Trek Fuel Ex8 v Commencal Meta 5.5.2

Webbie

Hi All,

Yet another new boy after some advice, though I've tried to narrow things down a bit.

I'm fairly new to MTBing but having ridden an old hard tail to destruction, it's now time to buy something that's up to the job.
I live and will ride mostly in the Brecon Beacons, though do intend venturing further afield and hitting a few trail centres. Having read lots of reviews and visited my local bike shop, I've narrowed it down to 1 of 2 and would like to know your thoughts on the relative merits of each.

I've tested the Commencal Meta 5.5.2 which was light years better than the thing I was riding and is therefore in pole position at the moment, the other bike in the running is the Trek Fuel Ex8, though the bike shop I like to support doesn't have a demo to try.

The bike will need to withstand some puishment as I'm 6'2" and over 16 Stone (the bike is needed to stop a fairly athletic ex rugby payer becomming a fat slob!!!)

Any thoughts on the 2 would be most appreciated.

grantway

Both good bikes get a test bike out on both and ride on your best
trail and make your mind up from there.

Thewaylander

Yeh, trek are always solid bikes. but heard great things about the Commencal.

you will really need to have a go! but the importan thing to know at these prices there are really very few bad bikes, all are fairly good, its just finding the one 'you' like most

Webbie

Thanks for the advice.
I've ridden the Meta and loved it, will try to test the Trek before I splash out

greek

hi , i just thought i'd put my 2p's worth in , im riding an 08 fuel ex8 , im 6ft4 , 15stone and im loving it! cruise's uphills, flys down them ! i've put a shorter stem on to sharpen up the steering but im really happy with it. hope that helps a bit.

BlackSpur

Get the Trek in green! Almost looks as good as an orange Remedy!

Oldskool_Paul

I had the option of trying a Fuel but didn't get that far and bought a Meta straight after my test ride. It's a personal thing, I like the Meta because it's got character (you don't see many about, got a fantastic reputation and there's even an owners club) and I've never been fond of Treks anyway....you could say I never actually based my descision on any kind of logic...luckily they're both good bikes (well the Meta is for sure) so it couldn't have gone too wrong!

Webbie

Have been back to bike shop to order the meta (this bike to work scheme is a must!).
Had a chat with the owner, he's quite happy to get in a Trek demo but believes the Meta's right for me. I personally loved the Meta and can't be arsed waiting any longer, don't think I'm qulaified enough to notice much of a difference between the two anyway.
It's good to have a local shop with knowledgeable staff looking after you.

Oldskool_Paul

which shop is that just out of interest?

eve12matt20

I have a trek ex8 and to be honest its been a fantastic bike cant fault it.