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Submitted by
dalehorvath
a Weekend Warrior
from Longmont, Colorado
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Hall Ranch (so far) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Church Bikes, San Di | | Strengths: | Excellent climbing bike. Fast as heck on the down hills. Light, nimble, predictable. | | Weaknesses: | I too had chainsuck. I replaced the cranks with Shimano hollow tech xt and much better. I also did not appreciate the tires so I changed them. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Sasquatch hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XT hollow tech crankset, Shimano XT WH-M775 Tubeless Wheelse, Shimano XTR M952 3X9 Brake/Shifter set, Shimano DURA-ACE/XTR 9-Speed Chain (CN-7701), Shimano PD-M540 Pedals, Shimano XT cassette, Panaracer fire XC Pro UST tires, Avid BB7 disc brakes, Rock Shock Reba Race front suspension. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I have owned it for about 7 years now and ride it as much as possible. I have done some work to it just to upgrade but it is worth it. It has a solid foundation of Trek technology. I have not had any problems with the frame at all. It climbs as well as it descends. Even with all the upgrades, at heart it is still a Trek. I am extremely happy with this bike and don't plan on buying another bike for as long as this one will last. It has already been 7 years. Says a lot doesn't it!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Douglas Holzman
a Racer
from Milwaukee,Wi USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Nine mile forest | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Privat owner | | Strengths: | Good for taking big hits | | Weaknesses: | To much bob, too heavy, feels too ineffiecient. Good beginner bike. | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Sugar Team issue | | Bike Setup: | Avid mechanical disc, over than that everything was stock | | Bottom Line: | Sugar is a superior bike, its a shame its gone and the fuel is still around. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
weekendrider
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Individual | | Strengths: | Good climber. | | Weaknesses: | As with other reviews ghost shifting and chainsuck . Junk the Bontrager crankset and get a Shimano or Truvativ. Bontrager saddle too hard for me. | | Similar Products Used: | 99 Marin RiftZone | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Hayes hydraulic disk. | | Bottom Line: | Bought this bike used from a guy who use it 6 times. Didn't like mountain bike, he likes dirt bike with motor. Am very satisfied with its drive train. Like it is fluid or smooth. Great on uphill. Have to replaced the Bontrager crankset with Truvativ FireX and its good to go. No worry about chainsuck. Original crankset ghostshift and chain got stuck between granny gear and bottom bracket shell. Not a good sight. Also replaced the Bontrager saddle with an older Trek saddle. Original saddle feels like it is made of wood. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicholas Maravell
a Cross Country Rider
from O.O.B.
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado trail, Durango | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cape Able Kennebunkport, Me | | Strengths: | light, stiff, responsive | | Weaknesses: | fulfills it's intended use well, no complaints | | Similar Products Used: | Spec FSR | | Bike Setup: | Hugi-517s, thompson, xt v-brakes, ritchey cranks w/custom bash guard,RF ti bb, easton carbon bar-24lbs | | Bottom Line: | This bike is so unbelievably fast it blows me away. Maintenance is a non issue. Climbs like a goat, descends better now that I use stem with positive rise. Capeable in Kennebunkport sold me it used w/no wheels + continues to service + maintain the bike as if it were their own. It's the best cross country race bike I have ever thrown a leg over. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy Boy
a Weekend Warrior
from Da trails
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Solid first FS if been riding HT all along. | | Weaknesses: | No surprise. Like most other reviews drive train and brakes sux. Tires roll slow and seat and not great either | | Similar Products Used: | sugar | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock, 'cept pedals and seat | | Bottom Line: | Forget trying to adjust/dial-in. You will never get there. Simply not worth the pain/effort. Swap out crap Bontrager cranks with LX or better. Even if on your own dime. . | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Brooks
a Cross Country Rider
from okc
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | none yet | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's Bicycles in Norman Ok | | Strengths: | awsome climber handles techni extremly well(my opinion) | | Weaknesses: | s!@#y tires pick up weight in wet terrain quicker than you will at thanksgiving,horrible traction. Bonty cranks crapy, autoshift on ascents will nearly break chain in two. Brakes aren't worth their weight in crack; very weak won't stay adjusted. noisy seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | tried sugar 3, had a cheapo FERRY-RAT (mongoose), first decent bike | | Bike Setup: | stock until I can afford upgrades | | Bottom Line: | great bike except driveline. Got a shorter stem so I can maintain control on descents w/o lifting rear wheel, change tire and brakes. Only four chilli's because of crapy components. Besides NECESSARY component changes the bike is capable of way more than one would expect from an xcr awsome bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lukas Adams
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Coolbreezecyclery, NC | | Strengths: | Price, Fork, Frame | | Weaknesses: | Brakes and Tires (and for me also the paintshop)!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Switched from a Cannondale M900 hardtail | | Bike Setup: | All stock, except the brakes. Changed them for Sram 9.0, what a difference! | | Bottom Line: | I'm really impressed by this bike. I test-rode quite a few
fullys, but this one was just the best. And I didn't like Trek at all (and I still don't really like the paint job) thought they were kind of lame, but I know better now. After half a year on this bike and some nice crashes I can say that it is worth the money. Just one advice: Change the tires and first of all the brakes! The tires have no grip and the brakes just suck (and I'm fairly lightweigt), even my old Cannondale has better brakes. Also, I'm still searching for the perfect setup for the shox, but I guess that's because I never had a bike with any suspension whatsoever.
In short: If you're no hardcore downhiller I can only say go for it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jan Erlend
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Good equipped, graet fork, great looks, good rear shock. Thumbs up for flexibilty, adjustment of rear shock and fork travel/sag can quickly turn this bike from a firm climbing xc-goat to a joyful downhill bouncer.. | | Weaknesses: | Problems with chainstay.. Chain lept off even after several adjustments. Poor stock tires for xc biking. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic, I-drive 6.0 and 1.0, Gt avalanche 1.0, giant xtc nrs, a | | Bike Setup: | stock except michelin comp s lite /bar ends | | Bottom Line: | Great allround bike for the money. Weight, geometry and equipment is ok for competitive xc racing. Needs lots of air in rear shock to avoid excessive sag and lack of power transfer in clambing. On the other hand, little air and 4inch travel in the fork gives sweet downhill light / freeriding in bumpy terrain.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Brook | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | S & W Sports | | Strengths: | Balanced, amazing handling in technical sections. Climbs well. | | Weaknesses: | Tires. I changed to bontrager super x. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Race Face Dues stem, Thompson Elite seatpost, Titec bar ends, Bontgrager super x tires | | Bottom Line: | I'm a entry level racer and this is a great entry level bike. I'm riding the rooty, rocky new england area, so the full suspension is great for the terrain. I haven't had any problems with the drivetrain or suspension. I'm a light rider (150 lbs), the bike climbs like a goat. I would recommend this bike to anyone who's looking for a nimble FS bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Junkee
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pine forest XC slalom | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | JAX | | Strengths: | Great FS bike and components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailur will drop the chain completely if you shift down too quickly. If you don't stop pedaling and fix it, the chain can get significatntly jammed in the chain stays. Shifting up the front chain rings doesn't always happen on the first push of the shifters either. | | Similar Products Used: | '92 Specialized Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Probably the best deal out there for a $1K FS Mountain Bike. Being a beaten up X - Biathlete, Triathelete, Marathoner, ... it's sweet to be able to finish a 2-3 hour XC ride, and not be beat up. Riding multiple days in a row is now possible. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Otto
a Cross Country Rider
from Frisco, Colorado
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | No bob, suspension system works great, lightweight to a degree. Works good for everything. It likes to climb! | | Weaknesses: | chain suck gets to me on some rides and the tires are really bad, I got new ones. The manitou fork wears out after a little bit. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | '02 Trek fuel 90 with a few tweaks | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for your money, the fork wears out after a while, take the bike to your lbs to get the chain suck dealt with and get some tires (Panarace Fires!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zilla
a Cross Country Rider
from Cary, NC
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | New Light in Raleigh, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycling Spoken Here | | Strengths: | Fast, fast, fast! Smooth riding. Climbs well for FS. | | Weaknesses: | Bad chainline causing chainsuck; short seatpost. Slippery stock tires (no grip!). | | Similar Products Used: | First "real" mtb. Had a Mongoose cheapo... | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Thompson seatpost, Kalloy riser bar, Selle Italia Max Flite Trans Am seat, Race Face grips, and IRC Mythos tires | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because it simply fit me the best, of all the FS bikes I tried (Specialized, Giant, Dianmonback, Gary Fisher) in this price range. I opted for the F90 vs. F80 for the upgraded components (same frame). I do mostly XC riding on hard pack single tracks and fire trails, no heavy DH or jumps. It does well on moderate climbs and rooty trails. With the rear shock pumped correctly, pogo-ing is minimized. I'd recommend this bike for a beginner (like me) but not for a hard core racer/DH'er. I just recently changed the bushings and the suspension is now smooth! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lars Nordberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Lansing Mi USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Potowatami in Pinkney | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | Velocipede Peddler East Lansing | | Strengths: | Weight and rear shock | | Weaknesses: | Horrible brakes poor tires chain suck especially in wet conditions | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Giant Idrive Cannondale jekyl | | Bike Setup: | Easton riser Thomsom seat post xtr front and rear and xtr brakes | | Bottom Line: | Very, very disappointed with this ride. It was between the Trek and the Specialized and I actually liked the FSR better but had always been on a Trek so I decided on the Fuel due to prior experience with the product and the price was about $200 bucks less than the comparable Specialized. Live and learn. I will be selling this bike and buying the Specialized this year. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcelo Marcos
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterrey, NL, Mexico
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Deslavada, Parque Nacional Cumbres | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Action Sport Bikes | | Strengths: | This bike looks cool. The fox float is great, does not make you loose strenght while climbing. Fast. Nice handling. Good frame. Great manitou black in front. | | Weaknesses: | Chain system sucks. Clearly an imbalanced ride. Bit heavy for effieciency freaks on XC. Cheap brakes. Bad grip on stock tires in humid muddy weather. | | Similar Products Used: | Old cromolium GT hardtail with Rock Shox front fork.
1997 Specialized FSR Sport full suspension, with manitou fork. | | Bike Setup: | I still have it stock, except for the chain. Everything has worked well. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for a beginner. I started out with my dad's FSR Specialized full suspension. Great bike for freeride. I started competing in Cross Country races. My first bike is this Trek Fuel 90. It is great for beginers. If you want a bike that works great in races, but does not wimp out on big drops nor, downhill attempts, this is your bike. It is a good bike. Not the best, but except for a few minor details, it works just fine. I went to the store with the Gary Fisher Sugar 3+, AND I AM GLAD I WENT FOR THE FUEL. The best bike for overall cross country in its proce range. Only problem is here in mexico all bikes are so darned expensive! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from CT
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any single track | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1285.00 | | Purchased At: | wayfarer bike shop | | Strengths: | The frames is wicked strong it's taken some serious drops
I've had no serious problems YET. | | Weaknesses: | Chain Suck, this has to the worst chain set up. And the brakes just plain ol sh*ty. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary fisher suger,Gaint | | Bike Setup: | All XTR Now, Alloy pulleys, fire XC pro tires
Nickel plated chain | | Bottom Line: | I'd buy another. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Dillsburg, PA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Trek frame is really nice. Rocker link suspension is AWESOME! This bike accelerates SUPER fast! | | Weaknesses: | Manitou Black! It's just simply to plush for this bike. It feels imbalanced. The rear is stiff and the fork is really plush. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Carve. The Carve is WAY better than this Fuel. | | Bottom Line: | Don't get this bike. Even though it has some very desireable characteristics, like efficiency and decent component spec, the imbalanced suspension is a pretty big issue. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Flythe Cyclery (VERY GOOD FOLKS) | | Strengths: | Great tracking, protects my tender, beer filled rear, well designed susp system that allayed my fears of energy loss while climbing. The Black rocks. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy Bonty cranks, weak brakes, chain suck appeared and shifts disappeared AS SOON as I got into the muddy ruts. Had to use the rest of my water to wash the chain down. | | Similar Products Used: | First full susp, upgrading from Mongoose IBOC hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock until I can spend time in the garage. | | Bottom Line: | Went in for a F80 but it was the 03 that didn't have the Black fork and had pretty lo spec components (in keeping with Trek's philosophy of downgrading each year). The F90 was listed as 1400 coco's but as it was an 02 the dealer cut it to 1200, same as F80 with even sorrier dangly bits. The frame is fantastic- haven't heard any creaking yet but have read how to fix it. The Bontys have got to go- I have read of them breaking and I'm a fatass so I'm going to upgrade ***PLEASE SEND ME YOUR PICKS ON CRANKS- I'VE READ BAD REVIEWS ABOUT EVEN THE XT'S***. The brakes are being swapped for my linearpull XT's. I've ordered the xtra firm spring for the Blacks- it wasn't squirrely but the chain suk did prevent me from doing much technical stuff. The bike has performed flawlessly from the getgo, the only problem occurred on my third ride where I actually got into the goop. Great product- the tracking is great and I fly down hills that needed braking with my IBOC. Best news is that is so plush that I will be riding more. Don't know yet if the Bonty seat is sad or not- I may change to my Selle with ti rails, it's been good to me so far. Somebody like me who wants a lot of bike without the initial bloodletting will love this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Chiva Falss | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle | | Strengths: | Manitou Black! Frame geometry! Nice ride! TREK has been making bikes for a long time / that has to say something! | | Weaknesses: | Lower line Avid brakes had to be replaced.
Chainsuck.
Random noises. | | Similar Products Used: | none... this is my first Full Suspension | | Bike Setup: | XTR RearD / XT FrontD - Avid Arch Rivals - SNAFU Platforms -XTR Chain - otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | I love the way this bike rides...
I am a big cat (6'4" - 245lbs) and I am starting to get some rather annoying noises coming from the headset & seatpost... I upgraded the drivetrain with XTR/XT before I took the bike out of the shop (it was cheaper than replacing later) & I just upgraded to Avid Arch Rivals... if you buy this bike and you are a big guy... plan on replacing the brakes... they just couldn't handle my weight...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Marino
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Open Air Cycles | | Strengths: | Rides like a dream, tough enough for some real trail riding yet takes to the street and goes like a race bike. Great front and rear suspension set-up. Super light, agile, quick, tough | | Weaknesses: | Unlike some other reviews I will be bold enough to say not a lot is wrong here. Sure everyone is going to have certain preferences and want to upgrade some parts but that is half the fun of owning a nice bike. I think many weaknesses described by other owners are exaggerated. Shifting up front is not always as smooth and sure feeling as I wish but it still works well. And to you people that say all the Bontrager parts are junk, think again. These parts may not personally be your first choice but they are certainly not junk. Many are excellent designs that are durable. This Bontrager bashing reminds me of all the Microsoft haters in the world. It is a bit harsh. Oh yeah, I hate all the stickers and the GIANT Trek writing on the side. I removed all of this stuff and the bike looks much nicer.
| | Similar Products Used: | Marlin Wolf Ridge, Specialized, Giant | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock except for Redline Proline pedals, serfa? grips, Specialized seat | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this is an awesome bike that is designed and built well. I will someday look into ways of increasing the performance of the shifting (new crank? chain?) but the bike rides beautiful on and off road. I drive a Subaru WRX with 18" wheels and I can race a Porsche 4 911 turbo on a twisty mountain road and still pack my car up with gear and go camping in the back country through river crossings, dirt and gravel roads etc. That is what the Trek Fuel 90 reminds me of. It is like a duel personality. If you want a great bike for trail use but one that is tame enough to ride on the road you can't go wrong with this bike. I would buy it again. If you want an all out trail bike that you can beat the hell out of I would look around a little more. As far as reports of the frame cracking, I never saw this and with Treks lifetime frame warranty you are not at risk, after all any manufacturers frame can crack. I am taking off a chili because I do feel that the shifting could be a little better designed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian (it's easier on a Ducati)
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | not found it yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | price is in UK pounds | | Strengths: | Looks good, good specification for the money (paid reduced sell off price RRP is £1300). | | Weaknesses: | For the money I paid I can see no weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | not been riding off road for 7 years but have owned, Fat Chance Yo Eddy, Specialized, - S-Works steel and M2's, Kliens, a rigid Cannondale, - I did work in the trade. | | Bike Setup: | Standard 9vee brake not disk) except for Ritchey clipless, - prefer the feeling of having my foot closer to the axle than on the Shimano pedals, - oh and Crud Catchers front and rear, - it is muddy here right now.
Medium, 17.5" I am about 5'!0". | | Bottom Line: | As I said above, - for the money I paid I think this bike is great, today was my first ride out on the bike so thought I would report my thoughts. Before I bought the bike I did use this message board so hope my comments are as helpful as those who have posted before me, - thanks all of you.
Today was really muddy, - been raining here for ages (like it never does in the UK??), the tyres were having trouble in the sticky clay mud but I think anything would have done. When we got a bit higher onto sandy stuff I found the tyres to be quite acceptable. The front wheel does flex side to side on climbs, but I am quite heavy right now, - after a few months of riding every week perhaps it won't be such a problem!? The brakes are not so good, think it is the Avid end rather than the LX levers, - so will replace them with some XT vee's. The saddle does feel a bit narrow so perhaps that will be changed for my old Specialized one. I ran the fork and 80mm and had about 160psi and medium rebound in the shock, - got about 2" of travel I think.
The ride; The bike is a lot shorter to what I have been used to, - much higher front and wider bars, - but hey I am moving with the times, so adjusted pretty quick. She handles well, very responsive steering, - and to my surprise climbs very well, - downhill’s I have to be braver with as this bike could have gone faster if I would have been willing, - give me time.
I guess from now on this bike will be sold at good sell out prices so my advice is go for it, if the price is right. The better spec over the Fuel 80 imo is worth going for, forks and shock really - and the price difference between this and a 2003 makes this bike a bargain, even with the new lighter frame.
Perhaps this bike is not for the young rider wanting to be trendy (Trek just don't have that image here), but for me a 38 year old trying to get fit after a 7 year absence I am impressed. It is just a great all round off road bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sully
a Racer
from Blaine, MN. GREAT USA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ride them all | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Ramsey Cycle | | Strengths: | Trek products are built in the Great USA, Quality product and takes a beating!!!! Need I say more. | | Weaknesses: | The crank, had alot of chainsuck, we also had a ton of rainy and wet whether to race in this past summer. I changed to a Shimano xt crank seatpost slipped, (minor) I changed the grips to the Yeti hardcore. the Bontrager tires are alright for dry conditions, but they suck in wet, they clog up. Changed to Michelin wildgripper hot's. The bike is in the shop right now. I blew seals in the Fox race shok. Repair for free, I hope. Love the Manitou black, but the cool stickers fell of too damn easy. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Suger 2, Giant XC | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, changed tires, grips, Lizard skins chain stay head and ball frog protectors. changed brakes to Avid arch rivals. Over winter to change to Easton monkey lite handle bars. Change the stem to Easton and seatpost also. Hoping to get some new Xt or Xtr hubs. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for racing and riding hard on. I like Trek products and have more Trek bikes in the household. My first full- suspension rig and pleased with it. For what I paid and the abuse it took the first 6 months i've had it, I like this bike alot. Ride on | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from New Boston, Michigan
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Brighton State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | American Cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | Decent Ride. Takes bumps well. | | Weaknesses: | Creaky, saddle is lousy, lx front derailer. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC, | | Bike Setup: | Stock.
| | Bottom Line: | Overall decent bike. Takes alot of the hits out of the trail. So far it has held up like a charm for me. Usually I'm the one going head first over my handlebars and believe me this bike has seen it's share of crashes but gets up and rides away from each one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Valencia California USA
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Towsley, San Fernando | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Fits my 6'4 body size well, nice and light, climbs extremely well, fun bike for the price | | Weaknesses: | Stock cranks flex allot, stock tires are scary, stock breaks are weak | | Similar Products Used: | This my first real mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | Xt cranks&BB, XTR brakes, Velociraptors | | Bottom Line: | After reading numerous reviews on this site about this bike I have pretty much have been expecting it to break. Last weekend sure enough I noticed a small crack on the weld where the rocker link connects to the seat tube. I do not thrash on, or beat my bike by any means, but do like to haul ass when necessary. This bike is not made for heavy riders!! Hopefully Trek will back there warranty and give me a new frame. If they do, I'll most likely sell it and get something a little beefier and a little more travel. I'll give this bike 2 chilis because it is fun to ride and fits very well and would be a good bike for a lighter rider, but it is really lame that this thing broke in less than a year of riding. I oh yeah BTW I'm 230 lbs | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy romero
a Cross Country Rider
from santa rosa,ca,usa
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | hole in the ground, Lake Tahoe, Annadel State PArk | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Peddler, Santa Rosa | | Strengths: | Great bike for uphill. Doesn't bob during the climb | | Weaknesses: | Seat would slip from clamp. Creak from below that was annoying. Finnaly was able to find out what it was from the local bike shop. By pouring White Lighting down the seat tube. Stock tires would wash out. Stock saddle sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Kona, | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer XC tires , Salsa Shaft seat Post, Titec riser bar, Salsa grips, WTB laser saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a whole lotta fun to ride. Once I replaced the above mentioned items the bike has been outstanding. It sucks up the hits and climbs like a mountain goat. I've riden a bunch of trails, Flume, Donner, etc, in Tahoe including Northstar and the bike has taken them on with no problems. I'm 5'9 175 and ride the medium size frame.Had some small problems with the rear shifting which was fixed by the bike store. Also the rear hub had to be replaced under warranty. By the way, looking for a bike in the Santa Rosa area make sure you visit The Bike Peddler or Dave's Bike Shop. Overall, I'm happy with the Trek and would suggest anyone looking for a solid XC bike to purchase a Fuel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jakob Buch
a Cross Country Rider
from Grenaa, Denmark, Europe
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | South of my city | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Jorgen Schmidt Cykler, Randers, DK | | Strengths: | The rear Shock | | Weaknesses: | The Bontrager crankset | | Similar Products Used: | Univega, GT, Cube, Ruckus, Trek (other models) | | Bike Setup: | Original setup. But I have changed the crankset to Shimano XT. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is so supercool. I have enjoyed from the first day. It is a really XC-bike. Some times i drive Downhill, freeride, dirt jump, etc. But other bikes would fit better to these styles.
Unfortunately I have had the same cranktroubles as many others. Chainsuck was possible at a normal cityroad with 5 miles pr/hour. My bikeshop changed the crankset to Shimano XT. That's why I only give 4 flames for the overall rating. Since the crankchange I've had no troubles. Only FUN, FUN and FUN.
Trek fuel 90 with this setup is the bike of my best dreams (OK, XTR would be better). Thank you TREK. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch, South Africa | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Great ride, light, smooth, balanced and responsive, I don't miss my hardtail. Rear susp makes the most difference on rocky climbs - much more traction and control (than my hardtail). | | Weaknesses: | Seat tube bent(!) and cracked through normal XC riding and racing. Waiting for replacement.
Fox rear susp. bobs a bit when I ride smooth flat sections - would like to have adjustable rebound. | | Bike Setup: | Swapped the Manitou Black for a Mars, replaced stock cranks with XT 180mm, flat bars, longer stem, Sachs chain, Flight saddle, Koolstop brake pads (the stock ones really suck) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike - while it lasted. I am 6'2" and about 180 lbs, and I have been gentle on the bike, but after six months of regular riding/racing the seat tube is visibly bent forwards with the apex of the bend at the rocker link connection AND the seat tube is cracked 3/4 way round at the top weld where the top tube meets the seat tube. I use the stock seat post about an inch deeper than the max mark. My LBS has a new bike in the same size (L) and I noticed the seat tube design is different - simpler with a single, beefier-looking tube rather than the multiple overlapping tubes weld-fest design on my frame's seat tube, so hopefully that's what they'll swap it out for. Must have been a design flaw. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Hitter
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver,CO
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Moore Fun -Fruita | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Full Suspension, Fox rear, Manitou Front. High quality frame construction. Designed in part by Mr. Gary Fisher (just ask your trek rep, Fisher help design this bike) Good quality compontes (LX shifter.brakes and front derailure). XT rear. | | Weaknesses: | Avid breaks. Bontrager cranks, sram cassett. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, Specialized, Fisher and Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | stock, with panaracer fire xc pros, crank bros egg beeter pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great Full suspension ride. very Rigid when climbing and yet soft and smooth when hitting bumps down hill. I love the rocker link, it is like the specialized brain some how and makes the ride that much better. Don't get me wrong, it is not the same, but it works similar, stiff when it needs to be and soft and buttery when you need it. This bike is great on every terrain. the downhill is great, steep climbs are easy, backwoods, mazy terrain is fun. Now don't drop huge cliffs etc with this bad boy but it will do everything you want. I have had similar problems with, chain drop, I had some problems with the rear derailure and not shifting properly. Adjusted and it is okay. overall this is a great bike to hit the trail with every day. Get one you will not be dissapointed and enjoy the ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
will
a Cross Country Rider
from arkansas
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | fianna hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1549.00 | | Purchased At: | Lee's bicycle | | Strengths: | great full suspension bike
doesn't bob you around. nice components looks good rides nice I'm riding longer and harder then i ever have before.. excellent bike for the price also the frame | | Weaknesses: | nothing yet | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Kona | | Bottom Line: | get this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Bisberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Walker Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | Little Bob, Climbs like a mountain goat, Goes everywhere I ask it to go. | | Weaknesses: | Lots of rattles on the real rough stuff. Tires not best for my local very very dry conditions. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing similar, some hardtails | | Bike Setup: | As is | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for a hardtail and tried the Fuel 90 and coughed up the extra bucks for this superior bike. I can climb the toughest trails with little problem. Sucks up lots of bumps so I can rip by my buddies riding hardtails on the downhills and climbs smooth so I blow by them on the uphills.
Only have two problems, One is that it rattles quite a bit ripping down rocky trails. I haven't quite figured out where all the noise is coming from, but a good chunck of it is from chain slap. Need to keep the chain on the big sprokets while going down hill.
Two is that the shifting is a little rough and occasionally when down shifting to the small cog on the front the chain jumps off. This, of course is a major drag when it happens. Now I am more careful and downshift early to make sure Im not caught off gaurd when I'm in the middle of a steep climb. I guess this is not really a bike but a derailler problem.
Oh yeah, the seat sucks. I've been bike on it for a couple of months now and it still feels funky.
Overall, I thought this was the best buy for a full suspension that had some decent components that I could find and is much better than 90% of the hardtails that I tried.
Buy it and enjoy it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Older than dirt
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | If I told you that, I'd have to kill you | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | It fits.
Great handling.
Great ride.
Local Dealer.
The most confidence inspiring MB I've EVER ridden in 25 years of off-roading. | | Weaknesses: | Color scheme.
The seatpost slipped down 1" on my test ride.
I don't own one - yet! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, GT i-drive, Santa Cruz, K2 Razorback, Kona Mokomoko, many and various hardtails.
| | Bike Setup: | Box stock, except for Time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Oh, yes! Daddy, buy me that one!
I've been shopping for a FS XC bike, and did a 2-hour test ride on a Fuel 90 from my LBS's rental fleet yesterday (thank you, Sunnyside Sports!). I'm not shopping any more. This is the one. At 6'3" and 195#, it's hard to find a bike that fits and works well. The Fuel 90 does both. My "test track" has a little of everything: ups, downs, hardpack, sand, gravel, washboardy logging roads, single track, ultra tight tree-dodging sections, mellow stuff, and so on, and this bike handled it all with great composure. The route is an out (up) and back (down), and the Fuel climbed at least as well as any hardtail, but the real revelation was the return trip. I came back down that trail faster than on any other bike (including the Bontrager I've ridden for 5 years), and this was my first ride on this bike!
After reading previous reviews, I was all set to hate the tires, but at least around here, they work great: lots of volume, lots of grip, very predictable.
If you're shopping for a FS XC bike, you owe yourself a test ride on one of these. If you're not shopping for one, you'd better stay away...
ps - In case you noticed my comment about 25 years of off-roading, and realized that production MB's have only been around for 20 years, we used touring bikes with 27x1 1/4 tires on gravel roads and trails back then. Fat knobby tires are a major improvement... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Clifton, VA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fountainhead | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Lane | | Strengths: | Great frame now with Duke XC, Fox Float R, Avid SD3 and SD 5 levers and Bontrager Race crank | | Weaknesses: | The rider. None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Nrs, Fisher Sugar, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Stock
Again I am 5'11" and 220lbs or so | | Bottom Line: | Significant upgrades for the 03 model. Zr9000 frame. Bontrager Race Cranks, Avid SD 3 brakes and SD5 levers. Float R w/ rebound controle and Duke XC. No problems at all.
No chainsuck or shifting problems. Duke XC and Float R are an improvement over the 02 Black and Float L. Great out on the trail. Love the acceleration and the handling. Still
trying to optimize the setup with air pressure and rebound.
My dealer The Bike Lane in Burke is the best. If you need a bike in DC area check them out. No complaints from me. Just keep in mind this not a freeride bike. It isn't made for big drops or tricks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Horton
a Weekend Warrior
from Walnut Creek, CA
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Briones/Mt. Diablo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr.com classified's! | | Strengths: | The ride is awesome. Very smooth on downhills. Great value for the dollar. I bought my 2002 fuel 90 in the classified section of this website for $1000. I invested about $300 to upgrade some parts and get it tuned up properly. | | Weaknesses: | I had similar problems as others on this site. Thanks to reading posts below the problems were easy to fix. I too had the annoying "creaking" sound, but fixed it by turning my bike upside down and putting lube down the seat post chamber. This solved the problem completely. I also had my chain falling off to the inside and some chainsuck, I replaced the crank with XT crank and the problem has vanished. I didn't like the stock grips so I replaced those. And the tires seemed too loose for me, I replaced those with panaracer fire xc's and it is noticebly better. I also added some canecreek bar ends. | | Bike Setup: | I am 5'10, 158 pounds, and I got the medium, 17.5 inch frame, I feel like it is a perfect fit. | | Bottom Line: | For the dollar this bike is a very nice value. I have enjoyed mine. Yes, it is annoying to have to upgrade a few things here and there, but for a great full suspension bike <$1500 the fuel 90 is a good way to go. I like the design of the rear suspension better than the design you see on the Gary Fisher bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Anderson
a Cross Country Rider
from Oxford, Ohio
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hueston Woods State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Oxford Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Climbs great, better than my old hardtail, and it flies down hill. It comfortable to ride in all conditions. | | Weaknesses: | I have had the same chain suck and shifting problems as others, I replaced the bontrager cranks and rings with Race Face and the shifting problems ended. I also had to replace the springs in the Black fork, I weigh 210 and the stock springs were too squirrelly. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with these changes - Race Face Next cranks and rings, XT breaks, Tires changed depending on conditions
| | Bottom Line: | I love this bike now that I have solved the shifting troubles. I am 45 and ride several times per week in all conditions and this bike does it all. If you are considering this bike have the LSB swap out the cranks and rings before you take it out of the shop. I have talked to people who have change to LX cranks and have had great success. I know that for $1500 you can't have it all, but everything should work well and the Bontrager rings just don't cut it. If Trek would fix this problem this bike would rate 5s. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Clifton, VA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fountainhead | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Lane | | Strengths: | Not sure yet | | Weaknesses: | Not sure yet | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Fisher, Giant | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Have a new 2003 Trek Fuel 90 should be here by the weekend.
Intended on buying a Trek 6700 but I rode the 90 just to see what a dual suspension bike was all about and decided to buy it. Frame has been upgraded to Zr9000 and front shock is 2003 Duke I believe. Will provide a complete review after riding it for a couple of weeks. BTW I am 5'11" and 220lbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank Portela
a Cross Country Rider
from Guelph, Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mansfield, Ontario | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Skiis and Bikes | | Strengths: | Before I start my review, let me rant for a second. Do us all a favour, when you place a product review, please jot down your height and weight. A 150 pound guy placing a review is going to complain/remark about the rigidity of a frame/suspension in a different manner as that of a 230 pound rider. If you're 150 lbs, your review will not be of much use to us heavier guys. The fuel 90 is a great bike. The frame feels stiff, the suspension is responsive when it needs to be and stiff on the flat stuff. I keep my fox float at 240 lbs (20 above my current weight) and top it off every 5-6 rides. My black stays at 100mm and since I've lost my stiffness control with the heavy duty coil, it does'nt get touched. | | Weaknesses: | I'm 6'4", 220 lbs. I've been riding my Trek Fuel 90 for 6 weeks (830km). Not much to complain about, the frame geometry is great, very responsive, very balanced, not as agressive as my old Fisher hardtail, this folks is a good thing, I was so far back on my fisher, that balancing around technical sections got to be frustrating. I've discovered after 5 years of riding that, YES, I can climb. Mr Fisher goes on and on about keeping your weight back to keep you upright, and while he's right, keep in mind that the genesis geometry does this but not without balancing problems. Hills I never got up with my hardtail have been conquered, and ussually on my first attempt. Fast downhills seem a lot more controlled (more weight forward) gravelly sand downhill sections don't send me on a fishtailling fright. Two problems have come to light though, I seem to experience chain suck at least once every two rides, I've kept my components very clean, and lubed, hopefully a shorter chain will correct this. Secondly, my rocker arm has shifted about 3mm to the left side of the frame, am not sure if something is bent or not, I plan to take it in for servicing soon. Will keep you posted if problem (shift) is not corrected. Note to Trek staff, make sure you tighten the bottom braket properly, mine was hand tightened and the cause of severe creeking for the first week until a friend/mechanic checked for the source of said problem and corrected it. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first full suspension bike. If you're on the market for a new bike, and have never riden one do yourself a huge favour, try one. | | Bike Setup: | I was warned to change the cog set from the sram to either an LX or XT, apparently the sram would,nt have lasted more than a few rides. Also had the bike shop supply me with the heavy duty coil. Why Manitou doesn't supply this with their x-large frame bikes is criminal, not all of us are 150 lbs. Cost me an extra 50 CDN bucks. Am also using my old mavic rims, with XT hubs. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for $2000 CDN, upgrade the cog set, if you're purchasing the x-large frame, upgrade to the heavy duty coil. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Metherell
a Cross Country Rider
from Carson City, NV, USA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Flume Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Sierra Cyclesmith | | Strengths: | Great Value. Very stable downhill. Can sit and spin uphill with no bob. | | Weaknesses: | The seat binder didn't clamp tight enough to keep the seat post from sliding a little on every ride. Switched to a Salsa Liplock. The head set doesn't keep the dirt out. Rebuilt it after 10 hours. There is also a creak but I haven't figured out where it's coming from. | | Similar Products Used: | Wanted a Specialized FSR XC but the dealer said they were sold out for the year. | | Bike Setup: | Different seat, seat binder, and longer stem. Also installed a Specialized SpeedZone computer which is very nice. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I have had no problems with the drive train although the chain line is extreem in some common combinations. I plan on keeping the bike stock and changing out parts only as they break or wear out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Yellow River | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Good bit of bike for the price. Climbs great, easy to control in the downhill. | | Weaknesses: | A little loose in switchbacks and corners, even with Panaracer fire XCs. That "kachunk" you heard was your crank bottoming out on a baby head. | | Similar Products Used: | I considered the Sugars and the NRS line, but I'm loyal to Trek. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded the shifters/levers to XT. (The LX stuff went to my 6000 hard tail, it needed them.) Scrap them Jones ACs. | | Bottom Line: | Had a good deal of chain suck when it was new, even bent the 32 ring. LBS replaced it with a Shimano and have had no problem since. The bottom bracket is a tad low, so you may have to stop pedaling through uneven rocky areas or you'll hear the pedal hit as your cleat comes out of the pedal.
Even with the above issues, this is a great bike. I rode many different bikes while shopping for this one, read all the reviews. Even with the chain suck problem, this is a bike to consider. The crank upgrade may not be necessary, so give this bike a serious consideration. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
klimopje
a Cross Country Rider
from Limburg, The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Brunssum | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Fun, Heerlen | | Strengths: | * Very good frame and no bumps when you really peddle very hard because of front or rear suspension (provided you stay on your seat!)
* Very good climbing experience and very stable, fast & smooth downhill experience ;
* Excellent front suspension (!!!!!), this Manitoe. No flex, does what it needs to do, and very good adjustable (!). You can even put it to 100 mm travel, for a bit free-ride. COOL!!! Dont try to climb with 100 mm, that doesnt work ;-)
* Shimano SPD that came standard with the bike or ok! No problems.
* Brakes might feel a bit underpowered, and might have just a bit to much flex in the levers. But on the other hand, little chance you will brake to hard and loose control. For me the brakes are ok. Maybe upgrade only if you want to do very long downhill trails.
* Rear Suspension (Fox) does an excellent job! | | Weaknesses: | * CRANK!!! Same like other FUEL 90 owners. Copied someone else: 'also had troubles with the chain dropping off the mid ring, missing the small ring and landing on the bottom bracket' . Exactly like my bike! I am going back on monday / tuesday and upgrading to XT! But I am very very dissapointed about this, because the bike-shop owner told me this should not happen with the standard crank. Don't believe this from Trek or other sales persons. I believe this is a fault in design! The Bondrager crank doesn't work properly in combination with the Fuel 90. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX 960 | | Bike Setup: | All standard, but will upgrade Crank to XT next week. | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike, lot's of fun, very fast (!), very comfortable, and you don't feel that you ride with a suspension on the road or on climbs. Just stay in your saddle and peddle hard! No use doing competition with this bike, and having the Bondrager crank on it, just upgrade it to XT.
My rating for Value: 4 (not 5, just because they put the Bondrager crank on it)
Overall rating :4 (would have been 5 with a XT crank)
Conclusion: If you need a full-suspension with good components, give this one a try and you will be more than happy the next 2 years! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave burt
a Weekend Warrior
from shrewsbury,ma,usa
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any with friends | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | ** I am submitting this review to nullify, a possibly over-zealous, previous submission to mtbr.**
Though my Fuel is now broken, it was a very nice ride. I liked a lot about this bike and still do....Nice XC frame, breat no bob, nice and light....almost too light.... | | Weaknesses: | So light i couldnt seem to handle a bit of agressive riding.
I don't know what I did or how I did it but the frame broke in two places...just hairline cracks....but still broke. One crack above the linkage pivot on the seat tube, and one in the swingarm, behind the main pivot. I've seen other beat thier bikes before but I never classified myself as an abuser. The bike saw some sets of stairs, XC riding, an occasional picinic table drop, and a couple of 2ft airs (or lack of air if you see it that way)....gentle landings.....now it's BROKE.
I've been without my brand new bike now for almost a month. Trek says thier paint shop is backed up and I can plan on another 10 days until they ship it. I thought this would be a rig that would last many years besides the occasional parts swap and maintainance. Sorry guys/girls, my last review on this bike may have jumped the gun a bit. It was a very confidence inspiring bike until now. | | Similar Products Used: | Pro-Flex 455...and beat the hell out of it for 5 times longer....it's still fine. | | Bike Setup: | Aftermarket cracks | | Bottom Line: | Keep it on two wheels, and ride gentle.
After noticing the main frame crack I was a bit bent but figured hey.....nobody or nothing is perfect....and chalked it up to a an honest mistake. Then my LBS noticed the swingarm crack. Two individual frame peices, each with a crack.....Could I be so unlicky to be on the #(*$ end of the stick to receive two coincidental mistakes....Now I lost faith in the frames integrity.
Trek's still offers a lifetime warranty, which is more than a lot of other mfg's, but I thought that meant they have confidence in thier product, not that they are figuring in a percentage of revenue to be lost from all the busted bikes.
I figured I'd voice the prevoius before I say that otherwise **!!Trek's warranty process sucks!!** I spent hard earned money on that rig, now, when I'm totally into riding, my bike is busted and all i'm hearing from them is....it's not ready yet, well.....I am.
Just built a Bullit, the hell with Trek's corporate sugar coating.
I'm giving an exaggerated "less than average" rating to offset my previous five chillie post. This time Trek...No chillies for you!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Rosol
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Otero Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Albuquerque Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Rear suspension design is stiff & efficient with no detectable flex, yet it take the bumps and big hits, it handles great, light weight, price. | | Weaknesses: | I quickly lost the avid brakes and levers, a little to much flex in the brake arms. I also had troubles with the chain dropping off the mid ring, missing the small ring and landing on the bottom bracket. Sounds like others have had simular troubles with this on both Fuels and simularly equiped Fisher Sugars. I swapped it with an XT crank and have had no troubles since. THe manitu SX-R fork is a bit weak for my 200 lb butt but livable, it will be swapped with a stiffer air-oul job as $$ permit. On older, larger frames there may be a weld below the seat clamp and above where the top tube and seat tube come together. This weld seems to be something which has been eliminated on newer frames. Mine broke within 4 months, but Trek swapped it out, no troubles. Likely I just got a bad one but just keep an eye on it. It looks like the new Large and XL frames no longer have this weld. | | Similar Products Used: | Last bike was a 92 Trek 950. | | Bike Setup: | XT brakes, deraileurs, shift and brake levers, hubs. | | Bottom Line: | I love my Fuel!!! Great Rear suspension, plenty of travel for x-country, active when it needs to be, stiff and efficient even on out of the saddle on climbs. I went from an old steel frame hard tail, a '92 Trek 950,to the Fuel 90 and have been very pleased. In many ways this bike handles like my old hardtail. It climbs great, handles the technical stuff like it wasn't anything at all and rips up the decents like no body's business. I have told several people about this bike and some have even purchased one. Definently a bike for X-country lovers. A good bike for the bucks out of the box. If you are never happy with the way things are, it is a great bike for tinkerers and part swappers, like myself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Diesel
a Cross Country Rider
from Morristown, TN USA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Earth Traverse | | Strengths: | Excellent rear suspension design. Reasonably light weight for the price. The bike climbs like a hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Strange shifting bewhavior up front. Chainsuck and a bad habit of dropping onto the granny gear when in the middle ring/largest cog combo. The strange thing is that the parts that caused problems on the Fuel work just fine on the 7000. Stock tires roll slow, and have questionable grip. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000 (my trusty hardtail)
tested Secialized FSR, Gary Fisher Sugar, Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Swapped out risers for a flat bar, and intend to replace seat and seatpost. (I want to get something lighter and with a bit of layback to extend the top tube length) Replaced stock chainrings and cassette with Shimano and most of the shifting problems evaporated. Rplaced stock Tires with IRC Mythos and made a huge difference in the way the bike handles and excellerates. Unless you are hucking with this thing get rid of these tires. | | Bottom Line: | Very well designed bike with some questionable component choices. Had I had the $ I would have gotten the 98 or 100. With some sensible upgrades, this thing can be a very competent XC ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cameron Lloyd
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ, US
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Charoleau Gap | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | R&R Cycles | | Strengths: | Good light frame, suspension is plush. | | Weaknesses: | tires, they are fast. I am a cross country rider. The stock tires are faster rolling freerider type tires. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with added kore stem. I put panaracer fire something tires on it. They are much lighter and more of a cross country tire. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the value if you are looking to get a full-suspension bike. I went from a hardtail to this and i have loved it eversince I bough it. The bike is pretty well set up from the gate. If you buy the bike and change out some of the parts, you may as well pay the extra price and buy the 100. The bike is well set up and rides very smooth. The only problems that i have had has been the rocker link squeaks when riding. I think it is from the dirt from the desert. Other than that i have only had to have it maintained as much as any other bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christophe Noel
a Racer
from Haines, Alaska
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | VALUE! VALUE! VALUE! You get a great riding softy for the price of some full susp. frames. Black fork is a fresh inovation and seems to work fine. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes are a little poopy, but better pads helped. Black fork stickers are super cheese and came off before I even had the bike completely built. The black fork is nice but it has two different ride highths. Switch it to 100mm of travel and the front end gets hiked up an inch. | | Similar Products Used: | Moots Smoothie (my race rig) | | Bike Setup: | Stock save for a new stem, seat,pedals and chain. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for someone looking for a solid starter bike for tough trail or racing. I'm a 13 year certified mechanic and shop owner and I personally don't think the Bontrager components are as bad as some guys peg them to be. Are XT cranks better? SURE but more expensive. If they went to the trouble of upgrading cranks, derailleurs, and brakes, they should have popped for the Fuel 98! You get what you pay for and in this case....its a great deal! Those who think Trek is making cheesy components need to realize you cant put XTR on everything, especially a $1500 bike. ROOKIES | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Grayslake, IL
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything dirty | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Tailwinds Cyclery | | Strengths: | It's a Trek! Excellent frame and fork. The rims are ok. This bike climbs really well and handles like a dream. There are a few nits to pick though. | | Weaknesses: | The Bontrager cranks suck. They're to flexy and don't mix well with the Shimano drivetrain. I don't think the bike would've cost to much more with an XT crank. I swaped out the stock Shimano pedals for a set of Time ATAC's. Stock saddle is to hard. Brakes are under-powered. | | Similar Products Used: | Y2K Trek 7000(Awesome bike)and a Y2K Schwinn Moab 3(Ok bike) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the XT crank, Selle Italia Flite Gel saddle, bar ends, and Time ATAC carbon pedals.
| | Bottom Line: | This is a really great bike for the money. After swapping in the XT crank, shifting problems dissapeared. I would like to go XTR all around. I'll also be investing in a new set of brakes. The Avid brakes are seem powerless no matter how you set them. The Manitou Black fork is awesome, it's easily adjustable and soaks up just about everything thrown at it. Other than that, the bike rides really well. Value is 4 chili's because Trek could've used better components. Overall rating is 4 because of the crank and brakes. I know Trek is trying to push their own product line with Bontrager but they need to throw in the towel and start using Shimano or Raceface cranks. They should stick with building good frames, not building crappy components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicholas Maravell
a Cross Country Rider
from Hiram-Portland Maine, USA
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the one in my backyard | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Capeable Bike Shop Kennebunkport, Maine | | Strengths: | Superlight, stiff ,responsive, nice and stretched out, clean welds, primo graphics, the best shop service from Capeable bikes I've experienced in 20yrs of riding-nuff said | | Weaknesses: | I have to admit, the caused problems, other than that I had zero problems- | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight-also an awesome bike, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | SHORTER stem, machine tech 518 rear wheel w-alum non drive nips, brass drive, XT brakes and levers, bont lite h-bar, Ritchey , WTB saddle, Spec front wheel, Mythos | | Bottom Line: | BUY THIS BIKE no matter who you are- the entire Fuel line rocks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Dekker
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlingame, CA
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Skeggs Point | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Swap | | Strengths: | The bike has a good set up, very well designed for a soft tail. No bob on the climbs and handles weel on the downhills | | Weaknesses: | The bontrager components are garbage!!! I have been screwing around with the cranks since I purchased my bike and have not yet found a way to ensure a decent shift up front. The rings are as soft as butter and bend often. The chain line is poor, etc. So if you buy this bike expect to spend an additional $3-400 in replacing the cranks, tires, handlebars. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar, Kona Koa, Rockey Mountian Instinct | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is that Trek has built a good bike here but has used crap components on the bike that MUST be changed. Moreover, the crank problems have been well publicized since the bike was released in 2001 and Trek has not rectified the problem with the latest models.
I am disappointed with Trek's handling of the problem- they claim to be unaware of any crank issues even though every rider review you read on the internet contains rants about the bontrager cranks.
I like the bike but it will be my last Trek.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Hill
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dynamite | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Ranch, Scottsdale | | Strengths: | This bike has taken all the punishment I can give it, so far. I am 6'5", 240lbs. Initially had trouble finding a ride that fit....this XL frame fits like a glove. I ride 5-6 hours per week, always through rocky washes and lot of climbing. The Trek 90 with factory components has taken alot of crashes and punishment. I came from a hardtail, and was looking for similar characteristics in a full suspension. Trek90 is it. Trek 90's stock fork holds up like a dream (the stickers will fall off the first ride, don't worry about it). The frames suspension shock has maintained it's pressure with no problems. Flying rocks forced me to replace the rear derailure and replaced a sprocket with missing teeth, but not due to equipment failure. Climbs very well, but if you need race quality components you got to get the 98. | | Weaknesses: | Tires and grips. Consider your terrain and if the tires work - Great! Spray your girlfriend's hairspray inside the grips to prevent them from sliding off. | | Similar Products Used: | StumpJumper and GF Sugar 3 and 2. | | Bottom Line: | To sum up, the Trek 90 is a great value between price and performance. You gotta pay to play - this is the best decision for me in the under $1600 group. My buddy rides the Specialized StumpJumper and I would buy the Trek90.
Instead of Ebay, buy through a bikeshop that offers you lifetime tune-ups. You will pay one way or the other and having the bikeshop on your side with warranty issues could be a huge help to you. After you buy, fill out this recommendation...I used it and so are you. Goodluck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Waddell
a Weekend Warrior
from Mechanicsville VA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Poor Farm park ,Ashland VA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Agees | | Strengths: | This bike kicks but.It climbs as good or better than my old hard tail,yet I find Im better at going downhill.The Black fork is awesome though it may be a little plush for my big but.I have had no noise creeks or anything from the frame so far. | | Weaknesses: | I replaced the tires before I ever rode it.I knew they would suck.I upgraded the brakes to Shimanoe XT.I will soon upgrade the crankset to XT as well.The stickers come off the fork.(who cares)I went for a ride in a monsoon yesterday and I noticed the frame got about a half a cup of water in it when I cleaned the bike.I removed the seatpost and dumped it out. | | Similar Products Used: | The only other bike I have had was a Avalanch GT.Bomb proof bike but I can't compare it to this bike. | | Bike Setup: | Different tires .I cant remember the brand but they are a lot more agressive.XT brakes,and I will soon have a XT crankset. | | Bottom Line: | I have been looking for a full suspension for 2 years and this is the best bike for the money I found.After I rode I was more than satisfied.This bike looks great rides better and has a fair price for the componet group.I am 6 ft tall and 215 pounds .I got the 19.5 frame and it seems to fit me perfect.I am not a racer but I ride pretty hard and havent broken anything yet,so I dont think any of you skinny guys will break anything.LOL | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Thitathan
a Weekend Warrior
from San Clemente
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | to be decided | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock and Road | | Strengths: | Wonderfully working dual suspension. Front and rear work solidarily to give a true sense of dampening while maintaining excellent feel and contact. No discernable power loss while climbing. Surely, not what I expected before riding this puppy. What I think makes this bike unique is that the rear suspension is designed so that the rear end of the bike is significantly levered against the rear fox shock (done using the ingenious triangular lever). This explains why the relatively small degree of travel feels much larger and not soft or mushy to any degree. If you haven't seriously considered full suspension mtb's, this bike may convincingly change your mind. Climbs with intent and descends with firm control. Frame is strong and durable with a complimentary set of well-functioning componentry. Shifting is smooth, fast and easy. Aesthetically speaking, this bike's great frame layout and paint job will turn some heads while turning up some dirt as well! | | Weaknesses: | Seat. Yes, that is all! | | Similar Products Used: | Felt the sugar 3+, and tassajara. giant iguana. | | Bike Setup: | Changed the seat to gel. Bought all the requisite gear of course. | | Bottom Line: | I've got only limited mtb riding experience. Before getting my fuel, my last time riding was 5-6 yrs. ago. Suspension was relatively novel. I knew that I had been out of the picture a long time and that technology has changed the sport drastically. I did lots and lots of research before buying and I think that anyone considering to spend this kind of money should. If it makes anyone's work any easier, I've done the legwork on this bike and conclusively believe that the fuel 90 is a wonderful bike for xc'ing. Do not purchase a hardtail or any other bike without first doing your own research... and absolutely do not write off full suspension bikes. Tons of research and technology goes into these bikes, and they've come a long way from the early days. BOTTOM LINE: Best bang for the buck! This bike would convince many to highly consider moving to dual suspension! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Westwood park MBT | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Foothills | | Strengths: | Suspension Suspension Suspension !!!!!!!!!!! Can you say plush? Cadillac? Man, Manitou (not my favorite brand) blacks were awesome, with Fox© Floater on the back! She rides like a Caddy! A little bob on medium grade uphills but rides like a hardtail, climbs like a mountain goat! And Fast!! Paint schemes are awesome, super light combination! bike gets a BIG THUMBS UP HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | A little chain suck (possibly my adjustments) seat a little hard after about 4-5 miles, Thas about it!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000,7000 both hardtails | | Bike Setup: | 100% Stock from factory | | Bottom Line: | If you like Hardtail buy a hardtail, If you are like me, Age 29 Weekend rider, outta shape (lol) but want a full suspension bike to get back into shape on, then consider a fuel. It dosent matter which, all the fuels are awesome! Would like to have seen the fuel 90 around $1000!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Loomis
a Cross Country Rider
from Moss Beach CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Old San Pedro Mountain Road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1286.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Outfitter | | Strengths: | Cushy ride compared to my old 1988 Specialized Rockhopper Hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Creak coming from where seat tube fits over tube coming up from bottom bracket. Trek has agreed to replace the frame since there is no fix in California due to hazardous materials regulations on the type of lock-tite adhesive necesary to correct the problem. Chain is pulled off middle chain ring by read low gear cog while climbing and gets lodged between small chain ring and frame. Problem is due to incorrect chain line. Shop proposed fixing by milling about 1 millimeter off the bottom bracket to bring Bontrager crankset closer to the frame. Others have replaced stock crankset with Shimano LX or XT which apparently is better aligned with the rear casette. Brake pads wore out after 100 miles in the dirt and muck of winter riding. I am upgrading to disc brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | The bike rides like a Cadillac compared to my old hardtail. Everyone should be aware of the creak problem and the problem with the chain falling off the middle chain ring. This can be dangerous. The Bicycle Outfitter and Trek have been extremely responsive and helpful in dealing with these issues for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael king
a
from anderson, south carolina, usa
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | broken knee | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | great escape | | Strengths: | bullet proof....smacked into trees, fallen off bridges...this thing is a frankenstein monster...it wont die | | Weaknesses: | had the rear brake start acting funny...saw that the spring pin had slipped out due to a loose stud or rod that screws into the boss of the frame...and the decals are starting to peel. | | Bike Setup: | stock.... | | Bottom Line: | seems i have to dial this thing in for different trails...but thats expected....this is an update from about 6 months ago...when i was riding it in oklahoma | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ Wells
a Cross Country Rider
from Corona, California, USA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hurkey Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Circle City | | Strengths: | *Trek Quality all through the bike. Solid.....
*No pedal bob when climbing.
*Just enough suspension for the down hills, with no additional weight. | | Weaknesses: | *You'll need to upgrade the shifters. I upgraded from the LX to the XT and it made a world of difference shifting from the granny to middle chain ring. | | Similar Products Used: | *Trek 850 hard tail
*GT full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Trek Fuel 90, full XT components. | | Bottom Line: | I raced this bike (for a novice) at my first 24 hour event, and loved every minute of the ride. The value seems good for what you receive (good travel, solid frame design). It saves the wear and tear on my back (I'm mid 40's), but enjoy cross-country riding. I'm a Trek fan!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lorne Hedges
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ravenshoe | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath - Bloor West | | Strengths: | Good frame geometry. Dual suspension works well and rear setup minimizes uphill bob. No squeaks in the frame. Steady on high speed decents. | | Weaknesses: | 1. Left crank arm loosened after two rides and needed replaced. I assume this was a setup issue out of the shop (ie. not torqued by a rookie assembler). If it was factory installed - shame on Trek.
2. Bontrager chainrings - I ride fairly aggressively, but I haven't been bouncing the large ring off rocks (there just aren't many to hit on the trails nearby), but there are teeth partially missing - snapped off! I've bent all 3 rings, the granny ring bent to the inside and caused a gash through the aluminum of the bottom bracket from the chain. Personally I blame it on weak metal and the 4 bolt design. I took the bike in to have the chainrings looked at and a general tune-up - the shop insists it's a good design and said they would discuss it with Trek.
3. Rear hub - Bontrager - in the shop being replaced now.
I asked about the discussions with Trek re the chainring and was told that the rep was too busy to handle that issue yet. Since I'm not planning on winter riding the Fuel I've left the bike so they can talk to Trek and have the evidence on hand. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode a number of designs, KHS, Giant, Kona before deciding on the Fuel.
Previously I rode an older, 1992/3, Alpine Star Almega fully rigid setup and the suspension takes the pounding off the body. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except the fork. I changed out the Manitou and put a Marzochi | | Bottom Line: | About 7 or 8 months on the Trek and its in the shop for its 3rd time. The shop has told me that the Bontrager components are good and some of the wear is due to the fact that they are trying to save weight. As a bike that is supposed to be a cross country racer straight off the shop floor, what the rider wants is reliable components. My impression is Bontrager is a cost saving house brand that Trek puts on bikes knowing that most riders never see more that a short cut across the park as off-road riding. Trek needs to reconsider Bontrager or put in some solid R&D to improve these parts - or maybe I got lucky and got all the bad parts or maybe I'm just too aggressive of a rider for Trek products. Also Trek needs to improve the customer response time on issues - as I pointed out the chainring issue a least 5 months ago and I'm still waiting for an answer.
Don't get me wrong with this rant, overall I love the bike, but 8 yrs on my rigid Alpine Star (Shimano XT/LX setup) and it was only in for maintenance. If I had to do it again right now, would I buy the Trek? No but maybe, if the response time improves and I can make it through this season unscathed with product issues, maybe then I will change my mind.
I've raced the bike once a week in a just-for-fun series, 40 to 80 min in length (a good sprint), the odd weekend 20Km to 30Km race and in one 24hr Adrenelin Race at Hardwood. Outside of the product issues the bike performs well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Mustin
a Cross Country Rider
from San Mateo, Ca
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | skeggs point | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit Bikes | | Strengths: | I really enjoy the bike, it climbs great and handles awesome. This is my 1st full suspension bike and prefer it over my old hardtail. Love the matitou front fork and fox rear shock, no need for lock out on this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Had a couple problems with the bike like a creak which the bike shop was aware of and took numerous times to finally fix and the front brake pads rubbing and the chain likes to jump on climbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 2-Only Tested | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for changing to time pedals | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend this bike even though i had a couple problems. Like i said it climbs great and descends like a champ. The guys at the bike shop have been more than helpful when i was having problems. The manitou front fork is awesome, just wish i could adjust it from the cockpit. No need for rear shock lock out, it doesn't bob enough to worry about. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Shrewsbury, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | twisty singletrack, jumps | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Franks Spoke & Wheel | | Strengths: | Light bike, tight swingarm setup, anti bob rear susp make it a great ride. Great head angle for steering quickness yet not squirmish. Decent fork. Frame allows for 2.25 rear tire(Geaks). Good Value. | | Weaknesses: | Brake arms never seem to stay adjusted (spring tension). Creak from seat tube easily fixed with some light grease.
Messy shifting over washboards. Fox Float leaks a bit(as most do).
Occasioanlly Front left brake pad lightly rubs when turning. | | Similar Products Used: | 5 yrs on ProFlex/Girvin II elastomers. | | Bike Setup: | Slightly fatter seat for my boney butt. Upgrade tires. Heavier spring rate in Black fork. | | Bottom Line: | As mentioned, good value. Proven XC frame design in prevoius years....same frame geometry ass on Fuel 100.
As a 190lb 6'2"semi aggressive rider I find the Rear Susp. works well. No lockout rear shk needed. Black forks are nice and plushy (with heavier spring for my weight and style) but do have a bit of lateral flex. Bike ascends and decends well. Brakes work very well when clean.
The bike is surely outperforming me for now, after not riding much for 2 years. With some front end stiffening mods (forks/hub/headset) the bike will surely equal more expensive MTB models. Keep in mind that anything you buy will have an issue or two and require a couple mods. 2 thumbs up and 5 chili's from me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Blacksburg, VA. USA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Pandapas Pond, Douthat SP | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | East Coasters | | Strengths: | * light
* no-bob rear suspension works great
* good handling, flies over rough terrain | | Weaknesses: | * stock crank still not properly designed to work with the rest of the Shimano drivetrain, chain was skipping around on middle chainring
* front hub makes a little noise
* odd creak coming from seatpost area, can't discern if its the seat or the post though ...
* brake lever setup scratches the top tube if the handlebars twist around | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar ... tested only | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: Bontrager crack upgraded to Shimano LX (free, go East Coasters!), Bontrager Jones AC tires soon to be upgraded to Panaracer or IRC. Tires run at 50 psi, rear shock at 150 psi. | | Bottom Line: | The Fuel made it an easy decision to upgrade from my rigid frame to a full suspension bike. It is light, fast, and decends without fear.
Avid SD-3 brakes are good, but shipped with thin brake pads which go quick. Jones AC tires are very questionable, hook up in some conditions. Black fork is great, but a little too plush for my taste. With the Black, you should almost never stand up in the saddle on this bike or you'll risk losing traction in the back or just bouncing up and down on the front fork, wasting energy.
Just a couple notes ... this is an excellent bike overall, nice wide gear range and a light, well refined geometry lets you tackle anything out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Moe
a Weekend Warrior
from Weston, FL, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta river state park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle world | | Strengths: | bad ass front fork, good fox float shock, decent mix of components, rock sold frame | | Weaknesses: | grips were pretty weak, changed them to yeti hardcores. Have had problems with front derailuer and completely destroyed the chain. It came with absolutely the worst friggin tires in the world. Allready changed them to panaracer trailblasters and what a difference in the ride!
| | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | It is an awsome bike so far. Great price for the bike. I also dont like the crankset and seatpost it came with. Overall after a couple of upgrades the bike is great. I weigh 230pnds and am 6foot3 and ride the medium size model. I have punished this bike pretty bad and it keeps begging for more ass whoopings! If your looking for an awsome performance bike bu can't fork out the benjamins, this bike is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
doug hathaway
a Cross Country Rider
from denver
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | dakota ridge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | turnin bikes | | Strengths: | killer rear suspension design, moderatly light..certainly for a dual suspension bike. Manitou Black...extra plush, but should have more adjustablility and all from the cockpit. Cant adjust without getting off and switching from 80 to 100mm...unless your real good. The neat-o sticker lasts about 10minutes | | Weaknesses: | weaknesses...well doesnt have many. If this is an XC bike why does it come with downhill bars, a short upright stem? and a rather short top tube? I had to switch out to a much lower flatter, more aggressive stance to ride it...otherwise it felt like a lawn chair. | | Similar Products Used: | Have ridden many mt bikes and road bikes, this is my first dual suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | I weigh in at 165 with all my gear on. the rear shock seems to work best with about 120psi in it, the front...well, medium damping, 100mm travel. seat all the way back on the rails, 90deg 130mm stem, flat bars, 60psi in the stock tires. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is a tractor. Technical sections are shredded if you have confidence to keep the front wheel in the right groove and power to the back, the suspension takes care of the rest. The bike climbs like a goat. Great gears, almost too short for most technical situations, you find yourself going too slow to handle unexpected situations. I rarely approach gnarly sections in the lowest gear on this bike. All in all....Sweet ASS! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zack
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose ca usa
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Great bike with mostly shimano and bontreggor components...nice shox....great all around bike | | Weaknesses: | Makes noises sometimes | | Bottom Line: | Thi is my first real bike and i am loving it so far. It has great components and is very comfortable...I def. reccomend this bike... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Elisberg
a Racer
from Fort Lee, New Jersey, United States
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Snow Race Course | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cosmic Wheel | | Strengths: | The frame is awesome, rides like a hardtail. It takes the abuse of descending and climbs like a dream. There is no bob in the rear. The Black fork is the plushes fork I have used. Even in 80mm travel. In 100mm it handles like my DH fork. I like the fact that there is bontraiger components on the bike they handle very well. The bikes geometry is perfect. | | Weaknesses: | Grips - not bad but just not for me. They are to soft for me. The stock cockpit is sized ok but I perfer a shorter stem and more rise on the handlebars. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant | | Bike Setup: | Some what stock - change the grips to ODI lock-ons, The stem and handlebars are upgraded to Azonic. The padels were switched to clipless/platforms I am a very aggressive rider and unclip alot and perfer this type. | | Bottom Line: | A solid race bike. trek did there homework on this one. With the exception of the changes to match my personnal preferences it is one awesome bike. I drop people one the ascents and hit the downhills as if I am on my downhill ride. It holds it's ground against higher priced bikes and out performs them. No bells and whistle just a simply great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kenny palmer
a Weekend Warrior
from Bedford,Va.
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Carvins Cove(all) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Unlimited | | Strengths: | Frame design and front and rear shocks. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager cranks, seat and tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR,Gary Fisher sugar, Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for items listed above upgraded cranks to XT, tires to panaracer XC pro, and seat to WTB speed V. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because it had virtually no "bob" and I really was impressed with the "Black" front fork. I love this bike!!! It handles great and is pretty light as well-this bike climbs awesome. My only complaint is the Botrager stuff-I dealer told me the cranks had improved over last years model but I still had problems with chain falling off the middle ring after jumps or rough sections. I switched over to XT crankset and everthing works perfect now. Seat causes numbness so had to go, tire swap was just personal preference. Awesome bike!!!!Buy IT! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pearce Daley
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Yellow River | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycleworks, Roswell | | Strengths: | Climbs like a goat and the rear suspension is VERY sweet to ride after years on a hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | OK my wife and I own one each, and both bikes have had serious drive train problems. The only thing remaining from the original setup is the rear derailleur. We replaced: rear casettes, chain, BB, cranks set and front derailleur. This was not uncommon and most of the users postings before the 2002 listing suggests the changes were inevitable. The vibrating brakes needed the TREK fix, an aluminum bar that extends from the brake set to the frame, this has solved the vibration that TREK couldn't fix with the design. All of the above was done without TREKs assistance even though numerous complaints for the 2001 suggests TREK is very aware of the problems. The final insult was the CRACKED frame at my seatpost. I was informed by the TREK rep I spoke with today that a design change, on the 2002 model, didn't get out by the time our 2002s were shipped. I must admit he was very cautious when discussing the subject, leading me to believe there was more to the story that I would never hear (my interpretation). The bontrager tires were poor on any type of terrain and they were replaced with Panaracer XCs. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 100 tested, GF Sugar, Rocky Mountain Element | | Bike Setup: | All new XT/XTR, BB, derailleurs, chain, casette, & cranks. New Panaracer tires. | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike when it works; be prepared to do much to make it work. The frame has a lifetime warranty but I hope I don't have to test the warranty too often. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Z JIVARO
a Weekend Warrior
from SAN FRANCISCO
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | SKAGG'S POINT | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | rear shock is nice, new Black front end is pretty sweet also. Espically since you can quickly adjust between up hill & downhill (80/100MM) riding. Weight is great, very light and easy to move around. | | Weaknesses: | derailer is okay, seeing as how this is my first mtn bike, I didn't know what to expect when I bought it. NOW I think XTR would be better, it jams sometimes, and chain falls off occasionly. I also had the local bike shop adjust it when I first purchaed it. But for the most part, it is very dependable. I ride pretty aggressively, so I expect a certain amount of adjustments every ride. I have to adjust the brakes alot, but I owe this mostly to a lot of braking on my part. I don't have the disk, but if buying again I would spend the extra cash, would come in handy with single trail down hill rides when it's wet (common occurance in NoCA). | | Similar Products Used: | test rode the 2001 Fuel 90,
Gary Fisher Sugar, this felt to small for my 5'11", 200lbs frame. | | Bike Setup: | changed the seat and minor adjustments to brakes and derailer, but everything is stock. | | Bottom Line: | I am very hard on everything I own, so when I set out to buy a mtn bike, I wanted to make sure this thing would be TUFF. I crash big and the Fuel 90 has stood up just fine. It has lived up to my expectations. I love riding it. And it looks great. Would recommend it to others in this price category, but think about the disk brakes if you ride down hill and offroad a lot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael king
a Cross Country Rider
from anderson,sc. usa
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | lake thunderbird, norman, ok. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | great escape | | Strengths: | lite frame, handlebars are not too wide for technical trails. great climber,and tires handle sand very well | | Weaknesses: | at first i was really freaking about the bike wanting to autoshift up hills. it was driving me crazy, then i took it to al's in norman oklahoma and he did a great set up on the bike for me and it handles flawlessly now | | Similar Products Used: | tried the schwinn rocket 88, giants, and kona's....something about the way the trek handles just impressed me. | | Bike Setup: | all original, it was set up when i bought it but the front derailer was too high causing problems when indexing the front derailer and causing the chain to jump when crankin' up hills | | Bottom Line: | i would pick this bike again and again...i fell in love with the fuel 80, but when i saw the 90, i just had to have one....this one is gettin' all the chilis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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