Gray in creating a character like Dal. If the character had never heard of Starfleet, then it would stand to reason that the actor shouldn't have either. Dal and Gray could, then, go on parallel growth arcs, learning about "Star Trek" through snippets of knowledge, all while offering their own eye-rolling, irreverent viewpoint. Dal didn't find Starfleet sacred, allowing Gray, as he said, to do more with his character. Indeed, when it came to a known element of "Star Trek" narration, Gray said that his ignorance impressed the producers.

'I Don't Even Know What A Captain's Log Is'

Gray went on to relate a story about his unique read of the classic "Star Trek" exposition device -- the captain's log:

"I remember my first captain's log -- I don't know if you've heard any of them, but they're getting better -- but when I first started them it was super flippant and the producers loved it. They said, 'Wow, these are usually done very matter-of-factly and super seriously, did you choose to do that?' And I was like, 'I don't even know what a captain's log is!' I think in some ways, it's freed me up to bring some freshness and to bring some life into these characters in a different way than we've seen before." 

Indeed, "Prodigy" is one of the most in-depth examples of an outsider character learning about Starfleet for the first time. Gray reinforced that he and Dal were learning at the same time. 

In June 2023, it was announced that "Star Trek: Prodigy" had been canceled and that the show would be removed from Paramount+. This came as an utter shock to the "Prodigy" cast and crew . They were given leeway to finish the second season, but there was to be no more "Prodigy" after that. Currently, "Prodigy" is available on Netflix. The sudden removal of "Prodigy" was the first sign that Paramount had invested too much in "Star Trek" and that the franchise needed to contract . "Picard" is over, "Prodigy" and "Discovery" have been canceled, and "Section 31" was transformed from a series into a movie.

Those of us outside of France will have to wait and see if Dal truly grows up.

Read the original article on SlashFilm

Heavy Equipment

Man to build 200 hydrogen trucks — to prove that hydrogen doesn’t work.

Europe’s second-largest commercial truck maker is going to build 200 hydrogen-powered semi trucks, but remains skeptical about the viability of hydrogen as a transport fuel.

It’s a strange announcement, as far as these things go. MAN even went so far as to reiterate its commitment to battery-electric vehicles for “most” applications, strange for an announcement about a hydrogen-fueled product that the company plans to try and actually sell to a select number of customers who carry extra-heavy loads like timber or parts for offshore wind turbines. Other hydrogen strangeness includes claims that “it will still be a few years before the technology is truly market-ready and competitive.”

Those claims don’t come from MAN Truck’s notoriously hydrogen-skeptical CEO, Alexander Vlaskamp, who told reporters that it was, “ impossible for hydrogen to effectively compete with battery electric trucks ,” back in January. “Today you cannot buy hydrogen for less than 13 or 14 euros … and it is not green. And when we have green hydrogen it will be needed for the heavy industry of steel, cement, or plastic.”

So — if all that’s true, why is MAN continuing to invest in hydrogen-powered vehicle programs? “ Only to test our hypothesis ,” said Vlaskamp (emphasis mine). “We may use hydrogen for transportation in 2035, but only if there is enough green hydrogen at the right price and the necessary infrastructure is in place.”

MAN CEO expresses doubts about H

And, as noted above, Vlaskamp isn’t alone. MAN’s board member for research and development, Frederik Zohm, said that the company is the one saying hydrogen still has years to go. “(MAN) continues to research fuel cell technology based on battery electrics,” he said, in a statement quoted by Hydrogen Insight , before another board member added that, “we (MAN) expect that, in the future, we will be able to best serve the vast majority of our customers’ transport applications with battery-electric trucks .”

As far as the hydrogen trucks themselves go, the H2 combustion engine appears to have taken center stage in MAN’s hydrogen product road map, with the company’s previously stated plans to put its FCEV semi into limited production in 2025 seemingly pushed back to make way for this run.

Top comment by Nick From Montreal

I agree with the author's conclusions. MAN is a business & as long as the EU is willing to pay for hydrogen trucks trials, they'll gladly take their money. They have nothing to lose here, except maybe time. I suspect the same thing is happening in Japan with Toyota & Honda -- they know hydrogen is uncompetitive, but the government is willing to pay for these things, so why not? 💰😵💰

Dubbed the MAN gTGX, the trucks are fitted with a 56 kg tank that it says can be filled with hydrogen compressed at 700 bar in 15 minutes. And, with tailpipe emissions coming in at less than 1kg of CO 2  per km, the truck will be categorized as a “zero-emissions vehicle” under the EU’s road transport regulations.

MAN says its H2 combustion engine will deliver a massive 1800+ lb-ft. of torque (2500 Nm), enough to haul more 220,000 lbs. (100 tonnes) of payload.

Electrek’s Take

This whole thing is strange, right? Imagine RAM trucks announcing a new diesel pickup and including quotes from several executives about the technology being a step or two behind the electric trucks from Ford and Tesla . It would be bizarre.

That said, the message here seems to be that, if Europe wants to keep spending money on hydrogen trucks, MAN will be happy to take it. That’s what I’m getting, anyway — what about you guys? Scroll on down to the comments and let us know.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

I’ve been in and around the auto industry since the 90s, and have written for a number of well-known outlets like CleanTechnica, the Truth About Cars, Popular Mechanics, and more. You can catch me on The Heavy Equipment Podcast with Mike Switzer, the AutoHub Show with Ian and Jeff, or chasing my kids around Oak Park, IL.

• History of cooperation
• Areas of cooperation
• Procurement policy
• Useful links
• Becoming a supplier
• Procurement
• Rosatom newsletter

© 2008–2024Valtiollinen Rosatom-ydinvoimakonserni

• Rosatom Global presence
• Rosatom in region
• For suppliers
• Preventing corruption
• Press centre

Rosatom Starts Life Tests of Third-Generation VVER-440 Nuclear Fuel

• 16 June, 2020 / 13:00

This site uses cookies. By continuing your navigation, you accept the use of cookies. For more information, or to manage or to change the cookies parameters on your computer, read our Cookies Policy. Learn more