Submitted by
Rob Van
a Weekend Warrior
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2011
Strengths: good looking bike and as long as the frame holds out nice and stiff.
Weaknesses: Rame joint in the pipe to the bracket is glued not welded and the glue gives out , so the bike now is an expensive piece of rubbish/wreck
Bottom Line:
After riding the bike on paved roads only, the joint halfway down the seatpost just broke , i first noticed this thru a wobbly saddle, instead of welding it Trek glued it which is a cheap trick as the glue never holds, the bike which has not a scratch on it is now a wipeoff.
The worst thing is that i changed all my gear on the bike to XTR components. TREK advertizes with a life long frame guarantee, the reason i bought it. You'd think they would weld instead of glue metal.
Having bought the bike on an E-bay-like site i have no bill of sale so I am screwed in a big way!
Bike Setup: Continental slicks, all XTR components to replace my xt previous setup
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Swain, NY, US
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2006
Strengths: Great components, fast comfortable ride
Weaknesses: Seat clamp
Bottom Line:
Bike is a great value. Love the XT brake/shifters. Bike is built for pedaling efficiency and does that well. Use for road, singletrack and cross country riding. I don't recommend for steep downhill or jumping.
I like this bike however definitly slower climb than old hard tail. Just broke my second seat tube in half in one year. Trek has great warranty but that wierd weld in the seat tube seems to be a bad thing for Clydesdales.
Bike Setup: Custome built with Marathon SL, SRAM X.0 and X.9, WTB wheels, Avid V-brakes
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Rexburg, ID USA
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2004
Strengths: effecient, fast, comfortable
Weaknesses: seat post binder, fork
Bottom Line:
Although I have ridden and occassionally raced mountain bikes for 10 years, most of my riding time is spent on a road bike. My review is very similar to other posted reviews. The Fuel 95 is fast, effecient, and comfortable. The XT disc brakes are outstanding. I prefer riding the Fuel to the hardtails which I have owned previously under most conditions. Only two complaints: 1. slipping seat post binder (which I fixed by adding a washer which allowed the binder bolt to clamp tighter) 2. the fork (seals blew out at approx 75 miles total use) Manitou factory service repaired and returned the fork in a very timely manner and it is working fine now. I feel like it is important to document these fork failures which have occured in the absence of misuse or neglect. Hopefully this infomation will be useful to other Fuel buyers who find themselves in a similar situation.
Submitted by
"T-Meister"
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, South Carolina
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2004
Strengths: Great components (XT,rims,rear shock) for price. My first "boingy, boingy" bike. I'm in love with the way it handles the bumps and bangs on cross country single-track with no bob it is an excellent climber. I'm over 200 lbs. and have had no problem with shocks and I have beaten it hard on some nasty trails.
Weaknesses: Would like to have a Fox auto lock-out front fork at this price. Seat clamp is junk. Wish the rear brake caliper bolted straight to the frame like the Epic. There is this stange harmonic vibration during medium braking in the rear that makes my skin crawl as a result of the adapter(s). email me if you've got the fix - my bike shop swammie is "working on it".
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike no matter your weight as far as I'm concerned and you can't beat the componentry at this price. Honestly, at this point in the year, I'd wait to see if Trek has been reading these reviews and made a few improvements for '05. BUT If your local bike shop has one and is willing to deal, buy it. It does what Trek says it will and more. You won't regret it.
Submitted by
alan jordan jr
a Cross Country Rider
from hot springs arkansas
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2004
Strengths: great handeling on downhills and a good climbing bike
Weaknesses: piviot points seem to wear rather quickly
Bottom Line:
i am a 200lb plus rider that rides at least 1 time a week haven't had much trouble out of this bike like the last one ' cracked frame'and the one before carbon fiber y bike cracked frame was replaced with no hassel. thumbs up to trek.
Bike Setup: xt shifters.derailers,rockshox sid sl front shock rockshock sid rear shock, raceface cranks , front sprockets salsa xt rear sprocket.xtr brakes,xtr hubs
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Hugh
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincolnshire, IL
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2004
Strengths: Great suspension (front and back), componets, disc brakes
Weaknesses: seat post, seat clamp, tires, chain
Bottom Line:
This bike's suspension and style is for light riders under 200, not to say that people over 200 can;t ride, it;s just that suspension is light, the rest of the components are fine for heavy riders, the disc brakes are the new XT so they need to make some improvements when it comes to all weather conditions, the tires have terible corning but good acceleration, the main problem i had with this bike was the seat post and collar, fixed that with a thompson seat post and a random gary fisher clamp i found on my tass. The seat is good but i like my selle better, the XT chain and cassett that come with my bike were kinda messed up so i decided to try SRAMs componets and they are holding up so well and i like how you can disemble the chain in second and the hollow pins, one thing i jsut love of this bike is Lockout on all suspension and this sweet new XT crank set that has a hollow center that looks kick ass. I'm think of swaping my frame with a fuel 100 to make it lighter.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale F700, Gary Fisher Tass, Sugar 2
Bike Setup: Fuel 95 with Thompson Elite Seat Post, Gary Fisher Seat Clamp, Selle Italia Flite Titanium, Platform pedals, SRAM PC99 Hollow Pin, SRAM PC970 Power Glide II Casset,
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from burbank, ca
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004
Strengths: The rocker link. this is where it all happens. the rear suspension is solid and right on the money.
Weaknesses: 2 things. seat post collar and the fork.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. the rear suspension and handling is right on. the bike is great on climbs and handles awsome on fire road and technical single track. however, 2 things trek needs to improve for 2005. 1. the fork - i blew the seals twice. the second time around manitou agreed to throw in a firm ride kit. the fork works much better now and so far it is holding up well and getting the job done. (fingers crossed) 2. seat post collar - the bike is spec'd with a poor quailty collar thus causing the seat post slip. an upgrade is a must for serious /aggressive riders. I give this bike a 4.8 out of 5. If this bike was spec'd with a fox 80mm fork i would give it a 5. trek should seriously consider running a fox fork in 05. even if it kicks up the retail some people will pay the differance.
Favorite Trail: santa ana river trail and mr toads
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$2050.00
Purchased At: glendale cyclery
Similar Products Used: specialized fsr pro, giant nrs
Bike Setup: i swapped out the xt shifters and rear derailleur for grip shift xo and changed the shimano pedals to the new time attack xs carbon
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Zhi Hao Poon
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore / Exeter, NH
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004
Strengths: Flies downhill and soaks up all the obstacles on the way down. Climbs well, hardly ever need to use the shock lockout. Nice paintjob. Fairly lightweight for full suspension.
Weaknesses: The Skareb Comp is way too undersprung for me. Blew the seals after only 1 RIDE!!! Trek really needs to look into a much better fork to match what an otherwise great ride it is.
Bottom Line:
This is one hell of a bike. It really feels plusher than other 3" bikes and climbs like a mountain goat. Took it on my first ride, and all went amazingly, until the fork seals blew. Then I headed to the bike shop. Mechanic who specialized in forks was out of town, so I had to wait an entire weekend. BUT, when he came back, and saw that the seals blew, Haresh (The Shop owner) came out and offered me two solutions. He told me that he wanted to get the bike up and running asap, but the parts had to be ordered and shipped from the states. So he said he could put on a used fork and let me use it for the time being while the parts got shipped, or he could swap my blown fork for a brand new 2004 Duke Race. A no-brainer, so I took it. Only had to spend another 40 bucks on a fork pump as the duke didn't come with one. I really recommend Treknology Bikes 3. They are an awesome and friendly shop with the most inventory in South East Asia. They have everything, and if they dont, they can get their hands on it. 5 chillies for service, 5 chillies for value and SIX chillies for overall rating! Great Bike.
Similar Products Used: Trek Fuel 90, Trek Fuel 100, Klein Attitude V, Klein Attitude XV, GF Cake 2 DLX, Trek Liquid 30, Specialized Hardrock Pro(own), Specialized Rockhopper FS(own), Klein Pulse Comp(own).
Bike Setup: Full 2004 XT Gruppo, 2004 Rock Shox Duke Race, Chris King NoThreadSet, Selle Italia Flite Gel Titanium, Thomson Elite Seatpost.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Zhi Hao Poon
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore/Exeter, NH
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2004
Strengths: Frame seems solid and durable, Propedal, Fork/Shock Lockouts, Flawless Shifting, Awesome braking power, Quick acceleration, very stable at high speeds.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
With the legendary Fuel frame, full 2004 XT gruppo, disc-specific tubeless rims and the Float RL Propedal, how could you go wrong? It definitely feels like it has more than just 3" of travel front and back. I just got the bike yesterday and rode it back home, so it has yet to see the trails, but I will post an update of the bike after its maiden voyage. The XT discs really do stop and being the first hydraulics I have ever used, I really like the feel. The shifters do a wonderful job and after just test riding a few bikes with them, I got the hang of them, and I feel more comfortable shifting with them than with rapidfire or gripshift.
Moving up from a $600 Hardrock Pro Disc, this is incredible. But I guess I'll have to wait till it hits the dirt. Happy trails.
Strengths: Fuel 95 is durable and lighweight for components. XT shifters do a really nice job. Bontrager tubeless tires are very nice to have. I have enjoyed them thoroughly. Hydraulic breaks work in any kind of weather.
Weaknesses: Seat post gradually moves down w/ quick release. Suggest getting a Salsa clamp. Bontrager saddle is a little uncomfortable. Trek definetely overlooked the fork, should have been better.
Bottom Line:
This is probably the best bike on the market for the price. I would recommend to anyone who was looking for a new Mtb. Bike. Buddy took mine for a ride and immediately went to the shop and ordered one.
Strengths: New 2004 XT group is great. OS stem and bar combo is very stiff. Climbs almost as well as a hard tail. Proven suspension design with a lifetime frame warranty form Trek when many companies are now limiting the time frame of their warranty. Reasonably light for a XC bike with Hydraulic disc brakes.
Weaknesses: If there is one thing that needs to be upgraded it would definitely be the fork with out doubt. In stock trim the fork was under sprung for me (190lbs) I guess if you are a 150lb racer it would be ok. On the stiffest compression setting (one click past lock out) the fork still bottoms out on big hits and is not all that plush on the small stuff. The tires are another area for improvement. They were not horrible but I have ridden much better. Plus the seat is just silly get rid of that boat anchor ASAP.
Bottom Line:
Overall this bike is a great buy. If I were on a limited budget the only thing I would have upgraded would have been the fork. All the other stuff is fine. I only upgraded the other stuff because I like to tinker with my bikes. The frame is stiff and the oversized stem and bar combo is rock solid. It goes where you point it with no flex. I put the Fox 100X fork on and will admit it did climb a bit better with a 80mm fork. It’s only a slight difference but on the really steep climbs the front end gets a bit to light for my liking. However, it’s a small price to pay for how exceptional the fork is in all other situations. The bike rides like it has more travel than only 3” in the rear. Swallows up big hits with out a problem. Definitely not a freeride rig but 1’ to 3’ on trail drops are no problem at all. Jus soaks them up. If you are looking for a great XC bike that can take a beating look no further. Worlds better than my Santa Cruz Superlight (sorry all you SC fans), and just about as stiff as my hardtail. Trek has hit on a great suspension design. That combined with the fox float RL with pro pedal make this bike an absolute joy to ride. Visit Roy at Class Cycles in Southbury CT and buy yourself one
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Supelight, Specialized Enduro Pro (Hardtail) Jamis Dakar expert.
Bike Setup: Changed a few things: Upgraded to a FOX 100X fork (awesome),Treck OLCV carbon rocker link, EC70 seat post, WTB Rocket V Saddle, Ritchey WSCS OS/Carbon bars, Hutchinson scorpion UST tubeless tires and Odi lock on grips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Wannabe Racer
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern New Jersey
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004
Strengths: I love my Trek Fuel 95! This bike rocks - for the money, you can't beat it. Climbs like a hardtail, light, nimble and comfortable . . . Without a doubt, it has made me a faster, more efficient rider!
The XT Package shifts smooth every time, the XT Hydraulic discs stop even when they are covered with mud and the Fox Pro Pedal rear shock has ZERO bob on climbs! Overall package cannot be beat!
Weaknesses: Manitou Skareb Comp fork - the only area that you can tell Trek skimped on. Mine had both seals go (at the same time) within two months of owning it). My LBS was able to assist me in swapping on the warranty to an upgraded fork (Fox Float 80RL - I had to pay a cash difference. For the other specs on this bike, Trek should have put a little more thought into the front fork, at the very least equipping it with a Manitou Black instead of the Skareb Comp. The stock tires work well - I raced on them, but they are a little thin and puncture easily with thorns. i have switched to tubeless and love 'em
Bottom Line:
If I lost my Fuel '95 tomorrow, I would buy another one! The only weakness tha I have found so far has been the fork, and I knew that was lower end going in
Great Bike for the Buck! 5 Flamin' Chilis from me!
Similar Products Used: I test rode all the comparable bikes by Cannondale, Trek, Specialized and Klein - for the money, Trek had the most to offer, and fit me the best, which is most important. I liked the Fuel 98 but couldn't justify spending the extra cash on the Carbon frame.
Bike Setup: Stock except for a Fox Float 80RL front fork and tubeless Panaracer Trailblasters
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
flying dog
a Cross Country Rider
from waterloo ontario canada
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2004
Strengths: nex XT component group fox rl propedal shock lightweight for a bike with dual suspension and disc brakes
Weaknesses: seatpost slips, I will replace with a new clamp
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. lightweight for a dual suspension bike and disc brakes. Xt brakes are strong and easy to use, Propedal rear suspension make you climb as on a hardtail reasonable priced, Sweet looking black anodized frame.This bike will make you faster on the downs and ups.
Strengths: 04 XT, Fox rear shock, excellent geometery/design.
Weaknesses: Heavy for XC, Stock seat, Stock tires, Wheels
Bottom Line:
Love the 04 XT, works well as a package. Overall fit/finish of the bike was top notch. I am having a problem with a pop during heavy pedaling... I'm guessing seat post vs frame. LBS has promised to address (great bunch of guys! I recommend this dealer without reservation). Suspension is plenty active suffering minimal bob with the pro pedal. The Skareb "comp" is taking its time breaking in (how much more would it have cost them to put one of the hollow crown commercial versions on?), still some initial stiction but otherwise well damped and reasonably stiff although not on the level as the C'dale lefty. I'm not sure who the B'trager Jones tires are for. The wheels are heavy and flexy compared to the Mavics I'm used to. I suspect the bike would feel more nimble with lighter tires and wheels. The seat is a cheapy but that's fine as most everyone tosses stock seats to put their favorite on. Bike wieghs nearly 28lbs. It could go on a serious diet in the seatpost, wheels, tires dept and probably lose a pound or so of weight. Overall I'm pleased. I was looking for a comfortable high end single track, go anywhere mount-I've got it. The carbon fiber version would have been nice but I can't justify the added expense. Comparing it to the others I test rode the Trek was the best compromise of ride, price, componentry... Its geometery fit me the best. At this level it's really a tossup, none of the bikes "stink", none are head and shoulders above another despite what you may read in other reviews.
I made the mistake of selling my Fuel 95 last year and have missed it ever since. There have been two FS bikes since then but neither of them felt as good as the Fuel so they didn Read More »
I am looking for the geometry table for the Fuel 95. I would also like a picture of how they are measuring it so I can compare it to the new 2006 Top Fuel Geometry. If anyone has Read More »
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hi all
i,ve just built up a fuel 95 frame thats had a new swingarm fitted with new top hat bushings it quiet tight when i remove the shock the arm dont drop.i have been talled Read More »
I am looking for a good used dual suspension bike, primarily for XC type riding here in CO (probably 80% of it's use), and occasionally some fun downhill (Winter Park! maybe 20% of Read More »
