peyperj Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 Hi guys just posted my introduction. I am a newbie to mtb. Had a full suspension mtb many years ago and currently have a very old GT Avalanche 1.0.I want to get back into riding and seeing that I live in Durbanville I want to make use and enjoy the many trails there is.I am maybe aiming too high with the current mtb I'm looking at. Hopefully you guys can assist and guide a rookie like me. I'm around 1.81m and 96kg. Looking to ride with friends and family. I used to ride dirt bike in high school. So I like the dirt!Not looking to be competitive but better my riding and get fit and STAY fit. After many days of reading forums etc. I made up my mind on a Trek Fuel EX 8 29.But now I am confused as to which model will be the better purchase.... From what I understand is that the Fuel EX 8 27.5+ can more easily upgrade to 29 wheels than the EX 8 29 to 27.5+ wheels.Why I would need the option to ride 29 and 27.5+, that I do not know.I need loads more experience and would like to purchase a mtn that can last me very very long.Hope me explanation is clear and does not confuse you guys. Cheers Sent from my WAS-LX1A using Tapatalk
matthieup Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 All I can say is you won't go wrong with a Fuel EX8. I ride it in 29' XL and I love it. Also the 29x2.4 tires are great for a fatty like me
Piston ZA Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 Excellent choice, they are awesome bikes. Although I have the 29er EX5, if I were you, I would probably lean more towards the 27.5+. It has the 140mm fork, as opposed to the 130mm on the 29er. So it will be easier to run it as a 29er in future if you want (plus it gives you an extra 10mm travel). If you got the 29er and wanted to run 27.5+ in future, it would make it more difficult as you would also need to get a new fork. From what I've read and seen, the 27.5+ is going to have more grip in corners and tech sections, but is more sensitive to incorrect tyre pressures (you have get the pressures pretty spot on - somebody else can maybe explain this better) and may not roll as well as a 29er. There is a dedicated Trek Fuel EX thread (see below), which may have covered this in the past. https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/169958-2018-trek-fuel-ex/
peyperj Posted February 13, 2018 Author Posted February 13, 2018 Thanks guys. Appreciate your advice. I was thinking the exact same thing. To Rather get the 27.5 and just get extra set op 29's later.I am reading all the Trek Fuel and 26 / 27.5+ / 29, threads.... So much info! Sent from my WAS-LX1A using Tapatalk
Skinnyone Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 I have ridden both and loved both, the EX+ is a bit more sensitive to tyre pressure variations, whereas the 29 isn't - by this I mean the feeling will be vastly different between 1.5 and 1.8 bar on the plus sized bike.... I would personally go with the plus size as it does offer the versatility in terms of being able to fit 29er wheels comfortably should you wish....
anybody seen george? Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 You, sir, made a good decision! I second the all the above. I went for the 29er as I just like the way I fit in it. (1.84cm 94kg)The plus size tires "should" give you more grip but as mentioned you have to get the pressure spot on else the ride sucks a bit. I said "should" because the amount of grip available on the 29er with the stock standard 2.4 tires is already crazy, i have to work really hard to get the back end to misbehave.So I am partial to the big wheels One thing to consider though is stem length. I have weirdly short arms and long legs and the stock 60mm is a little long for me, thus i struggle to get my weight back far enough. So now I need to find a knock block 35mm stem to put on. So maybe talk to the shop about that as well. If you set up on the bike correctly the wheel size is not going to make a difference!
Skinnyone Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 Trek do supply a Knock Block spacer so that you can utilize a standard stem - just ensure it can accommodate the 35mm bar....
peyperj Posted February 13, 2018 Author Posted February 13, 2018 Again, thanks guys! Appreciate all the advice Sent from my WAS-LX1A using Tapatalk
ChrisF Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 At 1,76, I own a 27,5'' bike and a 29'' TREK EX5. At your length - 29'' ! Absolutely LOVE my TREK. The geometry and handling is just superb. What gear set are you getting ? Many (most) bikes in this price range now comes in a 1x (single front ring) setup. The downside with this is that you either have a very low climbing gear, OR you have top speed - depending on the size of the front gear.... never both Your fitness level, and your leg strength will determine if you can handle the Tygerberg hills with a 32 or 34 ring up front ... or if you may need a smaller ring up front. Try to get hold of a demo bike (any bike, as long as it has the 1x gearing) and go do a couple of HILLS, then after the first 45 minutes go tackle a proper hill ..... you will quickly know what gearing you need. a 2x setup may well be better at this stage (if you are unfit and unsure of your capabilities)
peyperj Posted February 13, 2018 Author Posted February 13, 2018 Thanks for your advice ChrisF Sent from my WAS-LX1A using Tapatalk
peyperj Posted March 19, 2018 Author Posted March 19, 2018 Here she is! [emoji2] Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
ChrisF Posted March 20, 2018 Posted March 20, 2018 How did the gearing feel for Meerendal ? Last weekend in Hermanus I was almost wishing for more topend .... but the eaze of gear changes when the trail quickly change from DOWN to UP is just SO nice with the 1x .... frankly more top-end in the trail might have landed me in trouble. All things considered, still very happy with the 1x. If my knees keep on improving, as it did over the last 18 months, then I may increase the front-ring at some point .... no hurry.
peyperj Posted March 20, 2018 Author Posted March 20, 2018 How did the gearing feel for Meerendal ? Last weekend in Hermanus I was almost wishing for more topend .... but the eaze of gear changes when the trail quickly change from DOWN to UP is just SO nice with the 1x .... frankly more top-end in the trail might have landed me in trouble. All things considered, still very happy with the 1x. If my knees keep on improving, as it did over the last 18 months, then I may increase the front-ring at some point .... no hurry.I only go up to Stairway To Heaven..... Today was second time. Gearing seem to be fine.... I'm just super unfit. Also very new to all this 1x...gearing.Still learning how things work Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
ChrisF Posted March 21, 2018 Posted March 21, 2018 If the gearing is "fine" while unfit, then it can only get better as your legs get back in the game ENJOY !
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