Submitted by
the molester
a Weekend Warrior
from Blackburn ,England.
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2007
Strengths: speed,good for upgrade,
Weaknesses: comes up very big for size,also top cross bar is very very high, to high always banging balls.rear shock is not smooth very jerky might get better in time.
Bottom Line:
it needs a fox rear shock & lower top tube then i think for the money you cant beat it.no good for girls if you know what i mean.
Strengths: priced right, frame quality, 2003 model has the ZR Aluminum frame that the newer models dont
Weaknesses: cheap components, heavy wheelset, a little creaky in spots
Bottom Line:
decent weekend warrior setup for the price and a good frame to upgrade around. i am 6'4" and 220lbs and managed to get comfortable on a LG with a 410mm seatpost and longer stem. so far it has taken alot of pounding without a problem. if you start getting at all serious count on upgrading parts.
Bike Setup: Trek Fuel 80, race disk lite wheels, Avid Juicy 5, Thomson seatpost and stem
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Juan Carlos
a Weekend Warrior
from Quito, Ecuador
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2006
Strengths: Great bike, I never let me down, always work great.
Weaknesses: Could be the front derailleur, the rest is just simple great.
Bottom Line:
The best bike I ever had, work great, resisted everything I did with it, climb great, goes down hill great, but after 3 years of hard use and abuse, finally the frame cracked on a weld, right over the rear suspension main pivot and now, I hope that Trek will honor the warranty so I could still have the same opinion about this brand “Simply Great”.
I am sad but at the same time I realized that the last 3 years had been the best.
Bike Setup: Almost everything LX (Shifters, V Brakes, Brake Levers, Hubs), XT rear derailleur, 2006 Fox Float R (Propedal) rear shock, Avid Flak Jackets cables, Kool Stop brake pads, Enduro fork seals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
wes tannner
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Ut
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2006
Strengths: Quality Frame and geometry responsive Pilot SL Forks.
Weaknesses: The Bearings and Dust Seal on the Bontrager Wheels only Last 600 miles before severe wear. The Sram Crank set is difficult to set a proper tension preload after lubrication.
Bottom Line:
I have done some serious downhill on my Fuel 80, for a XC Full Suspension bike it can take beating if it is maintained frequently. I have over four thousand miles on the bike and still appears new, however the bike never was left outside or submerged in dirty water, which is the two largest determining factors of a bikes life. My body size is larger at 6'4" 230 pounds, the Treck and similar geometries is most fit for comfort and uphill climbs. I had just purchased a 2005 Fuel 80 after test cruzen other brands with different rear suspension. You can buy a more expensive lighter bike with even more nifty components, but face it, if you train you become stronger. Nothing, nothing at all makes up for Skill and determination, not even a million dollar bike.
Bike Setup: Basically stock with superior lubricants and better tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Perry
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2005
Strengths: Fast, light, good climber.
Weaknesses: Frame Strength, original fork, difficulty in replacing main pivot bushing, frame can get VERY squeaky.
Bottom Line:
I really love this bike. It handles exactly how I like a bike to handle. The way I've got it spec'd now is nearly perfect for me. The original suspension kinda sucked. The Pilot fork was especially unpredictable. The Cloud 9 and Fox F80RLT solved that. The original wheels were pretty bomb-proof for me, but my current ones are just awesome. The original Deore drivetrain had a good run of several years, but did eventually wear out.
The handling on this bike is responsive and fast. With the suspension dialed in it soaks up bumbs pretty well for a 3" travel bike. It climbs fantastically, even without any platform technology. But this bike is not made for really hard riding. I have had two major frame problems witht his bike since I bought it.
The first problem arose about 2 years after owning the bike (bought it in 9/02). The swingarm developed a hairline crack on the large cylindrical crossmember between the two sides of the swingarm. Right behind the main pivot. I didn't notice this until doing a rebuild on the bike, although there had been a creak that I'd been hearing preceeding that. Pedal Power in CT had the swingarm replaced in 1 day!
The frame got progressively noisier over the years too. I isolated the noise to the frame. After much research, and finding info through both MTBR and THe Bike Gallery, in Portland I squirted a bunch of lube (Pedro's Ice Wax) specifically, down the seat-tube of the bike. This stopped the insanely annoying squeak every time you hit a bump. Apparently the interface between the machined pivot part of the front triangle and the welded seat tube (one is slid inside other and welded) rubs whenever force is put against the pivot and squeaks. This solved the problem!
Had the bike a while longer. I tried rebuilding the Pilot fork to 100mm to see what would happen. The fork sucked worse (much more twist). And the geometry of the bike was destroyed. The front end was way too high and the bike became a terrible climber overnight. Don't put 100mm forks on this bike. Anyway, then I just replaced everthing and upgraded since all the components were in the process of dying on me (they'd just been worn out, not enexpected). The bike is sick now, lighter, faster, the suspension is fantastic. I highly recommend the CC Cloud 9 on this frame, and the FOX fork. Disc brakes made the thing much more controllable and fast on decents, but I should have forked up the cast for some slightly lighter hyd. disc brakes. The BB7's are awesome, just a little hefty.
I had a good summer of riding with all my upgrades, but then disaster strikes again. A crack was developing between the top tube and the seat tube. Right at the weld. I took it to the Bike Gallery in Portland since they're the local Trek dealer. Anyway, all I've got to say is that was about 6 weeks ago. I still don't have a new frame. I should have it tomorrow, but that is way too long to wait for a warranty replacement. On top of that I called Trek once about the warranty and was not impressed by my conversation with them.
I'd just like to say that I am not an abusive rider. I don't jump the bike. At most I'll get a foot of air off small drops, roots, or rocks, but I don't go looking for air. I'm a fast agressive xc rider, but I don't ride stuff that is not in the realm of XC. I only weigh 160 lbs. Other parts of my bike (like the wheels, even the originals) never got tacoed or even very far out of true, but the frame cracked twice!
2003 was the only year the bike was made of ZR9000 aluminum, and I don't know if there was a problem with that alloy and htis bike or what. The current aluminum ones are made of crappy Alpha aluminum which (by Trek's literature) is weaker and heavier than ZR9000, but who knows if that's right.
I'm still sticking with the Fuel because I like it's ride so much. But all of these frame problems are disconcerting to me. I'd rather have a carbon one now because they're probably stronger than the aluminum ones (except when crashing on rocks). This bike is fast though.
Bike Setup: I put a lot of work and upgrades into the bike over the years. It is currently spec's with: '06 Fox F80RLT fork Cane Creek Cloud 9 rear shock XTR rear d LX front d LX shifters xt crankset, M959 pedals lx brake levers avid bb7 disc brakes chris king headset home and handbuilt wheels: chris king iso hubs (pewter), dt swiss 4.1d rims, dt competition spokes speed v team saddle odi lock on grips panaracer fire xc pro tires original bonty seatpost, stem, and bar
Although i bought this during the fall and have not had enough time to fully grade it, I bought this as I fell in love with a pal's fuel 70. It is a super comfortable ride which older folks may appreciate more so than techno-geeks. The rattling, which occurs on jumps and over babyheads, is a little annoying so I may need to tweak the design a bit. A good value at a pro deal, I hope to get many enjoyable days in on this one. My first fs, and I like it so far. I will try to update with another review after one year.
Similar Products Used: Other Treks and specialized mt bikes, all hardtails
Bike Setup: Stock for now - will replace key parts after some wear and tear occurs
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Spankmeister
a Weekend Warrior
from Montgomery
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2004
Strengths: Frame rocks! Front shock is does the job fairly well, rear fox float is reliable with good variance.
Weaknesses: Rear is kind of heavy, but feels balanced, so I'm not sure if that counts. The the componants are ok, I want a new drivetrain, hubs, and tires.
Bottom Line:
I believe the bike is worth every penny. There is a slight loss of peddling efficiency with the rear suspension; however, I feel improved traction and handling on roots and other rough areas. The bike has taken 2'-3' jumps/drops consistently, 3 or four good falls, and even survived my dumb@rse driving it into my garage on the roofrack. It just feels right.
Submitted by
alberto zamacona
a Cross Country Rider
from oaxaca, mexico
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2004
Strengths: this is my first full suspesion bike, it climbs like a goat, and makes me a better rider on the downhill. No bob if you stay in the saddle.
Weaknesses: The pilot front suspension is noisy, and needs to be checked frequently, brakes and shifters were cheep and neded to be canged for something better (xt). The crank needs to be changed, cheep.
Bottom Line:
Best bike I ever had. makes me a much better rider, and is easy on my back (arthritis) Last two local races have come in third in my category and I think it's partly the bike. Great frame (zr9000), cheap components that must be changed.
Similar Products Used: my last bikes have been hardtaills, specializeded and Haro.
Bike Setup: xtr v-brakes, xt shifters, the rest is standard, as come on the bike
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a Racer
from Burlington, Vermont
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2004
Strengths: -The Strength and Greatness of this Frame. This has gone through numerous 3-5 ft drops, big spills, weekly cross country races, and more, and it has still held up. It's also ZR9000 alloy, come on, what a cool name. -Looks sexy -It works.
Weaknesses: -Grips (I had to replace them after like 3 months) -Tires (The Jones also went very soon after they were giving me no Traction) -Seat (The Seat got destroyed after one fall and plastic started sticking out... ripping my pants.) -Fork (The Fork has gone out on me numerous times, I have had it rebuilt twice and it still is not performing well, I am done with Rock Shox from now on) **Upgrading to Fox F80 RLT** Rear Shock- Needs Lockout desparately, It also gets alot of pedal induced bobbing when standing up.
Bottom Line:
This is my second review, and after over 6 months of the bike it has mostly held up. The Frame is what trek actually made, and it is an amazing frame, the other parts are less than desired but still they hold up well.
I have been racing at least once a week and not have a major hiccup even once in a race, sure my brakes are pretty weak, and going little bumps fast in a race I sometimes shift to gear one from two, or two from three.
Eh, but it is hella fast, and I am greatful, I have been winning some races for my class, Teenager (Sport) so, c'est la vie for Fuel.
Purchased At: Earl's Cyclery and Fitness www.earlsbikes.com
Similar Products Used: None
Bike Setup: Stock except Oury Grips, WTB Speed Saddle, Michelin Comp S Light Tires, Soon Fox F80 RLT and a Fox Float R or RL with lockout.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Poirier
a Cross Country Rider
from Leominster, Massachusetts USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2004
Strengths: XC Full Suspension, feels lighter than really is, climbs very well, comfortable, awesome value
Weaknesses: no lockout or Propedal on shock, Pilot SL fork a bit iffy, drivetrain needs upgrading, needs disk brakes
Bottom Line:
Great bike for first time full suspension users, but i wouldn't reccommend for racing. If you plan to race, just buy the frame or a Trek Fuel 95 or 100 frame and go from there. The rear shock needs upgrading to atleast a Float R. Otherwise an excellent bike. :')
Weaknesses: People say the rear shock is just OK but I think it does what its suppose to do.
Bottom Line:
This bike has been a big improvement over my last one. Its big (21.5") which is more than my 20" Outpost so I can stretch out more. Its great on hills, no bobbibg and has great gears and brakes. It even has room for 3 water bottles. Bottom line is that you have to spend some real $$ to get a good ride. I wouldn't spend less than this! I love it. Its right for a serious weekend warrier.
Strengths: Price, Frame, rear triangle has disc mounts unlike the carbon model from 2003.
Weaknesses: Cheap stuff attached to the good frame.
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to an earlier posting wherein I stole... er, borrowed... my wife's bike.
I've had my own Fuel 80 for a year, and have enjoyed it. I believe that the value for the $ is excellent. For casual xc riding, the only changes that were really required was to to replace the poochy brick stock seat with a San Marco Aspide.
However, before I race it I'll be performing significant upgrades to ensure reliability on race day, starting with the fork, which is a bit flexy after my years on white brothers units.... but based on the $700 price (always buy right when the new models are hitting the stores and get last years at clearance prices), I can do a whole lot of upgrades before I hit the spousal imposed budget ceiling!
Similar Products Used: Older Fuel 80 heisted from my honey.
Bike Setup: Stock except for saddle.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Doug Paddock
a Weekend Warrior
from Poky, ID, USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004
Strengths: Fun bike. Climbs and handles well for the most part.
Weaknesses: The Fox Float rear shock seems like it is just there. It doesn't do much, it isn't very active. I bottom out the Pilot SL fork. Deore components are loud and require frequent tuning.
Bottom Line:
I just got back into biking after I quit for a while. This is the first bike I have owned since I re-started biking, it is also the first full suspension I have ever owned, so I have little to compare it to. This bike was a sweet deal for $650, used from MTBR.com. It is good for recreational/ beginner riders, but the bottom line is I will be upgrading to a better bike next season.
Bike Setup: ZR9000 Alloy frame, Pilot SL fork, Fox Float shock, Shimano Deore components.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2004
Strengths: Great Value. Great Climbing Full Suspension.
Weaknesses: Tires are useless for off road. Frame size options are not optimal.
Bottom Line:
As a regular road-rider, (80 miles/week) I got back into mountain biking after several years off. (Last time I rode a mountain bike if you wanted shocks you rode a motorbike.)This bike was only $100 over my set budget so I decided to give FS a try. At 5' 10 and 170lbs the 17.5" frame would have given me better clearance but it just didn't feel right. The 19.5" frame feels great but I don't have a lot of crotch clearance. The Jones AC tires slid out from under me a couple of times. (I'm not that aggressive a rider) and kept spinning out on climbs so I switched to a Panaracer Smoke/Dart combo and the improvement was huge. Bounce is only noticable if I stand up in the middle front ring which I never do so it is nil. The stock brakes lock up the tires going down no problem and braking improved the most when I added the new tires. After a month of learning to ride off-road again this bike was all I needed to keep up with my much more experienced riding buddies. This is a great frame with solid performing, basic components, which I will upgrade as I wear them out. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a great performing bike that you can find for well under $1000.
Purchased At: Performance LBS Buyout Liquidation Sale
Similar Products Used: Trek 4900, Cannondale Jeykle Diamondback (Old school)
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Reston, VA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2004
Strengths: Great Suspension, So far very little matinence required, Rides much smoother then any other then most other trek models, is very easy to clean, and was a GREAT DEAL
Weaknesses: Not to happy with the Fox Float Rear suspension for it is difficult to adjust and there is no lockout when needed, Also not very good braking power
Bottom Line:
This is a great MTB for beginners and intermediate bikers though I would not recommend it for people who like to race at every waking moment. Also would recommend that the breaks and rear suspendion be upgraded other then that it can't get much better.
Just looking for a heads up on what a 2003 Fuel 80 should go for its in great shape hasn't been ridden to much still has the factory tires on it with minimal wear. Thanks Read More »
Looking to upgrade the Bar rear shock to match the Reba Race front fork and going to get a Rock Shox Monarch RT3, Just don't know which tune to get, low-med, or high. Does anyone k Read More »
I posted this in a different forum and haven't had a lot of responses- probably because my initial post was sooo long.
Quick overview- LBS has a used Fuel 80 (2002 or 03) almos Read More »
I recently purchased an 03 Trek Fuel 80 and want to put a Juicy Seven rear Disk brake on it.
I have no clue whatsoever what mounting bracket I need. The holes are there but there Read More »
I have a 2005 Fuel 80. I don't have any of my records/paperwork. I'm 5-10 and they didn't make 18.5's then so I'm assuming it's a 17.5 and not a 19.5.
My question is this: back Read More »
