Fuel EX8 or Giant Trance X2

jonjob

So which do you guys recon and why? Both 2012 models, can get both for £1800

supersonic

Can you test them?

simonekarl

Tough choice, but I would go....

Fuel Ex8.
Why. I bought the 2010 one and it is awesome. Admittedly it ain't the best looker on the trails, maybe the 2012 one is.. The shorter travel compared to other trail bikes makes no noticeable difference. Ihave ridden with mates on Lapierre Zesty's and Spicy's and Orange 5's and have made no difference other than our personal skill levels.

For:
Goes like stick up and down
Trek UK support, direct from their HQ is awesmome (I have Giant road bike and Giant have been awful)
Trek DRCV rear shock is the nuts, pro pedal just works, no need for a direct lock out
XT Cranks are nice, but not neccassary
Frame is a peach,

Against:
The front fork is ace but should have had a axle rather than skewer, it can take the big hits but I always felt a bit more beef up front would inspire confidence.
Colour scheme (on mine anyway) is boring
Bontrager rims and tyres, easy enough to replace. (I went Hope Hubs Stan Rims, Maxxis after destroying the Bonty Rthym Pro rim)
Saddle can be sore after long rides (again another easy replaceable bit)

Happy choosing! Ride both if you can.

rockmonkeysc

I would go for the Trance. In my experience Giants customer service is excellent.
My Trance X was fantastic, climbs like a hardtail, descends extremely well far better than the Fuel EX. Slacker geometry keeps things nice & stable.
The fuel does feel flexy at the front but the Giant's thru axle keeps things nice & stiff. Trek's rear suspension just isn't as good as Giants. Bontrager rims are made of cheese, Giant's are pretty good.

Chunkers1980

RockmonkeySC wrote:

Giants customer service is excellent.

Is that because they don't get many calls?

Do like my sis' Trance, quite short IIRC tho.

rockmonkeysc

Giant's sizing is a bit on the small side.

jonnyashworth

TEST THEM!!!!!!!!!!! Personally I would have the EX8 everyday of the week but swap the wheelset out straight away and sell the bontys while they are new. Not sure about the drcv fork though as I havnt tried one

rockmonkeysc

DRCV fork s an abomination. Horrible, un-nesecary thing designed to solve a problem which didn't exist.
Tried a Remedy & Fuel at a demo with the DRCV fork. I would much rather have a standard fork.

dusk

I have an 08 ex8, by all accounts they are better now than they were then and I love mine so I don't think you'd be disappointed