| |
Submitted by
TREKFUELISCOOL
a Cross Country Rider
from yarmouth, me, usa
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | lanzo | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist | | Strengths: | I LOVE MY BIKE | | Weaknesses: | I LOVE MY BIKE TOO MUCH | | Similar Products Used: | NOTHING CAN CONTEST | | Bike Setup: | CUSTOM! | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS THE GREATEST BIKE EVER. PERIOD.
GET IT AND I PROMISE YOU WILL BE HAPPY. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Hillside, Illinois
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos/WORS courses | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | American Bicycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | Carbon Frame. | | Weaknesses: | Carbon | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for saddle: Thomson set back post; rapid fire XTR and standard rear derailleur. Race lite stem (120mm) and bars. Michelin Comp S Lite tubeless. | | Bottom Line: | Present to myself as reward for two successful seasons on my hard tail. On my over half a century old body, I found the full suspension butter smooth. This took some of the white Knuckels out of some races and helped put me in the big ring more than ever. Lost the rear triangle due to a tangle up at a sprint to the finish. I stayed up but the hit seemed to crack the none drive side seat stay.
Had to wait ~ 4 weeks for replacement, which put me back on the hard tail for a race. While th HT may have some more off the line pep, I was glad to get back on the Fuel for last race of year. Even though it was a no waurantee part, due to "crash" Trek does have a crash replacement policy, which gave me the rear triangle and new bushings at a fraction of the list price. American Bicycle and Fitness (Downers Grove) treated me well too.
Sweet ride that rails turns, helped me become a better and more aggresive rider, feeling safer and more in control all the while. Plan on a few more upgrades on this platfrom for next season | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Cedar Hill, Texas
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Boulder | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | B&B Bicycles | | Strengths: | Lightweight. Agile. Comfortable. Works like it is supposed to. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Good hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Full '03 XTR, Avid SD Ultimate brakes. Monkeylite SL carbon riser bar. Crank Bro's. Triple Ti eggbeaters. Several different tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review. I still love this bike. Coming from a hardtail I was immediately faster climbing and descending. The bike has been bullet proof. I ride regularly and I have not even had a flat. It has made me a better/faster rider. It has very low resistance and it goes where I point it. I feel like all of my power output makes it to the ground. With the XTR components it shifts flawlessly and very quietly. Thougn the stock XT stuff was good as well.
I ride my bike hard but I take care of it. I also enjoy using top shelf components. I seriously researched the Bontrager components that come on this bike, and They are all excellent. They are also very light weight compared with anything you could replace them with. The only exception is the crank. The XTR Hollow Tech crank with integrated bottom bracket is a touch lighter. It wasn't a big enough difference for me. I stuck with the Bontrager crank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Shelby Twp, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with trees and hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | My last bike was a Trek Y bike, with the swingarm suspension, but this rocker link suspension is MUCH better. I am about 6'4' and weigh close to 240, so I put a LOT of pressure on the suspension. Very little bob from pedaling hard, the suspension works very well. The shifters work so much better than my old grip shift, and the hydraulic brakes are AWESOME. Once you have hydraulic brakes, you will never go back to rim brakes | | Weaknesses: | I noticed someting rattling inside the rim, like a loose rock. Since these rims are tubeless, I thought mabe a spoke nipple had come loose. There is a "tongue" used during construction of the rim, to hold the rim in place during the manufacturing process that had come loose, and was rolling around> I contacted Trek, and they were aware of this issue. I am getting a new hoop, but I am without my ride for a couple of weeks. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y bike | | Bike Setup: | Project One, hyd. brakes, XT and XTR shifters. | | Bottom Line: | I never noticed how great this bike was until I got back on my old bike, (because of the rim issue)The suspension works GREAT under load, the fork is smooth, although there are some people who say the fork is flexy. Maybe I am not riding hard enough? With the Shimano drivetrain, it is the closest thing to an automatic transmission, flawless shifting under load. Is it no wonder that this bike receives all the accolades that it does? The only rewason that I did not give it 5 chilis it because of the rim issue, although I would give it 4 and 1/2 if I could | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duncan
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Generations | | Strengths: | OCLV carbon frame is just flat-out awesome. Disappears out from under you, like you’re riding on air. Light, strong and agile. Climbs great. Pedal bob is negligible, and suspension very effective at keeping the “rubber to the rocks." | | Weaknesses: | Occasionally shifted into the spokes in the rear, or chainsuck into the frame on the front. (I need to learn to adjust derailleurs myself. Hard to find a shop that cares as much as I do.) Strictly a cross-country bike, but I have no interest in hucking anyway. | | Similar Products Used: | Prior bike was a GT i-Drive with XT all-around. When researching the Fuel purchase, tried a Specialized Epic, and a Lightspeed Unicoi. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, but bought at a race promotion, so it's a little hard to tell. XTR rear derailleur, Bontrager RaceLite wheels with UST tubeless tires, TruVativ cranks, Bontrager stem and seatpost, Avid Single 5 linear-pull brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Background: I'm at 6’1” and 190 pounds, and in South Florida we don’t have any big hills, so we make everything as technical as possible -- all singletrack on a rocky coral base with some sand, nasty rocky up & down over & over.
Had a nasty fall before a race, but the bike was literally unscathed. Strong, and still fast.
Quoting an earlier review, “this is a fast bike, built for people who know how to ride.” Definitely not a good first bike. Also, it needs to be set up properly, especially shock/fork inflation pressures. If it’s not set up right, it won’t ride right. If done right, it’s fantastic.
First thing, replaced the saddle with a Specialized Comfort. Be particular about your saddle!
Second, 80mm stem was too short; replaced it with a 120mm Easton. No problem with the bike, just a better fit.
SID Race fork lost most of its travel (see comment about setup/inflation!), and RockShox warranty service was perfect. No fuss, no muss.
Not ecstatic with the brakes, and will probably upgrade to XT or XTR V-brakes someday. The Avids work okay, but could be better.
A note about tire selection: different terrain, different tires. If you’re mostly on rocks, or sand, or hardpack, or whatever, you’ll prefer different tires. The Fuel comes with a fast, low-rolling-resistance tire that may not be as grippy as you need for your terrain. Don’t complain, just know what kind of tire you need. I switched to Michelin greens for bigger knobs, more grip in sand/loose gravel.
Quoting an adventure-racing friend of mine, “Cheap bikes end up as expensive garage clutter. They’re just no fun. Quality bikes are fun, so they actually get ridden.”
In sum, it’s an awesome bike. Just ride!
p.s. Best shops have been Jim’s near Quiet Waters and BikeTech in Miami. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
emmanuel Lopez
a Cross Country Rider
from champs sur tarentaine
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | xc auvergne volcanos | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | France | | Strengths: | light, good as a hardtail, very good xc bike | | Weaknesses: | The front triangle broke after 4000km i had to wait 2 monthes to get a new one from the states, and yesturday i noticed a big crack in the rear triangle you can see some photos here http://www.ifrance.com/perrylopez/pages-html/monfuel98.htm | | Similar Products Used: | sunn x shox , giant mcm team | | Bike Setup: | http://www.ifrance.com/perrylopez/pages-html/monfuel98.htm
all the details here | | Bottom Line: | a really good bike for racing but not for training maybe i did had a bad one i hope everything will be solved with the new rear triangle.
If you are a rcer do not hesitate this is the ultimate weapon | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a Cross Country Rider
from md
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | The fat OCLV tubes make for a nice stiff ride. Longish geometry helps with stability yet bike feels very agile. Good execution on a short travel cross country race bike. | | Weaknesses: | Suspension linkage isn't built to last. The plastic bushings require yearly replacement and the carbon rocker arm (unprotected at bushing contacts) will eventually wear out at the pivot points. | | Bottom Line: | Not a bad setup for a cross country or epic racer type who doesn't mind the limited life of the suspension linkage. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from Southern Cal
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | SART | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Santiago Cycling, Tustin | | Strengths: | FAST, Light, Durable when properly used. Incredible singletrack agility. No bob. Climbs like a goat. Trek frame warranty. | | Weaknesses: | Strictly XC. You can't huck it. Scary or dangerous when you hit something really big. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR/XC. Psycle Works Wild Hare. Various demo rides, Santa Cruz, Ellsworth etc. | | Bottom Line: | All positive of what's been said about this bike is true. There is absolutly no performance reason to prefer a hardtail unless you simply like that "in touch with the rocks" feel. This bike outcorners and outclimbs a hardtail for many technical reasons. I have put 6000 miles on this one (and lots of replacement cogs and chains - several fork rebuilds, etc). Actually it was originally a 2001 Fuel 100 (aluminum) that broke (after 2000 miles). Trek replaced the frame with the OCLV carbon for only $300 as an upgrade. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. The OCLV brings a smoothness to the ride that is sweet. The carbon frame has been bulletproof.
These bikes are not good for freeride or hucking downhill or going over dropoffs. They are a bit flexy and the lightweight fork is not something that inspires confidence on big hits. Setup is critical. I'm 180 and I run 130 top 110 bottom in my fork (and that's pretty soft for a cushy ride) and 130 in the rear. (For racing I would add more - like 20+).
These bikes are simply FAST when you need to pedal, period. The rear end stays glued and the geometry is awesome for singletrack turns. When you stand on it translates into speed, the bike is so light and there is very little power loss from suspension - and what little loss there is is far less important than the gain you get from keeping the rear wheel planted to power and corner through bumps that would upset a hardtail.
Once again, Trek warranty service is great - If it breaks - they fix it without an argument.
This is the lightweight XC sports car of mountain bikes. If you need a freeride bike, look elsewhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, CO
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado Foothills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheat Ridge Cyclery | | Strengths: | Extremely light. I have the 16" frame and the bike weighs about 25 pounds. | | Weaknesses: | I wish I could get the handlebars a little lower. Also, the seat is too wide - not really made for racing. | | Similar Products Used: | Roade a hard tail for the past 6 years then test rode comparable Specialized and Gary Fisher bikes. | | Bike Setup: | I'm a light rider - about 135 pounds, and I'm used to a hard tail so, I have it set up pretty firm. | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike. At first I felt guilty about spending so much money, but now that I've done some climbing and downhilling, I am extremly happy. I thought the tires were lame at first, but when I was on a scree-like trail climbing, the rear shock really kept the back planted firmly on the trail. I didn't spin out once. I also didn't feel like I had to adjust my weight forward and back on the various terrain. I kept myself in a similar position regardless on the trail. It's fast, and responsive. I don't think you could appreciate this bike unless you've got a bit of experience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Fairwheel Bikes | | Strengths: | This bike is super light weight and the components specd. are nice, unless you're an XTR freak. | | Weaknesses: | The headset is cheapy & the Bontrager comps. aren't the best. | | Similar Products Used: | Spyder XVP, Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Spec. except for a longer stem to make up for that short feeling. I also have different tires with more bite. The factory tires suck. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom Line-this is a fast bike, built for people who know how to ride. If you're looking for an everyday, all around trail bike this isn't it. But if you ride hard and fast on cross country terrain, you can't get a better bike. At times, the SID fork doesn't feel very responsive. However, if you keep up with the maintenance schedule (which is pretty intense) it will be fine. Never had to lock out the Fox Float, as this baby has NO bob. THe geometry is a little weird on this bike. I feel like the seatpost could be farther towards the back wheel, but hey everybody's different. BOTTOM LINE: I'M IN LOVE WITH THE BLACKBIRD! Lean, mean, and built for speed.
P.S.
The guys at fairwheel don't get excited about helping you out. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Finley
a Cross Country Rider
from Tallahassee, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Razorback , Reddick, FL | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Tec's Pro shop | | Strengths: | Super light weight, awesome feel for the trail, XT disc brakes stop on dimes, just a super bike. | | Weaknesses: | Broke the derailer within the first week...Random piece of scrap metal found inside front tire (probably doesnt happen to every 98) :) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Gary Fisher Sugar 4+ | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This review is on a 2004 Trek Fuel 98...I weigh in around 190 at 6'and that probably had something to do with breaking the derailuer, but for a retail price of $3000, I would'nt expect to have it in the shop for repairs twice within the first month. The bike rocks though, bottom line. Carbon frame makes this bike the lightest FS I have ever sat on or know of. So I wont let two minor set backs sway my desicion to give this bike 5 chile's ...If you can get off your wallet, this is the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Hanson
a Cross Country Rider
from Oviedo, FL
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Middle Fork, Brevard, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Path Atlanta-Duluth | | Strengths: | Weight and strength. Carbon fiber frame coupled with carbon fiber rear triangle makes for an extremly stiff yet super lightweight bike. Less weight means more power to climb uphill. The frame dampens out all of the low-frequency vibrations and small hits that an aluminum frame send to your body. The RS Sid Race fork balances well with the 3" Fox RL rear shock. Three inches of travel is perfect for the cross country rider/racer. | | Weaknesses: | Component spec is not right for a bike at this level. The cheap headset should have been a Cane Creek S-6 like the carbon fiber Trek road bikes. Should have been a complete XT-XTR spec rather than the smattering of Bontrager parts. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Team LTS, GT I-Drive, Cannondale Scalpel, Trek Y, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp. | | Bike Setup: | 03 Fuel 98 with Avid disks, Mavic CrossRocs and XTR cranks | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for what it is designed for...cross country riding and racing. Anyone looking for a super cross country bike should stop looking and buy this bike. The bike climbs so well that it almost feels like it is climbing itself. The bike descends just as well. The bike does not need a lockout on either end as people have been commenting on. The bike doesn't bob if the shocks are adjusted for the proper weight. I am 6'2 and 190 lbs. I keep the rear shock at 85% and the front at 80% of the specified values and have had no need for a lockout. The component spec is the only problem I had, and that has quickly been taken care of. Shame on Trek for not specing it the way it should have been.
4 Flamin Chilis for the poor headset and cranks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hillpig
a Cross Country Rider
from La Crosse, WI
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | HPT in La Crosse! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Smith's bike shop in La Crosse | | Strengths: | Light weight, stiff bottom bracket, geometry balanced well for both technical riding and hammering, overall solid feel, fork works well if you take the time to figure it out | | Weaknesses: | Rear travel takes a while to break in, headset is a real piece of belly button lint, grips are slippery at first, frame sizes are slightly weird, cranks creak, looks ugly with mud on it :) | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond Back V8 (Richard Petty colors), Gary Fisher Sugar 2, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Conti Explorer UST tires, Time ATACs from 1997, upgrade to Race X-Lites, Ritchey RizerPro bar, Thomson stem, Terry Firefly saddle. Stock otherwise. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has taken some time to get used to, but I believe that I am faster on it than on my beloved steel hardtail. I bought it hands down over a Giant NRS because of the light weight and more solid feel (I go about 185-190 pounds and hate bottom bracket flex!!!). As others have stated, it does climb well, but it takes some getting used to and proper setup when you're coming off of a hardtail. I often lock it out for large climbs, but if the going gets shabby, traction is just a lever flick away. The rear suspension starts off quite sticky, but after a thorough teardown and use of CAREFULLY selected, non carbon-dissolving lubricants, it's pretty supple now. The fork just needs patience. This is a race bike with a race fork that says "race" right on it, so don't expect it to be a slurpy old Bomber. I set mine up with 175 pounds of positive air, 80 pounds of negative air, and 30 pounds in the Pure thingy, and I lube the seals every week with some generic spray Teflon stuff. It doesn't bob when I climb, and I get almost all of the 80mm of travel (about 75 I think). In my opinion, you ought to try one if you are shopping FS for racing purposes. It's a great-riding corporate bike that has an understated "push me harder" groove on the trail, and it likes to spend time in the air. It makes me want to go fast! The travel is limited by its purpose, however, and if you live in a really rough area and like to ride downhill for more than about ten minutes at a crack (ours are about 3-5 minutes or so) you might want to look at something in the 4+ inches of travel range. Just suggestions! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a Racer
from Lansing, MI USA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Trek direct | | Strengths: | The carbon frame is the obvious strength. It's so much smoother than the aluminum. Soaks up the small vibrations that the shocks can't detect. The component setup is pretty nice too. I really like the bontrager wheels and tires. I keep hearing bad things about them but I can't seem to damage them. Of course I'm not a big guy. The fork is a strength if you're an all out raccer. XT components are good enough for me! Excellent frame design. I never notice any bobbing! | | Weaknesses: | The fork, if you're not an all out racer. I can't get the cranks to stay tightened down. Both of those are minimal complaints, but the one thing that kind of cheeses me is there is no disc option for the 2003 bike unless you go through the hassle of project one. I want discs but I can't afford to replace the wheels and buy the brakes. I guess I should have thought of that earlier. | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first full suspension bike. I demoed a Palomino and a Sugar 29. Liked the fuel much better! | | Bike Setup: | 17.5 inch frame. I Went a little upgrade crazy: Swapped out stem and seat post for Thomson stuff. Egg beater pedals, SRAM 9.0 brakes, specialized body geometry seat. Best upgrade though.... Manitou Skareb Platinum fork with SPV! I love this fork. It really balances out the bike and makes the front end as bob-free as the back. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I give it 5 chilis for sure, based on its ride quality and generally good components. You really pay for the OCLV frame, and any components they throw on there would work in my opinion. I really want discs though, so I'm going to sell my bike (except for the fork of course!) in a couple of months and buy the '04 version of the bike, which includes XT discs, XT cranks, and the new XT shifters!
Buy this bike!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tri-Guy
a Cross Country Rider
from Winnipeg, MB, CANADA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympia Cyle & Ski (thanks!) | | Strengths: | Wisconsin R&D paid off. The geometry, matched with the strength of the Carbon Fibre Frame, ensure the bike can be pushed really hard without losing control due to flex or poor handling. The options provided through Trek's Project One and Olympia Cycle & Ski made it "relatively" affordable to get the bike set up the way I wanted. | | Weaknesses: | I'm still searching for something, I sometimes think that maybe internal cable routing would have been nice, but I'm running discs, so where do you put the brake cable? | | Similar Products Used: | I spent three years on a Y2K Cannondale F2000SL, which was fantastic... Then, right after I had decided to upgrade to the Trek, I broke my frame. While I waited for my new bike, I got to ride my friends Scalpel too. | | Bike Setup: | 25.6lbs - Manitou Skareb Elite, Hayes Mag brakes, SRAM Rocket Half-pipe shifters (I'm apparently the ONE guy who loves them), XT/XTR stock cassette & deraileurs, XT hubs built to Mavic 317 rims, Easton CT2 bar & EA70 post and a Cannondale CX2 44/29 crankset with XT BB, so that I could keep my 2x9 drivetrain.
I also got a special surprize!! | | Bottom Line: | I read all of the reviews here before I made my purchase, so now that I'm riding the new bike, I feel it's fair that I give other shoppers my impressions.
When I first looked into this bike, I too was upset that there was no disc option available, but once I checked into the P-One program (where the option does exist), the prices didn't look that scary - certainly not as bad as buying the bike & then upgrading later. I had ridden discs for the last three years on my Cannondale (I was fortunate to get a pair of CODA's that really worked well) and I wasn't willing to go back to rim braking.
I'm a bigger rider (6'4"-180), so I need a bike that doesn't flex a lot and I also wanted a frame that could handle big watts for several years without complaint - my Cannondale popped at the chainstay/BB interface. The Carbon Fuel definitely appeared to fit the bill.
Coming off of the Headshok, I wanted to ensure my new fork could handle the loads without flexing, so I was very happy that Olympia was able to swap out the fork for a Skareb Elite (the super is available from P-One, but it's red and my team & now bike have a yellow/blue combo, so red wouldn't have worked anyway). This fork offered the best stiffness:weight:cost ratio for me, and now that I've swapped to the firm spring (190lb rider), things are pretty good up front.
Since there are no mountains in Manitoba, I was really happy to set up another 2x9 drivetrain on this bike - thanks to whoever piched the CX2 off of their Scalpel 2000. I also really enjoy the performance of the Rocket Half-pipe shifters I was riding, so I actually brought them over from my old bike. While I waited for my Trek to arrive, I also spent some time on my dad's bike with shorty gripshifts and it's just so much nicer on the Rockets, not having to move my hand each time I shift.
As for the ride, did I luck out. As I was setting up my front deraileur, I noticed a funny little decal on my Fox Float RL. "Why would it say 'Pedal' there?" Further inspection showed that the other side infact said 'Pro'. Since I had ordered my bike at the end of the 2003 season, It somehow got spec'd with the 2004 shock with ProPedal damping. This was indeed a nice surprize.
I selected the Fuel because I really enjoy XC & trail riding. I race Triathlon's and used to race XC after the Tri season, but a new fee structure for MB racing has made that unreasonable (~$100 for one race). Instead I plan to compete in more Off-Road Triathlons, which make an efficient FS/XC bike an absolute must.
My friend's Scalpel was really good at absorbing anything off of the trail, but it didn't feel very efficient. After test-riding the Trek, I knew I was getting a bike that could soak up the bumps, while still allowing me to hammer without bobbing out of control. Now, with the ProPedal, things are just amazing.
At the end of the XC races and hard rides I did on my hardtail, I would always have 'lost' my back (too much road, not enough trail), and I can't imagine running 10k feeling like that. The Fuel absorbs many of the impacts & buzzing that burns me out and as a result, I'm always feeling strong after a ride and I've already had a few good runs.
Climbing with the Fuel is also improved as you can carry a good amount of speed into the climbs on my favourite trails (Canadian spelling). Not skipping & slipping over the bumps, definitely negates any concerns about adding two pounds to my bike.
Once things get pointed downhill, I'm still smiling. The suspension allows me to keep contact decending corners and therefore keep a tighter line and more speed.
I have put my first few hundred K on the Trek and I'm absolutely in love with it. I would highly recommend that anyone looking for an effecient FS/XC bike has to look at this one. The more you ride, the more you'll appreciate the carbon too!
Finally, don't think that Project One is just for rich old roadies, who have nothing better to do with a lifetime of money. It really wasn't anymore expensive (other than the mandatory paint-job) and it gave me way more options. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JK
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Tango | | Strengths: | FRAME, FRAME, FRAME | | Weaknesses: | In House components, Cane creek headset, pilot error | | Similar Products Used: | See 5/11/03 review | | Bike Setup: | As per 5/ll/03 review with the addition of: Chris King headset. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up post of my 5/11/03 review.
I rode this thing pretty hard this summer. I did more mtn biking (less on the road) than I have for years. I bent a tooth on the big ring on a rock (due to lower BB when hammering out of the saddle -duh!). Trashed the headset (no surprise there -more later) Bent the rear hanger (oops). Caused some premature wearing of the Ritchey Elevaders (-more later). Played with suspension tuning. The 959 pedals have some quirks.
The bottom, bottom line: Great bike, great purchase. I did back-to-back rides, on tough trails, at good speed, which I have been unable to do for years riding a hardtail.
Now specifics: It's the FRAME, stupid!!! The frame has been bombproof (knock on wood). When everything else is holding up its end, the frame does everything you want it to, and more. It has a couple of hard-earned nicks but, looks great. (BTW, I noticed Giant is coming out with a carbon frame on their 04 NRS ;)
The pivots remain tight.
The Chris King wheelset has been flawless.
The Ritchey rubber is wearing too fast. (I switch rubber a lot so, I haven't put more than twenty hours on them)
The RS Race forks have behaved well since the initial leaks (I can tell there is a little flex when I throw it into a turn)(I notice the 04 Fuel 98 has a TEAM fork on it).
The headset was substandard for bike at this pricepoint.
I run the rear shock a little softer than I thought I would. I simply can go faster that way.
I thought I was losing it... My handling skills had become pathetic. I was bouncing off trees left and right. My buddies were dropping me because I couldn't keep my bike on the trail and, I was skipping gears on every sharp, hard climb (despite my pathetic efforts to tune-in my cables, etc.), and I felt slow. I couldn't keep my headset tight, and my forks felt sloppy. DOG DAYS OF AUGUST!!!! I could see the nursing home closer in my future. I swallowed my pride and took the bike in to the LBS.
Results: The hanger was bent! Now it shifts-It wasn't my complete loss of shifting skills.
The headset was incapable of staying tight and being free to rotate simultaneously! Chris King to the rescue. I can stay on the trail now. (most of the time)
The forks were fine it was the HEADSET!
VOILA!!! I felt strong and in control! (the mind is a funny thing)
About the 959 pedals hmmm.... I have read the reviews. I turned in the screws right away. Despite this, I hit a rock (not hard) while sprinting out of the saddle towards some imaginary finish line. My cleat released, and wouldn't go back in (and the rest of group passed me at the line). Upon inspection, the screw was still in place, there were no nicks, breaks, or bends. But, the spring was no longer in held in place --it had been released! James at TWT took apart the pedal (can you believe it?) and put the spring back in place but, it does make one wonder. I think I will give the Eggbeater Candys a hard look.
Hope this helps someone.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Cedar Hill, Texas
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Boulder Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Lightweight, agile, climbs exceptionally well, descends better, lightweight, durable (so far) | | Weaknesses: | The stock super revolt tires are weak on the climbs. Low rolling resistance but a lot of slipping even when it is not muddy. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first FS bike. I rode a Canondale hardtail before this. | | Bike Setup: | XTR rapidfire pod shifters with Avid SD Ultimate brake levers and calipers and Monkeylite SL carbon riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I compared it with the Giant NRS air before puchase. The difference is the feel of the carbon frame. It really does ride much differently than an aluminum. It is amazing how such a light bike can make a difference in climbing. I have been able to climb a lot of steep rocky ascents that I could never manage before. Now I fly on the downhills as well. I ahve tossed the bike hard a few times, over the bars once. Not a scratch on it and still works perfectly. It takes time to set the suspension up correctly and I plan on swapping out the stock tires pretty soon but that is really small stuff. I will probably only trade this bike if Trek comes out with a lighter/better CF frame MTB. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jp
a Cross Country Rider
from salem,or
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any i can stay upright on | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | scott's cycles | | Strengths: | carbon frame-geometry-efficient climber- point and shoot steering. | | Weaknesses: | no disc brake option-pedals-seat | | Similar Products Used: | trek liquid 30-cannondale jekyll 1000/3000-scalpel 1000-assorted hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | ok, so i went a little overboard. new xtr cranks-avid disc brakes-wheelworks custom wheels-easton monkey lite bars-thomson seat post-aliante seat-shimano 959 pedals-conti explorer pro tires-fox f80 rlt fork-xtr rear cassette. ran out of ideas and money! made me faster until i started riding with younger guys (doh!) | | Bottom Line: | even before all the upgrades this trek is the best overall xc bike i've had the pleasure to ride. the geometry/rear triangle setup makes climbing much more efficient. the carbon frame,besides being a work of art, soaks up a lot of
the harshness from white-knuckle descents. this is no free ride/downhill bike but will do everything an aggressive xc rider could ask. weight with upgrades is 24.7 lbs. as for all the swapouts-rock shox sid was light but harsh and not nearly as stiff/plush as the fox. xtr cranks are absolute butter-no finish erosion yet as reported by others. seat-bars-post-pedals-avid discs are simply personal preference from 20 years of mtn biking. even stock this bike deserves serious consideration if you are looking for a lightweight-quality built xc bike. points off value rating for no disc option-seat-pedals. overall for me at least 5 chilis-throw in a burrito and chimichanga. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendale
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | trail 00, phx | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | Great climber, light, stable ride! | | Weaknesses: | None if you use at as an XC bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Superlight, Specialized, Corsair | | Bike Setup: | Chris King hubs, tubless wheels, thomson steam, easton post and monkeylight bar, XTR derailleurs, XT shifters w/ FlightDeck, LX crankset. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for an XC rider/racer! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Weekend Warrior
from SW, UK
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | evans | | Strengths: | Light weight, fast very fast, surprisingly looking at them the tyres | | Weaknesses: | front fork, no disc brakes, straight handle bar | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Quake 9.0 with the box frame owned one a few years years ago liked it but broke it. | | Bike Setup: | middle of the road | | Bottom Line: | So far gone about 200 miles on it, and the more I ride it the more I love it. I just seem to be able to go faster everywhere. The forks at first where a bit bouncy but with a little tuning with the high pressure pump I have got them nearly ok. I do grin a lot especially on good quality single track, I am not into the so called big hitting free riding stuff anymore, it just hurts too much eating the dirt (a lot). So I just go out and ride and have fun, and fun it is. If you like to ride the trails fast and dont do big jumps this is the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
peter eriksson
a Cross Country Rider
from katrineholm sweden
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Frame and hmmmmm.... Well everything i guess... | | Weaknesses: | ehhhh , dunno really.... | | Similar Products Used: | many different fs bikes... | | Bike Setup: | lockout kit for the sid , ec 70 handlebar and tires (Conti twister) | | Bottom Line: | This is a first class XC race bike , period!!!! Accelerates like an mountain goat uphills and flies like an avalanche downhill... Not that soft plushy feel of an DH bike but it is not intended for that kind of riding.... Its like an non suspended bike without that asspounding over rocks and roots. Best bike I rode so far... Lets put in a couple of beer and Tacos too for them chillies..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler D
a Cross Country Rider
from Central Kentucky
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | S-Tree | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$10000.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheller's | | Strengths: | Incredible Frame- lightweight, strong, feels great on the trail.
Set up ready to race | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager cranks should be swapped out for XT | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8500, Trek 9.9, Trek Liquid 20, Santa Cruz Blur | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Time pedals | | Bottom Line: | Buchanan's reviews can be misleading- He gave it 1 star (and submitted two reviews), bringing down the average rating substantially. A very bold review coming from a guy who is moving from a $250 bike to a $2500 bike. Sounds like his beef is more with the store than the bike.
The bike is great, no complaints except for the bontrager crank and the Shimano 515 pedals. The pedals are worthless, I wou |
|
$ 2749.99
