Which Bike?

matt_waylen
matt_waylen Posts: 6
edited November 2007 in MTB buying advice
Hi all,

I'm after a new bike come Christmas time and was wondering which to get (intended use - general XC and some XC racing).

Like the look of these 3:

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp 2008
Specialized Epic FSR Comp 2008
Trek Fuel EX8 2008

Which of the three would you recommend? As I said I like all 3 so is a really tough job in choosing which!

Has anyone got any of these bikes? What are they like? Would you recommend them?

Thanks in advance
Matt

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Have you tried them out? What are your impressions of them?
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

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  • matt_waylen
    matt_waylen Posts: 6
    No haven't tried them out. Just like the look of them, and their specifications.
    Saw them at the cylce show in London a few weeks back.
    Has anyone had any experience with these bikes?
  • papasmurf.
    papasmurf. Posts: 2,382
    Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp 2008
    Trek Fuel EX8 2008

    these might be on the longer travel side for xc racing..compared to the epic they're more trail bikes. Maybe conside the Giant Trance or Anthem, Commencal meta4, Scott Genius, does trek still do the top fuels.. Or a nice light super bling hardtail for the same money and maybe a bit to spare..all depends on how racey and how xc you wanna ride
    Meta5.5
    Duster
  • matt_waylen
    matt_waylen Posts: 6
    According to Specialized the Stumpjumper is perfect for XC ???
    Specialized do mention that the Epic is very quick for competitive XC racing.

    Yeah Trek do still do the Top Fuel range - would they be better for XC than the Fuel EX range?

    I already have a hardtail so am really after a full suspension bike for around £1,500 - £1,600.

    I'm going to have my first race on Sunday (first out of a series of four) and would like to do more during next year but nothing TOO serious (i.e. Championships!)
  • papasmurf.
    papasmurf. Posts: 2,382
    well the stumpy woudl be fine for XC I was just wondering how serious your racing would be..as short travel and light are the game there.

    I understand that the epic is a bike you either like and get..or don't..and I'm no fan of the brain and spesh brand suspension.


    The EX is nice, nearly got last years, its 130mm travel where as the top fuels are racey 100mm and more race geo..

    you could just race your hardtail and buy a nice full susser for non racing..

    and the meta familys well worth a look...and I don't mind being biased about that.
    Meta5.5
    Duster
  • MarvintheAndroid
    MarvintheAndroid Posts: 409
    If you want one just for racing, go for the Epic. If you want more general purpose, the Stumpy or the Trek might suit you better. Basically, ride them first if you can.

    Marv
    What tree ? ...........

    Trek 8000 ZR XC hardtail.
  • matt_waylen
    matt_waylen Posts: 6
    Just been looking at the Top Fuel 9 2008 - looks nice but is £1,750 (suppose I could stretch to tha).

    I would still use my hardtail for racing - but then I would like to be able to use the full suss eventually to make it all more worth while buying it.

    So out of the 4:
    the Epic and Top Fuel 9 would be better for XC/XC racing, and
    the Stumpjumper for XC
    the EX8 for AM
    :?: :?:
  • papasmurf.
    papasmurf. Posts: 2,382
    yeah pretty much..though the stumpy can be xc/am

    I think getting a ride on them and seeing what you feel happy with, is it light and short travel and more stretched geo or somehting with a bit more travel and that slacker geo.
    Meta5.5
    Duster
  • matt_waylen
    matt_waylen Posts: 6
    yeah will definately test ride them first to make sure I choose the right one.

    Thanks for all your help.

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