Opinion: 2020 Trek Top Fuel 9.8 vs Cube AMS TM

[Charlie600]

Dear hubbers,

 

I would really appreciate your input.

 

The trigger was about to be pulled on a new Top Fuel 9.8 XT, when I stumbled across this Cube machine. The asking price is 1100 euros less than the Trek, whilst the components seems pretty similar (and better in some respects such as the brakes etc.) - the only downside seems to be the full name of "Cube AMS 100 C:68 SLT 29 Tm"!  

 

Cube wasn't really top of mind whilst we were in SA but it s pretty big and very reputable brand in Europe - please as such do share your thoughts regarding the good, bad & ugly!

 

Link to the Cube description: https://www.cube.eu/uk/2020/bikes/mountainbike/fullsuspension/ams/cube-ams-100-c68-tm-29-greynorange-2020/ whilst the Trek's specs is pretty similar to the one in SA:

 

Link to the Trek's description: https://www.trekbikes.com/be/nl_BE/fietsen/mountainbikes/xc-mountainbikes/top-fuel/top-fuel-9-8-xt/p/31063/?colorCode=black_tealdark

 

CUBE SUMMARY:

 

 

• FRAMEC:68, Carbon Technology
• FORKFox 34 Float SC Factory, 120mm
• REAR DERAILLEURSram GX Eagle™, 10-50T, 1x12
• BRAKE SYSTEMShimano XT BR-M8120/M8100
• CRANKSETSram X1 Eagle™ Carbon, 30T
• COLOURgrey´n´orange
• SHOCKFox Float DPS Factory
• WHEELSETNewmen Evolution SL A.30
• WEIGHT11,9 kg

Edited December 7, 2019 by Charlie600

[BaGearA]

Trek will be more playful on a wider variety of trails, cube looks like A balls out race machine will suit marathon and xc tracks great but that's it, it will probably feel nervous on steeper and chunky stuff

[Eldron]

The more important question is: What do you intend using it for? What trails do you want to ride? Do you ride for fun of for time?

 

Buying stuff for value is great but only if the value suits the use.

[corrie.kuilder]

Having a Cube AMS myself, it is a hell of a lotta fun, very stiff frame and very responsive. I cannot say anything about the Trek, never had one. Personally I would go for the one with the best after sale service, regarding frame guarantee, keeping in mind that if you choose Cube, and something happens to the frame, you might have a time frame issue with the replacement. Personally, if agent back up is not a issue, I would go for the Cube. Good luck with the decision.

[Spafsack]

Two very different bikes. What kind of riding will you be doing?

[Charlie600]

Two very different bikes. What kind of riding will you be doing?

Mostly xc type of riding with smallish jumps etc. when playing around in the forest.

 

Hence wondering about the Cube's 120mm Fox Performance compared to the Trek's 120mm "normal" Fox fork, whilst the cube has XT brakes (4 piston at the front) compared to the Trek's SLX which is also a big plus (although probably more a personal perception/preference than real world implication).

 

I noticed that the cube's seat angle is 73.3 degrees and head tube angle 67.5 degrees, compared to the Trek's seat angle of 75 degrees and head tube angle of 68 - as such a little different but not completely misaligned (I'm a noob in this regard)

[Charlie600]

The more important question is: What do you intend using it for? What trails do you want to ride? Do you ride for fun of for time?

 

Buying stuff for value is great but only if the value suits the use.

 

Good shout! Indeed, it's about the fun and enjoyment element for me, although I do like to beat (some of my) mates when cycling together! 

[Spafsack]

You will have more fun with the Trek in the forest. Rock gardens, switch backs and Rooty terain. But. The cube will be faster on general MTB races. It's more of a racer in my opinion. Nice bikes though.

[MudLark]

 

 

I noticed that the cube's seat angle is 73.3 degrees and head tube angle 67.5 degrees, compared to the Trek's seat angle of 75 degrees and head tube angle of 68 - as such a little different but not completely misaligned (I'm a noob in this regard)

Trek's head angle is adjustable. You can choose either 67.5 or 68. Takes only a few minutes to change.

[Yyyy]

Might be nitpicking and might be irrelevant to anyone besides me but I cant do without Remote Lockout.......

 

Both bikes are good but that's the decisive factor for me. SO Trek

 

Unless Remote Lockout can easily be fitted to the the Cube.

Edited December 9, 2019 by YaseenEnos

[corrie.kuilder]

If XC is what you enjoy, go for the Cube, do a suspension setup along with a proper bike fit. Just enjoy what you decide

[DieselnDust]

Trek will be more playful on a wider variety of trails, cube looks like A balls out race machine will suit marathon and xc tracks great but that's it, it will probably feel nervous on steeper and chunky stuff

 

 

 

Wow amazing insight. tell me how much time have you spent on each bike to make such a definitive judgement?

 

OP,  try and get a test ride. the two bikes are so similar in numbers that trying to tell them apart on paper is almost impossible. 

[RobertWhitehead]

My opinion, (this is not always worth much):

 

Take the bike that you like the looks of the most  . I believe both brands are fantastic and one may have certain elements on the one that is better than on the other, like the brakes you already mentioned.

 

All the items can easily be swopped out at a later stage but if the bike does not appeal to you then it can be the best components / bike on the market but you won't be happy. 

 

Just note: This is my opinion about the two options the OP has listed  .

[solty]

Have a look at Pinkbike's test of the Top Fuel:

 

https://m.pinkbike.com/news/field-test-2020-trek-top-fuel-the-featherweight-that-packs-a-powerful-punch.html