Fully independent cross country suspension at a hardtail weight. Alpha SLR aluminum in a Pro Race geometry. Carbon fiber seat stays are a lightweight upgrade.
Rolf Propel Tubeless is the pros' durable, light and paired spoked wagon weapon of choice.
Rock Shox SID SL fork (80mm travel) and Ultralight Fox Float RC rear air shock (up to 3" of rear wheel travel) are dialed for XC racing.
Bontrager Race Lite crank and Shimano XT/XTR 9-speed shifting.
Strengths: Light, fast, great suspension, great wheels, great brakes. It's pretty awesome
Weaknesses: Bontrager cranks, pedals, seatpost, tires and saddle. The bike was built by a moron
Bottom Line:
I just got back from my first race with the Fuel and it's awesome! I resisted going to full suspension for a long time and told myself I'd ride a steel hardtail for all my days. Well, I found the fuel on closeout and it was hard to resist. The bike climbs incredibly well, descends incredibly well, and doesn't beat me up. After only a few rides I really feel comfortable on the bike, I can ride technical sections with more confidence than even my Rockhound inspires (and that's a lot).
My only caveat about the bike is the build. I'm not sure if this was Trek's goof or the shop I bought it at. I lowered the stem after I bought the bike and found that some moron had greased the steerer tube. Good thing I noticed this before I rode. Then, I pulled off the crank and found that the square taper bottom bracket spindle had also been greased... doh.
As a mechanic, I expect a race level bike to be built and adjusted properly when new. I'd be a little embarassed to let a bike roll out of a shop with major (and dangerous) oversights in the build.
Okay, one more caveat... the Bontrager cranks are terrible. I rode and raced a 2001 Trek 8500 for 2 seasons with the Bontrager race lite crank and suffered the entire time it was on the bike. It's really not a good crank at all. I didn't even try to make the crank work this time around; I upgraded to the two piece XT as soon as I got the bike home. It's a truly awesome crank.
For $1500 it's an awesome bike. I wouldn't have paid $3000 three years ago for it, but if it's on close out it's certainly worth it.
Similar Products Used: Gunnar Rockhound, 2001 Trek 8500
Bike Setup: Stock except for crank (new XT) and tires (Conti explorer pro)
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from State College, PA USA
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2003
Strengths: Fast and Fiesty! Fun to ride and climbs well. The faster the better for handling! Light
Weaknesses: The main triangle broke after only 7 weeks of riding. Trek replaced it and the LBS was quite cooperative (charging me nothing) Tonight the swing arm broke. I hope Trek is as good about the swing arm. In the first year I have had to: 1. Rebuild rear wheel with thicker spokes on nondrive side after many, many broken spokes. 2. Have headset replaced. (warrantied with a WTB which seems cheaper than the Cane Creek S6 that came with it.) 3. Have the Bantrager re5 pedals replaced. (They replaced the $105 pedals with Shimano 515's :( 4. XT Cassette replaced 5. Wheels trued frequently. (Design seems weak but light) 6. Both parts of frame replaced (or need replaced) 7. Rocker arm bolts replaced after one fell out during a ride.
Submitted by
SNWBDRHOON
a Cross Country Rider
from FRAMINGHAM, MA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002
Strengths: LIGHT, RIGHT PRICE (LAST YEAR), GOOD OVERALL SPEC, HANDLES WELL, AWESOME FOR A X-C RACE OR 24-HR RACE (PROVEN).
Weaknesses: LOW BOTTOM BRACKET HEIGHT, CRAPPY BONTRAGER PEDALS, CRAPPY BONTRAGER TIRES (CAN WE SAY BLOW OUT?)
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE ROCKS! I WAS WORRIED THAT I'D HAVE TO BABY IT, BUT IT HAULS ASS, THE LOCK OUT IS GREAT, AND OVERALL THE THING IS A GREAT DEAL AND WORTHWHILE ($1,000 LESS THAN THE 2002). THE ONE THING THAT SUCKS IS THAT THE BONTRAGER CRANK DOES CAUSE CHAIN SUCK (SEE OTHER REVIEWS), BUT IT'S ONLY HAPPENED TWICE. I WOULD MAKE THAT A PRIORITY TO SWAP OUT ONCE THE RINGS WEAR. THE PEDALS ARE ALSO A PRIORITY TO SWAP SINCE THE BONTRAGER PEDALS ARE LIKE MUD MAGNETS. BUY THIS BIKE NOW! OR WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR FOR THE 2002 ON SALE.
Similar Products Used: SPECIALIZED FSR, GARY FISHER SUGAR
Bike Setup: STOCK EXCEPT I SWAPPED OUT THE BONTRAGER RACE LITE FLAT BAR FOR A RACE FACE RISER BAR (MUCH BETTER).
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Submitted by
Knull
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2002
Strengths: Low weight and stiff frame, price not exorbitant, very innovative frame set (carbon, Zr alloy )
Weaknesses: To flimsy for heavy riders
Bottom Line:
This is a cracking race bike, superlight and the full suspension makes it a very smooth ride. Although the top tube seems very long, the geometry works well for me.
The only downside with these super light race bikes is that they feel a bit flimsy and i wouldn't use the Trek for everyday riding. My Principia hardtail is also a lightweight but feels more stable and less fussy to ride.
Fazit: For somebody who wants to race and is less than 85 kg (190 lbs) this bike is great, but for everyday riding I'd buy sth more solid.
Similar Products Used: Principia MacSL '99(hardtail), Bontrager
Bike Setup: Fuel 100 frame '02, XT, Tune & Syntace, Time pedals, Atom race fork, about 11 kg
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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
Strengths: I've already reviewed below but have changed the front fork to a Manitou Black Elite Air. It added extra weight, but ride is much smoother, not as clunky. Also, the problem with the rim rubbing in hard turns has been eliminated - this shock is much stiffer than the SID race. I love the long top tub and quick reactions of the bike. This is the best bike I've ever ridden. Unfortunately, I've recently lost my job and must sell. See the marketplace $2200
Weaknesses: Grips
Bottom Line:
Fast, precision ride at a light weight and great looks. Santa will be overwhelmed with requests this year. Be good boys and girls.
Submitted by
Bob Malone
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001
Strengths: Allrounder----great up and down hill. Real firm feel puts and keeps you in control, yet FS takes out the nasty stuff. This bike will change riding for you like you didn't think was possible. I'm not kidding.
Weaknesses: None I can find.
Bottom Line:
I agree with the last reviewer. Trek has hit it good with this one. This bike is miles better than anything out there today at any price. Try to catch my butt, and you'll find out like the rest of the guys out on the trails here.
Strengths: Superior control, extremely fast ride (actually dangerously fast, since it masks the point where you may be going out of control-----it's that wicked)
Weaknesses: Yeah, right.
Bottom Line:
This is simply the best bike out there. Period. It's the perfect balance of control and speed.
Similar Products Used: Almost all racing set ups out there
Bike Setup: Upgraded pedals, rear tire (no traction!), seat
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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2001
Strengths: Fast, light, good looking, good components, great value, american made, good company
Weaknesses: Standover height is high, wheels rub in hard turns/rocks, SID Race is clunky
Bottom Line:
I rode one of my favorite trails last weekend in KY and compared to my old SuperV, it was a dream ride. I'm a good technical rider, but have never raced and I like the longer top tube and lower center of gravity. The rear shock eliminated the pogo problems that I was used to and overall it handled like my old hardtail. I'm looking forward to hitting the tight technical trails here in Miami to see how it performs. I think this bike would work well for weekend warrior to racer who want a fast, stable, phat bike.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale SuperV2000, Scalpel 2000
Bike Setup: Stock but switching to Manitou Black Super Air
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Submitted by
Matthew Kramer
a Racer
from Los Gatos, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001
Strengths: Light, fast, stable (most of the time) A whole lot of bang for the buck. Virtually no bobbing and takes the edge off.
Weaknesses: Somewhat unstable and flexy on fast rocky downhill. I CRACKED the frame on the seat tube where it meets the top tube. But Trek is sending out a new frame ASAP.
Bottom Line:
The craking thing is more common that Trek will admit. but Trek will replace it ASAP. And possibly pay for the labor to have it rebuilt especially if it was a recent purchase. If your an all around rider and want some serious cush on the downhill get a Santa Cruz. If you want speed and love to race then this bike rocks. Out of all the full suspension cross country bikes you get the most for your money from the fuel 100.
Submitted by
John Z
a Racer
from Houston, Texas USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2001
Strengths: so light... so fast... so smooth
Weaknesses: 2001 Fuel 100 cracked - see below post of 08-09-01; this reveiw cocnerns the 2002 Fuel 100 frame.
Bottom Line:
The 2002 frame is 15% lighter than the 2001, with a carbon rocker plate and carbon seatstays in addition to the carbon chainstays. Trek got the 2002 frame to me in less than 3 weeks. The bummer - they wouldn't pay to rebuild it from the 2001 frameset teardown - so it cost me about $100.00 to get a new black 2002 - only one I have seen.
Submitted by
Dan M.
a Cross Country Rider
from Philly, PA
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2001
Strengths: Weight, tunability, feels like a dream doing fast trail riding, looks really good with the new 2002 paint job, the best I've ever tried, and I've tried them all (XC FS).
Weaknesses: none so far except that raceface cranks touch on the left side unless you get a raceface BB which allows you to adjust the spindle more to the left. That is my only problem, but it's not really a problem.
Bottom Line:
This bike is the best I've ever had, I'm only 19 so I haven't had many bikes yet, but I put all my money into this one and I'm sure I'll make a lot of people jealous, even though that's not the intent. I just want to have the most fun I possibly can on a mtn. bike and this bike is it. The bike is great and what's even better is it makes me want to get off my butt and ride it, never had a bike like that before.
Bike Setup: 2002 Fuel 100 Frameset, Marzocchi X-fly 80 Fork, Raceface Cranks and BB, XT derailieurs and brakes, Phil Wood hubs w/ Mavic 517 front, 618 rear, Thomson seatpost, Fs 2000 seat, Profile "Stiffy" Stem, CT2 bars, Time A.T.A.C. pedals, ATI grips
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Submitted by
Atle Markeng
a Cross Country Rider
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001
Strengths: Light weight and excellent stability
Weaknesses: Not any so far
Bottom Line:
I spent a lot of time searching (and testing) for a fully suspension bike. From the very first test trip, I felt this bike fitted me perfect. And now, the more I ride it, the more I like it! The stability at high speed on rough terrain is outstanding. And very important: I feel safe on this bike (it does not give me unexpected behaviour like my older bike did). So far, both the front and rear schocks works great, but I spent some time fine tuning. I use the climb control on the front shock a lot, but never the lockout on the rear (even that was one of my requirements). A great bike ! (but expensive in Norway ...)
Bike Setup: Original M-size, except of replaced stem with another angle
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Submitted by
Terry Ash
a Cross Country Rider
from Saratoga, CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001
Strengths: Climbing and single track handling are excellent. Good high speed stability as well.
Weaknesses: Stock tires are weak as are stock brake pads. Chain ring shifting was a bit troublesome at first but proper adjustment fixed that. Bars are too wide and it has a few too many stickers for my taste!
Bottom Line:
I LOVE this bike - it is a blast too ride. It climbs well, is super light, and loves to go fast in single track. Weaving in and out of trees on a tight trail on the Fuel is amazing fun! I've read complaints about the cranks from other reviewers but I can't notice anything different from the XTR cranks on by last bike. I'm a quick descender and love to bomb down the hill. I was a bit worried about the wheels at my 195lb weight, but no issues after a dozen or so rides so far. I spent half as much on this bike as my GT LTS Team in 1995, and it is easily twice the bike - COOL!
This bike is perfect for the serious rider or racer who likes to both climb easily and descend quickly!
Strengths: Super stable rear end, great geometry, lightweight, warranty is 2nd to none.
Weaknesses: Potential for weld seperation, WILL NOT WORK WITH ANY STYLE RACE FACE CRANKSETS, Could not get it set up right with 8 speed parts.
Bottom Line:
I got (frame only) this as a warranty replacement (upgrade) for a cracked Y bike. I also cracked it within 3 months. Same place as the guy below, guess that makes me the second (yea right). It also split on the front side of the weld between the top tube and seat tube and then the alum. itself all the way around. Turners have the same problem and now there is a gusset welded at the joint on the new ones. Trek was pretty good about getting me a replacement within 2 weeks. As for the performance of this rig, it is unmatched (just in case you don't know, Roland Green is placing top 3 and 2 1st's in World Cup races this season on a production frame). I have had less than 1/2 the amount of neck and back pain since I started riding this and I'm going faster and longer to boot. This is the best all around bike that I have riden.
Similar Products Used: Trek Y50, Specialized FSR, GT LTS-1000, Santa Cruz Superlight, Kona Moko Moko & King Kikapu
Bike Setup: Trek Fuel 100, Marzocchi X-Fly 100, Thompson Stem & Post, Easton CT2 Riser Bar, Mavic Crossmax UST Disc, Shimano Hydro Disc Brakes, Truvativ ISIS Drive Crankset, And More!
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Submitted by
John Z
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001
Strengths: See my previous post.
Weaknesses: Rolf Propels, frame welds, bad decals
Bottom Line:
THE FRAME JUST CRACKED!!! It was not from an impact, but a repetitive streess type failure on the back of the seatpost tube, just above the top pivot bolt, along the edge of the weld (weld was probably too hot). Trek says it's a first. I guess Trek must hate me. Propels that wouldn't stay in one piece, and now, they have to send me a new frame (I hope it's a 2002, which is supposedly lighter - and with an all carbon rear triangle). Bummer is there's a race Sunday in Kerrville, and now I have to ride my hardtail. And it's a very rough and rocky course.
