The new trek what do you think?

[gregOREO]

I was at the shop getting my bike checked out and i spotted out a new trek fuel ex now i know many of you here said that trek is using the same design for years now and just upgrades here and there (i didint know that so i stayied away from it since im a nobe but the design on their new bikes makes sense to me)

i talked to a guy over at the shop and he said they came out with new suspension design for their trek i didnt have time to test ride it but is there anyone on here who did?

http://www.trekbikes.com/fuelex/

ps.the first video from the right explains how it works.
Thanks for your feedback in advance

[ryandood]

I haven't ridden the bikes either so my opinion counts as much as a handful of beans but... their 08 line looks much improved and very nice.

[strobelite]

seems good, but trek doesnt go to interbike, so i wasent able to see them in person.

[CeeDubb]

Bike looks great, but it all boils down to an actual ride.

Is it just me, but when Mr. Riley was talking about the Active Braking Pivot (ABP) and how you benefit from the rear not skipping causing you lose control, did you see the rider high-side and fall over?

I have yet to lock up my rear wheel or have it "skip" enough to make me high side. Poor way to illustrate the ABP if you ask me.

I would also have concerns that the stress on the rear axle is now more connected to the rear bearings on the pivot point. I'll assume they've done their stress testing over time and it may be a non-issue or perhaps it'll just be an acceptable wear and tear feature that's inherent to the design. Hopefully, the added benefits of the ABP outweigh that.

My Epic is tried and true...

[Bryguy17]

it kicks ass. Safe to say I'm quite happy with my EX9. Its a very good all-around bike, and I'm able to do everything from XC to lighter DH without worry. I've been riding it since early december (about 300-400 miles) so I've got a fair amount of riding on it.

Positives:
Very plush rear end, and it acts just as trek says it will. Keeps traction really well braking in chunky stuff.

Full floater seems to be doing its job very well as well. I've done some really aggressive runs, and have yet to bottom it really hard (it happened a few times while i was getting all my settings in order, but even those weren't too bad).
The first half or so of the shock stroke is VERY plush, and goes by rather quickly, but the last half gets quite progressive to counter any bottoming that might happen.

Build kits definitely have some advantages over similar bikes (like a stumpy for example). you have to deal with a few bontrager parts, but at least the wheels are pretty good quality.

Loads of sizes so you can prolly find something you like.

They look bitchin' (at least to me, but I'm a tad biased)


Of course, there are a few problems to note:
You can only run a 2.1" rear tire without rubbing (possibly bigger if its got smaller side knobs than a nevegal) This is rather sad for me, as i would have liked to run a 2.35 or 2.4 in back when I'm planning on more aggressive riding.

a few components i dont like:
bontrager seatposts have a bad habit of adjusting their angle without asking. Can and occasionally will lead to a saddle nose up your rear in the middle of a race

The x-lite seat that came with my bike doesn't fit me well, but thats easily fixed, and may work for you anyway.

I have had a problem with the rear triangle flexing while pedaling and making my rear brake rub. While it doesn't affect ride, it does wear on the nerves. I can't seem to find a good solution to this, as there is not very much apparent flex when not on the bike. Perhaps it has to do with my mashing style, 180mm cranks, and 21.5" frame

Hope this helps
-Bryan

Ah yes, and the necessary bike porn/action shots:

[CeeDubb]

Originally Posted by Bryguy17

They look bitchin' (at least to me, but I'm a tad biased)

It is a nice looking ride. I'll probably get a better view of it when I look over my shoulder and glance behind me on the trail.

You've got Avid Juicy 7s on that rig, right? I'm assuming the shop re-checked the bleed and adjustment on the rear?

[adrianko43]

Originally Posted by CeeDubb

I would also have concerns that the stress on the rear axle is now more connected to the rear bearings on the pivot point. I'll assume they've done their stress testing over time and it may be a non-issue or perhaps it'll just be an acceptable wear and tear feature that's inherent to the design. Hopefully, the added benefits of the ABP outweigh that.

My Epic is tried and true...

Is this what you're talking about? http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.ph...oken+chainstay
(there have been multiple people in that thread with the same problem, so it's not just an isolated incident).

I think the new treks look awesome, and was actually deciding between that and a stumpjumper, but eventually got the stumpjumper b/c it was cheaper. I took a trek fuel ex8 for a ride outside the shop, and it didn't feel too different from a stumpy fsr. I dont' know if thats saying much.

[CeeDubb]

Originally Posted by adrianko43

Is this what you're talking about? http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.ph...oken+chainstay
(there have been multiple people in that thread with the same problem, so it's not just an isolated incident).

I think the new treks look awesome, and was actually deciding between that and a stumpjumper, but eventually got the stumpjumper b/c it was cheaper. I took a trek fuel ex8 for a ride outside the shop, and it didn't feel too different from a stumpy fsr. I dont' know if thats saying much.

Wow. That smells like the Chumba incident.

I really don't know if those chainstay breaks can be attributed to the pivots. I was just talking about excessive stress and wear on the pivot/bearing assembly since the axle was now a part of it. I was thinking that the bearings may require replacement more often.

[DirtymikeTDB]

The pivots on the new EX suspension are extremly strong, not something to even worry about. they built this one right, it feels great when your riding it, and really comes alive when you point it down, the suspension is available on both the Fuel, and the new Remedy's, Which we just got one into the shop Yesterday, These bieks are nice, your not going to have to worry about wearing the pivots or braking stays.

[Bryguy17]

well ceedubb, you'll look behind and see me, but by the time you turn around, you'll have a nice view of the rear triangle

They are J7's. They work fine, and really dont need a bleed at all. I still think that I'm going to upgrade to some '08 XTs at some point, but thats a ways down the road. The Juicies are doing fine for now, but if the rear flex thing keeps being a problem, I might opt for the extra pad clearance of the XT servowaves.

With regard to breaking seatstays, don't worry about it. Only the first shipment or so of the bikes had the weld that causes the break. All new fuels have an updated weld pattern to prevent stress cracks, so If you buy from a shop, it should be fine.

I also don;t see the bearing load being any different than, say, a standard 4-bar link (not a horst, pivot on seatstay). Even then, the bearings in the back there seem to be quite large compared to other pivots, which should help with the loading.

Another thing to consider that i noticed whilst working on my bike, the derailleur hanger is integrated with the drive ide dropout, which iss integrated with the bearing retention system, so to replace it would involve disassembly of the pivot. Just something to consider. The hanger is very strong looking though, so it may or may not be a problem. for you

[dudevf1]

There's a detailed test of the new Fuel Ex in a recent MBA issue. If I recall correctly they inicated that it's a big change and improvement for trek but you have to get one of the top 2 lines of the Fuel Ex for the new design. It appears that they some ridiculous number of models like 7-9 and if you don't get the top two models then you are buying the old crappy suspension. Buyer beware. It's a very thorough write-up so if you are serious you should look at that MBA issue.

[dutch]

seems like bryguy's statements sum it up pretty well.

Our shop has a demo EX8 that I took out this morning to santiago oaks. I hit all the rockiest lines and basically rode it the same way I ride my '06 trek remedy, and it felt great. I don't think I managed to skid the rear tire at all, even though I was running the cheesy tires that the bike came with. it was a really fun bike that feels as if it weighs less than it does.

I haven't heard of the problem with tire clearance, a coworker of mine has an 18.5" EX8 and ran 2.35 nevegals for a while until he switched to some new 2.3 wtb prowler SSs.

Originally Posted by dudevf1

There's a detailed test of the new Fuel Ex in a recent MBA issue. If I recall correctly they inicated that it's a big change and improvement for trek but you have to get one of the top 2 lines of the Fuel Ex for the new design. It appears that they some ridiculous number of models like 7-9 and if you don't get the top two models then you are buying the old crappy suspension. Buyer beware. It's a very thorough write-up so if you are serious you should look at that MBA issue.

anything from the EX7 and above have the new frame design. That's 5 models. Below it, the ex 6 and 5.5 come with last year's frame design. That makes 7, and then they have two WSD models, the EX8 and the EX5.5.

[Bryguy17]

Originally Posted by dutch

seems like bryguy's statements sum it up pretty well.

Our shop has a demo EX8 that I took out this morning to santiago oaks. I hit all the rockiest lines and basically rode it the same way I ride my '06 trek remedy, and it felt great. I don't think I managed to skid the rear tire at all, even though I was running the cheesy tires that the bike came with. it was a really fun bike that feels as if it weighs less than it does.

I haven't heard of the problem with tire clearance, a coworker of mine has an 18.5" EX8 and ran 2.35 nevegals for a while until he switched to some new 2.3 wtb prowler SSs.

Yah, i accidentally bombed down powerline at the oaks, and that was a nice test for the rear suspension

Iunno why your friend hasn't had trouble with rubbing. I threw my 2.35 on there for the first ride, and it had rubbed down to the primer by the end the 2.1 i have on there comes close every now and then too.

[dudevf1]

Originally Posted by dutch

anything from the EX7 and above have the new frame design. That's 5 models. Below it, the ex 6 and 5.5 come with last year's frame design. That makes 7, and then they have two WSD models, the EX8 and the EX5.5.

Not arguing here, just got off my lazy butt and found the December 2007 MBA issue in the bathroom, they claim that Trek has 9 Fuel Ex models for 2008 and you are correct about the new suspension being offered down to the EX 7 models. So the lower end EX models and the WSD have the inferior suspension. I thought it was more than just those, but my bad. But maybe they should call the low end ones something else as a totally different suspension seems like a much bigger difference than components.

[Bryguy17]

new suspension comes on:

EX7, EX8, EX9, EX9.0, EX9.5, EX8 WSD

[dutch]

Originally Posted by dudevf1

Not arguing here, just got off my lazy butt and found the December 2007 MBA issue in the bathroom, they claim that Trek has 9 Fuel Ex models for 2008 and you are correct about the new suspension being offered down to the EX 7 models. So the lower end EX models and the WSD have the inferior suspension. I thought it was more than just those, but my bad. But maybe they should call the low end ones something else as a totally different suspension seems like a much bigger difference than components.

yeah myself and the guys at work all agreed that the lower end EXs should get a name change, as they use the last generation design. Not that I really believe anyone would buy one of the lower end ones if they rode the two side by side. The 08 frame is a huge improvement.

and there is one WSD model with the new suspension design, the ex8.

[Pain Freak]

I'm very interested in this design. I'll be keeping my eye out for a demo day with TREK. I knew they must of had something in the works.

What's the weight on these new bikes?

[RacinJason]

I tried that bike in the parking lot and it had a nice feel.
We wanted to demo it but to do that you do have to buy the bike.
That was the drawback for us at the time.

[CeeDubb]

Originally Posted by Bryguy17

well ceedubb, you'll look behind and see me, but by the time you turn around, you'll have a nice view of the rear triangle

They are J7's. They work fine, and really dont need a bleed at all. I still think that I'm going to upgrade to some '08 XTs at some point, but thats a ways down the road. The Juicies are doing fine for now, but if the rear flex thing keeps being a problem, I might opt for the extra pad clearance of the XT servowaves.

With regard to breaking seatstays, don't worry about it. Only the first shipment or so of the bikes had the weld that causes the break. All new fuels have an updated weld pattern to prevent stress cracks, so If you buy from a shop, it should be fine.

I also don;t see the bearing load being any different than, say, a standard 4-bar link (not a horst, pivot on seatstay). Even then, the bearings in the back there seem to be quite large compared to other pivots, which should help with the loading.

Another thing to consider that i noticed whilst working on my bike, the derailleur hanger is integrated with the drive ide dropout, which iss integrated with the bearing retention system, so to replace it would involve disassembly of the pivot. Just something to consider. The hanger is very strong looking though, so it may or may not be a problem. for you

You are so right! I never even thought about that. I'll get a great look at the rear triangle when I come back around and lap you!!

I'd seriously love to ride the bike to see how it compares to a Stumpy, but it's too much squish for my taste. When I'm ready to go for more travel I'll probably go for the Enduro SL.