Home | Reviews | Manufacturers | Trek | XC Full Suspension

Login  |  Register

Trek Fuel EX 7

MSRP $ 1870.00
# of Reviews 28
Average Rating 4.07/5
More Products from Trek



Submit a Review

Description:
  • Front Suspension
  • Shimano Deore XT
  • Bontrager Select Disc
  • ZR 9000 Alloy



Other Ways To Shop
  • Buy and Sell the from our Classifieds.
  • Shop for Similar Products








    Submitted by zachgator8937 a Weekend Warrior from
    Date Reviewed: October 30, 2008
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $1699.00
    Purchased At:Atlanta Cycling
    Strengths:real good spec for the money, very active suspension design, great handling, only 28 lbs. with new tires and saddle
    Weaknesses:lots of pedal bob on out of the saddle attacks w/o propedal on, stock tires have no traction, stock seat is like sitting on plywood
    Similar Products Used:giant trance x1
    Bike Setup:stock except- wtb silverado pro saddle, schwalbe racing ralph 2.25 tires, race face lock-on grips, easton ea50 stem
    Bottom Line:great bike for ripping singletrack, and a surprisingly good climber too. just make sure you swap out some of the stock bontrager components.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by pwork a Cross Country Rider from Carbondale
    Date Reviewed: September 8, 2008
    Favorite Trail:Kinkaid
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Price Paid: $1700.00
    Strengths:lots of plush travel for the weight (m 28 lbs stock), climbs surprisingly well with or without the propedal.
    Weaknesses:stock tires and grips are worthless, juicy 3's are OK, but take a long time to fully bed in.
    Similar Products Used:GT Zaskar, Avalanch, Agressor, C'dale Jeckle
    Bike Setup:Stock w/ Panaracer Fire Pros 2.1's
    Bottom Line:This is a review for the 08 model. Wife and I share this bike (virtually the same height). When together one of us rides the Zaskar. Combined we have about 40-50 trail miles so far on the bike. Just rode an 11 mile loop on a rooty trail then switched and rode another 4 or 5. My back thanked me when I got on the EX. Great Bike. I've noticed that I need to develop new skills for the payoff as this bike lets me go faster, which also gets me in trouble quicker!

    Travel is plush once A) The rear susp breaks in B) you find the proper tuning. Jumping back in forth between a hardtail and the EX you'll notice some decreased efficiency climbing smooth trails which is to be expected, but climbs with slick rocks/roots are much easier with the EX. Haven't noticed a big difference with propedal on or off. Also do not notice the rear end getting stiff in breaking turns so the ABP must work. Recon is a good fork. Demo'd a EX 8 with the fox and to me the fox wasn't worth the extra $ over the RS (which also resides on my GT) Wife like the GT's geometry better because of the quicker steering but I don't notice it being 'slow'. Tires are OK for dry smooth hardpack, but are worthless for anything else. Juicy 3's are ok powerwise (I weigh ~150 w/ gear) but if I was doing long DH's or anything steeper I'd upgrade. Haven't had any issues with noise yet.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by parkercolorado a Weekend Warrior from parker,colorado
    Date Reviewed: August 28, 2008
    Favorite Trail:all of them
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $1150.00
    Purchased At:Bike Village Aurora
    Strengths:Solid, pretty quiet and very responsive. Great up and down.
    Weaknesses:Occasional clank from unknown source. Comes and goes.
    Similar Products Used:Cannondale
    Bike Setup:Stock
    Bottom Line:I used it on trails from Crested Butte, CO to all along the front range around Denver and I really like the bike. Even did the Winter park downhill all day and the bike was under me all day with no problems. Great breaks. I got it on massive sale at Bike Village so I'm happy about that. No major complaints except I did trash the stock tires for better quality and that made all the difference in the world for up and down hills. I never really knew tires could TOTALLY change the bike setup and performance. One of my more experienced friends turned me on to the tire thing or I would probably still be suffering. Oh and I added new pedals. Great bike. Light and fun.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by hockeyfreak a Weekend Warrior from Parker CO
    Date Reviewed: July 22, 2008
    Favorite Trail:keystone
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $2100.00
    Purchased At:bicycle Village
    Strengths:(not always a downhiller just prefer it)
    very plush brakes work great pretty light for a bike with that much travel
    Weaknesses:my chainstay broke when i was just riding around in the street, i guess that it was just a factory problem but i got it fixed almost immediately by bicycle village. also the brakes took a long time to break in, had 2 get them fixed at the shop. it doesn't climb that great but all i have it to compare to really is a maverick so its not a good comparosin
    Similar Products Used:kona dawg (downhilling), maverick durance, wall-mart schwinn alumi-comp hard-tail
    Bike Setup:stock
    Bottom Line:its a great great bike especially for the price, it is definately an all around bike, i havn't had it that long but i have abused it plenty at keystone, gotten it up to about 25 and taken 3 to 4 foot straight drops with flat landings and it has held up great, doesn't climb the best but descends like a dream. overall i really couldn't be happier with anything under $3000. this bike is great for anyone looking to go uphill but still be able to fly down the hills that doesn't want to buy an ibis or a maverick etc.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Juhoman a Cross Country Rider from Finland
    Date Reviewed: June 13, 2008
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Purchased At:Bike Planet
    Strengths:Feels so good to drive, brakes are awesome, suspension components are nicely adjustble and very good.
    Weaknesses:Weak frame(snapped it twice near the rear brake), crappy pedals on stock.
    Similar Products Used:None
    Bike Setup:Stock
    Bottom Line:Trek fuel ex7 2007 is just awesome, but after two broken frames, I think there is something wrong. 2008 frame must be better.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Mordy a Cross Country Rider from So-Cal
    Date Reviewed: June 12, 2008
    Favorite Trail:Any
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $1700.00
    Purchased At:Valley Bicycle
    Strengths:This review is for the 2008 model. The older models should be reviewed separately as they are very different! This bike is great. It is well balanced for both climbing and descending. You only have to lower the seat for really steep downhill sections. The suspension is plush and with a switch of the pro-pedal lever on the shock, it goes from a strong platform for climbing, to a cushy downhiller that is quite capable of soaking up some rough stuff. I am a very heavy rider, and the frame so far has been very strong. Even the basic wheelset it comes with has held up very well, and thats saying a lot for my bulk pounding on it. The XT shadow rear deraileur is awesome and the other Deore components are functioning as well as can be desired. The Juicy 3 so far have been very satisfactory and with both at 185mm rotors on my XL they provide plenty of stopping with only some rubbing. The Recon fork has loosened up after a few months of riding, and while still not as plush as the Fox Float on the EX8, it is a stiff and capable fork that I have found nothing to complain about. I might upgrade to a Revelation dual air for tunability but thats about it. The crankset, while basic, has an outboard bearing BB which makes it quite the performer and i haven't noticed any flex.
    Weaknesses:Stock tires are only good for dry hardpack. Stock grips and saddle are uncomfortable, as usual for Treks as they always get replaced anyways.
    Similar Products Used:2007 EX8, Trance X1, Fisher Hifi Deluxe, hardtails.
    Bike Setup:Panaracer rampages for traction, Oury lock-ons for grips, WTB Pure V race saddle, Crank Bro's Mallets, rest stock.
    Bottom Line:Very balanced and capable trail bike that won't break the bank or leave you feeling under-equipped for all but the hairiest downhill sections.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Rob a Cross Country Rider from Weilerbach, Germany
    Date Reviewed: May 10, 2008
    Favorite Trail:Phaltzer Wald
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $1400.00
    Purchased At:The Bike Shop (Ogden Ut.)
    Strengths:Strong, durable, easy to ride. This 07 Fuel EX 7 has an awesome and plush suspension!
    Weaknesses:The sadle is crap and tires are just ok. I think Bontrager parts could be better. Rear shock leaking oil. I need to replace the seal.
    Bike Setup:Stock for now but will upgrade sadle, tires, brakes and handlebar.
    Bottom Line:I have had this bike for 6 months and love it. I do like the new 08 frame over my 07 but the geometry is set up very nice for my body and riding style. I am 170 lbs and it seems to like that weight. Plus the ease to dial in the fork/rear shock seems to be easy but nessasary. Fantastic allaround XC!!!!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Lowell a Cross Country Rider from La Honda, CA USA
    Date Reviewed: May 8, 2008
    Favorite Trail:Skeggs
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $1000.00
    Purchased At:Pro deal through a shop I worked at
    Strengths:This review is for the 2007 ex7. it's a very solid all-around bike. Rear suspension is very smooth and reasonably efficient. The BB7 mechanical discs work great even with the stock 6" rotors and the recon fork is nice and plush.
    Weaknesses:Already had to replace seals on the fox RPL shock. The front fork ramps up at the end of its travel a bit much. Makes it hard to use all 5" without too much squat under braking. The propedal on the fox works great though. Tires were terrible, replaced with tubeless specialized exkar front and captain rear.
    Similar Products Used:Older Jamis dakar sport full suspension, Trek liquid, Yeti ASX (much lighter, but about 3X the price)
    Bike Setup:Stock except for 2007 XT wheelset with tubless tires 2.3 Specialized Eskar front, 2.1 specialized the captain rear.
    Bottom Line:A good solid bike, but I probably would have bought something with a more advanced suspension or a bit lighter if I hadn't had the pro deal.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Ignacio Paz a Cross Country Rider from East Lansing, MI
    Date Reviewed: April 20, 2008
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $1500.00
    Purchased At:Velocipede Peddler
    Strengths:This bike has great geometry very nimble at high speed. The brakes are good for mechanical (Soon to upgrade to hydro). The best feature is the adjustibility of the front and rear shocks!!
    Weaknesses:The seat is stiff and too small, the tires are crap(first thing changed)
    Similar Products Used:Trek 6700
    Bike Setup:all stock soon to add hydro brakes juicy 5
    Bottom Line:This bike is great to use up and downhill great pedal feel with little bounce. With the high adjustiblity of the shocks you can fine tune the bike to any terrain or condition, wet, dry, snow, mud, road this bike is the most versitle bike I have owned yet. I am very pleased.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by jacob staten a Weekend Warrior from kentucky
    Date Reviewed: April 17, 2008
    Favorite Trail:sal hallow
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $670.00
    Purchased At:ebay
    Strengths:The fork is great and for my entry level bike I love it.
    Weaknesses:none that i have found yet
    Similar Products Used:none
    Bike Setup:stock
    Bottom Line:Tis is a great bike I relly love it it is the best bike i have invested my money on. I love that it has rell good disc brakes on it it will hop over any thing that I want it to it is the kind of bike that any one could use from the hardcore to the newb it is great.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Jaime a Cross Country Rider from Athens
    Date Reviewed: March 21, 2008
    Favorite Trail:anything
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $1550.00
    Purchased At:The Hub
    Strengths:Bomber.. Can throw this thing off anything. This was my entry bike into full suspension.
    Weaknesses:Rims are a little weak, bike is heavy but again, is bomber. Can be a little back heavy too.
    Bike Setup:XC
    Bottom Line:Great bike to get into trail riding with. I would like a little more suspension but I'm going towards freeriding now. Four inches is great but my but likes six much better.
    Value Rating:3Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Duane a Cross Country Rider from Flagstaff, AZ USA
    Date Reviewed: February 26, 2008
    Favorite Trail:Anything with dirt
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $1800.00
    Strengths:Very good handling. Solid frame.
    Weaknesses:Hayes disc brakes. These have required a ton of adjusting and they still have a tendency to rub. Talked to a Hayes rep who said to make sure the skewers were tightened really well. So far I haven't had too many issues with them since. I find this bike to be really heavy for a cross country FS bike - about 30 lbs. Most seems to be in the rear triangle as well. Looks like some upgrades are needed.
    Similar Products Used:Gary Fisher Xcaliber - much lighter and steel even.
    Bike Setup:Stock plus Monkey Lite carbon fiber XC riser bar.
    Bottom Line:Good bike but for the brake issues. It has handled more trail than I have. I chose this bike for the Limited Lifetime frame warranty. Other bikes that cost more only had 2 or 5 years (Santa Cruz and Rocky Mountain). I still feel that for 1800.00 the bike should have been a bit lighter though. It served me well in the 24 Hours in the old pueblo recently so I guess I can't complain too much.
    Value Rating:3Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Scott Colburn a Weekend Warrior from Sacramento, Ca
    Date Reviewed: February 24, 2008
    Favorite Trail:Hole in the Ground
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $1600.00
    Purchased At:City Bike Works
    Strengths:Rides smooth, pretty responsive, Durable frame and rear shock setup. I hear complaints about the disk brakes. But I have had zero problems in last 2 years.
    Weaknesses:Very heavy for price. Bottom Bracket-I seam to go through 1 every 4-6 months. My old Fisher only went through 3 in 10 yrs and weighed about the same. Shifter setup jams thumbs after longer rides.
    Similar Products Used:Had Fisher Joshua and finally cracked frame after almost 10 yrs (I think the downhill at Northstar finally did it in). Test road trek and Fisher since Trek gave me a $300 frame credit toward either. The Fisher I road had chain suck on the test ride so I bought the Trek.
    Bike Setup:Stock
    Bottom Line:Good all around bike. Considering its weight it eats up miles of single track like a lighter bike. A little overpriced for level of components and heavy WEIGHT.
    Value Rating:3Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Lowell a Cross Country Rider from La Honda, CA
    Date Reviewed: February 11, 2008
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Price Paid: $1000.00
    Purchased At:Summit Cycles Pro Deal
    Strengths:Very solid frame, great rear suspension. Avid BB7 brakes are very solid and feel like hydraulics. Nice wheels and a nice balanced geometry.
    Weaknesses:Fork is good, but doesn't quite keep up with the great feel of the rear suspension. Tires are very slow and don't grip well enough for their slow rolling-ness.
    Bike Setup:Completely stock. Recon 351 fork, float RPL shock, avid BB7 brakes.
    Bottom Line:Great bike. Very solid suspension feel and a good mix of components for the price. Great brakes. The bb7 mechanicals feel at least as good as hydraulics.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Lucas LeMaire a Racer from Thornton, CO
    Date Reviewed: January 24, 2008
    Favorite Trail:Hogback/Dakota Ridge
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $1700.00
    Purchased At:Bicycle Village
    Strengths:The suspension is so good. It handles great on downhill. Cant believe traction. Very nice. Front fork is excellent!
    Weaknesses:In my opinion, stock stem is too long, stock tires no good.
    Similar Products Used:none. First F/S bike
    Bike Setup:WTB Velociraptor tires F/R, Syncros DH stem, Lizard Skins moab grips, CrankBros Mallet C pedals.
    Bottom Line:The bike is wicked. First time on it, could not believe traction going downhill. The tires just stay on the ground. I think just need to change stem, tires, pedals really. It is superlite, and it is just an awesome bike.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Bryan a Weekend Warrior from Bay Area, California
    Date Reviewed: December 14, 2007
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $1899.00
    Purchased At:Chain Reaction
    Strengths:Lite weight, ABP (Active Braking Pivot), forks, shocks, Hyrdaulic Disc Brakes
    Weaknesses:Tires
    Bike Setup:Stock
    Bottom Line:I purchased this bike to get back into Mountain biking after a good hiatus. I really love the ABP and the control that it enables you to have while braking on a downhill. The 2008 Trek Fuel EX 7 is not the same bike as the previous years, so do yourself a favor and check it out! ABP rocks!
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by John a Cross Country Rider from Minneapolis, MN
    Date Reviewed: November 13, 2007
    Favorite Trail:Anywhere there's more down than up
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $1400.00
    Purchased At:LBS
    Strengths:Plush, strong, and agile. Bontrager wheels are bomb-proof. Climbing traction is endless. A great entry-level bike to full-sus XC.
    Weaknesses:Never-happy Hayes Nine brakes, Deore shifters, not the lightest rig, multi-piece suspension linkage.
    Similar Products Used:Cannondale Rush 6, Gary Fisher Cake,
    Bike Setup:Other than stock: Avid Juicy 7 brakes, Kenda Nevengal 2.4" Front, Deore LX crankset, Race Face Team chainrings, SRAM PT-970 cassette.
    Bottom Line:As my first XC full suspension bike, I loved how this thing rides. It's agile, predictable, and plenty plush. I have the suspension aired up enough so that I've never even bottomed out on full drops, yet, I find that balance smooth enough and responsive. I virtually never use Pro-Pedal, as the bike climbs extremely well even when the tail is soft. With it on, it bounces excessively. It rides big (the frame is admittedly a bit too small for me: 19.5", I'm 6'4"), and has served me well to launch into racing.

    Component set leaves some to be desired on the EX7 - the Deore shifters are vague. The Hayes Nine hydraulics that come with it absolutely suck (have to realign EVERY time I remove the front wheel) - I replaced them with Avid Juicy 7s, but the large reservoirs don't fit well with the Shimano Shifters, and they get noisy when humid. The suspension linkage is needlessly heavy and complex, with bolts that can come loose and creak (Trek has fixed this for '08 with a 1-piece welded link). The Bontrager Select rims ain't light, but they take a ton of abuse - can't figure out why they spec'd machined rim faces on a disc-brake model. The BB and crank have been problem-free, but the new Race Face rings have had some chain suck problems.

    A good value on a pretty solid bike overall, but I'm outgrowing it quickly (both physically and talent-wise). I'm VERY excited to try the new '08 Fuel EX's, as they've addressed many of the common gripes of past EX's with some slick new design.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Jim a from West Chester, PA
    Date Reviewed: October 5, 2007
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $1700.00
    Purchased At:Bike Line Wilmington
    Strengths:Good warrenty, I felt a decent climber, decends quickly and efficiently, like the suspenders Recon fork is ealily tuned, strong finish on the frame, avid mechanical work nicely
    Weaknesses:Some parts on the spec list are suspect- ie shifters, head set (may have just been mine)
    Bottom Line:After searching out a decent dual suspension at my price point I feel as though I have made a great decision for the type of trails I regularly ride. Coming from hardtails I was a bit hesitatant about going over to duals but the decision was a good one.

    I ride my fuel 3-4 times a weak and with my regular maintenace schedule the bike has yet to let me down. The head set has come loose a few times which is no big deal just a pain to continually have to tighten. The wheel set is decent although their weight is a bit much, reduce your unsprung weight for greater speed and control. Shifters were traded out for clearance lx dual control units- although XC focused I have enjoyed their performace and worked acceptibly well with the Avid Mechanicals that have new organic pads installed.

    Overall a good dual suspension bike with some issues as to the break chatter and dialing in the suspension helps but it seems as though you can never get it perfect but for all intensive purposes it gets pretty darn close.
    Value Rating:3Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Jon a Weekend Warrior from San Jose, CA, USA
    Date Reviewed: July 10, 2007
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $1700.00
    Strengths:Once you have ridden this bike for a while it is very predictable. I have been real happy with the suspension and think from an overall mountain bike perspective it is a very nice bike. This is my first hydraulic brake bike and I like it A LOT!
    Weaknesses:Pedal clearance is not great, rear disc gave out on first ride (but was replaced for free and no issues since), and has a habit of fishtailing when really moving down hill
    Bottom Line:This is a nice bike for the price and if you keep up on maintenance it will serve you well. I have upgraded a few pieces parts, but in general have been happy with the stock components
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by bob carter a Cross Country Rider from mount ephraim, NJ
    Date Reviewed: July 3, 2007
    Favorite Trail:Fair Hills
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $1750.00
    Purchased At:peddler shop
    Strengths:great components for a great price.
    Weaknesses:stock shifters were a little cheap. takes a while to dial in the rear shock.
    Similar Products Used:jamis dakar, specialized stumpjumper FSR
    Bike Setup:stock w/XTR shifters
    Bottom Line:a great bike for the price. This is my fourth trek and have never had a problem with their frames. after riding for a few days at mount snow, i can say that the bike is a solid all mountain/back woods bike that is real comfortable for those epic rides. Probably a little heavy for a cross-country race bike, but i like a beefy bike.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Paul a Cross Country Rider from Newcastle
    Date Reviewed: May 9, 2007
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $2000.00
    Strengths:http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/xc_full_suspension/product_124740.shtml

    See the above link for the real reviews of this bike - For some reason they have reviews of this same bike on another page. And belive me its an awesome bike
    Weaknesses:none
    Bottom Line:get the 06 version for great spec and good price
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Jake Jenson a Cross Country Rider from Hyde Park, Utah, USA
    Date Reviewed: April 9, 2007
    Favorite Trail:Mudd Flatts
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $1800.00
    Purchased At:Logan
    Strengths:Components are solid, Front shock (Reba is Awesome). Rear shock is Good plenty of adjustment! Will handle wicked high speed on steep trails! Climbs good.
    Weaknesses:Hayes 09 disk brakes! Had them worked on at least three times this year. They are pure Sheyat, Rims are weak! The weld blew on my front and sent me flying into the bushes.
    Similar Products Used:06 Stump Jumper FSR
    Bike Setup:Stock
    Bottom Line:Solid bike. Will hold up on hard fast downhills. I Hit 65mph coming down a bumpy ski slope last summer. You need to take the time to learn to adjust the dual air chambers in the front. Loves to carve in tight corners. Not as heavy as other people have claimed (28 pds). Comparing components, nothing else comes close for the price. Breaks are good, when they work. Awsome paint job, until you scratch it then it is a mess. Feels somewhat slower than my specialized, but my specialized feels like it is going to rattle apart at high speed. Great Frame!! Wish it had 5".
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by fuel53 a Cross Country Rider from San Diego
    Date Reviewed: February 19, 2007
    Favorite Trail:Nobel Canyon
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $1600.00
    Purchased At:Trek Store
    Strengths:Solid suspension, great fork, good climbing ability, good handles at speed
    Weaknesses:Crap hubs- have gone through three rear bontrager select hubs now, trek has replaced for free each time.
    Crap tires- you are going to hurt yourself on these
    slightly heavy- this isnt a racer, but I climb hills for the workout anyway, whatever.
    Similar Products Used:Specialized stumpjumper fsr
    trek top fuel 98
    Bike Setup:WTB tires, specialized seat, all stock.
    Bottom Line:I have have been beating on this bike hard for two years now. I often look enviously at the newer 5" trail bikes but I really dont need them. I removed the spacer in the reba fork to get 115mm (4.5") travel out of the fork and it descends much better now, I can feel the front wheel pop up a little on the climbs though, I was suprised what a difference 1/2 inch made. I plan on upgrading to a travel adjust fork. This bike continues to suprise me and is a pleasure to ride hard. Some of the lower cost parts on it are heavy and can and do break under my 220 lbs. Trek takes care of their customers and has hooked me up a few times. This bike can bomb down hills and take a 3 foot drop with the best of them.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Kebasha a Weekend Warrior from Badalona, Spain
    Date Reviewed: February 19, 2007
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $2000.00
    Purchased At:LBS
    Strengths:Comfortable, plush, nice RS Reba fork and rear shock.
    Weaknesses:A little heavy. Not the stiffer rear outside. Poor paint job and poor warranty service too(see Bottom Line)
    Similar Products Used:Cannondale Rush (my next bike I hope)
    Bike Setup:Stock except Hope XC hubs on Mavic XM819 tubeless rims (very happy...)
    Bottom Line:Six months after purchasing the paint started leaving the frame. Trek Spain told me to change the frame in warranty.
    ONE YEAR LATER (yes, you've readed well, 1 year=365 days) I'm still wating for my new frame after too many phone calls.
    Three frames with same paint problem on the same LBS (2 Fuex EX and a carbon HT), so it's not a rare thing I think.
    Without thinking in the Warranty Service I would give four 4 chilis for the bike, but I can't.
    Sorry but no more TREK's for me.
    Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Robert a Weekend Warrior from Arcata, CA
    Date Reviewed: February 9, 2007
    Favorite Trail:Downyville Downhill
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $900.00
    Purchased At:EP through Trek
    Strengths:Very solid bike. Brakes work great. Very springy.
    Weaknesses:The bike does have a few extra pounds and the disc rotors need tightening regularly.
    Similar Products Used:none
    Bike Setup:stock plus big WTB front tire
    Bottom Line:Great bike. It's my first full suspension and I love it. I'll never talk trash about full suspension bikes ever again. There're better bikes out there but they're not mine!
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Chris a Cross Country Rider from Manhattan Beach, CA
    Date Reviewed: January 23, 2007
    Favorite Trail:Santa Monicas
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Price Paid: $1700.00
    Strengths:Nice components for the price. Bontrager Jones tires grip well. Highly adjustable (if that's your thing).
    Weaknesses:WEIGHT! Thick, knobby tires make for some slow uphills. Too many things to adjust (not my thing).
    Similar Products Used:Giant Anthem 3. Cannondale hardtail.
    Bike Setup:Bone-stock.
    Bottom Line:I made the mistake of buying this bike based on the components and the Fuel name. On paper, this bike seems great, but I hated it from the first ride.
    First of all, this thing is damn heavy -- 31 lbs. for a size small frame and the weight is very u