I went into buy a Trek Top Fuel 7 for $2700 yesterday and they had FUEL EX 9.8 GX AXS GEN 5 – 2022 bike in Matt black on close out. for $3700, for the difference of $1k it seems like you get everything you would ever want, carbon everything, great suspension, and carbon wheels. I ride in southeastern Virginia, mostly flat coastal area with trails with roots and rocks no big downhills. I've been riding a gravel bike for the last five years and wanted to get a bike for rough terrain and to have some fun on, I'm 53 and not a world beater any more :-). Should I jump on this bike at that price? Link to the bike https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-9-8-gx-axs-gen-5/p/35193/?colorCode=grey_orange
by WittyVeterinarian381
1 Comment
Yes, I would say it’s a good deal. The geo on the older Fuel EX still looks pretty good (decent head angle, seat angle, chainstay) and is actually quite similar to the Top Fuel you were looking at. For the extra money you get a carbon frame and wheelset, electronic drivetrain, better fork, and better brakes. It’s going to be a couple pounds lighter than the top fuel.
Only downside is the re:aktiv shock that the Fuel has doesn’t have the best reputation for ride feel. I think that is most noteworthy on bigger enduro bikes though, it could be fine on the fuel.