Product Description
The next step for 29er fans looking to tackle more technical terrain, or 26" trail riders ready to trade up to bigger wheels. Upgrades from Rumblefish:
142mm x 12mm rear thru axle
Bontrager Rhythm FCC MTB wheels
Shimano SLX drivetrain
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Submitted by
Darren
a All Mountain RiderDate Reviewed: May 14, 2012
Strengths: •Uphill - I thought the extra weight of the rear suspension and larger tires would make my climbs more difficult (compared to the hard tail). Not so. I can stay in the saddle for nearly any climb and assuming I don't do something stupid, I never spin out or stop. Now, I just cruise up climbs I spun out on in the past when riding with the hardtail. I just shake my head in disbelief.
•Downhill - Without question the coolest riding experience ever. I am giddy after some rides. Can't imagine a more fun riding experience. I just open it up and fly through.
•Frame - The geometry of the Rumblefish is a big key. Whether climbing or descending I feel like I'm in the right position all the time. When I tested bikes before buying the Rumblefish I noticed how well its geometry worked for me compared to other bikes. I don't know if it's the body size to frame size ratio or what but it just feels right.
•Components - While they are middle of the road in some cases, the specs are reasonable and reliable. I have had some issues with chain movement but the dealer has been very responsive in tuning and repairing as the cables stretch.
•Suspension - Be sure to tune both sets of suspension for your weight. Once I got mine dialed in I barely notice when I hit obstacles, etc. I reserve my energy for longer more intense rides instead of protecting against bounces and jarring obstacles.
•Brakes - Great stopping power.
•Tires - I've seen a ton of reviews where this is listed as a con. However, while they're not the best, I've found them very sufficient. I think what happens is the dealer has his choice of rubber to apply. I've seen the same bike with crappy stock tires at different dealers. When buying, I'd stick it to the dealer to swap the tires out if they look weak.Weaknesses: •Design - Very small issue: I can live with the white and black but not the best design. Could even become a pro because it is less of a theft issue. :)
•Super Technical Riding - The larger tires require a little more work in very technical riding. I don't notice any issues in most scenarios but if there are a number of abrupt turns or manuveurs in a very short distance, I have to decrease speed more than I would on a 26er and it requires a bit more effort to build momentum after each. The bike is funnest when you can maintain the momentum.
•Maintenance - As a preface, my hard tail was a tank and in 10+ years did very little maintenance. In 4 months I've had this bike into the shop twice to tune up the derailuers. Supposedly the cables have stretched causing the chain to make noise and skip. They also changed the small cassette ring because I use it a lot when descending. I hope ongoing maintenance isn't a long term issue.Bottom Line: In my opinion, the Rumblefish frame and bike is perfect for a little bigger rider. The wheels/tires are noticeably larger but when the rider's body mass compensates the larger wheel base is very welcome. I'd say that for someone between 6'0 and 6'6 the frame sizes 21 and 23 work perfect. I'm on the 21 and it is just right. The effective frame and bike size of the 23 is less than an inch for the top tube. I don't seem to miss the fraction of an inch at my height.
The bike also works well for moderate downhillers or riders who don't want to feel the pain of the trail. For the price, you'll want to be a pretty avid rider to get the use out of it.
For the avid rider who craves downhill yet wants efficiency in climbing the Rumblefish gets it done and is a blast to ride. Its value/price can be justified, especially when buying a previous year's model or used after the depreciation event of driving it off the lot. I strongly recommend the bike.
Full review: http://cycling.activeoutdoorslife.com/posts/explore/trek-rumblefish-bike-review.html
Duration Product Used: Alpine Loop near Provo - Tibble Fork or Cascade Springs - Depends on mood.
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At: Mad Dog Cycles Provo
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Hemet, CADate Reviewed: November 23, 2011
Strengths: Very stable, rolls over anything, point-n-shoot downhill, climbs like a mountain goatWeaknesses: Rims might be a little flimsy (but I am a Clydesdale rider at 210 lbs, 6'1" tall), the tires are "okay"Bottom Line: Fan-friggen-tastic bike! I have been mountain biking since 1986 and this is the first bike that performs and feels like what I have always imagined a mountain bike should perform and feel like! It climbs trees and descends cliffs almost as if it's on autopilot. From what I've heard, 29ers have a sluggish feel. However, with this bike, I don't notice it. So, it must be the voo-doo magic of Genesis geometry because it doesn't feel any more or less "snappy" as my 26" mountain bikes. I'm thinking that 29ers are the future of all mountain bikes and this model is the razor's edge to that future.
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At: Casino Bikes, Hemet
Similar Products Used: This is my first 29er, but have ridden the helk out of my Jamis Dakar 2005 XLT, my Giant VT2, my KHS softail, and several other mountain bikes that are older than dirt now.
Bike Setup: stock, have replaced the tires with Kenda Nevegals.
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