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Submitted by
Aaron Huey
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | I have to pick just one? | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | I definitely do not agree with some of the reveiws. I am 6'4 and weigh 235lbs and have pointed this bike down the most extreme trails and the frame and components have responded perfectly. I have well over 3000 miles on this bike and have not experienced any major problems. | | Weaknesses: | I too had problems with the Fox rear shock but found that replacing the seals at the beginning of each season has eliminated that completely. I also have a squeek but found that the rocker linkage just needs to be cleaned regularly. | | Bike Setup: | Bike is basically still stock. I added an Avid mechanical front disc because i wanted more confidence in braking on descents after going through water crossing. I also replaced the chain with a SRAM and discovered that the bike shifts smoother and is even quieter...if you can believe that! | | Bottom Line: | I have looked at and test rode many of the new bikes but just can't convince myself that it is best to part with this bike. I am always leading the downhill sections and can also handle most of the technical trails with ease. The bike is also a great climber as well...although i admit i am not one that enjoys the big climbs!! But you have to go up to go down!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Holland
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandy, UT
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great CC rig. Light. Works like it should. | | Weaknesses: | Frame broke in two places. slight pedal induced bob on uphills- no lockout on rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | first full suspension. various hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Avid mechanical discs, bontrager disc wheels, manitou black shock. All else is stock. | | Bottom Line: | Frame quality stinks. I weigh 195 and I only do CC. The frame broke at the weld where the top tube butts the seat tube and the rear triangle cracked at the bottom linkage (I hear this is common). I was in the middle of a 100 miler in Canyonlands when it broke. I had to ride 60 miles with nothing but the bottom bracket weld holding the bike together. Trek, of course, warrantied the frame and I upgraded to the new carbon 100. I would give "0" chilis if it wasn't for Trek's warranty. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael K
a Racer
from Naval Air Station Lemoore
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sycamore Canyon's Hell Hill and Guadalasco downtown | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power Vail Colorado | | Strengths: | The most controlled downhill ride I've ever had. I average 10 - 14 hours of X-country training per week and live to ride. I'm brutal on equipment having broken two derailleurs, one handlebar, two frames, three forks and two rims, so I value low maintenance equipment. I've got about 400-500 hours (to include three trips to Moab, yes,including the ultimate downhill, "Porcupine Rim") on the Fuel 98 with no problems. For the money this bike is the bomb on downhills, single tracks and a good climber. | | Weaknesses: | Yes for the extra $1200 - 2000 you can upgrade to this years Fuel 98 or Fuel 100 and shave off 1.5 to 2 lbs if you're a seriously "competitive" racer. At 41 years old I race for fun and place in the upper 25% for kicks, so the weight savings I can live without. I've read a few other folks complaining about derailleurs, forks and anomalies such as chain suck. One gentleman complained about the Fuel not handling well ("broken rails") on the downhill. How can I politely say "adjust/fine tune your groupo" and dude..ahh..."Learn how to ride a bike!" | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale's, K-2's and Santa Cruz's. All were high end X-C racing frames. | | Bike Setup: | Stock from Trek. | | Bottom Line: | For the money, this is the best X-C higher end bike out there. Yes, you can pay $3500 - $4500 for a "Competitive" frame if your life is racing, but for a higher end rider or even a weekend racer like me this bike is it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JC
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Great handling, light, comfortable, fantastic climber, trouble free, no noise | | Weaknesses: | Didn t like the Duke. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8500, Ellsworth truth | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float 100RLC, Full 2003 XTR, Hutchinsons Pythons, Thomson seatpost and stem, CT2 handlebar, Fizik Aliante saddle, | | Bottom Line: | had this bike for 6 months. Upgrades were more from new component-lust than from necessity. Had been trouble free from the beginning. I ride some rough trails so this bike can take a beating without complaint. Climbs very well and is as silent as a stealth missle when cruising. I think the carbon rear triangle and the alloy main triangle is a great idea. The bontrager wheels are the only major item I have not upgraded...they've performed beyond my expectations. I only realised how good this bike was when I rode another similar-priced bike for a couple of days last weekend. Man there was no comparison. My only regret about buying this bike is that I dont have enough time to ride it! When I die I want it buried with me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason H
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything Pisgah | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line in Deleware | | Strengths: | climbs like a psuedo hardtail (at times), very light, reasonably cheap for a full sus with good components | | Weaknesses: | fox float rear shock doesn't seem to hold more than 150 psi, noticable bob when shock doesn't hold suffiecent air (I weigh 170 btw), massive chainsuck is an understatement, creaking problem in seat tube of original frame. Corners like it's on broken tracks
see bottom line for more details | | Similar Products Used: | klein palamino | | Bike Setup: | thomson stem, xtr crank, and mavic X3.1 with xtr hub (takes a solid beating btw, thrashed this thing around in pisgah and still haven't had to tru it yet) | | Bottom Line: | Where do I start, I orginally bought the bike in march of 2002.
1.To start within 2 weeks it developed this aweful creaking noise in the seat tube everytime I pedaled in the saddle (due to some admitted defect in the bottom of the seat tube).
2. The negative air chamber on the duke race fork blew in two months.
3.As soon as I got that back the rear shock started leaking air. So sent the shock into fox to get it back a month later in semi working condition. Throughout the life of the bike the shock was never able to hold more than 150 psi and when I got it back straight from fox it still couldn't.
4. Just about as soon as I got the rear shock back I sent the frame into trek to be replaced (apparantly the squeaking was wide spread problem). I got a 2003 frame out of the deal so 1 kudos out to trek.
5.The rear shock went yet again so I have sent that back to fox, they promise me this time it will be able to hold more than 150 (it's suppose to hold 300)
6. With a new XTR crank (2002 model), new chain and cassete, the chainsuck is still imminent, in fact it's even worse! I get chainsuck at least every other ride and its not the kind you can just yank out, I have to take the chain apart everytime, either that or loosen a bolt on the crank.
7. The FEW times the bike has been working flawlessly the ride is smooth and predictable. But for the first 6 months I owned the bike I could only ride it for 3 months as sending each part in took about a month to get back.
BOTTOMLINE: This bike definitely isn't worth it, trek fixed the squeaking for the 2003 model but I hear the chainsuck is still a problem. If you have 2500 to blow look into getting a yeti kokepelli or AS-R if you can scrounge the extra cash. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy G
a Weekend Warrior
from Hoboken
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mahlon Dickerson | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Marty's Reliable | | Strengths: | Climbs like a hardtail, very nimble handling under all XC riding conditions, Duke fork | | Weaknesses: | none significant | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSX Comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: longer stem added, will probably replace Time pedals with Shimano 747s | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for about six months now, and I have very few complaints. they are minor, but here they are:
- Derailluer hanger - bent on the first day. I had my last bike for 4 years and it never bent. Might be because this bike lets you go harder over the big stuff, but still
- Bottom bracket - started creaking after 100 miles. Might just be an adjustment, might be another poor quality Bontrager component.
- Geometry - The bike (reach) was short. I'm 5'10 and would expect the 17" frame to be just right for my moderately aggressive riding style. My LBS swapped out the stem for a longer one, but it still feels a little short (will probably replace the seatpost as well)
- Brakes - Not a big fan of the Avid calipers. I much preferred my XTs
- Time ATAC Pedals - the jury's still out on this one, but after 6 months, I'm still having more trouble getting into them than my old 747's (which I think I'm putting back on).
Ok, now that being said, this bike is fantastic. It honestly makes you ride BETTER, because it is confidence inspiring. I'm climbing and descending faster, and zipping through tight singletrack; the Duke/Fox suspension performs extremely well, and makes me NEVER regret giving up my hard-tail (which I was extremely reluctant to do).
I thought the stock tires would be a problem, as there's not too much meat on them, but they've suprised me by holding the line in all but the muddiest of conditions. And because of their low profile tread, they are FAST. The wheels have held up well (so far) and are still true after about 350 miles. The Duke fork is a great performer and blows away anything else I've had before. However, some of the paint has chipped off at the bottom of the fork leg, exposing the bare metal.
All in all, a fanstastic bike. I tend to think that if Trek didn't own Bontrager, we would see even better components, but can you do? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cole
a Racer
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | As long as I am riding | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Nor-Dor Sports and Cyclery | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | Nothing | | Similar Products Used: | Santacruz superlight | | Bottom Line: | Finally did a race. Went and did 24 hours of Moab, bike held up like a champ. Did real well, flew down the downhills, floated over the bumps, raced up the hills. I was really happy with it. I think anyone that has the money should buy it, even if you don't like me. I'm only 19 and I was able to afford it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lock 4 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | rental... | | Strengths: | very light | | Weaknesses: | This is my first experience with a higher-end FS bike (rental), but I bent the rear derailleur hanger. That cost me $25 on return. I'm not a radical rider, and I have no idea how I bent it, since the only wreck I had was losing balance on a slightly technical section. Only a slight scrape on the XTR rear bent it. | | Similar Products Used: | Old-school junk. I'm renting to find my perfect bike. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | With the full suspension, I could stay on the seat through things I used to stand up for. I sped down hills, blasted through roots, no brakes needed on the sweet super-fast downhill at Lock 4.
I probably don't want to spend the extra money when I buy on the race-grade components. I'll probably go with the Fuel 90. Definitely worth it for the folks needing the higher-end components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cole
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | As long as I am riding | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Nor-dor Sports and Cyclery | | Strengths: | Light bike, great components | | Weaknesses: | amount of travel | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Stock except new mavick 517 double butted and alloy nipple rims, XT cassette, mythos tires, Stan's tubeless (need that here in AZ) | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is I may only weigh 155 lbs but I jump the heck out of this bike and do some nasty downhills and I haven't heard it cry out once. It puts up real well with whatever I put it through. Great bike for climbing too. It is the perfect bike for racing, XC, mountain, anything really. I use it for all except racing cause I haven't gotten that good yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Atlas
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Idaho, USA
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Northwest Mountain Sports | | Strengths: | Quality component group. Quality workmanship on frame. Easy to maintain. relatively light for a full suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Poor choice in Bontrager crank. Tires are useless. Too early to tell if the Bontrager wheelset is of quality expected guven price paid for bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar. Trek 6500. | | Bike Setup: | Standard components. Switched out crank to Shimano XT, added LP Ergo grips (definitely worth the high $$$ -- these grips are great), front tire changed out to Hutchison Python gold and rear tire to Panaracer Fire XC Pro (rear tire is best tire I've ever used -- excellent traction and wearability). | | Bottom Line: | This is a superb full suspension bike. The rocker arm rear suspension system developed by Trek completely eliminates riding bob on the uphills if the shock is properly set. For me, pumping up the FOX shock to about 225 psi practically makes the bike ride like a hardtail -- less than .25" of travel. I'm not impressed with the Bontrager components and will probably switch out all Bontrager gear for higher end components in the future. One exception on the Bontrager components that has surprised me is the wheelset. After 400 miles of single track and realtive intense trail riding, the rims have remained perfectly true. If you adjust the suspension properly, then this bike is an absolute dream for all-day rides....My hardtail kicks my ass if I ride it all day.
I give the bike four flaming turds on value because of the price -- it's a bit expensive given the components. How about making it all XTR, Trek? Overall, I give the bike five flaming turds. The bike performs exactly as intended and rides great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CJ
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Quick, responsive, great frame. Light and loves to climb those big hills and jump fat stumps. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | specialized rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | stock with 959 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike rides like a demon. It has imporved my riding 100% (some say that's not even enough). Hills that would force me to walk the bike up now bow down to the fat man on the fuel. Turn on a dime and flat out flies. Outstanding ride, no complaints here. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Loch Raven | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Mt Washington Bike | | Strengths: | Gives you a lot of first class compnents for the money. That superb TREK quality is there as well. | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat is low quality and the tubes in the tubeless tires and rims are kinda wierd. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Specialized, Jamis, Kona and Gary Fisher full suspension bikes at the $2k price point. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the exception of a Race Face Stem and Riser Bar, Mavic Crossmax UST wheels, Sella Royalle gel seat and Michelin CompS tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is a very well made bike. It is responsive and turns real quick. It climbs well and handles like it is on rails. It does require that you pay attention on the singletrack and in return, it can bob and weave through the tight and technical stuff like a champ. Truly an XC ride, not for taking big drops, but it wasn't designed for that anyway. I have ridden it pretty hard and it is holding up well. Trek has a great warranty if it doesn't and Mt. Washington Bike (aka Joe's Bike Shop) has always provided great service and support. I recommend it highly and would also consider the new Liquid Fuel if I wanted more suspension travel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
curt
a Racer
from miami florida usa
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | I have approximately 130 miles on this bike over the past 7 days and I’m impressed: Stay tuned. | | Weaknesses: | I’m concerned about the bottom bracket clearance, which is a part of the learning curve. Most bikes of this nature(cross country race) offer the same clearence. This bike has one inch less, than my other bike. At speed, it's a very scary situation to the point that the soles of both of my shoes are coming off. A few times, I was almost reaped off the bike. For now, my heart skips a beat from time to time and I require some shoe glue and two clamps.My XT shifter pod broke and the bike shop sold me XTR at the shop’s cost difference. I would like to make a retraction in reference to my comment of Bontrager revolt super X tires were a weakness with out using them first. I admit to assuming that these tires were of poor quality, but I was wrong. I have been running 34lbs in front tire and 38lbs in rear and turning in some of my fastest lap times. Even my friends being expert podium finishers are astonished by my or the tires performance. Note these tires sell for fewer than twenty bucks each. Compare that to pythons or Michelin. | | Bike Setup: | Duke race 145psi top and 125psi bottom. Although, I expect to add 5psi to compression, although, I have yet to do so. I actually adjusted my technique at the trail location which bottomed the front shock out, and in doing so; I’m going even faster with out the psi change. The manual suggested set up is so the shock will perform as advertised. Many times, it is the rider’s ability, which influences products to malfunction; especially when a rider is becoming fatigued and allowing the shock to take hard hits under fast coasting speeds. | | Bottom Line: | Since I ride hard and usually over a hundred miles a week, I expect the learning curve to be one month, if I survive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
curt
a Racer
from miami florida dade
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | markham park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | weight and balance | | Weaknesses: | tires | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'0 with a riding weight with h2o of 187lbs. I would recommend this bike to any one out of my racing district. Due to the placement of the shock support so close to the bottom bracket, this bike rides close to the parameters of most race configured hard tails; short travel for both shocks offer just enough for my intender purpose.
This bike is for a racer, not a free rider.
I have bottomed out the front shock. I expect to add another 5lbs of pressure to compression and possibly another 5 in rear. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent Delle-Donne
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Razorback, Reddick, FL | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle World | | Strengths: | Frame Geometry, XT/XTR, ATAC pedals | | Weaknesses: | weight, difficult to properly dial in duke race | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike on the trails. The only complaint I have is that there is no external adjustment for the stiffness of the fork, therefore, all tuning must be done by inflating/deflating the + and- pressure chambers. this can be frustrating and very time consuming. Otherwise the bike is great. It handles and climbs exteremely well. I'm only a recreational rider, but I can't think of any way to make this bike better. My friend, Shadi, got a Giant NRS 1 at the same time I got my bike and he has been complaining about it since the first ride. But, then again Shadi is a whiner I would definetly recommend the Trek. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jett Virangkabutra
a Weekend Warrior
from Bangkok, Thailand
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere i can get my bike there | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Probike, Bangkok, Thailand | | Strengths: | Pedaling efficiency, low bottom bracket, comfort, well made. | | Weaknesses: | Weight a little on the heavy side. Should come with 11-34 gear ratio. The bike made funny ticking noise after 2 months. | | Similar Products Used: | GT RTS 1, AMP 3, | | Bike Setup: | Mainly stock apart from the Icon 1.5 riser, Shimano 747 pedals, Controltech seat post and Flite seat | | Bottom Line: | Overall the FUEL 98 is a very nice bike to ride. It does give a hardtail feel. And yes it is a bit weighty but you don't really feel it on the climbs. At 300 mm the Bontager post was a little on the short side. I am 170 cm(5.7") and i ride a 15.5 (which was recomended by the TREK manual). To get propel leg extension i had to raise the post 1" over the limit. My Bike had a funny ticking noise after 2 month. I took it back to the dealer and it was fixed. But it came back after several rides. The bike is very well balanced because of the low bottom bracket and It is suitable for long rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Wnuk
a Cross Country Rider
from Winona, MN U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any as long as I'm riding... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventure Cycle & Ski | | Strengths: | Ride quality, lack of bobbing after proper set-up, easy on an old man's back. | | Weaknesses: | Heavier than expected, some components could have been spec'd a bit better. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Specialized Stumpy Pro. | | Bike Setup: | Switched to Easton Hi-rise bars, XT 11-34 cassette, Avid single digit Mag brakes, Flite Ti gel seat. | | Bottom Line: | Only had 2 rides on it so far and so far so good. It feels lighter than it actually weighs, I could stand to lose a few pounds that would help as well. It seems to sprint forward like a hardtail, especially in the big ring. The first ride I was cringing at smaller bumps and was surprised how well they were soaked up, specially compared to a hardtail. It will take a while to get used to staying seated instead of rising off the saddle over certain sized bumps, but will be a benefit in the end I think. I won't gush over it too much as I don't have enough time on it, but full-suspension is a definite benefit for all around off-road riding, it seems I finished my rides a bit fresher and it made riding more fun again.Any creaks or problems I will post again but so far 5 for overall, 4 for value unless you get a better deal than me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Component quality, weight, geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Inability to retro-fit disc brakes without significant extra cost and wasted components. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Hope XC hubs, Mavic X317 rims, Hope minidisc brakes and SRAM 9 11-34 cassette | | Bottom Line: | Went straight from a rigid bike to full sus. My body couldn’t take the hits anymore.
This bike is awesome. The wheels stay glued to the ground incredibly well and there is minimal buffeting even on harsh surfaces. Although the suspension doesn't move far it soaks up a lot of the bumps on the trail. The ease with which power is transferred into forward motion has supported my decision to buy this bike. It encourages you to keep riding. The other contender was Marin’s Mt Vision but eventually plumped for Trek because of frame geometry even though the Marin is specced to accept discs. LBS agreed to substitute components before sale so I changed to Hope XC hubs with Mavic X317 rims and Hope minidiscs front and rear. Oh, also changed the LX cassette to SRAM 9 Powerglide II 11-34 (helps me stay in the saddle on steep climbs!!)
Gear changes needed tuning over the first 3 or so rides but thereafter very slick and precise. Took a bit of time to get used to the ATAC pedals. Must remember to unclip BEFORE stopping!
I read an awful lot of info on this site prior to purchase of the Trek and the message was “you won’t be disappointed”.. I’m not, and I too would recommend it to anyone who likes to XC at speed with some comfort.
The feedback available here has been very useful and I’d encourage others to post their views.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Theosdoren
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mountain Drive | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1320.00 | | Purchased At: | Open Air Bicycles | | Strengths: | XT/XTR components, seat (very comfortable),I ride to work everyday!light weight frame & front fork. Lifetime warranty on frame. Fast and nimble! | | Weaknesses: | overall weight higher then advertised, | | Similar Products Used: | I tested alot of different bikes. | | Bike Setup: | switched out the clipless peddles for standard ones with toe clips. | | Bottom Line: | A bigger frame (19.5, insteal of 17.5) would have been ideal, but so much bike for the price made it a small price. I got a hugh discount because it was a demo bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a Cross Country Rider
from Thurmond,NC
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Owl's Roost,Beech Spring,Reedy Fork | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Ken's Bike shop | | Strengths: | Quick, responsive, lively frame. Light and loves to climb and jump. | | Weaknesses: | Ok didn't like the Bont tubeless wheels swapped em for Rolf Dolomites tube wheels | | Similar Products Used: | Rode a carbon hardtail for 3 yrs before this | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the wheels | | Bottom Line: | Never thought I'd want a soft tail .They are too slow heavy and ride like a slug.Not this bike !!! Once you get the positive and negative air pressures dialed in for you and your type of riding (it was alot more pressure for me than the book recommended )the bike acts like a hardtail! But takes out the bumps and grips like a maddog. Downhills are faster and hadly any fatigue on long rides.I've ridden lots of bikes this one is the best so far | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a
from Middletown, NY
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cannonball | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | The suspension is perfectly balanced - no bob, light. | | Weaknesses: | Some stock components - crank, tubed tires, lx cassette. Also very difficult to get Easton CT2 seatpost 31.6 (slightly offset compared to Bontrager seatpost & lighter). | | Similar Products Used: | Trek HT, Demo'd Fuel 100, Stumpjumper, Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Monkeylite, cheapo offset seatpost (until the CT2 arrives), time titanium pedals, tubeless trailblaster 1.95's & XT crankset. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review, I have been riding about 4 times a week for 5-6 months now. This bike is a great trail riding bike and I have started racing with it and feel extremely confident with it. I am able to pick up several places on the climbs and technical descents due to the handling of the bike. The fuel just simply sucks up the major hits and allows you to keep your momentum and keep rollin. Excellent bike, excellent value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Herb
a Cross Country Rider
from Hudson, MA,01749
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Alley | | Strengths: | This bike is an all around great bike. I went from a hardtail to a full suspension and did a lot of research and test riding before I picked this bike. It is the quickest bike I've rode on. The rear suspension is great. It's a true race bike that's dependble on all types of trails. | | Weaknesses: | The Trek came with tubeless rims but had Bontrager tires with tubes. Went to Kenda tubeless tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 2+, Specialized FSRxcPRO. | | Bike Setup: | Just changed the tires so far. Will change the casette to XT. | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a fast, full suspension bike. I am very happy with my purchase. This has taken my riding to a new caliber. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zyggy
a Weekend Warrior
from Camarillo, CA
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wildwood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Valley Cycle | | Strengths: | Low weight and geometry make it a climber like a hardtail. Solid shifting with XT/XTR combination. Good value for quality components. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager tires | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Fuel 100, Specialized S-Works M5, S-Works FSRxc | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | It has taken me many years to finally switch from a hardtail. This bike has exceeded my expectations. Any concern that I had about climbing hills has been erased. I'm still futzing with settings on the Duke and Fox shocks. I have no complaints about the downhills, whether on a challenging technical single track or bombing down a fire road. The bike is very stable. It has taken some time to get used to the ATAC pedals. The release is different than my old Ritchies. The tires don't grip lose dirt. Bottom line... I love this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lewis
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Gallery Portland | | Strengths: | Light weight: I have the 17.5" frame and it weights in at 25lb 4oz - pretty decent for a f/s bike.
Handling is excellent: lateral stiffness from fork, frame and rocker link give the bike a hardtail feel but with the enormous benefit of full-suspension traction. Duke fork have very little flex and provide true, confident steering in rough/technical downhills. I can't say enough good things about the way this bike handles.
Efficient climber: once the suspension is dialed in just right this bike climbed as efficiently as a hardtail. (It does take a few rides and some patience to get the Duke fork tuned properly.)
FYI: There's nothing wrong with the Bontrager components: I rode hundreds of miles on some seriously punishing trails in Tobago over the course of a month and had no problems with the wheelset, crankset, bars or seat tube.
(see: to check out some of the crazy trails in T&T)
| | Weaknesses: | LX cassette. This bike probably should have come with XT 11-34 cassette.
| | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Sugar 2+, Cannondale Scalpel 800, Specialized FSR COMP | | Bike Setup: | Stock except swapped saddle for Flite Gel w/Ti rails, replaced cassette with XT 11-34. | | Bottom Line: | The Fuel 98 delivers exactly what Trek promises - a cross-country full suspension bike with light weight, precise handling and efficient climbing.
Do buy the Fuel 98 if you ride long distances on single track (e.g. x-country racing) and you have been holding out on buying full suspension because of weight and climbing efficiency.
Don't buy a Fuel 98 if you're a downhiller/freerider: riser bars & platform pedals will not turn a Fuel into a downhill bike!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Holman
a Cross Country Rider
from Tulsa, OK
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Turkey Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | T-Town Bicycles | | Strengths: | High value. Superior suspension performance. Other than Bontrager parts, strong component selection. | | Weaknesses: | Weight MUCH higher than advertised. LX Cassette, Bontrager Race wheelset. Comes with tubeless rims, but no tubeless tires. Bontrager seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y-22, Specialized FSR XC Pro | | Bike Setup: | Mavic Crossmax UST wheels, Hutchinson Python UST tires, XT rear cassette, Shimano 959 pedals, Stelle Italia Flite Trans AM seat. | | Bottom Line: | I got a better than average deal because I bought the bike without the Bontrager wheelset. This was a weak point on the bike, and the Mavic wheelset saved 3/4 lb over stock. Off the shelf the bike weighed 27.5 lbs (large frame)! After the mods I listed above the bike is now sub 26 lbs. I have very little trail time on the bike, but my general impression is that this bike feels like a hardtail without the pounding you would normally get. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benjamin Hoopes
a Cross Country Rider
from Provo, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rattlesnake Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | MadDog Cycles | | Strengths: | Rigidity.
Flawless shifts.
Refined feel.
| | Weaknesses: | Trek has the rear disc brake mount on back order. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Homegrown 4 Banger
Specialized Enduro Comp.
Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Easton Monkey Lite Bars.
Marzocchi Z.1 Freeride Forks.
Hayes Disc Brakes.
XT Shifters.
Mavic Rim / Formula Hub Wheelset.
| | Bottom Line: | This bike feels smooth. Yes I have chnged out a lot parts, but it is only becuase I grew up riding freeride bikes. I love shuttling and downhilling. The crazy thing is that this bike feels like it can do it all. It only has three inches of rear travel and five up front but it rides like a four inch travel rear. I got this bike thinking that it would make me want to pedal more. And guess what? I do want to pedal up hills more. It feels so effecient compared to all the other bikes that I have ridden. There is absoluteley no bob in the rear. Also Trek has put some good parts on the bike like XTR Rear Der./XT Front Der./ Bontrager Race cranks/etc. I am 6'-2" and I got the 21.5" bike(XL) and it feels like it is about a half an inch big wish I had gotten the Large. Get this bike if you love to ride/race X Country and leave it stock. And get this bike and soup it up if you would like an efficient full suspension with three inches of travel. From what I here Trek will warranty everything so ride it hard. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon Sisino
a Cross Country Rider
from Cogan Station,PA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Fast, The fuel is sweet, its light, quick, and sprints like a hardtail, I often look down just to verify its full suspension, I love the way the bike climbs, the Fuel does not bob like most full suspension bikes, and it transmits all the power to the wheel, the chainstays are stiff and contribute the bikes eagerness to move foward, the frame material is both stiff and light, i love to ride my fuel!! | | Weaknesses: | The SID that comes stock is not RS's stiffest fork but it is light and responsive, | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y-22, C-dale Raven | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line, if you are afraid to ride a full suspension b/c of bob, wasted energy, and overall slow feeling, then this bike will slap you in the face. Its light, fast, and soaks up bumps like a bounty paper towel, Give it a ride and FEEL the FUEL!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cannonball | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | eBAY | | Strengths: | Value, suspension, components, weight | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager crank, LX rear cassette | | Similar Products Used: | Trek HT, Fuel 100 Demo'd | | Bike Setup: | In process of upgrading handlebar/seatpost to Easton Monkeylite/CT2, replacing rear cassette with XTR 34, XT crank in front and Panaracer Fire XC Pro's (with blue sidewall of course). | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike is excellent. The suspension is perfect - I only notice it on fast downhills, I look at the rear shock in disbelief that I used as much travel as I did. The front shock - Duke - is also fantastic, it seems to hold the line through technical downhills better than any shock I've used before. I am extremely pleased with this bike. Will post again after some more time on the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Racer
from Corpus Christi, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bandera | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | It's a Trek... built well, good components, feels great. Light, fast, handles well, an awesome cross country bike. Great for adventure races too because the open main triangle lets you portage it easily. The new Duke Race fork is fantastic. | | Weaknesses: | Tubeless wheels, but came with standard tires and tubes. What's up with that? Rear end definitely makes this a cross country racer, no downhill pounder or comfort bike here. Carbon rear stays can get scratched... use stay protectors. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Scalpel, Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Thomson seatpost, Easton Carbon Monkeylight bar, Michelin tubeless tires, Crank Brothers Egg Beaters pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Roland Green... World Champion... 'nuff said. This bike is the same as the world champ 100 without some of the super-lightweight stuff. Better deal. This bike is awesome... the rear end does not bob, climbs like a cat, and unless you look down, you don't know this isn't a hardtail. Oh yeah... looks good too! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RvK
a Racer
from Halifax
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Fight trail - Whopper Drop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Cyclesmith | | Strengths: | Carbon stays, stiff swing arm, stiff frame, smokin' fork, WEIGHT!!! | | Weaknesses: | Nothing at all, except the brake calipers are kind of low end for such a nice bike | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ XTR brake calipers/housing and cables. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is perfect for anyone who races! It is stiff and light (25.8 pounds stock, I weighed it for anyone who is interested) If properly tuned in for your weight this is a sweet ride. Anyone who sees this bike on the starting line will be pissin' themselves | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WarrGuru
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wagon Wheel | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sprockets | | Strengths: | The bike rides like a dream. It handles well. Climbs great, and decends great for an XC bike. | | Weaknesses: | I've had 2 problems with this bike. The first was a creaking that was driving me nuts. The Second problem is that the swing arm was a little mis-aligned. WHen I put a larger tire (2.1 Panaracer Fire XC PRo), the nibs on the tire rubbend the chainstay protector. Upon further examination, I realized that the rear swingarm was mis-aligned causing the rear tire to rub. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 2, Santa Cruz SL | | Bike Setup: | Stock. This bike was purchased as a 2001 model. The rear triangle has been swapped for the 2002 carbon version. I decided to post here because it's virtually a 2002 model, now. THe only difference is that the 2002 has the ZR9000 frame material (marketing hype, I think) and titanium hardware in the rocker link. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that Trek and my LBS took care of the problems. The creak was from Trek not loc-titing a sleeve in the main pivot and Trek quickly replaced my swingarm with a 2002 carbon one. Way to go Trek. My LBS was great too.
Overall, I just love this bike. I've had some problems (see above), but Trek has handled the problems quickly and to my satisfaction. I'd buy from them again!
I'd recommend this bike to any XC rider that wants a fast, light, great-handling bike
Five flaming turds for value.......4 overall because even though Trek fixed the problems.....there shouldn't have been any in the first place. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a Cross Country Rider
from Brownsburg, IN, USA
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Avon, Nebo, Winona Lake, Wapahani | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Comfortable for a racing rig… Excellent combo of frame rigidity and smooth running suspension… Probably the best looking paint scheme in the business… Efficient climber. | | Weaknesses: | Wheelbase feels a little long making you concentrate fully when lofting the front wheel over obstacles. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adept Pro, Fuji Super-Lite, Gary Fisher Sugar 1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I tested this bike for an extended period during a Trek demo day at Town Run Park, a trail I train on regularly. Got to ride this back-to-back with the Klein Adept Pro so I got a great comparison. The Trek is smoother overall than the Klein, but does not turn as crisply. It turns well, but the Klein corners like it’s on rails. The Trek has a more comfortable cockpit. Trek climbs very well and accelerates hard when you stomp on the pedals. The wheelbase on this bike feels a bit long for a racing rig. It’s very stable, but is a little difficult to loft the front wheel over logs, rocks and such. I also noticed that I tagged the inside pedal a couple of times. It must have a low bottom bracket. This bike goes fast without feeling nervous. Where the Klein is a harder edged racer, the Trek gives a bit more of a nod towards comfort and will nip on the heels of the Klein on all but the tightest trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
possum
a Racer
from austria
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | schoeckel | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Nice chaps at jangers | | Strengths: | Climbs well, hardly notice the rear suspension till you go down hill, light, gel seat | | Weaknesses: | brakes, front derailleur, front forks | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyyl 1000, 2000, Specialised FSR, Scott G Zero, Aging GT Tequestra | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Wonderful rear end that let me descend 10 - 20% faster than the hard tail. Fast enough to experience significant amounts of ring puckering during air. Suspension only bottomed out once after such a flight. The shop told me there was only 75mm travel at the rear but it felt like more.
No flex at the back (on a 25 mile 4000ft ride). The suspension was well set up and minimal attention needed to be give to selecting a line. Tracked well over damp leaf covered stones.
The seat was surprisingly comfortable (first time i've used a gell saddle) and the pedals were good.
Brakes lacked bite in the dry and particularly in the wet(hard to lock up the rear above the snow line).
The tyres skittered a bit on steep dirt, but then i had 3,5 bar in them which was probably too much for the weather.
The front flexed under heavy braking. Not too much bounce during the climbs, just enough to bug me. Some vibration at high speed rough descents. Not happy with these Dukes.
Front derailleur (Bontrager) jumped off the outside when changing from middle to large ring and the back on the smallest ring everytime. I have read Bad Things about Mr. Bontrager's equipment on these bikes so i do not know if it was set up or crap bits. The back XTR was fab.
Fix the forks, brakes (disks?) and the front derailleur and the bike would be a keen marathon weapon. A fine cross country fully at this price. As it is four flamin' chillis for a package that is good but not brilliant. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Javi
a Cross Country Rider
from Valencia, Spain
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | everythings good | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | Excellent XC bike.Great climber (especially in technical sections).Very fast in downhills.Light and stiff.Mix of components. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR M4 | | Bike Setup: | All stock parts except tires (Phyton front and Kenda Kharisma lite rear), flite gel saddle, sram 9.0 cassette. | | Bottom Line: | This bike its a dream come true. It´s fantastic for everything. Climbs like a rocket, is great cornering bike and in downhill you can fly.
The components are excellents, bontrager mix is quite good (the race modified tubeless wheelset is rigid and light).
Rock Shox Duke Race is the best rock Shox fork has ever made.Very stiff, light, and with the dual air system.Exxxcellent comportment.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Chubb | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | The Touring Cyclist | | Strengths: | low weight, awesome spec, killer overall package | | Weaknesses: | tubeless wheels that come with standard tires... blame bontrager here. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 1, Ellsworth Truth | | Bike Setup: | Raceface ISIS cranks, Marzocchi Z1 bomber 100mm fork, thomson seatpost and stem, Race Face riser bar, Selle Italia Flite saddle, Cane Creek Cloud Nine shock. | | Bottom Line: | Incredible bike!!! Yeah, so i switched out a lot of parts... i had the seatpost, saddle, stem and cranks from my sugar that i built, and then sold after riding the Fuel.
I put the Duke Race on my singlespeed... sweet fork! Stiffer than anything rockshox has ever done, but i wanted 100mm travel on my bike.
This bike is the most fun, most efficient bike i've ever owned. My only complaint is the fox shock blew, and the people at fox suck. Cane Creek is great, though!
Super smooth ride, great componentry, and Trek's great customer service! Too much to pass up. only drawback is it's more of a racer than an all day trail bike, which is what i made mine with the bigger fork and riser bar. Ride on! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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