Publication-Mountain Bike

Date-April 2006

Title-Trek Fuel EX 6 $1549

Findings:

• "Part of the Fuel family, the all-trail EX line was created to bridge the gap between the race-bred Fuel and the long travel Remedy.
• "The most obvious similiarity of the EX and XC-specific Fuel is the frame design and the RockerLink suspension. Differences? The EX has an additional 10 mm of travel, a slightly longer wheel base for more stability and a higher bottom bracket for more clearance on technical, obstacle-strewn trails."
• "The rest comes in the form of a different parts spec. There's even a full throttle, OCLV carbon EX at the top of the pyramid for those will to spend five grand and change. At the other end is the EX 6, a nicely priced trail bike with Trek's ZR 9000 laser-mitered alloy frame, RockShox suspension and a good selection of Bontrager parts."
• "Riders familiar with the run-and-gun handling of the Fuel race bike will immediately notice the more relaxed mannerisms of the EX 6. It has the same frame angles and effective top tube length, but the additional wheelbase makes a small yet noticeable difference in ease of control. Additionally, the longer-travel fork encourages this by slacking the head-tube angle by a degree or two. With the increased travel, Trek was able to eek out a measure of small-bump compliance that's lacking on the shorter-travel version. Match that to RockShox's Motion Control suspension and you get a fast-pedaling trail bike that's effective for a majority of XC riding. The shock's adjustable Floodgate threshold allows riders to dial in the feel of the pedaling platform according to ride characteristics and personal preferences. While the Fuel EX 6 will never be viewed as any type of big-hit machine, it will find a warm place in the hearts of trail riders who live for long rides over challenging terrain."
• "HIGHS: It's perfect for riders who want to do the occasional marathon or 24 hour race, or the weekend warrior who wants to keep riding to the next ridgeline."
• "LOWS: This isn't your baby if you usually seek out drops and jummps"