muckanddirt Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 I am looking to buy a new bike that is a pretty much an all mountain machine, decent on the climbs and fast and responsive on the descents and can take a few jumps on the way. I have been eyeing up the 'Trek fuel Ex 7 27.5' (26k in my local bike shop). I am currently riding an entry level hard tail so anything is an upgrade and I am finding it hard to be subjective. Any comments on this bike? It looks pretty decent overall but its a tad on the heavier side. Comments suggestions please!
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 pretty okay spec for that price, and the majority of the weight should be in the wheels, cassette and so on. A comparative (and IMO you'd get better value) )is the Silverback range, and then Giant. Having said that, the trek suspension design is pretty damn good, as is Giant's. 26k is the same price that you'd pay for the Giant Trance. Have a look at that and the Silverback Slider or Sprada before you pull the trigger on the Trek.
Odinson Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 The Trek is a nice bike, but if it were me, I'd go with a Silverback Slider - similar type of bike, but it comes with a RS Revelation (Slider 1), which is a much better fork than the FOX on the Trek. Also, if you can stretch your budget to the Slider 1, you also get a SRAM 1X11 drivetrain.
muckanddirt Posted April 2, 2015 Author Posted April 2, 2015 Thanks for the info guys.I was actually looking at the giant trance too but I am a bit iffy regarding the front suspension. I am a pretty small and light lady and I just don't think i will get to use all that travel (140mm). Same goes for the slider 2 (slider 1 not within my budget). Also I am a bit worried it will put me higher on the bike when I generally like to be low. I do like silverback, my current bike is silverback but I am also keen to get a bike that will have a decent resale and Trek have a good reputation and have had many years to improve their frame design. This is tricky.the_odinson I have been looking at that fox fork on the trek and cant find any reviews for this years model, maybe they fixed the various issues from last year? pretty okay spec for that price, and the majority of the weight should be in the wheels, cassette and so on. A comparative (and IMO you'd get better value) )is the Silverback range, and then Giant. Having said that, the trek suspension design is pretty damn good, as is Giant's. 26k is the same price that you'd pay for the Giant Trance. Have a look at that and the Silverback Slider or Sprada before you pull the trigger on the Trek.
popcorn_skollie Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 the ex7 is a great bike. But you mentioned the words 'all mountain machine' The slider and trance fits that description better in my book.
popcorn_skollie Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 if you want a bike with less travel and don't mind 26inch wheels I'm pretty sure you could get a 2013 meta hip hop for that kinda cash if you buy online. (I think) Its a 120mm trailbike. but very capable
Odinson Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 Let's take a few steps back. What type of riding do you do (or plan to do)?
popcorn_skollie Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 Thanks for the info guys.I was actually looking at the giant trance too but I am a bit iffy regarding the front suspension. I am a pretty small and light lady and I just don't think i will get to use all that travel (140mm). Same goes for the slider 2 (slider 1 not within my budget). Also I am a bit worried it will put me higher on the bike when I generally like to be low. I do like silverback, my current bike is silverback but I am also keen to get a bike that will have a decent resale and Trek have a good reputation and have had many years to improve their frame design. This is tricky.the_odinson I have been looking at that fox fork on the trek and cant find any reviews for this years model, maybe they fixed the various issues from last year? Just to clear things up. A bike with more travel won't necessarily put you 'higher' on the bike
muckanddirt Posted April 2, 2015 Author Posted April 2, 2015 My riding style eh!I have been riding under a year and a half and have become a bit of an mtb fanatic. I have done a lot of xc and trail riding to date. Love both for different reasons but can't afford two bikes. In the last 6 mths (when I haven't been injured) I have been wandering more towards trails and getting more technical, doing jumps and what not. I love it. So I envisage myself doing more fun stuff but also I want a bike that will take me the distance when needed. I like doing the odd mtb race but would love to do an enduro race too once I feel I have built up enough technical experience.
Odinson Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 Look for a bike in the 120-140mm travel range. At your budget, you will have to get an alu frame with mid-level spec. Don't be too caught up in the sales talk of "women have to be on 650B's". Also consider 29ers (or 26ers, if that's your thing). Options (readily available in most areas):Specialized Camber Evo (bit over budget)Trek FuelGiant TranceCannondale Rush (only 100mm travel, but slack geo and good value)Silverback SliderSilverback Sprada (more XC oriented 29er, but very capable)Fuji Outland (more XC, but nice long TT)
popcorn_skollie Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 http://www.rasmtb.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/o/commencal_meta_am2_29er_suspension_bike_2013.jpgor this2013 commencal meta am 2its a 130mm 29eryou should check if they have your sizeit costs 1500 euros (R20,000.00)you would have to do some home work.but chances are it could land in SA at your approximate budgethttp://www.commencal-store.co.uk/PBSCCatalog.asp?ItmID=12501278 contact diald bikes for a quote on what it would cost to import this for you
gummibear Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 A while back I had a Fuel Ex 9.8 27.5 for a few days and really enjoyed the bike.Actually enjoyed it more than the Santa Cruz 5010. This weekend i had a Fuel EX 9 27.5.The suspension on the bike is awesome and climbs very well. Only problem with both bikes is the wheels.They are very flexy and heavy but didn't seem to impact climbing to badly.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 A while back I had a Fuel Ex 9.8 27.5 for a few days and really enjoyed the bike.Actually enjoyed it more than the Santa Cruz 5010. This weekend i had a Fuel EX 9 27.5.The suspension on the bike is awesome and climbs very well. Only problem with both bikes is the wheels.They are very flexy and heavy but didn't seem to impact climbing to badly. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1427966713.967326.jpgYou have the Penske shock on the back there... BIG difference, according to reviewers.
gummibear Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 See now that the 7 doesn't have the RE- active dampers.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 See now that the 7 doesn't have the RE- active dampers.nope. Not yet, at least. Makes a huge difference, apparently
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