Trek Rail vs Fuel EXe. Which one would I choose?
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- Опубліковано 10 сер 2023
- I recently reviewed the Trek Rail 7 and this week I am going to compare with the Trek Fuel EXe 9.7
Both E- mountain bikes are made by Trek but are very different bikes. I break down the pros and cons and let you know which one I would choose.
Trek Rail 7 review video
• Is the TREK RAIL the g...
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Great review Lance. I’m a former Rail owner and now have an EXE. Agree with all your points. I much prefer how it rides than the rail - range has been my only slight issue. I finally got the range extender this week which basically gives 50% extra range. Managed 53km at Woodhill today. I loved my Rail but only ever road in Tour+. With the range extender the EXE is a clear winner in my opinion. Keep up the good work Lance, love the videos!
I think the range extender would make a huge difference to your ride experience. Thanks for the feedback and support.
Without the range extender, how many miles can you get on a boost mode?
I'd go the Fuel for me Lance. Lighter to throw around and get sideways in the air. Nice video review bro. I'm very impressed by the way you can talk and narrate your clips while pinning it down the trail!! 🤘
I must admit sometimes when I watch it back it doesn't make sense, but you only get one chance to say something while riding. The talking bits usually involves multiple takes.😀
Nice review and a beautiful looking trail. I was impressed that you could talk and ride at the same time!
That is my specialty. Many people wish I could ride and shut up.😂
I tried out both bikes and I bought the rail. I'm so glad I did- power = fun. I just installed a speedi and it changes the limiter to 45km/h and loving it. I don't have a problem with cheating
Just between me and you. Neither do I😯
Awesome review. Probably the best of watched. My wife and I have had the EXe 9.7's for 18 months and we absolutely love them. Plenty of mates have a full powered ebike and yes they fly up the hill quicker but I just love the lightness and playfulness of the EXe. About to upgrade to a new 9.9 EXe. Thanks again and I'll definitely subscribe to watch more reviews. Can't wait to get to NZ to ride some trails over there 😁.
Glad you liked the video. Just finished a series of videos riding around the South Island.
Great one. I am a fun rider and have a Fuel Exe ... I mostly ride in ECO mode. I do not remember riding it in any other mode. Maybe i should try them
Great video Greg!!!! Thank you!!!
Great review!
Really enjoyed your take on this question mate,
I agree with all the points you’ve made regarding the strengths and weaknesses of these two amazing bikes.
I went with the EXe 9.7 model because of the decent spec and I really enjoy riding fast flowing single track and with the speed limiter disabled courtesy of another great NZ invention the speedi and an upgraded 160 mm 38 fork up front it’s turned into a pretty capable all mountain machine as well.
I can rinse the battery pretty quick when riding with my full fat mates however and with all that speed and capability available it’s hard not to just hit full power and leave it there.
However I often ride with meat powered mates and head off for adventures by myself and this is when the bike is brilliant and with care my 80kgs has etched 50km out of the standard battery. I’ve ridden it home empty a few times as well and this is not too painful .
A range extender would ease the range anxiety but still going to be busting my arse keeping up with my full powered mates up the steep climbs 50 nm is never gonna beat 80 😁🤙
I think you are spot on. It is great on your own as you can control the ride and speed. Yesterday I went for a ride and met some friends. Before you know it, I am creeping home on 10% and that is a 625 battery.
Great review Lance, agreed its horses for course and everyone wants something different out of an emtb, I've got a Fuel exe and as a fairly strong rider at 79kg’s I got 30kms and 900 meters of climbing and still had 30% left in the battery so its more than enough for me and it feels closer to a normal bike which is what I wanted also, unlike the rail which is just an absolute unmovable weapon which one of my mates has got.
I think the Fuel is great for a lighter fitter rider like you. It is definably more maneuverable.
Good review Lance. I am also 176cm. Normally would ride a Trek in size ML. I was able to extensively demo ride the Fuel EXe in both sizes, the 9.7 large and a 9.9 medium. found the large a bit long reach wise and the medium felt much more nimble and playful. In the end went with the Rail again, I might look at a gen 2 Fuel EXe. Apart from sub optimal sizing I really liked the Fuel EXe especially the medium. That one really felt like a completely different bike to me. If you can get your hands on one, do try it. The range would have been a minor issue for me also but we have relatively flat terrain over here. If you’re doing a lot of elevation and long rides you will surely run into it’s limitations and be better of with the Rail indeed.
Thanks for the feedback. I am fairly flexible with sizing but must admit when you hit that sweet spot suddenly the bike feels great.
I have the same bike and upgraded a few bits. I love it! You get the exercise and the 50nm is more than enough for the type of riding here in AKL. It would be a lot better if you do get the range extender.
I agree that 50nm is enough for here in Auckland. If I got one, I would certainly go for the range extender.
Great review! I own a Trek Rail 5 and it does not feel 24 kg, the medium size frame and good geometry allow it to feel quiet nimble . In eco mode the assistance is very smooth and not overbearing. It destroys rough terrain and it so stable in these conditions. I ride an analogue Trek Fuel ex8 which is also great to ride so best of both worlds
Glad you liked the video. I agree you don't notice the weight. The power of the motor makes the bike feel lighter than it is.
Thank you Lance! I have been wrestling with Rail or Fuel, Fiber or Alloy and came up with the same conclusion but still wanted to see if someone else had a different take on it. IT IS OBVIOUS to me at the end of the ride I'm TIRED. If there is no power left I'm really tired. Rail has great range for riding the bumps or just graveling. My first test was a first gen Rail 5 and although it had its quirks, (i had some shin strikes to prove it) the newer versions are greatly improved and I really appreciate your review. Im ordering my new Rail 7 Gen 3 today. ( and its on sale ) Thank you so much.
Glad you found it helpful. Certainly some good discounts around these days. Enjoy the bike when it arrives.
nice review....great trails...looks like a blast....nice riding too!....the trek fuel exe definitely has my attention....though i wish they made a top fuel e
Thanks very much.
Great video! 👍🏾 thanks! ☺️
I rode the Rail for a month and traded it for the EXE. It's perfect for me - nimble, well balanced and takes the edge of the climbs. I love that it doesn't scream "ebike". Best bike I've ever owned.
Yes the EXE is a much more subtle bike. The Rail screams e bike at you.
Excellent video Lance , particularly the irony and analogy bits . I reckon it's Big Guys , big Bikes Small Guys , lightweight Bikes . I'm 1.66 Mtrs tall ( or short ) 64kg weight so I'd take the lightweight every time .
I do envy the light guys. Power to weight ratio seems quite important with e bikes.
As a Rail owner, I’m hoping they bring out the e-slash. Lighter than the rail but more travel than the EXe (170mm) and hopefully a more powerful TQ motor so no Bosch rattle. Perfect.
I did like the feel of the motor. Would be interested if they could do a more powerful one.
I saw someone replaced their rear shock with a longer stroke and longer travel, which bumps the travel to 170mm front/152mm rear. I'd do the same if I have the EXe.
amazing amazing review, loved it, very honest, detailed and gave a laugh or two. Just in the early stages of research for my first bike and was amazed to find someone out here in Nz as well talking about these two monsters. Out of curiosity cos I'm also based in Aotearoa. What's the name of the trails u did? that's Rotorua right?
Your summary is on point. If you have mates with full power e-MTB, you should only consider getting full power (and range) yourself.
My ultimate bike would have 20% more power and range than my friends. I could then be smug all of the time.😃
All 3 modes set to 100%. So are you saying it DIDN'T take an hour to decide which track to ride first. Great review
The only answer is buy BOTH
The good news is my wife assures me we will win this big lottery, so no issues there.
The first thing salesman at Evocycles told me is that a lot of riders are worried about the range when you hit the hills.
Completely correct Lance. Rail owner here as well. Have ridden both. I ride 40-60km & 1000m+ climbing each ride and there is no way an EXE can do that even with an extender.
Buy what suits you, if your riding flat XC for 15-20km then an EXE would be great. Point it up a hill and the Rail destroys it
I think we are on the same page.😁
I've done over 5000ks on my Exe since I got it in October and really like it. I've upgraded it here and there (I got the 9.5 and added carbon rims and the new Sram drive train) but love the lightness of it. I get the power and range issues but I wanted to get fit now that I hit 50 so this fits the bill well. I tend to ride in the lower two power modes and then hop on my analogue once a week to make sure I get my heart rate up a bit. I might get a Rail in the future, but that range extender might be all I need! I was hoping you'd review this at some point so thanks for the review and comparison!
I think I would ride the Fuel a lot on my own when having a training but wouldn't want to struggle to keep up with my full fat friends.
I’ve got a 9.5 too was thinking of doing the same what carbon rims did you go for?
@@locobog68_gaming99 I went for the Bontrager Line Elite 30 in the end. Same as on the higher end bikes.
@@DarrylBurlingNZ thanks, one final question where did you get your rims from?
@@locobog68_gaming99 Sorry I missed this. I got them from Torpedo 7
I’m an analogue rider who can almost keep up with full fat e-bikes but it destroys me. For that reason I’m going Fuel. I want the ability to session trails for races with the analogue bike. And to keep up with my mates
That sounds like a good option for you. On a normal mtb I couldn't keep up with anyone
I dig that color its awesome
Awesome video as usual, and a good analysis of the vital points most people care about. You should have asked your wife to throw the envelopes to you from behind the camera btw. :)
I did think of something similar, but she was busy that day.
This man has it spot on! The rail is better for 99% of everyday life. Get the skinny cousins only if you are a really keen, good mountain biker. If not the new rail with the 750w battery is unbeatable!
Glad to see that not everyone thinks I am crazy.
The EXe is the only one for me! See what I did there?
@Canyon_Shawn I see. Don't worry, I see.
Great content you got there. Definitely subbing to this one :)
Glad to have you on the team.😀
Your bang on, horses for courses. The EXE is my first e-bike and I didn't want to depart too much from the steam bike. It's no heavier than my original downhill bike from 20 years ago, I am happy to sacrafice power for weight. As for the range I brought an eXTender mod that takes a 140wh battery and added a SPEEDi { both NZ inventions}. So now I have 500wh of battery and a top speed of 46kph. I would say 60-65 nm would be the ideal power, maybe thats the next model, but if you have more power you need more battery and then you are back where you started, a heavy bike.
I must admit I have an E road bike that does 45km/hr and love it. I ride in echo mostly and can get 75km from a 500Wh battery easily. I must admit I hate bikes being restricted but that is another story. Thanks for the feedback.
Where did you get your range extender from? First impressions after a ride would be cool too. I think this would be a game-changer for the EXe.
I just bought a speedi and it works great, not having the limiter cut in all the time makes it so much more fun. I was wondering if you know how long they last and can they handle everything that the bikes can?
I'm like you, I have only just fitted mine but as long as it is kept clean it should work for ever.@@IGLJM
I came to the same conclusion. Love my Rail!
Interesting video, I'd wondered myself and ended up with Rail. 25km at Woodhill does show the Fuel is a bit light. It would run short at my stomping ground of Arapuke which has steeper terrain. But the Fuel feeling like a non ebike does appeal.
Simple answer, win lotto have both and a garage full of all the other cool ones!
That is my plan. I am winning the 33mil this week so will be all good.😂
I've been looking at it for Arapuke as well...I was sort of thinking that minimal assist would make Back Track etc. doable more than once as part of a session without killing energy levels for the runs down.
Never ridden there. Hoping to do a road trip in the summer. Do you think it is worth checking out?
@@bestdayevermtb2 definitely worth it. Myself and or Tomo would be more than happy to show dad's army around. The boys will love Ripper!
Hey Lance, thanks for these nice videos! Quick question: would you still buy the Ktm today, or would you go for something else? Cheers
I really like the KTM, it has been a great bike. I am looking at getting a new bike but really don't need one. I may even buy another KTM.
I have the rail 7, i genuinely never even notice when i go above the motor's limit, i don't feel it holding me back. Big up the Rail 7!!
I certainly notice it. Try derestricting the bike. It feels so much nicer.
if you want an e bike that still feels like a mtb get the exe. if you want an electric motorcycle get the rail.
Motor resistance on fuel exe does exist, its not much but maybe you could say it was like 1 gear of a cassette. Although if you power the bike off then there is no resistance. Ive got the axs build which means the motor battery also powers the gear shifting. So i plan on getting an axs battery then remove the motor battery or just not worry about running low on charge
I did ride with a guy who ran out of battery and had to ride home without the motor. That sucks but he couldn't change gear either to make things worse.
Just bought gen 4 rail 9,8 GX. Cant wait for it to arrive next week. Got if on sale for 6800 dollar which is a good price for me. Also have slash 9.8 xt (2022). Its a god bike, but my legs get burned on casual every day trail riding. Hope Rail will solve this. Didnt go for fuel exe because of less suspension and battery. Im 6,8 ft 105 kg. Im afraid the battery will die fast with my weight. Plus whatever review i see on rail, everyone seem to be in awe specially on higher end models. On straight up enduro racing i shall bring my slash for pure bike fun. The duo will compliment each other. I already have plans to upgrade the rail. Vivid coil 160 mm, 170 zeb ultimate, xtr brakes, Sramo XO groupset and bontrager elite trp carbon Rims.
I will do it slowly on sales. I believe when this rail is upgraded to the max will be a menace of a bike.
You will have a lot of fun on that bike. Given your weight I think the big battery of the Rail is the best choice. Will be interesting if you end up riding both bikes or end up grabbing the ebb every time. Have fun.
@@bestdayevermtb2 I was thinking about selling the slash, but i love that bike so much, im very attached to it haha. So decided to keep it. I did ride some ebikes of friends like yt core 4. But they are heavy, i think trek slash will still be better on straight up downhill. My slash at XL size weights just 14,5 kilograms. Its really punchy and playful. One of my favorite type of riding is technical riding in woods. Slash can do it and although im in very good shape 30 years old. I think it will be lots of fun.
For me, being limited to only one emtb the full fat wins every time. I would like a ride on the new giant 85nm 19kg Trance though. Be perfect if the battery could be removed like the other Trances. Carry a spare in the car/backpack for those bigger rides.
I have a spare battery for my bike. Can be useful for bike parks but not so helpful for long adventure rides.
Hey Lance, great review, I ride my rail in turbo mode all the time, it feels weak in any other mode ! You forgot to mention a bid advantage of the rail, the fun you have passing teenagers and fit people up hills, now if you will excuse me, I have to Google some words, now what was the first one...ir..iron..ironneeeyy...ir....😂
I love pretending I am the ultimate athlete as I fly up the hills past real athletes 😂😂
@@bestdayevermtb2 ha ha ! Me too ! Reason enough to spend $10,000 on a mountain bike .! 🤣
Was kinda hoping this video would convince me of the eXe 5 but my riding mates have full power eMTB’s so maybe I’m best with the Rail 7. I was a strong rider but age & weight seem proportional.
Sorry didn't mean to change your mind. It is hard if your mates have more power and range though.
The under 20kg bike is ideal for throwing on a bus, plane and its TQ harmonic pin ring transmission technology gives it the edge for me.
Battery still won't go on plane though. I have had e bike on plane once but shipped Battery by freight.
For anyone considering either the Rail or EXE, is handling the bigger bike a more "physical" experience? Like is there more full-body effort thrashing the Rail around VS the EXE? I've got a 2018 Fuel EX 9.8 and I love it, but if I were to change it, it would definitely be either the Rail or EXE (leaning more to the latter). I like the idea of getting training in and getting even a little bit of help on longer climbs so I can do more in a day. Keen to hear thoughts!
The Rail is more of an upper body work out. You definitely notice the work on your arms throwing a big bike around. I like it but some people don't. I know one guy with a Rail, who whenever I see him is riding his normal bike. He just likes the feel of the light bike so much he prefers giving up the motor for the handling. The Fuel definitely feels much closer to a normal bike than a Rail. Keep in mind that people can back flip a motor bike which is much heavier than a e bike. Power and momentum can make the weight seem to disappear. Not sure if that helps.
It does - thanks @@bestdayevermtb2! I'm far from a super-skilled MTB rider (more road/gravel) so sometimes I think that the bigger bike might let me off with more, and then I think perhaps the EXE would prove easier to deal with. I guess I'd have to do a day on both to know. I might try and do a rental when I'm up next month.
Got rail…wanna get one of these…to have as well.. perfect for my mostly shorter rides and better way to get heart rate up…
I think having both options would be great. I have always had multiple mountain bikes as they all do different jobs. I guess e bikes are the same just costs a lot.
I own a rail but have ridden the fuel exe, I like it but it seemed a bit undergunned for me, maybe at 95kg wet and into motos also the weight doesn't make a difference and if anything I felt more confident on my rail especially in the chunk and in the air. If the exe came with a more burly build and a bigger battery it would weigh the same as the rail so for me your better off on the rail with full fat .
I am the same weight as you. I also agree with your logic. I would still take a few more kgs on the bike for more power and range.
The rail, good choice.
👌
I’m 64 heavy at 106 kg and 191 height. Not that fit. I don’t do big air nor small jumps, so I’m thinking a Rail will be good for me.
Out of those two bikes I think the Rail would be the best for you. Big guy, big battery would be my advice.
@@bestdayevermtb2 yes. I really appreciate the advice, because I have been researching and researching for weeks now. I’m wanting to get the Rail 7 , 625 watt hour battery as compared to the rail 5 that has the smaller 500 wh battery. I believe it’s a good quality bike.
@davealston3881 I would go 625 over 500 every day. If you ride with other people, you don't want to be the one that runs out first. You can get more range by riding in a lower power setting. However, if you are not super fit, riding in a lower power setting than your friends is not fun. E bikes are so much fun, you will love it.
@@bestdayevermtb2 I will let you know when I get my Rail … just need to save up a few more weeks. In South Africa the exchange rate is a killer. The rand is like 20 to 1 to the Dollar 😥🙈… you are brilliant on your channel by the way. You ride like a blooming whippet !! 😃💪
@davealston3881 Thanks very much. Have been to South Africa a couple of times but never ridden there.
Awesome review, I have been debating slim shady or fat bottom girl. Now I know more about both😂 still hard to decide how long time wise do you think you could ride at Roto on the EXE? My normal bike rides there are about 2-3 hours and 18-25k. That’s with one shuttle in the middle sometimes. Thanks
I think you would be good for 25km in full power. If like many of the users, you ride in a lower power setting you could go much further.
Thanks for the advice. @@bestdayevermtb2
It probably depends on rider weight a fair bit too. I am 72kg and easily get enough range for my average ride in a mix of mid and full power. I did 31km today and finished with 20% left. I was pretty sure you were going to like the bike but come up well short on range Lance. @@bestdayevermtb2
@@bshallardhow much elevation in that 31km?
I did 46km in Roto yesterday, but I was in eco mode the whole way and got back with around 20% battery left.
I just want to sound like a Mazda RX3 ! that would block out all Steve OS crap 😂 and I am just so glad you didn’t mention a Mitsubishi Triton , just imagine the loss of punters to the channel…. Soooo glad 😀 , Rail all the way too the bank for this portly chap ✋🏼🤘🏽
I heard you had lost weight🙄 Bet you are looking forward to a side of fries.
@@bestdayevermtb2 I know your secret young man 🤐
@@bestdayevermtb2 I was out there today and the young guy unconscious trail side of the side of spud 🥔 put me off ,poor guy
G man sent the first two lovely
@@bestdayevermtb2 I wish ⚖️ 🤣😂
I would buy the exe for my wife being lighter. We still love our rail 9
Funny you should say that. I bumped into a couple a few days ago. He was on a Rail and she was on a LEVO SL for that reason. Seemed to work for them. I know my wife has struggled in the past on heavy E bikes.
yey FULL POWER Es 🤣
grande!
Get a rail 7 and save a few thousand.
Good but very overprised emtbs
They are at the lower end of the emtb scale. This is why so many people get them.
Neither fords are crap,
I’ve got the Spec SL with a range extender. I completed old ghost road on it with 30% battery remaining but the motor whine is getting to me after 2.5yrs of ownership. Seriously considering change to EXe just cos it’s quiet.. your video has helped me with that as I don’t ride with full fat peeps, almost exclusively steamers.. good to know that pit crew can hire me one for a decent try out.. great vid as usual Lance!
I want to do the old ghost road on the e bike but not sure how to pull that off. Kudos to doing it on the SL. Did you ride with the motor off a lot?
Yes probably more than I needed to. I had done the track on a steam bike so I had some idea of what to expect. One thing I didn’t expect was the battery losing 8% or more overnight with the cold.. but once I got to the summit, still had 100% (used 50%) and only had the boneyard climb so knew I could finish it. It was very good having power I could punch on for those pinch climbs and the rocky sections. Such an epic trail.