Apparently bike shops got briefed on July 10 so it must be coming soon. I know nothing more than what is in the photos. There are some interesting things if you look closely enough.
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Fuel EX gen 7 is coming soon
Sean99
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I had the Fuel EX 9.8 Gen 5, and it seems like every new generation adds more weight.
I searched Trek’s bike archive on their website for both carbon and alloy models.
Trek Fuel EX 9.8 (carbon, size M)
Personally, I think a 2.15 kg (4.75 lbs) weight increase for the carbon model and 3 kg (6.7 lbs) for the alloy is A LOT.
At this rate, Gen 8 will weigh like a downhill bike, and Gen 9 could be as heavy as a light eMTB.
But Gen 7 frames look really good—so much better than the Gen 6, IMHO.
I searched Trek’s bike archive on their website for both carbon and alloy models.
Trek Fuel EX 9.8 (carbon, size M)
- Gen 5 – 13.13 kg / 28.94 lbs
- Gen 6 – 14.48 kg / 31.93 lbs
- Gen 7 – 15.28 kg / 33.69 lbs
- Gen 5 – 13.86 kg / 30.56 lbs
- Gen 6 – 15.65 kg / 34.51 lbs
- Gen 7 – 16.89 kg / 37.24 lbs
Personally, I think a 2.15 kg (4.75 lbs) weight increase for the carbon model and 3 kg (6.7 lbs) for the alloy is A LOT.
At this rate, Gen 8 will weigh like a downhill bike, and Gen 9 could be as heavy as a light eMTB.
But Gen 7 frames look really good—so much better than the Gen 6, IMHO.
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I just bought my gen 6 last year and while I love it, it's almost too much bike for me. The gen 5 seems very appealing with less aggressive geometry, less travel, and a lot less weight. I may try to find one used. If I need a new bike, I'll just wait for the inevitable 130mm Top Fuel gen 5 in a couple of years.
Trying to make one frame do everything is the wrong direction. Just like the Ripley/Ripmo combo ruined the Ripley.
Trying to make one frame do everything is the wrong direction. Just like the Ripley/Ripmo combo ruined the Ripley.
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220 Posts
Yep, I have a Gen 4. Bought a Gen 6 last year based on all the hype but ended up returning it. Too big, too heavy for my trails. For me I think Gen 4 was peak Fuel EX, though I wouldn't mind a Gen 5 either. Now I'd go with a Top Fuel, but I haven't seen them in stock for my size in like a year.
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531 Posts
I remember people brought out the torches and pitchforks when the Gen 6 was released over its weight... and then Gen 7 is heading even further in that direction. Looking at the Gen 7 frame I'm scratching my head a little bit because it looks to be simpler than then Gen 6 so I'm surprised its SO much heavier.
For me, the Gen 5 was perfection in a trail bike. And I’ve also got a 2018 Slash that, again for me, is the perfect long-travel trail bike (6 pound frame!).
Now my Top Fuel has basically become my old Gen 5 Fuel EX, after installing a 140 mm fork and 55 mm shock. Perfection!
These complete bike weights are bizarre since the new EX frame is apparently 200 grams lighter? I guess no longer including carbon wheels on the 9.8 could be part of it, but still.
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Found the Gen6 a super capable bike! Gen 7 seems to be even more capable! In my opinion Treks move with this bike is definitely a winner! Perfect merge of their outgoing Remedy with the old Slash an even the Gen6 FEx.
Can‘t wait to try one…
Can‘t wait to try one…
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1,328 Posts
Yeah, I’m sure Trek tried to do what Ibis did with this Gen 7 release, and I understand that the bike industry is going through hard times, so brands are doing this to save costs.
And still, I don’t like all these LEGO bikes.
Although there isn’t really one bike that can handle everything (unless you believe the bike brands’ marketing and sales agents), there are definitely some great bikes that can handle 90–95% of what they were made for—and handle it very well.
I know this from experience—I’ve owned one of these bikes for almost 3 years now, and replacing it has never crossed my mind
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220 Posts
I don't know if it's to save costs. When COVID struck and everybody went out to buy new bikes, what they found was amazing. 29" wheels, droppers, 1x drivetrains, bigger travel, firm pedaling platforms, and much more forgiving and capable geometry. The difference from their old 26" bike with a 5" stem was night and day. It was for me, back in 2018. But there has been little meaningful progress since then IMO, which means people like me don't see much reason to upgrade.Yeah, I’m sure Trek tried to do what Ibis did with this Gen 7 release, and I understand that the bike industry is going through hard times, so brands are doing this to save costs.
And still, I don’t like all these LEGO bikes.
Although there isn’t really one bike that can handle everything (unless you believe the bike brands’ marketing and sales agents), there are definitely some great bikes that can handle 90–95% of what they were made for—and handle it very well.
I know this from experience—I’ve owned one of these bikes for almost 3 years now, and replacing it has never crossed my mind
I think these transformer bikes are what they came up with to make people desire a new bike. One bike that can take the place of two. Trouble is, if you already have the right bike for the majority of your riding, the compromises mean that for most people they won't be as good most of the time. And who wants to swap out all that stuff every time they go somewhere else? That's beyond the ability or tolerance of most riders. Maybe it's a strategy that will work in the short term, but in the long term people will have even less reason to buy another bike so I'm not convinced it's going to work out for them.
After all the complaints about the weight of gen 6, I was hoping gen 7 would come in around 32lbs for the alloy models.
37.24 pounds for a trail bike? That's going to be very noticeable on climbs. Where is all this extra weight coming from?
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I was wondering about that too.
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6,361 Posts
The extra travel and the subsequent beefing up of parts?
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637 Posts
Three pounds lighter for carbon frames.
Carbon wheels and bars could probably get you a couple pounds more.
If the frame ships with 160mm and a coil shock, they know people are going to be taking them to lift access downhill. They either need to add material to the frame or pay out on more warranty claims. Still, nearly three pounds is a lot.|
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I can confirm, with absolutely no effort whatsoever to optimize weight and heavier tires than I will likely actually use on it, that my carbon MX is 32.2lbs with pedals and the in frame storage bags in but not packed. So, not particularly light but not bad either. If I move it to an EX version it will likely be about the same with lighter suspension but a full 29" rear. It will also likely get even lighter when I take off the Mavens and replace them with something I like. Tires will likely be Vittoria Martello/Agarro.
Oh and, FWIW, it is replacing 3 bikes for me but that is because I have them at our vacation place and rarely ride more than one of them when we are there. Bikes being replaced, 2022 Fuel, 2019 Niner Rip 9 RDO and Mondraker Neat RR SL (odd, I know, but I just don't ever end up riding e-mtbs even though I enjoy that one quite a bit).
I have all of the additional linkages and headset cup (that I likely won't use) as well. I also already had enough corresponding suspension to make the switches easily and another set of carbon wheels that weren't on any of my bikes without buying anything else so, this is saving me quite a bit on storage space and gives me an excuse to tinker while I'm there. I realize that this is likely a unique situation but that really made the decision to pick one up quite easy. The color is also far nicer than I expected based on product photos.
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Oh and, FWIW, it is replacing 3 bikes for me but that is because I have them at our vacation place and rarely ride more than one of them when we are there. Bikes being replaced, 2022 Fuel, 2019 Niner Rip 9 RDO and Mondraker Neat RR SL (odd, I know, but I just don't ever end up riding e-mtbs even though I enjoy that one quite a bit).
I have all of the additional linkages and headset cup (that I likely won't use) as well. I also already had enough corresponding suspension to make the switches easily and another set of carbon wheels that weren't on any of my bikes without buying anything else so, this is saving me quite a bit on storage space and gives me an excuse to tinker while I'm there. I realize that this is likely a unique situation but that really made the decision to pick one up quite easy. The color is also far nicer than I expected based on product photos.
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