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Sebastian · 05-20-2008, 09:12 AM

My fiance is looking to pick up a bike and we found a good deal on a Trek Fuel Ex at a Local Bike Shop. I do not have any personal experience with this bike or with Trek. We are looking to spend around 800-1000(max) Full suspension a must.

Any thoughts on this bike?

Thanks

Evil Chocula · 05-20-2008, 10:00 AM

Buddy has one, loves it.

BrewMaster · 05-20-2008, 10:23 AM

In that price range, I say buy a good used bike.

Sebastian · 05-20-2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

In that price range, I say buy a good used bike.

Good thought too.

Evil Chocula · 05-20-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sebastian

Good thought too.

But, if you buy it through the Trek store, you get free tune ups (for life I think).

ghixon · 05-20-2008, 10:36 AM

I have the EX8. The 2008 version of the Fuel works great. Just upgrade parts and pieces as they wear out.

SnookDawg · 05-20-2008, 07:55 PM

The EX5.5 uses the older suspension system that didn't get too much positive press, and which Trek dumped on their higher-end models very quickly. The EX 7 and higher have the newer "ABP" rear suspension and "floating" shock design which is supposed to pedal much better and reduce brake input. I personally would stay away from any rear suspension that has brake-jack problems and is going to tend to lock up and skid when using the rear brake going into steep or technical situations. Also, the Trek bikes tend to come stock with kinda crappy Bontrager tires that would IMO exacerbate the braking issues.

If it were my money, I'd probably go with something like the Santa Cruz SuperLight, which you could possibly find around $1K on sale with a budget build and last year's model, or even better pick up an Iron Horse with the DW-link which should remain active under braking. If you're in the Trek dealers/shops keep an eye out for any deals on the Gary Fisher HiFi GS which would be sweet if you could score it for a grand, although at $1700 list that might not happen...

Bryguy17 · 05-20-2008, 09:22 PM

yah. I would say if you can swing an EX7 or higher, go for it. Great bike, leaps and bounds better than the older suspension design. Seeing as you have a limited budget though, I would second looking for a good used bike. For 1000 you can get a pretty nice FS bike with good parts. Just peruse the classifieds on here and other cycling sites. Only do ebay if you know exactly what you want. otherwise you can end up with some weird stuff

05-20-2008, 09:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
Sebastian Senior Member	Trek Fuel Ex 5.5 My fiance is looking to pick up a bike and we found a good deal on a Trek Fuel Ex at a Local Bike Shop. I do not have any personal experience with this bike or with Trek. We are looking to spend around 800-1000(max) Full suspension a must. Any thoughts on this bike? Thanks

05-20-2008, 10:00 AM	#2 (permalink)
Evil Chocula ah buh bye now	Buddy has one, loves it. __________________ Gone for good. PEACE.

05-20-2008, 10:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
BrewMaster Thirsty	In that price range, I say buy a good used bike. __________________ “Very few are meant for a life of notoriety, yet all of us are meant for a life of significance." Erwin McManus, Wide Awake

05-20-2008, 10:36 AM	#6 (permalink)
ghixon Look Ma - No hands!	I have the EX8. The 2008 version of the Fuel works great. Just upgrade parts and pieces as they wear out. __________________ The only reason people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory.

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05-20-2008, 07:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
SnookDawg cookie monsta	The EX5.5 uses the older suspension system that didn't get too much positive press, and which Trek dumped on their higher-end models very quickly. The EX 7 and higher have the newer "ABP" rear suspension and "floating" shock design which is supposed to pedal much better and reduce brake input. I personally would stay away from any rear suspension that has brake-jack problems and is going to tend to lock up and skid when using the rear brake going into steep or technical situations. Also, the Trek bikes tend to come stock with kinda crappy Bontrager tires that would IMO exacerbate the braking issues. If it were my money, I'd probably go with something like the Santa Cruz SuperLight, which you could possibly find around $1K on sale with a budget build and last year's model, or even better pick up an Iron Horse with the DW-link which should remain active under braking. If you're in the Trek dealers/shops keep an eye out for any deals on the Gary Fisher HiFi GS which would be sweet if you could score it for a grand, although at $1700 list that might not happen...

05-20-2008, 09:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
Bryguy17 SLO Rider	yah. I would say if you can swing an EX7 or higher, go for it. Great bike, leaps and bounds better than the older suspension design. Seeing as you have a limited budget though, I would second looking for a good used bike. For 1000 you can get a pretty nice FS bike with good parts. Just peruse the classifieds on here and other cycling sites. Only do ebay if you know exactly what you want. otherwise you can end up with some weird stuff

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