Trek Fuel EX

The Fuel EX is Trek's trail mountain bike and it has been one of the best selling full suspension bikes in the UK for years. It fills the same space as the Specialized Stumpjumper: a do everything trail bike that climbs efficiently and descends confidently. If you want one mountain bike that handles everything from blue runs to black trails, this is the shortlist.

Trek's ABP (Active Braking Pivot) suspension design keeps the rear end active under braking, which means the bike stays composed when you grab the brakes mid-descent. The Mino Link flip chip lets you adjust the geometry between low and high settings, effectively giving you two bikes in one depending on what terrain you plan to ride.

The Fuel EX is everywhere at UK trail centres and that is both a sign to its quality and a benefit for buyers. Parts are easy to find, suspension setups are well documented, and there is a huge community of riders sharing setup tips. Used examples are plentiful.

What it's like to ride

Balanced. That is the defining characteristic of the Fuel EX. It pedals efficiently enough that long climbs are not a chore, and it descends well enough that you feel confident pushing into faster, rougher terrain. The suspension has a supportive feel in the mid-stroke that prevents the wallowy sensation some trail bikes suffer from.

In the low geometry setting, the Fuel EX feels longer and slacker for aggressive descending. In high, it is perkier and more efficient for climbing. Most UK trail centre riders will prefer the high setting for all round use. The bike handles roots, rocks, and berms with composure and rarely feels out of its depth on anything short of a proper downhill run.

Who it's for

Trail centre regulars who ride a mix of terrain. Weekend warriors who want one bike for everything. Riders stepping up from a hardtail to their first full suspension bike. Mountain bikers who do the occasional enduro event but spend most weekends at places like BikePark Wales, Afan, or Glentress.

The 2022 redesign is significant and brought longer reach, slacker angles, and updated suspension kinematics. These bikes are excellent buys. The 2019 to 2021 generation is still good but the geometry feels slightly dated compared to current trail bike standards. Pre-2019 models are a different bike entirely. For the best value, look at a 2022 or 2023 EX 8.