Advice needed before buying

Martinst
Martinst Posts: 9
edited September 2008 in MTB buying advice
I'm due to upgrade my current full suspension trek ( VXR400 ) to something more modern but I'm torn between two bikes. The Trek ex8 2009 and the Specialsed Stumpjumper expert 2009. Both seem great bikes but has anyone any experience of the two in their 2008 format to help me make my choice. ?? !

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Have you tried them out? How do they feel?
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  • Martinst
    Martinst Posts: 9
    The trek ex8 feels great, very similar to current trek minus the bobbing. The stumpjumper I'm testing tomorrow on a 10 mile trail on the isle of wight. Hopefully it'll be a good climber / decender.
  • glen4
    glen4 Posts: 250
    I've only ridden the Specialized expert SJ FSR, had it for a few days as a test bike from my LBS. To say I was impressed would be an understatement, so much so, that I'll be taking delivery of a Stumpjumper Pro very shortly 8)
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  • Chaka Ping
    Chaka Ping Posts: 1,451
    I've ridden both very briefly and I think I preferred the Trek, both were good bikes though.

    Does the Stumpy have a Triad shock? If so, the Trek's may be a better unit - which could count in it's favour.

    But suck them and see anyway.
  • glen4
    glen4 Posts: 250
    Chaka Ping wrote:

    Does the Stumpy have a Triad shock? If so, the Trek's may be a better unit - which could count in it's favour.

    No, the SJ EXPERT has a specialized Brain shock, makes the bike ride differently to the comp or Elite which have a Fox unit. If the SJ you rode was so equipped it's not the same bike MARTINST was asking about
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  • Chaka Ping
    Chaka Ping Posts: 1,451
    Ah right, I have ridden the Comp.

    There's about a £500 price difference between the two bikes mentioned though, so I assumed he meant the Stumpy that is price comparable to the Trek - in my defence.

    I don't want to upset any Spesh owners, but I'd still take the Trek because it has a Fox shock. I've not tried the Spesh shocks - but I've never read a completely positive review of them.
  • Martinst
    Martinst Posts: 9
    Cheers for the comments. I took out the Specialized Stumpjumper Expert and was very impressed, it felt very light and seemed quite effortless at times on the climbs. The brain shock rode very well and no sign of bobbing. Almost hardtail like at times.

    After much searching and not willing to wait for the 2009 specialized, I found a new 08 Elite reduced to £1500, so I bought it.

    Picked it up today and will give it a good ride tonight. I know the elite doesn't have the brain, but it should ride very similar to the expert.

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