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Submitted by
Francis
a
from Abbotsford,BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike cellar | | Strengths: | smooth ride, sticks to trail
wheelset (including tires when dry) is superb | | Weaknesses: | AC Jones tires traction goes out window when wet and sticky, 50% of year out here.
Cracked frame twice at seatpost.
loose pivots
| | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar Race
Rocky Mountain Vertex | | Bike Setup: | Rolf dolomite wheeels
AC jones tires, manitou sxr front fork, fox float r, xt and lx components, hayes hydraulic brakes, bontrager cranks and front rings | | Bottom Line: | I am a cross country racer who avoids riding drops larger than 2 feet, and I have cracked my frame twice at the seatpost. Once in 2003 (halfway through a race) and this year (replacement cracked during race). This bike was my first dualie and it blows away the hardtail that I had but if Trek could take care of the problem when sending out the replacement frames that would be awesome. I love riding this bike but am seriously contemplating another brand when I purchase a newer racing bike due to the durability of the frame. Once Trek gets the bugs ironed out from the frame which to their credit I believe that they are attempting with the 2005 EX 9 this bike will be superb for the long run. Currently in Dry conditions=5 chilis, wet conditions with AC Jones tires=3.5 chilis, frame durability=0 chilis | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ganaraska | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Canada | | Strengths: | Comfortable ride, good components, so far it's been really durable(I've put about 2500 km problem free on it so far, just regular maintenace and wheel truing) comes with a shock pump. | | Weaknesses: | Not that light, the rear disc squeals a lot if I pull the rear brake hard. This problem has since been solved by Trek with an adapter. (I still have yet to order one, even though it's free) | | Similar Products Used: | Used to ride a Trek Y frame, but have since tried a Fisher Sugar, Klein Adept, and a Kona Munimula | | Bike Setup: | Trek 90 Disc with a Rock Shox Psylo fork | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike early in the season in 2002, before they put the Manitou Black fork on it. My bike came with a Psylo on it instead. I'm glad it did because it's a great fork. My only complaint is the squealing from the rear disc, but I'm used to it now. I'm an adventure racer who needs a comfortable bike for really long offroad rides (50-120 km) and this bike has been perfect so far. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JD
a Racer
from Mine Hill, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | - - - | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle craft, Chester | | Strengths: | well built, smart looking, strong wheelset, good drivetrain and component groups, strong brakes. | | Weaknesses: | in stock form: AC Jones tires (poor), bontrager seat (horribly painful), creaky Aheadset (annoying), Psylo is way too soft for this bike, rear shock was ineffective. Stock cheapo braided brake lines rubbed through against the frame and burst.
Rear brake squeal - will try to fix next | | Bike Setup: | Selle San Marco Night Train Arami saddle :)
Thomson seatpost 367 mm x 31.6 mm
Thomson 5'x 120 mm stem
EC 70 bar 5' sweep
Race Face Good n'Evil grips
Chris King headset
2002 Marzocchi X-fly
Cane Creek AD-12
2003 Eggbeater Stainless
Panaracer Fire XC tires
Kevlar lines for Hayes disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | In stock form, the Fuel 90 has a Cadillac smooth ride and it beat out stock Gary Fishers and Cannondales in side by side comparison. But clearly a few things needed improvement. With the upgrades listed above, 1 and 1/2 lbs. (~750mg) have been knocked off as confirmed by the scales. But it 'feels' like it weighs 10 lbs. less...it charges up hills with the X fly's ECC and less lard to haul. It floats downhill under complete control. Carbon bar, elegant saddle, red tire sidewalls, quality brake lines, those unique pedals, polished headset, stem and post all add up to a gorgeous bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mad Dog
a Weekend Warrior
from Noda, Japan
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hills above Hitachi | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Frame, brakes, suspension | | Weaknesses: | brake squeal, shifting | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Paragon | | Bike Setup: | Michelen tires, XT crank, carbon handlebar, psylo, 595 SPD | | Bottom Line: | Reviewed this bike in 2001 shortly after purchase. Now love it even more. My purchase started off a whole slew of sales at my local shop (Fuel 100 now being prepped) Tires definitely needed change for often muddy conditions in Japan, and ended up lowering the bar with the spacers to stop all the wheelies. Psylo is great feature and well used. Replaced the SPD's with Shimano's newest, a very good move. Great smooth release inspires confidence to stay locked in til the very end and no more inputs toward losing balance. Bontrager seat is about to go though. Shifting is usually spot on, but can occasionally act up. Bent topmost ring in rear enough to stop chain from riding top two rings. Fixed that easily,but it was a problem climbing without them. A real champ on fireroads, even with gravel. Good racer as well, helpingthis 53 year old novice to some respectable lap times. Still a real pleasure to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakeland, FL
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Moonscape | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | D&S Cycle | | Strengths: | Frame Geometry, Hayes Hydraulics, Handles excellent, minor upgrades needed. | | Weaknesses: | Chain Rings, Originally had rear brake vibration, mushy shock. All these thing can be easily fixed. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRSII, Fuel 98, GT I-Drive | | Bike Setup: | All stock at this point, parts are on order to perfect this machine. | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike if you want to give it a couple of hours to perfect it. Such as chain Rings, Install Evil Genius Seals and firm spring in fork, and machine washers that hold caliper on rear to correct vibration. I will re-review in a few months. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh,PA 15235
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Swallow Falls,Deep Creek State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | 2003 model,good component mix. | | Weaknesses: | Tires,frame(BOBS). | | Similar Products Used: | Suger,Specialized and Several others | | Bike Setup: | SOLD | | Bottom Line: | Hated the bike,SOLD.This bike is not set up for 6'2'plus rider over 220lbs.Climbing,just robed you.Down hill you felt like falling off a sky scraper.Its a shame it's good looking bike.As they say appearences don't mean everything,sometimes. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Racer
from Medford, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hitt Road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Medford Cycle Sport | | Strengths: | Light yet durable, good component mix, good choice of fork and rear shock, very good brakes, light wheels. everything about the bike. | | Weaknesses: | nothing as of yet | | Similar Products Used: | nothing similar used. | | Bike Setup: | stock except fopr: shimano lx crankset, xt bottom bracket, ODI lock-on grips and bontrager select flatbar(for racing) | | Bottom Line: | Very awesome bike, everything is adjustable, no "no-name" components, very well made...comfortable for the 18 mile uphill race, compliant ride uphill or down, crisp handling | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Sounier
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA.
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1487.00 | | Purchased At: | Mission Cyclyery, Chula Vista | | Strengths: | Looks, Ride, Handling and braking. | | Weaknesses: | None far! | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I know that I've only had this bike for a month but I've done about 100 miles of riding on it and so far have not experienced any of the problems I've read on these sites. I LOVE this bike....PERIOD! It doesnt squeek or have I had a problem with the Bonaranger (??) crank and chain suck. It has worked great on downhill's.....and if ya know about Noble canyon then you know it's a rocky downhill! And it's also worked great on hills and cross country trails...like up in Big Bear. I weigh 185 and 5'10" and have no problem with this bike. I've beaten the crap of it and it just laughs....and carries me through the "oh crap look at that rock" times without giving me more than I can handle. She has truly become a bike I trust....I hope you understand that's about the best compliment I can give. 100% great bike...and if I have to replace som LX stuff later on well no biggie for the price it's the right bike for me. Someone who wants a good all around bike should buy this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cap's Bikes | | Strengths: | Price. Still waiting to have problems fixed before really giving it a work out. | | Weaknesses: | All the problems highlighted in these reviews. Shifting, chain suck, vibrating rear disk. | | Similar Products Used: | Brodie Rocket, Rocky Mountain Slayer | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | Disappointed that I had to do the research and inform the bike shop about the problems and give them the info from Trek to get things fixed. Trek were quick to give me the info provided I asked the right questions. Still waiting for shop to get parts in to fix shifting and chain suck problem. Experienced this in 1st 50M of trail riding, chain got jammed behind front cog and frame, had to force it back out. Trek should inform the dealers about the problems so they can be fixed before the bike leaves the shop. Given all the positive reviews for this bike I expect it to be a great performer once everythings been fixed. Will update review when that happens. Note: I find the reviews on this site an excellence source for information - they have been on the money so far. Keep up the contributions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FXD
a Cross Country Rider
from NEW PALTZ,NY
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | STEWART BUFFERZONE | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | WHEEL N HEAL | | Strengths: | RELIABLE,FAIRLY LIGHT,PYSLO XC | | Weaknesses: | PRICE,POSSIBLE FRAME CRACK IN FUTURE? | | Similar Products Used: | HARO EX2,EX3 | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | TIRED OF FIGHTING WITH JUNKY HARO,BOUGHT BECAUSE OTHER GUYS IN RIDING GROUP HAD FUELS AND BEAT EM PRETTY GOOD,THEY TOOK IT WELL.HAPPY WITH BIKE RIGHT AWAY.I AM WORRIED ABOUT FRAME CRACKING AT SEATPOST,HAVE SEEN IT TWICE WITH OTHERS BIKES.TREK IMEADIATLY GAVE BOTH NEW FRAMES. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Racer
from Medford, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hitt Road | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Medford cycle sport | | Strengths: | everything as of yet, seeing as how I have only parking lot test rode. plan to ugrade majority of components (front derailleur, crankset, pedals, ahndlebar, stem, maybe the seat)
| | Weaknesses: | heard about lots of small problems that people complain about a lot; squealing back brake, leaky rear shock, peeling stickers, all of which are very easy fixes. | | Bottom Line: | sofar it isn't mine yet, but I'm gonna have it soon, and plan to post a real review after I have ridden it off road for awhile. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Every trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Overall value and frame geometry | | Weaknesses: | Stock cranks and tires | | Similar Products Used: | Several Giant, Kona, etc | | Bike Setup: | Stock - less cranks and tires | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden several bikes in my day and this Trek has turned out to be quite the palatial ride. I would definitely recommend this bike to anyone who rides more than once per week.
- I experienced the fork sticker issue (I currently have a "B ACK"...on it's way to become an " A K"), but the fork's performance is flawless.
- The frame is stiff, the geometry is tight, and it can take a muddy beating. Descents are fast and climbs, well climbs are limited only by my own ability.
- The disc's have never needed adjusting, made a sound, or vibrated - EVER.
- I have looked twice and have not found any location where the cables touch the frame or fork.
- The Jones tires never made it out of the shop, but they looked like they were horrible.
- The rear shock is much better if you subtract 10-14 pounds from the recommended air pressure (your body weight)
- I did experience chronic shifting problems similar to those described in other reviews. Replacing the cranks and chain resolved this problem.
- The grips really do rock! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LoTiTo
a Cross Country Rider
from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tijuca Florest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Pasadena Cyclery (demo bike) | | Strengths: | Great geometry
Psylo's U-Turn: 2 bikes in one
Feels light
No bob
Killer look
It makes the ride more fun | | Weaknesses: | Poor shifting with Bontrager Chainrings
Huge vibration on rear brake - solved with brake arm sent by Shop/Trek | | Similar Products Used: | Hardtails only: Raleigh M-400, KHS Montana Comp, Trek 970. | | Bike Setup: | Trek Fuel 90 disc - stock with Psylo XC and Hayes hidraulics. Added Trans-x barend only. | | Bottom Line: | For starters, I inverted the stem and moved up the spacers to lower the front end. Then it felt right! And the rear shock did not use all of its travel with the recommended 155lbs (my wheight) but it feels perfect with 100lbs. The Fox Float R with 3" rear travel literally swallows small/medium bumps, but you have to stand up for big hits (as I would whatever the travel is).
The bike's geometry is a dream and it is completely variable through Psylo's U-turn. When you set it to 125mm, not only you get more/plush travel, but also a higher front end, longer wheel base and slacker head angle, making the bike amazing for fast descends. At the bottom, just put it back to 80mm to get a low, firm, short and nimble bike which is a great climber and fast single track bike. I am glad it came with RS-Psylo and not M-Black, because Psylo has more travel and it is much easier to adjust on the fly.
No complains with the Jones AC tires - works very well on the florest. But the poor shifting of Bontrager is not on par with the bike's performance - ANY Shimano shifts better. However, other Bontrager parts look and work nice.
The Hayes are great but I expected more braking power with less lever input using hidraulics. Since one finger power braking is still not possible, I'd rather have an Avid mechanical disc for simplicity and cost/weight saving. I would even consider a good v-brake with kool-stop pads on the rear. But at the price I paid, I don't need to worry about it.
I loved the bike and I am glad I left my hardtail behind. I spend less energy avoiding bumps and staying on the saddle so the added weight pays-out, specially with one of the most energy efficient suspension as I believe the Fuel is. I definitelly recommend it for aggressive cross-country/all around bike. 5 flaming chilis all around! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill K
a Cross Country Rider
from Pewaukee, WI 53072
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | John Muhr/Emma Carlin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | Brookfield Cycle & Fitness | | Strengths: | - Climbs Well
- Stable at Speed
- No Pedal Bob
- Shifts Flawelessly (front & rear)
- Great Gearing (22,32,44 front, 32,11 rear)
- Incredible Brakes
- Excellent Suspension (front & rear) | | Weaknesses: | - Bontrager Jones AC tires are strictly hardpack/pavement tires | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS1, Gary Fischer Sugar, Rocky Mountain Carve | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the exception of a Panaracer Dart (front tire), Tioga Psyco TT (rear tire) and several lizard skins. | | Bottom Line: | I am coming from a hardtail Klein so this is my first experience with a dually. Ive had it for one week and have put about 125 miles on it. All of which are single track ranging from hardpack, sand, black dirt, loose, rocky, gravel, mud, rocks, roots and every kind of anti freakin errosion device imagineable the DNR can dream up.
So far I have absolutely no complaints about the bike and would strongly recommend it to anyone considering buying one. The Giant NRS1 was a very close second but the geometry on the Fuel felt a little better to me.
The only thing I would recommend changing would be to replace the tires if you plan on doing anything other than paved or hardpack riding.
The front fork in the 100mm setting will easily suck up a 10" log without getting out of the saddle. I haven't experienced ANY of the problems people here have griped about with the Manatou Black (stickers are even till stuck).
The rear shock/suspension works really well. I was amazed coming from a hardtail (no bob), I can ride up a freakin wall with this thing (great gearing). Climbs better than a hard tail, simply stay seated and let the suspension do the work for you. I can't wait to throw on some slicks and get out on slick rock.
The hayes hydraulics kick serious @$$...modulation is better than anything Ive tried, power is incredible, absoluletly NO fade in mud. I have had ZERO problems, squeel, screach or otherwise. The only upgrade I could see is if they come out with anti-locks. I don't see what the big hoopla is about with the brake line routing. There are only two spots where mine rubs and thats on the top tube (that was an easy fix, took all of 2 seconds). The spring steel holders for the front and rear easily holds the lines away from the fork, seat tube and stiffening bracket, and a good 1/2 inch at that.
The bottom line on my experience with this bike is that I would DEFENITELY buy this bike again. If I had to buy another bike tomorrow I would do the exact same thing...5 flaming chilis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Readman
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort McMurray
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Little Fisheries | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | United Cycle-Edmonton | | Strengths: | Frame, Trek support, tracks like a blood hound | | Weaknesses: | stock setup | | Similar Products Used: | Voodoo, Rocky... | | Bike Setup: | stock frame and rear shock. RS Psylo's, Race Face bars, stem, aheadset, Next cranks and rings. Syncros post, XTR shifter pods and cassette. Going to have new wheels soon cause I crashed 2 weeks ago and SNAPPED the front rim! | | Bottom Line: | I am sorry but this is a wicked bike! I haven't had a single problem with it after I read past reviews and changed out the setup at point of purchase. The rear brakes squeak every now and then but hey that just keeps the bears away! I have absolutely fallen in love with this bike, it climbs like Lance and descends like Caroline! I am going to be replacing the wheelset here in the next week (Doc says I can't ride yet anyway so no rush) because as I mentioned above I had an accident 2 weeks ago and snapped my front rim (also beat the hell out of my helmet and I don't remember a week in total... that's what 22 lost hours in the bush concussed and swimming with the beavers will do I guess!) But up until then I hadn't even had to true those puppies. Certainly proved a lot of naysayers wrong cause coming out of winter I wasn't exactly in my prime and those things didn't even whimper!!! But as I said I REALLY like this bike.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | ECdM | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit | | Strengths: | Good handling, geometry fits me well, rear suspension climbs better than other designs, strong & light wheels | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager chainrings are useless, the frame cracked | | Similar Products Used: | Many | | Bike Setup: | replaced crankset once I got it home and realized the rings weren't really round, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | The frame cracked. On the seat tube, right above where the front der bolts on, at the weld line.
No drops, no jumps, no freeriding, no 'shore antics, no hucking. I've only ever ridden regular mountain biking trails, and the frame cracked. I find it odd that the wheels outlasted the frame (they never went out of true).
Too bad, because I liked the way this bike handled and climbed. Trek needs to test their designs before setting the public loose on their sketchy bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHRIS DYWELSKA
a Cross Country Rider
from WINDSOR
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | PONTIAC LAKE | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | COURTESY BIKES WEST WINDSOR | | Strengths: | It's a Trek, nuff said about that... | | Weaknesses: | The same problems with the black fork as everyone els, but after changing to the extra firm spring and glueing the letters back on all is great now. | | Similar Products Used: | Various GT'S and a Trek 8000LT. | | Bike Setup: | Tompson post and stem, LX Hollow tech cranks, Panaracers Fire xc Pros or Maxis hard drives on race day if it's dry.
| | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks for lite cross country trail riding and racing, it is not for what some would call free riding and doing big drops of more then a foot or two, with the changing of some of the stock parts it went from 29lbs to 27 and a half pounds not bad for a 21 and a half inch bike with the disks and a heavy shock, It could get to 26lbs and that would be great but I have to consider strength and durability when I go 220lbs myself and only race for fun about 12 to 16 times per year and trail ride almost everyother day, the disk brakes have never given me any troble or squealing ever, the fork is stiff and dose it's job well with the firmer spring kit, the rear shock dose bleed some air but not enough to say it's a problem and I have a pump that the bike came with, shifting is right on the dot when I wont up or down hill and it has never jumped
off the middle ring ever, as for the cable routing there is always some cable rub on the paint, disk or not, around the head tube and on the seat tube, you can put some milar tape under the housings to protect your paint but scraches go with mountain biking on the bike and yourself and they all come with a story over a big ring ale after the ride,
Like I said up top this bike just rocks it goes up like a home sick angle has traction in any condition and never has given me any problems, GET ONE UNDER YOUR ASS AND YOU'LL SEE WHAT I MEAN. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Waskowich
a Cross Country Rider
from West Hartford
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Middlesex | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Wayfarerbike.com | | Strengths: | + Good overall desgin
+ Light frame (for full suspension), light feel
+ Good uphills, almost feels better than rigid-tail
+ Fast, smooth downhills
+ Disc brakes ;) | | Weaknesses: | + Poor job on the routing of the Disc brake cables. The cables touch the frame in too many places. This will eventualy cause wear, and my the bike look ugly without me on it.
+ The cranks feel short. I'm 6'1" and have long legs and arms. I feel like I'm pedaling the tricylce from when I was 2 (ok,l j/k, but they do feel short compared to what I'm used to).
+ Tires suck in loose ground.
+ The front of the bike feels to high, even when on the 80mm setting. This is probably due to the riser bars and the fact that I have orangutans arms. | | Similar Products Used: | Tomac 98 Special | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Well, I've only had it for under a week now, but this bike is awsome so far. This is my first full suspension bike. Previously I had a 1995 Trek 6500 which I broke the frame on. Trek warrantied the frame and gave me credit towards a new purchase! Wow.
Now, to the bike... the brakes stopped squealing soon after I did the "30-40 hard stops", before the first ride. The Black front fork behaves very well and provides for a nice laterally-stiff front end. The front fork also has plenty of adjustment (rebound, compression, and travel); although I'm not thrilled about having plastic parts on the under-side of the fork... I'm sure these will disappear soon. Ther rear shock feels a little slow on the or possibly too stiff. It has 150lbs of air and as described in the Trek Fuel technical paper on Trek's site, I should have this a little lower - something I've still yet to try it. The shifting is something to be desired but I think it has to do more with a not-so-satifactory setup from the bike shop. No big deal to me, as I expect to work on things. The tires are kinda weak in loose stuff. Ok for now, while it is summer. But, as soon as it starts getting a little loose out there, these suckers are gone. The brkae cables seem to be a slap-on-casue-we-want-to-offer-Disc-brakes kinda thing. Which is ok, I guess. But, the cables rub up against the frame in a few places and will likely cause some nasty wear marks as time goes on. I'm going to put electrical tape around the cables where they contact the frame.
In summary, the bike handles great and feels very light, even though it clocks in at just about 29 lbs. The front is very rigid and socks up the bumps well; whereas the back seems a tad stiff and slow - but this could just be me expecting too much. The bike is an outstanding value and is a great place to add some truly awsome components too when the current ones die. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver BC
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Caps | | Strengths: | Light for a full suspension. Excellent brakes (havn't had a problem with vibration yet). Great hill climber. | | Weaknesses: | Psylo xc springs are WAY to soft. Being trying to get new springs since January still havent arrived. Fox vanilla has no rebound adjustment. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 2 | | Bike Setup: | stock except the upgrade to psylo xc | | Bottom Line: | An excellent xc bike well worth the money. Takes small jumps well except for the soft front end. Only complaints are with the components. Tires are a bit weak on traction especially going up steep hills when they are wet. When I FINALLY get the heavy springs I am expecting to do some real serious riding. All and all a great bike for the money could not find anything else that was a complete and all around xc bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Weekend Warrior
from Auburn,Maine
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | powerlines!!!! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Rainbow Bicycles | | Strengths: | Awesome suspension,Hot looks, Incredable stopping power,holds theline very well,no rear bobbing on uphill climbs. | | Weaknesses: | bontrager crank,awfull shifting,softfork springs if your a heavy rider, tires are not very good. | | Similar Products Used: | Ironhorse G Out, full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Trek fuel 90 disc,heavier shock springs, salsa grips,XT hollowtech crank,Panaracer xc pro tires,THE fenders,XT chain. | | Bottom Line: | Bottem line is this bike rocks!I had seriouse proplems with the shifting at first, but a new xt cured that,kept jumping out of secound front chainring on uphill climbs,VERY DANGEROUSE!!suffered bad chain suck,scrathed frame and kinked my chain.If your a heavy rider,over 200lbs you need to upgrade to heavier shock springs,about 35.00$ AWESOME BIKE GET ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will Rask
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Nobel Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | 2000. | | Strengths: | If you just have to throw away money, buy a custom bike like Turner XTC and brag to all your buddies. Otherwise save $1000-$1500 and buy the Trek Fuel and ride happy. | | Weaknesses: | Rear Disc Vibrations can be solved by contacting your nearest dealer and ordering a factory warranteed stiffening bracket. It looks spindly, but works like a charm. Your dealer will even install it. My out of the box hayes rear break sqawled and vibrated the entire frame until I contacted Trek directly. The bracket went on and the brake works fantastic now. | | Bike Setup: | All the stock stuff with an upgrade to the Fox Float R in the rear and the Race Disc Wheels. Rotating Inertia is the only thing that matters for most riders during acceleration. Want to loose 4 lbs off your bike, easier and cheaper to loose it off the engine. | | Bottom Line: | 32.5 lbs ready to go. Not bad for a tough bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a Cross Country Rider
from Kamloops, BC
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1875.00 | | Purchased At: | Spoke n'Motion | | Strengths: | Just a fluke I guess, I also had a 1988 Rockhopper until I bought this bike. Riding is a whole new ball game with shocks. The price/frame/component mix is as good as you're going to get. | | Weaknesses: | Rear brake vibration. Seat tends to slide if you don't really torque on the quick release. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper Pro | | Bike Setup: | Flatbars cut down to reasonable length. Switched to LX cranks at time of purchase after reading the reviews. | | Bottom Line: | After finally getting the adjustments right, the bike is an awesome ride. Seems a little front heavy in the air, but hey, I'm used to rigid forks so what do I know. I didn't even try it with the bontrager cranks so I wouldn't know how they work. The vibration with the rear brake completely disappeared when I installed the brake arm (which I had the dealer include when I picked the bike up). Really happy with my purchase, don't know how the wife feels though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Loomis
a Cross Country Rider
from Moss Beach CA USA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Old San Pedro Mountain Road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1574.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Outfitter | | Strengths: | Rides like a Cadillac compared to my old 1988 Specialized Rockhopper which had no suspension. But as described below, as delivered, the bike has serious flaws which need to be corrected. Once corrected, it is a fine bike. | | Weaknesses: | Creak coming from just above bottom bracket where two frame tubes rub against each other under stress, rear disc vibration, center chain ring misaligned with rear low gear cog causing chain to fall off when climbing, slow air leak in Fox Shox due to defective seal, uncomfortable handlebars. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Trek Fuel 90 without disc brakes | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I have seen a lot of similar comments about the shortcomings of the 2002 Trek Fuel 90 Disc in these reviews. So far, with the help of Trek and the dealer, we have found solutions to all of them so no one out there needs to suffer from these issues. Regarding the Hayes Hydraulic brakes, the rear brake vibrates to the extent that the entire bike vibrates and shudders and makes a very loud noise. This can be cured by referring to Trek's Service Bulletin dated Nov 7, 2001 which describes various adjustments including the installation of a "brake torque arm". This torque arm will be installed on my bike shortly and Trek believes it will cure the problem. Regarding the chain falling off the middle chain ring in climbs (which can be dangerous), the problem is the misalignment of the chain rings with the rear cogs. This can be fixed by moving the chainrings 1-2 mm closer to the bottom bracket. Regarding the creaking noise in the frame, Trek has addressed this in recent frames. It comes from inside the tube which runs up from the bottom bracket where two tubes meet and rub against each other under stress. It can be fixed with the proper adhesive or replacement of the frame where the adhesive is prohibited by hazardous materials regulations. There is a Trek Service Bulletin on this as well but I do not have a copy of it. Some of the 2002 Fox rear shocks are subject to slow air loss due to defective air-sleeve seals made from an incorrect rubber compound. See FOX Racing Shox press release on their web site. They will provide a free seal kit as necessary for those experiencing air loss when riding. I would have given the bike 5 Chilis rating if these problems had been corrected prior to my purchase of the bike. But as delivered, the bike needs serious modifications to perform properly. When all these problems are corrected, it is a fine bike. Regarding the handlebars, they have been uncomfortable. I could just be me but I am switching to a different design and different manufacturer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Wusta, Mass
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Viet-Nam | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Alley | | Strengths: | I bought this bike because of an instant comfort I felt during the test ride. It was nimble and plush. On the trail it's pure butter. This bike loves rocky climbs. It just chews it's way uphill. On downhills it's stable and confident. No, you're not going want to hit big drops on it, but your friends with the big blocky frames won't be able to touch you anywhere else. And damn those Hayes discs are sweet! | | Weaknesses: | Hayes discs make noise. I've come to accept this fact. At least the slow pokes can hear me comin'. Yeah, chucked the tires (Bontragers) after the first ride. They are a very inefficient design for the narrow range of conditions they are good for. And I'm aching to replace the cranks and rings. Oh yeah, and if you haven't tried Time pedals yet, you better ask somebody! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper FS, Gary Fisher Sugar 1. Yes, both are in another league from the humble Fuel 90 but in the end it all comes down to the feel of the frame. Everything else gets replaced at the end of season clearance. | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Fire XC tires, Time ATAC pedals (seriously, ask somebody). | | Bottom Line: | This is a fantastic frame with some good, and some not so good components on it. It's a steal for the money, 'specially with the Hayes. Stock bikes are just a canvas anyway. By the time I'm done with this bad boy...
Oh yeah, who should buy this bike. This bike is for anyone who wants to own one good atb. This bike eats the local trails for breakfast but also holds its own at Killington and Snow. It's strength is XC, of course, but you won't believe how well a bike that's this fast on the single track handles those fire roads. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raz
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Jarrahdale, Dwellingup & Kalamunda, WA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Force - Subiaco, Perth | | Strengths: | + climbs like a hardtail.
+ excellent all-rounder XC bike.
+ Black Elite 80/100mm fork, best Manitou ever.
+ Hayes HFX Comp brakes, superb modulation & stopping power.
+ Bontrager Race Disk wheels. | | Weaknesses: | - Bontrager AC Jones tyres.
- Bontrager chainrings.
- Occasional creaking around seat tube and bottom bracket. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except tyres - Hutchinson Alligator Gold (front) and Python Gold (rear). | | Bottom Line: | An awesome XC bike that performs like a top-notch hardtail and provides a comfort zone of a dualie. Bontrager AC tyres are slippery (literally). Initially thought it was me not used to the bike set-up. After 4 weeks and 480km on the clock, the Bontrager tyres found their new home in my garden shed. Hutchinson Alligator (front) and Python (rear) tyres complement the bike and are ideal for Western Australian dry & warm summer conditions. The middle chainring sometimes slip to granny when climbing hard on hills. Very annoying and hazardous. Next upgrade will be a new crank and chainrings set-up. Apart from this minor imperfections, I'm loving every minute on this bike. Mates of mine who 'test rode' it were very impressed with its quality ride and performance. Another great product from Waterloo, Wisconsin, US.
Bloody Oath Trek Fuel 90!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Dawson
a Cross Country Rider
from Niota, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Slick Rock, Chilhowee State Park, TN | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Scotts Bicycle Centre | | Strengths: | Excellent all around for Cross Country. Love the Psylo with U-Turn travel adjustment. Well balance component selection. Great climber for a ds. Does dh ok. Handles like a hard tail | | Weaknesses: | Rear tire pretty much sucked. Changed it to a Specialized Enduro pro. Will change crank to either xt or Raceface lp eventually | | Similar Products Used: | Trek VRX | | Bike Setup: | Stock except seat post, Thompson Elite. Specialized Enduro Pro Rear tire. | | Bottom Line: | Great all around bike. Not for big hits, but kicks butt in the trail bike department. Buy this bike, you will not regret it. It is definitely worth the extra cash for the disc brakes | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mad Dog
a Weekend Warrior
from Noda
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Rinkoubo | | Strengths: | Good frame design seems to give comfort and no bobbing on climbs, as well as fast steering. Hayes discs are fun so far allowing better control for longer periods of time and give me more confidence on dropoffs and long descents. Psylo fork has been interesting on both climbs and down single track, especially with the controls in the cockpit, again inspiring a little more confidence. | | Weaknesses: | None so far outside of some mysterious backing out of the tube valves on both front and rear. Thought it was me at first, but it happened again after confirming both valves were tight, one time leading to a slight crash, the other to a flat tire. Kind of had some initial problems with getting used to the upright position (in comparison to my Fisher) and the wide handlebars. They have been adjusted so that I have better balance and am less prone to wheelie on a short climb. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Changed to all XT gear to include crank, but initial setup was a little off allowing rear chain jumping on slow climbs. Brakes dragged a little in back, but adjustment fixed that. | | Bottom Line: | Bought this for myself after I did well in a muddy race on my Fisher. The difference is very noticeable and I am still getting used to the different position and controllability, and the comfort. In the short time I have had the bike I have been on some long (for Japan) single track and some closed short course stuff, each ride teaching me something new about the bike. Good fun so far. Great buy for people with more than average ability or experience looking for a versatile XC bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Whitlock
a Cross Country Rider
from Kent, WA USA
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Preston Railroad, Tiger Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles West (Burien, WA) | | Strengths: | Climbs well, Psylo XC with adjustable travel via U-Turn. Excellent stopping power in all conditions with discs. | | Weaknesses: | The Bontrager Jones AC stock tires did not grip in any conditions. Soft springs in Psylo. Minor adjustments with some components. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 80, Gary Fisher Sugar, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Setup came stock with Psylo XC, Hayes Hydraulic Discs, Changed tires to Kenda Kenetics 2.35 Chain-Stay guard, lizard skins for fork. Enlarged cable housing for rear derailer cable. | | Bottom Line: | This bike climbs like a bear and delivers quality components for the greenbacks. Excels while threading through nasty XC trails. Solid descender with awesome turning abilities. Won't drain your energy on epic all-day rides because rear shock makes tushy feel tons better. No more no sh*& days after riding like on my old rigid mongoose!
Initial complaints with the bike included vibrating rear disc brake. (Trek immediately sent metal stabilizer bar which totally eliminated vibes) Rear brake line had to be bled at time of purchase because of mush factor. Shifting was rough and chain jumped around while climbing. (Shop made adjustments that cleared up problems. Not totally solved but getting there. At least made shifting crisp) Creaking noise coming from seat post area. (Quickly fixed by running thick lubricant/ oil inside the frame where the seat post sits) Front disc rubs slightly, but not a real concern. Stock tires that claim to be all condition couldn't hold up to the claim. No traction on loose gravel or hard pack when cornering, mud, wet rock and roots, etc. (Changed out soon after purchase to Kenda Kenetics 2.35) All the problems with the Bontrager components that people complained about with the 2001 model have not been a problem so far for me. I only weigh 170 lbs and the Psylo seems too soft, but can be fixed with thicker oil or heavier weight springs.
All in all this bike dominates in all conditions. I've been riding this bike for almost 4 months and take it everywhere. I would recommend this bike to anyone willing to ride epics, big hills, and long descents, but not to someone who wants to huck off houses or 10 foot cliffs. There are some problems when purchasing a new bike, but with tailoring to your own needs and help from your local bike shop you should be able to squash all problems I've identified. ALL XC RIDERS SHOULD CONSIDER THIS BIKE!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Hansen
a Cross Country Rider
from ellicott city md
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | patapsco st. park/rockburn area | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | race pace bicycles | | Strengths: | I HAVENT RIDDEN THIS BIKE ON TRAILS!!!!!!!
ok, i tested this bike on a stand for 45 minutes! the fork was awesome (manitu black...i herd of a running psylo upgrade, i hope so!!) and the floats were a perfect choice for the bike for the bike. Shifting was silky smooth and the frame was ultra light for a softtail. I loved everything on the bike down to the grips. | | Weaknesses: | the front deraileur wasnt proerly adjusted at first, but it didnt take long to fix. the pedals were the ony dissapointment(new pedals are an easy upgrade) | | Similar Products Used: | none, other than y frame bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this is gonna be an awesome bike. im gonna rent it for a day to see how it does on trails.overall,its an awesome bike w/ great components for the value | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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