Fuel vs Trance

[L.T.G]

Hey Hubbers,

 

I'm looking at getting myself a full suspension bike.

I've been doing a bit of homework on the issue and had pretty much decided that an '09 Trek fuel EX8 was the one for me, till i delved into matter even more and realized I'd be way better off finding an '08 EX9.....then today someone turned my decision making world on it's head by telling about  the Giant Trance XO and X1.....

 

what are your thoughts?

XO vs EX9

     OR

X1 vs EX8

 

 

 

 

[cat-i]

 

go ride all of them. one of them will just feel totally like your bike. that's the one.

 

i bought a trance 2008 (x1) about a month and a half ago, and love evertyhing about it 

 

 

 

cat-i2009-04-12 11:55:51

[Daxiet]

No real insight into the Trek Fuel, but my wife has a Trance and I have tried riding it just recently. Not very impressed with the ride profile, it should be awesome for descending serious declines, but I think it must be a pain to climb with. Best described it feels like I would imagine a Harley Chopper would. Very steep angle on the front fork, with your weight very far back.

If you want to compare the Trek with its true competition in the Giant stable, you would need to look at the Anthem X0 or X1.

 

I think the Anthem X0 (R38K-40K) is over priced, perhaps has the components to warrant costing ~11K more than the X1 (R25K-27K), but still a tall ask. I recommend the Anthem X1, weighs in at 11.5kgs, is a XC machine and is designed to race unlike the Trance.

 

Just don't go for the Trance if it is a XC racer you're looking for.

Daxiet2009-04-12 13:26:04

[cat-i]

 

no, the trance is not an xc racing bike.  you probably won't need all that travel on normal stuff anyway ... the trance just LOVE technical rocky climbs, though. and it will probably feel offended if you allow any xc-bike to reach the bottom of the rutted downhill singletrack before you

 

the harley-position is very comfortable, even on longer rides (did an 80 with it on thursday night, and 50 at NF the day after, and no aches or pains.

 

cat-i2009-04-12 13:39:06

[Daxiet]

no' date=' the trance is not am xc racing bike.  you probably won't need all that travel on normal stuff anyway ... the trance just LOVE technical rocky climbs, though. and it will probably feel offended if you allow any xc-bike to reach the bottom of the rutted downhill singletrack before you

the harley-position is very comfortable, even on longer rides (did an 80 with it on thursday night, and 50 at NF the day after, and no aches or pains.

[/quote']

 

Glad to see my post did not offend you, the Trance is definetly built for comfort. I recall your post some time ago, regarding the Trance, glad you're happy with your buy, considering I was one of those encouraging the purchase .

 

 

[cat-i]

haha daxiet very little of what you would say about my bike would offend me ... i just love it, no matter what anyone else says or thinks

 

 

 

[jagwil]

Why is everybody so keen on Trek or Giant. What about Scott, Gary Fisher, Specialized or Mongoose or for that matter Marin???? 

[Jono]

Hey,

 

I picked up a '08 Ex9 a few months ago and have been very happy with the purchase. I ride some technical and some XC and I find the bike is great for both, oh and I reckon it climbs well too

[perp]

 

Why stop there, what about a cruz?

He did ask about Giant vs Trek.

Wife rides a Giant and loves it but now building up a all rounder cruz for her.

As suggested, ride both bikes and see which one works for you.

Probably the best advice?

 

perp2009-04-12 13:53:22

[Daxiet]

Not sure about Trek, but Giant's prices are still "ok", Scott are very expensive in 09. I think the same applies to Gary Fischer, Specialized and well Marin I know are very rare - probably pricey as well.

 

The specs on the Anthem X0 and X1 are very good, focusing more on the X1, it is a really good off the shelf issue at "ok" price. Plus in its price bracket is one of the lighter DS's. Take the Merida HFS 3000D, weighs ~12.5-12.75kgs and is ~1K more expensive than the Anthem X1.

 

So while price is a consideration, Giant will get a lot of attention. Would be keen to hear what the Trek's retail for.

 

[jagwil]

Santa Cruz, Yeti, Orange (if we could get them) 

[Daxiet]

Think cat-i and perp's advice is the most sound, test ride the bikes you are interested in and then make a decision. What works for me or the next guy may not work for you.

[perp]

Agreed and thats why I like the ride before you buy idea.

Wish everyone would jump on the bandwagon and get bikes out there to test ride especially with the cost of some of the machines out there now.

 

[L.T.G]

Thanks guys...appreciating the help.

please keep the feedback coming....

 

[Daxiet]

Thanks guys...appreciating the help.
please keep the feedback coming....

Just out of interest, what pricing have you got on the 2 Trek bikes? Very keen to see.

[L.T.G]

haven't as yet on the EX9, still waiting (the '09 model is just ridiculously priced, hence rather looking for an '08) and the  '09 EX8 quotes between 31500 and 35000. was quoted 30K on a  '09 Trance X1 yesterday.

what's your feel on GT's?