Trek Fuel+ MX 9.8

The Trek Fuel+ MX 9.8 is a premium full-suspension electric trail bike for riders who want more climbing help without swapping the lively feel of a mountain bike for the heft and forceful shove of a full-power e-MTB. Its TQ HPR60 motor delivers 60 Nm, and the 580 Wh battery gives the bike the capacity for long loops and repeat laps. It still rewards proper gear choice and a steady cadence on steep climbs, which will suit riders who enjoy putting something into the ride rather than simply pressing a button and hanging on.

Current Trek Fuel+ MX 9.8 Gen 2 builds

The current UK Fuel+ MX 9.8 is part of the Fuel+ Gen 2 family. It uses an OCLV Mountain Carbon frame, a removable battery and the stock MX layout of a 29-inch front wheel with a 27.5-inch rear. There are three distinct builds: Eagle 90 with cable-operated SRAM shifting, mechanical XT with cable-operated Shimano shifting, and XT Di2 with electronic Shimano shifting. The original UK RRP was £7,625 for Eagle 90 and mechanical XT, rising to £8,075 for XT Di2.

The build name matters here. The carbon chassis, motor proposition and mixed-wheel format remain the same idea, but the shifting, braking equipment, rear-wheel driver and tyre specification differ. Mechanical SRAM and mechanical Shimano are the straightforward choices at the same original RRP, while XT Di2 directs the extra £450 towards electronic shifting and integrated Smart Box wiring rather than a different frame.

MX frame, wheels and ride character

In stock form, the Fuel+ MX 9.8 has a 160 mm fork, 150 mm of rear travel and a 205 x 60 mm shock. The 29-inch front wheel brings reassuring rollover and grip, while the smaller rear wheel creates useful clearance when the trail gets steep or tight. Combined with the 64.2° MX head angle, it is a layout that encourages deliberate line choice, pumping through dips and changing direction rather than simply relying on mass to blast through everything in its path.

There is plenty of adjustability in the platform, including an adjustable leverage-rate position, Active Braking Pivot suspension and an interchangeable rocker link and lower shock mount. It can be reconfigured around EX, MX or LX-style priorities, but turning it into a full-29 setup is not a quick rear-wheel swap. It needs the matching rocker, lower shock mount, rear wheel and appropriate suspension parts, followed by a retailer e-system recalibration for the new wheel diameter.

The frame has guided internal cable routing, a Universal Derailleur Hanger, downtube protection and shuttle protection. It also accepts an optional TQ Range Extender, although that is not supplied with the bike. The published maximum combined weight for bike, rider and cargo is 136 kg, and this is a trail machine rather than a rack-equipped option for daily cargo duties.

Eagle 90, XT or XT Di2?

Fuel+ MX 9.8 Eagle 90 Gen 2: Choose this version if cable-operated SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission is your preference. Its published build uses SRAM Maven Bronze four-piston brakes with 200 mm rotors, Fox Factory 36 GRIP X2 suspension and a Fox Factory Float X shock. It is the mechanical SRAM route into the 9.8 chassis.

Fuel+ MX 9.8 XT Gen 2: Mechanical XT is the natural pick for riders who prefer Shimano's cable-operated 12-speed shifting. It carries Shimano XT four-piston brakes and the same Fox Factory 36 GRIP X2 fork and Float X shock pairing. Its original UK RRP matched the Eagle 90 build, making this chiefly a decision about your preferred shifting and braking family.

Fuel+ MX 9.8 XT Di2 Gen 2: The XT Di2 model adds Shimano XT electronic shifting, Shimano XT M8220 four-piston brakes with 203 mm rotors, and Smart Box integration. It is the right version for someone who values electronic shifting enough to justify the £450 original-RRP step over the two mechanical options. Riders who favour simpler cable-operated servicing can save that money with Eagle 90 or mechanical XT.

Battery care and UK ownership

The removable 580 Wh battery can be charged away from the bike, handy when your storage space has no convenient socket. With the supplied 4 A charger, plan on approximately three to four hours for charging. Assistance reduces below 10% charge, so leave a sensible margin for the final climb home rather than expecting a near-empty battery to feel like a freshly charged one.

Muddy winter rides call for the usual useful habits: wash grit from the chainstay guard, keep the drivetrain lubricated, and include pivots and motor-mount bolts in periodic servicing. The chain can touch the replaceable chainstay guard in the 10-tooth sprocket, which is intentional, but the guard is a consumable part worth inspecting as it wears. Riders planning longer days can add the optional Range Extender with the recommended side-load cage and retention strap.