Strengths: smooth ride, sticks to trail wheelset (including tires when dry) is superb
Weaknesses: AC Jones tires traction goes out window when wet and sticky, 50% of year out here. Cracked frame twice at seatpost. loose pivots
Bottom Line:
I am a cross country racer who avoids riding drops larger than 2 feet, and I have cracked my frame twice at the seatpost. Once in 2003 (halfway through a race) and this year (replacement cracked during race). This bike was my first dualie and it blows away the hardtail that I had but if Trek could take care of the problem when sending out the replacement frames that would be awesome. I love riding this bike but am seriously contemplating another brand when I purchase a newer racing bike due to the durability of the frame. Once Trek gets the bugs ironed out from the frame which to their credit I believe that they are attempting with the 2005 EX 9 this bike will be superb for the long run. Currently in Dry conditions=5 chilis, wet conditions with AC Jones tires=3.5 chilis, frame durability=0 chilis
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Sugar Race Rocky Mountain Vertex
Bike Setup: Rolf dolomite wheeels AC jones tires, manitou sxr front fork, fox float r, xt and lx components, hayes hydraulic brakes, bontrager cranks and front rings
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003
Strengths: Comfortable ride, good components, so far it's been really durable(I've put about 2500 km problem free on it so far, just regular maintenace and wheel truing) comes with a shock pump.
Weaknesses: Not that light, the rear disc squeals a lot if I pull the rear brake hard. This problem has since been solved by Trek with an adapter. (I still have yet to order one, even though it's free)
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike early in the season in 2002, before they put the Manitou Black fork on it. My bike came with a Psylo on it instead. I'm glad it did because it's a great fork. My only complaint is the squealing from the rear disc, but I'm used to it now. I'm an adventure racer who needs a comfortable bike for really long offroad rides (50-120 km) and this bike has been perfect so far.
Strengths: well built, smart looking, strong wheelset, good drivetrain and component groups, strong brakes.
Weaknesses: in stock form: AC Jones tires (poor), bontrager seat (horribly painful), creaky Aheadset (annoying), Psylo is way too soft for this bike, rear shock was ineffective. Stock cheapo braided brake lines rubbed through against the frame and burst. Rear brake squeal - will try to fix next
Bottom Line:
In stock form, the Fuel 90 has a Cadillac smooth ride and it beat out stock Gary Fishers and Cannondales in side by side comparison. But clearly a few things needed improvement. With the upgrades listed above, 1 and 1/2 lbs. (~750mg) have been knocked off as confirmed by the scales. But it 'feels' like it weighs 10 lbs. less...it charges up hills with the X fly's ECC and less lard to haul. It floats downhill under complete control. Carbon bar, elegant saddle, red tire sidewalls, quality brake lines, those unique pedals, polished headset, stem and post all add up to a gorgeous bike.
Bike Setup: Selle San Marco Night Train Arami saddle :) Thomson seatpost 367 mm x 31.6 mm Thomson 5'x 120 mm stem EC 70 bar 5' sweep Race Face Good n'Evil grips Chris King headset 2002 Marzocchi X-fly Cane Creek AD-12 2003 Eggbeater Stainless Panaracer Fire XC tires Kevlar lines for Hayes disc brakes
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mad Dog
a Weekend Warrior
from Noda, Japan
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2003
Strengths: Frame, brakes, suspension
Weaknesses: brake squeal, shifting
Bottom Line:
Reviewed this bike in 2001 shortly after purchase. Now love it even more. My purchase started off a whole slew of sales at my local shop (Fuel 100 now being prepped) Tires definitely needed change for often muddy conditions in Japan, and ended up lowering the bar with the spacers to stop all the wheelies. Psylo is great feature and well used. Replaced the SPD's with Shimano's newest, a very good move. Great smooth release inspires confidence to stay locked in til the very end and no more inputs toward losing balance. Bontrager seat is about to go though. Shifting is usually spot on, but can occasionally act up. Bent topmost ring in rear enough to stop chain from riding top two rings. Fixed that easily,but it was a problem climbing without them. A real champ on fireroads, even with gravel. Good racer as well, helpingthis 53 year old novice to some respectable lap times. Still a real pleasure to ride.
Bike Setup: Michelen tires, XT crank, carbon handlebar, psylo, 595 SPD
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakeland, FL
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002
Strengths: Frame Geometry, Hayes Hydraulics, Handles excellent, minor upgrades needed.
Weaknesses: Chain Rings, Originally had rear brake vibration, mushy shock. All these thing can be easily fixed.
Bottom Line:
Great Bike if you want to give it a couple of hours to perfect it. Such as chain Rings, Install Evil Genius Seals and firm spring in fork, and machine washers that hold caliper on rear to correct vibration. I will re-review in a few months.
Similar Products Used: Giant NRSII, Fuel 98, GT I-Drive
Bike Setup: All stock at this point, parts are on order to perfect this machine.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
David Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh,PA 15235
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002
Strengths: 2003 model,good component mix.
Weaknesses: Tires,frame(BOBS).
Bottom Line:
Hated the bike,SOLD.This bike is not set up for 6'2'plus rider over 220lbs.Climbing,just robed you.Down hill you felt like falling off a sky scraper.Its a shame it's good looking bike.As they say appearences don't mean everything,sometimes.
Favorite Trail: Swallow Falls,Deep Creek State Park
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$1550.00
Purchased At: lbs
Similar Products Used: Suger,Specialized and Several others
Bike Setup: SOLD
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Racer
from Medford, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2002
Strengths: Light yet durable, good component mix, good choice of fork and rear shock, very good brakes, light wheels. everything about the bike.
Weaknesses: nothing as of yet
Bottom Line:
Very awesome bike, everything is adjustable, no "no-name" components, very well made...comfortable for the 18 mile uphill race, compliant ride uphill or down, crisp handling
Bike Setup: stock except fopr: shimano lx crankset, xt bottom bracket, ODI lock-on grips and bontrager select flatbar(for racing)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Sounier
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA.
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002
Strengths: Looks, Ride, Handling and braking.
Weaknesses: None far!
Bottom Line:
I know that I've only had this bike for a month but I've done about 100 miles of riding on it and so far have not experienced any of the problems I've read on these sites. I LOVE this bike....PERIOD! It doesnt squeek or have I had a problem with the Bonaranger (??) crank and chain suck. It has worked great on downhill's.....and if ya know about Noble canyon then you know it's a rocky downhill! And it's also worked great on hills and cross country trails...like up in Big Bear. I weigh 185 and 5'10" and have no problem with this bike. I've beaten the crap of it and it just laughs....and carries me through the "oh crap look at that rock" times without giving me more than I can handle. She has truly become a bike I trust....I hope you understand that's about the best compliment I can give. 100% great bike...and if I have to replace som LX stuff later on well no biggie for the price it's the right bike for me. Someone who wants a good all around bike should buy this bike.
Submitted by
Russell
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002
Strengths: Price. Still waiting to have problems fixed before really giving it a work out.
Weaknesses: All the problems highlighted in these reviews. Shifting, chain suck, vibrating rear disk.
Bottom Line:
Disappointed that I had to do the research and inform the bike shop about the problems and give them the info from Trek to get things fixed. Trek were quick to give me the info provided I asked the right questions. Still waiting for shop to get parts in to fix shifting and chain suck problem. Experienced this in 1st 50M of trail riding, chain got jammed behind front cog and frame, had to force it back out. Trek should inform the dealers about the problems so they can be fixed before the bike leaves the shop. Given all the positive reviews for this bike I expect it to be a great performer once everythings been fixed. Will update review when that happens. Note: I find the reviews on this site an excellence source for information - they have been on the money so far. Keep up the contributions.
Similar Products Used: Brodie Rocket, Rocky Mountain Slayer
Bike Setup: Standard
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
FXD
a Cross Country Rider
from NEW PALTZ,NY
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002
Strengths: RELIABLE,FAIRLY LIGHT,PYSLO XC
Weaknesses: PRICE,POSSIBLE FRAME CRACK IN FUTURE?
Bottom Line:
TIRED OF FIGHTING WITH JUNKY HARO,BOUGHT BECAUSE OTHER GUYS IN RIDING GROUP HAD FUELS AND BEAT EM PRETTY GOOD,THEY TOOK IT WELL.HAPPY WITH BIKE RIGHT AWAY.I AM WORRIED ABOUT FRAME CRACKING AT SEATPOST,HAVE SEEN IT TWICE WITH OTHERS BIKES.TREK IMEADIATLY GAVE BOTH NEW FRAMES.
Submitted by
Michael
a Racer
from Medford, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2002
Strengths: everything as of yet, seeing as how I have only parking lot test rode. plan to ugrade majority of components (front derailleur, crankset, pedals, ahndlebar, stem, maybe the seat)
Weaknesses: heard about lots of small problems that people complain about a lot; squealing back brake, leaky rear shock, peeling stickers, all of which are very easy fixes.
Bottom Line:
sofar it isn't mine yet, but I'm gonna have it soon, and plan to post a real review after I have ridden it off road for awhile.
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2002
Strengths: Overall value and frame geometry
Weaknesses: Stock cranks and tires
Bottom Line:
I've ridden several bikes in my day and this Trek has turned out to be quite the palatial ride. I would definitely recommend this bike to anyone who rides more than once per week.
- I experienced the fork sticker issue (I currently have a "B ACK"...on it's way to become an " A K"), but the fork's performance is flawless. - The frame is stiff, the geometry is tight, and it can take a muddy beating. Descents are fast and climbs, well climbs are limited only by my own ability. - The disc's have never needed adjusting, made a sound, or vibrated - EVER. - I have looked twice and have not found any location where the cables touch the frame or fork. - The Jones tires never made it out of the shop, but they looked like they were horrible. - The rear shock is much better if you subtract 10-14 pounds from the recommended air pressure (your body weight) - I did experience chronic shifting problems similar to those described in other reviews. Replacing the cranks and chain resolved this problem. - The grips really do rock!
Submitted by
LoTiTo
a Cross Country Rider
from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
Strengths: Great geometry Psylo's U-Turn: 2 bikes in one Feels light No bob Killer look It makes the ride more fun
Weaknesses: Poor shifting with Bontrager Chainrings Huge vibration on rear brake - solved with brake arm sent by Shop/Trek
Bottom Line:
For starters, I inverted the stem and moved up the spacers to lower the front end. Then it felt right! And the rear shock did not use all of its travel with the recommended 155lbs (my wheight) but it feels perfect with 100lbs. The Fox Float R with 3" rear travel literally swallows small/medium bumps, but you have to stand up for big hits (as I would whatever the travel is).
The bike's geometry is a dream and it is completely variable through Psylo's U-turn. When you set it to 125mm, not only you get more/plush travel, but also a higher front end, longer wheel base and slacker head angle, making the bike amazing for fast descends. At the bottom, just put it back to 80mm to get a low, firm, short and nimble bike which is a great climber and fast single track bike. I am glad it came with RS-Psylo and not M-Black, because Psylo has more travel and it is much easier to adjust on the fly.
No complains with the Jones AC tires - works very well on the florest. But the poor shifting of Bontrager is not on par with the bike's performance - ANY Shimano shifts better. However, other Bontrager parts look and work nice.
The Hayes are great but I expected more braking power with less lever input using hidraulics. Since one finger power braking is still not possible, I'd rather have an Avid mechanical disc for simplicity and cost/weight saving. I would even consider a good v-brake with kool-stop pads on the rear. But at the price I paid, I don't need to worry about it.
I loved the bike and I am glad I left my hardtail behind. I spend less energy avoiding bumps and staying on the saddle so the added weight pays-out, specially with one of the most energy efficient suspension as I believe the Fuel is. I definitelly recommend it for aggressive cross-country/all around bike. 5 flaming chilis all around!
Bike Setup: Trek Fuel 90 disc - stock with Psylo XC and Hayes hidraulics. Added Trans-x barend only.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bill K
a Cross Country Rider
from Pewaukee, WI 53072
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002
Strengths: - Climbs Well - Stable at Speed - No Pedal Bob - Shifts Flawelessly (front & rear) - Great Gearing (22,32,44 front, 32,11 rear) - Incredible Brakes - Excellent Suspension (front & rear)
Weaknesses: - Bontrager Jones AC tires are strictly hardpack/pavement tires
Bottom Line:
I am coming from a hardtail Klein so this is my first experience with a dually. Ive had it for one week and have put about 125 miles on it. All of which are single track ranging from hardpack, sand, black dirt, loose, rocky, gravel, mud, rocks, roots and every kind of anti freakin errosion device imagineable the DNR can dream up.
So far I have absolutely no complaints about the bike and would strongly recommend it to anyone considering buying one. The Giant NRS1 was a very close second but the geometry on the Fuel felt a little better to me.
The only thing I would recommend changing would be to replace the tires if you plan on doing anything other than paved or hardpack riding.
The front fork in the 100mm setting will easily suck up a 10" log without getting out of the saddle. I haven't experienced ANY of the problems people here have griped about with the Manatou Black (stickers are even till stuck).
The rear shock/suspension works really well. I was amazed coming from a hardtail (no bob), I can ride up a freakin wall with this thing (great gearing). Climbs better than a hard tail, simply stay seated and let the suspension do the work for you. I can't wait to throw on some slicks and get out on slick rock.
The hayes hydraulics kick serious @$$...modulation is better than anything Ive tried, power is incredible, absoluletly NO fade in mud. I have had ZERO problems, squeel, screach or otherwise. The only upgrade I could see is if they come out with anti-locks. I don't see what the big hoopla is about with the brake line routing. There are only two spots where mine rubs and thats on the top tube (that was an easy fix, took all of 2 seconds). The spring steel holders for the front and rear easily holds the lines away from the fork, seat tube and stiffening bracket, and a good 1/2 inch at that.
The bottom line on my experience with this bike is that I would DEFENITELY buy this bike again. If I had to buy another bike tomorrow I would do the exact same thing...5 flaming chilis
Similar Products Used: Giant NRS1, Gary Fischer Sugar, Rocky Mountain Carve
Bike Setup: Stock with the exception of a Panaracer Dart (front tire), Tioga Psyco TT (rear tire) and several lizard skins.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Jeff Readman
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort McMurray
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002
Strengths: Frame, Trek support, tracks like a blood hound
Weaknesses: stock setup
Bottom Line:
I am sorry but this is a wicked bike! I haven't had a single problem with it after I read past reviews and changed out the setup at point of purchase. The rear brakes squeak every now and then but hey that just keeps the bears away! I have absolutely fallen in love with this bike, it climbs like Lance and descends like Caroline! I am going to be replacing the wheelset here in the next week (Doc says I can't ride yet anyway so no rush) because as I mentioned above I had an accident 2 weeks ago and snapped my front rim (also beat the hell out of my helmet and I don't remember a week in total... that's what 22 lost hours in the bush concussed and swimming with the beavers will do I guess!) But up until then I hadn't even had to true those puppies. Certainly proved a lot of naysayers wrong cause coming out of winter I wasn't exactly in my prime and those things didn't even whimper!!! But as I said I REALLY like this bike....
Bike Setup: stock frame and rear shock. RS Psylo's, Race Face bars, stem, aheadset, Next cranks and rings. Syncros post, XTR shifter pods and cassette. Going to have new wheels soon cause I crashed 2 weeks ago and SNAPPED the front rim!
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