[Closed] Trek Fuel EX8 questions

We have a 17.5" EX8 in (2009 one though) and the boss, who's 5'5" fits it nicely. He's also in love with it.

Excellent - that's good to hear. Sounds like a days riding both the 2010 Stumpy FSR & the EX8 is a go-er.
I don't think the frame sizing/geometry will have changed too much from '09 to '10.

Any idea about the rear QR?

Is it the actual 17.5 or the virtual...????

I am 5'11" and ride a 17.5" actual which is a Virtual 18.5" confused yet?

Anyway if it is the Virtual 17.5" then it will be AOK for you and MILES better than the stumpy!

I have the EX9 2010 after having the 2009 version.

Back wheel spacing is standard you just need to use the Trek QR and take it out when you take the wheel out! At first I was all like "what the f*ck" but to be honest now it does not bother me in the slightest and the back end is Super plush.

Anyway enjoy the riding as both bikes will be super! Just make sure they are set up properly for you.

I ride a 17.5" Remedy at just over 5'8" I find it perfect but wouldn't personally want to go any bigger (I do like my bikes fairly small though).

Rear wheel is standard width - 135mm but takes a longer QR, so is Trek specific. Can't see a problem with getting replacements in the future - they are very popular bikes, and the Trek warranty department seems to have a very good reputation.

I'm about 5'8", got a 17.5" EX8. Works very well for me.
The rear qr is longer than a standard one and the drive side is a captive nut. I've found the rear qr can come loose as well on a longer ride - maybe the movement of the ABP thingy? Not had this on any other bike but this is my 1st full sus bike.
Just check it every ride and carry on.

BTW mine is 17.5 virtual (16.5 actual)

erm - don't know if it's actual or virtual 17.5" - I'm guessing that the 17.5" has come from the sticker on the frame - so that would make it an actual 16.5", correct?

Just need to confirm a few mates can make the day I've intended to demo it and then get it booked. Wahoo!!

I'm 5'7" nd ride a 15.5"

Like my bikes on the smaller side though. It's for sale by the way ;-D

The 17.5 will be fine, it is classed as their 'small medium' (18.5 is large medium). I rode our demo version from the shop a few weeks back (i'm 5ft 8in) and want one as a result....bloody punters keep taking it out though! Oh, and they do a lovely looking black version too, lovely and subtle *DROOL*

Yeah - keep looking at the white & black bike and comparing it to the just black. Not sure which one I would go for if I decided that the Trek was the way forward.
The black looks like it has some texture to it - almost like a carbon effect or something. It doesn't look like it's just flat black.

Just a shame they don't do the root beer colour this year as it really suits the bike.

I went from a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR to a Tuel EX8 and have not looked back. I have the green and white (1st yr out)and its just super smooth. It rides well and as yet (touch wood) i've had no problems so far. Rear QR is just longer but using it doesn't cause any problems. Size wise, they have long top tubes but you can easily run a shorter stem to keep things quick up front.

Great bikes either way, just ride both for as long as you can before you choose. In the end i'm glad i got the Trek. It looks after you on a long ride and gets you through the rough stuff (even when your having a bad day!!!) For me it was an easy switch!!

I bought this one a few months ago, 09 model.

It makes even me look good over the rough stuff which is saying something!!

[img] [/img]

I am 5,10" and ride a 17.5" Actual and 18.5" Virtual.

The sticker has both on.

Go with the 17.5" Virtual

Well, it's booked now along with the Stumpy Expert, so we will see!!!
Apparently the Fuel is an EX9.

I'' be buying either the Stumpy Elite or the EX8, but they'll be close enough.

I am WELL excited now!! Can't wait to spend a decent amount of time trying them out.
Mate of mine is bringing his Heckler, so 3 of us are planning on doing a lap of Cannock on each. Then it'll be decision time.

Easy one to make! T**K E*8

I demo'ed the 17.5 and i am 5' 11' it fitted me perfect, I like a smaller bike to chuck about (ride a med '08 chameleon). The fuel ex8 is much more than an xc bike, I loved it! road like a burlier bike - in fact better than a santa cruz heckler (another fave bike).

I would get the stem changed for a 50mm one, the trek feels long and the shorter stem would make a good bike perfect!

Buy it an have fun 🙂

Must post a vote for the new stumpy!!

Tried the Trek and the Stumpy was just better for my size, shape, style etc.

Both will be good. Make sure the 'brain' is set correctly on the Stumpy else you will think it sh1t. I got the Elite.

Enjoy! Am sure you will be OK with whatever you choose as you've ridden both!!

🙂
Paul

Yeah - I am wondering how the Stumpy will fair now it's in 140mm guise. I'll also be going for the Elite clarkepm4242, but the demo available is an Expert. I might ask the shop if the Brain can be set-up to feel like the Elite (run fully open?).

clarkepm4242 what do you think of the silver paintjob on the Elite? Does it look better in the flesh? In my eyes it looks a bit bland - not sure why Spesh seem to have gone for such 'safe' colour schemes.
Although appearance comes somewhere near the very bottom of my priority list.
I have a bit of a soft spot for the Stumpjumper as mine has been such a good bike. The fact it comes with the TALAS fork is also an advantage in my eyes, as I do tend to use the U-Turn on my Reba's quite a bit. Will see whether I do when riding these ones.

When I saw that they were only doing the 'silver' for the Elite I went bu**er.

It is way better in the flesh as it has shiny and matt sections. I now prefer it to the black (of course).

I think that you will find that the finish is as good as the black if you see them side-by-side.

Paul