The EX 9.5's cockpit has a distinct cross-country racer feel. Rider weight is positioned slightly to the rear. The handlebar is 25 inches wide (the EX 9 had a 26-inch-width bar) and the saddle is you-better-be-fit firm. The foam grips are light, but the only bike in the garage with larger diameter grips had a motor. We'd use soft rubber, lock-on-style grips when it was time to replace them.

Test quote: " If pressed to name our favorite EX 9.5 trait, it would have to be its climbing ability. It is almost scary how well this bike claws its way up to the top. Like any great instrument, the rider needs to master this bike to unlock its full potential. That means paying strict attention to your weight distribution. Too far forward and you will spin the rear tire (especially in the lowest gears). Too far rearward and the front will want to come up. On steep pitches, try using a gear slightly larger than normal, keep your upper body parallel to the top tube, and slide forward on the saddle. You will be shocked by what you can clear."  

Stoked:
Cross-country racer feel
Great climber
Fast on its feet

Bummed:
Cross-country racer feel
Frame not tuned for the trail rider

Bottom Line: While this is not a shootout, it is impossible to ride the Fuel EX 9.5 without comparing it to the aluminum-framed EX 9. We took to the EX 9 the first time we rode it, and our admiration grew with every ride. It is an exceptional trailbike. And while $3410 is not cheap, it is a great value for the serious trail rider.
    The Fuel EX 9.5 took longer to warm up to. It leans towards the cross-country racing side of trail riding (this bike could win a pro cross-country event in the hands of a competent rider) and in doing so, requires a little more commitment from its rider. The price tag requires a substantial commitment too.
    The Fuel EX 9.5 gets a total makeover for 2009. While we have not been able to test the new version, an intro ride revealed Trek felt the same way about the 2008 the Fuel EX 9.5 as we did. Expect a more defined split in the personality between the 2009 Fuel EX 9.5 trailbike and 2009 Top Fuel cross-country race bikes.

(Specs below photo)

TREK FUEL EX 9.5
Price...$6160
Country of origin...U.S.A.
Weight...25.3 pounds
Frame tested...17”
Bottom bracket height...13.5"
Chainstay length...17"
Top tube length...24"
Head angle...69.5°
Seat tube angle...72°
Standover height...29.5"
Wheelbase...43"
Suspension travel (front)...5.1"
Suspension travel (rear)...4.7”
Frame material...Carbon fiber
Fork...Fox TALAS RLC
Shock...Fox Float RP23
Rims...Bontrager Race X Lite
Tires...Bontrager Jones XR (f) 2.25"/2.2”
Hub...Bontrager Race Lite
Brakes...Avid Juicy Ultimate
Brake levers...Avid Juicy Ultimate
Crankset...Shimano XTR
Shifters...SRAM X.O
Front derailleur...Shimano XTR
Rear derailleur...SRAM X.O
Chainrings...Shimano (44/32/22)
Cassette... SRAM, 9-speed (11-32)
Pedals...None (weighed with Look Quartz Carbon pedals)