New to forum - been left a Trek Fuel, any good? Too big?

Duncan Disorderly
Duncan Disorderly Posts: 48
edited August 2012 in MTB beginners
Hello folks.

I have just found & joined this community as I've just been left a bike in my uncle's will. I've not been near a pushbike for years and I'm undecided as to whether to keep the bike or not, particularly as it seems very big.

It's a Trek Fuel EX8 and it says 18.5" Actual, 19.5" virtual (Whatever that means) I'm 5'7" and it feels big. My Uncle was almost 6', so maybe it is too big??? What size should it be for me?

Is the bike a good make? It seems to be in good condition, though obviously used but I'm certainly no expert so I don't really know what to look for regarding wear etc

any help or advice would be welcome.

thanks

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    A bit big I would think.
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  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    I'm 5'10" and my Top Fuel is the 18.5" (virtual), so I'd say that'll be a little on the large side.
  • cooldad wrote:
    A bit big I would think.

    thanks for the quick reply.

    Do you know what the 2 different sizes mean? (Actual & virtual) and what would be the downside to riding a bike that's possibly too big?

    Thanks
  • Greer_
    Greer_ Posts: 1,716
    It won't fit. Pretty much like wearing shoes two sizes too big. You'll tire quicker, will most likely be uncomfy, and you could probably damage your back. You could always try a shorter stem and changing the bars, but it sounds like you're too small for that to work. I'd say flog it and buy a bike that fits.
  • Greer_ wrote:
    It won't fit. Pretty much like wearing shoes two sizes too big. You'll tire quicker, will most likely be uncomfy, and you could probably damage your back. You could always try a shorter stem and changing the bars, but it sounds like you're too small for that to work. I'd say flog it and buy a bike that fits.

    thanks for the straight advice, it does indeed hurt my back when I tried it out. :(

    It has made me want to try a bit of cycling and I'd have liked to keep this actual bike for sentimental reasons but if this is too big, there are so many makes & models out there, is this Trek a good bike to own?

    what size should I be looking for and should I look at the virtual or the actual size (I was told that the size is measured from the centre of the pedal crank to the lip of the seat post but I just don't follow the 2 different sizes quoted on the sticker :roll: :?: :( )

    Thanks again
  • oodboo
    oodboo Posts: 2,171
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  • YeehaaMcgee
    YeehaaMcgee Posts: 5,740
    what size should I be looking for and should I look at the virtual or the actual size
    Unfortunately, because mountain bikes vary so much in shape, as well as sizing, the "size" is often a bit hit and miss.
    The main dimension you want to get right is the "length", which is the distance from the saddle to the handlebars.
    And because different bikes vary so much, the only sensible way to find one that fits is to go sit on some at a bike shop.
  • Greer_
    Greer_ Posts: 1,716
    There's a lot of factors but as long as you don't have a huge inseam, i'd be looking at bikes around 16" or 17" for starters.
  • I just read Trek's size explaination on their site but I'm still baffled :shock:

    I gather that the "Actual" size is measured in the conventional way but what it the "Virtual" size?

    thanks everyone, for your input. I gather that my bike is too big for me, so I'll sell it asap and after reading the review on the Fuel EX8, I think I'll look for a used one but in a smaller size. Anyone got one for sale? :D
  • f3ature
    f3ature Posts: 1
    I'm 5'5", and I would like to know what size of Trek Fuel EX8 should be good for me :)
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  • YeehaaMcgee
    YeehaaMcgee Posts: 5,740
    f3ature wrote:
    I'm 5'5", and I would like to know what size of Trek Fuel EX8 should be good for me :)
    Go to the "bying advice" section. Second post down.
  • I just read Trek's size explaination on their site but I'm still baffled :shock:

    I gather that the "Actual" size is measured in the conventional way but what it the "Virtual" size?

    thanks everyone, for your input. I gather that my bike is too big for me, so I'll sell it asap and after reading the review on the Fuel EX8, I think I'll look for a used one but in a smaller size. Anyone got one for sale? :D

    I now understand that the "Actual" size is what it says, like regular frame measuring and the "Virtual" size relates to the length from the seat to the bars, i.e. Trek Fuel's are a little longer in this dept. than most others of the same "Actual" frame size, so they are quoted with this larger frame size, to give an idea of the length, seat to bars.

    It baffled me :shock: but I hope this explaination will help other simple folks like me, to understand. :mrgreen:
  • Duncan Disorderly
    Duncan Disorderly Posts: 48
    edited August 2012
    Went to my local Trek shop, who said the 16.5" (actual) would fit best but after trying it, I felt like "a pea on a drum", in that I was sitting well "Over" the bars, though the clearance was good below the jewels.

    The 17.5" lost the clearance I wanted but pushed the bars to a better place.

    Would a longer stem on the smaller framed bike have a similar effect or would the geometry get messed up?
  • Oops, forgot to ask.

    If the clearance and seat height are ok and the reach from seat to bars could be adapted by changing the stem length, are there any other considerations for making sure a bike fits?
  • 16.5 sounds too small.. Ignore looking for a load of standover height, its a thing of the past. Go for the bike that feels better when you're in the saddle!
  • YeehaaMcgee
    YeehaaMcgee Posts: 5,740
    Oops, forgot to ask.

    If the clearance and seat height are ok and the reach from seat to bars could be adapted by changing the stem length, are there any other considerations for making sure a bike fits?
    Get one that fits right from the outset. Changing the stem length will not only change the effective length of the cockpit, but will also affect the steering, and the bike's fore/aft balance.
    With a bit of experience, you'll be able to tell whether or not you want to make such modifications, but for a newcomer, I'd suggest sticking with the stock geometry.
  • 16.5 sounds too small.. Ignore looking for a load of standover height, its a thing of the past. Go for the bike that feels better when you're in the saddle!

    I get what you're saying, though I don't want reminding about the stand-ove issue everytime I stop peddaling as I'm sure the past will catch up really fast :wink::mrgreen: :shock:
  • Oops, forgot to ask.

    If the clearance and seat height are ok and the reach from seat to bars could be adapted by changing the stem length, are there any other considerations for making sure a bike fits?
    Get one that fits right from the outset. Changing the stem length will not only change the effective length of the cockpit, but will also affect the steering, and the bike's fore/aft balance.
    With a bit of experience, you'll be able to tell whether or not you want to make such modifications, but for a newcomer, I'd suggest sticking with the stock geometry.

    I also see where you're coming from and I'd prefer to keep the sentimental bike I've been left. If stand-over is a "thing of the past", I could make the 18.5" framed bike fit me by drastically shortening the stem and thus the cockpit, meaning I'm not leaning so far forwards and possibly less back ache?

    However, someone said above, that this will not solve the issue. It seems a shame to have to part with my newly aquired, sentimental bike, to get one 1" lower?

    Still confused about the size thing :roll: :oops: