As I peeled off the protective plastic and lifted the Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX AXS out of its box, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. This bike has been the gold standard of trail mountain bikes for 15 years, and I was eager to see if the 2026 update lived up to its reputation. The first thing that struck me was the build quality – this bike is a work of art. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the beautifully crafted carbon frame to the precision-crafted components.
Taking it out for a spin, I was immediately struck by the bike's handling. The geometry, which has been updated to match the rest of the category, feels spot on – it's stable at high speeds, yet agile and responsive when you need it to be. The suspension, courtesy of Trek's proprietary RE:aktiv technology, is smooth and controlled, soaking up even the most aggressive trail features with ease. But what really impressed me was the bike's efficiency – it's incredibly easy to pedal, even when the terrain gets steep and technical.
Comfort is also a major highlight – the bike's ergonomics are spot on, with a comfortable riding position that allows you to focus on the trail
Trek Fuel EX 9.9 XX AXS