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Submitted by
Joe Tolisano
a Weekend Warrior
from East Hartford, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$725.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Nice geometry, fairly light, smooth drivetrain. Feels very agile riding even technical trails and uphills. Pretty good descents if not too technical. But light weight does allow it to get knocked around a bit. Great bike if you're under 180 lbs. No problems with the frame creaking as others have mentioned. | | Weaknesses: | Aheadset completely and uterly blows. Didn't like seeing seal for bottom bearing split. What's keeping those bearing from falling out? Brakes squeal like mad when wet. Not too fond of the 2 tone paint job/silver rear triangle and loads of stickers. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized XC, Gary Fisher Cake, Gary Fisher Sugar, Cannondale Prophet, Giant Trance | | Bike Setup: | Deore rear, Alivio front, Bontrager Corvair rims, Bontrager, Bontrager...... | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike after test riding several bikes at several LBS. After testing several bikes I realized it's really the components that make the bike. As long as you have a quality frameset that has a geometry that feels right and a good suspension design. So before I even got the bike I'm ordering parts. Then I start riding some really nice trails and decide I want more than 3" of travel. So I find a real nice 2005 Trek Liquid 25 frame in VERY nice shape. Now I'm just taking off a few parts like the cranks, seat, seatpost, bars and stem since I blew my budget. I'm doing what I wanted in the first place: Bulding my own bike. So does this mean I don't like the Fuel SlR frameset and geometry? Absolutely NOT! If I could have a second bike I would spend the extra $500 and get the parts I need to build up my Lquid and have 2 bikes. I just can't do it right now. I just feel that for many people that are getting into mountain biking will need something with more travel as their skills and ambitions progress. If this bike is used for trail riding or racing it's great. When you want to get a bit more aggresive, well that when you need to upgrade. The right tool for the job. I outgrew the capabilities of this bike very quickly. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Quincy Shanks
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno Nevada United States
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | keystone trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | N/A | | Strengths: | Pretty sturdy. Ok on downhills. Ok for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Tires have no grip. Horrible handling. heavy. all cables are on top of the top tube and that gets really anoying. fork freezes up in just a bit of cold weather. Brake levers squeez horrible and are not smooth.Really bad climbing. slow. Derailers constantly need to be readjusted(i meen all the time). | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Nrs 2 (great highly recomended) | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | bad bike don't buy it. but of coarse if you dont believe me go waist your money and see for your self. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Kline
a Cross Country Rider
from Elmora, Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The Earth, and all on it. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | no help from me for them | | Strengths: | Frame is fairly light, but also rugged. Great climber, good decender, great on technical singletrack, harsh as hell through rock gardens and studder bumps. Great value. | | Weaknesses: | Bontranger! Bontranger! Bontranger! and Promax brakes that couldn't stop a 90lb rider. | | Similar Products Used: | just a few demo rides on various fully suspended modles. | | Bike Setup: | Mavic X-517's/Hutchinson Scorpions gold elite 2.0 converted with Stans no tubes system. Thompson elite seat post/ Selle ti gel saddle. Sram 5.0 11-32 cassette/Pc-58 chain. Shimano 515 clipin pedals. Stock "Boontanger" crank.(Did not wear out yet,damn!). Easton EA-50 Monkey Bar 2" rise. Sette Edge stem. And Avid speed dial 7.0 brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Great value. After about 1700 miles the componets I've replaced have stood the test of time much better than the stock stuff. My next upgrade will be the fork. This thing is awesome when its above 55 degrees. Unfortunatly for me western PA in only above that mark four months of the year. I converted the stock AC Jones tires to my snow tires. Thats all they were good for. The knobbie patteren holds sheet metal screws very well. The stem was junk, the bars were junk, the rims gouged out in about 250 miles, and the seat post was made of iron or lead. Those damn cranks must have come of an old soviet T-72 tank, because they wont bend or wear. The crank also weighs somewhere in the lead category of the periodic table. I paid 1000 bones for it. It lasted six months with the stock set-up, so thats a pretty good value. I ride hard, I dont baby my bikes, and I sure the hell don't let nature dictate to me when to ride. Solid frame, upgrade as you go. My first full suspension bike. If your agressive, plan to upgrade. Beats any hardtail out there. NOT FOR HUCKING, OR DOWNHILLING. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warren Cooksey
a Cross Country Rider
from North Lake Tahoe
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tahoe Rim Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend sold it to me. | | Strengths: | Nice frame design, can be modified to be good all around bike, light, can climb all day, handles great on technical single track. | | Weaknesses: | Most of the stock components suck and will NOT stand up to hard riding. If you plan on riding a lot you will probably end up saving money and getting something else with better components. You get what you pay for. | | Similar Products Used: | None, first full suspension XC. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi MXR 4" travel fork, Fox Float Race rear shock, Azonic Shorty Stem, XTR V-Brakes | | Bottom Line: | This is a great all around bike, I had mine for 2 years. I took mine out to Moab once and I was very glad to have that bike there for the XC riding, it works well on technical single track, you can bomb it on the downhills as long as you thread it through any larger objects, however, it is light and if you are going fast it will get knocked around a lot. I would recommend this bike to anyone who likes to climb and ride a little bit of everything. Just be aware that the components that come stock on the bike really aren't good at all and probably won't last more than a year of moderate riding. If I was considering buying a bike like this new I would probably do some research on similar bikes. I sold mine cuz I needed something with more suspension. If you like hauling ass downhill, I would look at something more of a "freeride" rather XC. Otherwise, I can't really complain. Rode 3-6 a week last summer and mine held up okay. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Gormly
a Downhiller
from Australia, Sydney
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lizard Rock | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Turrammurra shathole cycles | | Strengths: | Strenghths: you can sell it for as much as you bought it if your quick enough. | | Weaknesses: | The fact that you bought it is a personal weakness in you, but the bike is pissweak. Trek components are made by companies that went out of business coz they were crap, then trek bought them... ie Bontrager, Gary fischer etc | | Similar Products Used: | Panasonic oven, and macintosh computer | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager sucky licky components that smell | | Bottom Line: | This bike used to be in its penseive years, now its just
EX-pensive. dont buy it coz it is smelly and a big fat poo. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris "No way" Ray
a Downhiller
from Lake Forest, IL, US of A
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 30 foot cliff to the beach | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike shop from CO | | Strengths: | Back suspension works like a dream, frame is amazingly light;strong; and stiff, the overall product is great | | Weaknesses: | Front Manitou's suck my left and so does the front deraluier (?) cant spell. Replace them both | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 30 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Dirt Jumper III's, Fox rear, Hayes disc. MARZOCCHI'S ARE THE ONLY GOOD FORKS OUT THERE!:P | | Bottom Line: | Buy the bike ('02) 'cause you'll get it cheap since it's a year old, replace the front fork and front deraulier and you can do anything! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Moe
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | McKenzie River Trail, Oregon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Little old lady who thought she would like riding but didn't | | Strengths: | Great Frame, Bike climbs like a hardtail, and descends just as well as most of the $2000+ bikes out there. Looks good too! | | Weaknesses: | Components, throw away the derailleurs ASAP. Could not keep chain from slapping, and flinging right off the sprockets every time I hit a bump. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyl | | Bike Setup: | XTR, XT, FOX, RACE FACE, EASTON | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike after a little component swapping. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from saratoga, ca , u.s.a
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | $699 | | Strengths: | The frame is nice and light and the bike is fully expandable. It has a comfy saddle. | | Weaknesses: | The back shock blew out after 2 months of use. The shimano components are mediocure qulaity. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary fisher joshua, specialized uno | | Bike Setup: | Front fork: Rock shock judy c
Rear shock: cade creek 4.0
shimano: derailer | | Bottom Line: | sick bike for a nice price. Worth dishing out some hard earned dinero. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chas
a Cross Country Rider
from TN
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | Cumberland Transit in Nashville | | Strengths: | All | | Weaknesses: | None considering the price.Just basic mid grade working parts. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode many bikes at every shop around Nashville. | | Bike Setup: | Fuel 80 mostly stock.Wellgo BMX type pedals,Oury grips,Kool Stop Dual coumpound break pad set(great pads),GT bar ends(indestructable)Azonic love seat(love it) | | Bottom Line: | Needed a strong bike to rehab a bum knee and have some fun.After reading most everything printed on these things it looked like a mountain bike would do the trick.This fuel had the best proven rep for crosscountry type rideing.Only guys complaining seemed to be bashing their bikes.This Fuel 80 has given me no trouble in 120 miles.Great Frame with a low center of gravity.Worth upgradeing parts to XT or XTR as the stock stuff wears out.5 Richard Pryers running down the street for this one... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Heath Day
a Weekend Warrior
from Kodiak,AK
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$960.00 | | Purchased At: | 58 Degrees North | | Strengths: | Gtreat frame and suspension set-up for the price! or too little. Rear suspension is just right, not too much not too little. | | Weaknesses: | The components are of course not top quality, but the price is the reason. | | Bike Setup: | Cane Creek Crono wheelset, XTR brakes, Avid levers, Kore stem and skewers, SPD's, | | Bottom Line: | I did not plan to buy this bike, I was going to upgrade my faithful hardtail with a new front fork and drivetrain, but for the same price I was able to do a comlpetely new bike upgrade. Great riding bike, with a great suspension front and rear,(springs up front were too soft, but that can be fixed). This bike rides hills like a hardtail, no bob, and doesn't feel like a couch on the rough downhills, but smooths things out while allowing you to enjoy your ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Singer
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA USA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anadale | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Peddler - Santa Rosa | | Strengths: | Upgraded components for 2003 model. Air shocks keeps the weight down. Rear shock is smooth with hardly any bob. | | Weaknesses: | Front shock had a leaky valve, causing air to escape. Bike shop fixed it for free. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike. I wanted a bike that wouldn't cost too much, but one that I would be happy with for a few years. I did a ton of research on this and similar bikes, and I'm very happy with this purchase. You definitely get better quality than similarly priced bikes from other manufacturers. I love my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Moss Bluff, LA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Long Leaf Pine Trail - Sam Houston State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$995.00 | | Purchased At: | Capitol Schwinn | | Strengths: | Manitou Black Fork. | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat very painful. Some ghost shifts. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except I replaced the seat with whatever came on a Giant Warp DS3 | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike! I have just gotten into trail riding, and can't imagine a better ride. The bike is much better than I am as a rider right now, but it positively inspires me. This thing climbs like a billy goat while carrying a rider built like a bear. Highly recommend to beginning / intermediate riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skip
a Cross Country Rider
from Acworth, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything fast with jumps! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Frame is AWESOME, switched out almost everything else. | | Weaknesses: | Fork(Judy) could be better | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd several other bikes | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Fuel 80 Frame, Manitou Mars Fork, LX Splined Cranks, XT Shifters/Levers/Deraillers/Cassette, SRAM chain/Brakes, IRC Mythos Tires, Powertools 45mm stem, Time clipless, OEM - wheels/seatpost/saddle/bars | | Bottom Line: | This is an absolutely incredible bike! It climbs wonderfully (not sure what people are talking about when they say the front end pops up on them, My fork is 1.5 lbs less than oem and I have a 45mm stem). Descents are the best! Never gets too squirrelly, very controllable. This was my first Full Suspension bike. It made the change very comfortable. Now that I'm used to it, the upgraded parts make it that much better! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott bilhorn
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Grotpeter, Chubb | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$865.00 | | Purchased At: | sunset cyclery | | Strengths: | Great frame, rides like butter. Very responsive. Fox float rear shock is great. No bob! | | Weaknesses: | Good geometry but feel a little scrunched up on up hills. Center of gravity way off. Climbs well but have hard time keeping front down. Judy sc air sucks getting fixed right now after one week! Also warped middle chain ring due to tork! What the hell is that all about? I only weight 175 | | Similar Products Used: | Specealized stump jumper comp (Rigid) | | Bike Setup: | Factory excepy for 135mm 0 degree Kore stem, Titec flat bar, and bar ends to keep my weight forward on uphills. Clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, Great frame Trek tried to slide one over by using sub par accessories. I know this isn't the Fuel 100 and all but come on. Good bike For people who don't want to drop more than a grand right away and easily upgraded. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew F
a Weekend Warrior
from Mississauga,ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kelso | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclepath oakville | | Strengths: | This is a great bike for the money. It is my first real mountain bike and I think that handels very well. I have jumped off many stupid things on this and it has not failed me yet. | | Weaknesses: | The components are worth upgrading and it ghost shifts a lot. I did a fairly rocky trail one time and it was almost impossible to ride. With a better drive train this might be fixed. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant atx rocky carve and fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the money. I find that this is a very easy bike ride on a low budget. With some basic upgrade it could be as good as the fuel 90 for far less of a strain on your wallet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Morgantown, WV
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Wamsley Cycles | | Strengths: | Nice overall. Great frame, decent suspension. For the price, good overall components. | | Weaknesses: | Seat-> you might as well sit directly on the seat post | | Similar Products Used: | various Specialized and Giant bikes | | Bike Setup: | Stock with new seat | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. As everyone else has said, I will upgrade as things break. The frame on mine has been great, no squeaks at all. The decals are coming off the front fork, they have been from day 1. My local mechanic said Manitou thought the decals looked cool with the bubble effect(which they do), but that they don't stick well at all. Once they do peal off significantly, the shop has offered to put regular decals on it.
The seat is terrible, after a couple miles you can't sit down anymore. Definetly upgrade that. Other than that I've had no problems with any other components. The frame is awesome, and components break, so buy it for the frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robbie Rauch
a Weekend Warrior
from Moore, OK
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Hefner | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's Bicycle | | Strengths: | Great entry full susp. Trek name. | | Weaknesses: | Seat broke on second ride. Decals on Fork came off. Get Clipless pedals. Seat post collar slips. Lots of chain slap. Brakes wore out fast. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to wellgo ($30) clipless pedals. will upgrade as stuff breaks or gets old. | | Bottom Line: | Good overall bike. Could use some upgrades. Seat, pedals, brakes. No prob with components yet. Will upgrade to xtr once the stock kicks it. Raced in an Adventure race with it and it did well. A great bike for the budget. Buy if you want a full suspen. but cant afford 3k for the real deal ones. Upgrade as you go and soon you will have a bike that feels/performs like a 3k bike. "the working mans bike." | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Harris
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | The Elon Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Looks great, good price but you will need to upgrade, climbs good (no bobbing), good handling, very strong frame, and the last but no the least it is a TREK!! | | Weaknesses: | Drivetrain needs to be upgraded, but that is what you get for the money. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | Easton MonkeyLite XC riser bar, Easton EA70 stem, Thompson Elite seatpost, Sella Italia Prolink seat, Race Face good n' evil grips, Shimano SPD-M515 pedals. That is all I have had a chance to upgrade now. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the beginner or intermidate rider. This bike needs to be upgraded, which you can do as you progress as a rider and you get more money in the wallet. The frame is light and strong and is a good foundation for building an awesome bike in the future. Let's get real. Everybody loves to upgrade their bike to the way they want it. That's what this bike is for. Don't get me wrong if you don't want to upgrade in the future, this is still the bike for you as long as you don't plan on doing any serious racing or hard core riding. I haven't had any of the problems that some of the reviews below have mentioned. This bike looks as cool as they come. It climbs hills wonderfully with no pedal bob. The Black shock on the front is a great shock, but if you weight over 170 you will need to replace the spring with the firm riding kit. Which that is not that expensive. The Fox Float is a good rear shock but does need rebound control. That's why I'm getting a Float R to replace mine. The stock drivetrain is good for your normal everyday XC rider, so don't go thinking everything on this bike is junk. It's just that this bike has alot of room for growth with the components. Which you can do as the money permits. If everybody was rich then everybody would go out and buy a $3000 or more top of the line race ready bike. Don't we all wish!! Personnal I think this is a great bike for the money, and the best part is that if you do upgrade like me then no one will have a Fuel 80 like anybody else. Just go and at least test ride one before you buy any other bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | still looking | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Reeds Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Sturdy light frame, quick and agile on both dirt and paved surfaces. | | Weaknesses: | many components (ie.)drive train, pedals, cassette, etc will need to be upgraded | | Similar Products Used: | na | | Bike Setup: | upgrade front shock to Duke SL 100, Bontrager clipless pedals, and seat post quick release. | | Bottom Line: | I have just started riding bike again and wanted to try my hand at off road riding. I am 165 lbs at 5'10". Before buying this bike I realized that the componets would need to be replaced, but I figured that as my skills increased I would be able to change what I needed. Overall the bike has been great. The frame has been stiff in switch backs and good on climbing. Since I changed out the front shock (Judy C) I have noticed a smoother ride. I would recommend this bike to many beginners as it allows for growing room. The bike shop has also been really great. I am fortunate to live in California where I have a wide array of terrian to ride in. This weekend I will hit some trials in Death Valley and next weekend I will be up in Tahoe. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Water (Millcreek) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Guthries (700 E. 2100 S.) | | Strengths: | Light frame, sturdy construction, nice suspension set up, reasonable price (more on this later). | | Weaknesses: | CRAPPY COMPONENTS (only purchase if you intend to upgrade anyway and can afford the upgrades). NOTICE - YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Alta (hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | Stock (but in the process of upgrading entire drivetrain, brakes, pedals, seat, etc.) | | Bottom Line: | When purchasing this bike, you are getting a nice frame and suspension setup. However, the stock components are crap. Consider them a such, ride them 'til they fail and replace. I have had the bike for 3 months now. During the spring, I spent the majority of my time riding it on a local trail that is fairly level and paved (Jordan River Walkway). The bike actually performed quite well at this time (with the exception of the front deraileur which I replaced early on with a Shimano XT). On July 1, my favorite local trail opened up and I decided to give this bike a real test. The results were not pretty. 'Til now, the bike showed no signs of wear, but after this ride it certainly did. The brakes sucked (replacing). I totally shredded the front drivetrain (bottom bracket, crankset (outer and middle rings were entirely bent). I was not happy and my local bike shop did not prove too helpful. Worse thing is that I am not even a very aggressive rider. I would hate to see what someone who was would do to this thing. Anyway, like I said, you get a great frame and decent suspension when you purchase this bike. But don't be fooled. The $1000+ bike will soon end up costing you another $500 to $1000 in upgrades (which may still be a bargain compared to other bikes). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ty
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympia cycle & Ski | | Strengths: | Good value, great rear shock. tough frame | | Weaknesses: | stock saddle is uncomfortable decals on front shock come off | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock, with time atac pedals, and selle italia seat | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike! paid $1650 cdn. You get a lot of bike for the dough! My last bike was a GF Tassajara (hardtail). I would never go back! This bike is comfortable for both city riding and smokin' down the trails. The rear shock remains stiff when riding on smooth surfaces, and soaks up the bumps when it's needed. As soon as i got the bike i put a set of time atac pedals on it. With a bike of this caliber, clipless is almost a must. Just replaced the seat with a selle italia, the new one is much better! Only problems, seat, and the decals on the black up front come off to easily | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Pfeiffer
a Weekend Warrior
from Auburn Hills, MI
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Independence Oaks | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Scarletts Bike and Fitness | | Strengths: | Fairly light weight, Nearly decent brakes, Maybe a good value if Trek could fix all the major problems (which they've had for HOW LONG?). | | Weaknesses: | Fork sucks - right side seal blew out after 5 miles on PAVEMENT. Rear shock is garbage - bouncy. Frame creaks like it's going to break any minute.
| | Similar Products Used: | Various no name cheapo MTB bikes that laster longer. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Serfas saddle, Weyless Mag pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Swapped the stock seat after I sat on it in the store. wasn't real bad, but not exactly comfy. The Chain popped off and chewed the frame as soon as I got it home and rode it around the yard in first. Great dealer set-up or what? Maybe it's just another sign of Trek quality. Is it normal for a Answer fork to blow a seal after 5 miles of mild asphalt riding? I guess it is considering the quality of the rear FOX shock and the wonderful frame (which started creaking about 1 mile before the fork blew. Nice job Trek. If I can get rid of this hunk of junk for half of what I paid, I'll be ecstatic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Aluishish
a Downhiller
from Smallton, Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bradley Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Smallton Sports Center | | Strengths: | Awesome shocks and performance. Outstanding overall bike! | | Weaknesses: | none! | | Similar Products Used: | Xtc NRS 3 | | Bottom Line: | I truely recommend this bike over most other bikes, and it has great value! If you love biking, this is the bike for you. It is light-weight and lasts long. People spend too much money on other "fancy" bikes, yet this bike could rank above them. It is so great and I have a blast riding it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rene Debets
a Weekend Warrior
from Hoensbroek, Netherlands
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Dealer | | Strengths: | Very fast and good handling. On the road it is almost as fast as my Trek 7500FX road bike and certainly more pleasant to ride. | | Weaknesses: | The drive train isn't as bad as some reviews suggest but I'm going to upgrade to XT anyway. The Fuel also started to creak but thanks to another reviewer this was easily fixed (see below). | | Bike Setup: | Stock except XT drive train and brakes. | | Bottom Line: | The review that was warning about the creaking sound in the frame is a bit off in the way to fix it. The dreacking comes from the two tubes in the seattube, but you cannot fix it from the bottom bracket. Instead just take out the seat post and you'll see the tube inside the seattube. Take some motor oil and slowly let some oil run down the seat tube inner wall. It will automatically go between the outer seat tube and the inner tube. Then flip the bike around a couple of times to make sure that the oil reaches all surfaces where the two tubes can make contact. Then put the bike upside down and let the oil drip out of the seat tube. This fixed the problem and I haven't heard a creaking noise since. Now that you know how to fix this, go and buy the bike and don't worry about this 'problem'. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJ
a Cross Country Rider
from San Lorenzo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | lakeside, backcountry | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | won't recommend them | | Strengths: | Frame, full suspension, shock, struts, good name and good looks for less than a grand. Conventional frame design doesn't take a leap of faith to believe in it. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, Brakes, Front derailer, seat, tire tread pattern. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Giant. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for gel seat and shimano clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I ride 5 to 15 miles almost every day. For me, the biggest treat is the Black struts; they completely eliminate little 1-2 inch steps like when going from dirt to a bridge or pavement. Struts have adjustable preload, damping, and stroke. Rear shock works great but with no damping, it bobs like a stairmaster if you're out of the saddle. Despite the front derailer being cheap, I found that with adjustment all gears shift immediately and quietly. Brakes are true toy store bike junk, but work fine. I mean, discs are so smooth and quiet but the simple fact is old fashioned junk brakes do the job. I'm not on the brakes hardly at all anyway. Attach points for discs are there anyway; you can always add them later. Couldn't justify the fuel 90 for the money, and the 100 seems just for those wanting to spend more. Handlebar head stem seems too long. The tires have conventional knobbies that are spaced just so that they constantly pick up and throw more pebbles than any tire I've ever seen. I like tread with more of an asymetrical chevron pattern. Overall, great bike with a great ride at a great price point. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a Cross Country Rider
from West Palm Beach
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$849.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Great frame, nice front fork, CHEAP for a full susp ride | | Weaknesses: | You get what you pay for -- this bike is spec'd with pretty crappy components for a $1000.00 bike. The Bontrager stuff is complete sh*t. Rebound damping for the rear shock would be nice. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ARS-2 | | Bike Setup: | XTR rear der., XT 9spd chain and cassette, SRAM rocket, RF Prodigy crank & BB. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike over the Giant b/c it was so cheap, knowing full well from the reviews here that I would have to upgrade a lot of the components. Took it to N. Carolina for two weeks of riding, and thrashed the crank & rings in 3 days -- replaced with the RF, no probs since. Also killed the Deore rear d. fairly quickly, which was no loss, since it is so heavy it might be made out of lead. XTR is much better (obviously). The SRAM Rockets were my choice, but I really had no prob. with the Acera shifters. The frame is solid -- climbs great, soaks up the nasty stuff on the way down. Also, I am very happy with the Black Comp fork -- it really works great considering it is at the bottom of the Black line.
It has no-name brakes and hubs, which piss me off in a bike of this caliber. How much could it have cost to throw LX or Avid brakes on this thing, about $5.00 per bike? In all the Fuel 80, spec'd as it is now, costs about the same as the Giant, but I like the ride better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent Rago
a Weekend Warrior
from Sonoma, CA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Seven Springs Ski Resort | | Strengths: | Full Suspension with Black and Float
Climbed nicely for a linkage bike, not alot of bob
Responsive front geometry | | Weaknesses: | Low to mid end component group - See below
Wide bars
crap pedals (but it was a rental/demo) | | Similar Products Used: | Marin FSR, | | Bike Setup: | Stock, I think, it was a demo | | Bottom Line: | The bike as a whoile is better than some of its components. Pedals were garbage, trashed the rings in 12 miles of rough riding.
I demo'ed a brand spanking new fuel while visiting familiy in Western PA. Great trails at Seven Springs Ski Resort, a must ride for the faithful. Lots of hardscrabble and technical climbs over very rocky single tracks with numerous log crossings, There was a Visa 24 Enduro race there last week. Hold on, the terrain is pertinent here. After a single 12 mile ride, with about 7 or 8 pedal steps, no less than 6 Saw tooth log crossings, and one high center coming out of a mud hole, I totally trashed the front drive train. The Alvio rings looked like they had been run over by a truck, not just the big ring, but the middle as well. I admit that I rode the bike hard, but did not purposely abuse the front rings.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch Blyumin
a Cross Country Rider
from Buffalo Grove
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Cycle sport | | Strengths: | Fork, rear shock, frame, smooth ride, lots of travel | | Weaknesses: | Only 24 speeds? Bontrager everything? Even the tires are Bontrager. This bike is in for a lot of upgrading. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 GF Big sur | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a nice bike for those with tight budgets like myself. But with some XTR stuff and other nice parts, it'll be sweet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale Ksionzyk
a Cross Country Rider
from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chuck 'n' Knuckles | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | A&L Cycles | | Strengths: | Manitou Black fork is incredible. I love the Manitou feel and this fork sucks it up big. Lots of cushion but stiffens up beautifully. | | Weaknesses: | The Fox rear seals have already been recalled because of pressure loss. Easy fix courtesy of my local bike shop. Pedals are very poor quality, step up to clipless as soon as your used to the bike. Handlebars are way too wide (25") chop them if your doing any trails with bar shavers, it will increase the stability of the bike too. Seat is HARD, definate upgrade coming there. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Kona Stuff, Giant Ranier, Rocky Mountain Fanatik, Rocky Mountain Element | | Bike Setup: | Mostly standard, clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | Biggest bang for the buck, I tried almost every bike out there and the minute I rode this one I knew it was 'the one'. Climbs like a scared cat, as long as your in the saddle, as soon as your out get ready to spin. Since replacing the rear seals the Fox shock has been flawless. I ride a lot of cross country on technical trails, climbs and descents with tight turns and steep sections. This bike handles it all like a champ. Obviously lower from the 98 and 100 but for a bike to grow as a rider with, and worth adding components in years to come you cannot beat this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Chula Vista,CA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chute | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mission Cycles | | Strengths: | Black fork, Fox shock, efficient pedaler, good climber, suspension works very well..... | | Weaknesses: | Brakes, shifter group, seat.... | | Similar Products Used: | GF Sugar 4+ | | Bike Setup: | Changed bars, avid single digit 7's , XT 8 speed shifters, upgraded Trek seat | | Bottom Line: | I can't comment on durability, but it does everthing that I hoped it would when I bought it.....Really smooths out the rough downhills and lets me easily and confidently choose my own lines....I don't feel like I'm losing energy when pedaling hard because of the suspension. It climbs great as long as you stay in the saddle, otherwise you really have to pay attention to your positioning....
For me, being a casual rider, full suspension is definatley better than a hardtail....Makes those long rides much more enjoyable...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cel
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Walnut Creek (Austin, TX) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Awesome adjustable Manitou suspension by Answer (BLACK 80/100). Adjustable FOX rear suspension. Great paint job (Black/red/white). | | Weaknesses: | Terrible low-end brakes and levers. The Trek site actually lists them as "Alloy" hinting that they probably build the 80 with whatever they have on hand.
Hard seat. Very uncomfortable.
Clip Pedals?!?!?!!?! Terrible stock pedals. I immediately upgraded to SPD's.
**** MOST TERRIBLE POINT *****
The bottom of the frame SEAT POST nearest the bottom bracket is butted via internal tubes inserted into one another. After only 2 months of riding I noticed a SEVERE CREAKING coming from that region. At first I thought it was the crank & axle or possibly even the bottom bracket but was told by the shop mechanic it was actually the frame design on the FUEL bikes. The butting process on Trek's Fuel bikes uses this "step-down" process to create a virtual butted tube. This means there is tubing (non-welded) inside the lower seat tube that can rub against itself. This internal (unseen) movement causes the most obnoxious CREAKING you've ever heard on a bike. The mechanic verfied this is a problem with ALL FUEL BIKES and some squeaking will be heard on the majority of these bikes. The solution (from Trek, no doubt) is to turn the bike upside down, remove the bottom bracket and pour a particular sealant (or epoxy) of which I can't remember the name into the open end of the seat tube from within the bottom bracket shell (the open hole can be seen once the bottom bracket is removed). You then have to let the bike sit overnight for the process to finish. Well... just so everyone is aware, that process DOESN'T WORK FOR SQUAT!!! If Trek (and your dealer) are aware of this faulty design in the Fuel's frame, then why not either correct it or inform the customer of this issue? Personally, I would not have bought this bike if I had known there was a creaking issue with the frame itself. A KNOWN ISSUE. I'm actually taking my bike back this weekend for an exchange for either a GF Sugar or a Specialized equivalent. A $1000 bike shouldn't creak. It's not like I bought a stinkin' Wal-Mart bike.
Prospective FUEL purchasers beware.... and if you already own a FUEL, the creaking IS NOT NORMAL!!!!! Demand they replace your frame or get an entirely different bike. Good luck! | | Bike Setup: | Replaced Seat with a comfortable GEL seat. Also replaced the cheesy clip pedals with clipless SPD's. MUCH BETTER NOW! | | Bottom Line: | Prospective FUEL purchasers beware.... and if you already own a FUEL, the creaking IS NOT NORMAL!!!!! Your shop may tell you the creaking is not detrimental, which may be true, but you just bought a new bike. If this was a car would you accept a new vehicle that had a ping or rattle in the engine? Absolutely NOT! Demand they replace your frame or get an entirely different bike. Good luck! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vaughn
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynchburg,Va,USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | PeaksView Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Unlimited | | Strengths: | Great Frame & Fork. A lot of bike for the money. | | Weaknesses: | 8 Speeds, Why not make it 9 for 50.00 more? | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Fisher Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Stock except upgraded to 9 Spd with XT Rear Der, Deore Shifters, Lx Cassette PC-59 Chain. | | Bottom Line: | Its not a big drop bike but for the normal XC rider it is a great bike. Nice suspension, Great fork (Compared to my old Judy). I put my 9 speed stuff from my hardtail on it and it has been great. I haven't had any problems with the dreaded chainsuck or Bonty crank. I adjusted the front der and it shifts fine. But I have never had any chainsuck on any of my bikes.
It is quicker handling than the giant that I tried and the suspension seems a little more cushy. But the main reason I bought it was that it fit me perfectly. That is VERY important to me. It just felt right. The dealer was also a consideration.
I think that believe it or not the 80 is a better value than the 90. The 90 without disks is 1400, with disks 1800 around here. Buy the 80, upgrade to 9 speeds for less than 100 bucks for shifters,chain and cassette using the deore derailleur. That is 300 less for a bike close to the 90. You want to go with disks? A decent wheelset, and a pair of avid mechanicals will put you back around 400.00. So for 1500 you can have a decent 9 speed disk brake fuel. That is 300.00 less than the 90 disk. Yes, it doesn't have all the 90 bells and whistles but It does the job for less. You could probably make it as good and still be below the 90 disk price if you wanted to upgrade a few other items.
If you add up just the fork at 350.00 and shock at 200.00 to the frame you can see it's a pretty good value. If you want to jump the canyon get a freeride, if you want to ride XC I think the fuel is a great bike for the money..
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kazman
a Cross Country Rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Fork-Manitou Black...What else can I say?
Rear shock-Fox Float...Nice feel, good absorbance.
Seat post, seat, handlebar-Bontrager...the only way to go. | | Weaknesses: | None found yet, and don't expect to. | | Similar Products Used: | One of a kind.....in some ways. | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock. Add-ons will come later on when I get more of a feel for the bike. | | Bottom Line: | It really is worth every penny. Don't, I repeat don't, be hesitant about the Shimano Avio, or any of those parts. They work great! I've had some pretty rough terrain rides and I haven't had a problem yet. Ya..occasionally it skips, but thats about once overy 3rd ride, and anyways it's not that big of a deal because you dont even notice it!And it happens no matter what you got.....and yes.....even with XTR. Its impossible to avoid it. Bontrager still stand strong in my eyes, and it is a really well-rounded, strong bike.
And if you are hesitant about a full suspension, open your eyes! The ride is so great a lot, lot beter than hardtail. If your looking for a novice/expert bike...this is for you. And even if you are a beginner with some cash to spend...buy it! I highly recommend it!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Naelon
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Poplar Tent / Beech Springs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line of Charlotte (GREAT GUYS!!!) | | Strengths: | Ride quality, value, saddle, Front Shock Rocks! Great body position on the bike (I'm 5'10") | | Weaknesses: | Handle bars are too wide, quick release seat clamp stinks | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90, Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ and 4+, Specialized Stumpjumper, Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | 100% Completely Stock | | Bottom Line: | WOW!!! What a great ride! While the component group will probably not hold up over the long haul, for the money it works and sets up great. If you are into hard core racing, I wouldn't reccomend this, but, if you are just a fairly agressive rider, BUY ONE!! I pushed it pretty hard without any problems. I had some minor chain skipping, but only when changing gears at the same time I was putting HEAVY pressure on the pedals. Front shock kicks major tail and really helps on some of the bumpier sections. I rode it in 100MM and had a blast. I did not detect ANY pedal bob while climbing in or out of the saddle. I actually rode faster and more agressive with less effort than my old dual suspension. In my mind, the Fuel 90 component group, while an upgrade, is not worth the extra $400+: especially since most of what I would upgrade on the 80 I would still want to upgrade on the Fuel 90 (i.e. crankset, front derailleur). So why not save the $400 and get the upgrades you want rather than spend the extra money for stuff you are going to replace anyway?? Trek hit a REAL winner on this one!! SADDLE UP AND RIDE!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel B
a Weekend Warrior
from Howell
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | mercer, allaire | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line, Medford NJ | | Strengths: | Great suspension - front fork kicks butt, and the fox float rear does not bob when climbing. | | Weaknesses: | Drive train is low end components, but to be expected for the bargain price. Front derailler sucks ass and will be replaced soon. | | Similar Products Used: | tested many other FS bikes incl. GT I-drive, Gary fisher, etc... | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Awesome ride at an awesome price. Shop around b/c prices ranged from $1100+ to $899. This bike has the same frame as Trek's $2000 (and up) bikes, and is upgradeable. Bar none, the best full-suspension bike at this price out there.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve v
a Cross Country Rider
from norwalk
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | sheep hills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$940.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Country | | Strengths: | this bike is sweet. the forks kick ass and they are easy to change from 80mm- 100mm, the bike is very light and fast too. | | Weaknesses: | the pedals suck | | Bike Setup: | everything is stock except for the pedals | | Bottom Line: | this bike is perfect for anyone who rides. its fast, light and the price was great. anyone who pays what the bike shop suggests is a dummy. i paid 940 with no tax and i probably could have gotten it for less. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Tipton
a Cross Country Rider
from Willard
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pin Oak Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Excel Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Bike is great all around. I espically like the Manitou front fork & how smooth it handles the rough.Frame and suspension setup deliver an incredible ride. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing, the best product for the money out there, bar none! | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse G-Out | | Bike Setup: | Stock & ready to ROCK | | Bottom Line: | This is the best all around bike, bar none. This bike absolutely rocks its the best bike I’ve ever ridden ever.... This bike kicks ass, if you haven’t tried one yet, DO SO. just try it and then tell me you don't like it. This is honestly the best bike i have ever had, and believe me I have had a few. I have never ridden a more confidence-inspiring bike in my life! Its a fun, quick-handling bike that is easier to pedal than most bikes I've ridden. Buy it if you're looking for a good do-it-all kind of bike. I'D BEEN WAITING ANXIOUSLY FOR THIS BIKE TO COME TO MARKET AND I MUST SAY I THOUGHT ABOUT PURCHASING ANOTHER BIKE BUT I'M GLAD I HAVE SOME PATIENCE. THIS BIKE IS A DREAM COME TRUE!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam L
a Weekend Warrior
from Brandon,FL
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hardrock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Works (Great Shop) | | Strengths: | Great front fork and no sagg in the rear suspension | | Weaknesses: | All the cheap components | | Similar Products Used: | Garry Fisher Aquil my second mnt bike | | Bike Setup: | Alivio breaks and shifters Deore rear deraileur and XT front derailleur (added after purchased) Bontrager sport crank | | Bottom Line: | Great bike at this price but YOU WILL NEED TO UPGRADE.
If you have a little extra money buy the fuel 90. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Ridgefield, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilton Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | BETHEL CYCLE SHOP | | Strengths: | Bike is great all around. I espically like the Manitou front fork. It also is light wieght considering it is a full suspension (29.5 lbs). | | Weaknesses: | I would have prefered for it to come with Step In Pedals Standard. | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike I really love it, I would definatly test ride one if you are in the market for buying a new bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Emela
a Weekend Warrior
from eureka ca
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | several local | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Henderson center bicycles | | Strengths: | After several weeks of research, this bike is the best bang for the buck. Bike is real smooth and suspension absorbs bumps well. 02 model is a better bike than the 01 model from the ground up. | | Weaknesses: | components could have been better, but then the price of the bike would have been higher. components work well even though the components arent top of the line. | | Bike Setup: | bike is stock with the exception of the pedals (Shimano 545) | | Bottom Line: | I wouldnt have bought another bike. Fuel 80 looks and works great for what I need. For a beginner, I would highly recommend this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoffrey Ebling
a Weekend Warrior
from East Aurora NY USA
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mirkwood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1090.00 | | Purchased At: | Bert's Bike and Sports | | Strengths: | The Fuel is a great basic cross-country FS bike. Black fork does not flex and the travel/rebound adjusters are durable and easy to use. Strong and lightweight frame for a low-line FS bike. Solid pivots and no flex from rear triange. | | Weaknesses: | Not a lot of rear wheel travel, not a "drop zone" bike if that is what you want, look elsewhere. With the fork in the 100mm mode, the standover height is reduced substantially, the front end & bars are very high in this position. I have already replaced the stem, seatpost, handlebars, pedals and brake levers, I didn't like them. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS, GT I-Drive, Cannondale Super-V | | Bike Setup: | Titec seatpost, Easton flat handlebar,Performance pedals and Shimano levers. | | Bottom Line: | After getting the "fit" right with a longer stem and flat bars, this bike is a smooth operator. Very comfortable so I am riding harder and faster. Black fork is better that all other RS forks I have ridden. Durable paint. Some wimpy components, like the crank will have to be replaced with Shimano at the end of the first year. Trek should have spec'd disc hubs to make the upgrade easier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim gillard
a
from Poulsbo, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles West (Tukwila) | | Strengths: | Frame and suspension setup deliver an incredible ride. I still can't get over how well the bike absorbs the bumps with almost no pedal bob. | | Weaknesses: | Not all that impressed with the derailers. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike........ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | 02' Manitou Black is Great! Love the 80/100mm adjustment and the rebound adjustments help. Fox Rear shock performs well. Tires hook up well. Climbs amazingly well. No bob, etc. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Shimano SPD-434's, otherwise STOCK | | Bottom Line: | INSANE improvent over the 2001 model. Went from Judy crap fork to a sweet Manitou Black. 02' also has some better components, and its downright good looking! I found that it climbs exceptionaly well, and even better if you swap a few items to drop the weight a few lbs. It descends like a DH bike, the chainslap is kinda loud compared to other bikes but that is easily fixed, I kinda like it, makes me feel fast :). This bike also has the same frame as the higher end model Fuel's, and is extremely durable, and backed by Trek's lifetime warantee :). Overall, GREAT value for the money, great for beginner or experts alike. Could use better seat/grips, but thats my opinion. Good luck! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
amorn oun-anong
a Cross Country Rider
from bangkok, thailand
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | fuel 100 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | probike bangkok | | Strengths: | feel soft with 80mm travel front fork, feel hard with 100mm. | | Weaknesses: | worst components. | | Similar Products Used: | local bike | | Bike Setup: | not yet, but all the set of XT in the near future, maybe disc. | | Bottom Line: | i paid a lot with this bike, because it's imported bike. the best thing of this bike is the frame&fox, it's light and good looking. i think i have to pay a lot with the new components in the near future. now i learn to ride backward!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Winsor
a Cross Country Rider
from Ridgefield CT, USA
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilton Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Bethel Cycle | | Strengths: | Manitou Black Comp suspension is great(80-100 travel) same with the Fox Rear that gives you three inches of travel. | | Weaknesses: | Needs 9 speeds | | Bottom Line: | I purchases this bike about a week ago and I have rode it everyday since, I find that it is a very good all around bike wheter you are doing some extreme jumping or trail riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a
from nashvegas
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | GOAT! This thing climbs like I have a rocket strapped to my ass and desends with tons of control...smooth as a baby's ass. Black fork rocks! | | Weaknesses: | Components suck. I trashed the plastic BB in one weekend and the saddle reminded me of a pallette. New headset is on the way. I only wanted the frame, Trek should offer the 80 also, not just the 100. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar, Raven, FSR | | Bike Setup: | XT, Race Face, Kore | | Bottom Line: | If you have the money to replace the BB with a better one, you'll be ok. Your LBS should cut you a deal. I swapped out all the components from my hardtail and now I'm overjoyed. The 100 frame is $1000 but the 80 complete is $1200. I bet Trek would make a lot of money if they offered the 80 frame. This is a wonderful frame to start with. The carbon rear and rocker only saves 1/2lb. 4 chillis on value cuz the components should be better, but 5 cuz after that is fixed, it is amazing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Oxford, MS
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bonita Lakes (Meridian, MS) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Oxford Bike Company | | Strengths: | Great feel for the price. Awesome front fork, Manitou has done a great job at this new line. Great bike all around. Soaks up big bumps, and doesn't bob while pushing uphill. | | Weaknesses: | Components...But for the price, they are expected (But they work).
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000 previously owned. | | Bike Setup: | XT Cranks and BB. XTR Der. (F and R), XTR Shifters, XTR Brakes and Levers, Specialized Wireless Comp. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome for anyone. It is a steal at these prices, and i would recommend it to anyone. Also a great bike to upgrade. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate Riley Riley
a Racer
from Rochester NY,USA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Spencer Holister Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Park Ave Bikes | | Strengths: | Great frame,suspension(I love Manitou Black) | | Weaknesses: | Well its all deore i might up it to XTR | | Similar Products Used: | trek 90 /02,trek 8900 | | Bike Setup: | same as bought | | Bottom Line: | Bottom Line its one kick ass bike i've had no problem with it yet.I won the NY Cyclocross Race for 14-16 on it.Great for mountin biking too i've used it every day since i bought. Upgrading from front suspension to full suspension its like the upgrade from rigid to front all over agian.Anyone who looking for a full suspension bike that will give you everything you want for less here it is. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Buddy Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Fastville, mi, usa
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | good suspension -good price
| | Weaknesses: | Cheap Bontrager crank had to be replaced with a LX unit, would not shift correctly | | Similar Products Used: | Yeti FRO &ARC, Gary Fisher Joshua | | Bike Setup: | Stock, plus new up-graded crank and time atac pedals | | Bottom Line: | great buy for the price! I think for the price, this bike is going to make hard-tails a thing of the past. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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