Submitted by
Aaron Huey
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2006
Strengths: I definitely do not agree with some of the reveiws. I am 6'4 and weigh 235lbs and have pointed this bike down the most extreme trails and the frame and components have responded perfectly. I have well over 3000 miles on this bike and have not experienced any major problems.
Weaknesses: I too had problems with the Fox rear shock but found that replacing the seals at the beginning of each season has eliminated that completely. I also have a squeek but found that the rocker linkage just needs to be cleaned regularly.
Bottom Line:
I have looked at and test rode many of the new bikes but just can't convince myself that it is best to part with this bike. I am always leading the downhill sections and can also handle most of the technical trails with ease. The bike is also a great climber as well...although i admit i am not one that enjoys the big climbs!! But you have to go up to go down!!
Bike Setup: Bike is basically still stock. I added an Avid mechanical front disc because i wanted more confidence in braking on descents after going through water crossing. I also replaced the chain with a SRAM and discovered that the bike shifts smoother and is even quieter...if you can believe that!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Holland
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandy, UT
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2003
Strengths: Great CC rig. Light. Works like it should.
Weaknesses: Frame broke in two places. slight pedal induced bob on uphills- no lockout on rear shock
Bottom Line:
Frame quality stinks. I weigh 195 and I only do CC. The frame broke at the weld where the top tube butts the seat tube and the rear triangle cracked at the bottom linkage (I hear this is common). I was in the middle of a 100 miler in Canyonlands when it broke. I had to ride 60 miles with nothing but the bottom bracket weld holding the bike together. Trek, of course, warrantied the frame and I upgraded to the new carbon 100. I would give "0" chilis if it wasn't for Trek's warranty.
Similar Products Used: first full suspension. various hardtails
Bike Setup: Avid mechanical discs, bontrager disc wheels, manitou black shock. All else is stock.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Michael K
a Racer
from Naval Air Station Lemoore
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2003
Strengths: The most controlled downhill ride I've ever had. I average 10 - 14 hours of X-country training per week and live to ride. I'm brutal on equipment having broken two derailleurs, one handlebar, two frames, three forks and two rims, so I value low maintenance equipment. I've got about 400-500 hours (to include three trips to Moab, yes,including the ultimate downhill, "Porcupine Rim") on the Fuel 98 with no problems. For the money this bike is the bomb on downhills, single tracks and a good climber.
Weaknesses: Yes for the extra $1200 - 2000 you can upgrade to this years Fuel 98 or Fuel 100 and shave off 1.5 to 2 lbs if you're a seriously "competitive" racer. At 41 years old I race for fun and place in the upper 25% for kicks, so the weight savings I can live without. I've read a few other folks complaining about derailleurs, forks and anomalies such as chain suck. One gentleman complained about the Fuel not handling well ("broken rails") on the downhill. How can I politely say "adjust/fine tune your groupo" and dude..ahh..."Learn how to ride a bike!"
Bottom Line:
For the money, this is the best X-C higher end bike out there. Yes, you can pay $3500 - $4500 for a "Competitive" frame if your life is racing, but for a higher end rider or even a weekend racer like me this bike is it!
Favorite Trail: Sycamore Canyon's Hell Hill and Guadalasco downtown
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At: Pedal Power Vail Colorado
Similar Products Used: Cannondale's, K-2's and Santa Cruz's. All were high end X-C racing frames.
Bike Setup: Stock from Trek.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
JC
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003
Strengths: Great handling, light, comfortable, fantastic climber, trouble free, no noise
Weaknesses: Didn t like the Duke.
Bottom Line:
had this bike for 6 months. Upgrades were more from new component-lust than from necessity. Had been trouble free from the beginning. I ride some rough trails so this bike can take a beating without complaint. Climbs very well and is as silent as a stealth missle when cruising. I think the carbon rear triangle and the alloy main triangle is a great idea. The bontrager wheels are the only major item I have not upgraded...they've performed beyond my expectations. I only realised how good this bike was when I rode another similar-priced bike for a couple of days last weekend. Man there was no comparison. My only regret about buying this bike is that I dont have enough time to ride it! When I die I want it buried with me.
Bike Setup: Fox Float 100RLC, Full 2003 XTR, Hutchinsons Pythons, Thomson seatpost and stem, CT2 handlebar, Fizik Aliante saddle,
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jason H
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003
Strengths: climbs like a psuedo hardtail (at times), very light, reasonably cheap for a full sus with good components
Weaknesses: fox float rear shock doesn't seem to hold more than 150 psi, noticable bob when shock doesn't hold suffiecent air (I weigh 170 btw), massive chainsuck is an understatement, creaking problem in seat tube of original frame. Corners like it's on broken tracks see bottom line for more details
Bottom Line:
Where do I start, I orginally bought the bike in march of 2002.
1.To start within 2 weeks it developed this aweful creaking noise in the seat tube everytime I pedaled in the saddle (due to some admitted defect in the bottom of the seat tube). 2. The negative air chamber on the duke race fork blew in two months. 3.As soon as I got that back the rear shock started leaking air. So sent the shock into fox to get it back a month later in semi working condition. Throughout the life of the bike the shock was never able to hold more than 150 psi and when I got it back straight from fox it still couldn't. 4. Just about as soon as I got the rear shock back I sent the frame into trek to be replaced (apparantly the squeaking was wide spread problem). I got a 2003 frame out of the deal so 1 kudos out to trek. 5.The rear shock went yet again so I have sent that back to fox, they promise me this time it will be able to hold more than 150 (it's suppose to hold 300) 6. With a new XTR crank (2002 model), new chain and cassete, the chainsuck is still imminent, in fact it's even worse! I get chainsuck at least every other ride and its not the kind you can just yank out, I have to take the chain apart everytime, either that or loosen a bolt on the crank. 7. The FEW times the bike has been working flawlessly the ride is smooth and predictable. But for the first 6 months I owned the bike I could only ride it for 3 months as sending each part in took about a month to get back.
BOTTOMLINE: This bike definitely isn't worth it, trek fixed the squeaking for the 2003 model but I hear the chainsuck is still a problem. If you have 2500 to blow look into getting a yeti kokepelli or AS-R if you can scrounge the extra cash.
Bike Setup: thomson stem, xtr crank, and mavic X3.1 with xtr hub (takes a solid beating btw, thrashed this thing around in pisgah and still haven't had to tru it yet)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andy G
a Weekend Warrior
from Hoboken
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002
Strengths: Climbs like a hardtail, very nimble handling under all XC riding conditions, Duke fork
Weaknesses: none significant
Bottom Line:
I've had this bike for about six months now, and I have very few complaints. they are minor, but here they are: - Derailluer hanger - bent on the first day. I had my last bike for 4 years and it never bent. Might be because this bike lets you go harder over the big stuff, but still - Bottom bracket - started creaking after 100 miles. Might just be an adjustment, might be another poor quality Bontrager component. - Geometry - The bike (reach) was short. I'm 5'10 and would expect the 17" frame to be just right for my moderately aggressive riding style. My LBS swapped out the stem for a longer one, but it still feels a little short (will probably replace the seatpost as well) - Brakes - Not a big fan of the Avid calipers. I much preferred my XTs - Time ATAC Pedals - the jury's still out on this one, but after 6 months, I'm still having more trouble getting into them than my old 747's (which I think I'm putting back on).
Ok, now that being said, this bike is fantastic. It honestly makes you ride BETTER, because it is confidence inspiring. I'm climbing and descending faster, and zipping through tight singletrack; the Duke/Fox suspension performs extremely well, and makes me NEVER regret giving up my hard-tail (which I was extremely reluctant to do).
I thought the stock tires would be a problem, as there's not too much meat on them, but they've suprised me by holding the line in all but the muddiest of conditions. And because of their low profile tread, they are FAST. The wheels have held up well (so far) and are still true after about 350 miles. The Duke fork is a great performer and blows away anything else I've had before. However, some of the paint has chipped off at the bottom of the fork leg, exposing the bare metal.
All in all, a fanstastic bike. I tend to think that if Trek didn't own Bontrager, we would see even better components, but can you do?
Finally did a race. Went and did 24 hours of Moab, bike held up like a champ. Did real well, flew down the downhills, floated over the bumps, raced up the hills. I was really happy with it. I think anyone that has the money should buy it, even if you don't like me. I'm only 19 and I was able to afford it.
Submitted by
Pat
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002
Strengths: very light
Weaknesses: This is my first experience with a higher-end FS bike (rental), but I bent the rear derailleur hanger. That cost me $25 on return. I'm not a radical rider, and I have no idea how I bent it, since the only wreck I had was losing balance on a slightly technical section. Only a slight scrape on the XTR rear bent it.
Bottom Line:
With the full suspension, I could stay on the seat through things I used to stand up for. I sped down hills, blasted through roots, no brakes needed on the sweet super-fast downhill at Lock 4.
I probably don't want to spend the extra money when I buy on the race-grade components. I'll probably go with the Fuel 90. Definitely worth it for the folks needing the higher-end components.
Similar Products Used: Old-school junk. I'm renting to find my perfect bike.
Bike Setup: stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Cole
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002
Strengths: Light bike, great components
Weaknesses: amount of travel
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is I may only weigh 155 lbs but I jump the heck out of this bike and do some nasty downhills and I haven't heard it cry out once. It puts up real well with whatever I put it through. Great bike for climbing too. It is the perfect bike for racing, XC, mountain, anything really. I use it for all except racing cause I haven't gotten that good yet.
Bike Setup: Stock except new mavick 517 double butted and alloy nipple rims, XT cassette, mythos tires, Stan's tubeless (need that here in AZ)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Atlas
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Idaho, USA
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2002
Strengths: Quality component group. Quality workmanship on frame. Easy to maintain. relatively light for a full suspension.
Weaknesses: Poor choice in Bontrager crank. Tires are useless. Too early to tell if the Bontrager wheelset is of quality expected guven price paid for bike.
Bottom Line:
This is a superb full suspension bike. The rocker arm rear suspension system developed by Trek completely eliminates riding bob on the uphills if the shock is properly set. For me, pumping up the FOX shock to about 225 psi practically makes the bike ride like a hardtail -- less than .25" of travel. I'm not impressed with the Bontrager components and will probably switch out all Bontrager gear for higher end components in the future. One exception on the Bontrager components that has surprised me is the wheelset. After 400 miles of single track and realtive intense trail riding, the rims have remained perfectly true. If you adjust the suspension properly, then this bike is an absolute dream for all-day rides....My hardtail kicks my ass if I ride it all day.
I give the bike four flaming turds on value because of the price -- it's a bit expensive given the components. How about making it all XTR, Trek? Overall, I give the bike five flaming turds. The bike performs exactly as intended and rides great.
Bike Setup: Standard components. Switched out crank to Shimano XT, added LP Ergo grips (definitely worth the high $$$ -- these grips are great), front tire changed out to Hutchison Python gold and rear tire to Panaracer Fire XC Pro (rear tire is best tire I've ever used -- excellent traction and wearability).
Strengths: Quick, responsive, great frame. Light and loves to climb those big hills and jump fat stumps.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
This bike rides like a demon. It has imporved my riding 100% (some say that's not even enough). Hills that would force me to walk the bike up now bow down to the fat man on the fuel. Turn on a dime and flat out flies. Outstanding ride, no complaints here.
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2002
Strengths: Gives you a lot of first class compnents for the money. That superb TREK quality is there as well.
Weaknesses: Stock seat is low quality and the tubes in the tubeless tires and rims are kinda wierd.
Bottom Line:
This is a very well made bike. It is responsive and turns real quick. It climbs well and handles like it is on rails. It does require that you pay attention on the singletrack and in return, it can bob and weave through the tight and technical stuff like a champ. Truly an XC ride, not for taking big drops, but it wasn't designed for that anyway. I have ridden it pretty hard and it is holding up well. Trek has a great warranty if it doesn't and Mt. Washington Bike (aka Joe's Bike Shop) has always provided great service and support. I recommend it highly and would also consider the new Liquid Fuel if I wanted more suspension travel.
Strengths: I have approximately 130 miles on this bike over the past 7 days and I’m impressed: Stay tuned.
Weaknesses: I’m concerned about the bottom bracket clearance, which is a part of the learning curve. Most bikes of this nature(cross country race) offer the same clearence. This bike has one inch less, than my other bike. At speed, it's a very scary situation to the point that the soles of both of my shoes are coming off. A few times, I was almost reaped off the bike. For now, my heart skips a beat from time to time and I require some shoe glue and two clamps.My XT shifter pod broke and the bike shop sold me XTR at the shop’s cost difference. I would like to make a retraction in reference to my comment of Bontrager revolt super X tires were a weakness with out using them first. I admit to assuming that these tires were of poor quality, but I was wrong. I have been running 34lbs in front tire and 38lbs in rear and turning in some of my fastest lap times. Even my friends being expert podium finishers are astonished by my or the tires performance. Note these tires sell for fewer than twenty bucks each. Compare that to pythons or Michelin.
Bottom Line:
Since I ride hard and usually over a hundred miles a week, I expect the learning curve to be one month, if I survive.
Bike Setup: Duke race 145psi top and 125psi bottom. Although, I expect to add 5psi to compression, although, I have yet to do so. I actually adjusted my technique at the trail location which bottomed the front shock out, and in doing so; I’m going even faster with out the psi change. The manual suggested set up is so the shock will perform as advertised. Many times, it is the rider’s ability, which influences products to malfunction; especially when a rider is becoming fatigued and allowing the shock to take hard hits under fast coasting speeds.
I'm 6'0 with a riding weight with h2o of 187lbs. I would recommend this bike to any one out of my racing district. Due to the placement of the shock support so close to the bottom bracket, this bike rides close to the parameters of most race configured hard tails; short travel for both shocks offer just enough for my intender purpose. This bike is for a racer, not a free rider. I have bottomed out the front shock. I expect to add another 5lbs of pressure to compression and possibly another 5 in rear.
Submitted by
Vincent Delle-Donne
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002
Strengths: Frame Geometry, XT/XTR, ATAC pedals
Weaknesses: weight, difficult to properly dial in duke race
Bottom Line:
Great bike on the trails. The only complaint I have is that there is no external adjustment for the stiffness of the fork, therefore, all tuning must be done by inflating/deflating the + and- pressure chambers. this can be frustrating and very time consuming. Otherwise the bike is great. It handles and climbs exteremely well. I'm only a recreational rider, but I can't think of any way to make this bike better. My friend, Shadi, got a Giant NRS 1 at the same time I got my bike and he has been complaining about it since the first ride. But, then again Shadi is a whiner I would definetly recommend the Trek.
Help me out with a value.
The bike is near mint and stock except wheels. The wheels are Salsa Delgato hoops with Chris King hubs.
I can get it for $1,000.
Deal or No Deal Read More »
Hey I found a killer deal on this bike, assuming its in good shape. "Medium Trek Fuel 98 for sale. Full carbon frame. Rock Shock SID front fork and FOX Float RL pro pedal rear shoc Read More »
I've been wondering for some time what the creaking noise coming from the linkage on my 2003 Fuel 98 was. Looked a couple times, cleaned it out and couldn't find anything. Then t Read More »
Hey everyone...i'm just getting into the sport and am looking for some advice. There are two bikes i've found locally, and i'm going to purchase one of them....i just need your hel Read More »
I have the opportunity to purchase an '02 fuel 98. It's a complete bike, but missing tires, cables, and a chain....purchase price is $250. I figured i would post up in the Trek par Read More »
