Thread: trek fuel ex-7

so I'm looking for a new bike. xc full suspension. the trek fuel line from 07 is on closeout with most dealers around seattle, they are getting the extra bikes in this week. the ex-7 new is going to be either 1100 or $1199. apache recon up front, fox propedal with lockout rear. disc brakes, xt rear dx/lx front. 5 inches of travel. seems like a much better deal than I can find on any other new bike for the price. spec enduro's are on closeout too but that's too much of a freeride/all mtn bike for me.

the ex-8 will be 1500 with a little more candy. feedback please.

This will help the bike smarties pick it apart.


Fuel EX 7™
FRAMESET
Sizes 15.5, 17.5, 19.5, 21.5"
Frame ZR 9000 Alloy main frame; ZR 9000 swingarm w/120mm travel
Front Suspension RockShox Recon 351 Air w/postive air pressure, Motion Control, rebound, compression, lockout, 130mm
Rear Shock Fox Float RPL w/air pressure, Pro Pedal, rebound, lockout
WHEELS
Wheels Bontrager Select
Tires Bontrager Jones XR 26x2.2/2.25", 60 tpi, folding
DRIVETRAIN
Shifters Shimano Deore, 9 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore XT
Crank Shimano Deore 44/32/22
Cassette SRAM PG950 11-34, 9 speed
Pedals Shimano 505, clipless
COMPONENTS
Saddle Bontrager Race Basic
Seat Post Bontrager Select
Handlebars Bontrager Select, 25mm rise, 31.8mm
Stem Bontrager Select, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Headset Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Avid BB-7, mechanical disc w/Avid FR-5 levers


I'd just like to say that I'm stoked you are getting a bike and there will be one more member of the PNW crew to ride with. Lets go ride soon... well as soon as my knee gets back on track (should be just a few weeks).

As for the Fuel, I don't have a personal opinion. MTBR seems to think it's decent, or at least it got good reviews. Is there any reason you want to stick with a smaller travel 120mm bike? What type of riding do you want to do?

Which brings me to the Enduro. Which model is it and how much do they want for it? If it's a regular Enduro or Enduro Elite then it wouldn't be so bad with 140mm rear wheel travel, more of a tough trail bike. Again it really depends on what kind of riding you plan to do. I'd probably opt for a special-ed enduro (if it's an enduro SL then for sure!) given the choice but I'm more the free ride type. I'd happily lug more bike up a hill to have more fun on the way down.

thanks bc-flow. that is it. i'm thinking of having the brakes upgraded to hydraulics. i've been riding a steel bontrager hard tail for 10 years. I think given the more technical nature of a lot of trails up here I will be happier on a fs, however I'd still rather ride a buff and smoove trail than a real technical one. I like an efficient good climbing bike. DH was always a bad word in my world. read some good things about ibex bikes , jamis dakar xcr, and specialized of course.