Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XTR Project One in bikepacking review

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.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best bikepacking bike in review

**Trek** Fuel EX 9.9 XTR Project One | 13.18 kg in size L | Manufacturer’s website

“What are the GRAN FONDO guys doing with a full suspension mountain bike?” It’s a relevant question. However, if you take a look at the bikepacking scene, you’ll see that full-suspension mountain bikes are quite widespread. As well as that, with two former downhill racers, Robin and Ben, on the test team, we wanted to see if they’ve still got the skills. 😉 Our sister magazine, ENDURO claims that the Trek Fuel EX 9.9 is well-suited to long-distance rides. Reason enough to put it to the test and have it represent full-sussers in our gravel bike group test. You want to know everything about bikepacking and bikes, gear, route planning and accommodation? Click here for our detailed Bikepacking 101.

In addition to a wide range of custom paint jobs, Trek have specced the Fuel EX with a 29″ Bontrager Line Pro 30 OCLV Mountain carbon wheelset and it offers 140 mm travel up front and 130 mm at the rear. The former is controlled by a FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 fork and the latter by a specially developed RockShox Deluxe RT3 shock with RE:aktiv damping and Thru Shaft technology. The Thru Shaft technology allows the piston rod to move through the body of the shock when compressed, instead of displacing oil into an IFP (internal floating piston) reservoir. By negating the additional seals of an IFP, there should be less internal friction, allowing the shock to respond more sensitively and react to impacts quicker. The remaining components of the € 8,899 Project One bike leave almost nothing to be desired: A 1×12 Shimano XTR M9100 groupset including XTR M9120 four-piston brakes and a high-quality cockpit consisting of 50 mm Bontrager Line Pro 35 stem and 800 mm wide Bontrager Line Pro carbon handlebar. In size L, the Trek weighs 13.18 kg and while it’s the heaviest in the test field, it’s only 1.73 kg heavier than the RONDO. The weight difference seems almost ridiculous when you consider how much more capable the Trek is off-road.

**Gold standard**
The FOX suspension makes the Trek hard to beat in terms of having fun on the descents

**Claustrophobic**
The shock for the rear suspension makes the Trek’s small front triangle even smaller. Most full suspension bikes are incompatible with reasonably sized frame bags. At least there’s storage space for a few small things under the bottle cage.

**Won’t spin round**
With the Knock Block headset, the Trek’s steering is limited. That way the fork crown or brake/gear lever can’t damage the frame in the event of a crash.

**Even makes time stand still**
The braking performance of Shimano’s four-piston XTR brakes is beyond comparison with the others in the test field. Thanks to the grippy tires, you’ll safely come to a halt even on the most demanding terrain.

Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XTR Project One

€ 8,899

Specifications

Seatpost Bontrager Line Elite
Brakes Shimano XTR BR/BL M9120 203/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XTR 32 (10–51)
Stem Bontrager Line Pro 35 50 mm
Handlebar Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon
Tires Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 66C

Technical Data

Size XS S M L XL
Weight 13.18 kg
Wheelsize 700C

Specific Features

full-suspension
storage box in the down tube
customisable Projekt One paint job
adjustable geometry

**Bedrock Bags**
Moab Handlebar Bag (13 l, $ 160) | Black Dragon Dropper Seat Bag (5–7 l, $ 175 )
Dakota Tank Bag (ca. 1 l, $ 70) und Kayenta Rear Tank Bag (ca. 0.5 l, $ 70)
**Rucksack**
ORTLIEB Atrack BP (25 l, € 179.99)

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	356 mm	395 mm	420 mm	450 mm	500 mm
Top tube	546 mm	567 mm	603 mm	634 mm	663 mm
Head tube	90 mm	100 mm	100 mm	105 mm	120 mm
Head angle	66.0°	66.0°	66.0°	66.0°	66.0°
Seat angle	67.5°	67.5°	67.5°	67.5°	67.5°
BB Drop	34 mm	34 mm	34 mm	34 mm	34 mm
Chainstay	437 mm	437 mm	437 mm	437 mm	437 mm
Wheelbase	1,120 mm	1,144 mm	1,179 mm	1,211 mm	1,242 mm
Reach	395 mm	415 mm	440 mm	470 mm	495 mm
Stack	563 mm	572 mm	609 mm	613 mm	627 mm

With the Trek, bikepacking finds its way back to its roots. Literally and figuratively!

**Helmet** iXS TrailRS | **Jersey** Hurley One & Only | **Shorts** Fox Flexair Short | **Shoes** ION Raid Select

Due to the 75° seat tube angle, which is moderate for a bike in its class, the riding position on the Trek is slightly stretched and not unfamiliar. The front end is low for a trail bike too, which adds to the bike’s familiar feeling compared to a gravel bike. Of course, the Trek doesn’t stand a chance against the test field when it comes to acceleration and speed. However, with the bike’s relatively firm suspension, you’ll be surprised how small of a compromise you have to accept when climbing! On very steep climbs, the Trek will even keep up with the test field. This is thanks to the bike’s high level of traction and the wide gear range of the XTR drivetrain. On single-digit inclines, the bikes with drop bars will soon pull away.

However, with a full-suspension bike, you’ll be able to catch up on the descents. Regardless of whether it’s a gravel road, moderate singletrack or challenging terrain, the Trek’s comfort, composure and descending capabilities are unmatched in the test field. Your position on the bike is centred and the handling is super intuitive. As such, the Trek makes easy work of navigating tight corners. Once you’ve gotten used to the 800 mm wide handlebar, or shortened it accordingly, direction changes are lightning quick and the bike begs you to manual or bunny hop off rollers and ledges. The storage compartment in the down tube offers enough space for CO2 cartridges, tools and spare tubes. Apart from that, the small front triangle hardly offers any storage space and the complete lack of mounting points on the frame and fork make carrying a backpack a necessary evil. Due to the dropper seat post, you’ll also be significantly restricted in your choice of saddlebag.

Tuning tips: chainstay protector

Conclusion

The Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XTR Project One convinced us with its intuitive and good-natured handling. It’s very playful on the descents, spoils its rider with comfort regardless of the terrain and you’ll never find yourself lacking in confidence. If you live and ride in alpine terrain and you’re not bothered by carrying a backpack, a full suspension bike like the Trek is a viable alternative. If you want to cover longer distances on moderate terrain and on the road, you’ll find significantly more versatile options.

Tops

maximum fun on the descents
intuitive and good-natured handling
storage compartment in the down tube for tools or snacks

Flops

too sluggish on easy terrain
too much bike for long straights
chain slap

For more info head to trekbikes.com.

The test field