2010 Specialized StumpJumper FSR Expert or Trek Fuel EX 9

markbourne

Hi,

Hoping someone can help provide some advice.

I am looking to buy a new mountain bike in November and I am undecided between either the 2010 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert and the 2010 Trek Fuel EX 9. Both retail at £2500.

The Spec of the Stumpy is:

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.u ... R%20EXPERT

or the Fuel EX 9 is:

http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/mo ... x/fuelex9/

Can I asked for someone to please advice based of spec what bike is the better one. I know its down to feel of the ride etc but would find this very usefull as I am no expert but keen to get the best bang for my buck.

Many thanks Mark.

RealMan

Just opinions here.

Trek has tubeless ready rims, and a bolt thru fork (if only 15mm), which is cool.

Stumpy has good kit throughout, and better brakes. "Custom" shimano chainset doesn't really give you much info.

If I had to make the choice between the two I would probably burst into tears stamp my feet and complain that I want both. Sucks to be you, huh?

Stumpys got more travel, and has an adjustable travel fork. If the stumpy had a bolt thru, and slightly better kit here and there, it would be the clear choice.

Tough one. Think you will have to test ride.

Andy B

The spec's of both bikes are pretty similar, not much between them at all really, but they are aimed at slightly different markets, the Trek is a XC/Trail bike, the Spesh is a AM/Trail bike

The Spesh will have slightly higher servicing costs due to the Brain system

Spesh shock & Brain: http://www.tftunedshox.com/service/specialized.aspx

Forks & RP23: http://www.tftunedshox.com/service/fox.aspx

The Spesh's forks are travel adjustable, so you can wind them down to 100mm for climbing & pop them back up to 140mm for descending

The Trek's fork is a little more adjustable as it has Compression adjustment extra to the forks on the Spesh

Brakes & drivetrain are similar

Wheels, the Spesh ones look good on paper, the Trek doesn't list the wheel components, so can't really compare

Tricky one on spec alone, looks like you might have to test both of them!

canada16

Why does spech insist on putting garbage cranks on their bikes.

You get a 2000.00 bike and get less than 50.00 cranks.

Is it me?

edmiddleton1988

the crank on the specialized is last years model xt, so comparable to the trek. specialized do this probably because its a bit cheaper, but means they can have a colour that matches the bike! definitely not a 'garbage £50 crank'.

overall i'd go with the specialized as the fsr system is proven and the new stumpy is already getting fantastic reviews, 140mm travel and still nice and light. i've seen the elite in the flesh and it is a very nice looking bike and this one looks even better. trek is nice looking too though so i see why its a hard choice.

i wouldn't worry about brain servicing costs though, they're being made by fox again this year so it is very unlikely that it will ever go wrong. and specialized are amazing with sorting out warranty claims!

good luck though tough choice but i know which one i'd go for!

markbourne

Many thnaks guys for the feedback so far !!

navier_stokes

I'm making a similar decision as well, albeit with an Orange 5 and La Pierre Zesty thrown in to the mix as well.

I think last year, the Trek and Spesh were very comparable. This year, the Trek is 120mm all round whilst the Stumpy is 140mm all round, albeit with adjustable front travel. They both have additional (but very similar) rear shock setups with the spesh brain vs. trek DRCV.

If you're looking for a general bike, that will still be very efficienct xc, I'd go for the stumpy having seeing it in the flesh this weekend. The Trek will probably be slightly quicker over smoother ground due to it's shorter travel. Horses for courses really!

I'm very tempted by the expert carbon... mmmmm!

CycloRos

It really is too close to call based on the spec. Both would be very capable UK trail/XC machines and you wouldn't be disappointed with either.

It might be worth bearing in mind that both of these bikes are typically aimed at trail riding nothing to burly, so it does depend on what you're going to be riding really. Speaking as a Stumpy owner of the last 3 years, and while I do still enjoy riding the bike I will be replacing it with something stonger next year to attack the Alps.

The Trek EX series for 2010 is basically an evolution of last years which did get rave reviews. Spesh have changed the Stumpjumper's rear suspension design again so its more like the Epic and does promise to be an excellent performer.

Get a test ride on both and make your decision based on that.

markbourne

Thanks to you guys too for the info.

Navier, you mention you are interested in the STUMPJUMPER FSR EXPERT CARBON.

I am very tempted also, is that woth the extra £500 over the STUMPJUMPER FSR EXPERT ?

Thanks

navier_stokes

That's what I'm debating. They had a 2009 Pro Carbon (considerably more than an expert carbon) but non-the less, the weight and stiffness difference between that and the elite was considerable.

I was at the concept store and I was surprised how knowledgeable the staff were on the manufacturing processes of the aluminium and CF frames (I'm an aerospace design engineer so I know). That, coupled with the lifetime frame warranty (and discount crash scheme) makes the spesh very tempting.

I'd say the pro carbon is worth the £800 over the elite. It's just £3k is a lot of money to spend on a bike in one hit - decisions decisions! Think I'm going to wait until I can get hold of a pro and pro carbon side by side before I make a move.

I want to compare with an orange 5 too, although I think the single pivot is it's selling point (simplicity, reliability) as well as it's downfall (suspension performance/efficiency); lots of people seem to like them though.

mick2409

This is my first post on Bikeradar, so will keep it short.

I'm getting back into riding, and am also debating between a '10 Trek EX 9 v. Stumpie. Mark, have you made a decision?

I need to see both in the metal before making a decision - hopefully this weekend or next ..

A quick question for anyone - I can buy the Trek from Pedalon and receive the 50 points (important as all my old gear is back home in Oz). Does anyone know of a store that offers a similar deal re Stumpies? Know its a bit stupid to make a decision based on free gear, however it makes a fair price difference when you need to buy most of it at the same time ...

Cheers,

baba123

sorry mick i wouldn't have a clue but for the question if trek or stumpy how about a lapierre zesty 314 if it's anything like last years bike it will be a cracking bike and they have upgraded the crank as well (M542 upgraded to SLX)

the article don

Specialized sometimes do a reward scheme where you get 10% of the value of the bike in free goods but I think you're restricted to Specialized stuff. ( and it's only at certain times of year- the last one was "Spring Reward" - the clue is in the name!1) Given that they make everything and make most things pretty well, that may not be a problem for you. The Pedalon scheme is great, though - I got decent shoes, Camelbak, Multi tool ,gloves and lube totally free. If there was nothing else in it, that alone would swing me towards getting the Trek from Pedalon. ( Their aftersales is great too, btw, and no I don't work for them - i just found buying there a good experience)

mick2409

Hi Baba,

Looked closely at the '09 Zesties (314 and 514) .. I was hoping the '09 514 would go on sale, but suppose it's been too popular (not surprising .. hard to even find these days).

That said, Lapierre seems to have pushed up prices more than anyone (compare '08 to '10) - reckon they're cashing in on their new popularity here in the UK. The '10 prices appear high for the spec (I'm really pushing the budget at £2500, which rules out the 514).

If I won Tatts, I'd definitely be investing in a 714 .. has to be the best looking bike on the market.

http://www.welovelapierre.com/productvi ... 0Carbon%20

Re the earlier post, the £500 extra for the carbon Stumpie seems like good value - especially if you compare it to the Trek 9 v. 9.8.

Think I need to stop thinking and make a damn decision before the winter weather arrives!

mick2409

Cheers for the advice re Pedalon .. think I'll head up there over the weekend. Am leaning towards the Trek, though will try to ride both before buying.

SPROCKET30

Hello sorry I don't want to hijack the thread but I'm also having trouble choosing between the Trek and a Marin mount vision with a Orange 5 as a outside choice. What sort of riding can these take? As in planned and unplanned jumps/drops nothing too big.

Mastineo

Just picked up a 2010 Stumpy Expert today and am really impressed!
Not got it set up perfect yet but rode down a flight of stairs that was always 'interesting' on my 04 Stumpy,(with 100mm Rebas) with no drama whatsoever. IMHO it rides much nicer than my mates 09 EX8 - he thinks it does too. The TALAS fork seems to work well, I noticed a big difference between climbing a steep loose ascent in 100mm and 140mm mode. Realistically, once the novelty wears off, I'll probably set it at 120mm and forget about it. Looking forward to giving it a blast round Sherwood Pines over the weekend.

Apologies for the sudden crap weather we're bound to have now - new bike and good weather just doesn't happen in my world!!

bobthebuilder4541

I have a 09 expert carbon after riding back to back with an elite. The difference was quite noticable as far as stiffness goes. If the 2010 frames are similar then i would recommend the carbon version. Have had no problems with chips or damage and i ride mine pretty hard. I put plenty of helicopter tape on the impact areas and so far so good. Carbon is the future so get on board..........you wont regret it.

markhw

I just brought a 2010 Stumpy Comp. my last bike was a 2008 trek fuel ex9, the stumpy blows away the trek, its very plush and rides like a zesty 514 which I tested on a demo day last year, but allot cheaper, the front is very stiff as is uses the DT Swiss 9mm ratchet quick release My bike is very light just over 27lbs

richg1979

spesh without any shadow of a boubt.

gaz047

nice choice to have to make mate, its a tough one, ideally try and get a test ride on them both to make your final decision.

pedi

markbourne wrote:

Hi,

Hoping someone can help provide some advice.

I am looking to buy a new mountain bike in November and I am undecided between either the 2010 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert and the 2010 Trek Fuel EX 9. Both retail at £2500.

The Spec of the Stumpy is:

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.u ... R%20EXPERT

or the Fuel EX 9 is:

http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/mo ... x/fuelex9/

Can I asked for someone to please advice based of spec what bike is the better one. I know its down to feel of the ride etc but would find this very usefull as I am no expert but keen to get the best bang for my buck.

Many thanks Mark.

Hi Mark,

I have not ridden a Fuel EX 9 but I've had the opportunity to ride an Epic comp (2009 model) for 5 days in Tuscan hills and was quite impressed with its climbing capabilities. However, going down hill and tackling some of the more challenging obstacles the bike felt very unstable and did not give me confidence to push harder and faster. A week ago I got a Stumpjumper Expert test bike and I can't put in words the experience I'm having riding this bike. It climbs like a daemon (adjust the fork to a lower setting 100mm) and it goes up and up and up. The traction on the bike is just incredible especially were I'm using the bike at the moment (wet forest floor with a lot of leaves).

Now to the fun stuff…set fork to full open and to 140mm…and head on down the trail and the bike is responsive yet not aggressive, the FOX fork takes everything you through at it and more. The rear shock with the Brain does what it's meant to do…i.e., set it once and forget it…absolutely the best experience I've had on a bike.

The other amazing thing is I'm a lot quicker with this bike than the Epic on my evening back yard run.

I've had such a good experience with the bike that I've called my bike guy and ordered the Pro version….sadly, I'll only get the bike in the 1st week of Dec'09.

A side note, the Scott Genesis was another I bike tested and they are fairly equal going down the trail but going up the Stumpy has more traction ….it goes up and up….can't explain it!

Happy trails…

pez1

I know it's coming up to a year since the last post on this, however as the sales are now in full swing for 2010 bikes I'm finding myself in the same dilemma whilst trying to bag myself a bargain!

I've found good deals on both the Stumpy Expert and the Fuel EX9, and I've also thrown a Giant Trance X1 into the mix!

I need to make my mind up soon as these bikes won't hang around for long in the sales, so my question is, does anyone have any advice or experience as to which way I should go as these models have been around for nearly a year now?

I've tried both the Stumpy and Trek with a quick ride around car parks, but unfortunately am unable to get a proper demo or try out the Giant.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

V5ade

I've got the 2010 Spesh Stumpy Expert, and it's done about 1.5k miles since I've had it, mainly in the surrey hills. It's been great so far, only chains, cassettes and brake pads required so far due to wear and tear. However, I don't rate the standard wheels as they flex too much. I've swapped mine onto my hardtail single speed, and the Stumpy now runs hope hoops with DT Swiss 4.2 rims (massive improvment!).
I've had a few big off's and other than scratches the bike has been fine.
I can't comment on the trek, but certainly don't regret buying the Stumpy (and I paid full price).
Good luck with whatever you choose :-)

pez1

Thanks for the reply V5ade.

I've actually been swaying towards the Stumpy for various reasons, and it's good to hear about the bikes reliability and that you've been getting on well with it.

I'll probably go to the bike shop tomorrow for another look and to see what sort of a deal I could get.

If anyone has any other experience with Stumpy, EX9 or the Trance X1, it would be good to hear your views before I commit to anything.

jmillen

Had pretty much the exact same choice to make a few months ago, and as you can see below, I chose the Stumpjumper Expert Carbon over the Trek.

I test rode the Expert and an EX8, both very nice to ride. In the end I wanted the extra travel, and then the look of the carbon took my fancy.

I must admit however, I'm now tempted to sell the Stumpy and get a Ibis / Trek Remedy / Santa Cruz or similar for the larger travel again (but thats a whole new story )

ali$tair

pez1 wrote:

I know it's coming up to a year since the last post on this, however as the sales are now in full swing for 2010 bikes I'm finding myself in the same dilemma whilst trying to bag myself a bargain!

I've found good deals on both the Stumpy Expert and the Fuel EX9, and I've also thrown a Giant Trance X1 into the mix!

I need to make my mind up soon as these bikes won't hang around for long in the sales, so my question is, does anyone have any advice or experience as to which way I should go as these models have been around for nearly a year now?

I've tried both the Stumpy and Trek with a quick ride around car parks, but unfortunately am unable to get a proper demo or try out the Giant.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

I got my EX 8 from Pedalon a couple of months ago and have been impressed by bike and aftersales, I would imagine you will have to make your decision quickly as I got one of the last EX 8's in my size and colour and that was july, whats left of the 2010 bikes seem to be in odd sizes so I hope your small or really tall!!!

If you get a Trek, you'll have to pick it up as their policy is no Internet sales, pedalon do a great rewards scheme but if bike is reduced you don't get any freebies.

pez1

Love the look of that carbon Stumpy jmillen.
I've actually looked around for one of those already, but unfortunately (or fortunately for my wallet), I've not been able to find one in my size!
How have you found the ride and general handling of the Stumpjumper?

ali$tair, I appreciate what you are saying about the availability. I looked far and wide to find any of these models in my size, and fortunately I have found one of each, although I know they wont hang around for long-hence my help request!

Before I make a final choice tomorrow, does anyone have any experience of the Trance X1 that they can offer into the mix?

pez1

Well, choice made!

I picked up my new Stumpjumper Expert on Thursday. Very pleased!

Thanks for all the advice.

EnglishChris

pez1 wrote:

Well, choice made!

I picked up my new Stumpjumper Expert on Thursday. Very pleased!

Thanks for all the advice.

Hi...

I've been considering a 2010 EX9 in the sales, esp after all the great reviews the EX8/9 has had over the past few years. Going from a Commencal Meta so slightly concerned about the reduced travel, although I'm not really that an aggressive rider so perhaps it wouldn't matter.

Anyway, can't help but consider the alternatives - so now you've had your Stumpy for a couple of weeks, how are you finding it??!

Cheers, Chris