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Submitted by
kkasoff
a Racer
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos/Bridgeview in Ocala, FL | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Just Ride Bicycles | | Strengths: | Balance, light weight, handling agility, climbing, downhill speed and great on all medium size 2-4 foot hits/jumps | | Weaknesses: | Grips, pedals and tires. Minor- rear shock pivot bolts came lose three times so torq them down good to 100lb and you should be good after second tightening. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale RZ4,5 and Specialized Stumpy but Trek has a great rep and strong R&D money as well and looks good so I bought it. Much better since I came off a 2000 Specialized FSR Enduro Comp all XT with upgraded forks and Panracer XC tires. | | Bike Setup: | Scott bolt on grips, Maxxis Ardent 2.25 tires, 15 degree rise stem changed out from 7 degree rise. Shimano 520 SPD pedals 100% easier to clip in than the stock Crank Bros Candy pedals | | Bottom Line: | The bike is excellent and balanced very well for fast, jumps and tight super technical tracks and thin bridges like many spots here in Florida. Incredible forks and suspension as it handled a 4ft+ jump like butter and climbs and bombs downhill great. Even the stock tires I had no problem with after two rides but after reading all these reviews I switched them out and now get sand washout with my Maxxis Ardent tires but sand may do that to many tires at high speed even with low pressure. Will try stock tires again tubeless and see how it goes. I got $300 bucks off since its and 2009 model late in the season and 2010's are out, so well worth the price. The black and white is a great color but shows rock chips and cable rub quickly. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mbg523
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Tahoe Rim Trail, China Camp, Tamarancho | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame and suspension are flawless | | Weaknesses: | Tires, saddle, brakes, grips, pedals | | Similar Products Used: | None- this is my first full suspension bike. Previous bike was a hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | Swapped Bontrager tires for Panaracer Fires, Crank Bros. pedals for Shimano SPD, and Bontrager Race saddle for WTB Rocket-V | | Bottom Line: | This is a great do-it-all bike. While it is more suspension than I really need for the local trails in Marin, it performed like a champ on a trip to Tahoe including the Rim Trail, Tyrolian Downhill, and a long day at Northstar. Coming from a Fat Chance steel hard tail, weight (27 lbs) seems very light to me. It climbs (I use the propedal switch a lot) and shifts smoothly, and once you get the suspension set up for your weight and riding style it feels like a part of you. Downhills and single-track are pure pleasure as well. I dumped the stock tires right away- with their small tread and thin sidewalls they did not inspire confidence in rocky sections or on corners. With the panaracer fires it is a much better ride. Saddle was too hard and racy for me-- others might like it- I put it on my road bike. I also hated the Candy C pedals- kept getting stuck when I wanted to get out resulting in a knee injury when I mismanaged a corner at Tamarancho- crash was my fault, but if shoe had unclipped it would have been no biggie. Have had no issue with reliability after 6 months almost daily riding, including lending it to my 18 y.o. jump-and-drop crazy son (I'm 48). I even ride it to work some days when I have time to go over the ridge instead of on the road.
Future upgrades include brakes, grips and wheels- after that I think I will be set for a long time.
Best buyer for this bike would be someone who wants a fast FS bike with a little more suspension than a typical x-c rig, wants to keep the weight down and is willing to make some upgrades as you get used to the bike's characteristics. I'm sure there are better pure race bikes out there, but for someone who rides a wide variety of terrain this bike really rocks and the components are comparable to those on bikes costing much more.
If you live in the SF Bay Area be sure to check out Summit Bikes- their free lifetime tuneups really add value to your purchase. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scifi51
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Mill SC USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | White Water Ctr - Charlotte | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Ultimate Bicycles | | Strengths: | ** Dealer/Mfg - backed up product **
Rides great WHEN NOT BROKEN (except for tires - rear wore out fast - in 6 months - replaced with $15 cheapo that still works better than the original - and didn't hold the turns - but got used to it and learned better techniques in the turns), strong brakes (not noisy as other reviewers), very forgiving on rough/technical rides - great shifters, bike geometry fits me well - improved my riding tremendously - enjoyable to ride | | Weaknesses: | OK, werite this down: broke a spoke (2 months), broke chain ring (8 months), broke pedal (4 months), broke main pivot bolt (6 months), broke swing arm (9 months), broke another pivot bolt & bearings (16 months), developed undiagnosable loud as hell creak in frame under seat (12 months) - NO I'm not doing 10 foot drop-offs. I'm 57 years old and just an avid enthusiast - Product fixed by dealer/Trek each time - free of charge, last repair swapped out for a new 2009 EX 9 frame, rear shock, swing arm set. | | Similar Products Used: | Had older Trek 4500 HD - enjoyed the bike, lasted a long time (7 yrs) - still in use by my son on a college campus | | Bike Setup: | Std. EX 8 components | | Bottom Line: | IN spite of problems its a great bike!! The dealer & Trek came through all the way and swapped out all broken parts - including the frame as mentioned above - for free. The new 2009 EX 9 frame works way better/different than my 2008 EX 8 frame. Feels much more solid. Feels very stronger in the turns at speed and in the climbs under load. Now I feel like I'll get great use out of the bike for years. Front tire held out for 18 months - time to get new tires - decided on WTB Weirwolf 2.3 front and Prowler XT rear. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tsoukos
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, CA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Don Valley Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Sweet Petes | | Strengths: | All round comfortable ride. Solid suspension going downhill and xc. XT rear derailleur a major upgrade vs Deore on previous bike. After 4 years of HT riding, I can appreciate the full suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Surprised no one has mentioned the weight of this bike being a negative factor. After riding it for 3+months I still can't get use or appreciate its behavior on steep uphills or technical sections. On uphills it feels like climbing with dead weight compared to my previous HT Marin Nail Trail. I understand the full suspension adds weight, but after 3 months I'd expect this not being a major factor anymore. The breaks are squeaky literally ALL the time to the point they become annoying during long downhill sections. The tires are a major drawback. Although the simplest thing to do is to replace them from the start, I don't understand why Trek would ever consider choosing them as they really downgrade the performance of this bike. Replaced after two falls (first week) on steep downhill parts I've rode at least 100times on previous bike without any problems. I was shocked how easy these tires sold me out! | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper FSR XC Comp, Marin Nail Trail (amazing HT bike) | | Bike Setup: | Replaced Tires and Grips. | | Bottom Line: | Overall I can't say I am happy with this bike. A major factor that tipped me over towards getting the Fuex EX 8 vs the Stumpjumper Expert was the reviews on this site. I don't claim to be a very experienced rider, but if after 604klms in 2+months this bike is still questioning my confidence over sections I would fly by with my previous bike, then there is something wrong. Might be the rider, might be the bike, really doesn't matter cause there is no match here. Three other riders I've chatted with all agreed it does take time getting used to. They were all overal happy with theirs. Must take the time testing different alignments to cater to your riding style and position. This bike is being sold. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
love2ride
a Racer
from Wake Forest NC
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | New Light NC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek of Raleigh | | Strengths: | This is a great all around bike that can handle just about anything! I went from a 06 ex7 fuel to the 09 ex8 and man there is a world of different in the handling. I have to say, I now realize why this bike won so many awards. The suspension is great, I take 3 foot hits all the time on this bike and every land is like butter! Its light handles well and looks great. | | Weaknesses: | The grips are ok and the candy clips are not the best. The breaks seem to squeak a little more then I like and the breaks have to long pull, which is just a preference. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR
06 Trek Fuel EX7 | | Bike Setup: | Stock from Trek | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great; if you can afford it...buy it. I have not found anything that compares in quality and price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ustabawannab
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenfield, WI
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Crystal Ridge Alpha Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Cycle Illino | | Strengths: | Excellent suspension. ABP really works on a rough local downhill. The Fox Propedal feature makes this a great urban assult road bike too! | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires and grips. (Hard to cmplain about though since they are so easily replaced) | | Similar Products Used: | 03 Trek Fuel 90 Disc | | Bike Setup: | White Industries MI6 disc hubs. Sun Ringle Ryno Lite rims (I use tubes), Kenda Nevegel Stick-e 2.10s | | Bottom Line: | I sold my Trek Pilot 5.0 and my Fuel 90 to get this bike. After reading the reviews here,the first thing I did was setup the stock Bontrager Race Lite wheels to road only use with a set of Continental Sportcontacts. I had The Bikesmiths of Milwaukee build up a complete set of wheels with White MI6 hubs and Sun Ringle rims. I'm still old school and run tubes in my 26x2.1 Kenda Nevegals. The wheels are complete (cassette and discs) so it's a two minute swap to go from road to full on XC.
So far this bike has handled my 210 lbs with poise and control on the downhill sections of my Ski Hill trails. I expected that, especially with my custom built wheels. What really surprised me though was how good the bike is on the road! You should have see the double takes I get by the folks being passed on our organized road rides by a freakin' full suspension MTB! I lock in the Propedal on the Fox suspension and away I go. I've had a computer on this rig from day one. I document my training/exercise rides carefully following the same 10 and 18 mile road courses every day. Ever since going from carbon Pilot to this MTB, I've only given up about a single mile an hour on my averages.
All told, with the extra wheels and other smaller upgrades, I have about $3000 wrapped up into my 09 Fuel EX8. It has been a perfect one-bike-does-all for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mcap
a Weekend Warrior
from Fountainville, PA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Fairmont Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | My 2007 is an excellent All Mountain bike. Great travel and nice componentry. Avid Juicy 5 are great (can be squeeky) 185mm front disc looks sweet and is functional. Great having a true Tubeless wheelset. Running tubless setup, which is great and has been reliable using Stans. | | Weaknesses: | Avid brakes work great but can be pretty noisy at times. | | Bike Setup: | Stock drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | I got a killer deal on this bike. Its a great value and offers loads of top notch components that will impress a wide range of riders. Very fast, fairly light weight bike that can take a beating and handle most off road situations. I love it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pincs
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | XC | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Gallery | | Strengths: | Well rounded do it all bike with good suspension. | | Weaknesses: | No full lock out on the rear, but the pro pedal seems to work fine. The tires don't seem to corner well. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Santacruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Haven't done anything to it yet. | | Bottom Line: | I test rode a Specialized FSR, Santacruz Superlight, and the Trek ex 8 seemed to be the best bang for the buck. I actually was going to buy the EX 7 and liked it better that the others, but spent the money on the EX 8 because of the Fox fork and some other upgrades. The bike felt very plush compared to the others and just felt right. The Santacruz Superlight was really fast and easy to pedal, but the Trek was just so plush on the downhill and felt like a more well rounded bike. I love this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andyd210
a Cross Country Rider
from Dubai UAE
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Masafi | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | E Bay | | Strengths: | All round comfortable ride. I am doung 15 to 20km every morning before work. The this bike soaks up some pretty big hits very well and i can attack downhill knowing that she'll ride the storm for me. I was a bit aprehensive about using tubless tyres as this black magic is very new to me. i have to say that overall they have been a massive plus point. There's loads of stuff on youtube about getting them on properly (worth a watch). | | Weaknesses: | Support. I snapped the derailleur hanger and was told (after a week of waiting) that Trek USA didn't have any in stock. i bought mine at http://derailleurhanger.com/trek.htm Model 132. I weigh 220 pounds and have broken countless spokes in the rear wheel. I have now changed all the spokes to stainless steel which take a lot more punishment. | | Similar Products Used: | Specilized | | Bike Setup: | Shorter stem - 50mm | | Bottom Line: | very happy, the support issue is more down to the rubbish customer service which seems to be pretty standard in the UAE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tomg12
a Cross Country Rider
from Falls Church, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | All NOVA Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution Cycles | | Strengths: | The bike is very well balanced. This bike is light and the suspension system is amazing. This is my first full suspension bike, full suspension has come a long way, I love it now. It climbs surprisingly well. The components are good, the brakes are fine. This is just a great all-round XC bike. | | Weaknesses: | I've been riding for a long time and haven't had many wrecks. I've wrecked twice on this bike already. I blame it on the tires and my lack of experience with disc brakes. The tires will not hold a corner in anything less than clay. I use to pride myself of my braking in corners, now I have re-learn, because there is no front tire hold. I am scared to use my front brake now. I still charge, but feel like the front will wash at any time. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. I replaced the grips | | Bottom Line: | This is a great XC bike. Trek builds great frames. I had my Trek 8000 SL for 10 years. I was very happy with it. Only upgraded because I wanted to try something different. I will be replacing the tires. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a Cross Country Rider
from Stafford, Va
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Quarry | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution Cycles | | Strengths: | Suspension is right on time once you have taken the proper time to adjust them to the right pressures and adjusting the rebound. The bike is tubeless ready. | | Weaknesses: | Grips: Very unstable on the bike. They did not help very much on grip.
Tires: The tread on the tires were not aggressive enough. I was constantly spinning out on the up hills and the tires did not do well in the corners on grip
Pedals: SPD pedals were terrible! They are hard to clip in and can be difficult to unclip, and there is only two sides to clip in.
LX Shifters.
The handle bars are too crowded with the thumb shifters at the grips.
Two foot long seat post | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: Lizard Grips Peaty, Panaracer XC Pro Tubeless, Crank Brothers Eggbeater SL, Selle Itala Yukkata Seat. Stan's No tubes tubeless system. | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike! Hefty price tag. The bike would be great with SRAM components. Maybe the X.9 series. Avid Juicy 7's or Juicy Ultimate would be nice as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
56cbr600rr
a Racer
from Canton, ga usa
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Blankets creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | Free-flute | | Strengths: | Great price and value. Makes anyone fast. Plush ride. Climbs extremely well (once you change tires out), corners and jumps excellent. | | Weaknesses: | Tires suck for local tracks. Brakes are a little loud (not a big deal) and they are strong in overall performance, could use a little better modulation though. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary fisher piranha | | Bike Setup: | Mavic crossmax slr, raceface next SL carbon bars, panaracer fire xc pro's. About to try crossmark's. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for a beginner all the way to a racer IMO. I haven't raced yet, but not riding for twenty years this bike has made me a much better rider than I should be at this stage. It's a light bike for the price and it comes reasonably well equipped. I have absolutely no problems shifting, chain has not come off once, and it's held together well with a few high speed get offs. I've taken some decent drops and the wheels held up fine as well.
As I started riding a faster pace I had the front wash too many times and the rear would spin alot on hillls with roots or rocks, new tires solved this.
Take your time to get the suspension set up properly and you will love this bike. I don't think I would be as addicted to this sport if I had kept the piranha.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave13748
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, oh, usa
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Vulture's Knob | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Store | | Strengths: | Just about everything. The pivot breaking acts as anti-lock brakes thus giving formidable control in cornering and skids. Fox suspension setup is spot-on | | Weaknesses: | Grips; slippery, saddle; stiff for the common XC rider, tires; not enough knob for these trails, pedals; too much force to click-out for my liking, and rims; tires don't fit properly without lube or high pressure (haven't pushed them hard enough for further review). Juicy 5 brakes are loud during the break-in stage (maybe try organic pads?) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Rockhopper, and a Myka | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Indie XC saddle, eggbeater pedals, nevegals tires | | Bottom Line: | Trek is really making a statement for itself in mountain biking with their fuel ex line-up. This rig is almost good to go off the showroom floor, but fell short on a few components to rate 5 chilis in overall; these shortcomings are relatively minor but should be addressed by Trek for 2010. Nonetheless this bike has made me a 20% better biker. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rickie
a Weekend Warrior
from Beverly Hills, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1675.00 | | Strengths: | Eye candy, eye candy, eye candy. High-end derail, gorgeous fox shocks. I've been riding this bike instead of driving my Ferrari, it's just so fun! | | Weaknesses: | Ferrari's faster | | Similar Products Used: | Lamborghini | | Bike Setup: | diesel engine | | Bottom Line: | It's fast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jescasan
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Bear, CA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek San Diego | | Strengths: | Front and rear Suspension, components, looks | | Weaknesses: | Tires, tires , tires, do not hold well on loose sand | | Similar Products Used: | I tested the Trek EX9 and it was to much for me, this is my First Full Suspension, Trek 6700, Trek 4300, Trek 820 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, it brought be to next level of mountain biking, it is lighter than my previous bike that was hard tail and the EVO rear suspension works awesome on up hills on the lock position. Where I ride there is several areas of loose sand and the tires do not hold as good as my previous bike withe pacers. I am changing the tires as soon as I get some money. I will recommend this bike to everyone that is looking for a affordable high end full suspension | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
flash_gordon
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that has dirt.... | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | Fit and quality, good components, climbs well, stable on the descents, looks good, great all around bike! | | Weaknesses: | Tires not good for loose stuff, Avid Juicy brakes have no modulation and make lots of noise, grips are too hard and thin. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR-XC | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, ODI Rogue Lock-On grips, WTB Weirwolf tires 2.1, Avid Elixir CR disk brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I made the switch from the FSR-XC because I was looking for something with more travel. I love to go up as much as I like to go down so I needed a bike that was capable of both. I looked at may other bikes that were more money than the trek (Rocky Mountain, Specialized, Yeti, etc) but fell in love with the Trek when I first got on it. It just fit me. I read many reviews about how well the bike was and after riding it I can say all the good reviews are true! This bike is good at everything. The bike is very comfortable for long epic rides as well as fast quick bombing. With the few changes I have made I could not as for anything better for the price. I have been riding this bike hard for over a year with no issues at all! I recommend this bike to anyone who wants a good reliable do all bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
whitevanman
a Weekend Warrior
from Devon, UK
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | The last one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shed Exeter | | Strengths: | Light weight, brilliant suspension, confidence inspiring, good finishing kit and good looks. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, Tires, rims when not running tubeless tyres though not a major weakness. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Wolfridge | | Bike Setup: | Stock with cheap Specialized indie xc saddle, Continental Vertical tyre on front and V8 flat pedals | | Bottom Line: | The best bike I've owned. Unbelievably quick along single track and downhill sections. With pro-pedal on it climbs very well with a stiff direct feel. It's superbly comfortable as well - though I found the saddle too race orientated. I save the Candy pedals for road and easy trails since for me they don't release as quickly as I need. The speeds that I can hit on downhill sections mean that I don't want to be attached to the bike.The one hassle is that it can be very difficult to get tyres to seat properly on the rims, without using washing up liquid and super high pressures.
Highly recommended for anyone in the market for a light 5inch travel bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Surophoto
a Weekend Warrior
from San Juan, PR
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Cerro Gordo | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Great Ride, great suspension, cool Paint and Nice components. | | Weaknesses: | TIRES!, Weight, Avid Brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Lefty F6 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Except for the tires Kenda Nevegal UST | | Bottom Line: | All around good bike for the price, super nice suspension! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
theboss
a Cross Country Rider
from Grantsville, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | The Crest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | The suspension is king! I like how the paint and graphics look. Good value for price! This bike tracks well through corners and is a good climber. | | Weaknesses: | The bikes grips seem to small and hard. Hands feel crowded by the brakes/shifters. A small adjustment to the brakes/shifters made it a bit better. However I plan to get new grips. The tires left me wanting when I was climbing. I'd like more tread on the tires. The shape of the frame does not work well for my frame pump. I'll need to buy another pump to fit this frame. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike. I love the price. I love my wife. I love to mountain bike. Not necessarily in that order. ;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rickmc
a Cross Country Rider
from Centreville, va usa
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Trek Warranty | | Strengths: | Excellent climber, no pedal bob, eats rocks and roots for appetizers | | Weaknesses: | stock tires and stock grips | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adept Race, Klein Mantra Pro | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to reach out and not only tell the world about how great teh bike is but tell you how great Trek the company treated me.
I bought a Klein Mantra pro and a Klein Adept race in 2002, each came with a lifetime frame warranty. I loved the adept so much that I resigned the mantra to be "the spare". The adept is fast and nimble, fit me like a glove. After years of faithful service, I bunny hopped a speed bump and when I landed, the rear triangle became unbonded. Apparently the rear triangle is simply bonded together by the bottom bracket and finally just gave way. Trek bought Klein out and thus took responsibility for the warranty. They did not have a klein rear triangle anywhere and offered to give me an ex-9 frame and up to me to transfer my existing adept parts over to it. The bad thing is the shock on the adept is 80mm travel and the new ex-9 frame requires 130mm travel and thus I needed to purchase a new fork, headset, seat post and front derailer to make it work. I complained about why I had to pay so much for a warranty replacement! In fact, I wanted them to just pay to repair the adept frame, I did NOT want an ex-9, I LOVE my adept! Jason Schumacher and Missy from Trek customer service got in touch and really really did me right! They sent me a brand new 2009 ex-8 in it's entirety for my broken frame and even let me keep the adept (after cutting through the bottom bracket with a saw to be sure it was forever unusable - understandable).
This is customer service from a big box company that I just did not expect and am floored by it. I am so thankful I had Trek to deal with and will undoubtedly keep my business with them for future bikes. Kudos Jason and Missy, Trek understands customer service and customer loyalty!
Now for my experience with the Ex-8 they sent me. The bike felt good, a little squirrely maybe when I first got on it but it felt natural to me. I immediately noticed a difference before I got into the trail, pulled the front and powered over a small ditch, or atleast that was my intention. Suddently I was in a power wheelie at 40 degrees and drifting to the left! Wow, the power transfer was shocking! Ok, saved that and barrelled after some friends into an unfamiliar trail. I am again startled when I grab the brakes and over the bars I go! Sh*t! I have discs on my adept but these (maybe because they are new) grab instantly and seriously powerful, I did not mash them! Ok, picked myself up and curse myself for touching the front brake and I bolt after them. This bike is so fast I couldn't believe it. Makes the adept feel like a truck. Instant power transfer, front end can be manhandled over anything. A very large long endurance hill with roots and gulleys, rocks and leaves stood in front of us not long after. I let them get ahead and when I saw them walking thier bikes up, I clipped in and through the beans to it. Mid rings on both gears and I litterally BLEW by them. They yelled wait for us! I get to the top, huffing of course, and waited. A while later they showed up and wanted to know what crack I took at the bottom? Said it looked like someone pulled me up the climb and they had never seen anyone climb it with that speed! Maybe it's me? or maybe it's this trek ex-8, I am throughly impressed. It handled everything I through at it with ease and now I am growing accustomed to it's new set of reponses and feel so thankful that the adept frame broke.
Buy it, you won't regret it.
Rick
p.s. ok, 3 flats during the first outing, tires are thin. Tires are slick in the mud and leaves. I put in spin skins and will see if that helps or I'm going to panaracers. $20 tire replacements won't bother me a bit. The grips were slick, I had no gloves on and once I dumped it and got mud on my hands, the grips were slippery. Bought $15 ouri grips and again, no complaints on the replacement cost | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roberm
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | 7 Summits | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Fresh Air Experience | | Strengths: | EVO Link, smooth ride, comfortable | | Weaknesses: | Few | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Rush, Specialized Epic, Santa Cruz Bullit, Cove G-Spot | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with various component upgrades | | Bottom Line: | Normally I don't like the big bike companies. It took me a long time to decide on this product, and to convince myself to go for the big bike manufacturer of Trek. I bought it, and I like this bike. I am a big guy (6'3", 225lbs) who has a tendancy to break things. So far the bike has been good. I did break one of the bolts that holds the EVO link together. Trek was great and I had no warranty issues, and everything was dealt with witihn a few days.
Outside of that, the bike rides like a dream. I have taken it on long enduro rides and it climbs like a dream while decending exceptionally well. I never feel it bottom out, and there is virtually no "bob" while climbing.
Bottom line, the bike is comes from good stock, rides like a dream, and can punishment. I highly recomend it, and am considering getting one for my wife. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Howe
a Weekend Warrior
from Imperial Missouri USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | The Luge @ Hartmanns Rocks | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1920.00 | | Purchased At: | A-1 Bicycles | | Strengths: | First off I am reviewing the 2009 rootbeer and white model. The attention to detail is remarkable. Trek obviously spent a great amount of time insuring that all the anodized parts match all of the painted parts. After the initial break in on the fork and shock (around 15 hours of riding) the bike has responded to every change I have made in air pressure, rebound, and compression. The cd owners manual had all the information I needed to taylor the ride charactoristics to my style of riding. The suspenion is always active. This has allowed me to maintain momentum through and over obstacles that previously slowed my forward progress. The Full Floater rear feels bottomless. I have never experienced the rampup you feel at the bottom of the travel that you feel in many other suspension designs. The component group is well suited to the capabilities of the bike. The new for this year Rhythm wheel system improves the contact patch of the tire. | | Weaknesses: | The Bontrager Jones xr tires need to be run tubeless. That isn't really a weekness, but at the pressures needed to prevent pinch flats they do not inspire confidence. I did one ride with the tubes in. Once they were converted to tubeless I did not have any traction issues | | Similar Products Used: | GF HiFi Procaliber 29er, GF HiFi pro 26er, Ibis Mojo, Specialized Stump Jumper FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except converted to tubeless, and Ergon GX1 grips | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a go anywhere do anything MTB and you don't want to drop five to six thousand dollars on a bike you can not go wrong with the 2009 Trek Fuel Ex8. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
biga6462
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston TX
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Craig's List | | Strengths: | All components seem to be top of the line or close to it. The frame is a beauty and should last for quite some time. | | Weaknesses: | I really hated the stock tires and could do with a stiffer wheelset. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F-400, Trek 4300, Trek Fuel 70 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Michelin All Mountain tires | | Bottom Line: | Wow this bike is awesome compared to my old Fuel 70 and is probably the best bike I have ever hit a trail on. I have to be more alert with the responsiveness and high speeds this baby puts before me. The suspension enables you to roll over anything and is extremely plush.
I believe the one thing I would change to this bike is the wheelset. All the problems that I have with the bike (disk brake rub and rear tire rubbing chainstay) can be attributed to the flexy wheelset. The problem is so bad I can bend the wheel with my hands when it is on the bike. I had the wheels trued up but it didnt help the problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
1PHISH
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Colorado
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Halls Ranch (Outside Lyons, CO) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Station | | Strengths: | Great overall package. Climbs very well. Plush going down drops and challenging terrain. Extremely maneuverable. | | Weaknesses: | The brakes sometimes make noise. I read on the internet that baking the pads at 450 degrees for 20 minutes may eliminate this noise, however, have not tried yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000 (Hardtail), Stumpjumper FSR PRO, Marin Wolf Ridge, Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Straight Up | | Bottom Line: | This bike is absolutely awesome. Before my purchase I was given a demo for a test ride. I took it to the Matthew Winters / Red Rocks area for a spin. The terrain in this area is fairly technical up & down. I was blown away and smiling ear to ear. The suspension front and rear work amazingly well and are easy to setup. The braking is exceptional with tons of power. You can really throw this bike around and feel comfortable jumping.
If you're evaluating bikes and this one is on your radar, I highly recommend it. Perhaps you'll find a shop that will let you demo the bike and see for yourself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jammincam
a Weekend Warrior
from Chattanooga, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Raccoon Mountain (TVA) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Owen's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Great first bike. plenty of suspension. pretty forgiving. awesome brakes. | | Weaknesses: | the tires. i got about 10 flats with them. first one happened ten minutes after i started riding. tried all different air pressures and tubes. Got new tires and only have had one since then. The grips arent great but thats no big deal. I wish i had demo'd this bike first. only because i want to do more free riding so i might have to sell this eventually. *This is not an advertisment* | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher HiFi Plus | | Bike Setup: | stock. 2.35 wide tires. | | Bottom Line: | If you can find a decent deal, pick it up. You won't be disappointed. Can be used for XC or urban stuff. Pretty beefy all around. Not afraid to take it off and drops. Hope this helps. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
biker2
a Cross Country Rider
from Gainesville
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | climbs well, descends even better, fast geometry for amount of travel. fox equipped. Frame relatively stiff for a heavy rider | | Weaknesses: | bontrager tires and grip selection make no sense for this bike's purpose. Not a fan of avid juicy brakes, but they do have raw power. | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first full suspension ride | | Bike Setup: | stock minus bontrager | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for all day technical terrain. It can be used as a xc race bike if you cannot own a bike for every situation. Bontrager bar, stem, seatpost, and wheels (heavy- but not sold on durability yet) leave much to be desired. Setting up the fork was easy, take your time fine tuning the rear suspension | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hgormley
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Great bike, strong, fast and light. Almost impossible to bottom out the rear suspension or if you do you can't feel it! The design is just incredible for up, down, smooth, rough, whatever trails. I cannot recommend it enough | | Weaknesses: | Tires are very slippy in loamy soil & wet tree roots stuff - exchange them asap to the daily commute bike!
I am also gonna get a shorter stem on mine but that's by the by | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | As standard - Tires and stem are about to be swapped off though | | Bottom Line: | I cannot recommend this bike enough. Trek has always made bikes with great geometry but now they have a BRILLIANT rear suspension set-up!
Beg steal or borrow one for an afternoon and you'll have to have one there and then... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
elburritogrande
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | SST | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist | | Strengths: | Suspension, brakes, drivetrain, pretty much all components | | Weaknesses: | Tires? | | Similar Products Used: | Older Trek Fuel (circa '99) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Panaracer Cinder tires | | Bottom Line: | Great ride -- my first full-suspension bike, and I'd never turn back. I'm a cross-country rider who likes to take smaller drops (2-3 feet) and rolls, though I'm sure it would handle a lot more. Gives up very little on the climbs, and lets me do things on downhills that I wouldn't have braved on my hardtail -- bound to get me into trouble someday. Fox suspension is just plush and responsive enough at the same time, and the brakes stop the bike on a dime. I have never actually ridden on the stock tires -- I read so many complaints about them I immediately swapped them out for Panaracer Cinders, which are perfect for wet PNW conditions. Four chilis for value because I bought the bike on Craigslist, so obviously not representative. I'm sure $2400 is fair, as you get what you pay for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Dun
a Weekend Warrior
from Bergen op Zoom, Brabant, Holland
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | trails around the place where i life | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Suspension en looks, the fork is awesome!
| | Weaknesses: | Tires | | Similar Products Used: | Upgraded Gary Fisher Tassjara Disc, my first bike and i still ride with it when it's very muddy or with special tires for the road-training. | | Bike Setup: | Nobby Nics, Shimano xt-pedals and shortened the riser-bar. | | Bottom Line: | I never thought i would ever ride a full-suspension, i first tried an epic but i found the new prices too high and hear nothing butt trouble with the brain-fade.
Now i ride the Fuel EX 8 and what a bike is that, single trails: no problem, hills: i fly to the top and going down like the wind without any fear. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
celticsfan
a Weekend Warrior
from kansas city, mo
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | landahl park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Strengths: | fox fork and fox shock | | Weaknesses: | clipless pedals, not a big fan of these, i like to be able to get my feet down when i need to | | Similar Products Used: | first full suspension | | Bike Setup: | stock 2009 fuel ex 8 | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden a specialized fsr in moab that was very nice but I have to give it to trek. This bike increased my speed to the point that I am a danger to myself. The biggest surprise is the ABP. I could not believe how nice it is to have active suspension while using the brakes. I like the bike so much that my girlfriend will be getting one of these bikes very soon. Way to go TREK. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hunedog
a Cross Country Rider
from Port Moody BC Canada
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many too choose | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Westwood Cycles Po | | Strengths: | Intelligent frame design with well balanced components. | | Weaknesses: | From my personal view none. Some don't like the tires or grips. I've had no issues so far. | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Trek Fuel 90 Disc, 2002 Custom Built Brodie Rocket. | | Bike Setup: | As is, Out of the box onto the trsil. | | Bottom Line: | What can I say? I love this bike. Fit's like a glove just like the Fuel 90 did. I live about a 15 minute ride to Burnaby mountain and in spite of some snow patches is very rideable. Climbs great and decends very well. ABP & The Evo Link work as advertized. After 15-20 hours of riding I would recommend it to any one looking for a Solid 5 inch Trail Bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Slow_Joe_Crow
a Weekend Warrior
from Bevarton, Oregon
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Kent's Trail, Bend | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunnyside Sports, Be | | Strengths: | Light, very fast feeling, with magic rear suspension. The bike climbs really well and the ABP rear lets you ride the brake on descents without stiffening up. The dual release upshift feature on the LX shifters is a great convenience as well. | | Weaknesses: | The Bontrager seat sucks and the Jones XR tires don't have enough tread for mud or soft surfaces. I am also disappointed with the XT Shadow rear derailleur's downshifting, which feels much stiffer than the conventional LX on my Kona hardtail. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Cinder Cone hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Conti Speed King Supersonic 2.3 tires, WTB Pure V Race saddle, Crank Brothers Mallet C pedals, Lizard Skins Moab grips, SKS fenders, otherwise stock setup | | Bottom Line: | I rented this bike in July and bought it used in October, which says it all. It's a fantastic bike for long rides on mixed terrain and could probably handle some light XC racing. The downhill handling is stable and I can get through rocky sections with only an occasional bashed pedal. The Pro-Pedal definitely helps with climbing on hard surfaces since the rear feels very floaty without it, on the other hand, leaving the shock wide open does help the bike hook up on soft surfaces. The Conti knobbies really improved the feel of the bike, it accelerated and held cornering lines much better on soft surfaces while still pedaling fast. Swapping the Bontrager Saddle for a WTB was also a big help since the WTB shape provides positive location, more leverage when standing, and a bit more padding. Trek should definitely reconsider the tires and seats on the Fuel EX line. I also find the fork a little harsh at times but that is probably a consequence of running high air pressure. Ultimately this is a great bike with only minor equipment issues.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr Hendey
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweetser, In
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2075.00 | | Purchased At: | Curfman's | | Strengths: | Fast like a hardtail little adjustment for a longtime hardtail rider | | Weaknesses: | Shifters! I hate the all thumb shifting but Sram may be a better shifter. The LX rear shifter did not work with the XT Shadow derailleur. XT shifter fixed the problem | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Rush | | Bike Setup: | added 203mm rotor to front and 180 rotor to rear. XT rear shifter, WTB Weirwolf 2.55 LT Race tires | | Bottom Line: | Bike is fast for a duely in XC riding. The 18.5 frame seams right for my 5'11" 170 body but the Cannondale Rush seams to respond better in the corners. It takes more to lean the bike over in fast sections. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hbadra
a Weekend Warrior
from Norman, OK, USA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Kelso, Milton, Canada | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | suspension, brakes, drive train, very fast, overall "bad-axs" look | | Weaknesses: | -"virtual size" vs. "actual size" - cons: feels a little small pro: it's very easy to throw, pick up, jump, etc. - LONG STORY SHORT - get one size bigger than usual if this seems like a potential problem
-narrow bars (i'm used to DH profile design Tenacious-Ds) | | Similar Products Used: | none - my first xc full-suspension | | Bike Setup: | pretty much stock atm. Friend had added tubeless tires and eggbeaters pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is solid. I rode a xc hardtail with my friend while he owned it, and the Trek EX8 was always faster. The stock suspension is very good. The lockout feature on the fork makes it nice and hard for some exciting downhills and big drops, or for long climbs.
The drive train is super responsive and rather smooth. The brakes are excellent as well.
I plan on upgrading some minor things such as bars, seat, and possibly tires. Other wise, it is pretty much perfect as-is.
Lock it up...this bike is sure to turn heads. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gussman
a Weekend Warrior
from nottingham, england
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | ladybower & peak districts | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | looks, fox forks, | | Weaknesses: | tyres | | Similar Products Used: | trek liquid 25 | | Bottom Line: | Recently just got my new 09 Fuel EX8 in black and white. Its gorgeous. Fox forks are cool and nice to have lockout / pro - pedal. I would advise anybody to buy plenty of frame patches as cables do rub - oouch that gorgeous paintwork. Previous bike was a trek liquid - and this feels a lot lighter. The short stem feels very comfortable (I`m 6`2` on a 19.5 frame) and handles ace. Tyres are going to be replaced with Panaracer cinders as the Bontys are too slippery in the wet and mud. Incidentally the 19.5 frame size is perfect with the stem right up - allows you to throw the bike about a bit. Only downside is - theres never enough time to be out on it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BrianXC
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeworld | | Strengths: | The shocks are awesome. All in all a nice well rounded bike. | | Weaknesses: | The T I R E S !!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Wellgo flat pedals, Panaracer Fire XC Pro's, Oury grips | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike and I love it. It handles great and the Fox shocks are awesome. I ride trails and do some jumping and have not had any problems. The only bad thing is the stock tires, i rode through a sticker patch and they put a few holes in each tire so off they came and on went the panaracer's and I haven't had a problem since. Some might snear at me for putting platform pedals on my bike but I love to jump stuff and be able to bail if need be. Great bike for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JayNorris
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, MD
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Avalon Patapsco State Valley Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Race Pace Bikes | | Strengths: | The overall bike as a whole - everything just seems to function real smooth. In my opinion Treks rear suspension setup is as good as it gets. Engineering the rear pivots points truly prevents brake pivot and keeps you sticking to the trail in those fast tight cornering. I'm a 6'3 guy, weighing in around 260lbs and still the bike handles my weight and size better then anything I ever rode. | | Weaknesses: | The only complaint I have about the bike is the rider, he's slow! Seriously thought, maybe it's just me, but sometime the rear suspension pivot point just below the seat pitches my leg when leaning into it... Not normal, and I'm probably the only person who experiences this. Outside this VERY minor compliant the bike rocks! | | Similar Products Used: | I come from a long line of hard tail bikes, so I can't compare this to Cannondales Rize or Giant' Reign - the two of three I was considering. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly the bike is completely stock. 21.5" Frame - thing is huge! Upgraded the handle bar to include a 2.5 raise, and longer FSA stem. | | Bottom Line: | Overall this is a great bike. It was truly hard to deciding between the Cannondale Rize and Giant Reign. I rode all several times - honestly it's really hard to tell which is better until you get them out on the trails. For me, each were within the same price range, but the looks, style, newly offered engineered rear suspension pivot point sold me. From talking with other rides and including my opinion this bike is currently the master of suspension bikes - Trek has beat out the competition this time. Owner for one year, ride most weekends, and have had zero problems (excluding the average adjustments and cleaning). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Christie
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | United States | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit Bicycles | | Strengths: | Fox fork, fox rear shock, juicy brakes, xt rear derailure, great suspension design. I personally can tell a difference between this and other suspension designs. | | Weaknesses: | not a whole lot. the bike weighs 28.5 pounds. The color could be better. But it doesn't look bad. | | Similar Products Used: | i demoed a stump jumper with similar components, for me it was a easy choice between the two bikes just due to the suspension design. | | Bike Setup: | stated in above. The shop fitted the bike to me. Which is something no other bike shop has ever done for me. They also give free tune ups. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is a phenomenal bike. The Bike shop I purchased it from is having/had (not sure)... a ridiculous sale on all of the trek ex bikes. I have been looking at the fuel ex bikes for a while and was going to get a ex 7, but they had the ex 8 priced at $1700.00. I forget the prices of the other ones. The shop is in Los Gatos and its called Summit Bicycles. I was psyched because I was going to buy the ex 7 for $1900 and then literally when I go to pick it up they had an ex 8 that was on sale for lees than the 7. So you can imagine I was stocked. I demoed The stump jumper, the trance, and test road the bikes at performance and REI (forgot the names). For me it was obvious. But you should try them out for yourself. Keep riding! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
slntwlf
a Cross Country Rider
from timferrell@hotmail.com
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Tinton Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Rushmore Mountain Sp | | Strengths: | The whole bike except for the tires and the grips.
| | Weaknesses: | Tires and grips. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first full suspension bike. Rode an Orbea Lanza w/ full XT setup and Manitou super six 100mm fork before. | | Bike Setup: | 2008 stock setup except for Oury lock on grips and Time Atac Alium pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome! With Time Atac Alium pedals my bike weighs in at 28.5 lbs (18.5 virtual height frame 17.5 actual). Great components and suspension. Super smooth and very plush. Climbs better than my hardtail. The only complaints I have for the stock bike are the grips and the tires. The original grips were small and hard as a rock and the tires aren't aggressive enough for some of the trails I ride. Both are just personal preference and easily remedied. Put on around 500 miles, most 25 to 50 mile rides, with no problems. Great buy!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cjaycat521
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | North Bank | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Agee's Bicycles | | Strengths: | 2009 Model: The Suspension works really well together. Pro Pedal makes climbs very easy and lockout on the rear does not seem like it is necessary. The bike is very agile and the Juicy 5's stop very well. | | Weaknesses: | I wish the tires came stock as tubeless. The drivetrain is very smooth but takes a lot of adjustment to keep it shifting through all of the gears. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | It is a great bike for the money. It is very durable and the suspension is will take whatever you throw at it. I would suggest it for anyone that wants to get into the full suspension range. It is at the point where you will have a bike that will last with out spending 4 grand. The bottom line put tubeless on it an possibly switch up the tires if you are not riding on bone dry trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gmstrek8
a Racer
from Canada
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Ganaraska | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Northern Cycle | | Strengths: | The bike is light,handles well | | Weaknesses: | I haven't noticed any. I have done 3 races and the bike handled very well in all of them. Just wish they came in a size between the 15.5 and the 17.5 | | Bottom Line: | I am very happy with my Trek. But I also have nothing to compare it to as this was my first year riding. The more I ride the more comfortable I feel on the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tomcat
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | Suspension good choice of fork and rear shock. I had a concern that the bike has an RP2 rear shock as a stock component. I thought I may need the RP23 so I could lock it out on climbs. With the pedal-pro setting pedal-bob is a non issue. I like the frame it continues to work well even when braking. I've not had any chain slap. | | Weaknesses: | The stock tires sold on the bike "Bontrager Jones XR" do not have enough tread. When climbing steep loose trails I felt like the bike and myself had more in our engines but the tire tread gives out. The shifters "Shimano Deore LX, 9 speed" crowd my hands. I adjusted the shifters and brake levers about an inch in from the grips. This remount of the shifters enables me to fully grip the bars with out my thumbs rubbing against the shift levers. I'm an average sized man and have average size hands. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Specialized FSR Comp | | Bike Setup: | My bike looks and is setup exactly like the bike in the following link.
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/archive/fuelex8 | | Bottom Line: | The Trek EX 8 is a great ride. It has performed well when climbing and descending. I like buying a bike from Trek and a local dealer because I know I'm getting a quality bike that the vendor and dealer will stand behind. When looking at other bikes I compared it to lesser known brands. I found that Trek and other large bike companies can give more bike for the money and the manufacturing is second to none. The Trek engineers really know what they were doing when they designed the EX 8. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FuelRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, Ohio
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Clear Creek, Oxford MS | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Store Columbus | | Strengths: | Handling, climbing, braking, descending, Fox fork, Fox shock. Good component set for the money. | | Weaknesses: | aka Personal preferences:
Tires: replaced with Kenda Nevegals
Saddle: replaced with WTB saddle
Grips: replaced with Ergon grips
Headset, some low level Cane Creek version, it will get replaced. | | Bike Setup: | Immediately replaced the tires, saddle, and grips, just a personal preference. Plan to press in a Chris King headset as soon as the entry level Cane Creek headset shows any sign of wear. | | Bottom Line: | I have put 400 miles on this bike in 3 months, so far no problems. This is a great bike, making me appear to be a much better rider than I am. The Fuel Ex8 simply makes everything easier. Uphill, downhill, technical sections, stunts, this bike just eats up the trails. I am riding sections of trails and stunts that I would never have attempted on my old hardtail. For some reason I am also able to ride twice the distance. The only regret I have is that I didn't buy this bike sooner. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Omicron
a Cross Country Rider
from Stevens Point, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Nine Mile | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Store of Wausau | | Strengths: | The lime green frame is gorgeous! The full floater rear suspension really makes the bike feel like it has more travel than it does - the suspension really soaks up the bumps. Braking is strong, shifting is smooth and very solid. Seat is suprisingly comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | Not much on this bike to be honest. Not sure if I'm a fan of the grips but that is just nitpicky. | | Similar Products Used: | 2005 Trek Fuel 80 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I had been riding a Fuel 80 and broke the frame for the second time. Trek gave me credit on the bike which is how I got the price I did.
The bike is a piece of artwork - it is beautiful. It is unbelievably solid. The way it shifts is so satisfyingly solid. Once you get the shocks set to your weight and preferences the bike just rides like a Cadillac over rocks roots and bumps.
I'm not a discerning enough rider to upgrade the heck out of it. I ride about 600 miles a year and this bike is honestly probably more than I deserve but it is just a simple joy to ride. My only complaint is that I picked up the bike so late in the season - only a few more weeks of riding left before I have to hang it up for the winter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Cairns
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Cross Country | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Fox suspension. Pro-pedal works great, only get a tiny bit of bob. Light weight bike for what it has on it. Good bike for climbing and decending. Avid brakes are good so far, no major noise from them yet. | | Weaknesses: | Tyres. Standard grips. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the exception of Crank Brothers Acid's and Ergon grips. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, good value for money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Brazil
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Nobel Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Super. Store | | Strengths: | The Bike is grate. The Fox shocks are exceptional and when the pro-pedal is on looks like I’m using a hard tail. And the shock is grate under small and big bumps. The ABP system is grate under strong baking. The geometric of the frame is gate. And it is a light bike for the price. The bike is Tubeless ready. The Avid Juicy is OK not date grate. | | Weaknesses: | The tires are terrible there very light but not doesn’t stick’s to any terrain. Change it to the Kenda Nevegal you will fill the difference on technical uphill’s and downhill’s. The grips are hard like rock change it. The saddle is hard too but you get use to it. The chain hits the back triangle under big bumps. The Avid Juicy works well but makes a lot of noise. | | Bike Setup: | The bike is motley stock the only change was the Kenda Nevegal. | | Bottom Line: | The Bike is grate. The Fox shocks are exceptional. The Avid Juicy is OK It make some noise once in a while. You will need to change the tires suggest Kenda Nevegal. Change the grips and saddle. If you change the items listed you will have a grate Bike. I love my Fuel EX 8. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edward
a Weekend Warrior
from Paramaribo, Suriname
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Berg en Dal | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycleworld miami | | Strengths: | Beautiful color, rootbeer for 2009. magnesium evo-link, ABP really works. fox shocks truly perform as should | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | very nice bike for the price. little improvements for 2009, how else can you improve on a bike that is near perfect. magnesium link uses to be for the higher end models only. white paint scratches easily though | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jinbalham
a Cross Country Rider
from aseret Israel
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | any xc, some singles | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | tenafly nj | | Strengths: | great bike. it's the 2009 model. runs well on any terrain.
suspension works very good. | | Weaknesses: | bontrager tires, bontrager seat. | | Similar Products Used: | my last bike was KHS604. this one is much much better. | | Bike Setup: | setup plus ergon grips and the bontrager tires converted
to tubeless. | | Bottom Line: | the 2009 design is very good looking. any one sets eyes on it. once trimed - the gear works just fine. suspension is good, though bob is still on. avid five works ok though there is the squiking noise [not all the time].seat and tires should be considered for replacement | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cjxing
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Ozark, Missouri
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Four Winns | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Oz Cycles | | Strengths: | Super smooth rear suspension, almost fluid. Great design. Fast. Light frame design. This is the best Full suspension frame I've ridden. Super sexy frame design. Near perfect Geometry. Less brake skid due to ABP pivot. No flex. | | Weaknesses: | pedal bob when propedal turned off. No pedal bob when propedal on, so I leave it that way. Suspension is still super plush with propedal on. Previous Fuel EX's had no pedal bob without propedal. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive. Giant NRS. Fisher HI FI. | | Bike Setup: | Custom build. I only kept the frame, headset, and xt shadow rear der. FUll XT drivetrain and shifters except xtr front der(the best shifting). Took off new Fox fork and put on Rock Shox Revalation with poplock. Ritchey WCS stem, Easton carbon flatbar. Yeti grips. Hayes NINE hydro disk brakes. Eggbeater SS pedals. Bontrager Race light seatpost with Selle Italia Flite Gel FLow Saddle. Handbuilt WHeels Mavic, DT, XT. IRC Mythos Tires | | Bottom Line: | I am a profession bike mechanic and have ridden tons of bikes. I mean it when I say that this is the BEST Full Suspsension bike I have ridden!!!!! Super PLUSH and fast. Climbs great. Must use propedal to eliminate pedal bob. Not a huge deal, suspension super plush still with it on. I think the custom tuning of the fox rear shock really helped this frame out. I custom built this bike because I work on and ride alot of stuff and have settled on the best. XT Shadow rear der is best I've used. Setup is finiky however, but once dialed shifts fast and butter smooth, much better than Srams. XTR front Der is best shifting out there. Hayes 9 hydro disk brakes arent the lightest but have mad stopping power and are easy to maintenence. I switched forks to Rock Shox Revelation because I had a Rocks Shox Reba on my last 4" travel bike and loved it to death. Good move, the Revelation is bad to the bone too! Lots of settings(+ and - air, rebound, motion control) make setup complecated but once dialed this fork is a dream and highly customable. Better than Fox forks hands down. Less pedal bob. Fox however wins the rear shox award. Yeti Grips are my fav and have used them for 10 years. IRC Mythos are also my fav and have used them for 10 years also. XTR cable housing and cables are the best and last up to 2 years or more!!! I'm coming off of 4" travel, and have ridden bikes with 6. I must say 5 is the best. Still raceable with poplock and propedal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ursuthebestdriver
a Cross Country Rider
from constanta, romania
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | swansea, invermore, canada | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1890.00 | | Purchased At: | St kits on whells | | Strengths: | very good bike | | Weaknesses: | steam to long, tires missing lateral grips, paint not so good | | Bike Setup: | factory default, 2008 model | | Bottom Line: | It is the best full suspension bike that i have ever used. I did all kind of trails, never let me down.
If you buy one change tires, steam, and depends on the kind of riding (downhill without big jumps) maybe change wheels. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Whason
a Cross Country Rider
from Milpitas, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Calmar Cycles | | Strengths: | Really solid bike with ability to tackle most trails, excellent climbing and very good value. | | Weaknesses: | Didn't like stock tires, got a chunder pro for the front which I like better. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 hardtail was my last bike | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | A good bargain price for a bike that pretty much can do everything that most of us riders do. This is my first full suspension bike, and I am loving it. There is no comparing this bike to my old hardtail, its just techonologically so much more advanced. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
IAMchRispArtiDa
a Weekend Warrior
from Whittier, CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Turnbull Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax Bicycles HB | | Strengths: | Light product (as opposed to what others are saying), it climbs very well. The FOX travel all around (Fox Float 130 RL & Fox Float RP2) is very responsive once dialed in. The components aren't the best (and definitely not the worst), they haven't given me any problems whatsoever. The ABP (Active Braking Pivot) really makes a difference in braking when flying down a hill, really great technology I've seen imitated in the Specialized Enduro SL. I love the color (Satin Khaki Green/White ), it's a very unique bike and people love it. The wheelset that came with it (Bontrager Race) is decent, I will use them until they fall off. If they do, the warranties all around are amazing. | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals, stock grips (worthless with a sweaty palm) and tires (Bontrager Jones XR; not enough sidewall grip). I haven't had any complaints so far on the components, no squeaking other than the stock pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | 2008 TREK Remedy 8, 2008 Specialized Enduro SL Expert, 2007 TREK Fuel EX 8, 2007 Specialized FSR XC. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with WELLGO downhill pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, especially for the price (I paid less because of a family discount to a very talented Service Manager), but even the prices I'm seeing other people pay would be worth it. I almost bought a GIANT Trance X2 (for over $100 more), but my little brother swayed me away from that. If you are just getting into mountain biking, and don't want to buy a bottom of the line bike, this is the one to get. The frame is very upgradeable, but the components it comes with will make you happy as long as you take care of them.
This bike is very easily controlled, and feels good underneath you on even some of the most daunting trails. I feel like it's saved my life at least 3 times so far.
I'd recommend this bike to anyone that wants a good solid start into mountain biking. If money isn't so much of an option, check out the TREK Remedy.
*note* I just checked TREK's website, and they've got all the 2009 models up now, can't wait to test some of them out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jazid
a Cross Country Rider
from Kent, UK
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Will handle most terain - the handling is very very good. Avid fives are great stoppers. Downhill, it is a solid flier and will net out the negatives of the uphill.
Will make you push yourself going quicker into different types of terrain. Will reinvigourate your riding. | | Weaknesses: | Weight - at stock its about 28.5lb It is heavier than I expected and therefore slower uphill.
Still some pedal bob, but then I'm still exploring the fork/rear sus tuning.
The stock tyres Joneses XR are lethal. Change them ASAP.
Avid Fives are a pain to setup if your new to discs. I'm currently too inexperienced to reduce all disc rub (but hands on time should improve this)
The over confidence this bike inspires might just kill you if you over egg it.
Long cables - both brakes and gear cables rub on the frame and forks to leave deep marks - this could be avoided by buying a small clear protective patch to put over the frame at these contact points.
Components are average, but are not bad enough to make an upgrade noticeable.
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700. Commencal 4.1 | | Bike Setup: | 2008 Trek Fuel EX 8 (ex demo) 18.5. Stock apart from Conti Edge tyres. | | Bottom Line: | An amazing ride that will take you in new directions(excuse the pun). I am a intermediate hardtail XC rider and am loving this bike for what it can do.
It might not suit everyone, but I recommend you give it a test ride and put it in the running. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
petro
a Cross Country Rider
from Foothill Ranch CA.
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Tijeras Creek Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1980.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheels One Plane | | Strengths: | The new Evo Link Suspension Frame with the Fox shocks and their 5 inches of clearance are great and give me lots of confidence in all riding conditions. The ease with which the bike moves makes me feel like I can ride for a much longer period of time. I also Love the 2 way Shimano shifters and the lockout option. | | Weaknesses: | Handles are to hard, tires and seat are both average at best and the Juicy 5's are a bit squeaky. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Giant Trance X1. I was a long time Specialized man and took a long look at these two quality bikes before making my decision. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for changing out the handles, seat and tires. Also upgraded to Shimano XT front shifters. | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for a Bike that would make make my mountain biking experience more enjoyable (and safer) and can say without question that that I have found it with this bike. The ride is as plush or as hard as you want to make it and I feel absolutely no pedal bob. I can honestly say that this bike has taken my interest in Mountain Biking to a whole new level. As a side note one of my friends developed an interest in the sport and asked my opinion on which bike to get, I told him that he should ride as many demos as possible and to do his own due diligence and then choose which bike feels the best to him. After about a month of test rides and research on quite a wide variety of bikes he too choose the Fuel ex8.
The bottom line in my opinion is that if you are looking for an all around all purpose mountain bike at this price range you can probably find one that feels equally satisfying but you would be hard pressed to find one better! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jazn
a Weekend Warrior
from Fulton, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great suspension, handles great, climbs well | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires, Juicy 5's are a little noisey | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 1, Gary Fisher Sugar Race, Haro XCS, Tomac 98 Special | | Bike Setup: | Replaced stem and seatpost with Thomson, flat Bontrager bars, Kenda Nevegal tires, WTB Speed V seat, Time ATAC pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best all around trail bike I have ridden. Plenty of suspension for the ruff stuff, handles like a dream and launches over obstacles. The only complaint I have is the brakes are noisey and a little tempermental. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from Milwaukee, WI USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Human Powered Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Not-so-LBS | | Strengths: | Plush, stable, good climber, all around great bike. Good component mix, very easy bike to ride hard. Satin Khahki Green looks sweet. | | Weaknesses: | As others have noted, Propedal has a lot of pedal bob. I wish there was more of a distinct difference between the Propedal being on and off. I usually just leave it off since climbing with it on feels no different. Stock grips are hard as rock. Not totally sure about tires yet, but they do spin very easily over roots and wet rocks. Time will tell. Bars are a touch wide for tight singletrack. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp (HT), Trek 4900 (HT) | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now, may switch tires. | | Bottom Line: | It's a fantastic bike! Relatively light, fast, strong, stable, Fox front and rear...
The only complaints are little ones really, and they are things that can be changed easily (tires, grips, seat). I definitely recommend this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
crash master of nc
a Weekend Warrior
from Apex, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | any with climbs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycling Spoken Here | | Strengths: | Suspension function weight | | Weaknesses: | Occasional ghost shift should be able to adjust out | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock except saddle
Stock accept saddle
| | Bottom Line: | Bought this bike to get back into mountain biking after getting hit by car riding on the road. It's been a couple of years sense I serious trail riding, stopped because the Enduro just wasn't doing it with my back. First ride out on the trails that I rode all the time this bike did everything like a dream the climbs the down hills and the turns. The real nice thing about it with the butter smooth of the suspension on this thing no back pains. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nozer69
a Cross Country Rider
from Silverthorne, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Peaks Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Sports Outl | | Strengths: | Nice "freeride" bike that can be used on XC trails. Very plush suspension. Relatively light. Disc brakes take some getting used to (had only V-brakes prior to this bike)...very strong. ABP nice. | | Weaknesses: | Stock grips are cheap...replaced w/ Yeti grips. Tires are poor....replaced front w/ Maxxis "High Rollers" 26x2.35; will keep the back for now. Right brake & shifter cables do rub frame. Chain slap!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 Specialized Epic Comp | | Bike Setup: | Basically stock 16.5" frame (17.5" virtual) w/ Fox 32RL and RP2. Avid Juicy 5's, LX/XT shadow F/R derauillers, SH-520 pedals, LX cranks, and Bontrager everywhere else (wheels, hubs, stem, bars, seatpost, and seat). Did drop stem to only have one spacer between headset & stem.....initial set up felt too high. Yeti grips. Maxxis "High Roller" front tire...kept back tire for now. | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike for the money....not perfect but overall very satisfied with it. Can be used as XC, Freeride, and easy DH runs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddiex619
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA.
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | South Town | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek EastLake | | Strengths: | Plush,very responsive good all around ride and feel. | | Weaknesses: | Chain Slap | | Similar Products Used: | Giant | | Bike Setup: | LX-XT Bontrager | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, long time cross-country rider. Absolutely loving this product so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
terkonekto
a Weekend Warrior
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Little Bear - Bear Brook SP | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Nault's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Good component mix (LX and XT), Fox fork and shock, solid frame. | | Weaknesses: | LX cranks and headset (first things I changed) | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain ETSX and Element | | Bike Setup: | All Stock(2008 version)except Chris King headset, Race Face Evolve XC cranks, Easton Monkeylite carbon bars, and WTB saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. Feels very solid coming down and bombing over roots and rocks. Decent climber and weight of bike is pretty much a non issue. Did not think I would like stock tires but I am very happy with the way they grip the trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jparman
a Weekend Warrior
from Oshkosh
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | just happy to ride | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Oshkosh Cyclery | | Strengths: | Good suspension, braking. Weight is well within reason. I don't think you could ask for more at this price point. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes required a nearly immediate bleed, however have been consistent since.
Not so much a weakness as a request - I would have liked to have a Pro-pedal off, Pro-pedal on, and full lock out on the rear suspension. Although for the travel and size - the bike climbs well, I would love for it to be a little more responsive while climbing out of the saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS1 which this bike replaced
Homegrown hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock - except for xt cranks and tubeless conversion. | | Bottom Line: | Frame, Fork & Suspension...
...handle well. I have not ridden the RP3 however having tuned the RP2 to my riding style/area per the instructions found on treks website, I cannot see needing any more. Rear suspension feels buttery smooth over small bumps and big - bottomless feel. I live/ride in Wisconsin and have ridden in the foothills outside of Denver and in/around Fruita and in both area's I found little need to disengage the pro-pedal.
The Float 32 is unbelievable. Though I've had remote lockout and rarely used it - and in this case the lock-out was readily accessible on the fork - it did not see much use. I consulted the Fox website on tuning the front suspension and once the pressure and rebound damping were set - I did not feel any need to mess with them further.
Cockpit and controls...
Saddle is comfortable, and the seatpost is that of my favorite type of adjustment style (two bolt) - I am not particularly fond of the side bolts often seen on the higher end bikes.
The 4 bolt face plate stem and handlebars seams reasonable for the price point. For my 15.5 inch frame the bars did require a 3/8 inch trim on each side.
The shifters are quick and precise. I really like the two way offering that shimano has. Having adjusted the reach on the brakes all the way out and moving the shifters approx. 1/2 inch away from the grips - I have an unobstructed grip on the bars with the shifting controls easily within reach and the ability to brake on high speed descents with 1 finger.
I really like the functionality of the avid juicy 5's and found that they were easy to adjust to within my comfort range. The braking performance for me, 5'6" and 155 pounds is reasonable, however it is noteworthy that the brakes did require a bleed shortly after purchase. Which required $30 and an hour of my time.
The wheels roll well and have stayed true out of the box, and the tires, which were immediately changed to tubeless using trek's kit and bontrager super juice have not required a fill over the last two months, they roll fast over hardpack and corner well in the local terrain. I had no traction problems while out in Colorado, even on some of the higher speed descents - corners, etc. I've read that some do not like the tires and have immediately swapped them for new rubber - I highly recommend trying the tubeless conversion kit which is likely far cheaper. I did not ride them with tubes - but have had 0 issues with them as they are now.
I have to give trek kudos on the suspension set up tips online - I always felt that my NRS1, while a great bike (and fast), was a challenge to set up.
All in all - solid bike. Highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brodiegrrl
a Cross Country Rider
from North Vancouver
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | anything technical XC | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | Full Review here:
http://www.muddbunnies.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88:sharon-bader-review-the-new-trek-fuel-ex8&catid=40:product-reviews&Itemid=64
This is the first year with their new design and while you never want to BUY new technology in the first year it is always nice to test it out. This bike is solid. With Trek's great warranty and customer service if they have issues in the first year, they will figure it out in subsequent designs so it should not affect your decision if you are looking for a new cross country bike this year. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DPTrek
a Weekend Warrior
from Thousand Oaks,CA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | Extremely light, shifts like a champion, handling | | Weaknesses: | Chain Slap is a bit strange, hoping to find a solution soon | | Similar Products Used: | GT Hardtail, Giant Trance X series | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the money, can't ask for anything more. I ride with iPod in at all times, so the chain slap doesn't really bother me too much,.. Can't beat it from a value/looks perspective. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
unit74
a Cross Country Rider
from Temecula
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Superstore, Vis | | Strengths: | UST wheels stock, nice shock, paint doesn't scratch easy. | | Weaknesses: | Grips suck, losts of cable stretch, brakes whine(Juicy 5's), even on pro peddle, way too much peddle bob | | Similar Products Used: | Ibex Atlas Expert. | | Bike Setup: | Sram Attack shifters, Odi Lock Ons, SDG I Beam carbon seat and post, Bontrager carbon 12` stem 100mm, Monkey lite XC's, Juicy 7's, Mutano Raptors | | Bottom Line: | OA really like this bike. For the money, I don't think you'll find a better equiped bike. Peddles good and handles mostly what I throw at it(XC and some small AM riding)
Frame is really solid and bike is super responsive. Can be a bit twitch at high speeds, but razor sharp hadling in the twisty stuff.
I don't think you could go wrong with this bike, especially at this price. I just upgraded to an 09 C-dale Rize 2, but this bike will still get ridden.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
b177y
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Guthrie | | Strengths: | Smooth responsive ride. Excellent climbing. Amazing components for the money (Fox shock/fork, Juicy 5 disk brakes, LX/XT drivetrain). | | Weaknesses: | Should come set-up for running tubeless tires instead of tubes. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Palomino | | Bike Setup: | Stock: Fox RP2 rear/RL 130mm front, Juicy 5 disk brakes, LX crank, shifters, & front der, XT rear der. | | Bottom Line: | The best bang for the buck available. A great smooth ride with a relaxed geometry and it still climbs like a cross-country racing bike. Easily rolls over obstacles in the trail and doesn't beat me up. 1 pound heavier than the EX9, but $1000 less. The EX8 is by far the smoothest most fun bicycle I have ever owned. So far I have used it on smooth rolling singletrack trails and some technical rocky singletrack, all with steep climbing sections. The EX8 fits that sweet spot of what mountain biking was originally about - all around trail riding and having fun.
Buy it if you like putting in lots of time on singletrack with jaunts to the slickrock desert and you ride for the pure fun of it. Buy the EX9 if you like to tinker with your suspension and don't want to be seen on a bike with sub-XT components.
Avoid it if you are a racer and need to save weight and need a more aggressive geometry. Not made for taking off of sick jumps either. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark S
a Weekend Warrior
from Detroit, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Potowatami | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Only a few rides so far, but it rides great. Tight, firm, responsive. The front and rear lockouts make it feel like a rigid bike, in case you forget how comfortable shocks are. The hydraulic brakes allow for precise, controlled stopping and adjusting before entering a corner. Juicy 5 are nice. It seems to be breaking in on the suspension and getting a little softer and more comfortable so it will be stiffer when you first ride it at the LBS than after a few rides. | | Weaknesses: | I don't think enough has been said about the chain slap issue. It seems slightly ridiculous to have to listen to it so often, even on light bumps. I'll have to see if some tweaks can be made to off set this issue- once I figure out what is going on. The brake pad seems to be crumbling a little, but I'm new to disc brakes so not sure if its a big deal. A one inch stick flew up and got stuck somewhere and now there's some noise and brake rotor wobble. Annoying. Not sure if this is Shimano design or just bad luck. At purchase day at the LBS it wouldn't shift right and it took the mechanic time to figure out that the cable housing was too short on the rear (how'd they get that wrong on the initial build??). A longer cable seems to have fixed it, but it reminds me how complex and touchy these things can be. The GT was fickle as hell, and I hope the Fuel is hassle free. | | Similar Products Used: | I rode a GT iDrive for 6 years with a plush, heavy, inefficient suspension that I loved. I got a 2008 Fuel EX8 and miss the plush, but dont miss the weight or inefficiency. My main choices were Fuel EX or Gary Fisher Hi Fi. Giant had lower quality parts on a higher priced bike. I went with the Fuel since I figured the HiFi had the older non-float design and would switch in a year or two to catch up to Trek. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Besides the chain slap noise, there is nothing I don't like about this bike. And in fact I really like the bike. Time will tell if I *love* it. I may upgrade a few little things, but I plan on using stock stuff until it wears out. Messing with factory stuff seems to throw other things out of balance and then I spend more time fiddling with it than riding. I'd recommend this bike for the high quality parts at a reasonable price in a sharp design that performs very well. I ride Michigan trails with all kinds of conditions and terrain standard for the midwest. It seems like this bike is good for all around riding and I could take it anywhere in the country. I can't think of who should or should not buy it- if you ride moderate to light trails this should work fine. Any big drops or fast down hills probably deserve more suspension. I did a fair amount of research and test rides and this was the logical choice.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from San Luis Obispo
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Price/Performance ratio is great. Stock parts (minus tires) have been excellent. Good all around performance. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires. Easy to wheely going up steep hills. The rear rebound knob sometimes turns with the 3-way selector messing with your setup on the fly. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This has been a great improvement over my previous Trek HT. It definitely makes comprimises but my feeling is that they have been mostly positive. The bike isn't quite as light as a racer. The pro-pedal setting is a little too plush when climbing loose technical hills. The riding position is pretty far back, which gives great rear wheel control and traction, but it seems to pull the front wheel up when torqueing hard on steep climbs. I thought the stock tires were crap, especially the front. I've had no problems with the stock components (minus the tires). The suspension is a good comprimise between downhill and XC.
You could pay more and get more. You could go plushier and heavier. You could go stiffer and lighter. To each his own. Decide what your priorities are and choose the bike that meets them. Mine were (in order of importance) price/performace, climbing, downhill.
If you want a racer, you may find this is too much of a comprimise towards the middle. Also, if you want a downhill machine you may, again, find this is too much of a comprimise.
If you want a good all around bike, that is capable of climbing, decending, and not breaking your budget, you should consider this bike.
The only thing I would change is the pro-pedal setting; make it a little stiffer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Dunn
a Racer
from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., USA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike America | | Strengths: | Comfortable bike to ride. Easily set up to race. | | Weaknesses: | BONTRAGER! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS Air. | | Bike Setup: | Mavic SLR rims, XTR drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | Everything on this bike that says Bontager has failed and I just blew out the Rock Shox MC3.3 rear shock and replaced it with a Fox float RP23 (wich is nice). Bontrager rims are weak, cranks fell right off once, just broke the seat post and saddle yesterday. I wouldn't even sell the Bontrager items on E-bay fearing negative feedbacks. The frame is great and you can't go wrong with Hayes disc brakes but I've had to replace everything that says Bontrager. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, Georgia
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Fast, fast, fast! This is my first new bike, upgrading from a 2002 Jamis Dakar XCR Expert which I really enjoyed for the last 8 months. Oh what a difference! The new ABP geometry provides outstanding stability braking at high speeds. The Fox float rear shock is terrific in the locked out Pro Pedal position, makes climbing so much easier. This bike is light, nimble, and as I said first, fast! On big downhills I was amazed at how the bike seemed to want to go so much faster than I was used to with excellent traction and stability. Much more confident on this bike than I was on the older Jamis. Ergonomic grips were nice addition. | | Weaknesses: | None that I've discovered yet | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar XCR Expert | | Bike Setup: | New XT shifters; upgraded rear cassette to Shimano M 770; Avid Juicy 5 hydr brakes; LX front der., XT Shadow rear; LX crankset; Fox 130 RL front susp, Fox Float Pro Pedal 2 rear susp.; Bontrager rims and tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is so much lighter and more stable than my previous bike, just a total joy to ride. Super fast, fun ride, can take whatever technical pounding you throw at it with flying colors. It is still new so I am only giving it 4 chilis but I am loving this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
serg martine
a Downhiller
from Oakland, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Chapparral | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle City | | Strengths: | Definitely it is a light bike, the components are good and the service at the shop is great. I like the hard-tail feel, which allows one to charge up hill. | | Weaknesses: | The wide rear may be too wide, when I arrived to pick up the bike and could not be properly fitted because the wide rear did not fit in the bike mount. Then after my second ride my rear quick release broke. I then have had issues with the rear deraillur to the point that the arm extended and was caught in my spokes causing the hanger to literally snap in two. Althought this would be covered by Trek it seems I have returned to the shop more than I have time to ride the bike! Not sure if this bike is capable of handling the trials I ride, may need to slow down?
The Bontrager tires are okay-they do not grip all that well, may upgrade sooner than later. | | Bike Setup: | all original | | Bottom Line: | Jury is still out. Will check back after I hit up Northstar at Tahoe and give you the verdict. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Store | | Strengths: | Good components, GEOMETRY, light | | Weaknesses: | Tires kind of suck | | Similar Products Used: | tested Giant trance,specialized stumpjumper, gary fisher hifi/cake | | Bike Setup: | stock except pedals/bashguard/tires | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike a lot. It is my first real bike after an 820, but I tested a bunch of different ones and got this one. The geometry is great, not too far forward and not too cramped. The geometry is one of the best things about this bike. This is very light bike and has good components. Juicy 5's stop on a dime and the shifting is great. The Active Brake Pivot is phenomenal. I have been over some pretty technical stuff and the rear wheel feels like butter, even when braking hard. The ABP was definitely the selling point for me. A huge noticeable difference in it than any other bike I demo'd. It climbs great like an XC bike, but the downhills are even better. I could not be happier with my decision. The only downsides are the tires. I have only ridden in snow and mud so far, but the tires are horrible in them, however tires are not a big deal. I switched those out very quickly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Porter
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Tom Snow - Kananakis | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Pure Cycle, Calgary AB | | Strengths: | light weight, great suspension and ability to adjust it. | | Weaknesses: | Well 3rd ride out and I snapped my rear derailer off in heavy mud! Was riding with 2 others and they all made it through fine, I was switching down to a lower gear at the time but still!!...anyway it's in the shop getting fixed, will have to take it out in the mud again and see what happens.
Stock tire are brutal for mud, unless you're riding in the desert, if you ride in any kind of mud get your dealer to change them out or it'll be like driving on ice in your grandpa's ol 4 door LTD!
The saddle is a little stiff so change that out if that bothers you, the grips are very sticky but I like that. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco screamer | | Bike Setup: | just had my dealer set the suspension for my weight, seems to be good, haven't had to mess with it at all | | Bottom Line: | Too soon to tell, the derailer incident has me freaked out, good thing I was just doing an inner city trail, if I was in the mountains I would have been royally choked!...not to mention hoofing it big time! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch Lyons
a Weekend Warrior
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Fox Float Fork, the bike was so light | | Weaknesses: | bent the rim going off a small jump | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I demoed this bike for a day and it was hands down the best bike I have ever ridden. The bike soaked up everything that I went over, the store pumped up the suspension for me and I would have liked it to be a little bit stiffer because the bike bottomed out too easily. The only down side of the bike was that I ended up bending the rim. It was the end of the day and I was making one final run down a series of jumps, and I lost my balence in mid air and landed wrong. The bike slid out from under me, and I don't know how it happened but the rim ended up bending, the Fork must have compressed and maybe forced the bike to come out from under me, but I really know how it happened. When I took it back to the shop I had to end up paying $150 for the rim. To tell you the truth it shouldn't have happened the jump was small and I have fallen a lot harder on my chep-o bike than I had on the Trek. All in all it wouldn't matter if that happened to others because the first owner of the trek gets I think a 1-5 year warrenty on all bontager parts (the rim). I would still buy this bike it was a great ride, and it was as lighter as my Novra Hybrid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny Andersen
a Weekend Warrior
from Hudson Oaks, TX USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Ben Sheman forrest, Israel | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Ft. Worth Cycle | | Strengths: | well built, decent set of components. Trek R and D. Good fit and finish. Redesigned rear suspension delivers everything that was promised. | | Weaknesses: | nothing big stands out, though I busted a chain like the 3rd time out. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized stump jumper (2004), older Schwinn hard-tail | | Bike Setup: | standard out-of-the-box | | Bottom Line: | This is a 2008 model and the active rear suspension is nailed to the ground on the descents with heavy braking and the Jones XR's grip like the devil (I've actually had guys have their bikes slide out from under them in front of me and I still came to a virtual halt to get around them -- the descents here in Korea, where I'm living temporarily, are steep!). The only problem climbing is the extra 20 Lbs I'm packing and the 50 years I've been on the planet and of course the bad knees, but I regress.
Buy if you can't afford an exotic and or you value the money you earned -- you'd have to spend around $2800-3000 to get anything much better (and then you could look at the 9 or something). For the money this one is going to be tough to beat.
Don't buy if you got to go old-school rear swing-arm (I considered a Heckler, but talked to several guys who are going away from the old suspensions because the new one are just so much better). My first road bike was a Trek and I had it for 7 years and it worked fine when I got rid of it. This bike looks to be built along the same quality lines. I rode a 2007 Specialized and this whacks it hands down. The older Treks got panned because of the suspension, but Trek has finally done their homework and delivered the goods. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wallie
a Weekend Warrior
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco, Loch Raven | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Acceleration, climbing, decending | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock with stan tubeless tiress and Shimano PD-M970 | | Bottom Line: | Wow...this bike is so efficient that it out-accelerates and out-climbs my hardtail (Trek 6500). I can easily climb every hill that I used to get stuck on before. I can't really explain it but the bike just blows me away every time I ride it. I crashed a while ago and hurt my tail bone but the suspension feels so good that I don’t have to stand up when going downhill and I don’t feel any pain. I also don’t engage the propedal when going uphill as it doesn’t seem there’s a need to. The bike just goes where you point it even at very low speed and climbs everything in sight. “Rocky Mountain Goat” will be the best way to describe this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Oceanside, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon SD, Navajo Lake, UT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | classified ads | | Strengths: | Smooth riding, terrific handling, good shifting, XL frame size fits me wonderful. | | Weaknesses: | Cant shake the brake squeels. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Rush, Cannondale Jeckyl, Specialized Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded the shifters and rear derailer to SRAM XO, Monkey light bars, WTB saddle. Else all stock from shop. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike from a dude who had owned it for about a month. He upgraded the above listed components, rode it for less than 200 miles, biffed hard and broke his shoulder, and his wife made him sell it. It was in like new condition except for a pedal scrath from his crash. We had a small smoking ceremony to cleanse the bike of its bad juju, and I have since been enjoying the finest MT Bike Ive ever owned. This bike fits me so well. It is an XL frame size, Im 6' 2' and about 215 lbs. The propedal is great, however I feel the standard suspension setup is all thats required for most of the cross country rides that I partake in. The XO shifters and derailer setup are so smooth and positive. My one complaint is the sqeeling avid juicy 7 disc brakes. Ive taken it to the shop for adjustment, cleaned the pads on my own, but still have to listen to the squeel, especcially after a long sustained steep downhill with lots of heavy breaking. Any suggesions anyone? Aside from the brake squeeling, I love the bike and look forward to many years ( I tend to hold onto the same bike for at least 5 years, just upgrade and fix as needed)of great riding and adventures. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
V P
a Cross Country Rider
from Denmark
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Agressive XC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3310.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Everything except tires.
| | Weaknesses: | Tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Merida TFS 300 DISC 2007 | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, I did install a flat bar tho'. | | Bottom Line: | This is the 2008 version. Absolutely awesome bike. Comming from a hardtail, I didn't expect to go faster on a fully, but thats exactly what happened! This bike eats anything on the track, the ABP, the fullfloater, all works fantastic. It has that bottomless feeling, and I just love riding this bike. It climbs good, descends even better, and has surprisingly good acceleration. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtbikerguy34
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Masters | | Strengths: | This bike came with an excellent grouppo for the price! | | Weaknesses: | Tires, they don't seem to have too much traction except on hard packed trails. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Demo 8 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, running the rims tubeless with the new rim strips. | | Bottom Line: | Great ride for the money. The ride is plush when it needs to be. However the floating brake system is still out and I'm waiting to make a final decision on that. It does make a bit of difference, not like my Demo 8. But those are two completely diff bikes. The front FOX fork is exceptional!!! I can't wait to take this bike to MOAB in March!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Abdullah
a Cross Country Rider
from mississauga, ontario. canada
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | credit valley trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | skiisandbiikes | | Strengths: | strong frame, solid suspension system, very plush ride, very fast acceleration, superb climbing efficiency | | Weaknesses: | stock tires are no good | | Similar Products Used: | gt 2.0 2006 with full deore xt drivetrain. | | Bike Setup: | stock 2008 fuel ex 8 | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike. my bike store was able to get me one very quickly. the bike is built solidly and is everything i wanted in a bike. easily out performs the specialized epic comp and stumpjumper. i have ridden them before, and this bike really outperforms them handsdown. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a
from Medina, Oh USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | Medina Bicycle | | Strengths: | Lightweight, new rear suspension, very good components, climbs and descends well, handles tight stuff well, tubeless-ready tires and wheels. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Giant, Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for grips and pedals. I also got the rim bands and valves to go tubeless. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first fs bike. I'm amazed at how well the rear suspension works. It stays well planted under hard braking, over rough ground. The front end doesn't want to come up too badly while climbing. Shifting is very good. The XT Shadow derailleur has been flawless. The fork soaks up the hits on the trails I ride with no problems. I switched the pedals to Shimano XC30 platforms, and the grips to Richeys. Overall, this has been a fantastic upgrade for me. I don't feel beat up, at all, after riding. This bike seems well suited to trail riders of all abilities, riding most any terrain. I'd highly recommend the EX8 to anyone looking at new fs bikes. I give the value rating a 5 given the components and frame design, when compared to comparably priced bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Ajax Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Buckwallow | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Northern Cycle | | Strengths: | New suspension really works!! Great fit now that Trek added an 18.5 to the lineup. Unbelievable spec for the price. No noticeable frame flex. | | Weaknesses: | Didn't like the grips or saddle, easy swap. | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 Cannondale Jecyll(hadn't planned to upgrade) | | Bike Setup: | Swapped saddle (Fizik) and grips (Oury lock ons) from my Cannondale. As well I swapped the shifter and brakes for the new XTR that I had on my Cannondale. Otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | I had gone into by LBS to get new brake pads when the guys told me about this new Trek they had just got in. I told them I wasn't planning an upgrade but they insisted that I take the demo out for a QUICK ride. I came back three hours latter totally sold on the bike and desperately trying to figure out how to convince my wife I needed a new bike. Two weeks later I managed the impossible. This is truely a GREAT bike. From the quality of the build to the revolutionary suspension design this bike just works great. I have been out every day I haven't been working and I just can't get over how well this bike works. Kudos to Trek for redesigning a bike twice in two years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HUTTER
a Cross Country Rider
from powder springs
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Free Flight- Marrietta | | Strengths: | This is my second review. Only because I am so stoked by this bike. I have been riding since i was a kid bmx then mtb. The '08 ex8 is the best dually I hve ridden in this price range. I have been riding almost everyday on some decent single track and have been up to the serious trails twice. The bike has been perfect so far. | | Weaknesses: | Just personal preference but the stock seat sucks (bonty race) I up graded to a WTB speed V race (nice) and some easton pin/platform pedals b/c I am an old dog who does'nt like to be locked in to his pedals (personal pref) | | Similar Products Used: | fisher hifi plus '07, trek 6500 '06, specialized rockhopper '05 etc. | | Bike Setup: | stock '08 ex8 plus wtb speed v race saddle, easton pin/platform pedals crank bros 50/50's on the way. avid juicy sevens on the way!! will prob. upgrade the stem and bars to easton soon!! though nothing wrong with bonty. so far!!! | | Bottom Line: | Trek has built one hell of a new suspension. It is super plush and super strong. I weigh 230+ and have had no problems as of yet. I have taken this bike off of some 3ft.+ drops so far, and all my rides have been 15 miles+ on some pretty good single track. it all depends on where you ride. I dare you to hurt the ex, without hurting yourself in the process!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Southampton, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Warminster Community Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Guy's Bicycles | | Strengths: | Quality components, plush feel, handling, braking, plus ... it looks really cool. | | Weaknesses: | This sucker is expensive. | | Bike Setup: | Done by the shop | | Bottom Line: | I had been using a mid-range ($1,000 new) dual suspension mountain bike to ride 150 to 200 miles per week for the past few years. I always thought it was a good bike. That's until I treated myself to the Fuel EX 8. This bike is the best I have ever had the pleasure to ride. I can honestly think of no negatives other than the price. But, someone smart once said that "you get what you pay for." This bike is loaded with quality components and is simply a great ride. If you ride as much or more than I do, then treat yourself to this bike - you won't be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson AZ USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | AZ Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | Fairwheel Bikes, Tucson | | Strengths: | 2008 design, Great spec off the shelf. Superb suspension design (possibly the best out there, including the boutique brands). Looks absolutely gorgeous in black! | | Weaknesses: | Tubless rim-tape not there (check carefully before installing Stans, LBS fixed that problem for me). Stock grips are very hard. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Motobecane Fly pro | | Bike Setup: | Stock, other than grips | | Bottom Line: | IMHO this is some great bike for your buck. Forget about how sexy it is, it rides even better.
Normally I'm not sold on having to have the 'latest & greatest' new design on anything, but after doing lots of research I became quite convinced that Trek is really on to something good here. Their new take on the four-bar is impressive on paper, and seems to work equally well out on the trail.
DISCLAIMER! I've only owned this thing a week, but was fortunate enough to spend that week in Santa Fe NM. The riding there is awesome!
My initial impressions are thus: 1) It climbs a LOT better than I thought any 5" trail bike ever could. Different, but equal to my hard-tail in most situations. does not feel heavy on the climbs, and the front end stays planted. 2) Descends with great confidence, very agile and plush at the same time. Superbly comfortable. 3)It only looks better with a bit O' mud on it!
Treks have never really done that much for me and I haven't owned one in over a deacade. But they'll done a lot of homework here (check out their site). I think we'll be seeing a lot of companies coming-up with their own take on this design in an effort to stay relevant. We'll see. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hutter
a Cross Country Rider
from Powder Springs
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | silver comet side trails/blankets creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Free Flite Bicycles- Marietta | | Strengths: | The new "evo"suspension for this '08 ex8 is awesome. The bike comes very well equipped stock. Fox 32RL 130mm fork, Fox rp2 rear. Cane creek head set. Avid Juicy 5's,Shimano Lx front and Xt rear,Lx shifters,Lx cranks. Bontrager race or race lite:rims,hubs,bar,stem,saddle,post | | Weaknesses: | The bontrager jones tires are grate for hard pack but they loose traction on muddy side hills. Nothing a set of fires can't fix. | | Similar Products Used: | stumpy hard tail, fisher dually | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now except a set of cycle bro's 50/50 platforms. The spd 520's that came with it are still in the box. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has done everything that I have asked of it with ease so far. I am a bigger dude at 6ft 230+lbs, this bike handles my weight with no complaints and it asks for more. It is a do anything go anywhere bike and is probably the last one I buy for a long time | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Whopper - Halifax | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Canary Cycles - St. John's NL | | Strengths: | This bike is well built and very light. Great components. The bike has held up to numerous free ride type excursions and never let me down. I fly past other riders on the hills (its so light). | | Weaknesses: | Since its very light, It's not meant for too much rough stuff. So far I haven't had any problems with the frame. I had to replace the headset after the better part of a year's worth of some 2ft-ish drops. | | Bike Setup: | FSA Pig headset was the only change to date (replaced chain, cassette after a years worth of riding) | | Bottom Line: | Don't regret a thing on this bike. I have gotten nothing but compliments from other riders. And it still looks AWESOME. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | U-Bikes | | Strengths: | updated rear suspension, climbing, very light | | Weaknesses: | I'm not yet sold 100% on the Juicy 5s or the tubeless wheels | | Similar Products Used: | Spec Stumpjumper Elite, Spec Enduro Comp | | Bike Setup: | out of the box, no changes yet | | Bottom Line: | 2008 model. I demo'd this bike (took it up to Walker Ranch outside of Boulder and had no problems) and bought it after 1 day of demo'ing. Yesterday I took it on the Switzerland Trail from Sugarloaf to Sunset and back (4 mi down, 4 mi up) just to keep getting acquainted with it before I took it to Vail today. It went down and up the Switz trail great, and had no problems on the ski resort today. I took it down the black diamonds and had no problems with the suspension not being enough (didn't go over the bigger jumps though - more me than the bike there... chain did come loose twice due to jarring). I also was able to ride up the Grand Traverse easily. It climbs and descends well. 5 chilis in the first 2 wks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Ryce
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartwood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Scholl's PGH, PA | | Strengths: | 2007 Model. This bike is extremely light and versatile. I had ridden "all Mountains" until this bike. I don't feel like I have been limited at all with this ride. Fox front and rear shocks are a bonus. Lighter than my wife's hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | The fork travel make this bike a little steep on the climb...easy to pull the front wheel off the ground. Bontrager saddle will make your prostate very unhappy. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 3900, Ironhorse Warrior, Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for WTB Rocket V saddle, Bontrager race lite HB. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has surpassed my expectations. It has been able to take whatever I throw at it. The cost is well worth it. I am 6 foot with a 32 inch inseams and I went with the 17.5 size. It is a tad tight in the cockpit but it gives me tremendous control at high speed and steep drop offs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alain Laflamme
a Cross Country Rider
from Gatineau(Que)Canada
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Gatineau Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Bertrant | | Strengths: | performence | | Weaknesses: | tires | | Bottom Line: | It's a great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sammy c
a Racer
from Phoenix, Az
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Desert Classic/100 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Not a bad bike by any means. Strong component package for the price. | | Weaknesses: | I have had a big warranty problem with this frame. To my understanding it is not uncommon for the spacing between the rear triangle the bearings and the main frame to be off. This means the bike flexs and does not perform properly. Also, this bike is too heavy. My 06' version had 4 in. of travel and was 28 lbs. Not a good combo. | | Similar Products Used: | Top fuel 98, numerous hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | Dont buy it unless you get a great deal, and dont plan on racing it. The 08's are supposed to be very different. If you do want to race go with a top fuel, not comparable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dean machine
a Cross Country Rider
from Alexandria,Ohio
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Vigin Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | A Gear Higher | | Strengths: | Price for components and performance is hard to beat.There are frames that cost this much.Fox shock and fork have been excellent.This bike weighed 28 lbs.out of the shop, stock except for the eggbeater pedals.It climbs fast with propedal shock.Most of the time I ride the shock in the open position it really smooths out the roots. | | Weaknesses: | It takes a little time to get the most performance from the shock.The recommended air settings were low.I kept increaseing the air 5 psi till I found the sweet spot.Take your pump with you.Paint scratches easy.The headset is junky.I put on a Cane Creek Solos headset. | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 KHS FR1500,2005 SURLY KARATE MONKEY,2000 GIANT XTC,1997 GT LTS3. | | Bike Setup: | 17.5 frame.Crank Bro. pedals.90mm thompson stem.wtb rocket pro saddle.Cane Creek Solos headset. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first bike that I haven't built up myself in about 4 years and all the components are solid .I changed a few things after six months of riding the bike stock.I,m always messing with my rides to get them perfect.This bike has improved my riding .I've started doing longer rides,some 6+ hours and this is the bike is what Ive been wanting. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pete mac
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Oxford Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclery.com.au | | Strengths: | great ride, amazing handling. Very solid ride through a wide variety of trail types. very light weight and rolls well. suspension set up is perfect. lock is a must on those road return trips back to the top. | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness was my wife seeing the bill, although i got it on sale at clarence street | | Similar Products Used: | tried a fair few other trek's and a couple of gary fischer bikes, but nothing came close. | | Bike Setup: | FRAME: ZR 9000 Alloy main frame and swing arm
FORK: Fox Float 120 RL with lockout, 120mm of travel
WHEELS: Bontrager Race Disc
BRAKES: Avid Juicy 5 hydraulic disc
REAR SUSPENSION: Fox Float RPL with Pro Pedal, 120mm
COMPONENTS: Shimano LX crankset with XTR rear derailleur, Deore shifters. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line... with a good price from the sales, this was the best decision i've made since i ditched the flower basket and kick stand from my old hard tail repco... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | Great Spec | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, poor feel at speed | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-Drive, Specialized Stumpy FSR. | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Fuel EX8, XTR rear mech. LX front mech, LX shifters, Hayes HFX9 brakes, RockShox Reba Race 100m Fork, RockShox MC3.3 rear shock, Bontrager Race Crankset, Bonty Race XLite carbon bars, Bonty Stem, seatpost, saddle, Race Disc wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Bought at a discount (saving $1,200!) because it was a previous years model. After a good couple hundred miles of riding, I can see why it was discounted.
For the price point, the bike is heavy. It labours on the uphills, and the pedal platform feature of the rear shock isn't the best leaving noticeable "bob". The fork lockout works well enough - I've got Rebas on my hardtail and think they're a great piece of kit.
The geometry feels fairly slack/relaxed which can inspire confidence, but the stock stem is way too long - switchbacks are almost impossible, the steering is that slow.
The frame doesn't show much flex under power but at speed over rough ground it starts to feel distinctly vague, the rear triangle not always feeling totally connected. The Rebas don't seem to stand up to well on this frameeither, they seem to flex a lot more than the Reba Teams on my hardtail.
The XTR mech shifts a treat, the front works well too. The crankset has been a different story - it eats drive-side BB cups at a rate of one every 50 (or so) miles. Whether this is because of a fault with the crank or poor design I'm not sure but it's immensely frustrating.
All things considered, I'll probably salvage what components I can and put them on a better frame. Be warned, if you see last years models at a super-cheap price, it's for a reason!. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Ab, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Powerface short / Sulphur Springs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | Calgary Cycle | | Strengths: | * Fox Float 130 RL front shock
* Fox Float RPL rear shock
* Tubeless ready rims/tires
You definitely get a lot of bike for the money compared to other bikes in the same class. | | Weaknesses: | Deore shifters. I think it cost me $15 to upgrade to the LX shifters, so that was an easy and cheap fix. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with upgraded LX shifters. | | Bottom Line: | I looked at this bike vs. the 07 Santa Cruz Superlight and this bike has more front and rear travel, as well as a lockout front shock for climbing (the biggest difference between the two bikes is the front fork). It was also $100 cheaper, and even though I'd love to have the Santa Cruz name on my frame, I just couldn't afford to pony up the hundreds of dollars it would have cost to make the components of the Superlight comparable to what you get from the factory with the EX8.
After lowering the handlebars by moving all 3 spacers to the top of the stanchon (highly recommended if you're like me and like to do a lot of climbing), the height of the front end was not much higher than my old hard tail that had a 100mm fork.
With the Fox RPL rear shock and having the ability to lock out the front fork, I find that this thing climbs nearly as well as my old hard tail, but unlike my old hard tail (04 Kona Cinder Cone), this thing is so stable and just flies on the downhills.
I don't think that anyone who buys this bike will walk away disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy Nicholson
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | anything | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | private individual | | Strengths: | Great solid dual suspension bike. Confidence inspiring, begs you to try more difficult obstacles. Lightweight, good components. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS1 | | Bike Setup: | XT front & rear derailuer, lx shifters / hydro brakes, Bontrager XXX bars, X lite seatpost, Race disc wheels, Panaracer XC fire pro tubeless tires, egg beater pedals, yeti lock on grips. Stock suspension. | | Bottom Line: | Great dual suspension for the money, begs you to ride harder and try new things. Nice components compared to other brands in same price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
craig mckinnon
a Cross Country Rider
from kirkland, wa
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | dry ones | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1799.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike gallery Portland,OR | | Strengths: | Same frame as the more expensive fuel ex's. Fox front and rear. Pro petel, Shimano quality, great parts | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel 100 carbon, Gary Fisher hifi, santa cruz | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the king HS, replaced the bar, stem with thomson,and the shifters with 07 xtr | | Bottom Line: | You get a supurb frame made in usa, unlike santa cruz or just about any so called US mfg and with a lifetime warrenty.
Fox fork and rear pro petal shock that works! the float is light and stiff, the ex 9 has a tallis but would you really use the varilbe travel? It has avid 5's which are nice the 7's have a red nob that dosent do anything. I was surprized by the quality of the bontrager parts, the wheels are very good as well as the tires. I was going to replace them but they were too good. The deore shifter surprized me it almost works as well as the xtr I've used for the last 12 years. But I replaced them with the 07 xtr to dress it up a little.
It's plush, it climbs very well and soaks up the trail like nothing else I ever ridden. give it go! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
timish horbay
a Downhiller
from edmonton, ab, canada
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | dirt merchant | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | united | | Strengths: | great suspension- plush enough but not mushy or overactive
no brake jack
good parts spec
light
cheap price | | Weaknesses: | isnt tubeless from the factory (really easy fix)
had to trade my bullit to get it | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro FSR (really old), specialized stumpjumper, trek liquid 20 | | Bike Setup: | totally stock | | Bottom Line: | really good xc bike for bigger riders. Im 215 and i have no problems with flex or anything like that. also really good on the long rides where you need more travel. light enough to chase the XC buddies around but descends way better than an XC racer | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntingdon Valley, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Pennypack/Wissahickon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | *Bought Bike with some non-stock components. Comfortable riding position with great geometry for AM style riding. Suspension design resists pedal input. The bike is light! I've taken the bike on all sorts of terrain. On twisty technical single track, it handles great and is always predictable and stable. On gnarly rocky and pitched descents, it is smooth and plush. On climbs, I am able to maintain traction well. Strong components. Suspension is plush and brakes are strong. There's a reason the co-owner of the bike shop owns one. | | Weaknesses: | By design, it's a steep bike on the climbs. The Ex9 has a TALAS fork though, which fixes that problem. Deore shifters should be LX.... | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR XC, Trek Fuel 90, Gary Fisher Sugar Team.. | | Bike Setup: | *Bought as follows:2007 Ex8 Medium, Kenda Blue Groove 2.1 DTC, Kenda Nevegal 2.1 DTC, Stan's No-Tubes, e13 Bashguard instead of 44t. Crank Bros Eggbeater SL's, Thompson Elite seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | A confidence inspiring trail bike. Easy to set the fork and shock air pressures. Lifetime frame warranty. Handles well in every situation this bike should find itself in. If you are looking for a 5" trail bike, check this one out. 4 for value, because the Deore shifters should definitly be LX for this level bike. 5 for overall, since the handling and suspension are so nice without a weight penalty. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Poole
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Afan Forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | JE James Cycles | | Strengths: | Light weight, good groupset, tubeless wheels, grippy tyres, geometry suits me and quality bars and stem | | Weaknesses: | 2005 Model - No too keen on the combined shifters (Shimano LX), the lockout seems a bit surplus to requirements, LX disc brakes, colours a bit naff. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll 600, Specialized Enduro, GT Zaskar Pro | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup, no plans to change anything until it starts to wear out. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great, light weight bike and seems to handle a lot more spritely than my previous bike. I bought the '05 model purely because it was such good value, although it is not as well kitted out as the '07 model. Fantastic handling, it sticks to the trails very well and goes exactly where I point it. I've moved down from 5" travel to 4" and can't say I've missed the extra inch on the trails I ride. The bike climbs like a rat up a drain-pipe, but I did not reap the benefits of the lockout. Overall, this is a great bike for the value and on the trails I ride regularly it seems to be the bike for the job. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean Machine
a
from Aleexandria,Ohio
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Virgin Rim,Utah | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | A Gear Higher | | Strengths: | Light,long travel,all the components are excellent value and it has Fox suspension fore and aft.Lifetime frame Warranty.Lots of shops service Trek.
| | Weaknesses: | The Float RL 140 fork takes a little getting used to on steep climbs. | | Similar Products Used: | khs FR 1500, | | Bike Setup: | AVID JUICY 5 BRAKES,FOX RPL SHOCK,FLOAT RL 140 FORK,XTR REAR AND LX FRONT DERAILEUR,SHIMANO LX CRANK,BONTRAGER RACE WHEELSET, HANDLEBARS,SEATPOST AND SADDLE. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is just plain fun to ride.I use all of these components on other bikes I own and the value can't be beat.
This bike rides like my KHS but is 3.5 lbs lighter and the fox fork is the best .All my favorites plus fox suspension .NICE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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