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Submitted by
Brian Agron
a
from Fairfax, California, USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Eldridge Grade | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine bicycles | | Strengths: | Quick nimble handling,easy climbing and a delight to ride | | Weaknesses: | Rear brake would vibrate so severely air pump disassembled and the noise was intollerable. Fix was to add extra brace between brake and frame. Chain suck was a probelm until stock chain replaced. Frame (aluminum)just fractured behind a weld at 4,600 miles but factory is replacing frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Schwinn rigid. Rode like a truck, handled like a truck and never broke down. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the seat which was immediately replaced and the chain. | | Bottom Line: | I do not regret purchasing the Fuel 90 as it is all I could desire as far as performance and fit is involved. However the issues with the vibrating brake and the fractured frame (I am 60 and my days of fast and fearless downhill are over. The frame failure was due to a defect in materials or workmanship, not abuse on my part) made this bike problematic. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jo
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary,Canada.
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | all trails | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | B&P Cycle Sport | | Strengths: | 2004 fuel 90 much better frame than earlier models. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork, rock shox duke xc dust seals came out all the time and air leaked all the time. | | Similar Products Used: | 02-03 fuel 90's | | Bike Setup: | now fox talas rlc 90-130, xtr drive train shifters and derailers carbon seat, post, bar, stem, hanger banger, chris king. | | Bottom Line: | if your looking for a real bike and happen to find a 2004 fuel 90 buy it quick. I'm a big guy 220 lbs and probably why shock kept failing, but in two years i put this baby through hell and back over 19,000 kms on this bike, don't think I could find a better bike out there. thats why I did all the latest upgrades fox forx talas rlc made a completely new bike, rear fox still works like new. I also ride all winter as cold as -18 deg c. This also very hard on bikes. I would buy this bike all over again and have two other treks a session 7 and a modified 4300 hardtail. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Morgan Gruehl
a Racer
from Sunnyvale Ca
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great ride, light frame. Handles great. strong build | | Weaknesses: | tires don't hold well in the turns, and the headset wasn't a chris king, pedals were also pretty weak | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the king headset, and the shimano DX platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | Go out and swoop if you want a bike that will take you up and down hills with equality. Find a deal and get some new pedals, a new headset and some tires | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Celeste
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | White Ranch/Belcher Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Station | | Strengths: | Trek Fuel 90 WSD. Great handling, comfortable, light enough to climb efficiently. Overall, it has a feel of being very high quality. | | Weaknesses: | Even after a year, none found, except the tires which were very mediocre and I switched them out quick! And the pedals...forget about riding in anything slightly muddy unless you have good mud shedding ability, and the standard shimano pedals have NONE! | | Similar Products Used: | '01 Rock Hopper (hard tail) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except tires and pedals. Switched to mythos XC in the rear and Panaracer FireXCPro in front. Made all the difference in the world on cornering! | | Bottom Line: | I don't know why, but female geometry makes a HUGE difference in how comfortable a bike is how easy it is to manuver. I raced for the first time with this bike and was near the top in both Sport and Beginnner categories. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | NewWorld Cycle | | Strengths: | Quality build. Awesome handling and braking power. Climbs well, shifts like 'budda. Looks sharp. | | Weaknesses: | little on the heavy side compared to my old Trek 8000 hardtail. Makes it tougher to get 'er up in the air without a launch. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a KORE stem | | Bottom Line: | Look around for a deal on pricing but buy one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will Morgan
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, FL USA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Oregon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Gator Cycle | | Strengths: | Lightweight frame, excellent shock system, lifetime warranty | | Weaknesses: | cant say that there is one right now | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | factory | | Bottom Line: | ive ridden a 4300 trek for the past 2 years. decided that it was time to lay down some bux for a bike with all the bells and whistles. i tried many of the high end trek models 8000 other fuels 70, 80...and this was by far the best bang for the buck. the ride is extremely clean and smooth and it blows away any other bicycle ive ridden. try one out at your local trek dealer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Connection | | Strengths: | Trek Quality, Fit, tires | | Weaknesses: | Sram Cassette is very heavy, plastic saddle | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale super v, trek 9800 oclv | | Bike Setup: | xt shifter/brale levers, xtr derailleurs and v brakes, mavic crossride wheels and stock jones acx tires | | Bottom Line: | Once you get used to the new geometry (24" top tube), and more upright position-which I hate, so I inverted the stem-this bike is a real confidence booster. It handles better than my oclv. People have complained about the tires, but I think people are going off what some beginner riders have said. These tires arent made to be mud tires! They are fast, light cross-country tires. By the way NO tire hooks up great in the mud. I got mine down to 26 lbs. by replacing the 400gram cassette with an xt and ditched the 3/4 lb saddle for my trusty and old vetta tri shock. I have raced this bike at he 24 hours of snowshoe and others, never flatted nothing. and i was turning 1hour lap times! Gete this bike and with a few personal mods, this bike will reward you with many enjoyable rides! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BigLarry
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Henry Coe | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bike | | Strengths: | Fuel 90 Disc climbs stiff like my years on a hard tail. It's light weight and performs well. Disc brakes are great in handling steep technical downhills. Shifts nicely. My butt stopped hurting after buying this bike, even on 6 hour rides with the Bontrager saddle (which I'm one of the few that's happy with it). The rear shock was easily adjusted for my weight with enough pressure, but then that may have been what broke the frame after a year. | | Weaknesses: | Frame strength - I'm 250-270 lb and a terror to bike frames. Well, the 2002 Fuel 90 only lasted about a year (~900 hard technical climbing miles for me). I was given a free (with $120 overhaul fee) frame replacement to the new 2003 ZR frame that has held up for six months now. My Manitou Black front shocks are too weak for my size, even with the strongest spring (only rated up to 215 lb) and I endo real easy - gotta keep the weight way back. I snap chains and have horrible chain suck in general, so I got a Shimano LX crank on purchase but even then got immediate chain suck in the slightest wet conditions, but I found my standard trick of using White Lightning completely eliminated chain suck. I had to get the torsion bar to eliminate squeal in the rear disc. I also burn out the hydraulic fluid in long descents (>3000') due to my size. Loosing all brakes on steep switchback is no fun, and now stop periodically to allow disc brake cooling. | | Similar Products Used: | Univega hard tail, tried Liquid 20 in LBS and loved it - will upgrade when I get the $$. Liquids should handle my size better too. | | Bike Setup: | Fuel 90 Disc with Shimano LX cranks, Velociraptor tires (Bontrager tires filled with mud and became slicks). | | Bottom Line: | As stated, I'm very big and do a lot (>1000 mile/year) of climbing and modest technical (6"-12" rock hopping). I broke my Univega frame chain stay on a hard stroke in a climb. I was up in the Sierras about to start a 30+ trek running on a narrow single track on the side of a cliff when I heard a loud snap and saw the seat tube broke just above the crank. I now realize the Fuels don't have a pivot there, and rely on frame flexing. Fortunately, I was only 1 mile from the entrance, but was pissed because I had four days of fantastic ridding planned. (But my family saw much more of me.) I got upgraded to the new ZR frame and hope it will not leave me in the middle of nowhere (Oh, and I'm loosing weight - already down to 240 - to help the bike frame.)
This is a great bike that performs and climbs well. It only has problems are related to my size that also affect other components. Today I would spring instead for the Liquid that on tests at the LBS handled much better for my size, and has a stronger frame that won't leave me stranded in nowhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bikegal
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Hardwood Hills, Bruce Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Swap | | Strengths: | Fuel 90 WSD - Amazing ergs for female anatomy, not too girly design, very lightweight, minimal bob, suspension is very responsive | | Weaknesses: | Chainsuck blows - happened to me 2/3x on the trails which was a waste of time. I just checked the Trek website and they have tips for this problem. Chain and gears creaking a lot but I hear this gets worked out the more you use it. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa hardtail only | | Bike Setup: | Stock everything. Switched to slicks for a few road/multi terrain races. | | Bottom Line: | Unbelieveable price for this demo bike. It is the perfect entry level dual suspension bike for me being a small framed, female rider.
The quality suspension and lightweight frame/components has improved my skills on the trails by leaps and bounds and I haven't had any problems with bob and energy loss.
Once I make minor adjustments to get rid of the chainsuck it will be perfect. I'll probably upgrade the brake pads and bontrager knobby tires soon as suggested in other reviews.
All in all, I love this bike so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Flythe Cyclery | | Strengths: | Responsive geometry, light weight, efficient design | | Weaknesses: | broke rear triangle, now broke the seat tube. Bontrager cranks suck. Bonty tires suck. Stock vbrakes weak. Lx front der weak. Stock seat- better off riding on a pallet. | | Bike Setup: | XT Vbrakes, XT cranks, WTB Laser saddle, eggbeaters, Velociraptor tirs, yadayada. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to an older post. Since the bike is so great to ride I've been upping the ante in my riding. A month ago after a local ride I was cleaning the bike and noticed a crack on the rear triangle just behind the BB. I brought it to the good folks at the Bike Rack and they sent it off for warranty. I got a call from their manager a couple of weeks later and he said that they had "a black triangle in NJ, the silver (stock) was backordered. Would the black one be ok?" I was stoked when I picked up the bike- the rear triangle is carbon fiber! But after hammering onthe trails for a couple more weeks I just found a major crack on the seat tube just above the front derailleur clamp. I'm glad it has the warranty but I really want to be riding... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville TN USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail that a wheel will roll over. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bluff Cycles Knoxville | | Strengths: | Lightness, climbs like a cat, shifts like butter (after some tweaking) stops on a dime (get the discs!) great looking paint job, IT'S A TREK! | | Weaknesses: | Though I'm by no stretch of the imagination an expert, the R/S Duke seems a little on the flimsy side. Again, not a major criticism, and it took some thought to come up with a weakness, so don't be put off by my comment-maybe it's just MY perception. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500-prior to that, just discount-store junk. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Fuel 90 w/disc option. (Go with the discs-stopping power is unreal-be careful!) | | Bottom Line: | My story: I went on a mission last summer after some weight and cholesterol concerns. Major change in diet and an inclusive exercise routine allowed me to drop 40 lbs from July 15th to Sept 1st. Running every day, though, soon became quiet boring, so my wife suggested getting a bike. I had ridden mountain bikes (cheap ones) about 15 years ago and remembered it as being a relatively, pleasant experience. I had no idea of what brand to look for-I just knew that I wanted decent quality. Being a follower of the Superbike series, I saw that TREK was a sponsor of Mat Mladin, who rides for Suzuki. I know that this sounds goofy, but being a very satisfied Suzuki owner I thought that TREK must be a reputable manufacturer to be associated with such a team.
Sorry for the rambling digression! After my intitial purchase of the 4500 hardtail, I loved it so much that I went back and bought my wife and daughter Navigator 100's, and my four year old a Jet 16-the family thing, you know??!! A couple of weeks after that I bought my dad and mom a couple of Trek Classics. I couldn't get the prospect of a full suspension out of my mind, though. So about a month ago I went for the Fuel. I really can't say enough good things about this bike: It handles anything that you can throw at it and then some! When I said it climbs like a cat, that's an understatement! If you can muscel it the bike will climb it! There were some (minor) shifting issues during the initial break-in, but after a quick adjustment by the guys at Cedar Bluff they have completely disappeared. BTW, I ride a six mile loop every day, twice a day and try to visit different trails on the weekends. This bike simply has it all! If you've ever wondered about the differences between a cheap bike and a quality machine, I can tell you emphatically: There is no comparison! If you're considering the Fuel 90, buy it! If you're more into downhill, or blasting off of major drops you might want to look toward one of the Liquid models (more travel)Otherwise, this is your bike for off-roading.
AND, it should not go unsaid that the folks (Tim, Chris Mike, Jerry, et al) at Cedar Bluff Cycles are there for YOU. I will, no doubt, be a TREK customer for life. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EMR
a Weekend Warrior
from South Carolina
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | DuPont State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line of Charlotte, NC | | Strengths: | Solid engineering and quality assembly. Price as a leftover was a tremendous deal for a bike of this level wiht disks. I have just started riding MTB, and the Fuel 90 suspension works great for a clydesdale like me, even when tuned to the soft side. Hayes hydraulic disks are amazing. No chainsuck problems -- I try to keep the chain clean and well lubed. See Trek's website FAQs for their fix on this issue. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager ACX tires -- the first time I rode in muddy conditions, I fell every 100 yards! Replaced with Michelin Hot-S and what a difference. | | Similar Products Used: | -- | | Bike Setup: | Stock Fuel 90(Disk Option) with Michelin Hot-S tires | | Bottom Line: | You owe it to yourself to test ride this bike -- it is a lot of value for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jumbo
a Cross Country Rider
from western New York
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | bert's bikes | | Strengths: | Great bang for the buck. Climbs great, very little bob even for a clydesdale like me. Components are more than sufficient. You want better components? Spend more money. Besides half the fun is in making upgrades. Great deals on leftover 03's Trek stands behind their product. | | Weaknesses: | Had a little chainsuck problem, which I attribute mostly to poor shifting technique, not the engineering of the bike. Had a slight problem brakes but that was after a major crash. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Ross steel hardtail, Fuji Royale | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I've ridden singletrack, used it with slicks for commutes and I'm planning to race it very soon. This bike is hard to beat for the money. It's a quality setup that is very much upgradable. Buy this bike if your serious about mountain biking but don't want to break the bank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Winona, MN USA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Holzinger | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventure Cycle and Ski | | Strengths: | Climbs like a goat, very light, no bob when pedaling, fast. | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | trek 8500, cannondale beast of the east, | | Bike Setup: | fuel 90 frame, fox float rl rear, marzocchi xfly100 with E.C.C. fork. Full XT component group. white industries hubs on mavic 517 rims. RaceFace system stem and Raceface air alloy riser bar. Sellia Italia Ti Flite on Syncros Alloy seat post. Chris King headset and some yellow ouri grips | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It is so smooth and fast. It climbs like a goat. The rear suspension works well and I dont feel any loss in energy when I pedal. I have taken a few good crashes on it too and it took it like a champ. I bought it as a whole bike and stripped it down to a frame and built it up with my stuff. I have it set up with a 100mm fork and a riser bar which gave it a freeride feeling compared to the original race type feeling. Overall, I am extreamly pleased with the frame and how responsive it is to the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
H Ydrogen
a Cross Country Rider
from Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything off road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$890.00 | | Purchased At: | Grand West Outfitters | | Strengths: | Great value, stiff and light zirconium/AL alloy frame (rivaling pricey Ti and OCLV in weight), great V brakes, tires work great in snow (they shed the white stuff and give excellent traction), front shock has repeatable and predictable response, rear suspension design keeps the rear tire on the trail - resulting in fantastic traction and control, rear derailleur (XT) shifts precisely. Keeps me dreaming about my next ride. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur (LX) takes effort to shift. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, Klein, Cannondale Scalpel. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, replaced Overstuffed Bontrager saddle with my trusty Kooby Tri, replaced Bontrager seatpost with Thompson. | | Bottom Line: | After 10 years on a no suspension Marin, the Trek Fuel 90 stands out as a fantastic ride at a reasonable price. Technology has come a long way in the cycling industry. The feeling of riding on air and floating across rough terrain is addictive ! The rear suspension design is magical in its results, always driving the rear tire back to terra firma.
It climbs with ease and is well balanced. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kinny
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lane Cove & Blue Mountains National Parks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Ridley's Calgary, AB, Canada | | Strengths: | Incredibly fast, reasonably light, suspension works brilliantly well, not too expensive | | Weaknesses: | Chainsuck problematic as you need a chainbreaker every time it chainsucks! Otherwise maybe the parts spec could be better. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale CAAD3 hardtail, Headshok Fatty fork | | Bike Setup: | Most things stock except LX cranks, Deore cassette, Time ATAC pedals, Hutchinson Python tyre on rear | | Bottom Line: | The bike feels so much faster than my Cannondale on almost all off-road conditions - shines on anything other than a really really smooth ... tarmac. Climbs like a mountain goat, even if it's not all that light, excellent traction makes me a much better climber, and so quick, nimble and agile over rougher trails.
It's no plush bike (although the fork seems to be), simply a go-fast XC racer without the sting of the hardtail. The chainsucking problem detracts from it though, I've never seen another bike with so little chainring / stay clearance that you need to break the chain if it does suck.
Anyone who loves riding fast and don't need to jump or plush suspension would love it. Just remember to carry a chainbreaker every time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Brasilia
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | All Single Track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bokoo Bikes | | Strengths: | Solid, Duke XC, Ride, climbing ability, downhill control, Fun | | Weaknesses: | Tires, Brakes, Sizing, Bontrager Crank | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930, Trek 8700 | | Bike Setup: | Thomson Stem, Chris King HS, Panaracer Fire XC, Avid SD7 brakes, Flite Italia Gel seat, XT Crank, Egg beaters | | Bottom Line: | I am 5'6 and ~165. I have always ridden a 16.5in frame and was told that the 17.5 would be the right bike for me since this bike only comes in 15.5, 17.5, 19.5 or 21.5. The bike is a blast to ride but the geometry is taking a while for me to adapt to. I sit much more upright on this bike than my previous bike which has resulted in more fatigue on longer road rides at least until my body adapts to this new geometry. On the trails it still amazes me how comfortable this bike is especially when the trail gets rough. Jumping and hopping over things is a blast now and I feel like I have everybit of control that I had in my old bikes plus more. I strongly suggest the tire swap and the SD7s are fantastic. If you ride long twisty trails with plenty of technical climbs and bumpy downhills I would recommend this bike. I use it to commute to work 30k round trip and look forward to every weekend ride. I had some trouble with chain suck and ghost shifting at first but that has all but disapeared in the month I have owned it now. I have put about 400k on so far and it is getting better everyday. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Dillsburg, PA
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Holmes Cycling | | Strengths: | Almost everything! The ZR9000 frame is awesome! It is light, fast, and strong. Also, Trek's Rocker Link suspension design is VERY efficient and while the Fuel does not have a super plush ride, it gets the job done beautifully! The Rock Shox Duke XC fork also adds to the bike's exceptional ride quality. The suspension feels wonderfully balanced (unlike the 2002 Fuel 90) and Trek's Pro Race geometery is an added plus! This bike handles very well even in the sketchy stuff! It is also spec'd with great components except... | | Weaknesses: | the stock Bontrager Jones ACX tires and the Avid brake pads. The tires are really light but that means they are super thin. Even though they have a kevlar bead, I got a flat on my first ride when a thorn went right through the front tire. I quickly upgraded to IRC Mythos XC tires which are MUCH better! The brake pads retain all the mud and sand and everything else you encounter on a ride and grind it all into your rims when the brakes are applied. I upgraded to Kool Stop MTB pads (the salmon and black ones). They are a lot better than the stock pads! | | Similar Products Used: | I tested several similar bikes: Rocky Mountain Carve, Jamis Dakar XC, and Klein Palomino. This is my first full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for IRC Mythos XC 2.1 kevlar tires and Kool Stop MTB (salmon and black) brake pads. | | Bottom Line: | If you're looking for a GREAT full suspension XC race bike, this is definately the one!!! It climbs like a mountian goat, descends with lightning speed, handles awesome even in the sketchy stuff and is really durable. I dramatically increased my speed both through the ups and the downs and felt great even after a long, hard ride! It can handle the technical stuff too! I only crashed it once, probably due to it's awesome handling capabilities, but it was a HARD crash when I wiped out on a really gnarly downhill turn! No real damage other than a few cosmetic blemishes (that can be expected)!!! If you're looking for a long-travel, plush freerideish bike, you're looking at the wrong machine, as this is intended to be a high-end full-suspension XC race bike and does a marvelous job of it! I LOVE MY FUEL!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, MO
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Chubb | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Extreme | | Strengths: | great climber, light frame, outstanding suspension design, good parts spec, lifetime warranty | | Weaknesses: | none as of yet | | Similar Products Used: | GT hardtail, Univega Alpina 700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension and I must say, I am amazed. After demoing a Fuel 100, I was ready to ditch my hardtail. Being in college, I have limited cash flow but found a good deal on a Fuel 90 and decided to go for it. I have only ridden a couple times, but I love this thing already. On rocky climbs where I would be bouncing out of my saddle on a hardtail, I remained seated and could focus on powering to the top. On downhills, the tires stick to the ground like glue. The Duke XC and Fox Float R are a great combination.
Trek has done a wonderful job specing and designing this bike and I here good things about their customer service.
Buy it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neal Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Wayne, IN
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Warsaw | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Koehlinger Cycling | | Strengths: | Its ability to climb hills with the feeling of a hard tail and its speed in the corners | | Weaknesses: | I was disappointed in the quality of the brakes so I switched. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Specialized Epic, Trek 8500 | | Bike Setup: | I added egg beater pedals, race lite handlebar, panaracer fire xc tires, avid mech brakes, Bontrager race light front wheel and a Sun Ringle rear wheel, xtr chain | | Bottom Line: | Its the best bike I have ever ridden continuosly. Its not quite at the weight I would like but thats easy to fix. I would recomend this bike to anyone from the weekend warrior to a new XC racer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bushtukah | | Strengths: | Have ridden it 3 times so far. Switched from a C'Dale f400 hardtail and so far so good. Got an incredible deal on a 2003 ($1500 Cdn). Seems more nimble and easier to climb and the downhills are a blast but haven't taken it on advanced trails yet. Not bad components but a little heavy on the Bonte stuff. | | Weaknesses: | The Bonte tires included are really awful - not twenty minutes into my ride I jumped an 8 inch curb and pinched the tire flat. I hear this is a problem with these tires so I'll switch to Panaracer XC's soon. Not sure about the crank yet but we'll see. The Bonte hubs are not disc ready which is surprising for a medium grade bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale f400 | | Bike Setup: | All stock for now except I added Shimano M545's and will wait for the new RaceFace cranks coming out in the spring and will change breaks to Avid Ultimates and definitely swap out the crappy tires. | | Bottom Line: | I did months of research on FS and it came down to the Jekyll 600/800 or the Trek Fuel 90 and for value and ratings the Trek came out ahead which surprised me because C'Dale frames are so frikken well made - just check the welds. I thought my hardtail climbed well but the Fuel is incredible nimble uphill and down - a real confidence boost. If I had more money I would have gone with the lighter Fuel 98 or 100 just for the upgrades and weight reduction. I'll redo this review next season after getting more mileage. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Amasa Back in Moab | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop in Marshall, MN | | Strengths: | Awesome bike for the money, like the fact that the shocks are air. Nice geometry. | | Weaknesses: | My prior bike was a Trek 8500 with XT/XTR components so I am a little jaded. The shifting feels a little clunky to me right now, I might need to pull the cables and get the "new" grease out of the housings. The Bontrager cranks also seem to flex as compared to my old XTs at my porky 180lbs, although that could be my imagination. It would be nice if the seat had a setback post. | | Bike Setup: | The only thing I changed out was I moved the Terry Fly saddle and Michelin HotGripper S from my old bike. I also put an Easton straight bar on and got rid of the riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | I've had the bike for about 3 weeks and have put about 6 rides in during warm weather spouts. Overall, it's a great bike. Coming from a hardtail it's amazing what I can climb and go over now, but I'm sure most dual suspension are like that. The Trek geometry is what I love. Some of the components sort of disappointed me, but that can always be changed, they are more than enough to get by. As far as lightness goes, it rivals my old 8500 hardtail, pretty amazing... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Manning
a Weekend Warrior
from Sparks, Nevada
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tahoe Rim Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Reno Cyclery | | Strengths: | Great suspension design, you dont even know its working under you, Very comfortable riding position, good parts for the money, great customer support. | | Weaknesses: | Blew up a bottom bracket in six weeks,Trek replaced it with and upgraded truvativ, Avid SD3 brakes are weak (get discs!!!)Duke XC sucks(or at least mine does)it absorbs hits well and feels good but mine sounds "loose". Bontrager tires feel a bit loose on hardpack. Stock chain sucks, if your drivetrain makes noise, replace your chain | | Similar Products Used: | First full Suspension bike, been on a hardtails for years | | Bike Setup: | Ditched the Bontrager wheels, SD3 brakes and got mavic 223, XT hubs and Avid Mechanical Discs, Panaracer Fires, ODI lock on grips, Vetta VR100 with altimeter(gotta know how high you are around Tahoe) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, Goes downhill like it is on rails, great singletrack bike. It climbs like a mountain goat, I am able to climb things I could never go up on a hardtail, the rear suspension glues the rear tire to the ground. Very little suspension bob if you stay in the saddle, will bob if you hammer. Duke XC is the weak link of this bike, like I said it works good, it just feels and sounds loose, bike shop says it is OK. Think I am going to get a Marzocchi MX PRO ETA or maybe Fox (if I hit the lotto) I hear the Marzocchi is a better fork for the money. Ditched the stock wheels, tires and brakes and got Mavic 223's XT hubs and Avid mechanical discs, Like one guy said earlier, disc brakes are the best things since tires on bicycles, I think I spent $350 at Jenson USA for all of it, but it makes the bike, one finger braking and you can stop on a dime, no more sore hands from strangling your v-brakes in hopes of stopping, one finger and a light squeeze is all it takes. I went with the Avid Mechanicals because of their great reviews and I dont trust the hydraulic thing yet, too much to go wrong, I never have had a brake cable fail on me, but I have seen many hydraulic seals fail. Overall, I love this bike, I cant wait to get out and ride it. Cant wait for the new fork, hope I can talk the wife into it soon!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Loch Raven, MD and Tsali, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Joe's Bike Shop, Mt Washington | | Strengths: | High Quality, fast, responsive and great fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | None so far, especially for the price. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Klein Palomino Race | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Continental Vertical Pro Tires, Oury Grips and an Easton Carbon Seat post. | | Bottom Line: | I have owned a Giant NRS, Klein Palomino Race and Fisher Hardtails. If I had to choose only have one bike, it would be the Fuel 90. The Duke Shock is rugged and non-flexy. The Fox Float L can be adjusted to varying terrain and levels of plushness. I have had to replace the original tires that came on the bike because as the tread rectangles wore, the tires got a slippery feeling. The Vert Pros stick like glue when making sharp changes in direction and I have grown to appreciate them as my favorite all around tire.
I think the Fuel 90 (the 98 and 100 are more race oriented) is a wonderful bike for long rides and I think the Fuel 90 is an incredible value for the money. I said this in my last review and I'll say it again - you owe it to yourself to check out the Fuel 90. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Swami
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the biking here is terrible | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Open Road | | Strengths: | -- disc brakes are the greatest thing to hit bikes since tires.
-- not heavy for a full suspension.
-- good spec for price.
-- very nimble response without being TOO nimble.
-- FAST! | | Weaknesses: | everything is swell so far. | | Similar Products Used: | old crappy bikes back before i got back into the saddle recently. really, nothing that compares. | | Bike Setup: | stock 2003. | | Bottom Line: | 2003 fuel 90 w/ disc option.
i got a great "end of the year and trek wants to get rid of 'em" deal on this bike. it took three business days for the order to go to trek and the bike to go between my legs. if this is any sign of trek's service, i'll be a very satisfied customer for a good long time.
i ride mostly singletrack and fire roads. lots of ruts and rocks, loose dirt and gravel, etc. this bike handles everything very well. i don't have issues with the tires that lots here mention. there is NO pedal bob on the uphills and man does this thing fly going down. the bike is incredibly responsive, so much so that it really helps me stay loose while riding. i've done some long rides (4+ hours) in the mountains here and i am always pleasantly suprised to come out of the shower after a ride without a hint of soreness. the bike is very comfortable and fits great. i'm 5'10" standing up straight, 140-150 lbs depending on how it's been since going grocery shopping, and i have a 17.5" (medium) frame. for what that's worth.
i would highly recommend this bike if you fit the frame sizing of trek's bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Belmont
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville,TN. USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lock 4, Hamilton Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | The Jolley Cyclist | | Strengths: | Good mix of components, XT rear and LX front derailleur, Avid SD 5 levers with Shimano LX shifters, Bonty FS 2000 saddle is comfy also. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Jones ACX tires, SD3 brakes were a litte weak for me. Swapped out to SD7's, MUCH BETTER! | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3 | | Bike Setup: | XT Crank, Avid SD7 brakes, the rest stock. | | Bottom Line: | Was going to go for a Sugar 3, but just too many people reporting problems with chain suck, so i went for the Fuel instead. No regret, I really enjoy this bike and the 3 inches of duel suspension, quite comfortable on long rides. 5 chiles all the way around. Thanks to Jeff at The Jolley Cyclist for a great deal! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Clifton, VA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fountainhead | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1459.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Lane | | Strengths: | Great Price, Incredible dealer support and no problems. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Sugar, Giant NRS and Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for 959's | | Bottom Line: | After a year of riding have had no problems. Great bike. Incredible value for the money. My brother bought A specialized at about the same time and it has spent more time in the shop then Yugo or a Vette. The service from The Bike Lane can't be beat. Great prices too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Jericho, New York
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Point | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Brands | | Strengths: | Great climber. Light. Handles well. Great price. (I think I caught a break with the price. The deal was $1400 for a 2003, however, when they couldn't get a 2003, I ended up with a 2004 for the same price.) | | Weaknesses: | None identified so far. | | Similar Products Used: | None. As mentioned below, I have two Fisher hard tails, a 1998 Hoo koo a koo and a 2000 Big Sur. I have had good luck with both, and am impressed with Trek/Fisher quality and value. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Hayes Disc Brakes | | Bottom Line: | Review is for a 2004 Fuel 90 with Hayes Disc Brakes.
This is my first full suspension bike. I have two Gary Fisher Hard Tails that I have been extreamly pleased with. So far the Fuel 90 seems like a winner. It gives me extra confidence on downhills and much to my surprise, I believe I am climbing better with the Fuel 90 then with the hardtails. I have only riden the bike four times (about 70 miles all together), but each time out I find my riding is improving. Did Stillwell in around 30 minutes, which is at least five minutes better than my prevous time. Also flew around Cathedral Pines three times with ease. Have ridden Rocky Point and Bethpage as well. Most important, I felt in control of the bike over all obstacles and terrain. (I am 50 years old and like to ride fast but don't like to fall or take unnessary risks. So being able to ride faster and with more confidence is a great feeling.) I read alot of critisim about the Bontager components and the tires. Maybe I am not a strong enough rider to know the difference, but I have no complaints for either. My 2000 Fisher Big Sur has its share of Bontager components and I have never had a problem with any of them and have probably put well over 1500 miles without incurring any repairs. (Note that I am 5'8" and only weigh about 155, so the bikes probalby have a relatively easy time with my frame.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Medicime Hat
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | gravity sports | | Strengths: | Solid components except for the pedals and tires. The simplicity of the Dukes and Fox Float are great, just set the prssure and you're off. Climbs great, soaks up the hits, feels like a Hardtail when it should. | | Weaknesses: | Bonty tires look lame on a good looking expensive bike like this (poor choice Trek). A little short in the cockpit, I had to buy a Titec seatpost extra inch (5'11 190).NOT AS FUN AS THE LIQUID. No bob on the uphills until you stand (I know..sit down!) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid, Giant NRS,Norco Fluid,Giant AC (just for kicks) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the seatpost and I'm ditching the weenie tires as soon as I can afford it. | | Bottom Line: | I ride daily to work (7k pavement and 1 k singletrack)) even in the cold Canadian winters, so we'll see how this bike stands up in January. I race 24hrs and have to keep up with a buddy on some nasty uphills so although the Liquid was more fun this bike is much more suited to my riding . This is a good bike for the money, its light and strong,(it faired well in a crash off a skinny bridge). If you race... buy it. If you are into hardcore weekend xc...buy it. If you want a fun bike, you're not worried about racing or keeping up...check the Liquid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris flewitt
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Aggresive riding geometry, well matched and functional suspension, descent componentry package for the price. | | Weaknesses: | None really | | Similar Products Used: | No FSR. Stumpjumper & Kona Explosive hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock with disc option | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike as the result of an insurance claim. My stumpjumper fell of the roof of the car at speed. I wanted another hartail and tried to get hold of a rocky mountain hammer, but they were out of stock in the UK. The insurance co bike shop recomended the trek 90 disk but I had considered that you could only get a descent FSR for £2000. I had alook at one and as it was only effectively going to cost £60, took a gamble. Initial impression was that it was tidy and tight to ride [17.5" for a 5'11" rider] but a few pounds hevier than by stumpy. My first ride at Cwm Carn found me having to pedal that bit harder up the hills to keep in contact with my buddy on his explosive. But... as soon as the track went horizontal, twisty, rocky or downwards, it was just like riding my old hardtail but somehow I had just aquired the ability to ride a lot faster into everything. My pal was instantly dropped and I took 5 full minutes off my previouls lap time! I was blown away by the handling. It didn't seem to be obviously FSR, felt quite like a top hardtail but it just stuck to the ground like glue encouraging more and more speed. The components are good if a bit too Bonty for the money, the brakes work fine and some future upgrading will drop the weight to give a very good enduro style race/all day bike. Off to Mallorca next week for some serious rocky riding and the low bottom bracket may require some care when riding on the rivet. For the cash an superb bike. Only problem, my wife wants one now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from Boca Raton, FL
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | oleta | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | International bike shop | | Strengths: | The bike is just so efficent. It makes what was more difficult easier. Good group-O for the money. I'm glad I waited for the upgrades to the 2003 model. | | Weaknesses: | The stock v brakes, not enough power. The stem, it's kinda weak. Always stress squeaks when pulled on hard. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 razorback, Specialized FSR, Giant NRS2 | | Bike Setup: | I have changed the brakes to Avid Ti, Tires to Hutchinson, mosquitto up front and python to the rear. Grips to Yetti; I needed a thicker grip. The chain. The seat, it was to flexable, but I put it back on for the all dayer. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. The thing really rails hard and comes back to center. The suspension set-up is ideal for racing. I have made real time improvements. What really sold me was the fact there was a demo happening at one of the local parks. There was fisher, klein,cannondale and trek. Riding the bikes at the trails made all the difference. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Poor Farm | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Agee's | | Strengths: | It has more abilities than I might ever have. It climbs extremely well, and takes away the "scary-ness" of some descents. I couldn't have done with my hardtail. I have the hayes disc version, and once it broke in, it can stop on a dime. | | Weaknesses: | What is that piece of plank they called saddle? If I want a spanking, I will ask for one!! Most of the Bontrager stuff is okay, except the crank set (Bont. Race ISIS). Even though it is ISIS via a truvativ bottom bracket, it can't compete in any shape or form against an XT and XT BB setup.
The stock tires (Bontrager ACX K) is for racing, not for weekend riding. It has very low-profile treads it doesn't hookup with anything loose. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Hayes HFX-9 Disc. '02 XT cranks and BB-ES71 BB. A different saddle that is a bit more gentle on the my "Stuff". Panaracer Fire Pro XC | | Bottom Line: | It's an awesome awesome bike.
Although Bontrager stuff has a bad rep for being crap, the parts that came with this bike is actually decent. But, swapping out the cranks and BB is a must...you will notice dramatic increase in power transfer immediate. The tires must go too.
This bike has given me abilities I never knew I had. It climbs and descents, most importantly, it will go wherever you point it.
I am giving it 4 chilis for value because it needs some 'real' parts where it matters the most. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Courtenay Rooks
a Cross Country Rider
from Maraval, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Paria | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Geronimo's | | Strengths: | This bike is sweet! This climbs like a beast and downhills far better than others I have rode. In fact I would say that this is the best all round bike I have rode. | | Weaknesses: | Tyres do not grip well in muddy downhills and the wear fast. Also I have to be very careful when changing the rear tyre for a flat or something like that because often the gears will not run properly after with lots of ghost slipping. I got the disc option and the brake lever travel adjusting screw is a bit hard to get to and does slaken a bit when doing bumpy downhills. | | Similar Products Used: | None similar. I have rode Trek 4500, two different Specialised full suspension for downhills. | | Bike Setup: | Standard. Actually I did change the tyres since the ones they came with did not perform well. Actually I am using the Bontrangers that my 4500 came with which is cheaper and perfoms much better. | | Bottom Line: | The weaknesses are minor compared to the strengths, I am actually encouraging 3 friends with Trek 4500, 6700 and 8000 to switch to a fuel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Winona, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Holzinger | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Penn Cycle (Burnsville, MN) | | Strengths: | Great bike for the price. Fairly lightweight, good climber with minimal bob, suspension is good. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Gary Fisher Sugar, Specialized Epic, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Santa Cruz Super Light, Cannondale Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | stock for now | | Bottom Line: | I tested all of the above listed bikes and I decided on the Fuel because of price and overall feel. I wanted a FS bike that could pedal well and take the bumps and the Fuel has a great middle ground of both. The only bob I notice is if I get out of the saddle in the middle ring. If you want great suspension-go with the Super Light. If you want to climb and take the edge off bumps-go with the Epic.
I couldn't be happier with this bike. The only reason I will upgrade is to save weight or if something breaks. I have had no real problems except the initial cable stretching and getting a setup that I liked.
I am about 5'11" and I got the 17.5" frame which is a little small but the 19.5" is just too big.
I have and will recommend this bike to everyone. Get a Fuel 98 if you can afford it, though. The weight savings and upgrade of parts is worth it.
Great job Trek and I highly recommend Penn Cycle to anyone in the Twin Cities area. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Cardwell
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek dealer, San Jose | | Strengths: | Looks, shocks, feel | | Weaknesses: | None found yet | | Similar Products Used: | Several MBs, but this first dual | | Bike Setup: | As bought | | Bottom Line: | I am 6ft, 80kg, and prefer rough tracks in Costa Rica highlands. I was not actively hunting for a bike but spotted this bike in the shop with 1 wk use by pros who came to shoot a video. Ratings in MBR helped me to decide to buy. Was not happy with a Cannondale F400 hardtail bought 1 yr ago (rough ride, knocking front suspension), which replaced a previous Trek 950. Am delighted by this Fuel90. Light, great ride, comfortable, can go where the C400 could not downhill. No problems with seat, initial serious chain suck in dry conditions were soon solved, and since chain suck in wet conditions minimal compared with F400. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Yucca Valley, CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | TV-Tower Road - San Luis Obispo | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Palm Springs Cyclery | | Strengths: | Strong, solid, feel. Great parts for a bike at this price range. Some complain about the Bontrager parts, but I'd say they're great for the price. I may choose to upgrade a few things as they need it. Great wheel set. Solid brakes. Very solid drivetrain. Decent looks. Agressive stance. Awesome warranty. | | Weaknesses: | Paint choices. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock - so far. This bike is a great platform to start upgrading if you like. | | Bottom Line: | I compared this bike to the Giant NRS-2 for several weeks before purchasing. I was really in love with the Giant because of it's color and overall looks (2 reasons that I wouldn't recommend basing this kind of purchase on). I also liked the disk brakes on the Giant. My local bike rep., Chris at Palm Springs Cyclery (go see him, he's great), allowed me to demo the bikes repeatedly on the trails behind his shop. The decision really came down to the ride and feel between the two bikes. The Trek was just far superior. The front end mushiness of the Giant worried me. It didn't have the solid feel of the Trek. After last weekend's awesome climb up TV Tower Rd. in San Luis Obispo (followed by the bombing descent) I'm confident I made the right purchase. You will be too. Get the Trek Fuel 90. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darin
a
from Tulsa
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Turkey Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Lee's Bicycles | | Strengths: | Well... it's Trek. Great component group front and rear suspension work exceptionally good for me (200lbs). Seems faster than I am. | | Weaknesses: | Would have liked it if there were more color schemes available. But... hey, the mid-night black, blue and silver are still pretty cool/ Also, and this is nittpicky, I am not a big fan of having almost all components Bontrager. But that is part of the fun with a new bike...deciding on upgrades. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 830 Antelope; Trek 803AL | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Cateye Enduro 2 | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing. After having visited this bike in the shop for several weeks the purchase was finally made. All the suspension set-ups were accomplished and it was off to the trails. FIrst thing I noticed was the way this bikes bites into corners (almost lost it on first corner, used to 830AL's cornering). Didn't take long to get accustomed to. The bike is a little noisy on descents, but that ain't that bad. Climbs great and cornering on climbs is wonderfully smooth. Have not hit the really rough sections around green country, but I am confident that they won't be as rough for me now. Highly recommend. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon Sheppard
a Cross Country Rider
from Morgantown, WV
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Teaberry | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | I really enjoy this bike. Its fast, nible, handles like a hardtail, climbs like a mountaingoat, and takes the sting out of the rough stuff. | | Weaknesses: | I wasn't impressed with the square taper BB. The crank is ok, but...again, square taper. Not real keen on Deore shifters. Hey, here's the deal. Great frameset, components leave some to be desired, but then again, look at the price. Great deal. | | Similar Products Used: | Bunches, NRS, FSR | | Bike Setup: | Avid Disc, XT Hubs, Mavic X317 rims, Ti Skewers, TruVativ Team crank, Race Face splined BB, Ringle Inferno riser bar, Thompson stem and seatpost, San Marco ERA saddle. | | Bottom Line: | The bike's the bomb. Its got more capability than I have skills. It forgives me when I'm wrong or stupid, rewards me when I'm good. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Highgear Bike & Outdoor | | Strengths: | Life time warranty on frame. very quick handling, good componet group, climbs WAY better then my old hardtail..the rear end stays planted, resonably light weight, love the wheelset, very efficient rear suspension design, I love the fact that there is no pivot point where the chain/seat stays meet, the rear seems much stiffer then other bikes I've ridden. | | Weaknesses: | seat not the most comfortable...switched out right away, headset not the greatest, should be a sealed unit...put my trusty Chris King on right away too, the Avid SD3 brakes are on the weak side and can be sketchy on the end of fast descents..plan on switching to Avid Ultimates or SD7's. Crankset, I haven't had problems with mine yet but I saw one come through the bike shop I work at that had the crank arm bend from a very light crash...it doesn't seem as stiff as my Truvativ or Shimano cranksets did. Now I'm not dogging on this bike, I love it but I had to find something to put in this section. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar Sport, Trek 6500 hard tail and random bikes ridden at the bike shop | | Bike Setup: | stock besides King headset and a nicer seat | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike for the money, you won't find a better bike in this price range. front and rear shocks are easy to get dialed in. If your debating on getting this bike...DO IT! you won't regret it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Loch Raven, MD and Tsali, NC | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Joe's Bike Shop/Mt Washington Bike | | Strengths: | Good components for the money. Climbs like a scalded cat. A great bike for long rides. The Duke XC and Fox Float R are nice shocks that can be tuned for a specific rider and riding style. I have owned these shocks before, liked them then, like them now. | | Weaknesses: | None really, especially for the money. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 98, Fisher Tassaraja, Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Stock. The wheels are strong and light and the Bontrager Jones AC/X tires do a good job. I am a big fan of Mythos XC tires, but I would buy the Bontrager Jones AC/X again, I like them that much. This is my second Fuel and I find it to be everything I need and want in a F/S MTB. | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden the Fuel 90 on single track, fire road, and the North Central Rail Trail (Hard packed stone-rails to trails). For MTB, I lighten up the air pressure. For a Rail Trail ride, I raise pressure on tires and shocks and enjoy the ride.
You owe it to yourself to test this bike, I think it is a great choice. You might find you like it as much as bikes that cost twice as much. I did. It is built well and looks good. Nice paint scheme this year. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Winter Garden, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | David's Cycle World | | Strengths: | Value and design. No bobbing. Plush ride. | | Weaknesses: | It is loaded with Bontrager components. The weight of the bike could be trimmed down. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced the Duke XC with a Rock Shox Sid. Replaced seat with a Terry Dragon Fly. I also replaced the factory brake pads with thin lines. | | Bottom Line: | This bike performs well on the trails. Very comfortable ride. I am 5'11" and love the 17.5 fit. I could not find a better alternative at this price point. I have been riding it for 6 months and do not have any complaints. I would highly recommend the Fuel 90 if you are in the market for full suspension. It rides great, very durable, good value, and a good design. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
justin doria
a Weekend Warrior
from mamaroneck, NY
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | millers | | Bottom Line: | UPDATE:
I changed the brakes to Avid Ultimates and the tires to Panaracer fire XC. Made all of the difference in the world to this bike. Now it steers and stops like a champ. I also got a WTB Rocket V seat, not that the seat on the bike was bad, I just ripped it up during a fall.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Merk
a Cross Country Rider
from Rancho Cucamonga, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 12% downgrade | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Competitive Edge | | Strengths: | Nimble, good climber | | Bike Setup: | Stock ('02) | | Bottom Line: | At 6'2", 240 lbs I am not easy on bikes. This has held up to the abuses well. I have had problems with the crank coming loose and have to tighten it after 3-4 rides. It's great at climbing, although the tires aren't the greatest in the muck. This is a great mid range bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Hoover,Alabama
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 17 mile loop at oak mtn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | cahaba cycles | | Strengths: | it os a great bike,the fork, the rear shock the frame | | Weaknesses: | tires, brakes are kinda soft | | Similar Products Used: | first "dually" | | Bike Setup: | stock with panaracer pro xc | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, you can change the tires out if you haggle with the shop....RIDES LIKE A WAVE coming down the mtn....i love it and i suggest if you are in the market for a dually then this is the way to go with the air shock in the front and in the back | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Doria
a Weekend Warrior
from Mamaroneck, NY
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Graham Hills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Millers Bikes | | Strengths: | Climbs like a mountain goat. Wheelset is excellent. Brake levers, rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | Tires are not so good. Fork (duke) is to soft for me. Its a little heavy, but can be lightened easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic | | Bike Setup: | Stock, new tires on the way. | | Bottom Line: | I had a Specialized Stumpjumper Comp for 3 years and loved it. This is my first dual suspension bike. I love the way it climbs and descends over the old hard tail. I am still learing how to adjust the rear shock, Im not too sure what it should feel like when its set up properly. I rode the Epic and the Fuel 90 back to back a few times and I felt the Fuel was much faster, maybe because of the wheelset. I would have bought the Epic if it had felt faster simply for its looks. I think with a few component changes this is a great bike for the money. I was ready to spend about $2500 and Mark at Miller's said save your money and showed me the Fuel 90. It does everything I need it to and well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Denton, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on at the time | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Great frame, nice components, good looking, rides and climbs well. Very little lost energy due to FS. Adjustable firmness in both front and rear air assisted shocks. | | Weaknesses: | Really have not found any for my type of riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Klein, Gary Fisher, Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'2", 200 pound cyclist that is primarily a roadie, but wanted a mtn bike I could do some road and trail riding with. No, I do not need a FS bike, but I absolutely loved the Trek Fuel 90 when I took it out for a test ride. It smoothes out the rough roads around where I live and is a joy to pedal on the "rails to trails" type trails as well as tougher "serious mtn bike" terrain. The bike feels pretty nimble even on the road compared to my 9 year old Nishiki rigid mtn bike. For a good all around bike that can handle any kind of riding that I'm likely to do, this bike fits the bill perfectly. Everything from the quality of the paint job to the spec of the components is first rate. Trek did a great job on this bike! Give one a try! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston,Tx
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | light.strong frame.good suspension ....LIFETIME WARRANTY!!! | | Weaknesses: | could have some better components | | Similar Products Used: | had a Giant Warp DS 2....heavy.. | | Bike Setup: | Chris King headset, Thomson seatpost, Titec bars, Hayes Hydraulic disc, eggbeaters, Panaracer Fire XC pro | | Bottom Line: | I purchased bike W/the disc brakes....STOPPIN POWER!!!! I'm 5'10 165 Ive crashed plenty and the bike has withstood. I ve made some upgrades because the bike deserves more, although the bike came factory with Bontrager AC/X tires, I liked them...better tread than AC's. I consider it a pretty light frame, its very maneuverable, quick around corners, climbs great..good fork...good rear shock....If yer a big guy, get the disc brakes. Overall I love my bike...and I love bustin my ass | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garrett
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, Tx.
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | LIFETIME WARRENTY!!!! Great bike! I am 6'4 210 lbs and this bike has not fell apart and i ride this bike Hard!!! there is very little bob thanks to Trek's Rocker Link susp. design, it's efficient on the climbs. XT rear derailer, Rock Shock Duke XC, What more could you ask?? Well i will tell you below... | | Weaknesses: | Components!!!!!!!!! I realize this is a fuel 90 not a 100 but what is the deal with Bontrager, do they own 60% of Trek's shares. This could be Bontragers line of XC bikes as much stuff they put on them. Bontrager is not horrible but for the money this bike deserves a disc ready hub wheel set (mavic all the way), sealed headset (Chris King or Cane creek), and how about more shimano; like an XT crank set! Junk the Bontrager AC tires!!!!! | | Bike Setup: | factory (but not for long)! | | Bottom Line: | This is a great Trek product with a lifetime warrenty. With upgrades this bike could lose a few pounds and be a true winner. The bike does come with the better disc option (6 inch rotor Hayes hydro.) DON'T SETTLE, GET THE DISC BRAKES!!!!!
Value: 3 Because of the abundance of Bontrager
Overall: 5 Because the fuel is a great design for full
susp. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Beef
a Cross Country Rider
from Avon, CO USA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Flume Trails in Breck, CO | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1474.00 | | Purchased At: | MSO in Silverthorne, CO | | Strengths: | Bike rides really well on all types of terrian. It climbs like a champ. I currently ride up from Avon CO to the base of Beaver Creek on a weekly basis and it climbs. Disc Disc brakes work good. Both front and rear shocks absorb bumps well. Haven' really taken her on too much single track due to the wet weather and snow. | | Weaknesses: | Chain popped off on one of my first rides. Wish that the frame was a little longer I feel kind of cramped some times. Brakes are kind of noisy when used at high speeds. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried out Trek Fuel 80, Sugar 3+ | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox front and rear shocks | | Bottom Line: | I have been very satisfied with my bike so far. Haven' had any major problems. I'm really looking forward to taking it on much more singletrak. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit Bikes | | Strengths: | Components are fairly good.Nice suspention.Great for someone looking for quality without a very high price. | | Weaknesses: | Sometimes my bike ghost shifts.( I have the 2002 model with manitou Black. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y 24 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with lighting system | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for intermediate riders looking to have fun. Ind get into some races.If you want a very light bike dont buy this one.This is also a great bike for teenagers like me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Cleland
a Racer
from Hamilton, Ontario
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Waterdown | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Neworld Cycle | | Strengths: | Hayes Hydraulics Rule, Tune-able Suspension, great frame, good colours | | Weaknesses: | The Bonti Tires are brutal in mud. Buy Panracer Fire XC for muck. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, my townie with a springy fat saddle | | Bike Setup: | Stock except with XT crankset, Specialized Body Geo Pro saddle. I might get pink streamers... but maybe not : ) | | Bottom Line: | Alright... I used to have a Trek 8000 hardtail. Thus the geometry was easy to "learn", even with the addition of the rear susp. The Duke up front and the Float on the back work great for me. I have the pressure pretty high because I don't want my ride to be sloppy. I swapped out the stock crankset and got an XT set. The drive-train is ultra stiff and it feels really powerful and smooth. Although this bike is heavier than most hardtails out there, I think it is a faster bike. The hayes hydraulics brakes are an unreal improvement from rim brakes. I am riding Time ATACS, which I think are the bomb. My dad rides Crank Bros. and he says they are better than any of the spd ones out there. The Bonti tires are the same ones that came with my old Trek 8000, and they are still terrible tires in the mud. I have had success with Panracer Fire XC tires in the muck, so that's what I usually put on for mud season. Basically, although the bike is still relatively new, I love this bike, and it is sooo much fun to ride. What else matters???
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duane
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | great climbing - cross-country bike. Great warrenty! | | Weaknesses: | see earlier reviews | | Bottom Line: | As detailed in an earlier review, after 2 years of hard riding, I cracked the rear triangle, and then the weld at the intersection of the seat tube, and the top tube. Keep in mind that I don't hurl myself off of big jumps - I just do long cross-country rides in the Canadian Rockies. Although it took 3 weeks, Trek re-assembled my bike on a brand-new 2003 Fuel 90 frame and triangle. That helped my view of Trek. Hopefully, they improved their welds and materials, so that the frame lasts longer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
curtis
a Cross Country Rider
from dartmouth, mass,usa
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | cesars cyclery | | Strengths: | competitively light straight away, good components package, easy to upgrade the cheaper points. | | Weaknesses: | no disc ready hubs | | Similar Products Used: | proflex 354 | | Bike Setup: | monkeylite sl, ec70 seatpost, egg beaters pedals | | Bottom Line: | just these three component changes removes a pound from the bike. Excellent!! I've done about 600 miles now and can't fault this bike, keeps me comfy for hours on end. Climbing ability is phenominal, add in the adjustability of the suspension and it can suit most of your needs. Have owned a Trek hardtail in the past, tried others, and I'm back. Quality product, hands down... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Dillsburg, PA USA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Holmes Cycling | | Strengths: | ZR 9000 frame is AWESOME!!! It's light, fast and strong. Suspension is flawless. I love Trek's super-efficient Rocker Link design. The Duke XC rules! Handling is great even in the sketchy stuff. Components are great are great except for... | | Weaknesses: | the tires. Yeah, they're fast and really light, but puncture way to easily. I got a flat on the first ride. A thorn went right through this Kevlar tire. (Jones ACX) I'm going to change the tires to IRC Mythos XC ASAP!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Carve | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Avid Speed Dial 5 brake levers and will soon have IRC Mythos XC tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up from a review below. This is a SWEET bike!!! It's incredibly fast, light, and handles like a dream. This bike climbs like a mountain goat. One of the trails around here has a really brutal climbing section. I used to hate the trail because of this climb. That was before the Fuel 90 came along. Now, the climb is actually fun and takes about a quarter of the time it did on my old bike! (Raleigh hardtail.) The downhills are even better! I can go so much faster and still be in complete control. The suspension helps me climb and descend with more speed and control. I can't wait to race this bike! Every ride I love it more and more! What are you waiting for? Buy it already! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirt
a
from Breckenridge, CO
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Never had a full suspension bike before and I can't believe I waited so long. The typical early season soreness I get in my lower back was nearly non-existent. I really didn't notice a difference from my hardtail on climbs, and the descents were definetly smoother. LX/XT components are good enough for me. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, not a big fan of the SPD so I will be switching them out. | | Bike Setup: | Everything stock. | | Bottom Line: | Since my sister works for Trek I was able to score an awesome deal on this bike. This bike fits me perfect so I'm glad I wasn't just settling due to the cheap cost. My only regret is possibly not upgrading to the 98. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duane
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, AB
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Good alround X-Country bike. Climbs well, and is fairly light. Life time warrenty on frame. | | Weaknesses: | Hayes Hydraulic rear brake vibrated something terrible until a Brake Therapy rod was installed. Things were good until the rear triangle cracked. Then a weld cracked in the main frame below the seat. Not impressive, although Trek is sending another frame. The Dolomote Rolf 22 spoke rear wheel kept breaking spokes. Threw it away. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Blizzard. | | Bike Setup: | Factory setup, except for XT BB, now a Mavic rear wheel set, Easton carbon fiber riser bar and Hayes Hydraulic disks. | | Bottom Line: | 100% frame failure amongst those that ride Treks with me and myself. We're mid-40's, and we're not hucking ourselves off of outcrops, but we are riding long hard Canadian front range trails. At least Trek is replacing them, but it's a hassle. Don't think Trek sells them with Rolf wheels anymore - no wonder. Don't think Trek changed their rear disk setup - get Brake Therapy. Otherwise a nimble XC bike.
Make sure you can afford to fix them. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
busted-knee
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | tsali - N.C. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Atlanta Cycling | | Strengths: | great look'in black and crome
almost race Front shock / Rock Shock Duke XC
race level Rear shock fox float R
great group-o LX/XT
life time warranty on frame
life time tune ups from my LBS !
great stock setup including the tires !
| | Weaknesses: | no disk brakes, and no disk hubs. Other than that NONE. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona kahuna deluxe, Trek Fuel 80 | | Bike Setup: | Time pedals, other than that stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, for XC style riding. My first f/s bike and I couldn't be any more pleased. Thanks to Atlanta Cycling and Trek !!! I am 5'10 - 180 pounds and felt
the ride is plush feeling with responsive handling. I also love the stock tire selection, they grip great.
I did replace the stock pedals with Time pedals,
note to anyone: going clip less will lead to more dumb crashes then you can shake a stick at.
but the feeling you get clipped in makes it worth it.
I love the fact that with Trek Fuel's F/S design, I don't have to worry about a lock out on my rear shock and that I can dial in the ride with the fox float R. I think the bike feels light when pedaling up hill and feels solid on any race-a-way down hill. Also like the riser bar , after riding all day I didn't have any soreness in my shoulders or hands like with my old straight bar. Its nice to ride a bike that actual fits like a glove. The only knock on this bike is that for this price it should come with disk brakes or at least disk ready hubs. Thanks to my LBS (Atlanta Cycling) for cutting me a deal on the bike and dialing it in for me. Their service and attitude made it all possible. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UT
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ogden East Bench | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Lifetime frame warranty, minimal pedal bob for full suspension, light-weight. Excellent cross-country performance. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Jones AC tires are not well suited for wet or loose conditions. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Stock components. Mixture of Bontrager, LX, XT, SRAM and Avid. All work well together. | | Bottom Line: | My wife and I both purchased Trek 90's last year. She liked the 2002 and I liked the 2003 model. The RockShox Duke XC was a good addition to the 2003 setup over the Manitou Black. Uphill the pedal bob is minimal with the fully independent cross-country suspension and Fox Float R rear air shock proving to be very efficient. Downhill this bike is excellent and worth the added weight over the hardtails. The Zr9000 frame is also lighter and stronger than the Alpha™ SLR Aluminum on the 2002. That works well for us since I'm much heavier than my wife at just over 6 feet and 190 lbs. We have not had any problems with either bike except occasional chain suck which has been more of a problem with the 2002 model. I ride on more difficult terrain and in loose and wet conditions and decided to change out the Bontrager Jones AC tires after a couple of months.
Other than that I love the Fuel 90's and still think they are a great value. Trek provides a lifetime warranty on their frames and the Bikes are made in the USA! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
H Verhagen
a Cross Country Rider
from Eindhoven
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Gulpen | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Strengths: | The frame, wheels, XT back, Fox Float, Duke | | Weaknesses: | Tires, crank, brakes | | Similar Products Used: | NRS | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Perfect bike for cross country. I rode 700 km with this bike and am very happy with the product. I do have problems with the rear brake. This one will be changed by maguras hydraulic rim brkaes. Also the tires are nothing special. But just ride the bike and feel happy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ewok
a Racer
from Bulington, Vermont, USA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything at Bromont in Quebec | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Earls Cyclery | | Strengths: | Everything!! this frame is super stiff, wicked efficient, and relatively light. | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Liquid 20, Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock w/ egg beaters and new SID shocks | | Bottom Line: | Absolutly amazing bike! i have heard some say that this thing can't take a beating, but in my experience it can! I didn't have my kona stinky for my first few weeks of school, so i had to ride the fuel off everything. It did fine off 3-5 foot drops, and managed on bigger (but i would not recommend it on anything bigger). it super stiff and super efficient, an a great ride!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marla Y
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Wayne
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Brent's House Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Koehlingers Cycling | | Strengths: | Suspension that doesn't waste energy, but allows a controlled comfotable ride.
Love LX/XT parts pick and suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager tires. | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drive 3.0, Giant XTC NRS | | Bike Setup: | Changes: Easton EC70 handlebar, EC50 stem, Eggbeater pedals, added Titec barends | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the weekend XC rider or a beginner to sport level racer. Clims and accelerates awesome. Much like my hardtail. But gives me enough suspension to smooth it out and not loose control.
If you're this type of rider, give it a try. Also, check with your local shop for a Trek demo day to try on the trail. Definetely worth it.
Don't buy if you're looking to jump off stunts and such. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John van der Heyden
a
from Asten
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Land van Nijmegen | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2350.00 | | Purchased At: | Wielehuis Liessel | | Strengths: | Comfortable and fast, expecially for the majority of the tracks we have around here. | | Weaknesses: | rebound on the rear shock, could use better handling on very short/narrow turns. | | Similar Products Used: | American Eagle Atlanta/Spokane | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager Saddle/Seatstay/crank/handlebar/hubs
LX/XT gears
Rolff wheels
replaced the front fork by a Magura/Rond O24U,
replaced tyres by Geax Hubi's
| | Bottom Line: | With the right fork and tyres, I still like it after 18 months/2800km of riding it through all the mud we get overhere.
I replaced the front fork by a Magura, the original Manitou was not handling very well, bit soft.
Reason I was looking for info, is that the frame broke (upper tube, just before the seatstay/tube).
My dealer said it's warranty, I have every faith in Trek handling this right.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Bullard
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryville, TN
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Haw Ridge & Concord Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Earth Traverse Outfitters | | Strengths: | RockShox Duke XC fork and the Fox Float with rebound adjustment. Rapid fire shifters and the Hayes disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | I'm still iffy on the Shimano M515 pedals - a little bit slow on the release. We'll see how well all the Bontrager parts hold up - I've got to look forward to upgrading something! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with the exception of the Hayes disc brake option, Richey Z-Max tires, Odi Rogue locking grips, and Cane Creek Ergo Control bars ends. | | Bottom Line: | Doing my research, I had concerns regarding reports of past models problems with chain suck. However, it's been resolved and is no longer an issue on the 2003 model, even with my first two months riding in very muddy conditions. I also had concerns going from a cro-moly hardtail that was bullet proof for 6 years, considering I'm a 210 pound rider who rides pretty hard and very often. What I wanted is a durable XC bike to last multiple years of hard use and to do an occasional race. I've logged over 350 miles so far without any problems. The geometry gives a very quick and responsive ride which is perfect for the many miles of technical (lots of roots and rock gardens) singletrack that can be found here in the mountains of East Tennessee. The Hayes disc brakes are fantastic and very easy to adjust and setup. Disc brakes are by far the most technical advantage/upgrade I’ve experienced since I traded in my spring handlebar stem for a suspension fork 8 years ago! I can ride faster, get into the corners deeper, and balance on a knives edge as I pick my way down an insanely steep slope that in the past sent me over the bars. No squeaks or loss of braking even in the mud. The rear suspension is another advantage/upgrade that I wonder how I could have ever lived without. 2.5 hours rides that used to break my back and tear up my arms, leave me wanting to ride on. The 2003 model with the Fox Float R adds a rebound adjustment that makes dialing in the bike for conditions a breeze. Keep in mind this is NOT a huck bike, it is a lightweight XC bike that you could easily race. If you want to do bomb drops higher than 3 feet, get another bike or go to a ski resort this summer and rent a downhill rig for the day. Use this little sweetheart to give your other XC riding buddies on the Fisher, Santa Cruz, and Kona second thoughts... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Dillsburg, PA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Holmes Cycling | | Strengths: | EVERYTHING!!! The ZR9000 frame is light and responsive. The suspension on this bike is AWESOME! Trek's Rocker Link design is super efficient! Trek Pro Race geometry is very nice. Also, this bike is spec'd very well! | | Weaknesses: | Weaknesses? What Weaknesses? | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first full-suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is a very efficient, super fast, full-suspension XC race bike that has very nice components at a great price! This year's model is MUCH better than the 2002 Fuel 90. My LBS had a 2002 Fuel 90 which I test rode. I was very disappointed. Why did Trek ever decide to put a Manitou Black fork on the '02 Fuel 90? The Black is definitely not a XC race fork! However, the Fuel is a XC race bike! This lousy combination makes for a very imbalanced ride. I'm glad Trek got it right this year! Don't let your LBS convince you to buy a 2002 Fuel 90, as the 2003 is MUCH better! This year's Fuel 90 is the best one yet! I can't imagine a better full-suspension XC race bike! This bike is SWEET! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester, CT USA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The uncrowded one..... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Manchester Cycle Shop | | Strengths: | Frame quality, componenet selection and price (at $1399, it is very reasonable) | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3+, Klein Palomino, Cannondale Jekyll , Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stricly stock at this point | | Bottom Line: | An excellent quality bike, which after just two rides seems to handle terrain more efficiently than my 12 year old Trek 8700 hardtail. There is some activity in the supension when standing while peadling, this should be expected, but less than the Jekyll (which is an excellent bike). Component selection is of excellent quality and is reflected in the price. The quality of the assembly and welds are first rate, much better than any of the Taiwanese bikes in the price range. I applaud Trek for not giving into the temptation of producing their higher end frames in Taiwan as so many of the major brands have! I highly recommend looking at this bicycle, and if you are in the Manchester CT area, visit Manchester Cycle and ask for Bob. Excellent customer service.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Clifton, VA
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Lane | | Strengths: | Brakes, Duke XC, crank and the incredible service from The Bike Lane | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Sugar, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Stock with a collie companion | | Bottom Line: | After more than 6 months. No problems. Follow up to previous review. Bike is incredible. For those who complain about the component selection. In my opinion Trek made the right choice for the price point on their. You aren't going to get XTR or even complete XT components at that price. The components are well thought out and reliable. There is no need for any immediate upgrades until things were out or the buyer has more time on the bike and can make an intelligient decision on upgrades based on their experience with the bike. This is not a freeride bike. And it doesn't compete with a Blur. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Twitch
a Cross Country Rider
from Here
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Dakota Outdoors | | Strengths: | Fast, light for it's price. Repsonsive, however not twitchy. Stiff in almost every aspect. Traction increase was wonderful. | | Weaknesses: | Tires sucked. Brakes weren't bad. But I hated the 7.0 cassete. It was worthless. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, 7000, VRX 200, 02 Fuel90, Sugar. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, except XT Cassette and a PC 99 chain (shimano's suck) | | Bottom Line: | Basically, if you are looking for a really efficient, fairly light, good handling, stiff, responsive bike, You are looking at the right bike. The XT drive train rarely skips a beat, and only when poorly adjusted. The brakes are a little soft, but I replaced those as well. The rims are practically bomb proof, and quite stiff. THe only problem I kinda have with it, is it does have brake jack. However, that I can get passed for a generally sweet bike at a good price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hill Scottsdale
a Cross Country Rider
from AZ
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Amoung the Cacti and Havalinas | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Bottom Line: | This is followup to my Fuel90 review below: Trek put me into the Liquid 30 All-Mountain for a minimal cost. Thank you to Trek and their representative Greg Decori. Trek backs up their life-time frame warranty and take care of their customers. Landis Cyclery is the best bike experience I've had and I strongly recommend them if you live in the Valley. Five habeneros to them both for delivering satisfaction.
WHATEVER BIKE SHOP YOU USE, MAKE SURE THEY EARN YOUR BUSINESS. And if they don't find one that will, they are out there looking for your business. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Hill
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Amoung the Cacti and Havalinas | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Ranch | | Strengths: | I agree with all the positive reviews when the ZR9000 frame is working. It is responsive, climbs extremely well, and is a great XC ride overall. But that is when it is not cracked or broken. | | Weaknesses: | This is a warning to any rider over 220lbs. The ZR9000 is likely to not be strong enough for you. I am a XC Claudesdale rider in the range of 6'5", 235 lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | M4 (good), Fuel98, Stumpjumper, Blur (Love it!), Heckler (Love it!), Id (Love it!) | | Bike Setup: | RaceFace Next LP, XT/XTR | | Bottom Line: | About Bike Shops:
Let me first disclose that I bought this at the Bicycle Ranch in Scottsdale, but I now use Landis Cyclery for all my Trek and riding needs. Support your local shop! They will make or break your riding experience.
About me and my riding:
I am XC and ride 50% uphill and 50% down rocky washes. I am not free style nor am I a downhiller. I have never taken a 5'+ drop in my life.
Now about the Fuels:
I've broken four (4) aluminum frames in 20 months and Trek keeps throwing them at me. ZR9000 rides great, but overall it doesn't hold my weight or style. My last frame setup was ZR9000 main frame and 2003 OCLV carbon rear triangle....but it doesn't matter...I broke it and spit it out. Trek is in process of offering me a new setup. They may give me the carbon or the Liquid. Regardless, I am ready for a complete bike upgrade.
Summary:
I give Trek (4) chilis for their customer support.
I give Bicycle Ranch (2) chilis for their services.
I give Landis Cyclery (5) chilis for their support.
I give ZR9000 Fuels with a rider 200lbs = (4) chilis.
I give ZR9000 Fuels with a rider 220lbs = (1) chilis.
I give ZR9000 Fuels with a rider 200-220lbs = on your own.
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug K
a
from Boise, ID, USA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | No good trails here, stay away | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Lifetime frame warranty, minimal pedal bob for full suspension, light-weight for a full suspension steed. Excellent cross-country performance. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes soft. | | Similar Products Used: | This is the first fs bike I've ridden since I sold my old Specialized Ground Control (it sucked, they shoulda called it the Specialized BOB). Been riding an Al hardtail since then, so I'm riding every fs I can before I buy. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2002, 2003 is a bit lighter with the ZR9000 aluminum but otherwise pretty similar. | | Bottom Line: | I had a great time on this bike. Uphill the pedal bob was minimal, I could feel it but it didn't seem to be robbing me of any power. I purposely tried to ride over every rock and rut up the trail and the only time I didn't clear them was when I lost momentum because of my fat butt. The bike just hooked up and kept rolling. The drivetrain worked well for me, I didn't see any problem with the Bontrager parts. I'd certainly replace them with higher end stuff as they wore out, but what is life without a few upgrades to work toward?
Downhill this bike was excellent. My hardtail bounces up from the rear while bombing down hills, this bike's rear end just soaked up the bumps and kept going in a straight line. It was much easier to control and was just a great time. My body felt a lot better after a 3 hour ride than it normally does, I definitely felt fresh. In fact I did another hour ride after my buddies had to leave.
My only problem (profanity filter took out my female dog reference) was with the brakes. They definitely need a brake booster, I had to seriously crank on them to slow me down. Granted I'm big at 6'2" and 215 lbs, so if I buy one of these I'll definitely get the disk option.
Bottom line: Downhill performance definitely worth the weight penalty over a hardtail. If you're a big guy like me get the disks, or at least add brake boosters. Quality product from a quality company. I give it a 5 for value; parts spec not great but it works and you get a great frame warranty. I'm giving it a 5 overall, it's a solid and well-designed bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | bobcat | | Strengths: | My bike climbs great and bombs down the local singletrack. Less expensive than many other dual suspensions. | | Weaknesses: | The brakes/levers feel squishy and are not very responsive when campared to my old XCRs. It's not the lightest bike out there, but light costs $$$. | | Similar Products Used: | First dual suspension. | | Bike Setup: | Fox front fork, XCR shifters and rear deralleur, shimano 959 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding this bike regularly for the last six months. It preforms as advertised. Other than the brakes, I have no problems with this bike. I've heard complaints about the crankset and front shifting, but I think Trek fixed these problems for 2003. I have the stock cranks and LX frons deralleur, and have not had any problems with them. The bontrager Jones AC tires hook up as good or better in the loose/sandy terrain as my Fire SC Pros did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robin
a Weekend Warrior
from The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Urban, Spaarnwoude, Schoorl | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | de Vos | | Strengths: | XT rear, wheels, Fox, duke | | Weaknesses: | Brakes or the lack of it, sram7.0 casette, frame discovered a small hairline cracks in the paint. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant 890, Trek7000 | | Bike Setup: | Still the same but the brakes and rear casette is planned to change | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is that it is a very good bike to start for the price but you have to change the brakes, tires and the cranks mayby. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie Edwards
a Weekend Warrior
from Montgomery, AL
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Swayback, Oak Mt, Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Homewood Cycle | | Strengths: | Duke front shock, Adjustable rear Fox shock, XT shifting, Quick-release seat height adjustment. Overall apearance. | | Weaknesses: | Tires don't seem to grab like they should. Still not used to clip in pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 850, Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | All stock with exception to Shimano M545 platform/spd pedals | | Bottom Line: | As of right now, I have not noticed any problems or top tube noises like was reported on some of the 2002 models. The bike pedals very easy and eats up small roots, rocks, etc. on downhills. The rear shock also seems to keep the back wheel from slipping loose on big uphills. I'm 6'2" weighing 215 lbs. and the XL frame fits me really well. This is a excellent all purpose bike and should be the last one I ever need to buy. I'll let you know how it holds up when I get back from Moab in the spring. I give mucho chilis! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Lufkin, TX - USA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tyler State park - C&D loops | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Simpson's Adventure Sports | | Strengths: | I rode a demo version of this bike ('02 model) at a product show one weekend out at Tyler State Park. First time on the bike and I decidecd to try out the most technical part of the trail, which starts off with a goat-trail climb straight up tree roots and rocks for about 30 yards. The bike felt surprisingly tight in ascents, and climbs almost as well as my Trek hardtail. I expected lots more energy bleedoff from pedal bobbing. | | Weaknesses: | The demo version had crappy toe clips & straps and I am used to my Time clipless - I came out of the pedals twice on climbs which was frustrating. But if you own this bike you can put a decent set of pedal on it to solve that problem. The demo I rode was set up for a much lighter rider, I believe. I am 5'-10", 180, pretty heavy for my height. The '02 model had a Manitou Black shock on the nose, and it felt very loose in white-knuckle downhills, and especially on switchbacks at high speeds. Also, the demo version had crappy (stock) linear pull brakes. If you get this bike, spend the money to get discs - Hayes hydraulics are my recommendation for performance riders, even though they're a bit heavier than the cables and require a bit more maintenance. Shifting was fairly smooth, but there was some chain suck when shifting on climbs due to component selection. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek hardtails, Trek Fuel 100, Giant NRS 2, Giant NRS Air. | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock, including sh*tty flat pedals with toe clips & straps. But it was a demo bike, what else are they gonna do? | | Bottom Line: | The '03 version of this bike is much better than the '02. The Rock Shock Duke is a sweet thud-buster and much better performer than last year's Manitou Black, which looks good but those cute little chrome-plastic letters start falling off after a few hard rides. I like the Trek bikes and they are pretty good value, but the folks at Trek always seem to undershoot on the components. I don't know why they don't produce this bike with a stock package of fully-integrated XT component package and discs. That's why I only gave it 3 chili's for value. (Even the Trek Fuel 100 isn't fully XTR, and it should be for a $3,000 bike!) Anyways, if the Fuel 90 had a full XT component package, I'd buy it cause I've ridden Trek's for years and I like them because of my history with their products. (That's why I gave it a better overall rating of 4 chili's - my long history with Trek products and confidence in their toughness.) Plus, ya can't beat the cool looking Trek paint jobs. But as it is, believe I'd pick the Giant NRS 2 in spite of the weird look of the rear dropout - the Giant is a better value and it feels much more stable in tight situations, with absolutely no energy bleed or pedal bob. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffrey
a Cross Country Rider
from Houten, The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Amerongen | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | ATR wielersport | | Strengths: | The weight is OK. Strong and light frame material. The fork. The rear shock. The value. Climbs good. Everything! | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic | | Bike Setup: | Stock, besides a Bontrager Race bar. | | Bottom Line: | Very good value for a bike like this. In Holland this bike is 1999 Euro (all bikes are more expensive here) but in this country it's a very good price for this kind of bike. It's a huge improvement in comparison to my old Trek 4900. The rear shock absorbs the big shocks very well and makes it a comfortable ride. On the climb's you don't even notice you have a rear shock, no bobbing at all. This bike is for the people like me, who like XC riding and like to do long distance races or 24 hours racing, this bike is made for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul
a
from mv california
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | everything | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | wheels are strong for xc, duke fork and fox shock are very smooth, ZR9000 alloy is super strong and rigid | | Weaknesses: | chainsuck and some creaking from the bontrager cranks, but not too bad...tires dont hook up very well in anything but hardpack, brake pads | | Similar Products Used: | giant xtc air, specialized enduro, trek 8000 HT, k | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | The Fuel 90 is a great bike for a hardtail rider looking to make the switch to dual-suspension. It could be ready to race with a few small changes, and could also be used for trailriding. If you are looking to go drop some cliffs and attempt 20 foot doubles, this is not your bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bird
a Cross Country Rider
from nc
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | pauls schwinn | | Strengths: | light,no rear bobbing,trek toughness. | | Weaknesses: | brake pads!tires | | Similar Products Used: | specialized rockhopper,rigid trek | | Bike Setup: | 03 fuel 90,stainless chain,koolstop pads,only upgrades so far,except tires,fire xc dry,hutch aligators wet | | Bottom Line: | great bike,well worth the money.suspension is very good.the duke is a huge improvement over a judy.fast and responsive.only question is why the hell did they use those sorry brake pads.they totally came apart when wet.the groves on my rims are toast,gone,after 1 month.they hold grit and grind it (along with pad material) into the rim .bonty jones blow also. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Flume Trail, Nevada | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction | | Strengths: | Great ride, up and down the hills. No bobbing. Components are all well matched, even if not top of the line. | | Weaknesses: | I changed the tires to Smoke and Darts - didn't even test the tires that came with the bike. Also changed seat to a Terry - but again, I didn't use the stock seat. Just a matter of preferences from past bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | Hard tail steel Treks. | | Bike Setup: | Stock components. Mixture of Bontrager, LX, XT, SRAM and Avid. All work well together. You can upgrade if you like to "bicycle noodle," but I don't think you will really achieve much but inner satisfaction. The crank is a Bontrager Race, which in the past has had negative comments. Apparently they changed the bottom bracket to be splined and I haven't had any problems. Weight is 27.5 lbs. Medium size frame fit me well and I'm 6' tall with a 32" inseam. The Large was just too tight. The LBS did change the stem though -- a little higher angle to have me sit up a bit better. Got the model with "V" brakes. In discussion with LBS I didn't really ride agressively enough to warrant the extra cost and maintenance of discs. The Avids are working out fine - no complaints. I also added some inexpensive, small and light weight Serfas bar ends - just to move my hands around on long uphills. | | Bottom Line: | I've been thinking about a "dually" for a while know - but each one always had some negative feature, or too high a price for a weekend warrior that kept me from buying it. After reading the MTBR reviews of the Fuel and seeing it at the LBS, I decided that the Fuel was the one for me. I was waiting for the 2003 model and when Trek upgraded the frame and shocks on the Fuel 90 - and priced it decently, I knew it was the one I wanted. You just can't go wrong with this bike. Riding up and down hills. It is spritely, lively and gives a great ride. Highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kelso, Milton, Ontario | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1422.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | 3" of travel great for rocky x-country. Can't feel rear suspension on climbs. Bike is light and responsive. Rear susp. a world of difference compared to a HT. Good components - hyd discs are amazing, and the shifting is precise. | | Weaknesses: | Hubs, headset and susp. link loosened first couple of rides. Hyd. Brake leaver reach changed b/c loose adj. screw. All can be fixed before you ride by asking your bike shop to lock-tite link bolts and lever bolt, and making sure hubs and headset are tight and adjusted properly. Seat post clamp slips if you don't really tighten it. Rear brake vibrates rear triangle, and "torque arm" made it worse. I'm waiting on Trek for Warrantee pads to fix problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Hayes discs exept for tires, pedals, seat, and rock ring. | | Bottom Line: | I feel bad for putting so much in the Weakness box b/c this is a good bike - it just hasn't settled in well for me. I would recommend this bike for someone coming from serious HT x-country, and would like more comfort and control w/o a huge weight penalty. Just make sure it's setup well before you ride. Cheers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anna
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, California
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Ski Shop | | Strengths: | This review is for the WSD or women's specific design. The way the bike handles on the trails and on the streets is very smooth, it feels very stable and easy to maneuver. The women's frame is extremely comfortable. No problems with chain suck or other mechanical difficulties as of yet. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet, but the supporting materials, the bike manual for example was very generic, and the shock pump instructions are extremely complicated and not very clear to me, and I am not completely inept mechanically. As a result, I will probably have to bring it in to a bike shop for initial adjustments. | | Similar Products Used: | Had test driven the Santa Cruz Juliana multiple times as well as the Cannondale Jekyll Feminine. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, worth the extra money I spent since I had planned on a hardtail. For me, a recreational biker, it is more than ample for my needs. Admittedly, I did get an excellent deal at 300 dollars less than usual retail. I thought the handling and feel of the bike was comparable to the Juliana and the Jekyll Feminine, and the colors are pretty! I have always owned mid to low-high range road bikes and this is my first mountain bike. It is incredibly fun to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan
a Cross Country Rider
from Oxford, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Huston Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Oxford Bike Center | | Strengths: | Fox Float R | | Weaknesses: | None besides tires and pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with xt crankset | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I got my crankset switched out at the begging to make sure that I did not have trouble with chainsuck even though Trek said they fixed the problem. Something else that I am going to replace is the pedals. I have big problums with clipping out in spd's so I am going to switch to Time's which I had on my hardtail and loved. The other thing is the tires. Sometimes I feel that they are just going to slip out from under me on the turns. This is a really good bike for the price. If you are a cross country rider looking at full suspension bikes this one is definatly worth checking out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Clifton, VA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fountainhead | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Lane | | Strengths: | Duke XC front shock, Bontrager Race crank, Fox R rear shock
and the great sales and support from the Bike Lane | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Cannondale, Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Many changes in 03 model to include Duke and FLoat R. No chain suck problems with Bontrager Race crankset. Zr90 frame is lighter and stiffer. Vast improvement over 02 model. Not for freeriding. If you want a freeride bike wait till Decemeber for the Liquid. Excellent customer service from the Bike Lane which is the best bike store in the Washington, DC area by far. Even beats long gone and lamented Metropolis Bikes. Bike is great for trials in NOVA. Components are excellent for the price. You aren't going to get XTR components in this price range. Avid brakes and levers are excellent. Great bike from a great shop. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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