Submitted by
Jeff Mannion
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate, NY Date Reviewed: March 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Wilke Reservoir
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
E-Bay
Strengths:
Frame is awesome. Best bike going at the price point.
Weaknesses:
Judy, Judy, Judy. Most of the rest of the stock components
Similar Products Used:
Had a Sugar 3 for about a year.
Bike Setup:
Duke XC, Egg Beaters, rest is stock
Bottom Line:
Yes, the stock components are not so good, but if you break and replace before you know it you have a dream bike without laying out tons of cash up-front. I got a tremendous deal on E-bay, basically some guy bought this for his wife and she NEVER rode it. There wasn't even pad marks on the rims. As I break parts I'll replace with the best I can afford at the time, and in the end I'll have a great bike and have paid less than a new stock Fuel 80 would cost...
As for the Cane Creek rear shock I've read a lot of complaints about, I just set it at about 25 pounds over my body weight, and that is the magic spot for me. I don't want it too plush, basically just to eat the big hits. What I'm saying is that if you can get a deal on one like I did you CAN'T go wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Staniszewski
a Cross Country Rider
from Rosevillle, CA Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Clementime Loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bob's Cycle Center,Roseville
Strengths:
Tough bike, reliable
Weaknesses:
Components are not high end, front Rockshox is poor, Cane Creek rear shock is fair
Bike Setup:
XTR shifters, deraileurs, brakes, Marzochi MXPro
Bottom Line:
This is a great entry to mid-level mountain bike! I replaced just about everything on the bike (brakes, cassette, crank, handlebar, pedals, shocks, wheels, tires,etc.) but did not know enough about what I wanted until I experienced the bike. EVERYTHING on the bike held up just fine - I just needed some experience. I did crack the frame just at the juncture of the seat tube and frame - Trek replaced it in 3 weeks - pretty quick when you hear of Cannondale horror stories.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlton Lahmann
a Weekend Warrior
from Tallahassee Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Razorback
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
Rides like a hardtail. No bob.
Weaknesses:
It is the loudest bike on the planet. It pops, rattles, creeks and snaps. Literally It feels like the thing is falling apart right out from under you. The frame cracked on me right above the top beed weld on he seat tube and i wasn't taking any five foot drops. I am currently dealing with trek to fix the situation. I will guide you during our travels with this particular issue.
Similar Products Used:
Gary fisher sugar plus, Santa cruz Superlight.
Bike Setup:
All xt, Hayes mechanical, Thompson, Azonic carbon fiber.
Bottom Line:
I Baught a santa cruz superlight and will probably never go back. If you want a bike that rides like a hardtail, buy a hardtail. If you want a good feeling full suspension bike, I dont recomend the trek fuel. Trek fuel only has 3inchs of rear travel, It has alot of pivots, (that have to be maintained) The frame size runs big. Make sure you have set on one before you buy it. And last but not least. I was in the specialized spring classic race event and there was alot of trek fuels and lot of everything else. The fuels weren't doing the winning.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tallboy
a
from New Orleans, LA Date Reviewed: January 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Strong frame, takes anything I throw at it. Very light weight for a full suspension.
Weaknesses:
The stock components SUCK! Trek should re-evaluate the lower-end components.
Similar Products Used:
Schwin Moab hard tail
Bike Setup:
Syncros hardcore headset, Rolf satellites, Cane Creek cloud nine, race face bb and crankset, precision billet rderailleur, shimano xtr fderailleur, maxxis larsen tt and mimo, sram 9.0 power glide cassette, avid ti's, rock shcok judy c with total air inside, Jagwire all round
Bottom Line:
I spent $700 in Novenber 2001 for a $1500 bike. I have spent another $600 replacing all the crap that trek put on it. $1300 with top notch components or $1500 for Promax and Alivo? Besides saving me alot of money this has been a great bike. I have a great machine that eats up trail like scooby snacks, and it can take those 5 foot free style drops. Treks tech support is great, even though I did not buy the bike from a dealer. If your looking for a great trail bike that can take big drops from time to time, this frame is for you. I consider my self to be a pretty solid rider and this bike really suits my style. I am 6'4" 170, kinda bean pole. I have laid the bike down in several narly crashes and it has come out un-scaithed. Fuel for life!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marco righetti
a Cross Country Rider
from hamilton scotland UK Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
glentress forest (red route)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
alpinebikes glasgow
Strengths:
this is my follow up review so the strengths are as below
Weaknesses:
are as below
Similar Products Used:
first fs bike
Bike Setup:
as below
Bottom Line:
i reached my target weight with this bike aiming for 23 lbs but obtaining 22.5 lbs,i love this bike particularly the colour scheme,perhaps in the future i might get the full carbon version but we shall see! i really do recommend TREK FUELS especially if you are a xc rider but dont want to feel beat up after a ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tinker
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. McMurray, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
whatever one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
strong frame, great rear shock, no bob, Trek warranty
Weaknesses:
poopy fork, poopy crank, poopy brakes
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Joshua X, Kona Dawg, Jamis Dakar
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Duke Race fork, Race Face crank, Shimano clipless pedals, Easton carbon bar, Chris King headset, Specialized split gel seat
Bottom Line:
This is one sweet ass ride. When I first tested the bike over a year ago, my current ride was a 2000 Kona Caldera (aluminum hardtail). I took the Trek on a test ride over my 1 hour training loop in showroom stock trim with plain old running shoes on and knocked almost 4 minutes off my best time with the Kona. This bike inspires the confidence to test my limits, going up hills pretty fast, and bombing the backside REALLY fast. This bike rides so smooth and effortlessly, it almost feels self-propelled. I'm a fairly big-assed dude (6'1", 245 lbs.), so I had to change the fork and crank almost immediately, the stock units were a bit of a joke. I'm saving right now for Shimano disk brakes, XT hubs and Mavic crossmax rims. After that, this bike will be PERFECT!! If you want a champagne ride on a beer budget, buy this bike!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Shoemaker
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas city. MO Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Landahl preserve
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Almost no bob, strong frame.
Weaknesses:
Some stock parts are low end (as to be expected with this price point)such as levers, brakes, crank.
Great bike overall, had to ditch the trigger shifters for my trusty srams, the front crank flexed (200 pound rider)so was replaced with Deore. This bike feels great, climbs well and has almost no bob, handles tight stuff just like my hardtail and lets me flyyyyy down the rough stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JD
a Cross Country Rider
from Hialeah, FL USA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Oleta State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Rather not say
Strengths:
The Trek name, frame quality, warranty (a big plus), been on the market a long time, upgradeability
Replaced components to Shimano LX, changed seat to Pro-Link Trans AM, changed the shocks to the Judy XC Air
Bottom Line:
Fist let me say that this is a preliminary review on the bike. I've been riding road bikes for over 10 years and this is my first major purchase for off-road riding.
First off, this Trek bike is a workhorse. The frame is built strong and getting behind this machine feels like you own something well built. The stock components are good for the entry-level enthusiast, but as your skills improve and your demands grow, you will need to change those components.
Weight, approx. 30 lbs, for the price, seems to be good. Picking up the bike though, does not feel that heavy. I have read articles where this frame has been built as an outright DH machine, others have been extensively built for racing, and the same thing goes for XC.
It seems that what is really needed is a good frame to build upon. I plan on putting this machine through its paces and will come back and present a second review. For now, lets just say that the looks, Treks warranty, and the selected parts should provide me with years of fantastic riding. I love the look and feel of this bike, and if it performs as promised, this means its money well spent.
I hope this bike lives up to its name....I'll be back for round two.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell
a Cross Country Rider
from Graysville MB Canada Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Birch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Olympia cycle and ski
Strengths:
Great Climber. Love the Bontrager tires everybody says they suck but the dont. Cane Creek Kicks!
Weaknesses:
The Judy upgrading as soon as the u-turn Dukes come out. the brakes suck gettin xt's. The seat is as hard as hell
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
The best overall bike in it's price range. Trek makes good stuff some have said there frames have snapped Ive done some nasty drop's and nothing yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chili Dog
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT, USA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest, Dog Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Da Bike Chop
Strengths:
Large size is nice fit for 6'2" person. Not much bob on uphills. After riding a Gary Fisher Marlin, my performance on uphills has increased significantly on this Fuel 80 (actually a 2002 model). I asked for a 'sale price' on the bike and got it.
Weaknesses:
Noisy on downhills, lots of rattles and chain slap. And, on a new bike, don't forget to go over it to make sure all the nuts, bolts and screws are tightened (numerous parts of the front brakes on this one were loose).
Similar Products Used:
None, first full suspension bike, but tested several before buying this one.
Bike Setup:
Manitou black, bontrager cranks, fox air, other bontrager components.
Bottom Line:
Great buy for the money. I agree with others that it can climb like a goat. Nice cross country/all around mtn. bike. I would like to change the rims and tires at some point and add marzocchi fork, perhaps get shimano XT. But right off the floor, great bike. I'll see if it's still going in a couple of years, can't afford a Yeti yet. Test out Trek's different sizes before buying. I might also adjust the head for a slightly improved fit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Severed Dick, SFU, Pingou, Dales
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$980.00
Purchased At:
Dizzy
Strengths:
Smokin' deal on last years bike. Bike climbs with minimal bob. Almost bought a new disk brake hardtail last year. Thanking my lucky stars.
Weaknesses:
V-brakes which I upgraded to XT's a week after I bought the bike. Wasn't crazy about Bontrager AC tires. Battled with the white colour but, have since grown to like it.
Similar Products Used:
All hard tails. First full susp bike.
Bike Setup:
Built like a 90. XT rear and LX front der. Fox float rear shock. LX brake levers with Mega shifters. XT V-brakes, Bontrager Comp crank and SRAM 9 rear cassette. Specialized low rise bars (cut down). IRC Kujo 2.25 front and El Gato 2.25 rear tires. Shimano clipless pedals. Trek no name front hub with Bontrager Corvair rims. Parallax rear hub.
Bottom Line:
Best outfitted bike I found in this price range and dressed up as a 90 it's unique in a belly button world. Like to climb and do technical stuff and Trek handles it all well. Like the 100 mm Black on the new Treks but, life's a beer budget.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Maple Ridge, B.C. Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
all of woodlot
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Caps
Strengths:
nice frame set up for climbing
Weaknesses:
Front shocks, pedals and seat
Bike Setup:
Hayes Mech. disc brakes, Rhyno Lite Rims, Deore everything and a really beat RX seat.
Bottom Line:
Awesome climbing machine. I find climbing with this bike to be easy. Quite often forget I am. Since changing over to disc I've been a little more aggresive. 3 to 4 foot drops pretty big for an old guy. I have blown the seal on my Judy C twice now and lost my front brake because of the leaking oil. Piece of crap. I have since packed it with grease its ok. Saving for a Mars or a Sid ??? If you ride alot a new seat is a must. I ride 150 km week min. and almost died with old seat. Some upgrades are a must but Crane rear shock is wicked. It took me awhile to find my sweeeeet spot but when I did it was like a new bike. take the time to try it at all different settings.With a few more upgrades this is going to be one sweeet ride. Stock its great for beginners and casual riders with upgrades the sky's the limit.(except for those crazy 10 ft plus drop guys)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Yakima, WA Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cowiche Conservancy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Valley cycle
Strengths:
Very smooth , climbs like a goat, love the suspension
Weaknesses:
None that I can think of
Similar Products Used:
My first MTB
Bike Setup:
Stock but I purchased mavics and avid disc and will upgrade after I am done riding this summer
Bottom Line:
Before buying a bike everyone should ride this one. I rode about 20 bikes. This fuel fit and felt best!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BC
a Cross Country Rider
from Lewistown, MT Date Reviewed: June 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Spoke Shop- Billings, MT
Strengths:
Incredible climber, and sooo smooth down the other side. Great geometry, I dig the way this bike handles and the responsive steering never leads you a stray. The rear shock is a great ride after you get it dialed in. And, the bike looks great just sitting there, which won't happen once you ride it.
Weaknesses:
Front forks are a little soft, and a bike like this should have way better pedals. I ate mud the first time I rode it, and the pedals came off the next day.
Similar Products Used:
First full suspension bike. Rode a Fisher Sugar, and a Specialized SJ.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for clipless pedals and Pro Taper bars, soon to have a Manitou fork and disc brakes
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks butt, and does it all. For the money you can't beat this bike. With a few simple upgrades it will ride with anything. A great bike to learn and explore on, it is very forgiving when you make mistakes, and it reacts incredibly well when trying to correct mistakes. If you love to cross country, buy this bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Rockville Centre NY Date Reviewed: June 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
greenbelt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
brands cycle
Strengths:
Great frame, light, awsome rear suspension.
Weaknesses:
components... JUDY shock sucks,8 speed, crankets isnt too strong, derailers arent too smooth. BB creaks, but was a quick fix with some lube. Im going to upgrade to 9 speed with XT/XTR components soon.
Similar Products Used:
none full suspension
Bike Setup:
stock, want to upgrade to xt and xtr.
Bottom Line:
Overall good bike for a beginner, maybe with a little extra money put into it. For a racer, I'd defenately go for the 90, 98, or 100.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Kodiak Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Russian Ridge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
58 North
Strengths:
Great feel. This bike climbs like a goat, better than my old Trek Antelope. No suspension bob.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy compared to some. Front forks too soft, especially for my fat butt.
Similar Products Used:
First plushy for me. Old rides include: Gary Fisher, Ritchey and Trek 850 from '84. yeah I'm old.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I'd buy it again in a heartbeat and even pay more. Great bike. Love the Trek feel. It was exactly like my old friend but faster, better climber, plusher (especially on the backside) and the brakes are better. Hell my old bike has a u-brake under the chainstays. I'll just upgrade as I break things.
I just can't do justice to how much I like this bike.
Buy it, buy it, buy it, if you like Treks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from manitou springs, co Date Reviewed: June 6, 2002
this bike kicks ass. The frame is very-well built, great uphill, especially for a full-susp. the cane creek rear shock is not bad but the manual gives the wrong adjustment settings. Nice rims and Ive heard people say the Bontrager tires are bad, but they work great for me, they have plenty of traction for a XC trail. Its good in the mud (aside from the brakes) and its geometry looks sharp as hell.
Weaknesses:
derailer, factory brakes, JUDY SHOCK sucks!! I recommend the Manitou blacks or a bomber for this bike, and the pedals are the worst. Oh yeah, and the hubs are weak, you should consider a bike with stronger, more solid hubs
Similar Products Used:
this is my first full susp bike. but I have heard its simialer to many konas as well as the rocky mountain spice(1999), fusion, and element.
Bike Setup:
new manitou blacks, same pedals(which i need to change), specialized C3 hubs.
Bottom Line:
A great bike, it will take you up the hill nice and easily and let you ride fast and smoothly back down the hill
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Solowiow
a Weekend Warrior
from USAF Academy, CO Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Trail Ridge Stadium Run
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Fairly light, very nice rear suspension, deore derailluer
Weaknesses:
Shimano Alivio shifters, replace these or upgrade to a Fuel 90. These shifters tend to break often, I had to replace them with full Deore
Similar Products Used:
First Full Suspension. I also ride a Trek 4300 (1st real bike), a Trek 2300, and a really, really old Giant Iguana
Bike Setup:
Replaced all Alivio compenents with Deore 9 speed
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike. Incredible ride, hardly any bounce which is typical with a full suspension, good value as you get the SLR aluminum and a Deore rear deraillur. You get the same frame as the Trek Fuel 100 (bar the carbon fibre rear pivot arms). I would highly recommend to any, from beginner to advanced (experts, get the Fuel 98, you will thank me later)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roake Redbood
a Weekend Warrior
from longmont, CO 80501 Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Slick Rock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Village
Strengths:
Great dual suspension bike! For what you pay and what you get cannot beat it with a 30' whapper stick.
Weaknesses:
A bit on the heavy side but the front fork weighs in at a little over four pounds. Can do a little trimmin there.
Similar Products Used:
This is my very first dual suspension bike, Gary Fisher Marlin, Aquila
Bottom Line:
Great bike, if you are looking for a cheap dual suspension bike you cannot get better then this one for the money if you can catch last years model on sale. Just shop around and try to find a dealer that has them reduced. And then you can always try to beat them down a little bit more if you are into the hagglin spirit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Makarov Kirill
a Weekend Warrior
from Russia, St. Petersburg Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Local Store
Strengths:
Great frameset to build up a custom buget bike
Weaknesses:
I don't like white-red color, incorrect pressure settings in Cane Creek AD-5 manual.
I bought only frame and rear shock.Bike rides and climbs great, very comfortable, rear sus is perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa , Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$728.00
Purchased At:
Sportable
Strengths:
Good cross-country bike at an affordable price
Weaknesses:
The Judy C fork
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y3(1999)
Bike Setup:
XT derailleurs, Judy XC
Bottom Line:
This is a really cool ride! I burnt all my friends on my first ride with the Fuel. The pedaling power really good for a double suspension. The rear shock technology from Trek is really good on this one. It's a must if you don't want to buy a more expensive model.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
XTR brakes/drivetrain/hubs laced to Bontrager Mustangs, SID SL fork, Bontrager Race Lite stem/crowbar risers (cut)
Bottom Line:
First full sus bike. It's f#@&ing great. Its good for long hauls as well as nasty technical. It's fast, solid and the rear suspension feel blows away anything I've ridden. This is the frame to build up!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Newtown, PA, USA Date Reviewed: November 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Stinger
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Guy's Bikes
Strengths:
Light frame, great components, smooth riding for a decent price.
Weaknesses:
If you get the bike, get a new fork. The Judy C is not worth it, on my first day, it was making clicking noises...
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuels
Bottom Line:
I highly recomend this bike to anyone. My experiences with Trek has only been good!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thom
a Cross Country Rider
from old town, me usa Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pole line
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
rose's
Strengths:
Not likely that Trek will go belly up, unlike some other bike companies. No bob when accelerating.
Weaknesses:
Lousy front fork. Rear suspension doesn't do much suspending (harsh ride). Some chain suck. Weak stock brakes. So-so derailleur components. Bad tires for NE riding.
Similar Products Used:
Diamonback V-Link, Trek Y-5, Trek VRX
Bike Setup:
Avid Mechanical disks front and back to replace the bogus stock brakes. Shimano 646 pedals. Fire XC Pro tires (a must for NE riding). Bar ends (geometry is way too short for steep ascents other wise- you come right off the back of the saddle). Will ditch the Judy fork as soon as I get a good deal on a 2001 close out Manitou.
Bottom Line:
Broke the frame at the weld at the front derailleur clamp after 1500k of single track. Took Trek 5 weeks to replace it. Can you imagine buying a new car and they tell you you can't ride in for 5 weeks when you have a warranty problem? Bogus treatment by Trek. Bad attitude/management.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Magnet
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmotnon, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: October 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
1000 KM in Edmotnon River Valley
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
United Cycle
Strengths:
fast,nimble,climbs like a billy goat, great on long rides, looks great, geometry!
Weaknesses:
My frame snapped 3 weeks after getting the Fuel, I have had numereous minor technical difficulties with drive train, and the peddles!
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for seat, handlebars, gooseneck, and
Bottom Line:
Love the bike!!! Even though I have snapped the frame just below the seat post and have had some difficulties with the drivetrain I love this bike. It rides great, very comfortable on 50-70 km day trips. I would recomend it to anyone serious about getting into the sport or even an enthusiast who has been around since dirt. I will do some upgrades to the shocks, tires, and peddles for next year... winter is coming and I will be studding the tires here soon for winter riding... write me an e-mail I will let you know how the winter riding is going.
Be Cool... Magnet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Sparta n.j. Date Reviewed: October 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Fern loop (Waywayanda)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$940.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great Frame. Climbs like a goat, fast, and is just a blast to ride!
Weaknesses:
Poor tires, Poor Front Shock(Change out as soon as possible)and weak brakes.
Similar Products Used:
ProFlex Beast & Reptile, Mongoose 8.3, Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Manitou Black Elite Fork, Panracer TRailblaster tires and Avid 7.0 brake package.
Bottom Line:
An excellent value for the dollar. I bought this bike with the intention of upgrading parts if the bike was worth it. It has been beyond my expectations. It climbs like a dream, handles really well and is FAST! I had looked at the 90 but I would personally rather spend the differance in cost and upgrade parts to my preferance. I highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for a great all around xc bike. Five chillis for value and four chillis for an overall rating that will be five after upgrades are complete.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MARCO righetti
a Cross Country Rider
from scotland u.k. Date Reviewed: September 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
glentress forest peebles (the red route)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
alpine bikes gt.western road glasgow
Strengths:
climbs better than my 21.75 lbs ti hardtail with use shockpost,it can be shouldered,can go through the rough stuff better than the hardtail and i dont feel so beat up after a ride.
Weaknesses:
the weight sucks so i transfered all my lightweight components from my ti hardtail over and now the fuel weighs 23.5 lbs,i'm used to unpainted titanium which doesnt scratch!!unlike the fuels paintjob (the paintwork isn't faulty its just the fact that it is painted!)
Similar Products Used:
this is my first full sus bike.
Bike Setup:
sid race forks,chris king headset,avid mag brakes,easton ct2 carbon bars(cut down),icon bar ends (cut down),xtr sti lever/shifter combo,crankset,rear mech,bb.xt front mech,dura ace 12-27 cassette,xt chain,time attac carbon ti pedals,mavic ceramic 517 rims,dt db spokes,hugi 240 hubset,specialzed team control/master sl s-works tyres,wrench force superlight tubes with panaracer flataway kevlar liners,extralite skewars,thomson elite seatpost,selle italia slr 135 grm saddle and xtr cables.
Bottom Line:
this bike is the bottom line! i simply love it! once the paint work gets more scratched i'm going to phone trek to see if my warranty will be affected if i take all the paint off!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PoKeY
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA USA!!! Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pocahontas
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Agee's Bikes
Strengths:
TOugh frame. I scratched the frame with the chain on several occasions in which the chain slipped off. THe aluminum frame is really shiney when it is ground by chunky pieces of metal circling around the chain stay... and it doesn't rust!!! Climbs like a monkey I like this color scheme
Weaknesses:
Whap, whap, whap goes the chain slap. Creaky back derailer. A bit on the weighty side. The pedals with the straps... they now for sale...
Similar Products Used:
tested a Joshua
Bike Setup:
TREK FUEL 80 basics: replaced the pedals with SPD 858 replaced the Judy Shock with a Marzocchi Z2 80 Bomber replaced the saddle after it split...
Bottom Line:
This is my first Full Suspension MTB bike since my near death experience on a road bike. The FUEL 80 setup was good for me as a newbie to XC riding. I lost 10 pounds in the first 2 weeks. Now I weigh 150. Got my resting heart rate down to 40... and I'm 45 years old. I see that the fuel name works on this frame. (heheh) THe fork was squishy after a while, and worked well enough when I tightened it down, but now I have more confidence with my new Bomber 80. I was used to clipless pedals and swapped these in the first week. THe components need changing as I get better, but for the $$$ this is a great value. P.S. WOuldn't you know it... the same bike was priced $150 less after I bought it into the 2 months purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Puzman
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ain't tellin'
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
neutral geometry feels right at home rear suspension is just right for xc riding climbs well
Weaknesses:
shocks suck on both ends brakes have the feel of a brick constantly drops the chain; crank/chainrings leave a lot to be desired.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro, Fisher Sugar, Klein Mantra, Titus LocoMoto
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
rented one of these for a day of xc riding at winter park. Probably a great bike for the price, BUT... rear shock tops out constantly (needs much more rebound dampening), stock front fork sucks, and the drivetrain is far from reliable. I'd pay the extra bucks for the 90.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Ethridge
a Cross Country Rider
from Yakima Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lunar
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
A gay shop in Yakima Cough Cough "Valley"
Strengths:
Stiff as a monkey, Nice shock and fork, semi beefy wheels
After 1000 miles the shock is better than ever, I have a bunch of bent spokes but who cares still work awesome (better then when I bought it)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Hukill
a Cross Country Rider
from Bedford, NH USA Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
Zane's Cycles
Strengths:
Frame is awesome for the price. Climbs great.
Weaknesses:
Only minor stuff: Rear hub is noisy. Front derailleur (SRAM 5.0) can be difficult to adjust. Front brake (ProMax) keeps coming out of adjustment. Comes with toe clips, which I immediately replaced.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Time ATAC pedals.
Bottom Line:
The components are fairly decent, but the frame rocks! Because it's relatively inexpensive, this is an awesome bike to start out with, especially if you want to upgrade components. If you really like the Fuel frameset, buy this one, and upgrade as you see fit. I'll probably upgrade the brakes first, and go from there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Newark, DE, USA Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Iron Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
Bike Line
Strengths:
Great climber No discernible frame flex Good adjustability Decent price for a dualie
Weaknesses:
Front Derailleur is flaky Judy C is bouncy (upgraded this right away) Brakes could be stronger
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Jekyll series Gary Fisher Sugar
Bike Setup:
Stock except Judy XC front fork
Bottom Line:
Excellent starter dualie. Can be upgraded quickly and easily, and you'd want to because the frame is very good.
Suspension soaks up big hits, little ones can be niggling.
Good components, but not the lightest bike you can get.
Buy this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Moaclearen
a Cross Country Rider
from Farmington, CT, USA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mad River
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Newington bike
Strengths:
I did not feel any flex of the frame at all. The bike feels easier to ride up hill than my friend's Gary Fisher Sugar. Great bike for long rides, Light Quick and responsive. Suspension does not absorb pedaling energy.
Weaknesses:
Front shock feels funny when making tight turns, (Judy C) but thats not a major issue. The rear shock is not very responsive to small bumps, that could be a plus or a minus.
Similar Products Used:
Gt I-Drive, Gary Fisher Sugar.
Bike Setup:
Full suspension, Aluminum mainframe and seatstay. Uses linkage bar geometry.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike for the money. Might want to upgrade some parts like front shock, but thats not really necessary. Buy it if you love ling tecknical rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Tacoma, WA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Miller Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Bike Tech
Strengths:
At less than a grand this is a good bang for your buck. The frame set is worth keeping to upgrade with lighter components. Somewhere the Trek either did thier homework or the geometery aligned with the stars, making the fuel a gracefull climber when set up right.
Weaknesses:
Toe clip pedals are for weinies. Brake flex is so noticable you'll think they are cantilever brakes. 8 speed drive is last years tech-live in the now, 2001 offers 9 speeds! With all the hype on intergraded headstes why not include them. 29 pounds makes for grouling climbs. Chain slap can be noticed.
Similar Products Used:
Diamond Back Seronto, Trek 6000
Bike Setup:
Stock for now. Future holds some 646 pedals and Avid Arch brakes and of definantly chain stay guards. As the components wear out XT/XTR drive train will fill in. Bars, Stem and cranks may get replaced.
Bottom Line:
The bike is ment for the serious hard core XC weekend warrior. At $1000 bones it's affordable and leaves cash for minor upgrades. The bike is great for enjoying XC trails with some down hills. The gussets strengthen the bike enough for moderate free rides, but don't take it to the North shore and hope to bring it back in one piece. Excellent 2nd bike. I looked at GT and Giant before buy the fuel. Giant has a better part selection, GT loved the down hills, but the Fuel was better all around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Yakima,WA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Valley Cycle & Fitness
Strengths:
Awesome frame design! Wheelset will take a good beaten before retired. Looks. Crank was black instead of silver
Weaknesses:
Went cheap and put on 8 speed stuff. Promax Brakes(weak as HeLL) Heavy componets(Handlebars,Seatpost,Cranks) chain slap
Similar Products Used:
GT I-Drive, Enduro, Klien Adept comp
Bike Setup:
Stock but with chainstay Guard (A MUST)
Bottom Line:
When you buy this bike you are apying for the frame. The componets are all heavy. But with upgrades this bike would be awesome. The wheelset, fork (freakin 4.4 pounds) need to swaped out This is a good but for a grand though. Go and test one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Ramona, CA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sycamore Canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Centre
Strengths:
High quality, affordable full suspension bike. I love descents again.
Weaknesses:
rear shock seems to lose air (that's the first upgrade I'll do), when climbing ut of the saddle it will still bob a bit, but this may be due to my inexperience setting it up.
Similar Products Used:
Old chromoly Trek 830
Bike Setup:
all stock w/ shimano 646 pedals
Bottom Line:
The BEST thousand I've ever spent. After being away from riding for several years I am amazed how good a bike you can get for a grand. When I brought it home I took it on a loop route around my neighborhood (horse trails, single track and some fire road) that was taking me over an hour. On this bike I finished in 45 minutes using a lot less effort. Great job Trek
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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