Trek 2013 Remedy V's Fuel EX... Or something else?..

dredgey

Hi all,

New to the forum so, first post!

I've tried looking under the search function but can't quite find the answers I'm looking for. I've also looked online generally but all the reviews seem to be for older models...

I'm looking to progress from a Trek hardtail to a full suspenion as I have found my ability has improved as I have progressed on the terrain I'm tackling. I'm still cycling a lot of single track but am now venturing into a bit of down hill and jumps/drops.

I'd like to stick with a Trek and am considering either a Fuel Ex 7 or a Remedy 7.... OR, I could stretch the budget and look at a Fuel EX 8 or Remedy 8.

So I guess I need know if anyone has any experiences of the 2013 models. In addition if anyone has any advice regarding the components of the above bikes that would be greatly apreciated.

Links to the bikes in question:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mo ... uel_ex_7/# £2,000
OR
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mo ... remedy_7/# £2,00

---

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mo ... fuel_ex_8# £2,300
OR
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mo ... /remedy_8# £2,400



Thanks

rockmonkeysc

When you say downhill do you actually mean downhill or just trail centre type stuff? If you actually mean downhill then the Trek Slash is better suited.
The Remedy is a great bike but the Fox DRCV forks are nasty. DRCV works in rear shocks but not forks. So I would go for the Remedy 7.
You would get a lot more for your money from Rose BIkes or YT industries though.

dredgey

Thanks for the reply.

Apologies, yes I just mean centre type stuff not actual mountain type/competition type.

Interesting your suggesting opting for the cheaper of the Remedy bikes - what makes the Fox DRCV forks so bad? Also interesting you havn't passed judgment on the Ex Fuels.

I'm not familiar with Rose Bikes or YT industries but I will check them out.

jonny2773

I've just bought the remedy 8 last week and have yet to ride it due to the weather over the past week so can't give you a recomendation based over time.
I have had both the ex8 and the remedy8 out on demo on the same day loved both bikes.
They can both handle all your average trail centre can throw at them and performed brilliantly.
It really depends what you want from the bike which influences your final decision, the ex8 is lighter and is better suited cc/trail centre riding whereas the remedy8 is more enduri/am and is the burlier of the 2.

While I agree the drcv shock on the rear is flawless when paired with the full floater setup on the treks, but I disagree with the comments about the front, the new models have been much improved over last year's bikes and provide a buttery smooth ride which I've found hard to match on any other bike.

Another plus point is the ctd and the way these bikes climb, my body shape is more suited for gravity aided riding but either bike makes it less of a chore getting up there.

Downsides to the the bikes your looking at,
The tyres, the bounty xr3 are wafer thin and while they are generally an ok tyre are prone to punctures and we all hate having to stop mid ride to change a tube, and when it gets muddy they lose what little appeal they once had when
the front end threatens to wash out from under you.....these I have already changed

The only other downside, and this more a personal thing for me is the brakes on the 7 range, I passionately dislike the avid's and went for the 8 range because the shimano's are vastly superior and the stopping power is fantastic.

I hope this helps somewhat and I'm sure you won't be disappointed with whichever bike you choose

dredgey

Thanks for the reply jonny, useful to hear your thoughts. Also useful to hear another opinion about the forks.

I'm coming from a trek 6300 which I bought in 2007. In spite of it having some components on it that have had some poor reviews (for example rock shock dart, avid juicy 3), I've been very happy with it. So if I've been pleased with those, I'm really looking forward to getting a bike with some "good" components! so your comments on the brakes are particularly useful.

What was your main factor for choosing the remedy 8 over the ex8? Also, what tyres did you upgrade to?

jonny2773

I felt as though my skills would progress and would leave me wanting more of a bike than the ex8 could offer, and with such an expensive purchase I wanted to buy a 5 year bike rather than a 2 year bike.

The remedy is more bike than I can use, but this gives me scope to grow into it, I also quite fancy a bit of enduro in the not too distant future.

And if I'm brutally honest, the amount of trees that jump out on me and the amount of times I fall off I think the remedy would stand up to it more.

dredgey

Very valid points and I especially like your logic regarding indestructibility!

jonny2773

Oh tyres, I missed that bit :shock:

I have setup I really find works for me I use a schwalbe Hans dampf 2.35 trailstar compound on the front and a 2.2 nobby nic pacestar on the rear, this gives me plenty of grip up front and allows it to get a bit loose at back, and that adds to fun in my eyes which ultimately is what riding is about.

I would also say that tyre choice is very much a personal thing and everyone has there own favourites depending on where they ride and their style of riding, but what I will say is that I have never heard a bad word said against the Han Dampf

dredgey

Thanks, always good to know despite tyre choice being a personal decision.

One last question - Pedals. I'm using clipless Shimano spd's, do people use clipless pedals with these types of bikes? Am I right in thinking pedals are not supplied?

dusk

Having just replaced an ex8 I think it would be fine for what riding you say you're going to be doing, I did plenty on mine and the newer model is even more AM orientated. I see too many people on big enduro style bikes when they really don't need them for their ability, try to test some out as more often than not the bike is far more capable than the rider!

And if you like spd's stick with them, changing bikes is no reason to ditch them (unless you're taking up trials!)

jonny2773

Again very much horses for courses, I have never rode spd's so can't comment on them.

But again from a personal preservation point of view I don't like the idea falling of with the bike bolted to my feet so I use flats and went for a pair of spank spikes in red and they look fantastic.

For every rider you see with spd's you will see another with flats

dredgey

Pedals- good, thats what I was hoping. The spds seem like simple robust items that I have now get used to after many dicey moments (and a few embarrasing stationary ones too). I just wanted to check in case clipless pedals were deemed as the wrong set up for a full sus.

Dusk, thanks for the comments too. Very valid point about buying a bike to match ability but I do like jonny's point about having something to progress into. I bought the hardtail for that very reason- start at a basic level and build up. That was nearly six years ago now though! But I am concious not to buy out of my depths and I've seen a few myself who have clearly bought bikes just for show. Personally I'd feel silly on the most extremist/expensive bike unless I could back it up with ability.

Forgive my ignorance, I think I roughly know what enduro is but whats AM? Although I go to the local trail centre occaisionally (Swinley Forest), I do most of my biking on MOD ground as I prefer the natural terrain instead of purpose made. Should this preference reflect on bike choice?

dusk

AM is all mountain, a bit of a generic term but I guess fits between xc and enduro. From where you say you ride I just get the feeling that the lighter weight of the ex would benefit you more than the extra bounce of a remedy, you'd be amazed at just what an ex8 can stand up to!

dredgey

Ah! I should have guessed that!

The light nimble feel of a bike is important so the ex is attractive. I do like the 'one for all' aspect of the remedy though. I'll try both before buying for sure.

Having looked at the spec of both, the seem identicle but regarding the derailleurs- are they of the same standard from the ex8 to the remedy 8? They have an almost identicle name, so I'm guessing if there is any diffence, I wouldn't notice.

Seems stretching the budget to an '8' is worth it though?

dusk

Yes I think the 8 is worth the extra, not sure about the remedy but I know the fuel ex has a better frame on the 8 compared to the 7.

The ex8 rear mech is shadow plus so it has a clutch in it to stop chain slap so you don't need a chain device

jonny2773

The difference with the rear derailiers is the 'plus' it a cltch in the rear mech that basically keep the chain tighter and avoid chain slap in rougher terrain.

The 8 series is certainly worth the extra for the drcv fork, the upgraded drivetrain and stopping kit.

Im going to throw a spanner in the works and if i could have demo'd one it might have changed my final choice as to which bike i bought........£100 more buys you this

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.u ... 20Evo%2026

it comes with dropper post, double and bash setup and is meant to be an absolute pleasure to ride, but im sure that whichever bike to decide on you wont be disapointed.

dredgey

Thanks guys, so the 'plus' sounds like a better bit of kit, I guess I'd notice the difference a little but it sounds like a fairly minor difference possibly? Whats a chain device?

Hmm that Specialized does look good...

jonny2773

A device for your chain......

Its a little bit of kit that adds tension to your chain and is meant to prevent your chain leaving the crank, its a bit of kit you can add later.

http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/a72148 ... tAodlREAQg

Cheap, small and easy to install, ive got 1 on order

dredgey

Ahhhh! I wondered what those gizmo's did!

jairaj

I test rode the 2012 versions of Feul EX and the Remedy they are very similar to the 2013 version. Both are very nice bikes and very little difference in the quality of the spec.

The Trek Fuel EX is a very capable bike I was very comfortable riding it down steep and technical terrain. I wasn't as fast on the downs as the Remedy but was a lot more capable than you would think it was. The frame is very stiff and confidence inspiring.

The Remedy was pretty much the same but with more travel and slacker angles so you could you push the bike more. It didn't climb as well but was still very good for a bike with that amount of travel.

The DRCV fork can be a bit hit and miss some people like it some people don't. I think they have also added more adjustment to it too? I'd say to go on a demo ride to make your own mind up.

Which one to choose? Depends on the riding and your ride style. As said the Fuel EX is more capable than you think. If you are doing trail centre type stuff (including black grade things) and maybe once or twice a year going to a proper DH place then the Fuel EX is the one I'd choose.

If you regularly want to do drops of greater than 1m and large jumps or want to ride proper DH trails more than a handful times a year then the Remedy would be the best choice. But anything short of that I'd go for Fuel EX.

jairaj

dusk wrote:

... I know the fuel ex has a better frame on the 8 compared to the 7

Are you sure? I spent a long time discussing frames and specs with the dealer. There are basically 2 frames a Alu one and a Carbon one. Very little between the Alu frames eg some might come with an rock protector but the actual frame is identical.

dusk

I was just reading about it a couple of days ago, I think it has e type mount front mech, iscg05 mount, press fit bottom bracket and possibly bolt through axle but don't quote me on that! They're not massive differences but should make the better frames slightly more upgrade friendly/future proof

rockmonkeysc

dusk wrote:

you'd be amazed at just what an ex8 can stand up to!

You'd be amazed how easily the seat stays snap. I know two people who have snapped them (one has also cracked a seat tube) and a quick search on the web finds loads of others.It seems to b a common problem through the Trek full sus range including their harder hitting bikes like the Slash, Scratch & Session.

dredgey

Thanks for additional posts. I'm set on stretching the budget for an '8'.

But some very good cases for both bikes. I will try them out first but so far my heart is telling me Remedy and my head is telling me Fuel EX...

I'll be heading down to the shop at the end of the month.

jairaj

Just go for a demo ride on both. When you find the correct one your head and heart will tell you the same thing.

jonny2773

dredgey wrote:

Thanks for additional posts. I'm set on stretching the budget for an '8'.

But some very good cases for both bikes. I will try them out first but so far my heart is telling me Remedy and my head is telling me Fuel EX...

I'll be heading down to the shop at the end of the month.

It all sounds very familiar to me 2 weeks ago....i went with the heart

dusk

RockmonkeySC wrote:

dusk wrote:

you'd be amazed at just what an ex8 can stand up to!

You'd be amazed how easily the seat stays snap. I know two people who have snapped them (one has also cracked a seat tube) and a quick search on the web finds loads of others.It seems to b a common problem through the Trek full sus range including their harder hitting bikes like the Slash, Scratch & Session.

It might be certain years but mine was faultless, in fact it was so capable it convinced me to sell my dh bike.

Maybe i'm just a super smooth rider....

RevellRider

jairaj wrote:

dusk wrote:

... I know the fuel ex has a better frame on the 8 compared to the 7

Are you sure? I spent a long time discussing frames and specs with the dealer. There are basically 2 frames a Alu one and a Carbon one. Very little between the Alu frames eg some might come with an rock protector but the actual frame is identical.

There are actually 2 versions of the alloy frame. They are both made from 'Alpha Platinum' alloy and both have the ABP Convert suspension design, but the Fuel EX 7 and below have a cheaper frame. It lacks the pressfit bb, direct mount front mech, ISCG mounts and internal routing for the Reverb, gears and brakes

sofaboy73

demo both and see which you prefer.

i've owned an ex7 and demo'd a remedy and for me personally the remedy won hands down. not light and day differnce in climbing ability and the remedy was more fun on the down. found the ex a little too twitchy / qucik handling due to the steeper head angle.

I would always personally prefer to have 'too' much bike and not need it rather than need the extra and find i don't have it!

rockmonkeysc

dusk wrote:

RockmonkeySC wrote:

dusk wrote:

you'd be amazed at just what an ex8 can stand up to!

You'd be amazed how easily the seat stays snap. I know two people who have snapped them (one has also cracked a seat tube) and a quick search on the web finds loads of others.It seems to b a common problem through the Trek full sus range including their harder hitting bikes like the Slash, Scratch & Session.

It might be certain years but mine was faultless, in fact it was so capable it convinced me to sell my dh bike.

Maybe i'm just a super smooth rider....

I know people who have snapped trek seat stays on 2010 & 2012 bikes. The 2010 bike has recently snapped the seat stays on the replacement rear triangle.

symanoy

I was in a similar position a while back, deciding whether to get a bigger more capable more bike or a lighter more versatile one and was looking at these exact same models. Rode both at Coed y Brenin in the summer. The fuel handled everything very well taking technical singletrack, rocks drops etc quite comfortably, pedals great and climbs very well!
The remedy was noticeably more capable giving your more confidence over the rough stuff and requiring less skill from the rider, but was noticeably heavier on more flowing single track with less gradient to give you speed so felt less nippy and manoeuvrable. It climbs better than you would expect for such a big bike, but is much harder work than the fuel.

I think it depends where you ride, a fuel is adequate for most stuff, unless you live in Scotland, maybe Wales or somewhere else with some serious gradient to do some more downhill stuff, or your going to the alps regularly, I'd stick to a fuel, I'd rather have to work harder on the downhills than get frustrated lugging a big bike up the ups!

In the end I got myself a Giant Trance that the previous owner had upgraded with a 140mm fork, This is a nice in-between bike, more capable than a 120mm trail bike, but still climbs and pedals like one. Im really pleased with it, taking it on cross country rides in the Surrey Hills and downhill runs in the Chilterns.

A 140mm like a specialized stumpjumper or a lapierre Zesty may be a better in between bike for you?