trek ex or top fuel?

joejoe

Hi, just posting to see if anyone could help me choose between these 2 bikes - trek ex 8 (£1600) and trek top fuel 9 (1700).

They seem very similar spec wise except for ex has 120 travel and top has 100mm. I have seen loads of great reviews for the 08 ex bikes but none for 08 top fuel. I ride trails and cross country, don't race and not very adept to big jumps or drop offs (too much of a chicken!) I am about 6ft and weigh 14 stone.

I guess what I am asking is 1 - has anyone got anything to say about the trek 08 top fuel range from first hand experience? and 2 - being a reasonably heavyish rider but not wanting to do anything too dramatic on my future bike, i am torn between the stronger/sturdier/heavier ex range and the lighter/more efficient/flimsier top fuel range, any suggestions?

Thanks, Joe

Down the Road

Ridden both.

The Ex is more of an all rounder whereas the top fule is designed as a race bike.

The 5" travel just gives you a few more options. The Ex8 also gives youu the option of an 18.5" frame which would suit most guys of your height. Getting hold of one might be hatder as they have almost sold out for this year

jontymo

I'm picking up a Trek Fuel Ex 8 demo (£1300) on Friday from my LBS whilst in there he had 3 off the new Trek Remedy the 8 version sold within 2 hours at £2200 i think he had the 7s at £1800.

I would seriously have a look at these if you are looking at spending around that money.

The new remedy is in one of this months mtb mags and pretty sure it is now on the Trek website.

Jontymo

BlackSpur

If he's looking at a Top Fuel or a Fuel EX, I very much doubt he needs a 6.3" All Mountain bruiser, although I may be wrong.

jontymo

True, did'n't know thats what they are!!!!!

joejoe

blackspur you are right, I am looking for a comfortable, efficient trail/cross country bike. can see what down the road is saying about ex giving more options but still undecided.
I guess it boils down to: are 4inch race bikes good for general use by average riders? thanks for all your help/advise, much appreciated

birchy

i have an 07 topfuel 8 i used to ride hardtails all the time and felt this was the bike for me and its great, like you i dont do big jumps etc so i just wanted something to smooth the rides up its lightening quick and and reacative on tight singletrack and great on long slogs across the moors

joejoe

thanks birchy thats exactly what I wanted to know, sounds just like the kind of riding I do. am very close to buying at top fuel 9 now!

grantway

Go for the EX has it will go down paths where the EX will be sketchy on.

mf-racing

I have a EX9 and i dont think you could beat it for such a all-round package, it really feels like it can do anything, up, down, race, slow etc!

birchy

i know what your saying about the ex but on long rides the
'pert' feeling of a TF is great i just still like picking lines and making the bike 'lighter' on more gnarly desents than just slamming down them if you know what i mean it makes my blood rush

joejoe

anyone heard anything about ex fuel 2009 bikes? anywhere you can get a sneeky peek? when are they on sale?

grantway

Must say though the Remedy looks a stunner never riden one mind
but down to personal choice but for the Remedy 8 at £ 2,200 sweet
price considering spec and good revues

grantway

Sure birchy but you dont want it too light has your coming down
and pin balling all over the joint and you have to have some
weight not to only keep the bike together but keep you planted too.

This and next year will be great to see what materials there using
and how long they'll last.

YKayW

I am having a similar dilemma to Joejoe... I get that the EX will give you more options should the down hill get a bit more challenging.. a good, positive point, but what about the trade off... will the extra travel make uphills that much harder? or will efficiency on fast and flatter bits be compromised to such a degree that a non-racing but still enthusiastic rider would notice?

Cps

YKayW wrote:

. will the extra travel make uphills that much harder? or will efficiency on fast and flatter bits be compromised to such a degree that a non-racing but still enthusiastic rider would notice?

No

I have an EX and in propedal mode find little or no 'bob' when climbing or sprinting !

and I seem to pass alot of people round my local trail centre so it must be the bike cos i'm oldish and not mega fit

grantway

YkayW Just get a bike with adjustable front fork, so you can flick a lever
and drop the fork for the ups and flick it again and open it up for the
downs.

There is always a compromise by buying one do it all bike.
You just need to put a good set of kit onto a bang on frame
or if your lucky buy a complete bike that has all what want
on it and save money at point of sale.

birchy

grantway wrote:

Sure birchy but you dont want it too light has your coming down
and pin balling all over the joint and you have to have some
weight not to only keep the bike together but keep you planted too.

This and next year will be great to see what materials there using
and how long they'll last.

By 'lighter' i mean riding style letting the bike skim over big stuff, just got back from glentress & innerleithen had no problems doing the red & blacks up there in fact my mate was having trouble keeping up with me on his marin attack trail.
Also can not wait to see what trek do next year as i may get an EX or a remedy for like you say the more than extreme stuff just to go with my TF, 6000 and road series trek (that i dont use anymore but can not part with it)

joejoe

birchy, where/when will the 09 trek bikes info be availible on the net to look at? i heard they will be in the shops in sept. anyone know if this is true?