[mo6500]

Well, it's 2022 and after 3 years with the current Fuel EX, Trek is probably working on the new one.

What to expect from the new FEX? The regular "longer lower slacker" package? more Insertion depth for longer droppers? new suspension design? components change?

What do you wish for?

 

[JerzyBoy]

Settle down. I dont pick up my 22 for 2 weeks. Gimme a few rides, then I can answer.

 

[kosmo]

What do you wish for?

Honestly, I've never had a bike that I was so blase about getting, and ended up loving so much. So, for me, Dear Trek -- Don't change too much, and please don't lower the BB another single millimeter.

But, given where the current Top Fuel sits, I suspect we'll see a 140/150 bike. Kind of a return of the OG Remedy 29er, which sure wouldn't be a bad thing.

 

[JerzyBoy]

Honestly, I've never had a bike that I was so blase about getting, and ended up loving so much. So, for me, Dear Trek -- Don't change too much, and please don't lower the BB another single millimeter.

But, given where the current Top Fuel sits, I suspect we'll see a 140/150 bike. Kind of a return of the OG Remedy 29er, which sure wouldn't be a bad thing.

I'm hoping this is my experience as well. I was gonna hold out for a Stumpjumper, Tallboy or maybe a Rocky Mountain. Ended up finding a 2022 ex8 in stock and I'm picking it up next week. It comes with a great spec for 3900 bucks and I liked the look of the bike. Hoping this is my trail bike for a few years and I end up loving it.

 

[danglingmanhood]

I foresee the straightshot downtube being phased out just like the current Slash and Top Fuel.

 

[V8Interceptor]

I figure knock block 2.0, threaded bottom bracket, bigger diameter dropper post, and 140/140. Should make for a helluva trail bike!

 

[john1970]

I would speculate that we would see a 140/140 mm travel bike that is compatible with 150 mm forks. Basically an extra 20 mm than the Top Fuel although this gets quite close to the 150/160 mm Remedy.

 

[JerzyBoy]

I thought I found a unicorn when I found my 2022 ex8 at a shop about an hour from me. I used that shop because they were a partner with company I traded my hardtail in to to fund my new bike. They have a bunch of Fuel's in different sizes and levels. Went in to a local shop today to purchase a knock block adapter so I can run a diff stem on my bike. To my surprise they were stocked up w 22 Fuels also. Havent had a chance to hit the trails on mine yet. Hoping tomorrow is the day. Kinda scares me that I have so many high end shops in my area and nobody has stock of anything except this bike. Not sure if thats a negative or a positive.

 

[john1970]

I figure knock block 2.0, threaded bottom bracket, bigger diameter dropper post, and 140/140. Should make for a helluva trail bike!

These are all good points; especially with regards to the threaded bottom bracket. The Fuel Ex will become a 140 mm version of the Top Fuel.

 

[kosmo]

Kinda funny how time marches on. The new Top Fuel has the same travel as my old Fuel EX, and the next FEX will likely have the same travel as my old Remedy 29er.

 

[john1970]

Kinda funny how time marches on. The new Top Fuel has the same travel as my old Fuel EX, and the next FEX will likely have the same travel as my old Remedy 29er.

That is a very good observation to make and one I forgot about. The 2022 Top Fuel has the same travel as a 2016 Fuel EX.

 

[mo6500]

These are all good points; especially with regards to the threaded bottom bracket. The Fuel Ex will become a 140 mm version of the Top Fuel.

Agreed!
I suspect the new FEX will be 140 mm rear paired with a 150 mm fork upfront.
Mo

 

[Mebaru]

My vote goes for high pivot suspension design like a Forbidden Druid... paired with 140mm rear... a dream trail bike!

 

[dsciulli19]

But, given where the current Top Fuel sits, I suspect we'll see a 140/150 bike. Kind of a return of the OG Remedy 29er, which sure wouldn't be a bad thing.

I am sincerely hoping/praying that this is the case. a 150F/140 rear bike that pedals well would be prime. I remember wanting a remedy 29 in the worst way back when it came out.

 

[D. Inoobinati]

How about a burlier frame so fat guys like me can ride them.

 

[Mebaru]

The most realistic are quality updates, similar to those that Slash and Top Fuel have received:
threaded BB, 34.6 seat tube, knock block 2.0 and some minor adjustments to geometry. 140mm rear travel - desirable by many and could be a good move now, when Top Fuel has occupied a niche where Fuel Ex was before.

 

[HEMIjer]

I have thought through because long story short traded a carbon 20 Top Fuel that was ridden hard (but taken care of) for a 21 near perfect 21 aluminum Fuel EX and some dollars I used for upgrades. I have to believe that if this bike gets much burlier and any signifcant travel increase it starts to loose character as all day trail bike. I can see something like 135/140 140/140 but rated to 150 fork similar to what have now, definitely slightly steeper STA and slightly slacker HTA but hope it doesn't get over done. I dont like the trend of longer Chainstays IMO takes away from versatility of bike for the differing types of trails I ride so just dont go longer.

Seems all the reviews of the this gen Fuel EX were neutral but lucky of enough to ridden a lot of bikes over the last couple years and this is right up there right now, what I like about it though is that it can do well I think in a bunch of different situation keep it that way.

 

[mo6500]

The most realistic are quality updates, similar to those that Slash and Top Fuel have received:
threaded BB, 34.6 seat tube, knock block 2.0 and some minor adjustments to geometry. 140mm rear travel - desirable by many and could be a good move now, when Top Fuel has occupied a niche where Fuel Ex was before.

Slash and Top Fuel got the knock block 2.0, so I have reason to believe that the new Fuel EX would get that too.
The 9.8 XT Slash and Top Fuel were also upgraded to XT 4 piston brakes, so I guess the 9.8 XT new Fuel EX will be upgraded too (instead of SLX brakes so far, which is a pity when all of its components are XT's).
Mo

 

[Nightripper]

Back in March of 2021, I put a deposit on a Fuel EX 9.7 with an ETA of May 2022. That date was pushed back to July 2022, and then September 2022. Decided today to hold off on the bike, and wait and see what 2023 brings, really hoping for a threaded BB. Will update this thread as I hear back from the LBS where I have a deposit.

 

[danglingmanhood]

Trek dealers usually, but not always get info on "new or next year" models in late June-early July and are under embargo for a few weeks until press release of said model. That was typical up until covid.