Trek Ex 8 or Giant Anthem 2 or Trek Top Fuel 8 Best Allround

mondeoman

Hi All, I'm after some buying advice I want to replace my stolen MTB's with ONE bike for all occaisons. I want something that is equally as good going up and down hill and fast on singletracks and occaisonally a few road miles. I'm not looking to jump off mountains like a nutter.
I've got a budget of around £1600 which would get me the TREK FUEL EX 8, but i'm not sure if this will be too soft and slow for singltrack xc ???.
Another option is the Giant Anthem 2(£1450) with smaller travel but lower spec' but the Anthem 1 is pricey at £1850. Is the Anthem a good allrounder ???

So what about the well spec'd TREK TOP FUEL 8 ??? 2008 at £1500. Not read any reviews on this bike and apparently it does not sell well because of the Anthem, But could it be a good all rounder??? It looks tops to me

KonaMike

Anthem 2 gets a good review here:

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... 2-08-29809

robmanic1

Anthem gets good reviews everywhere. I have a Trance 2 which I bought just prior to the launch of the Anthem, curse my imapatience!

mondeoman

Yes read that review .............but it seems poorly spec'd compared with the TREK's :?:

supersonic

They are both slightly differnt types of bikes. The money in the anthem is on the very light weight frame. It has steep geometry - try and test one.

mondeoman

Ok then is the Anthem 2 a good allrounder then or just a total race machine ?? and what makes it better than the TOP FUEL 8 which runs higher spec ?

supersonic

Nothing makes its better as such, you may prefer one over the other. The Anthem was designed as a fast XC bike, or a race bike, but the WMB testers (albeit experienced riders!) appreciated the quick responses and handling. Not all people do, they like something more relaxed and stable.

mondeoman

Hi supersonic
You seem to know what your on about, so will the EX8 be a better allrounder than the Anthem 2?

supersonic

On paper, probably lol. The only real way is to test and see how they feel over a variety of terrain.

Red Lemon

Giant have the Trance, Trance X and even the Reign for people who want some kind of all rounder. The Anthem's not really aimed at "one bike for everything" riders....

The Fuel EX8 is a very, very nice bike though.

garlleg

Seen this review for the fuel ex8 ? http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... 8-08-28009

I got a 07 top fuel 8 recently and am loving it so far, its more of a xc race bike than the all rounder of the ex8 though. whatever you pick you'll have a great bike though !

Amos

I really like the look of the EX range this year. My LBS currently has one of the EX8's in green and it looks lush imo.

If you do go for the Trek check the cable length. A couple of months ago one of the guys I ride with brought one and one of the cables (cant remember which one) was quite long and rubbed a nasty gash into the paint work on the top of his fork. I think there was a thread on here not long back with another guy who had suffered the same.

streako

I have a Trek EX8 and an Anthem.

For cross country, racing and long rides that are not too technical I would pick the Anthem.

For trail centres, or rides that involved much downhill or technical stuff I would pick the Trek.

Regarding which is best it is really down to your riding style and the terrain on which you mostly ride.

streako

Incidently, I recently bought an '06 Anthem 2 from Pauls cycles. Discounted to 929 squids from 1400.

You cant go wrong for that.

mondeoman

I suppose most of my riding will xc but not racing............but also need something suitable for the occaisonal trails.
WILL THE EX8 MAKE A GOOD XC RIDE ASWELL ?

Cps

I got an EX8 early Feb

Still getting used to the set up - but my main problem is I enjoy riding it that much I don't always take time out to check the set up - it just so fun to jump on and ride - but I guess if you do take the time to set it up right, the it will do just about anything you want it too.

gaz047

hi,
iv'e owned an anthem for just over a year now and its been superb. my local rides are in the peaks and although you only get 90mm travel rear and 80mm forks, as long as you think about your lines you can get down technical /rocky descents without any problems. i've used it for all dayers (including 100k meridas) and found it comfy, although the steep geometry isn't for everyone. its a great climber and builds up light (frame and shock = 5.2lbs).
not ridden a fuel but reviews are good and they come well specced. try and test each on one of your regular trails for the best comparison if you can mate. don't think you'll go far wrong with either.
gaz

mondeoman

Thanks to you all for your advice.
I've just taken the plunge a bought a brand new 2007 anthem 2 for £875 what a bargain.
Just waiting for delivery now and hoping that the 18" frame won't be too small for me.