Quiver

2018 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus vs 2020 Specialized Fuse 27.5

The Specialized Fuse 27.5 size closest to your ML is the M. Compare the M instead

What changes on the Specialized Fuse 27.5

Compared with the Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus in ML, the Specialized Fuse 27.5 in S places the top of the head tube 4 mm lower and 25 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 37 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
−4 mm
Lower front end
Frame reach
−25 mm
Shorter frame reach
Wheelbase
−37 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
−1.2°
Slacker: calmer steering
Chainstays
−3 mm
Shorter: livelier

The two frames

2018 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus (ML) and 2020 Specialized Fuse 27.5 (S), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Specialized Fuse 27.5 is the colored outline on top.J 1177

Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus, MLSpecialized Fuse 27.5, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementTrek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus MLSpecialized Fuse 27.5 SDifference
Reach445420mm−25 mm
Stack607603mm−4 mm
Head tube angle67.2°66°−1.2°
Seat tube angle74.2°74°−0.2°
Effective top tube597not listed
Chainstay length433430mm−3 mm
Wheelbase11771140mm−37 mm
BB drop26not listed
BB height334not listed
Standover728736mm+8 mm
Seat tube length440375mm−65 mm
Head tube length100105mm+5 mm
Fork lengthnot listed520mm

Differences are the Specialized Fuse 27.5 minus the Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus. Full charts: 2018 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus, 2020 Specialized Fuse 27.5.

Where each sits in its class

Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 PlusSpecialized Fuse 27.5

AggressivePositionUpright
CalmSteeringQuick
PlayfulBalancePlanted

Each bike is ranked against the other trail bikes on Quiver, on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.

What each ships with

The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.

PartTrek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 Plus9.8 27.5 PlusSpecialized Fuse 27.527.5
FrameTrek OCLVnot listed
ForkFox 34 Float PerformanceRockShox Judy
ShifterSRAM GX EagleShimano Deore
DerailleurSRAM GX EagleShimano Deore
CassetteSRAM GX Eaglenot listed
ChainSRAM GX EagleKMC X10
CranksetSRAM DescendantSpecialized Stout
Bottom bracketTrek PF92not listed
WheelsetDT Swiss M1900Specialized Stout
TireSchwalbe Nobby Nic PerformanceSpecialized Butcher GRID, Specialized Slaughter GRID
BrakeSRAM Guide RSTektro HD-M275
HandlebarBontrager LineSpecialized Stout
StemBontrager LineSpecialized Stout
HeadsetTrek Knock Blocknot listed
SeatpostBontrager LineTranzX Dropper
SaddleBontrager Evoke 3Specialized Bridge Saddle

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