Trek Fuel EX 6.5

[slabs]

Anyone have an opinion on this bike? See this link for specs - http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_full_suspension/fuel_ex/fuelex65/

Think you can get them for around R20K

[MoreTrails]

Mate of min has one and dig's his! Trek are supposed to worked out all the kinks and updates with its rear suspension and it performs well. Looks to be getting pretty good reviews in the mags too.

 

Take one for a test ride, best way to find out if you like it or not... At 20k you got options too

 

[Sean Badenhorst]

 

Test rode a Fuel EX 5.5 for many weeks and loved it! Great allround bike. Assume the 6.5 will be similar if not slightly better. They have the same rear-suss design I think. Trek's new rear-suss design starts one model up from the 6.5, but that's where the price gets higher too.

 

The 6.5 has a better brake system and front fork than the 5.5, which are two things I would have eventually upgraded on the 5.5 if it was my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sean Badenhorst2009-05-12 09:40:52

[MoreTrails]

Sorry bout that, thought had revised the suspension across the board - guess we have to wait for the trickle down effect.

Consider me suitably informed

 

[Sean Badenhorst]

 

Sorry bout that' date=' thought had revised the suspension across the board - guess we have to wait for the trickle down effect.

Consider me suitably informed

 

[/quote']

 

Agree. New design will probably trickle down to all models from 2010 range. Still, I couldn't find any fault in the previous design.

 

 

 

[slabs]

One more thing, I am looking at doing some serious riding e.g. the Freedom Challenge in the next year.

By what I am reading the bike seems that it will do the trick? Am really looking for good comfort with some good reliable parts...

[Rob22]

I have the 6.5 and find it a great bike, the components are great and its a nice ride. I am not a serious rider but I have enjoyed this bike a lot.

[Sean Badenhorst]

 

One more thing' date=' I am looking at doing some serious riding e.g. the Freedom Challenge in the next year.

By what I am reading the bike seems that it will do the trick? Am really looking for good comfort with some good reliable parts...

[/quote']

 

Jeez! That is serious riding. Reliability is key it would seem in that event. Have you considered a lighter (second-hand) dual susser? Tim James, last year's Freedom Challenge winner, is riding a SCOTT Spark this year.

 

 

 

[slabs]

It is serious, but I am a great sceptic when it comes to spending fortunes on bikes. Even the Freedom can be broken down into 100km a day for a person not racing it, that is not too bad ...

 

I'll have a look at the Scott. As mentioned am only doing it next year and thus would like to see the options. Big thing is the comfort and reliability of the bike as mentioned earlier.

[SeanScalpel]

I bought a Top Fuel 7 just the other day.

 

 

 

Top Fuel = Light weight, shorter travel efficiency (90-100mm) for fast (race) cross country riding types.

 

 

 

Fuel EX = More travel (120mm) and stronger (heavier) construction for general abuse/fun.

 

 

 

Found this as well on Dirt Rag:

 

Trek's Fuel EX 9 is designed for "extended travel for extended rides," according to Zap Espinoza, Trek's Product Manager. In 2005, Trek split the Fuel into two distinct product lines. The higher-end, all carbon Top Fuel line, with 3" of front and rear travel, is geared toward weight-conscious, high-level cross-country racers like those who follow the NORBA national circuit. I tested the Fuel EX 9 which is at the top end of the Fuel EX line. Relative to the Top Fuel, the EX line features slightly heavier but sturdier bikes oriented toward riders like me who prefer long rides and rugged backcountry terrain, but still enjoy an occasional dose of racing-induced adrenaline, particularly in single-lap, endurance type cross country events.SeanGT2009-05-14 06:10:01