Will The Trek Fuel EX e Convert Mountain Bikers?
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- Опубліковано 13 січ 2025
- With the recent launch of the Trek Fuel EXe, are we now witnessing the beginning of a new era in the E-assisted market? With slim frame designs and discreet motors, both in size & sound, could this bike be the one to swing open the doors of curiosity & convert those 'traditional' mountain bikers into the EMTB world!?
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Do you think the Trek Fuel EXe will convert 'traditional' Mountain Bikers to the E-world? Share your thoughts below! 👇
At 7k€ for the most basic spec, certainly not. Once canyon, YT etc. hop on the train yes but the Levo SL, Orbea Rise (for which they artificially made the Aluminum version heavier turning it in a weak heavy ebike) or the EXe all are simply too expensive.
I am happy Orbea, Specialized and especially Orbea leave such a big room for the direct to consumer brands to just be better and cheaper.
Too expensive, but its a Trek so… anyway i’ve heared rumors that Focus is working on new SL bike (Sam2 6.0), which could be good contender in SL emtb category if they can get the price/spec right.
No.
People who want e-bikes are gonna buy one.
One new bike wont make anything different.
Most ebike stand around in the basement after 2-4 weeks because those people werent into biking before they bought a ebike
I think like what a lot of your commenters have said , 7k€ is hilarious example for this video. Think you missed a step there in your concept. 7k is just way to much for this. It should be like a 500 to 750 upgrade from their analog counterpart. With tech changing so rapidly as well spending 7k on something that will be out of date in many different facets next season. Why 7k .
@@gseblonka How do you end up with 500-750 bucks ?
I am the classic "psychological resistance" rider. I have a Hightower and for age 60 and total knee replacement I am in pretty good shape. But my primary riding buddy went to the dark side with a Turbo Levo and now its a bit frustrating. I used his bike last weekend and wow was it fun. Kept the setting on Eco the entire ride, did almost double the miles, and still had energy to mow the lawn. One thing I feel is overlooked is safety (may be one of my rationalizations). When I finish a big climb so I can have fun on the downhill, I am so gassed I can't fully enjoy it. And when you are so tired, that's when mistakes happen. Yesterday I was doing a very techy and rocky climb. I lost momentum, just fell over sideways, and bashed my knee on a rock quite hard. Yes, I had pads thank goodness. But I am still having to ice and will miss a few days riding. I don't heal like I used to and my first thought was an ebike would have allowed me to clear that easily. Considering this Trek as well as the Orbea Rise to help me with my "psychological resistance."
Nice mitch! Remember you can tune them too. So if you don't want support you can take it off. Don't want high acceleration and want to make sure you put down 80% of YOUR power before the bike does, it can do it. Not only that but these mid drive bikes can be ridden with everything off, like a slightly heavier enduro. I think you're really gonna enjoy it! Let us know how it turns out!
@Google Account I want both. Full powered bike is too much bike for a lot of trails on the downhill. They require a lot more input because of the weight. They are fantastic for certain trails and big climbs. They aren't as good for fast windy flow trails that require a lot of tail movent. I won't ever get rid of my levo but I'll def pick up a light weight one as well..the levo SL is too underpowered compared to it's competition. At least currently.
I have an Orbea Rise M20 ive owned all sorts from a Giant Anthem to a Santa Cruz 5010 and Bronson this is by far the best and most engaging bike ive ever owned. I don't like the feeling of the full fat bikes to me they are heavy and un responsive the Rise feels just like a normal MTB but with 60 nm of fun to get you up the hills. Buy one you won't be disappointed!
@@stevesteve8152 that turbo mode on the full fats though!
Thanks for including the word "fun" in your description of the ebike experience. I can confidently predict that virtually every rider trying an ebike for the first time will include that word in their first couple of sentences when describing their experience. That's what it's about. I've got a lot of experience riding Trek rails and am very keen to try this new approach. For me at least I think the sweet spot lies between a full fat and a normal acoustic.
At 71 my body is holding up. Just getting slower. Been holding off on making the transition due to the ongoing evolution of the motor. With this new motor and the bike's lightweight I feel confident I could pedal home if I run out of power or the motor fails. I will wait alittle longer before making the transition.
Perfect bike for us older riders
I’ve had my full fat Turbo Levo for a year now riding root rocky trails in the mountains of Vermont. At 64yrs old, power assist is a game changer. However, many of my older friends have a psychological resistance to emtbs. They consider it cheating, and riding one would be “giving in”. They’re not ready to “go there” - yet. The Fuel Exe, with its light weight, silent motor and almost invisible motor/battery will definitely help them as the bike is not screamimg “I’m a cheater”. As for the particular Exe specs, I’m gonna bet it will blow the socks off who ever rides it. One lesson I’ve learned this past year, for older riders not flying off jumps, weight is not the enemy. Power is everything. With the mission control app, I’ve tuned my modes down to about the same power as the Exe (my trail mode is set to around 63nm) and there isn’t anything I can’t climb with the right gear and body position (seat down low center of gravity). What every emtb rider learns, lifting the front wheel over twice as many rocks/roots, doing twice the climbs, twice the miles - it’s not cheating anymore than having shocks and proper gears are.
They're really missing out on the motor. Even at age 45, you'd be thankful to have good knees and legs. Attitude towards EMTBs should be leaning on acceptance. We aren't young forever and anything to enjoy the hobby and the scenery is a welcome addition.
Pooh-poohing the EV movement (Like your gonna stop it?....) is a little similar to saying a full on motorized enduro motorcycle riding in deep woods single track is a easy because the motor does ALL the work. NO. Highest heart rates recorded in sports happen on motocross tracks. The rider is still getting their "workout". With EVs, one can work as hard you the rider like--while covering. more ground; Seeing more territory and things.; While adding some thrilling speed to the trail. Isn't that kinda we ride faster dangerous things somewhat? The amusement park factor.
There is no cheating in my book! At 59 (in one month), I am still on an analog bike, but the next one will be pedal assisted, like these mid motors. 🙂
It does not scream I'm a cheater, but...it does scream I am a cheater, when you can hear the motor, just like the Specialized Levo SL since the motor is smaller, it makes a more winding noise. Agreed, the looks are deceiving, but the sound is what gives it away.
@@bucharestbiketraffic totally agree. Neighbor just got levo sl - 3x louder than my full fat Levo. I rarely notice mine out in the Vermont backcountry 👂🌿🌲⛰
Amazing looking bike, I'm really taken by the whole light weight emtb scene
But I just can't justify the rediculess prices 😿
Just ordered one, it’s my first e-mtb I was hesitant at first but at 43 with a busy life when I get my windows to hit the trails it makes complete sense as I can fit more in and I can be a bit fresher hit the fun stuff, looking forward to it 👍
I purchased my first e bike a few months ago. Coming off a YETI sb6, the transition took a little getting used to.
But now that I have the Levo comp dialed in, I am loving it.
It does almost everything a traditional mtb bike does but 90% better.
Fun factor is higher, climbing is more manageable and I'm riding longer all the while spending more time on the down side.
No going back for me.
I've got the Fuel EXe 9.7....have come from a full power Turbo Levo. Doubt that I will go back to full power bike. These units are amazing, can flick them about and lift over fences without having to call on a mate to help....love it!!!!
Interesting, I'm waiting for my 9.8 to arrive and am currently on a Levo. How are you finding the range on the new bike?
@@barry9559 - Hey Barry.....range for local hill tracks here seems to not be an issue. Weather here has been terrible with some tracks closed, so am yet to really do a good long distance and climb test, but i can say that the climbs etc I've done so far have been amazing in regard to battery distance!! I have an Extender Battery on order for when we travel out of town, just to be safe on new tracks where battery usage might increase. Battery power will get 'chewed' up of course the more you are in the higher setting....
@@graemeremington3700 perfect, thanks for taking the time to respond Graeme
@@barry9559 Me too. Due in early October here in California.
What's it like compared to levo for jumps and going DH
I love mine, 160mm fork and 65mm stroke shock giving 152 mm rear travel.Its soo capable,tech,jumps,flow-its like riding a d/h bike downhill for its stability and helps my old body uphill.Unbelievably cheap on special here in NZ. I've ridden Devincis for years and the Trek just has that same feel. Awesome!
What size and wheelsize u running the 65mm shock on? Not too close interference with the seat tube on bottom out? I think i will go with 62.5mm/146mm first on mine (size M), just to be safe.
Absolutely love the video and how the content is prepared. It's a "Top Gear" from the best years quality level. I'm new to the EMTB and your channel give me a lot of insights and hints how to go further. Big thanks for that and all the best!
Top Gear from the 'best years' is about as good as feedback gets 🙌 Thanks Alek! Just to let you know we post 4 videos a week, our content varies from riding tips, technical knowledge, and big adventure epics! Check out The EMBN Show every Wednesday to find out more! 👍
I’m convinced the lightweight category would be ideal for me. I’m fit enough to ride with my friends wherever we go, but when I used a local bike shops Levo SL for a week, I had more fun, got rides from my house I normally couldn’t have done due to time constraints or distance. Likewise, I had the energy left to cut the grass and hang with my family, normally I would have been way too tired. I’ll continue to use my Analog Ibis Ripmo in some situations, but my new Trek Ex-e will arrive mid august and I plan to ride it almost daily when I can. The price is too high at $7500 but the 9.7 has a spec I’m excited about and could use for a while before upgrading parts. I would have liked the option to spec a 160mm fork though.
Did you get a chance to ride the SL with the motor off? I hear it's quite capable without as well.
I rode one and I was amazed how natural it felt, I’ll be buying asap
For a paid promotion, on a channel like embn which is basically a marketing device for the big buck brands I would expect this bike to be presented as the second coming of jesus. I wasn’t disappointed.
Excellent video Steve I think the motor will be a game changer. As for the battery… that’s constantly evolving, and soon we may have solid state batteries that will be half the size and weight for the same power.
"soon".....the new magic battery has been in the works a long time now, its "just around the corner". Soon.
Steve sells it like it was an absolute game changer. Yet the motor specs, weight and pricepoint compare to Fazua-equipped bikes like the E-caliber or E-Zesty, which are on the market for years now. Also watching Steve ride it, it seems similar to my E-Caliber. So where is the revolutionary difference?
Significantly more travel than the e-caliber, a much quieter motor, and my favorite as a bike mechanic, less maintenance
the integration of the E gear is next level , its super quiet , two things we have been hoping would improve further that finally have
Motor is the standout for me. It’s is revolutionary. The bike in total, maybe not so much. Looks like a beefy Fuel. The motor, if it holds up, could change design guidance on ebike motors.
The looks and sound are the new benchmark. After riding a quiet emtb everything else is annoying.
Does seem similar to the e caliber to be fair
Top tier quality content ! Malaho my dude and you are the nicest and best done videos by far. Keep up the good work, stoke everytime I see a video popup from you guys ! Tx
I was one of those riders that used to laugh whenever I see people riding an eMTB (calling them wankers sometimes…) but after riding the Trek EXe, I am now a convert. It is the most natural feeling eMTB out there and one of the lightest. I am now a convert and a proud owner of the Trek EXe 9.7 and yes, a wanker :D
I love the innovation of a smaller stealth engine. But I won't get the Trek because of the price. The Orbea Rise alloy models are perfect and the best price point with great power-to-weight ratio.
Don’t get a rise lol. I have one and they have a million issues. I’d trust the fuel exe more
@@GavinKeller Oddly, I have had zero issues! :)
@@leeroberts163 that’s great! Just make sure the pivots are tight, the axles will walk themselves out and the frame can snap. Also make sure the e-thirteen cranks are tight. But that’s great you haven’t had any issues!
One word, Noise. I hate the rattle and whine of a regular ebike. the TQ motor is revolutionary.
I can’t believe you did a ride like that on a day like that. I pedalled to lidl on flat roads and thought I was going to die!
At 25, even I want one. Even if you’re young, it’s still a workout!! You just get to go farther and have more fun on the downhills
I just want to go fast whenever I’m on the street. How fast would this go at a high gear + high effort pedaling?
@@mike-0451peddle way past the assist blocker
Having been riding EMTB since 2013/2014 and having seen the gradual increase drive unit power/torque and battery capacity to the current full fat levels, it's interesting to see the motor outputs and battery capacities are going back to those earlier years!!
I would love a bike like this. I got back into MTB last summer after about 15 years away. I turn 50 next month. Even though I've been working on my fitness, my aging chicken legs will never be a monument to power. Having ridden an e-bike (the full-fat version) last weekend, I can definitely see the appeal. Lighter weight and lower cost will be the key for me. This and bikes like the Orbea Rise H30 are getting there.
Hey Steve fantastic video mate, I can't wait to try the Fuel...
It's a great bike! It's good to see that the EMTB market is evolving to really have something for everyone now. Not everyone wants a full-powered EMTB and hopefully, the light and midweight bikes will show existing mountain bikers that ⚡ can be really fun!
The $$ price of Trek bikes, particularly top of the line and e-bike models is a huge barrier. Trek made a calculated (and focus grouped) decision with this one. It seems to work quite brilliantly fitting in a niche balancing weight & handling with lesser motor support. Perhaps the $$ isn’t a barrier for the target market of more mature rider or rider with minor physical barriers that inhibits their recreation.
i am a motocrosser and i ride a emtb its fun and i use it as conditioning for racing.I don't get crazy with it i just ride all the trails by me in northern florida.I dont always use the electric assist
Like the idea of a lightweight ebike but not when it costs more than a car or motorbike. Let's see some more realistic options for the average mountain biker which they can afford. That would be the game changer to convert more people.
Unfortunately, until the tech gets more efficiently produced, you get what you pay for. Battery and electric motor technology have some way to go. If you break down the cost, it’s not bad for a motorized assembly. It’s 6,500 for a base model EXe. The carbon frame of an acoustic EX is 3,300 (im using the acoustic price purposely). Subtract the cost of all major components (fork, drivetrain, brakes, rotors, wheels, tires, handlebar, saddle, dropper), and you arrive at about 1472. Consider a reasonable 10% for profit and you’re at $822 to produce a motor and battery, which includes paying the people who made it, cost of materials, and profit for the manufacturing company. I’d say that worth it for a bike which is designed to take you up thousands of feet of elevation (almost doing the work for you) and bring you down safely through perilous terrain. Those numbers are conservative too
@@reynemanzano I'd say not worth it. There are plenty of budget options out there which can take a rider up which are not reviewed. You don't have to pay these silly prices for an electric ebike which only the privileged can afford. To feature so many sponsored hyper bikes just rubs people's noses in the wealth divide. And as you say it does all the work for you, you might as well buy a motorbike for a fraction of the cost which also does all the work for you.
@@oliveralldridge4385 you can’t compare a motorbike to an ebike. There are trails motorbikes can’t go up that an ebike can. You can also destroy trails on motorbikes. You can’t flick a motorbike the same way you can an this ebike, especially as you get older. Comparing apples to oranges my guy. Also compare the budget options to this bike point for point: take a $1,500 HJMBIKE “electric mountain bike”. This bike is extremely heavy, it’s geometry is unknown, it’s at least a 2x11 drivetrain, specced with extremely budget components, and looks like it’s more so made for backpacking/commuting than mountain biking. No dropper seat post. I wouldn’t take this on the trails I ride on. Give me an option that is as capable as the EXe for the same type of application. I bet the option you find either isn’t far off in pricing or has trade offs in capability (not as light or lesser quality components) which justify increases in price
What you’re asking for is to make the price of a Tesla Model S the same as a Toyota Prius (when citing budget options).
When citing motorbike vs ebike, you’re comparing two vehicles with different abilities and applications. There is some overlap but not without vast contrast
@@reynemanzanothat’s the problem - the frames are waaaay over priced. Don’t care if it’s carbon. The motor/battery, electronics and software/app are clearly worth more than.800. But the frame is never worth 3k. That’s what fattens the profit and drives up the price of the bike.
Just ordered mine in BC Canada. Thanks for posting. What a trail. Can’t wait to get it :)
Hope you enjoy it!
Love Coedy now, it's so quiet, all the wnakers have gone to the bike parks and left it all the to the good riders, thanks guys!
I think this bike js a game changer. Only problem is that in the states you can’t ride and ebike on your favorite federal and even some state trails. The signs say “no ebikes allowed.” I am approaching retirement and my rides have been getting shorter and this bike would allow me to ride more and enjoy what I like doing most. But if I can’t ride in Pisgah or Dupont it wouldn’t be worth buying.
Just bought one for myself here in California. 9.5 entry level 7200 bucks all in. My previous and current bike is 14 year old GT Zascar hard tail. What a transformation of mountain bike it has been since then. Can’t wait to try it out on proper climbs around here. I was turned off by the big emtbs, but this one here tipped me over into electric for the very first time and 29inch rims for that matter. Lol
Its hard to ride these mini motor bikes with "full power" mt bikes.
The full power is not much power really, in the grand scheme of things......When I ride a 50 lb e-bike, if it handles sharp you dont even feel the weight.....you notice the power and big battery on 65 mile rides in mountains. 6000' of climbing can be done.
Definitely like the direction it’s going.
Full powered/50lbs+ bikes are an interesting novelty- and can’t complain when a friend who has one is able to easily tow me up a brutal climb. But I find their value on long range exploratory type rides where going down a single track isn’t a highlight. Their sheer weight is a showstopper for me. It’s like riding a bike with a boulder attached to it.
However the Exe, Levo SL, and Rise have my attention. The stealthiness of the Exe is even more intriguing along with being able to granularly control power output. Basically if it can feel as natural as a regular bike but give me a 15% boost over my natural output, that’s be perfect. I’m not after climbing speed but rather stretch out my endurance (especially when riding with guys who are far more athletically gifted).
Very interested to see what the Transition Relay will be all about.
Overall though don’t want to lose the physical challenge of riding - it’s what helps keep me in shape (especially as I get older). So that’s what keeps me analog.
I have a levo SL, and a analog bike. I get just as good a workout on the ebike, but I ride more miles, faster.
I think just like you ("keep in shape as I get older").
However I've recently got a Levo SL (last years model, almost half price) and I love it.
On rides with my "non E" friends I spend most of the time with '0' assist (so I am riding with 4kg extra weight and a tiny bit of motor drag) and only use the support if feeling sore or for those crux climb sections. I average around 15% of my ride time using the lowest level Eco support, some rides as little as 3% of the ride is supported. However I now ride 50% more km, enjoy the climbs way more and ride more often.
When riding with my "full E" bike friends I use the support as much as 90% of the time and often revert to full power, but again ride longer and further and finish less tired. On those rides a 3 hour ride with 600 vertical meters I'll use half my battery capacity.
My ride fitness is improving (63 years old).
Lastly, I have ridden "Full Powered" 24+kg bikes before and do not like them (still). As you said "It’s like riding a bike with a boulder attached to it."
I got a roadrider to try my Canyon Spectral the other day, big grin and he loved it.
I'm a 60 year old eMTB rider. As fitness has improved, I don't quite need a full power eMTB any more (I ride at 40% of 30Nm most of the time) but an unassisted MTB is a bit too much work at times. I went for a test ride and fell in love with the EXe. It's a little bit of both ... a slightly heavy MTB (with power off) on flats and downhill, and an eMTB uphill. I loved the weight and feel of the zero drag motor with the power off, and the seamless way assistance is provided with power on. This bike won't be for everyone, but for me its execution is spot on. I'd love a GMBN test of it as an MTB with the battery removed!
I think more of de-restricting the Shimano motor on my Canyon, to rid it of the drag it has when going past 20 mph. They say 30 mph is within reach with out motor drag kicking in as motor shuts off normally at 20 mph.
Great video, looks like a great bike but, like many others on here, I do find the price a bit steep
Have been riding mtb’s for 30 years and thought I would not start riding an emtb until I approached my 80’s. That changed when I had some of my insides removed. I am 74 and love my full power Rail. More riding and more fun. I mostly ride in what Trek calls the Tour+ mode which is the lowest progressive mode. I considered the Orbea Rise, but glad I have a full powered bike even if I am not using the higher power modes. I am sure someday I will. However, I certainly understand the appeal of a mid power bike and if I was to own two emtbs the mid power Trek would be on the top of my list.
I love your videos so informative and entertaining.
Hello from Australia
Amazing landscape and fantastic e-mtb, no matter for analog bike and for full e-mtb, this will be the future for the mtb
One of my mates put down a deposit for a Slash. When he went to pick it up the had an EXe and he had a test ride. Rang me seriously contemplating buying that instead of the Slash. He ultimately decided to stick with the Slash and wait a few years until ebikes hit their "innovation plateau" (as Jeff Cayley calls it) like analogue mtbs have.
The Slash is a great bike! That's interesting he said that, and interestingly what exactly defines an "innovation plateau"? Over his 25-year career in mountain biking, Steve Jones has certainly seen a LOT of innovations, even when the community and industry thought that things were as good as they could be.
Semi-related, and certainly a good watch, a few months ago GMBN invited Steve to make a video showing all of the World Cup Downhill Tech That Changed MTB Forever
Part 1 👉 ua-cam.com/video/fD4Hshg73Ag/v-deo.html
Part 2 👉 ua-cam.com/video/jZaxjNfKnVM/v-deo.html
Love it, but would want a mullet setup for better descending ergos. Prefer to save the 29er rear for hardtails and xc bikes.
Absolutely awesome bike Steve, I’m sure it will set a new benchmark just as you said. There are a lot of folks not wanting to show they got an e-bike; this would be perfect for them.
Great video, and lovely bike, I'm already sold on the lite weight, lower power e-bikes. For me the price is a bit steep; it will be interesting to see if the motor is reliable and stands up to the job over time. Silent motor is a plus, but the add on range extender is only 150w/h, where as the Orbea Rise is 250w/h.
Nice bike but not ground breaking!
Great review and spectacular backdrop as per normal.! I would love to see all the mid bikes such as the TQ and Fazua powered and the new Yamaha tested together. It's like a whole new category and if one were considering one of these having them compared would make the selection process easier. (Given we don't get given bikes to test ride out of a dealers carpark).
As an older rider I've always expected that my next bike would have a motor. Until now all the offerings have appeared to be too much like a motor bike and not enough like a mountain bike. My Fuel EXe is due to arrive later in the month and it should be exactly what I've had in mind. My only concern is how easy it will be to fly with it? Having a 13kg trail bike in an 8kg Evoc case made it easy to keep under the 23kg that airlines like. Extra weight and a battery sounds like it will complicate the process.
In most countries lithium batteries over 160wh can’t fly, whether checked in or carried on. Your options are to remove and post the battery earlier, or try to hire a battery where you take your bike.
@@wayne_kurr Thanks. Yes. Or buy a range extender, take that in carry on and leave the main battery behind. I wonder if the hire option will become a thing? It sounds as if other bikes will come with the TQ system, so might have the same batteries, making hiring a real possibility?
@@neil5211 that’s true - the range extender is right on the limit!
I reckon battery hire is the way of the future. In Australia we need to fly to get anywhere in a timely fashion - if I could pay for a battery in location that would be an excellent option. Maybe a business idea..
Ranger Extender was designed with 160wh exacly because of flight regulations. So if you remove main battery to fly, weight will be under 23kg even with a hard shell case.
Then take only the extender on the plane, most airlines accept up to two 160wh batteries per person, so if you take two it will be the same capacity as the main battery.
@@rafaelfigueroa2479 My Evoc pro bag is closer to 9kg, so will be around 25kg with my bike without batteries. In the past that wouldn't have been much of an issue since airlines were happy with up to 32kg with little extra charge. However they seem to be getting less generous. I haven't flown since the pandemic so will be interesting to see what their updated policies are.
Expanding affordability will convert far more riders - and folks who haven't been on a bicycle in decades - to e-mtb than a top-end ride like this can. This beauty looks (and probably rides) 100x cooler than my Giant Trance E Something while only costing about 3x as much, but that hardly means I can afford to choose it.
The e-ness of this bike is stylishly concealed to be sure, but I doubt that's sufficient comfort for anyone who's actually daunted by the sneering stigma of "but that's cheating!"
Most riders worry way more about what they look like, than they worry about other riders.
These "super lights" arent really that light. My Intense Sniper at 24.5 lbs is light, it can be tossed over a fence easily.
I bought new 2022 Fuel Ex few months back. If this ebike version was available at that time, I would be seriously considering buying it instead. Fuel Exe looks amazing.
The bike is for me! Bought one yesterday!
Didn't see nor hear if you mentioned which mode did you ride & what sections you felt to go Turbo mode. Also how much battery power left when at the summit & end of the ride. Then last if you had to use the extended battery to finish the ride. Appreciate the insight.
RED FLAG! Be aware EMBN, looks like someone's trying to use your name & channel for fraud, refer above for claiming a giveaway prize & collecting shipping cost.
It depends what you want. Being outside, enjoying nature and doing stretches or really doing sport and endurance training. Theoretically you can switch off the assistance, but then the bike is probably just too heavy and it's no gain. For me, an ebike is great.
I know it looks really good and all of the reviews are positive. Locating one to buy is another issue. I think this will be my first e-Mtb. I want something that's not 50-plus pounds and looks like an analog bike. Looking forward to my first ride.
At 41, my equilibrium of sport (training heart, legs, resistance) versus fun (wheeeeeeee!) is still on the side of a self-built 29 inch hard tail based on a 2021 Giant XTC Composite Advanced frame with an ancient but magnificent SID World Cup Carbon - also have two other 29 carbon hardtails in parts, ready to be assembled, one of them has a 2021 SID Ultimate fork - the lightest current fork at (weighed) 1309 grams - and a matching blue Radon Black Sin frame, other has a Konstructive (small German brand) Iolite carbon frame at 1250 g and a FOX fork. So no, bikes which weigh 18 or even 20 kilos - especially, if they do the job for me, are still some years ahead of me - and hopefully, will be for many years. Greetings from Latvia.
It will convert the dentists! But us normal people spend 10k on our cars not on bicycles!
I subscribe to the theory that your bike needs to cost more than your car. I'm comfortable with a 13k bike and a 2k ute.
Seems like some are really pushing these bikes with smaller motors and batteries.
They are exactly what I wasnt looking for in an E bike.
A full power e bike, can always be set to a low power mode, to control that wild wheelspin.
I havent had mine spin much yet. But Im more used to 45 HP dirtbikes.
Enjoyed that review, cheers
Definitely cool but for me a full fat and a normal bike is the best choice. The SLs are really cool if you ride alone but with friends their to quick for normal bikes and to slow for full fats. Have a ff one for blasting and shuttling, and your trail bike for fitness and ripping!
Definitely my next bike! The quiet motor seals the deal.
Really tempting - only on acoustic bikes so far. The only question for me is, if it would actually make my tours longer (Not just easier). I live in the Alps and would use the bike as an approach bike for skitouring/climbing with typically 1000-1300 vert at 77kg+gear, or for long tours with 1500-2000 vert. I now do on my YT Jeffsy. Any advise on the real world range with Range extender?
Good salesman, fantastic video. About the emotions I forgot how much my income is.
Sorry but I have other problems. Not only in Germany a very small group of people say: you always asked how was it possible in those days. The answer: Because they behave as you today.
Great review! The only question I wish someone would cover is....how is it in the air? Does the weight of the battery throw off it's balance in the air?
I got my eye on this bike, but just leery of the novelty of the TQ motor.
I may be tempted if you could actually buy one. Nowhere in the UK has them in stock. I would probably go for 7k version personally.
Impressive trails and impressive bike!
Hopefully bring many, many acoustic riders on board for a nice trail oriented adventure. Stealth and sub 40 lb rig hells yeah🤟
BUT Enduro trail riders want the Slash-Ex-e iteration 160 rear/170 front with a new TQ 60 🤯 for next year's rendering to pull me away from my full powered Rail🤞Maybe a 450 Wh battery to put it on equal footing with the Transition Relay?💪
A comment I have heard on another video was saying this bike is not a "self-shuttle" bike as it does not have the powerful assist that make going up a long climb as easy. That fits in to the trail narrative, different from having a bike you can ride up to the top of a long fireroad climbs multiple times to do different downhills but one to ride with you buddies on a loop or point to point. I am curious as to your thoughts on that?
Hi Lee, it absolutely is a self-shuttle bike and fireoads are very much its strength
You will have to make an effort in climbs, of course it helps, but is not effortless... one thing it makes a lot of different is the "natural" feeling in the motor, for example going up in loose rocks I feel my full fat slips and throw rocks behind making balancing harder, not the case with the Trek, it just apply power when you pedel, and stops immediately when you stop appying force. I actually have a hard time pin pointing the moment the motor engages.
For me that natural feeling and the silence are the main selling points on this bike.
I think the battery is a little small and without a throttle its dangerous. There are times the thumb throttle is very useful, despite local ordinances otherwise.
Very interesting spot to be riding this bike..
I'd love to see this motor on the Trek Remedy line
I am having sleepless nights about this question - always battled between hard tail and full suey now I have to add e or e light bike to the mix - think my head is about to explode. At 60 I am still pretty fit and ride a lot with my wife who has the decathlon e900 - it works out pretty well as she can now keep up with me, or at least catch up to me while I ride my front - she is a shade faster when I ride my enduro. I was just not ready to go full e but these light weight versions could be the answer - a stepping point (I ride to keep fit so I am afraid they will make me lazy) - keep wondering should I wait until I am older lol - and of course the price....ouch!!!
This bike is cool.
I agreed with ebikes around here just over 13-years ago. Once a year bike shops get together and ride or party. Everyone said the ebike is for wimps and overweight people that want to still eat at the same time as riding. Fast forward to present time. Every guy that said they suck, have ebikes today. I am the only one that doesn’t because of the cost and the weight of the bikes.
Me being a old school DH guy, the bikes are heavy but always getting lighter each year.
This Trek may have broken the away from that heavy bike world and came up with the new 1990s dh race bike weights.
Now if we can get Tomac, Ned all the 80’s and 90’s racers, together. It would be cool to see the progression of them today mixed with the pros of today xc race.
We don’t sell Trek here, but I would still buy one for my self.
While e-mountain biking is a great concept this will never replace the essence of true mountain biking. To be able to feel the control of powering through a hard climb and descent remains for a light, nimble and strong mountain bike. I’ve tried doing some hardcore XC on an e-mountain bike and for me it just wasn’t the same as traditional riding. The weight was one thing but the main reason was not having the natural control. The “ assist “ felt awkward, maybe I just need time to get used to the transition but e-mountain biking in my opinion may take along time to evolve as I don’t feel that it can handle the essence of true mountain biking.
I hate to say this, but e bikes have quickly become 50% of many bike shops business, they are selling faster all the time. I ride both, Amish and E mt bikes.
@@bradsanders6954 It’s always good to see more cyclists these days in all situations but with the push for green energy and lowering emissions I’m sure this is the main reason why. Especially the price of fuel these days it’s atrocious! I have a custom designed Jamis Dakar Pro with full XTR and all the latest and greatest components and love it and can easily convert it to an electric. But I will definitely eventually buy an e-mountain bike as this is inevitable.
Every time I get my mind made up on the e bike I want something like this comes out and puts me back at the drawing board.
LOL 30 degree heat? It was 42.2 here in California today and has been for the last few weeks, riding in my area is impossible to enjoy until the fall when we get back to around 21. It gets so hot the heat sensor in my eMBT starts to throttle the bike and go into thermal shutoff.
Great looking bike and could be the new top tier for light ebikes. It's lightweight and for those looking for that now great but I'll stick with ebikes dont need to be carbon and a little more battery would be welcome like a 500 wh. Technology in ebikes is moving quick but for my next one I want a lighter ebike with a motor that can put out full ebike power and a battery that can last as long as my 625wh does.
You can add one bottle battery to the cage (160Wh) and one in your pack for those epic days. Also, with less torque you will get more range, but working a bit harder as well.
Granted it will probably change, but currently ebikes are not permitted on mtb trails where I live.
Love Trek bikes…..got a Trek Powerfly 2018, still going strong 1000s of miles in. Looks like the future of e-mtb is here with this new bike….defo the bench mark for all new e-mobs….£5-6k bike would be a complete winner….I wonder if there is anyone who is willing to try to get the price down….
Entry model costs 6500
I think it depends on where you ride and how stealthy you like your experience to be. I ride a full powered Levo on green / blue trails and am not concerned about fooling anyone regarding whether I'm riding an eMtb or not. If I were starting over I'd still go with a full power bike. That said I can certainly appreciate that others would prefer an even quieter bike that is lighter and doesn't draw attention to eMtb critics. The Trek looks like an advancement in quiet, lighter weight eMtbs.
Agreed, I'm not spending all that money on a bike pretending to be an e bike, and I care nothing what it looks like, not much. I would welcome more power. The 900wh battery in my Canyon seems about right.
Wasn´t the Focus Jam2 created a couple of years ago like that?
Great video! So how does it compare to the Orbea Rise? (I already own the Rise M10)
I am missing one very important point in all your comparisons. For me personally, one of the most important and almost never mentioned points is how much resistance the engine provides in off mode. That is also the resistance that has to be overcome above the ridiculous 15.5 mph speed limit in Europe. If I want to ride my Trek Rail with Bosh motor along with my friends with regular unsupported MTBs, I ride my ass off on the flat stretches where they often go over 15.5 mph. However, when my friend rides along with his Specialized Levo SL, he can follow effortlessly as his bike offers hardly any resistance above the speed limit. Even more important is the effect of that low resistance on his range compared to mine. My friend rides all the flat or only very slightly uphill sections of the trail on off mode while I myself have to tap into my battery from kilometre zero. Despite its much smaller battery capacity, its range is much longer in practice. Moreover, I feel like I am riding with a tank and he with a lightweight. Last but not least. On the stretches where he does not need support, he can enjoy the silence instead of having to listen to the hum of a motorbike. What interests me - and no doubt most other e-mtbers in Europe with me - most is how much resistance this Trek Fuel EX e offers in off mode or over the speed limit. Should the speed limit be 20 mph as it is in the US, this issue would be much less of an issue. This is almost 30% (!) faster than in Europe and corresponds much more to the reality of e-mountain biking. This is also the reason why 80% of e-mtbs in Europe have been driven up. This is the inconvenient truth of most bike bike bike manufacturers and it is my dream that you will investigate this in a proper comparative test.
@@luccaenepeel4313 I have the Fuel exe. There is no resistance with power off. It’s amazingly fast to ride without the battery and/or over the speed cutoff.
No, already converted, The Turbo Levo SL is. the best contraption I've ever owned. Good to see other lightweight Ebikes on the market. It's about time! Better late than never, Trek.
If I could afford it, I'd have one tomorrow. Looks the perfect bike for me
Good on Ya mate. Great review
Glad you enjoyed it
I love my full power 2022 Giant Trance x Advance, I doubt this bike has a very long range compared to full power ones. I need at least 20-28 miles with an ebike since you can really go and go. 2-5 hours...hmm at 9mph average that is like 18-45 miles...doubtful. Was hoping you'd ride that down that upper section! Kind of felt like a Trek ad though, like a salesman.
Great video and fantastic trails!
Can you post some battery usage notes from the ride? Distance, elevation. Estimate on usage or ride modes used?
And rider weight please
Or anything actually usefulness??
great video, that bike looks awesome, i want one
I'm starting to see a lot of EMtbs out on the trail and am tempted by a lightweight option but tbh my dislike for EMtbs is growing as they become the norm. I'm not ashamed to admit probably for elitist snobby reasons, like sharing trails that most people couldn't or couldn't be bothered to reach due to fitness.
my first mountain bike was a GT but my second was a trek fuel 6000 2003 biking trail in oka québec and camping whit my son wouah wow
The only way I want to be assisted while cycling is after hours weeks months years of practice I finally get better.
Aluminium orbea rise has 540wh battery and less than 20kg with 65w motor. Also there is possibility to add another 252wh. Also price is not so high. think thats better deal like this trek with 25km range.
We ride Mt bikes for either fun, fitness, or both. If e function can boost fun or more miles then there shouldn't really be an issue. E bikes have enabled more people to ride and ride more. The only thing lost is some of the beauty of the pure human powered machine concept. But that's never going away, and we only have more innovation to come from ebikes.
I'm a traditional mountain biker and I'd buy this. Except that all the places where it would be fun near me don't allow e-bikes.
It may be a game changer for those who can afford $15k bikes
I have never heard the phrase "e curious", I may have to start using it.
My Orbea Rise weights less, has been out for two years, and uses a full-weight EP8 motor. What’s the big fuss with this Trek?
Hey look it's the previous Nukeproof Mega with a motor :)
I'm very curious about the motor design. I would assume that they're going to try to adapt this to full power bikes. That could be really a great weight saver if it works on big batteries. With 90 newton meters of torque.
I believe they made an earlier version @ 120NM spec; this version ticks the boxes for me. Also, TQ makes these motors for NASA and other robotic applications.
I like it
Compared to Orbea Rise….Thoughts??
I'm sold for full-power ones :D lets me squeeze in plenty DH runs in the shortest possible time :D light versions are to slow uphill for me :D not as much fun =]
Perfect bike for older riders. I’ve been a cyclist my whole life but I’m 65 and I want to ride with my kids who are in their 30’s. Perfect solution
Only reason I haven't converted yet is the price point. I want this new Exe in a bad way tho.
If it was for the big price tag for e-bikes I’ll stay with what I have and ride all day without the fear of running out a battery.