2015 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5

Archived: 2015 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5 · Mountain Dual Suspension · Published sizes: 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5"

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & seatstay, alloy chainstay, Carbon Armor, ABP Convert, Full Floater, E2 tapered head tube, BB95, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, ISCG 05 mount, magnesium EVO link, 120mm travel · Fork: Fox Performance Series 32 Float, CTD (climb-trail-descend) FIT damper, rebound, E2 tapered steerer, 15QR, 120mm travel · Suspension

• Inspect composite areas in bright light for impact marks, cracks, ripples or crushed clamp zones. Check metal sections and welds separately for dents or cracking.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.

Archived: Fork: Fox Performance Series 32 Float, CTD (climb-trail-descend) FIT damper, rebound, E2 tapered steerer, 15QR, 120mm travel · Rear shock: Fox Performance Series Float, DRCV, RE:aktiv, CTD (climb-trail-descend) damper, rebound, tuned by Trek in California, 7.25x1.875"

• Inspect the fork stanchions for scratches or coating wear, look for oil or dirt rings at the seals, and cycle the fork through its travel while checking for binding or bushing play.
• Inspect the shock shaft and seals, cycle the rear suspension through its travel and check for oil, air loss, binding or unusual top-out and bottom-out noises.
• Hold the rear brake and load the suspension from several directions. Check pivots, bearings and mounting hardware for knock, looseness or side play.
• Ask for dated fork, shock and pivot-service records. A clean exterior does not establish the condition of internal seals, oil, bushings or bearings.

Archived: Group: Shimano XT · Shifters: Shimano Deore XT, 10 speed · Front derailleur: Shimano Deore XT, high direct mount · Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore XT, Shadow Plus · Crankset: Shimano Deore XT, 38/24 · Bottom bracket: BB95 · Rear cogs: Shimano Deore XT, 11-36, 10 speed · Chain: KMC X10

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Shimano Deore XT hydraulic disc

• Squeeze each lever firmly. It should feel consistent and return cleanly. Check levers, hoses and calipers for fluid, inspect pad thickness and contamination, and examine rotors for wear or bending.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Wheel size: 27.5 · Rims: Bontrager Rhythm Comp Tubeless Ready w/TLR strips, Stacked Lacing, 142x12 rear, 15mm front · Hubs: Bontrager Rhythm Comp Tubeless Ready w/TLR strips, Stacked Lacing, 142x12 rear, 15mm front · Front tire: Bontrager XR3 Expert, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 27.5x2.35" front, 27.5x2.20" rear

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.
• Confirm whether the bike is actually set up tubeless, whether both tires hold pressure, and when sealant and rim tape were last serviced.

Archived: Headset: Cane Creek IS-3, E2, carbon cartridge · Handlebar: Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon Riser, 31.8mm, 15mm rise · Stem: Bontrager Race X Lite, 31.8mm, 7 degree · Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, zero offset · Saddle: Bontrager Evoke 2, chromoly rails

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure. Look particularly closely for crushing, scoring or cracks at carbon handlebar clamp areas.
• Cycle the dropper post repeatedly. It should reach full travel, remain extended under load and have no unusual oil, excessive rotational play or damaged remote, cable, hose or battery.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.