Five months after welcoming a baby son into the world, and well over a year since last riding, Helen was itching to get back on the trails. But having not ridden for so long, she was worried about her fitness. She didn’t want a full fat e-bike because she didn’t want that level of assist and power. So when the Trek Fuel EXe came out, with all its talk of providing just the right amount of power in a very quiet and subtle way, Helen thought she’d found her ideal bike.
Helen said: “My fitness isn’t where I’d like it to be for riding because I obviously didn’t have much time out riding while I was pregnant and it’s been the same since my baby was born. That leaves me less likely to go out because I won’t enjoy it. Even before pregnancy, I’ve always felt like I’m at the back of the pack when I go out with a group of really regular riders with a good level of fitness. In that situation, it was always like I was constantly trying to catch up and I spent a lot of time worrying about that rather than just enjoying the ride.”
Choosing a model
Helen was originally planning to go for a Fuel EXe 9.5 with some custom upgrades. But when she saw the specs of the 9.7, she was very happy with the off-the-shelf componentry. She chose the Pennyflake colourway - one of five available - and protected it with RideWrap frame protection kit to keep that stunning matte copper finish in great condition. She was a little unsure of the 29er wheels, thinking they might make the bike feel too big for her, but she went with them anyway.
Some other core features of the 9.7’s spec include: Fox Rhythm 36 fork with 150mm travel, 140 mm FOX Performance Float X rear suspension, Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels with XR5 tyres and a Shimano SLX/XT 1x12 drivetrain. The TQ-HPR50 motor provides 50 Nm of torque while the battery provides 360Wh of assist.
Helen’s reaction
Helen’s first ride out was a game-changing visit to Dalby Forest with her husband Micky. Straight away she saw the difference as she took on the zig-zagging climb out of the main car park, all the way up to the fire road, without the need for a breather.
She said: “We normally stop on the way up and have a couple of breaks by the time we get to the fire road but I got all the way up and wasn’t blowing at all. The bike was brilliant. It closed the gap on me and Micky in terms of fitness. If it was a normal e-bike, he would have just let me go off ahead but with the EXe it was like I could keep up with him and he could keep up with me. I’ve never ridden a 29er before and I really loved the fast rolling wheels. My last bike had 27.5-inch wheels and I thought 29ers would be too big for me.”
Helen says having the Fuel EXe has brought to an end her days of lagging at the back of the pack and made riding so much more enjoyable, something she needs for herself as mum to a young son.
She said: “It’s not going to be like that now and It’s definitely going to get me going out more often,” she said. “It’s the perfect bike for me really. It’s the best of both worlds and it puts me at the same level as everyone else. It’s going to give me something great to do just for myself. As a new mum it feels like I have nothing for myself. This is something to do for me and to help me keep up with everyone else. It’s going to make going out more fun and I’ll still feel like I’m getting a workout - in fact, I got a more effective workout on this bike because I can go for longer.
“My first time out on the Fuel EXe was the most enjoyable ride I’ve ever had, and I’ve done Bike Park Wales!”
Check out the new Trek Fuel EXe in store at Big Bear Bikes in Southgate, Pickering.
