Anthem X1 or Trek Fuel Ex9???????

[Palaeodom]

Any ideas? Both machines get amazing ratings and writeups on BikeRadar.

 

Fuel seems developed for harder trail but weighs the same as the anthem which is a trail/XC race demon apparently.

 

 

Opinions? Both sell for the same sort of price second hand too.

[Benjamin]

For me the Trek is the way to go. I have an EX8 and absolutely loved it. I have just, as in this week changed to a 29er but kept the Trek for my wife. Jst the most amazing, plush suspension system, that goes anywhere. Done all sorts of riding from Sani to cruising in the berg, to classic races and no problems. They have sorted the suspension system under braking brilliantly IMO. For me worked best set up with tubeless crossmarks but thats just me. Good luck.

My mate who I ride with plenty has an Anthem which he loves. We are about the same level riders and often finish about the same places, so can't say one of the 2 is quicker than the other.

Edited February 5, 2012 by Benjamin

[steveO:K]

I agree with Benjamin. I have owned and ridden both extensively. They are both fantastic bikes.

 

I found the trek was plusher and handled better in the singletrack.

 

The trek has a rear wheel bias (more weight on the rear wheel) And it handled really nicely. If anything the anthem climbed slightly better.

 

Note: a few ex framed have cracked. Guys ride them too hard.

 

If you are going to buy second hand check the bike out thoroughly.

 

good luck