Trek Fuel EXe 5

Fuel EXe 5 is an aluminum electric mountain bike that brings all the tech of its carbon counterpart into a pocket-friendly package. It boasts the same tiny-but-mighty drive system that quietly disappears under you, plus a sleek display and remote. But what really makes this bike excel is its true trail bike feel that handles just like a traditional mountain bike, just with a little extra power.

It's right for you if...
You're looking for a bike that makes climbs a little sweeter without sacrificing the handling on descents. You want to enter the world of light e-mountain bikes without blowing through your entire bank account and don't mind upgrading some of the parts later.

The tech you get
An Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame with TQ's HPR50 harmonic pin ring drive system, a fully-encased 360Wh removable battery, and smart charging port. An integrated LED display and handlebar remote that are easy to use on the fly. 150mm of air-sprung RockShox Recon Silver Solo front suspension with motion control damper and a lockout, and 140mm X-Fusion Pro 2 rear suspension with 2-position damper. Plus, 12-speed Shimano Deore shifting, hydraulic disc brakes, and a dropper post.

The final word
If you're ready to add power to your trail rides without breaking the bank, Fuel EXe 5 is your answer. It gives you all the tech of its higher-end carbon sibling with parts you can upgrade over time.

Why you'll love it
- You get all the fun of a trail bike, plus a little extra push to help you crush climbs and save some juice for the descent
- Its tiny but mighty TQ motor is tuned for the trail, keeping things quiet so you can stay in the moment, and ramps up power with you for a natural ride feel
- The integrated display, charging port, and controls are simple to use, sleek, and intuitive
- You can tweak your geometry with Mino Link, or add an adjustable angle headset to take even more control
- If you want to ride farther you can easily add a range extender that fits neatly in your bottle cage