November 10, 2023 - We were stoked to test Trek’s Fuel EXe 8 GX AXS T-Type eMTB that was released last summer and is now available with an aluminum frame option that hits a lower price point to appeal to more riders.
The specs on this electric mountain bike are impressive and at the heart of this trail-ready ride is TQ’s award-winning 250-watt HPR50 drive system with 50Nm of torque, and its unique harmonic pin-ring transmission.
This compact lightweight motor delivers quiet, natural support to flatten climbs and pairs with a 360-Watt removable battery that’s neatly integrated in the down tube.
There are three power levels (Eco, Mid, High) that are easily accessed via a small controller switch on the handlebars and deliver noticeable assistance increases ranging from 13% to 70% of your watt output.
The computer is mounted in the top tube of the frame and displays your ride data and battery charge etc. It also works with the Trek App which provides all kinds of data and customization options like tuning your ride with suspension settings and tire pressure recommendations based on your weight. The app also keeps track of your ride time and distance, as well as your routes.
The best part of the app is that it also lets you tune the motor’s performance in each of the three modes for the amount of support and pedal-assist response, ranging from gradual to quick.
The bike is set up with a Fox Rhythm 36 Evolve Gloat air-spring front fork with 150mm of travel that’s matched to a Fox Performance Float X rear shock that offers 140mm of travel.
A Bontrager Line dropper seatpost features 100-170mm of travel depending on the frame size and is controlled by a switch mounted on the left side of the handlebar cockpit.
The drivetrain is comprised of a SRAM 12-speed wireless Eagle GX rear derailleur along with ASX POD wireless shifters. The 1 x 12 drivetrain features a 10-52 cassette matched with a 32-tooth front chain ring to provide a huge range of gearing options. The stopping power is also taken care of by SRAM with DB 8 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
The Bontrager Arvada saddle comes perched atop the dropper post and it features hollow chromoly rails. The stem, grips and 780mm-wide aluminum handlebars are also by Bontrager along with the 29-inch wheelset that features Boost spacing and thru axles. The tires, which are tubeless ready and include TLR sealant, are a big phat width of 2.5”.
During the test I rode in Eco mode most of the time as it was all that was needed to tackle any climb in the same gearing that I’m used to. The feeling is like having an extra set of legs that allow you to ride the way you usually do, only better. When the HPR50 drive is assisting, there is no discernible noise coming from the motor – it’s quiet.
Long, sustained climbs were no longer leg burners as the Fuel EXe helped me up every incline without building up lactic acid in my legs. I was also able to talk and drink on climbs which can be tough in non-e-bike conditions.
I easily got in eight hours of ride time while in Eco mode, and still had about 20% of charge left. Charging was also easily done while the removeable battery is in the bike via a small port that has a rubber cover, and if you’re in a hurry a full charge only takes a few hours. An optional 160wh external battery offers 40% more range and fits in a standard bottle cage without any complicated wiring or special mounts.
The Fuel EXe was also very forgiving as the suspension efficiently absorbed the trail chatter and big hits. I was initially a bit concerned about the width of the handlebars, but that quickly faded away when the trail turned downhill. The extra stability that the bars offered was amazing and gave me more confidence to let it go on the descents.
The wide Bontrager tires were also a nice benefit in the rougher parts of the trail as they just rolled over everything. The wider tires also helped in the technical sections by making it easier to roll through rock gardens and fields of baby head rocks.
Braking was easily managed with one finger as the SRAM DB8 hydraulics provide powerful stopping force that is easily modulated to allow for smooth braking in corners as well.
The braking is also important because even though the Fuel Exe isn’t as heavy as some other e-bikes, it still weighs in at 20.5 kg which can push you to higher speeds on descents if you aren’t watching your momentum.
The SRAM wireless shifting was crisp and fast, and the shifter is large enough that I never missed a shift by missing the button. Gear changes even under power on climbs were also fast and smooth.
The Fuel EXe GX AXS T-Type is a winner and the TQ motor is so smooth and quiet, you’ll forget that it’s an e-bike… except on the climbs.
The SRP is $9,199.99 and for more information visit here.
