The Ultimate Mountain Bike Showdown: Trek Fuel EX vs. Slash
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:16 - What to expect
01:13 - Similarities
04:53 - Differences
09:32 - The question we are all asking?
09:50 - How much does a size large Trek Slash weigh?
10:29 - How much does a size large Fuel EX weigh?
10:56 - Knock Block 2.0 versus Regular headset
11:31 - Climb challenge! Slash versus Fuel EX
15:40 - Does a Trek Slash climb good?
16:54 - Send It! (Drop challenge) Slash vs Fuel EX
19:30 - Final thoughts - Спорт
Hey My guy really appreciate you whipping up a real world video like this. Been looking into these two bikes for my first serious MTB and it has certainly helped alot with deciding whats right for me.
All the best from AUS.
Glad to have helped. Thanks for letting me know 👍
Jarod, Mate that's the best side by side reviews iv watched for these two bikes and really something to think about, Nice work !!
Thank you 👍 that means a lot
Perfect timing for this video! Thank you 👊
So glad to have helped
My remedy 8 comes in tomorrow. Ive got a Ex8 (2018), gonna be exciting to take out that more Enduro style fun remedy! Thanks for the video!
The remedy is an amazing MTB. Stoked for you!
Best comparison video I've seen so far
Thanks 🙏🏻 that really means a lot 👍
Great video - appreciate the analysis!!
Thank you 👍
I prefer the giant Trance X advanced. I test drove all these bikes. And decided to go with giant the ergonomics fit me and it was specked very well and had a carbon frame, so it was very light
Heck yeah! So many good bikes these days. Got to go with what’s right for you.
Fuel Ex is the swiss knife of bike.
Definitely 👍 unless you’re sending drops to flat 😂 that almost went bad 😬
Depends. For my area, Top Fuel is. 130/120 and 28lbs weight. It’s a bullet 🔥
When I had the Slash 8. It literally did everything I wanted. Also rode the fuel and iked it but I love big bikes. Now I'm on the 23 S-Works Enduro I built up and so far it's my favorite. Love the videos brotha. . You and a few others have given me inspiration to start my channel 🎉 nothing big just riding
Stoked for you bro! Keep up those riding vids.
@@JaredHoff thank you brotha! 🤘
Great info. Got back into MTBing after about 15 years. Told the wife I wouldn't be doing anything too crazy, just light trail stuff so went with a Trek Marlin 5. Hit one decent trail and I'm back into the crazier, techy stuff...but on a Marlin 5!! So underbiked it's silly.
I'm now doing my own build of the Trek Fuel EX 8. I've been buying the parts as I find them, mainly takeoffs or very lightly used. I've upgraded the entire drive train, brakes etc to all Shimano XT across the board. Front fork is upgraded to a Fox 36 160 mm travel, just because it was a good deal. Carbon wheels, upgraded the rear tire to the Bontrager SR4, etc. Just waiting to see if the frame set drops a little in price so I can grab one, or maybe get a slightly used one.
It will be a nice winter project for me, ready for next season. Really looking forward to hitting the trails next year with it. My body will be too 😅
Finishing up, I will say Trek builds a decent bike, even at the lower range. I have beaten the crap out of the Marlin 5 and it keeps on chugging along.
EX 8 is a bike that can handle so much. Great choice 👍
The landing to flat on your video Jared, is for me the reason I am still happy that I bought the Slash8.
It gets me into what I would consider difficult riding and then just ploughs through what-ever it is, without a fuss and reminds me that, that was too easy 😂
Totally agree with you! That’s the first time I’ve sent drops back-to-back on both and the Slash makes it easy.
@JaredHoff what do you think would happen to the bike if you did that on a hardtail like a roscoe 8? Break the wheel? Nothing?
Drop test told me everything I needed to know. Was thinking of moving down to the new Fuel EX Gen 6 as a replacement for my stolen Slash 8 Gen 4 since everything in the new lineup has gotten more aggressive in general. Wanted to see just how burly the new Fuel EX has become, and I think you found the limit! I want more sendability, I'll be going with the Slash once again. Thanks for doing the one test that is most important to me!
Glad I helped. Until that drop I actually thought the Fuel EX was enough bike for me. But there definitely a reason why enduro bikes come with extra suspension travel
Here in Southeastern Michigan, we have a lot of blue trails, and a few black diamond trails. They have jumps and some flow, but not a lot. The Fuel EX would be my pick.
Definitely sounds like the Fuel EX would be the right bike for the riding you do.
Damn! That was strong climbing from you at a stand still, haha.
Thank bro! I was gassed at the top after the second climb. GoPro doesn’t do it justice. Steep 😬
Great video man 👍
Thanks man 👍
Great content! 🏆
Thank you 🙏🏻
Best video ever thanks 🙏🏻
Thank you for the feedback 👍
Nice video, I went from a trek fuel ex 7 2018 model to a trance X advance pro 2021 from Giant, hard to feel the difference but with the trance I have not being able to achieve the times I did with the trek when climbing, I do feel much better the trance when descending
I’d trade of the uphill speed for downhills performance though 👍
Great video
Appreciate the feedback 👍
I LOVE the look of the Fuel! Something about that triangle at the seat post just does it for me.
Same hear. I’m loving the way my EX7 looks with the orange Fox 36 fork on it
@JaredHoff well I'll be right there with you, when I can afford it some day 😅
Thanks a lot u helped me to choose
Thanks for letting me know. That’s what it’s all about.
For having briefly tried both I like the fuel better but the slash looks more like something I'd like to be showy about.
Word! The latest version of the Fuel EX has me riding it. But I think they’re about to redesign the Slash 🤔
Ex for me. I’ve road my 2018 ex 5 pretty hard on local trails and at bachelor. I do want to upgrade to the new ex 8 with the 140 rear. My ex 5 only has 130 rear and I’ve definitely bottomed out a bunch.
Bro! First of all, we need to ride at Bach together sometime. Second, 2018 EX5 on those true Black Diamond trails 😯 props 🤘
I have a large Slash 8. My mate has a medium Fuel EX 9.8. I'm 5'11" so I can kinda ride both sizes. The Slash eats up chunky rock gardens and big drops but the Fuel EX 9.8 is just sweet for climbs and I feel it jumps better. -as long as the landing is sweet. The Trek 8 is the top of the line aluminium. The 9.8 the top of the line carbon.
Definitely 👍
Video idea, comparison of the carbon bars, something like one up carbon bars vs raceface carbon vs trail one
Definitely 👍 I’ll look into that. The guys @worldwidecyclery did a similar vid, but it’s a bit outdated so it didn’t include the Trail One.
This video help me a lot. I’m looking to add a Trek full suspension to my collection. I bought a Roscoe 8 last year and I’m sold on trek. I think you’ve posted me toward a fuel ex 8 but an axis model. I’m sold on sram.
Definitely 👍 I would keep the Roscoe though. It’s always good to have a Hardtail in the lineup.
@@JaredHoff oh for sure. I bought the Roscoe after a buddy bought one and wouldn’t stop bragging about how good it is. The Roscoe is a phenomenal hardtail, the best I’ve ever ridden. I’ve swapped my fork for a RS pike to cut weight.
Great video. Want to find the same thing for the carbon bikes.
That would be awesome! Unfortunately, I can’t get my hands on those right now.
Can you do a comparison of how the fuel ex handles with the more and less progression settings?
Yes. I’ll look into doing a video changing the geometry using the flip chips. My initial take was that the progressive shock setting was for a coil shock. But I’ll look into all that.
I just purchased mine today fuel ex 8. Love it already. I did notice trek is having some supply issues still. I had different brakes. Just a heads up
👍
Awesome! Mine came with TRP brakes that I really like.
Dude, love the video... I had the slash last year and it's a big bike, I'm not into the races scene, I used to ride BMX so like to jump, ride drops, gnarly descent, etc but in the day at the local park I found was to much bike for what I was doing.... I changed for the Fuel ex gen 6 and man is so much fun, i can pedal up and down in agressive terrain. Also i run with Coil AND 160 front suspensión.. Is Just the one bike to do all, so I prefer the Fuel ex. I Will run as mullet next week, so you should try and tell us what do you think? Cheers
Definitely 👍 I come from that BMX and skateboarding background so get what you’re saying. I want to get a 27.5 wheel, headset cups and 160mm damper to do those tests BUT it’s not cheap. I’ll get that video done eventually though.
@@JaredHoff jajajaja, yeah it's not cheap but I think worth it, people and riders say it has more beneffits, I'm 5'5 and 69kg so I think would works well for me. Waiting for your thougths about mullet, soon jajaja
I actually felt compelled to give a better answer to your video more about the bikes.
For the do it all bike even with what you said taking into consideration different riding styles and WHERE you ride the most I think the Fuel EX 8 is the “one” Trail bike that could handle it all.
Clint Eastwood stated perfectly “A man has got to know his limitations” knowing the Fuel EX 8s limitations which there are few especially with the upgrade in suspension, I would say I could ride this bike anywhere especially Spence Mountain (southern Oregon) a bike park with no Gondola best way to explain it.
But do this my MTB Brothers and Sisters;
Think about the place you ride the most, now envision they dropped you off you have to ride all day there on every trail then ride home🤔within reason of course 😂⛰
The most comfortable steed for the longest times in the saddle that can do it all. Down country bikes is something I just learned as well( I live in the woods in my RV) sometimes no internet 😂😂🤷♂️anyway those are limited travel 120/130 travel bikes but I say 140/150 the sweet spot for me and trail building/testing what we build as we are building it⚒️💪
In the end it’s all about the journey in life right? As well as finding the right bike for next season or as I tell people,” the best bike in the world is the one you own” See ya on the trails fellas⚒️🚵♀️🌵🪨🌲⛰🏕️
Thank you for taking time to comment. Totally agree about how capable the fuel ex is 🤘
What a rubbish reply :)
i didn't thnk the mino link adjustment was for switching your rear tire from 29 to 27.5, but if you say so!
@@timothyadams3431 You can use it to steepen the geometry and raise the bottom bracket height. If you then put a 27.5 rear wheel on, you’ll get same ish geo with a smaller rear tire.
In the Trek Slash, does it already come with the knock block "infinite-radius chip"/non-knock block chip or is it purchased separately?
You have to purchase the knock block delete chip separately in this Slash. But I never need to. It still turns as far as you’d ever need it to.
mine 1 month old fuel ex comes with e thirteen drivetrain i was driven like 2 times on flat surface and its already broken imagine that i was driven on trails so no bike and no money bravo me 4 getting trek again
Oh man, that doesn’t sound good. Had a little bit of a hard time understanding what you’re saying but hopefully you get your bike fixed man.
@@JaredHoff ya my eng sucks sorry
Have you had any problems with clicking sound on the front end of the slash? Near the headtube or the headtube itself? Took mine to the mountains and developed a clicking sound after. Torqued it to 4nm but the sound didnt go away. Nice vid subscribed.
The clicking sound I’ve experienced with treks has to do with the pivot points. Clean the bike, poly the pivot points and that one usually goes away. The only other clicking sound I’ve experienced is the bottom bracket issues due to the drain tube on the carbon frame (see the video below)
ua-cam.com/video/2N9AV4WDD2g/v-deo.html
Will polish them up, thanks Jared! Keep the great vids comin
Hi man...i want to change the fox 36 rhytm GRIP on my fuel gen 6 with something Better...what the best between 36 grip 2 and new lyrik in terms of stiffness and mid stroke support?
In my humble opinion, the 36 performance elite is the way to go. Lyrik is super solid plush, but if you’re looking for the best stiffness and mid stroke support than the 36 is the way to go.
Also, I highly recommend keeping your Rhythm fork if you can afford to. It’s noice to have a backup fork for times when you’re getting your fork serviced etc. Also, it’s good to keep the stock fork if you ever want to sell your bike.
But this is just my opinion. So much personal preference and no one right answer.
Im on a hartail (Trek Roscoe 8 Slategrey) and looking to upgrade! I love my hardtail but i need more suspension as my wrist and back hurts after a long ride! So will the longer travel on the slash makes for less chatter and smoother ride when riding on a normal bumpy gravel and dirt road? (I ride everywhere, asphalt, stairs, forrest, trails and a tiny bit of bike park also)
The Fuel EX might be a better fit for all the different types of riding you want to do.
@@JaredHoff So the longer travel of the Slash, is only for bigger impact, and won't remove more of the smaller constant shakes? (that's really what hurts my bad back and wrist?)
Somehow from last verdict of the video, I understood that Slash would be more xc all-rounder bike.. but now you say Fuel.. I don't get it:)
I’m going with the slash
👍
Great vídeo, thanks. Do you still feels the Fuel Ex hard on big drops?
I'm asking because maybe with time it came more easier, or you're not riding the EX these days?
The Gen6 Fuel EX will handle most drops you’ll find on trails, BUT the Slash handles big drops so much better.
@@JaredHoff That's a nerve wracking decision. Here in Brazil they cost almost the same, the slash 7 is a little cheaper. But I'm stucked between them. Do you regret selling your slash?
Im 220lbs, havent rode a mtb bike in 20 years and 3 videos into discovering these things considering them as a new vehicle option, and you shoulda seen the look on my face when you touched a button on the left hand grip and the seat popped out lol. what????? thats hilarious
Awesome! Let me know if you’re ever trying to decide which bike to get. There are also some cheaper options, like the Trek Roscoe, if you don’t need a full suspension MTB.
Can you do a comparison of this bikes and the collosus n9
I kind of did that in this video.
Making the Right Choice: Trail or Enduro Mountain Bike?
ua-cam.com/video/wzxAyj458EM/v-deo.html
Thanks I’ll check that video out
slash with 45 mil stem and lowered on head stem spacers. if i need do climbing i would lock rear shock
👍
What would you say is better if your doing local riding? Say just on paved roads? But also use for trails?
If you’re looking for a Trek, I’d recommend the Top Fuel
What's your opinion on the 2023 Top Fuel 8 aluminum vs. these? I know it has less travel and its 2lbs lighter.
You have to ask yourself what type of trails you ride 80% of the time. The Top Fuel can still handle an occasional black diamond downhill,
BUT if you ride rowdy downhill trails almost every time you go ride… Get a Fuel EX Gen 6 or Slays Gen 5.
Top Fuel is going to be so much better for long distance rides and pedaling uphill. So get it if that’s the riding you do most (in my humble opinion) LOL
If you do decide to buy one, please use the affiliate link in this video. It cost you nothing and helps me keep making videos like this 👍
@@JaredHoff Thank you. I will be riding gravel/basic trails and maybe 2 or 3 foot drops every time Im in those trails.
I would encourage you to learn drops on a shorter travel bike. If you learn to huck that drop to flat on the Fuel EX, your skills will come up. The Slash masks your shortcomings.
Definitely 👍 Although, I’m halfway descent at drops and the Slash definitely made this one feel like nothing.
@@JaredHoffsorry if that was critical: I meant it to be more helpful. Extend your arms and legs more when you're in the air and absorb the landing almost as if you were on your feet without a bike under you. You kept tucked pretty low, and your legs don't appear to compress at all to absorb any of the landing. You're making the bike do all the work, and so the longer travel bike is going to feel better. But learn to smooth that out with your legs and you'll be sending stuff that you wouldn't dream of sending right now!
Stoked you chose the Fuel EX. It's a fantastic bike; I've got one on order and I'm switching from a Remedy.
thank you very much for the review, it helped a lot🙏
Glad to have helped 👍
I have both these bikes. 21 slash 7 and 2019 fuel ex that’s been tricked out. Slash is stock, fuel has 150mm up front, upgraded shock, upgraded brakes and I have carbon hoops on both. I swap out wheels from time to time but mostly I ride a specialized butcher up front amd a maxxis DHR on the slash and a Vittoria MazA up front on the fuel and a maxxis dissector out back. The slash is my main park bike and my fuel is my XC/trail bike. I love them both equally. I ride the fuel a lot more but I’ll purposely take the slash out on xc just to show it some love some days. My honest opinion: the slash rides XC/trail slightly better than the Fuel rides park/downhill. Sometimes on big stuff I’m afraid I’m going to case a jump and break the fuel. My biggest fear riding the slash on xc is I’ll dog out and walk a climb. That’s a big difference in anxiety. That being said, IF I could on'y have one, it would probably be the Fuel because it’s easier for me to get a two hour ride in thats 20 minutes away than a trip to my closest bike park that’s an hour away…but thankfully I don’t have to make that decision!
Sounds like you got two amazing bikes! It’s good to have options.
Just one thing... The SRAM Code R are the XT equivalent in the lineup. Code RSC are the XTR equivalent. Both the top end. Some will argue, but the Code R are better than SLX.
Personal preference, BUT in my humble opinion… I really don’t like SRAM brakes. I had a set of 4 piston RSCs on a bike and they never stopped as well as SLX 4 pistons. SRAM guys are always saying, “you just didn’t have them setup right.” BUT I’ve never had issues with Shimano right out of the box.
@@JaredHoff agreed, Shimano are much easier to get right and maintain. I spent a good half day on my Codes on my Slash 8 when I bled them for the first time and haven't had to touch them since. They've been really good and I like the modulation now. There's definitely more control before they lock up. I wish they were as easy to bleed as Shimano though! It literally takes 10 minutes on those and it's really a perfect system maintenance wise.
What Are the advantages in buying a bike online versus in a store?
The advantage of buying online is that sometimes it’s easier to shop for the exact model you want, in the exact color and find sales all from the convenience of your home or wherever you want to shop.
However, going into a store will let you sit on the bike and make sure you’re getting the right size. But they may not have the exact size and model you want available.
Both have there Pros and Cons.
how many times I watch this video and still haven't decided which one to buy
It’s a tough decision! The Fuel EX is so capable now. It will handle everything on the mountain. If you ride more bike parks or really steep gnarly PNW style trails,,, Slash might be a better way to go.
Although, I ride my Polygon enduro bike on everything lately and like being “over biked”
@@JaredHoff I sold my Commencal clash 2021 because I felt overbike
I enjoy going up as well as going down maybe ex will suit my needs more
Thank you for this video
Were you riding the Fuel ex with mino link on high or low?
Low setting always
both good
Definitely 👍 I still miss my Slash, but loving the Fuel EX for now.
Can this fuel EX use 2.6" wide tire?
Up front yes
Fuel ex 9.7 is almost the same spec as the 8 but is carbon for 400 more the 9.7 in my opinion is the best value with this year’s selection cause the 8 and 9.7 have almost the exact same part spec
Your not wrong. I guess I just refer to the 8 as the best bang for the buck # overall for most of the Trek bike models (Slash, Top Fuel, Roscoe etc.) Although, you could do some pretty good upgrades to the 8 for $400. But you don’t get carbon if that matter to ya 🤷🏼♂️
Optimal bike would be Trek Slash with TQ motor. So that the motor can assist you when climbing which will make it alot easier. Then smash downhill without worry. That would be the pinnacle of a bike.
For sure! I bet Trek creates one of those soon. Only makes sense.
Only if that tq motor has 62-67nm
@@cycle4lifeac yeah. Have both slash and rail. If we had power of rail on slash. It woulf be epic
Sick
Thanks bro 👍 you’ve always supported the channel.
@@JaredHoff My pleasure my man
How much better is the 6th gen vs the 5th gen fuel ex 8 ?
Just depends on what type of riding you want to do. Gen 5 is better for all day XC riding. Lighter and steeper headtube. Gen 6 is for the type of rider that’s pushing the limits of what a trail bike can do.
I would disagree with Jared. I have owned both. The gen 6 is heavier and longer travel but seems have a more sturdy pedaling platform. It climbs like an absolute billy goat. The gen 5 might be slightly easier to wheel around switchbacks but that was the only upside I found. In addition, the gen 6 has better designed pivots that keep debris out of the bearings. The gen 5 was continuously creaking and needing maintenence. I have kicked the piss out out of the ex 6 and no noise. I have also done the all day rides and didn't feel any more labored on the gen 6.
😍
👍
Hitting drops? Add more air pressure.....
I hear ya, but I like to keep things simple when I ride. One setup for all riding. I actually just use the Fox/Trek recommendation and am pretty happy with that.
funny how both have left side pedal in green and right sidie pedal in orange hahahaha
That’s the way Zach’s Bikes does it for their demos.
I would buy a bare frame and build it to my own specs.
That’s the dream for me one day.
Jared,
Fantastic review and spot on both bikes I love it. I am a Trailbuilder and build lots of trails on Spence Mountain and I think I just heard you mention Zach’s bikes? In Kfalls?🤷♂️😂🏕️⚒️⛰🌲🪨🌵🚵♀️
Hell ya my Brother!! We got Chinquapin trail all set up for next spring finish with 900ft left to the north parking lot.
But back to the bikes duh I ride the EX8 Gen5 and was like for real headed to another bike and saw the Gen 6 and it’s literally everything a Gen 5 owner would want but the Gen 5 is a great bike to and I have fancied the Trek Slash at times so perfect review and timing my Brother 🤔🚵♀️
So now what to do right? Just saw Zach’s up here in Prineville (homebase) at the NICA state championships at Barnes Butte(it’s secret but I built 99 percent of it years ago)😂🤷♂️and built with Dirt Mechanics and build with Terra Velo(Paul Thomasburg) so we see you guys next spring as we are in the RV headed south to AZ and NM for winter.
I look forward to a ride with you guys soon as you are ver familiar to me🤔🤔hmmm😂
Awesome bro! We will have to ride in the spring. You guys are building some amazing trails. Wish I was heading south for winter 😞 LOL
Cheers 🍻
It amazes me how a camera makes a uphill looks flat
Seriously lol
Slash 9.8 XT with pedals in Large is 15.6 kg.
Little bit lighter with that carbon frame 👍
@@JaredHoff Yeah. By the way, Slash cimbs pretty well and I think that it mainly depends on the wheels. With lighter wheels and normal tires (max 1.1 kg) I have no problem covering 1500m/day. My Slash climbs as good as my previous bike (SC Hightower). But yes, Fuel should be better climber.
I love my slash 9.7,imo it climbs really amazing for the travel and my ideal was to go to the closest downhill park(never been) on the weekends but with life in the way havent made it. But, for local trails id been probably happier with the fuel.
Definitely 👍 I had the same feeling when riding the Slash.
I have both, Problem solved 😂
🤘🤘
😂😂😂 damn solved mate!
You’re an average rider, 🤔 I’m further down the totem pole then I thought…
I think we all have our strengths and weaknesses.
I grew up skateboarding and BMX dirt jumping so I have some experience doing jumps and drops, BUT really need to work on my cornering and braking.
Its so depressing how much they cost
They’re definitely not cheap
Those trails that u were doing was nothing compared to what slash can do, try again on gnarlyer trails
I promise you GoPro does not do trails justice, but I hear ya. I’ve rode the Slash at bike parks next to guys on DH bikes.
Bruh ur 1 month away from a completely new design Trek Slash.. rip all the work you put into this video
I hear ya, but I love making those vids. I’ll just make a new one when that bike comes out 😁
@@JaredHoffwhen's the new one coming out :p lol
first
👍