Fuel EXe

Reviewers consistently praise the Fuel+ Gen 2 for delivering one of the most natural ride feels in the light/mid-assist eMTB category. Much of that comes from the TQ HPR60 system, which multiple outlets describe as exceptionally quiet and unobtrusive, with assistance that feels lag-free and closely tied to rider input rather than overpowering it. Freehub said the bike "immediately felt like home," while Magazinebike called it the closest yet to the promise of an e-bike that rides like an analogue bike. Testers also repeatedly highlighted the suspension as a major strength: Trek’s ABP rear end offers very good small-bump sensitivity and traction, and reviewers found the linear/progressive lower shock mount settings to make a real, usable difference rather than serving as token adjustability.

The handling story is similarly positive, but with some nuance. In EX and especially MX form, reviewers describe the Fuel+ as nimble, intuitive, and easy to pump through terrain, with a lower center of gravity helping it corner predictably without feeling like a heavy full-power bike. Freehub in particular favored the MX setup for its more playful, "zesty" character. At the same time, several reviewers noted that the bike is not the most glued-to-the-ground option in its class; it rewards an active rider more than a passive one. On technical climbs, it tends to prefer being driven up and over obstacles rather than delicately crawling, and some testers felt the relatively short rear end could make front-wheel lifts less natural in awkward sections.

Weaknesses were mostly tied to build spec rather than the platform itself. Road.cc found the Fox Rhythm 36 on the EX 8 could get overwhelmed on steeper descents, diving into its travel and making the steering feel twitchier, and also criticized the stock Bontrager tires for not matching the bike’s speed and weight. Reviewers were also clear that, despite the improved HPR60 and larger 580Wh battery, this remains a mid-power bike: it climbs efficiently and extends rides well, but it does not deliver the brute-force uphill pace of 85Nm-plus full-power systems. Even so, the broad consensus is that Trek has substantially improved the original concept, especially in battery capacity, low-cadence support, and overall versatility.