Yes, the Gen 6 Fuel Ex carbon frame is pretty stout.

 

Agreed. Noticeably more so than the previous generation, which was adequate for me.

I'm 200 pounds.

 

old timer here... I still have 92 Cannondale (aluminum frame) in perfect riding condition after riding it 2-3 times/week on average. All other components have been replaced but frame is still holding up. I don't think carbon will last you that much, but again MTB is becoming fashion show and everyone has to have latest version of everything

 

Personally I wouldn't want to ride a 30 y/o frame anyway, not for mountain biking anyway. Carbon is plenty tough.

I had a brief stint with a 2010 Specialized Enduro Comp that when pushed really hard it became a flexy flyer which I really don’t want, but I imagine the Fuel carbon frame is pretty stout… so many decisions, what a time to be alive!

?? Carbon doesn't become noodly unless it's broken.

 

I have the 2022 9.8XT Top Fuel and it's a ripper, I've also looked long and hard at the new Fuel EX - I don't believe there's much in it weight-wise between the Alu and Carbon and pretty sure you get all the same frame features regardless of material. The carbon models are specced slightly better but you could get an Alu model up to the same spec, or better, with the money saved on the initial outlay.

If you could demo both you'd be able to easily make up your mind, is that a possibility?

 

I don't believe there's much in it weight-wise between the Alu and Carbon

Aluminum frame is 2.65 pounds heavier than the carbon, per Trek's website.

 

Guykes TV on YouTube has a comparison between the Stumpjumper EVO in alu vs carbon, a very similar bike, worth a watch.

Personally, I don't think there's much in it, I have carbon trail and enduro bikes as my desk jockey body needs any advantage, real or imagined, I can get. Possibly some element of the "fashion show" too, don't really care, I enjoy how they ride and look.

I have steel and Alu bikes too and they ride great, go with what makes you excited to ride more or puts more of a smile on your face when you look at it.

 

Sounds like you have your answer

 

I will probably end up with the AL version just for peace of mind…

 

Ok not the bikes you’re looking at but. I have a 2014 ex8 in aluminum and a 2022 ex 9.8 in carbon. Outside of geo changes and wider wheels I wouldn’t say there are any huge differences between the frame materials out side of cost and weight. with full suspension trail bikes I feel like suspension and tires make it really hard to feel any difference. It is more about cost and weight. I only got the carbon bike this time because I could and I have always wanted to have a carbon frame because I am hopping I can upgrade over time to make it liter.