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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 would have preferred they just take $20 off the price of the bike.
If you enjoy epic all-day adventures, or just having fun on the trail, a liquid may be the bike for you. The fuel was designed to be a fast lightweight cross country racing bike- and it is just that. My riding has not only improved with the bike, but I enjoy riding off road much more now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Farhad Shah-Hosseini
a Weekend Warrior
from Corona del Mar, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Not sharing | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | Light weight, high quality components and biggest bang for the buck | | Weaknesses: | Mediocre tires and clips. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant and Specialized | | Bike Setup: | As of this afternoon; I have new eggbeaters on it and changed the front tire. All other are factory stuff. | | Bottom Line: | This is a major upgrade from the Giant & Specialized bikes I rode with before. Both in quality and price. I am not an expert rider nor a racer. Though my friends tell me I have both the balls and the lack of brains to be one. I love the climbs and the uphills challenge me much more than blazing down a trail. But this bike is changing me. I am taking the hard trails and besides some tumbles; I have done quite well. The 98 has given me a confidence that I lacked before when faced with a real technical trail. On the climbs its sooooo much lighter than anything else I ever riden. My local bike shop adjusts my shocks and what-not and they have this baby tuned like a charm. I've owned it just over 8 months now and I find myself riding more often than I did before. It makes riding fun rather than just a form of exercise. I'm not a very technical guy when it comes to bikes and followed my buddies advise and bought it. No regrets whatsoever and would do the same purchase with no hesitation. Get a different front tire and make sure your factory clips are set properly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Racer
from Florida
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | it's a secret! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Strengths: | The frame, XT parts, shocks. Light wheels. This bike is tight! Feels like a hardtail most of the time. I love the frame. Which is good if you like that feel. Bad if not. The Sid race is a super light shock. No lockout but not really needed. The shock's match well together, when properly set up. Awful when not, like any shocks. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, headset. The headset is a UFO product. I have no idea who makes the thing. It should not be on a $3000 mtn bike. It's not sealed and looks a little ify. I special ordered my fuel98 so I had a Chris King put on right out of the box. If you get a fuel that would be, IMHO, the only upgrade needed right away. A bad headset can be a nightmare. My shop swapped mine out for $50. Not bad for the best headset on the market. The saddle is just bad. Not a race saddle not a tour saddle just kind of junk. Not the lightless puppy on the block either. My shop swapped out a TI flite for me for free. Ask for a new one when you buy. Most shops will swap out small things to get you to buy. But overall not major weaknesses at all. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 100 (nice, expensive), fuel 90 (nice, heavy next to 98), Santa Cruz superlight/blur, Klein, Gary Fisher sugar. Various this and that hardtail/FS. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except swapped out headset for Chris King, Flite TI saddle, Easton 50 stem. The Bontrager stuff is interesting. The wheels are fairly light and so far ride nicely. Hugi makes the hubs. A quality swiss hub maker. The offset spokes on the rear is interesting, makes a stiff wheel. Should be plenty strong as well. The tubeless tires are not too bad. Haven't been seriously wet yet so we'll see. Work well in sugarsand and over roots. Not overly grippy though, could be a problem. The crank set is actually a Firex made by Truvativ, badged by Bon. A quality crank but probably a little low for this bike, especially at $2700. It's pretty stiff so I can't complain, forged AL66 arms - AL7075 rings. Like most Bontrager gear actually made by someone else then badged - so not bad stuff at the high end. | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden a rigid since the '80's. I finally decided to go with a hardtail and was looking at bikes. The Santa Cruz Blur caught my eye and slowly changed my mind. I started looking at FS bikes. The fuel98 simply amazed me. I was surprised at the performance of this bike. It really does everything I wanted in a bike. It dampens big hits but still has a nice feel on the light stuff, thus doesn't ride like a '77 Cadi. Which will appeal to some but be dire to others. A good test ride is a must. This bike rides like an XC race bike. It's not overly forgiving and will allow you ride over your head, if that's possible. Like any quality racing bike. But once you master it I think it's a winner. It's fast and, well, looks great! No nasty looking welds. Yeah, yeah not a major factor but a nice bonus on a great bike. Well worth a look. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin County, CA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tamarancho | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit Bicycles | | Strengths: | Fast. Fast. Fast. Light. Climbs great, no noticeable bob. | | Weaknesses: | None that I've noticed so far. I've only had it a week though. | | Similar Products Used: | Last bike was a Bridgestone MB. Tested Santa Cruz Blur, Klein Palomino, Giant NRS, Specialized Epic. | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR Derailleur, XT levers, Avid SD5 brakes, FOX Float RL rear shock, Rock Shox SID Race front, Bontrager Race crankset, Bontrager Tubeless wheelset (running with tubes) Michelin tires. | | Bottom Line: | After 13 years of riding old school on a Bridgestone (I finally succumbed last year and put front suspension on it), it was time to move into this century. I rode a Giant NRS for a couple of weeks in Colorado, which got me hooked. I read all the review sites, mags, newsgroups and narrowed down my list (all full-suspension, light, XC bikes). After everything I read, I was sold on the Blur. Especially in the newsgroups, you see a lot of Trek bashing. Well, it just goes to show you can't buy a bike based just on what other people think. You've got to ride it for yourself. I narrowed my choices down to the Blur and the Fuel 98, and no matter how much I wanted to like the Blur, the Fuel just felt better to me. It felt quicker, more responsive. The Blur definitely has a smoother ride, it is more plush. But the difference for me was like driving a luxury car and a sports car. The blur smoothed everything out, but the Trek just plain hauled ass. Sure you feel more bumps, but compared to my Bridgestone it's like riding on air. I also felt more bob on the Santa Cruz-- I was faster on the Trek both uphill and downhill. The only bike that felt better going uphill than the Trek was the NRS. And one other bonus with the Trek is that it was $500 less than the Blur. If you're into XC, and especially if you're thinking about racing XC, you've got to check this bike out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Boyce Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Works - Monroeville PA | | Strengths: | Light, smooth, taste! Frame is incredble. Suspension is unparalled. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 100, Gary Fisher Sugar Team Issue, EPX Terra Shark, KHS Team, Giant NRS1 | | Bike Setup: | Chris King hubs, velocity rims, profile risers. | | Bottom Line: | WOW. Every time I get off this bike I verify the reason to, 1) get a full suspension, and 2) pay two grand for a bike. I have never ridden a full suspension that climbs, handles, desends, like my Dean Ti hardtail. This bike does it all! It's almost as light. Has a lockout for the long climbs. I held out for eight years to get a bike like this. I am still going to keep my DEAN for the rails to trails :)
If you want a sweet bike that does it all, this is it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mr p
a Weekend Warrior
from sweden
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | in the woods..? ;o) | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | rear suspension , light very strong frame , bike weight. | | Weaknesses: | Sid front fork doesnt match the excelent rear susp. | | Similar Products Used: | Univega , Cannondales, Orange P7 , Proflex , Bianchi , | | Bike Setup: | Stock except saddle/post and st. bar | | Bottom Line: | A great bike with an fantastic frame and rear suspension. Doesnt bob as much as my Bianchi and swallows small roots better. The front (Sid) doesnt really match though.An Marzocchi MX would do a better job.This is an great XC bike in all means.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from River Falls Wi
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Ultra Lightweight OCLV Frame matched with Sid front Fork. | | Weaknesses: | ---None as of yet--- | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic (Marathon, Pro, and FSR), Ellsworth Truth, | | Bike Setup: | Monkeylite riser bars, Thomson Post and Stem, Eggbeaters, Vetta V100 Wireless... | | Bottom Line: | Without repeating what others have said about this bike, I have to emphasize that as with any full suspension this bike needs some tweeking and adjusting to fit yor particular riding style and preferances. That said this is an awesome bike that is extremely veratile. You can adjust it to be relatively smooth and plush or you can set it up to be stiff and efficient. Either way its a great bike that can do it all. I will admit that the Sid takes some time to dial in due to its great range of adjustability but in the end it rides great!
I love riding my new Fuel 98. It makes me smile ear to ear everytime I jump on it to go for a ride. :-)
All said and done my 19.5" weighs about 23 on my scale. Not bad for a mostly stock bike. The seat post made the greatest difference in weight. The stock bars and stem were actually lighter than the ones I replaced them with.
Seriously this bike does it all from tight singletrack to small downhill. You just cant beat how balanced this bike feels front to rear. It has such a nice nible feel to it. Definitely go test ride one!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa Ca
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Paradime | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | frame only | | Strengths: | Climbs like a hard tail,Decends like a bat out of hell! | | Weaknesses: | Linkage bolts will come loose! | | Similar Products Used: | None! I have ridden everything from STP to FSR,and more. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Fork RLT80,Chris King hubs and so on, Monky Lite riser bars,Avid Ti brakes,Race Face Turbine cranks with 2 by 9 gear setup, and XTR. | | Bottom Line: | If you want to be a fast rider and a comfortable rider there is no other choice.Well maybe, but not for me! O"ya my bike is 23lbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Sylvia
a Racer
from Auburn, NH USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fomba/Bearbrook | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | Naults Cycles, Manchester | | Strengths: | Extremly Light Frame, ligth wheels, fairly solid drivetrain. Overall the bike is light. | | Weaknesses: | the tires Suck, well atleast for muddy conditions. I could see them being good in dry conditions,but with no mud,none, not even a little. I wish the fork had lock out,I'll probally replace it. | | Similar Products Used: | NRS 1, Homegrown, STP400, Enduro, F2000sl, F400, Scalpel 3000, Turner 02 | | Bike Setup: | I replaces the Racelites w/ CrossMAX's UST, the racelites are fine,sponsership deal w/ the x-maxs. Michelin Wildgrippers, I plan to replace the Sid Race with a Scareb Super or Sid Team/World Cup. SLR saddle, Time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to my first review. I demoed the bike in October and liked it soo much I recently bought one. The bike I demoed had michelin's, which were much better then the bontrager's. The bike is still awesome. I realy wanted a Fuel 100, but couldn't afford one at the moment. I really wish the Sid Race had lock out, I have to ride to the trails sometimes, and lock out really helps, it is light though. Overall I'm still very happy with the bike. The frame is amazing! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JK
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor, MI
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Tango | | Strengths: | Frame stiffness/weight/balance, Fox rear shock, XT/XTR shifting | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Components, RS Race?? | | Similar Products Used: | 18 years worth of steel, aluminum, and titanium. (my first bike had 'bio-pace') Rigid forks, hardtails, and soft-tails (FSR XC(nice), Titus, and Rocky Mountain). rode these in Moab) (briefly demo'd a Palomino) (have lusted after Ellsworth Truths.. couldn't get one and afford my annual Moab trip) | | Bike Setup: | Swapped-out all the Bontrager parts, except the cranks. I'll get rid of that when the rings wear-out. James, at TWT, built me a set of Chris King/517 ceramic/Revolution/DA 12-27 Cassette, Wheels (Thanx). I put on Ritchey WCS rubber (VERY FAST). Ritchey WCS bar/stem. Flite saddle. Thomson post. Shimano 959 pedals (I'm very impressed). Took-off over 1 lb. with the swap-outs. Oh yea, I put on bar-ends (does this date me?) | | Bottom Line: | Well.... this bike is as fast as I can handle. I wish I was 15 years younger (I'd probably kill myself). I am an over-the-hill-XC-racer-turned-roadie-due-to-a-bad-back. This bike lets me rip-up the Poto on consecutive days, without my back screaming. I already took 5 minutes off my best time ever (Poto's big-loop). This is a big deal for a 49 y/o guy! It is literally 'point&shoot' on the rollers. Holds all that hard-earned speed. Very stable. Carves well. Good balance. I don't feel any power being robbed while in the big-ring. Good traction grinding up the technical climbs (much better than my Obed had). Crisp shifting-when the Rear Der. B-screw is adjusted appropriately.
RESERVATIONS... I haven't 'nicked' the frame yet (I am spoiled by titanium). I am still learning about the Fox rear shock- no c/o's- just searching for the perfect settings.
The RS Race- (hmmmm...) I have had to have it serviced twice already. The damper-seal? replaced twice (leaked oil). The first time was before I had even ridden it. Four rides later... leaked again. We'll see... The fork is a little flexy but, I knew that going in. (It is still stiffer than my old Mag Ti-SL) It is light.
The Avid brakes are satisfactory around here. If I rode somewhere more extreme, I would get discs (but, much more $$$$).
This bike is a lot for the $$$. Excellent frame (we'll see how the pivots wear). Good weight (just over 23lbs now) Fairly good components (If you have an understanding bike shop... upgrade right away.)
This is NOT a cushy ride. It smooths out, and controls, a fast ride. I am not into "big hits". I am always looking for the path of least resistance. I am 145lbs, so I don't know what it would be like for big guys.
I was lucky enough to have a cooperative bike shop (Two Wheel Tango-plug), who let me address it's weaknesses right away. And, I don't know how the Rock Shox are going to work out (My Mag SLs are almost 9 years old-with minimal maintenance).
Lastly, I take pretty good care of my stuff. Clean it, adjust it, lube it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michaelson Buchanan
a Racer
from Chester, Va USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Belle Island | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Agees | | Strengths: | Looks great. Front and rear suspension were perfect. | | Weaknesses: | Drive train wouldn't work right. I tried three Fuel 2003 98s, 1 lg frame and 1 med at Agees and a Lg at Bike Beat in Williamsburg. They all had the same problem. If your riding middle cog in the front and smallest cog in the rear, the chain wants to ride up to the next gear if you crank it hard. If you crank it Real hard the chain will pop off the front cog, oddly enough. Will Agee at the Midlotian store worked with the Trek rep who replaced components in an effort to get it resolved. Trek replaced the cassette, crankset and chain, and the problem persisted. Eventually Trek agreed to take the bike back. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 830, Gary Fisher Sugar 2+ | | Bike Setup: | Stock per trekbikes | | Bottom Line: | Wear your clipless shoes to the store and give the drive train a good thrashing before you take it home.
I eventually picked up a Gary Fisher sugar 2+ from Bike Beat in Williamsburg.
PS. The Manager at the Broad Street Agees store told said 'you bought it, it's your problem'. I had to go to Agees Midlothian store to get help.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rick
a Racer
from Camden, Me
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | bikeman | | Strengths: | weight, efficient ride, smooooooth! | | Weaknesses: | seat, pedals, tires | | Similar Products Used: | giant nrs, trek 8500 (my hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | stock except flite tt saddle, time atac pedals and python tires (bonti tires work well when its dry but don't have enough traction for mud/wet) | | Bottom Line: | I don't know what the hell I was waiting for! This bike has been a dream. With just a bit of fiddling to the setup to get it just right, it now screams! Used it in its first race in the Spring Boogie in RI and I couldn't believe how much more comfortable I was during the race. I was descending technical sections without even thinking and cranking rooty sections like I never could before. This bike kicks butt and I can't wait for the next race. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Bend, Oregon
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | phils trail of bend | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | XT/XTR components, light weight, NICE FRAME, smooth ride, awsome rear and front suspension. | | Weaknesses: | bontrager components somewhat heavy, but they work. One complain is how trek does not upgrade things such as pedals, seat, and others for this bike, considering the price. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 8000 hardtail, trek fuel 90, trek fuel 100 ( if it wasn't for the price I would take it) | | Bike Setup: | Right now all stock, do plan to take out some of the bontrager components, also may upgrade some xt to xtr | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, FRAME IS GREAT, I don't think any company can compare the treks new carbon frame, even the rocker link is carbon! SID race front fork is awsome, its as light as the new world cup! This bike climps like a pro, you feel light and smooth while climping, I don't see the reason for lockout. When racing with this bike, I do not even think about flipping the switch to lock it out. I looked around before buying this buy. After a while it came down to Giant's NRS air or the trek fuel 98, demoed both before buying, this bike just feels better! 5 FLAMIN' CHILIS! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Cary, NC
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Road | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycling Spoken Here | | Strengths: | Stiff, Light, Responsive, just plan fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | I hate the cranks, headset, seatpost, seat, Basically any of the Bontrager stuff. Seatpost did not get me over the back of the bike enought. I wanted a sealed headset. Although I still have the cranks, I plan to replace. | | Similar Products Used: | Spec. Epic, Santa Cruz Blur, Gary Fisher Sugar 2+. | | Bike Setup: | Added Mavic CrossMax Wheels, easton seatpost and seat and a sealed headset. | | Bottom Line: | Great cross country bike. Climbs awesome, fly’s downhill, Great in the transition, it is just a overall great handling bike. Handles steep fire roads as well as tight hilly single track. This bike (frame) is for anybody from “Roland Green” to the weekend warrior. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Casey McCormick
a Cross Country Rider
from Iron Mountain Michigan USA
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fumee Lake | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Mortyls Sports | | Strengths: | Light weight (sub 25lbs), climbs like a cat, smooth smooth smooth. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Seat. Shimano 515 pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Pro, Specialized Epic Disc | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Selle Italia Flite saddle and egg beater stainless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Except for the throw away saddle and pedals, I could not be happier about this bike. The full carbon frame is increadible. The fuel climbs very well and descends like a bullit. I sense no peddle bob at all. Handles tight single track well. Suspension seems to perform best when under power.
I rode a Specialized Epic Disc prior to buying this bike and it does not come close to the Fuel 98 (granted the Epic disc may not have the same intended use--more freeride oriented). If you are looking for a fast bike that you will be happy with on race day and on Wednesday night, I don't know man this may be it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham, WA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Kulshan Cycle | | Strengths: | Lightness. Mostly good component spec. Great performance. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager components are functional, but heavy. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for Avid Ti brakeset, USE Carbon seatpost, Carbon Handlebar, Sella San Marco Era seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great XC bike and a solid race bike right out of the box. The Bontrager wheelset is solid and fairly lightweight and came set up as tubeless. The other Bontrager Components (cranks, stem, seat, seatpost, bars) are on the heavy side if you're concerned about race weight, but are perfectly functional for XC riding. The frame is laterally stiff, and the suspension is easy to tune and works with limited bob. Fork does not have lockout, so there's some travel while pedalling hard. Overall, it's a great bike and a good value for the cost. I've had no problems with it at all, except for the normal stuff that occurs when you ride hard in muddy conditions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T.L.
a Cross Country Rider
from Tustin, CA
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclewerks | | Strengths: | OCLV frame. High-end components. "Super-Light" for FS bike.
Sexy! | | Weaknesses: | None. None. (Not even "price") None.
| | Similar Products Used: | Cannonale Delta V hardtail. GT i-drive 2.0. Trek 5500 OCLV w/Ultegra (my road bike!). | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock from Trek. Swapped Bont cranks for XT. Monkey-Lite carbon bar. Shimano 959 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | O.K. -- here it is. Let me say that I rely on these things to help me make a decision for purchases (or not to in many cases!). I also wonder who is writing these things & if I can truly use their opinion. I am a 39 year old, 6'1" - 180 lb rider. I ride 2-3 times a week (if I'm lucky!!), from 1 to 2 hours per ride and "hope" to ride more this summer (if my wife & kids let me). I'm a "regular guy", more like most of you looking for reviews from "regular guys". I bought this bike after wasting HOURS and HOURS reading reviews, comparing specs, hunting for prices, etc.. Hardtail? Softail? Titanium? Carbon? Don't waste your precious time as I did--- GO BUY THIS BIKE!!! You'll read all the other reviews about the benefits of OCLV, the rear lockout, the components, the tires, the tubeless setup... so I won't repeat (because they're all true!). This bike is extremely light. I rode a GT i-drive 2.0 for 2 years, but never enjoyed it (too heavy @ 31 lbs). I needed an "all-purpose" bike--- one I could ride hard on the trails, on beat up roads where I wouldn't take my carbon road bike, or just to cruise around town with my kids if I wanted to. This bike is it!!! Light, comfortable, FUN, high-end components (probably better than I need but glad I have 'em!), climbs like a dream and descends like you're on a cloud. I have a herniated disk that I have been dealing with for over a year. I almost gave up mountain biking due to the pain. After riding this bike, the pain is "mostly" non-existent (not entirely, but greatly reduced! :-))). If you can afford to, BUY THIS BIKE!!! I could afford a more expensive bike (but didn't WANT to pay more if I didn't HAVE to). This bike has a great "price-to-value" ratio. You'll test other bikes, think about titanium, consider aluminum,
but....... BUY THIS BIKE!!! You will not be disappointed! 5 flaming hot turds!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Shelby Twp, MI USA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Potowatomi Trail - Pinckney, MI | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | MainStreet Bicycles - Shelby Twp, MI | | Strengths: | Light weight, amazing frame, great components, tubeless tires/wheels | | Weaknesses: | The Bontrager Revolt SuperX tires clog with mud really easily and seem to slide around alot on the wet ground. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned a 95' Trek 7000 and test rode Giant NRS 1, Klein Palomino Race, and a Gary Fischer Sugar 2+. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for XTR dual control levers and rapid rise rear derailure. | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding my 98 for just over a month now and have put mainly road miles on it until this weekend. The bike felt good on the pavement, it was smooth and the drivetrain shifted flawlessly, but I didn't realize how awesome this bike is until I got it on the singletrack. The Fuel fit me best when test riding. The other bikes all felt like it might take me a while to get used to them, but the Fuel felt right from the start. It feels so fast on the singletrack. You don't really notice the suspension, unless you think about how smooth your ride is. Climbing it amazing, no bob. I swapped out the shifters for the new XTR dual control levers. They rock, plain and simple. Downshifting while braking is so easy. Also, the rapid rise rear derailure is great. The only thing on the bike I plan to change is to swap out the tires to something with a more aggressive, wider spaced knob for the spring time while the trails are still a little muddy in spots. I was really torn between another hard tail or upgrading to full suspension. I couldn't be happier with the decision I made in the 98. If you want a bike with enough travel to soak up the small stuff, but is still super light and climbs well, get a Fuel. You won't be diappointed. Thanks to the guys from Mainstreet in Shelby Twp for helping me figure out what bike I wanted and taking care of me whenever I need anything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Festy Hoss
a Racer
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Yellow Loop at Gambrils. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2350.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Lane in VA. | | Strengths: | Weight, suspension, weight, cool frame(no welds), weight. | | Weaknesses: | Rider | | Similar Products Used: | Hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock from Trek | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension, and this thing is money. Climbs like a billy goat. Descends like a Scud being hit by a Patriot missle. All around best buy for the money. Still breaking it in, but very happy with the purchase. Drivetrain is money. The Carbon frame is just like Fonzi. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michaelson Buchanan
a Racer
from Richmond, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Poor Farm Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Agees Bicycle | | Strengths: | Frame is light and strong. SID Shocks work great. | | Weaknesses: | Lots of 'noise' when riding on the smallest two cogs in the rear. Bike shop hasn't been able to tune it out. The chain popped off the front when powering up for a hill (middle cog front, smallest cog rear)If anyone has any ideas, email me at michaelson_buchanan@dom.com | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 830 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | If your going to buy a $2300, check it out real good before you leave the store. Agees won't let me return it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a Racer
from Lakeland,Florida U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Razorback ,Reddick,FL. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Store of Lakeland | | Strengths: | Trek factory pride,excellent customer service,consumate cycling company,cutting edge r&d. Strenghts? OCLV of course.Stronger than steel or alum..Proven genesis geometry.Racelite tubeless.XTR and XT components. | | Weaknesses: | Components on the 98 cover the full range of quality.From highend xtr,xt to the only thing I can say is weak about this bike,some lowend components thrown in like seatpost,brakes,cranks and stuff that will give you enough time to ride on hard and save and replace later. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Trek Fuel 98 ZR9000(which I love) crossmax ust,hayes,sram xo,thompson,raceface | | Bike Setup: | factory stock except for raceface seatpost and thompson stem. | | Bottom Line: | I am 5'10",170# and this to me has made xc riding and racing a purely sweet experience.Get set up right on this bike(correct stem and seat position and front and rear suspensions dialed in)and get ready for the ride of your life.I rode 4 hard 10 mile laps at Razorback (Tinker and Gary Fisher will be there this weekend for 12 Hours of Razorback)This course serves up everything.Brutal technical climbs,rippin' downhills,and blistering singletrack.My new full carbon fuel rode like buttah!It rails the corners on 1.95 Michelins wildgripper comp s ust's(at 32psi's).It jumps when you hammer on the cranks,bomb those offcamber roots with unbelievable confidence.It's ability to climb is as good or better than the best hardtail climber(I own a C'Dale F3000 fully dialed in hardtail racing steed and this fuel climbs better!).The downhills are where you will fly by the hardtails,you will make up an enormous amount of time accumulated from your ability to bomb xc downhills with impunity.THEE best value for your money bar none.Is it race ready and worthy? Race ready out of the crate FOR SURE! Race worthy?Does a cat have a climbin' gear? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from Avondale, Arizona, USA
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Estrella Mountain Track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2499.00 | | Purchased At: | Landis Tempe | | Strengths: | Light weight; good components; frame geometry, no "bob" | | Weaknesses: | No so far... | | Similar Products Used: | My old bike was a Park Pre hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | xt, xtr, bontager, sid race - stock bike except I dumped the spd pedals for rat traps with clips. | | Bottom Line: | This bike certainly demonstrates the advances made in the seven years I have ridden my Park Pre hardtail. The 98 is lighter than my hardtail. There is very little "bob" when spinning. Suspension soaks up hits well and inspires much confidence while riding. If the Trek 98 remains as reliable as my old bike, I will remain quite satisfied. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Roswell, GA.
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicopee Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Bike Town USA | | Strengths: | The Shimano components are top of the line Deore XT and XTR. The fork is a light and reliable Rock Shox SID Race. The wheels are $450 Bontrager Race Lites which, though maybe a little flexy for someone 200 lbs. plus, are light and tubeless compatible. The centerpiece of the bike is the frame, it is unbelievable. Made of Trek's propietary OCLV (Optimum Compaction, Low Void) 120 Carbon fiber, it is the most durable (yes, including titanium) and most responsive (yes, including Easton Scandium Alu.) frame material ever developed. The frame is stiff yet has supple travel (3 inches=80 mm.) afforded by a top-of-the-line Fox Racing Shox Float RC air shock which has become the industry standard in terms of perfomance and wweight (or rather, lack thereof). The Bontrager components (Bar, stem, seatpost) are light and reliable. They aren't showy, but they function as well as any components I've tried and are definitely worthy of a bike of this caliber. | | Weaknesses: | Very few weaknesses became apparent through my test (On one of Georgia's premier mtb trails, Chicopee Woods). One is the tires (Bontrager Super X), which, though perfect for harpack racing, fall short on muddy trails. Marking off for this would be unfair, however, because RACING is what this bike was developed for. In other words, if you have a complaint about this bike, it's not the bike's fault. | | Similar Products Used: | None. This bike is like no other cross-country FS bike I've ever ridden. The Cannondale Scalpel 1000, Specialized Epic Comp, and Giant NRS1, though in approximately the same price range, don't even come close. | | Bike Setup: | as tested: stock | | Bottom Line: | First, I want to mention that I race for Trek in North Georgia on a local team of Juniors (I'm 16, 130 lbs. for reference) and that I tested it myself and everything I've said is not biased at all. I am also the brother of the person below, Artur Whatsisname.
I personally thrashed this bike for more miles than I ever thought humanly possible. I could not believe how fast I was going. My buddies (some of who are usually faster than me) were left choking on my dust. I have never descended or ascended faster on any bike I have ever ridden (Hardtail or otherwise). With this bike, it now officially does not make sense to buy a hardtail. I never reached for the lockout lever on any climbs. Bob is barely noticable, and the active suspension on climbs is extremely helpful in maintaining traction. You will no longer worry about lines or be distracted by trying to avoid roots or bumps. This bike is the most confidence-inspiring machine I have ever ridden.
The best part- I get one before the next racing season starts in March, so look for long-term reviews and pictures coming up.
5 flamin chilis in both departments- hands down the best FS XC bike I've ever had the priviledge of riding.
Then again, I haven't tested the new Fuel 100 yet :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Artur Billybobjomama
a Racer
from Roswell Georgia
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bull Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Very well made and strong good looking frame. The price, XTR, XT, tubeless wheels, sid race, best Fox rear shock out there. Best bike I've ever ridden. The fork which is a sid race is plush and has the right amount of travel for a cross country rider and especially a racer (80mm). The rear shock is also just as great.The carbon fiber is really good and very durable. All together, an unbelievable cross country machine. They say it lasts longer than anyother frame material including titainium. The weight of the Fuel 98 is well distributed. Really light for a full suspension. | | Weaknesses: | The lockout on the rear shock. Who would bend down during a ride or race and lock it out? If a bike is well made like this one, it doesn't need lock out. It's useless. oh well, doesn't bother me. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing. Never really ridden a full suspension before. | | Bike Setup: | cannondale F700 with xt, lx, titec, mavic, sram, and a rockshox seat post. 21bls. | | Bottom Line: | The manufacturer should put a rear shock on the bike without the lookout on it. That's just my opinion. When I was climbing, the rear suspension actually helped me because it kept the rear wheel on the ground. If you want a bike that shoots up hills and flys down em, this is the bike for you. I know I want it, and am getting it. Great job Trek. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LINDSAY MITCHELL
a Cross Country Rider
from UPLAND, CA
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | COMPETITIVE EDGE | | Strengths: | CARBON FRAME MAKES THE BIKE VERY LIGHT IT IS ALSO EXTREEMLY FAST AND HOLDS THE TRAIL GREAT | | Weaknesses: | I HATE THE SHIMANO PEDALS. | | Similar Products Used: | TRIED LAST YEAR'S FUEL 98 AND LIKED IT, BUT DECIDED TO WAIT FOR THE 2003 | | Bike Setup: | SWAPED OUT THE PEDALS FOR EGG BEATERS. EVERYTHING ELSE IS STOCK. | | Bottom Line: | AT FIRST I WASN'T SURE IF IT WOULD BE WORTH THE MONEY, BUT AFTER RIDING IT A FEW TIMES, IT IS WORTH THAT MUCH AND THEN SOME. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROBB
a Weekend Warrior
from OHIO
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Strengths: | LIGHT AND VERY QUICK, GREAT XTR GEAR. | | Weaknesses: | COST TO OWN . . .
NO DISC BRAKES | | Similar Products Used: | FISHER SUGAR 2+ DISC | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | I WAS REAL IMPRESSED AT THE QUICKNESS OF THE FUEL 98. IT WAS VERY RESPONSIVE AND AGILE. WHILE SPRINTING, THERE WAS VERY LITTLE ‘BOB’ AND IT FELT VERY TIGHT. THE CARBON FRAME PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN THIS.
FOR $2800, THIS SHOULD COME WITH DISC BRAKES. THIS BIKE COSTS $1200 MORE THAN A FUEL 90, AND THE ENTIRE AMOUNT CAN NOT BE JUST IN THE FRAME MATERIAL.
OVERALL, VERY IMPRESSIVE BUT A BIG PILL TO SWALLOW.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Victor Schepisi
a Cross Country Rider
from Lk Hopatcong NJ USA
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood State Park NJ | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Craft Parsippany NJ | | Strengths: | Light weight 25lbs size med 17.5
Carbon frame feels good
Climbs and decends well tubeless tires & rims work great | | Weaknesses: | Narrow bars Almost all parts Bontrager
No lockout fork but Sid said they have an upgrade kit with a remote switch. Front tire on backwards from factory | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 1 2002 | | Bike Setup: | Stock 38psi tires Rebound front and rear near full fast
compression front and rear a little less than manual states | | Bottom Line: | If the Fuel 100 was out I would have bought it and you know what when it comes out in late Jan. Im getting one and this bike will be for sale. Im 5'8" and the med size 17.5 is a little tall in the top tube but it also feels a little short stem to seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Sylvia
a Racer
from Auburn,NH
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Brook | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Bike felt Extremly fast, flew over everything | | Weaknesses: | The Sid Race didn't offer have a lock out, and i didn't like the way it felt | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Trek STP400, Scalpel 3000, Turner 02, 2002 and 2001 Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Trek STP400, 2002 Sid SL, Mavic CrossMAXS, Full XTR, Thompson,King | | Bottom Line: | I've tried many different bikes, including the aluminum version of the fuel, and nothing I've have ever ridden has felt as fast as this bike. I only demo'ed the bike but I was able to take the bike on a single track that incorporated fast and tight sections, rock gardens, and steep climbs. The bike was extremely fast around the corners and glided over the rock gardens. The bike both handled and climbed like a dream. I've demo'ed and raced on aluminum fuel 100's and I didn't really care for them. The only thing I didn’t like about the bike was the 03’ Sid race. I didn't like that it didn’t have a lock-out, and it didn‘t feel as smooth as other forks I‘ve tried. Don't get me wrong, it's a very nice fork, just I've ridden better. My next bike will be a Carbon Fuel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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