Trek Fuel+ EX 5 Gen 2 review

Where the Fuel+ EX 5 Gen 2 fits

The clearest match is trail riders who want the new Fuel+ platform and long-loop capacity at the lowest entry price. This review is based on the Evans specification, manufacturer information and clearly identified independent coverage; it is not presented as a RideIn hands-on test.

Motor, controls and UK legality

The accessible Evans listing does not identify the motor precisely. It describes the controls as TQ LED display with Bluetooth & ANT+ connectivity.

The HPR60 raises torque to 60Nm and improves low-cadence support over the HPR50 generation while retaining TQ’s compact mid-drive approach.

It remains mid-power rather than a Bosch CX rival. Riders still contribute meaningfully, which helps the bike preserve a more conventional trail character.

For use as an electrically assisted pedal cycle in Great Britain, the maximum continuous rated motor power must not exceed 250W, assistance must cut out by 15.5mph and the pedals must be able to propel the bike. Check the label and delivered configuration rather than relying on a category name.

Battery, charging and realistic range

The listed battery is TQ 580 Wh. No numerical range is stated in the accessible listing; route, rider, weather and assistance level materially affect distance

The 580Wh battery is a substantial gain over the old EXe’s 360Wh unit and better matches ambitious trail loops. It also carries a weight penalty, so this is not simply an EXe with free extra range.

Vertical gain and assist mode are more useful planning measures than a single distance claim. The larger pack broadens the margin, but does not remove the need for route-aware range management.

Use only the approved compatible charger, charge away from escape routes and stop using a battery that is damaged, swollen, leaking or unusually hot. Ask for the replacement-pack price and warranty conditions before the original battery becomes a problem.

Frame, fit and ride character

The frame specification is Alpha NEXT Platinum aluminium, removable battery, ZS headset, adjustable leverage rate, guided internal routing, interchangeable alloy rocker link, interchangeable lower shock mount, downtube guard, shuttle guard, ABP, UDH, Boost148, adaptable travel 145 mm-160 mm. Fork and suspension details are Rockshox Recon Silver RL, Solo Air spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 42 offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 150 mm travel; X-Fusion Pro 2, 2-position damper, 205 mm x 60mm. The tyres are Bontrager Gunnison Elite XR, Tubeless Ready, wire bead, 60 tpi 29x2.40.

Trek’s adaptable aluminium frame supports roughly 145–160mm rear-travel configurations; this EX build uses a 150mm Recon fork and a trail-focused rear shock.

Deore 12-speed and four-piston brakes are sensible, serviceable choices. The basic fork is the component most likely to feel limiting as speed, rider mass or terrain severity increases.

Brakes, transmission and everyday equipment

The bike uses Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, MT4100 lever, MT420 calliper. Transmission is Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed; Shimano Deore M6100, long cage; Shimano Deore M6100, 10-51, 12-speed. The equipment information is TranzX JD-YSI34, 170mm travel, internal routing, 34.9 mm.

The mechanical drivetrain and mainstream suspension are easier to service than wireless or highly specialised alternatives, while the core TQ electronics still require suitable support.

Its value rests in frame and drive system rather than luxury parts. Budgeting for tyres, fork setup or a later suspension upgrade may be sensible for demanding riders.

What the published evidence tells us

Evans listed this build at £3,959–£3,979 when RideIn checked it on 29 August 2026. Prices can differ by colour or size, and stock can change; a discount against a reference price does not by itself establish value.

The exact EX 5 build is documented by Evans and Trek’s official Fuel+ listing.

Pinkbike independently tested the Fuel+ EX platform and reported quiet mid-power assistance, useful range and accessible handling. That review concerned a different trim, so its platform observations are not treated as proof of the EX 5 fork or brake performance.

Advantages and disadvantages

The useful comparison is whether the complete build suits the regular route, storage and service plan. A premium motor cannot compensate for poor fit, while a modest component can be entirely sensible on the right type of bike.

• Advantage: Newer 60Nm TQ motor
• Advantage: Large-for-class 580Wh battery
• Advantage: Adaptable modern trail chassis
• Advantage: Serviceable Deore 12-speed drivetrain
• Disadvantage: Recon fork is the budget point in the build
• Disadvantage: Mid-power output is not full-power climbing assistance
• Disadvantage: Alloy frame and bigger battery add mass
• Disadvantage: May invite component upgrades on harder terrain

Buying checks and RideIn verdict

Confirm the exact product code, frame size, colour, battery capacity, assistance configuration and included equipment before paying. Ask which Evans branch or authorised dealer will handle electrical diagnosis, warranty labour and replacement components, then test the brakes, controls and fit before committing to regular use.

The smart way into the new Fuel+ if platform and battery matter most, with transparent compromises in suspension rather than the motor system.