The 2011 Trek EX9

When offered to try out the EX range of bikes I jumped at the chance.  I had the opportunity to try either the Carbon EX 9.8 or the Aluminimum EX9. The reality is that I wouldn’t be able to afford the Carbon EX9.8 and if tempted to get a Trek EX, i’d rather try something within my budget so the EX9 it was.

2011 Trek EX9

After the past year I’ve been riding a ‘all mountain bike’ with 160mm travel which as been a blast on the down hill, yet the reality is most of my riding is trail with the occasional fast downhill sections plus lots of up hills, so the Trek Fuel EX 9 in theory fits my type of riding (see video above).

The Fuel EX9 is a 120mm travel full suspension bike, and the EX9 comes with features unique to Trek. They have what they call the DRCV (Dual Rate Control Valve – stacks of info here) it’s a shock thats been developed with Fox. Essentially what this does is smooth out the shock rate for the entire stroke while also having great pedaling efficiency, small bump compliance and big hit control (see the extra lumpy bit above Pro Pedal lever – thats it)

Trek EX9 'DRCV'

To set the record i’m no bike reviewer, just a guy who rides a lot and I reckon could be seen as the type of market these bikes are aimed at. So my thoughts on this bike are just that – thoughts. Does the DRCV system work? no idea, what I do know is that this bike ‘felt’ fantastic. I was able to go down hill just as fast as I would be able to on my 160mm travel bike. Yet going up hill and on the single track is where this bike blew the other out of the water – it’s just so much faster and agile.

The handling was sublime, this has a lot to do with a few things

1. the 15mm Thru Axels – They just seem to tighten up the dropouts and give more precise steering.

2. Trek have what they call ‘ARB’ (firm up under braking – Active Braking Pivot (ABP) allows your suspension to remain active, whether you’re pedaling, coasting or braking – see pic below).

3. E2 Head tube – 1.5” lower for extra strength and control.

4. Weight – the weight of this bike is spot on, light yet stiff. With this bike you are able to flick it around like a hard tail.

Trek EX9 'Active Pivot Braking'

Only grip was the tyres, they seemed a bit on the skinny side. It might be because i was used to big 2.3′s from my old bike. Once the Trek Rep reduced the tyre pressure they seemed a lot more grippy. Having said that I reckon they would make awesome race day tyres as the rolling resistance is low – yet you’d have to get used to the amount of grip they offer in fast corners.

Set up of the suspension was also a breeze. So many times with other bikes I have found myself searching the for shock pressure rates and re-bound rates – even then it still feels like guess work. I was pleasantly surprised to find that on the Trek website a single PDF with everything I need (check it out here) Fork and Shock Pressure based on rider weight, plus rebound settings. Furthermore, on the website they had set video for the dummies – too easy.

The E2 head tube

So going from a 160mm to 120mm full suspension bike and for the trails that I ride, i’d have to say the Trek wins hands down. Like it says on the website it’s a great ‘do it all bike’, you could ride this thing all day. Plus with the spec of the EX9 I can see myself using this as a race bike -  Like most, I do the once a year 24hr bike race with a group and this bike would be spot on. If your into big drops go for a bike with bigger travel.

So does the APB, DVCR, E2, EVO  and all the other acronyms work? Who knows?, but now the the EX has just jumped onto my next bike list!

Check out all the specs and watch the videos here – there’s lots to take in!

Thanks to:
Trek Australia for the test bike. View it here
Follow their tweets @TrekBikesAust
Video: Taken on a Get Pro Camera by Simon (@nomisllab) and thanks for the ‘doof -doof’ music
Photos: Taken in a rush by me on a iphone, before the bike had to go back to Trek