Trek Fuel Ex 9 or Cube AMS 130 pro?

kn0bby

Hi Guy,

About to buy my first proper full suspension mountain bike. Currently have a Scott Reflex 40 hard tail but want something more trick now I have got into my cycling in a bigger way.

I have about £1500-2000 to spend. Don't mind buying new or second hand as long as its like new and a 2012/2011 model.

I've found a good deal on a Cube AMS 130 pro which is new and a good deal on a used trek fuel ex 9, the trek being more money.

Any advice/feedback would be appreciated.

Cheers

Dave

sanchez89

is the Cube 2011 or 2012? and what model year is the Trek?

what sort of riding will you be doing?

kn0bby

Pretty sure both will be 2011 models.

Riding mainly trails, with some downhill but nothing serious.

I think I want the most travel which the cube offers over the fuel ex but think the fuel ex offers a better frame?

Maybe I should be considering something else?

sanchez89

after a quick look, i personally would choose the Trek, 120mm travel will be fine so most riding, except uber hard DH.
The component spec looks better on the Trek, thru-axles both ends, full Fox sus setup (the Revelation isnt exactly a bad fork though!), maybe a little heavier but you could always stick some lighter wheels on if you wish. angles are probably a bit more relaxed aswell for better decending performance.

the Cube looks nice, has 10mm more travel and will be a fraction lighter but i think the Trek will be more fun to ride.

the choice is yours though, go an see the condition of the Trek, if its cained look elsewhere.

sanchez89

i can also recommend you look at KHS XCT-556. the 2012 bike comes in at your lower budget and mines been superb so far.

Andy B

Don't forget you'll only get a warranty on a new bike*

Bearings can cost a bit to replace and having a shock and fork serviced will cost over £150 for a std service (both items in total)

(*OK a couple of manufacturers will transfer warranties, but not the brands in question AFAIK)

kn0bby

Thanks for the feedback.

It's £1650 vs about £1200. It's just travel I am hung up on lol.

sanchez89

between your choices you wont notice the 10mm difference. any way you could have a ride on both?

kn0bby

No not had a chance to ride either. I'd prefer to buy one and I don't like it I'll sell it on.

ste_t

the cube has a 150mm fork, so a very noticable difference between that and the 120mm on the trek.

agg25

I've had loads of fun on my AMS 100 Pro, even took it down the Fort William track a few times. So I am biased, but go for the Cube ;-) The fork can go 110-130-150 I believe making it more versatile and the components on Cube's are usually top spec.

kn0bby

So which forks are better?

Fox 32 Talas RL 130-150mm fork

Fox 32 F-Series RLC

The floats seem to come in before the talas in the fox range. However looking on EBay the talas sell cheaper.

chez_m356

agg25 wrote:

I've had loads of fun on my AMS 100 Pro, even took it down the Fort William track a few times. So I am biased, but go for the Cube ;-) The fork can go 110-130-150 I believe making it more versatile and the components on Cube's are usually top spec.

if its a 2011 pro it has the revelation fork which is 2 step 120/150mm, its the fox's on the higher models that have the 110/130/150

kn0bby

This is what it comes with..

Shimano Deore XT Crankset, Formula RX hydraulic disc brakes, a Fox Float RP23 rear shock and a Fox 32 Talas RL 130-150mm fork.

chez_m356

kn0bby wrote:

This is what it comes with..

Shimano Deore XT Crankset, Formula RX hydraulic disc brakes, a Fox Float RP23 rear shock and a Fox 32 Talas RL 130-150mm fork.

that sounds more like the ams 150 ?

chez_m356

you got a link to it?

kn0bby

Here's a picture. Don't have a link...

chez_m356

kn0bby wrote:

Here's a picture. Don't have a link...

ah i see, i think thats the TEAM not the PRO, googled the pro and it came up with a different version

chez_m356

if its new, id go with the cube, i was actually looking at cubes before i decided on the canyon

kn0bby

I'm starting to steer towards the Cube. I've always really liked them. I just need to clarify what is being sold before I proceed.

20" frame is good for a 6 foot tall man?

chez_m356

kn0bby wrote:

I'm starting to steer towards the Cube. I've always really liked them. I just need to clarify what is being sold before I proceed.

20" frame is good for a 6 foot tall man?

or even 18'', more to do with your inside leg measurement than height really, id look up the geometry for the different size's and compare them to something you know or ride now

kn0bby

My current hard tail is 20". I'll check out the dimensions.

kn0bby

Just checked.. its 100% a team. Just double checking the forks making sure they are the Talas and the spec hasn't been played about with.

Sounds like the Cube bikes come up small so the 20" should be fine..

chez_m356

kn0bby wrote:

Just checked.. its 100% a team. Just double checking the forks making sure they are the Talas and the spec hasn't been played about with.

Sounds like the Cube bikes come up small so the 20" should be fine..

if the stand over and reach are comparable, should be fine, my hardrock's a 21'' with a toptube of 630mm, and the canyons a 20'' with a tt of 620mm, very different kind of bikes and both fit me fine, that TEAM looks fantastic

kn0bby

I'm 100% going for the Cube. Sounds like they they come up small so the 20" should be perfect.

Hopefully get it next week, once I've paid for it.

dave1986

I'm also interested in buying a Cube AMS 130 2011 model.

I'm torn between either the 18 or 20inch frame. I tried the 20'' in the shop and it felt ok and I can get a better deal on that size, but I'm wondering if the 18'' would be better for my size (5'11 tall and 34inch inside leg)?? My last bike was a Cube Ltd 20'' frame and was ok, but it obviously was a different geometry.

I cant find a shop that has both models in stock to try both back-to-back. Any advice on sizing would be much appreciated!

Geometrys for the 2011 frames are as follows:
Size TT hor TT act CS BB to hub S A ST H A H T R/Travel W B S O
18" 583 560 433 -5 73 457 69 135 130 1102 -
20" 605 581 433 -5 73 508 69 140 130 1125 -

Dave

kn0bby

dave1986 wrote:

I'm also interested in buying a Cube AMS 130 2011 model.

I'm torn between either the 18 or 20inch frame. I tried the 20'' in the shop and it felt ok and I can get a better deal on that size, but I'm wondering if the 18'' would be better for my size (5'11 tall and 34inch inside leg)?? My last bike was a Cube Ltd 20'' frame and was ok, but it obviously was a different geometry.

I cant find a shop that has both models in stock to try both back-to-back. Any advice on sizing would be much appreciated!

Geometrys for the 2011 frames are as follows:
Size TT hor TT act CS BB to hub S A ST H A H T R/Travel W B S O
18" 583 560 433 -5 73 457 69 135 130 1102 -
20" 605 581 433 -5 73 508 69 140 130 1125 -

Dave

Mine turned up today... I'd suggest the 18" I certainly wouldn't want mine any bigger and I am 6 foot..

kn0bby

Well it turned up this morning at 10 am.. Got it together and sorted out the sag etc.. fitted a few accessories



Then went out for my first ride with a pal... we got pretty muddy, such a shame to get a brand new bike so messy on its first outing but its built to get muddy.

andhr

Hi kn0bby,

Just curious to know how you're getting on with the Cube - I'm looking at getting one (6'2 here - so debate over 18/20), and comparing with the Trek Fuel EX 7 or 8; among others...

How'd you find it?


Andy

kn0bby

Amazing bit of kit.. you will not regret it.. I love my Cube..

I've covered it in Helitape and I would highly recommend doing this before you even ride it!