Submitted by
tucan22
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango Co Date Reviewed: September 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Strengths:
light great components!
Weaknesses:
Are there any?
Similar Products Used:
Trek liquid, and I own a scott scale 30
Bike Setup:
stock.....talas fork
Bottom Line:
I am reviewing the 08 model because it is almost the same except for the talas fork and foam grips....I am going to buy the bike in 3 days, but since I am getting it used I was able to ride it for a week so far!
It is the best bike I have ever ridden! It climbs better than my hardtail, jumps better than my old dirt jumper (had to sell it so I could buy a downhill bike) and descends as well as my downhill bike!
It is a very expensive bike,but the bike just floats!
The rear end is aluminum which helps it flex less. Also I broke my scott in that area (you don't see that area so it takes more hits).
While my scott was getting its fork rebuilt I rented the Ex 8 (it took over a month to get the right piece). So I rode The EX8 for about one month. The difference between these two models is night and day!
If you want to go with a cheaper one I would recomend nothing lower than the EX9.8
So if you want a light bike that climbs like a goat yet you can still ride it like a trail bike you should get this bike! I am going to race it, jump it, and ride w/ my family on it. It should not cost so much, but that is what all bikes cost these days, I would give a 4 for value, but I loved it so much it deserves a five all around!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
maxout
a Racer
from Raleigh, NC USA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
286
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Purchased At:
Cycling spoken here
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
Grips and seat
Similar Products Used:
Trance X, moto-lite maybe!!
Bike Setup:
2009 Fuel EX 9.8, XTR cranks, Avid Ultimates brakes, Rhythm Elite wheels, race x lite bars, XT shifters. Bike weighs 25.9 lbs
Bottom Line:
This bike is in a category all its own, Trek hit one way out of the park. I can't speak for the reliability of the bike at this time, but I sure can tell you that the ride is epic, nothing like any other bike I have ridden. I just replaced my 2005 Motolite for this bike. This bike does everything amazingly well! Effortless climber, quick in the turns and super comfortable cockpit! I test rode the Pivot mach 5 and the Trance X, the 9.8 falls in the middle for comfort - not too relaxed but not too racy. The ABP and the larger RP23 XV shock really makes this bike super plush, but efficient...great small bump compliance. The full floater has a bottomless feel. Oh, the Rhythm Elite wheels are incredible, 28mm rims make a huge difference in cornering ability (bigger contact patch) and I only run 29lbs of air with tubes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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