Fuel EXe Trek Fuel EXe Megathread!

[dark.Knight]

Thanks for the updates regarding the Pinner precision lower shock bolt. I have registered interest and hopefully they will be happy to ship across the pond.

They ship worldwide. I bought it last month and I am happy with the result.

 

[dark.Knight]

I am so curious about the TQ motor coming out in June.
Is the updated motor is backwards compatible or not, and can the new battery be fitted in the Fuel EX-e?

Anyone know anything about the battery size, 360 vs 580?

If the motor is backwards compatible and provide the same range I will surely do an upgrade.
If the 580 battery fits I will buy at least one of those as well.

 

[Mteam]

I am so curious about the TQ motor coming out in June.
Is the updated motor is backwards compatible or not, and can the new battery be fitted in the Fuel EX-e?

Anyone know anything about the battery size, 360 vs 580?

If the motor is backwards compatible and provide the same range I will surely do an upgrade.
If the 580 battery fits I will buy at least one of those as well.

The 580 battery does not fit, it's a different shape

 

[dark.Knight]

The 580 battery does not fit, it's a different shape

Thanks. Then I’ll go for another 360 battery and do a motor upgrade if it is as good as I hope (backwards compatible, more torque, same or more battery life with same use, and just a better version/iteration of the old one in general as in less problems that we have found in the current version).

 

[Kubiertas]

My 2023 9.7 is only seven months old so I hope I don’t need a new motor or battery any time soon, but I am interested if the new motor ‘fits’ the fuel exe frame and other components.

 

[dark.Knight]

My 2023 9.7 is only seven months old so I hope I don’t need a new motor or battery any time soon, but I am interested if the new motor ‘fits’ the fuel exe frame and other components.

I don’t «need» a new battery.
I just want to make my 2023 9.9 more versatile as in more range.

I want to be able to exercise (read: have fun) on the local trails and use it instead of my car for shopping and what not on the same day without the need for recharging, and to be able to do long trips without the fear of running out of juice.

I don’t need a new motor either as I love the bike as it is with the TQ-HPR50.

I just want the perfect bike for me to be even better if I can.

A spare motor would also be nice to have if the one that is installed should need a service or something.

Worst thing is to have a unusable bike waiting for parts.
For me anyway.. as the Fuel EX-e is my only bike these days..

 

[Bajakid]

I just upgraded from the SRAM XX1 AXS to the XX T type. WOW! This system is unbelievable works very well with the TQ. The new Ttype prefers that you are pedaling under power when you switch gears. It works really well in the punchy stuff. Great upgrade if you are thinking about it.

 

[IanP]

They ship worldwide. I bought it last month and I am happy with the result.

They are now in stock at Pinner Engineering and ship worldwide for a flat rate. Thanks for the information all.

 

[Yobbo]

Yes, I just ordered a pair and got a very pleasant email from the company confirming that the bolts were just coming off of the machine.

 

[GroundInspector]

Hey all, I recently picked up a lightly used exe aluminum and have had a blast riding it! Its a great bike and I've maxed out at 3,250 ft of elevation on one charge so far with 7% left.
I noticed there is a rattle noise from what seems like the bottom bracket / downtube area when riding over rocky terrain or landing jumps/drops. Any ideas what could be the cause of this, and is it common?
I tried searching through this forum but didn't see anything with the same issue. I checked all of the linkage, shock, thru axle, brake caliper bolts as well as the battery holder bolts (basically a full bolt check) and the battery seems very secure in the downtube. Thanks!

 

[Bajakid]

Hey all, I recently picked up a lightly used exe aluminum and have had a blast riding it! Its a great bike and I've maxed out at 3,250 ft of elevation on one charge so far with 7% left.
I noticed there is a rattle noise from what seems like the bottom bracket / downtube area when riding over rocky terrain or landing jumps/drops. Any ideas what could be the cause of this, and is it common?
I tried searching through this forum but didn't see anything with the same issue. I checked all of the linkage, shock, thru axle, brake caliper bolts as well as the battery holder bolts (basically a full bolt check) and the battery seems very secure in the downtube. Thanks!

View attachment 160829

Look at this link , could this be what you hear? Lower Shock Bolt for Trek Fuel EXe

 

[Bajakid]

Hey all, I recently picked up a lightly used exe aluminum and have had a blast riding it! Its a great bike and I've maxed out at 3,250 ft of elevation on one charge so far with 7% left.
I noticed there is a rattle noise from what seems like the bottom bracket / downtube area when riding over rocky terrain or landing jumps/drops. Any ideas what could be the cause of this, and is it common?
I tried searching through this forum but didn't see anything with the same issue. I checked all of the linkage, shock, thru axle, brake caliper bolts as well as the battery holder bolts (basically a full bolt check) and the battery seems very secure in the downtube. Thanks!

View attachment 160829

More info here Fuel EXe - Trek Fuel EXe Megathread!

 

[Mteam]

Hey all, I recently picked up a lightly used exe aluminum and have had a blast riding it! Its a great bike and I've maxed out at 3,250 ft of elevation on one charge so far with 7% left.
I noticed there is a rattle noise from what seems like the bottom bracket / downtube area when riding over rocky terrain or landing jumps/drops. Any ideas what could be the cause of this, and is it common?
I tried searching through this forum but didn't see anything with the same issue. I checked all of the linkage, shock, thru axle, brake caliper bolts as well as the battery holder bolts (basically a full bolt check) and the battery seems very secure in the downtube. Thanks!

View attachment 160829

The Allen key tool that's stored in the rear wheel axle rattles, it could be that. Remove it and see if the rattle stops

 

[GroundInspector]

Look at this link , could this be what you hear? Lower Shock Bolt for Trek Fuel EXe

That could be it. I didn't think it would cause such a loud rattle but there's a chance. I'll order this if other quick fixes don't work!

The Allen key tool that's stored in the rear wheel axle rattles, it could be that. Remove it and see if the rattle stops

I'm going to try this first as an easy fix. I thought of removing it prior since I always carry allens anyway.
Thanks both!

 

[Yvon]

Hey all, I recently picked up a lightly used exe aluminum and have had a blast riding it! Its a great bike and I've maxed out at 3,250 ft of elevation on one charge so far with 7% left.
I noticed there is a rattle noise from what seems like the bottom bracket / downtube area when riding over rocky terrain or landing jumps/drops. Any ideas what could be the cause of this, and is it common?
I tried searching through this forum but didn't see anything with the same issue. I checked all of the linkage, shock, thru axle, brake caliper bolts as well as the battery holder bolts (basically a full bolt check) and the battery seems very secure in the downtube. Thanks!

View attachment 160829

From what I see in the photo the noise could be coming from the rear brake pads, you are about to lose the spring.

 

[dark.Knight]

From what I see in the photo the noise could be coming from the rear brake pads, you are about to lose the spring.

Nice catch!

 

[dark.Knight]

I would appreciate some advice from you guys and girls.

I got a Fuel EX-e 9.9 XTR (2023) that came with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate AirWiz shock and a RockShox Lyric Ultimate AirWiz fork.

I am not too found of the shock’s performance but I like the AirWiz functionality.
The fork I don’t have a strong opinion about, so I guess it‘s performance is ok and I like the AirWiz functionality in the fork as well.

I would like a better shock and would not be unhappy with a better fork either and maybe make it 160mm long while at it.
That said I’m hoping that I could get away with just upgrading what I’ve got with 2025 parts, as I’m not in the mood for spending too much on this.

Would an upgrade that I describe be just as good as buying a 2025 version of the shock and fork?
And would an upgrade like this be even worth it, or will I end up spending money without any performance gain to speak of?

And finally.. what kits would I need to go «all in»?
I find the information available a bit confusing..

 

[GroundInspector]

From what I see in the photo the noise could be coming from the rear brake pads, you are about to lose the spring.

Wow good eyes!! But I noticed it prior to my last ride and fixed it, still having the noise

 

[tdeater]

Wow good eyes!! But I noticed it prior to my last ride and fixed it, still having the noise

Maybe the motor cover?

 

[sanosan34]

Hey all, I recently picked up a lightly used exe aluminum and have had a blast riding it! Its a great bike and I've maxed out at 3,250 ft of elevation on one charge so far with 7% left.
I noticed there is a rattle noise from what seems like the bottom bracket / downtube area when riding over rocky terrain or landing jumps/drops. Any ideas what could be the cause of this, and is it common?
I tried searching through this forum but didn't see anything with the same issue. I checked all of the linkage, shock, thru axle, brake caliper bolts as well as the battery holder bolts (basically a full bolt check) and the battery seems very secure in the downtube. Thanks!

View attachment 160829

I see you have finned brake pads, those are notorious for rattling. Try putting a piece of mastic or padded tape in between the finned part and caliper. That fixed my rattle on my 9.8.

 

[Rockhopper70]

It’s a top end shock, you might be better served getting a service and custom tune. These suspension components are set for “average”, but a custom tune and shim would set it for your specific needs and weight etc. I appreciate you aren’t UK, but someone like J-tech would likely transform the performance. If you buy another shock, it’ll still be supplied for Mr/Mrs Avrage.

 

[Bajakid]

I would appreciate some advice from you guys and girls.

I got a Fuel EX-e 9.9 XTR (2023) that came with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate AirWiz shock and a RockShox Lyric Ultimate AirWiz fork.

I am not too found of the shock’s performance but I like the AirWiz functionality.
The fork I don’t have a strong opinion about, so I guess it‘s performance is ok and I like the AirWiz functionality in the fork as well.

I would like a better shock and would not be unhappy with a better fork either and maybe make it 160mm long while at it.
That said I’m hoping that I could get away with just upgrading what I’ve got with 2025 parts, as I’m not in the mood for spending too much on this.

Would an upgrade that I describe be just as good as buying a 2025 version of the shock and fork?
And would an upgrade like this be even worth it, or will I end up spending money without any performance gain to speak of?

And finally.. what kits would I need to go «all in»?
I find the information available a bit confusing..

I do not have the AirWiz, however, my bike came with the 2023 Lyrik Select+ (D1) with a DebonAir+ spring and Charger 3 RC damper. I did the 160mm Upgrade with Butter Cup and Charger 3.1 RCS Crown with Butter cup. ABSOLUTE game changer. I could not stand the ride of my bike stock, I was ready to toss the fork and go to Fox. After sending an email to RockShox support, they sent out the kits below. I love the bike now. I call it my trophy truck, I can hit anything and it stays straight and feels good. The chatter that was knocking me around the trail and killing my hands is gone. I am a bigger guy, so the rear shock, I only added the spacer, it has always worked well for me. Reach out to RockShox support, Give them your serial numbers (hopefully you get Tyler). He will then give you the part numbers you need and help you dial it in. My local bike shop (Jax for those in SoCal USA) put the parts in for $30.
Here is what he gave me for those that have this same fork.
00.4318.065.000 AIR SPRING UPGRADE KIT - DEBONAIR+ W/ BUTTER CUP 160MM (INCLUDES AIR SHAFT ASSEMBLY, BUTTERCUP & SEAL HEAD) - LYRIK D1+(2023+)

00.4318.095.001 DAMPER UPGRADE KIT - CHARGER3.1 RC2 CROWN W/BUTTERCUPS (INCLUDES COMPLETE RIGHT SIDE INTERNALS) -LYRIK D1+ (2023+)

 

[dark.Knight]

I thought that I got a top-of-the-line-endgame shock with the bike, but the 2023 version of the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate doesn’t seem to get a lot of love out there.
And I find it pretty bad at small bumps.

The 2025 verision looks promising though, so if I can get some upgrade kits to get close to that I will pull the trigger.

Specs on my current shock (RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate AirWiz):
Eye to eye / Stroke: 205x60(TR)
Air volume: DebonAir Progressive w/Airwiz
Model designator (SR): Ultimate
Damper Type: RC2T Hydraulic Bottom Out
Rebound tune: Linear
Compression tune: M
Lockout force: 320
Shaft Eyelet: Trunnion
Body Eyelet: Standard
Damping adjustments: Extl rebnd, 2 pos (open/firm), Hi & Low Speed comp adj
Volume reducer: 0 Neg 0 Pos
Check Tune: 0 - Light
Rebound Clicks: 15
Max Air Pressure (PSI): 360


These are the two suggested upgrade kits in the «Rock Shox trailhead garage»:

AM UPGRADE KIT LINEAR XL 57.5-65MM (11.4118.117.002):​

Air Can Upgrade Kit - Linear XL 57.5-65mm (includes air can, volume spacers, seals, grease, oil, and decals) – Deluxe C1+/Super Deluxe Select/Select+/Ultimate C1+ (Does not fit FA)

AM UPGRADE KIT RESERVOIR,X2 VIVID ULT C1 (00.4318.084.000)​

RESERVOIR UPGRADE KIT - RC2T ULTIMATE RESERVOIR (INCLUDES COMPLETE ULTIMATE RESERVOIR, INTERNALS, CONTROLS) - VIVID AIR/COIL C1+, SUPER DELUXE AIR C1+/COIL B1


The air can upgrade seems to be what I want, and I guess that the reservoir might be correct too, but when I read this from an article on enduro-mtb.com something seems to be missing (high flow piston and new chims):

«All of these innovations are also available as upgrade kits, which you can use to update your current Super Deluxe shock to the latest technology. The RC2T Ultimate reservoir, which controls the compression damping, is available for € 245, while the High Flow piston retails at € 43. But beware: in order for the latter to fit in your shock, you’ll also need to install new shims. Finally, the Linear XL air chamber is available for € 111.»

The reservoir I thought I had as it is named «RC2T Hydraulic Bottom Out» but the proposed kit mentioned is maybe a newer version without stating that in the name?

The biggest problem is that I‘m not sure what «piston upgrade kit» they talk about, as it is not mentioned as a suggested upgrade in the «garage».. and will it fit my version of the shock?

I have reached out to Rock Shox, but have not heard back from them just yet other than an auto reply saying that if I ask for parts they will redirect me to somewhere else..

I find this kind of frustrating, as it should be easy to recommend everything I need on the manufactur’s site or from their support?

Sorry for the long posting, and I am sorry if I whine too much..

 

[Emailsucks98]

I thought that I got a top-of-the-line-endgame shock with the bike, but the 2023 version of the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate doesn’t seem to get a lot of love out there.
And I find it pretty bad at small bumps.

Have you messed with the volume spacers? It's amazing what can be done with those.
I wouldn't offer any tuning suggesitons without knowing your weight and current settings, but volume spacers are easy to swap and make such a huge difference. I tend to gravitate towards adding them, so I can get the same sag % with less pressure and less compression damping.

 

[dark.Knight]

Have you messed with the volume spacers? It's amazing what can be done with those.
I wouldn't offer any tuning suggesitons without knowing your weight and current settings, but volume spacers are easy to swap and make such a huge difference. I tend to gravitate towards adding them, so I can get the same sag % with less pressure and less compression damping.

I have not.
I don’t think I got any with the bike either, but I might be wrong as I have a lot of stuff in a little box. I would like to learn how to tinker with volume spacers though, so I might start there.

I am about 64kg nude at the moment and rider weight varies depending on what kind of rides I do (with or without armor, backpack, water, tools and such). As of right now I don’t have a clue as it is a long time ago I knew those things (I’ve been away from biking for far too long). Recently I have ridden to town, gravel and relatively smooth trails with obstacles like roots and rock gardens. Nothing too «heavy» but my a** doesn’t like the current setup. It eats up «big» impacts pretty good, but small bumps is a pain. I must confess that I can probably do better with tinkering with air pressure and the settings available as well, but I am very interested in what volume spacers can do for me.

 

[Rockhopper70]

You are a light individual, so I’d start by taking all the volume spacers out.

 

[xetal]

My experience with the 2023 Rockshox SDU and 2025 Rockshox SDU has been super positive. I am 210 lbs for reference. Here are my key points :

1. Progressive Air Can is mandatory if you like midstroke support and ramp up.
2. Botomless tokens for the win. I run 2/4 with the 2025 HBO version and 4/4 with the 2023 non HBO.
3. PSI = rider weight
4. Requires compression. Light tunes are not enough. Medium+ compression tunes are best.
5. Dont hesitate to rotate that LSC/HSC knobs. Do laps full open and full closed.

Also, the Rockshox Vivid AIR fits barely. If you like dangerous living it is also an amazing shock.

 

[robby]

I would appreciate some advice from you guys and girls.

I got a Fuel EX-e 9.9 XTR (2023) that came with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate AirWiz shock and a RockShox Lyric Ultimate AirWiz fork.

I am not too found of the shock’s performance but I like the AirWiz functionality.
The fork I don’t have a strong opinion about, so I guess it‘s performance is ok and I like the AirWiz functionality in the fork as well.

I would like a better shock and would not be unhappy with a better fork either and maybe make it 160mm long while at it.
That said I’m hoping that I could get away with just upgrading what I’ve got with 2025 parts, as I’m not in the mood for spending too much on this.

Would an upgrade that I describe be just as good as buying a 2025 version of the shock and fork?
And would an upgrade like this be even worth it, or will I end up spending money without any performance gain to speak of?

And finally.. what kits would I need to go «all in»?
I find the information available a bit confusing..

I have the Zeb 160mm on my EX-e; it's a fairly popular upgrade among folks who are heavier, ride harder, or veer a bit toward Enduro. To be totally honest it's probably wasted on me as a less aggressive rider, but it was a handy arrangement with the LBS where I bought the bike and I figured there was little downside.

If you are attached to the AirWiz functionality, it's not officially sanctioned, but you can order Part #11.4018.083.007 ("Top Cap Assy AW 38mm") from Trek to go with the Zeb. It's about $225 here in the US and will convert an OEM Zeb fork to an Airwiz version. You may also be able to find a Zeb Ultimate with Airwiz pulled off a Rail or Slash for a bit less.

If you go this route and are looking to unload your Lyrik, let me know. I've thought about swapping back to the stock config next time I'm due for a fork service.

 

[Yobbo]

My Pinner lower shock mount bolt got delivered. Very well made. Amazing service from being told by them that it was just coming off of the machine in Canada and being delivered to my door in the UK within 6 days is amazing. Highly recommended.

 

[Canyon Shawn]

Has anyone out there fitted a Fox Transfer Neo 150 mm dropper to their medium EXe. I’m wondering if it fits. If you have how tall are you and where does the post sit in the frame? I’m 5’ 9” and I think it might be a tight fit.