I picked up that bike last August, and compared to my 2016 Fuel Ex 8, it evolved in so many areas as you pointed out. The ride is so much more capable, it descends with confidence like a Specialized Enduro I had rented, only limited on massive hits from bigger drops or jumps due to the 130mm of travel. That said, 95% of my riding does not include those big drops and I’m not a big jumper, so it’s not an issue. Climbing is phenomenal on this bike, it powers up and the rear performs great, keeping the tire in contact with the ground but eliminating the majority of pedal bob. I’ve been really impressed with it. No issues with the dropper. Only upgrades have been to swap over XT brakes I already had.
You mean the new Fuel EX? I have the 9.8, and I agree with what you said, but would add that the STA renders the dropper a bit useless beyond 1 inch or so of drop, as it moves you too far forward to maintain stability with the saddle. Pushes you so far forward in the cockpit.
Got that exact bike last year as well... same colour too. Love it! I got lucky with my dropper, haven't had an issue yet. Swapped the heavy steel chain ring for an XO1... half the weight and all of the hottness. Thinking about getting a 2021 model...all carbon.
Rocky Mountain Altitude with a nice reverb, Fox 34 FIT and wide bars, carbon front end. Much better value and parts and no messing with stems and spacers and worrying about sticky droppers. Plus you get the Ride 9 geometry system to change bb height and head angle instead of the 2 position mino link. Re:aktiv valve on the air can is the only thing I’ll put a tick against but the cost is crazy.
Would the 2020\1 PIVOT SWITCHBLADE beat this bike in every aspect? Climbing, sprinting, descending, tight turns, NOT destroyer of pedals and cranks, flat surfaces, rocks,...
I have a 2018 ex7 and only issue I have had is with the level T brakes, no problem dropper post, bought the trek for having a local bike shop, but I just do my own work on the bike, that’s why I just ordered a Fezzari la sol elite lol.
I have an ex 8 29. Threw some 2.6 tires on it and put some spacers in the fork and shock, it's an ok bike. I run the dps open. Not a great value really.
@Yorkshire mountain Biking yeah I mean I own one and it has a lame dps on it and rythym 34 with a grip damper for 3300$s. Could of got a YT Jeffsy AL comp
The Fuel EX, yes. I think the Remedy is more suitable for enduro. The EX, which I have, isn't for aggressive riding, unless it's flowing trail without much in the way of steep declines.
I have always suspected that dropper issues on bikes like this is because of the angle the dropper is physically at, and the fact you are applying a downward force at a quite pronounced different angle.
It's my one major beef with the Fuel. That bloody seat tube angle almost renders the dropper obsolete. Moves you too far forward to really take advantage of it. I can use it for a minor drop in height only (max 1 inch) before I am not able to properly grip the saddle for stability.
@@th_js But I agree....I wouldn't call it aggressive. It's well-balanced, sure-footed, and does most things well. I have the 9.8. Seat tube angle is a bit of a head-scratcher, though.
Cool bike, BUT lots of other bikes for a good chunk less with equal spec! YT, Canyon, GT, Gaint, even Intense or Lapierre for that price point. Or a sale 2018 bike from other brands, Shop around. OH yeah and if you own a Canyon or Lapierre ect, Its not just another Trek at the trail head. My $0.02
@@shoeonhead Like, come on 🤦🏼♂️. It is a 2019 video, it has a 67.7HA, that is not even close to aggressive. Besides, there is a lot more that makes a Bike aggressive then the HA, which he doesnt did not say, just Said “aggressive Trail bike”. This one only has 2 piston brakes, and a 34mm fork to name but a few none aggressive points 😉
@@paghal11 Wake up dude, my comment is 2! Years Old 🤦🏼♂️ And is still not an “aggressive” compared to the competition out there, not by a longshot. Fork and brakes does not change that, though it helps.
@@flemming_j_ Bike companies want to sell bikes. They create these artificial designations "aggressive trail bike" "all mountain bike" "light enduro bike" to create buzz and move product. I definitely think a slack head tube helps downhill handling, and a steep seat tube with climbing, but its really more about the rider and skill level. I can hit anything I want around here (PNW) on this bike. Also, you specifically mentioned the fork and the brakes as two of the features defining "aggressiveness", which I addressed in my reply. If your comment is too old, feel free not to engage. Nobody is holding a gun to your head to respond.
Knock block is the dumbest thing trex has made, used to own a 2017 fuel ex 8 and that bugged me so much. It makes it harder to track stand and on switch backs.
I can attest to the fact that it is indeed a bit of a drawback to downhill handling, unless you're a high-poster or can manage with just a small drop. If the frame size is a tad larger then you will be ok, but if it's on the smallish side, good luck. What were Trek thinking?
I picked up that bike last August, and compared to my 2016 Fuel Ex 8, it evolved in so many areas as you pointed out. The ride is so much more capable, it descends with confidence like a Specialized Enduro I had rented, only limited on massive hits from bigger drops or jumps due to the 130mm of travel. That said, 95% of my riding does not include those big drops and I’m not a big jumper, so it’s not an issue. Climbing is phenomenal on this bike, it powers up and the rear performs great, keeping the tire in contact with the ground but eliminating the majority of pedal bob. I’ve been really impressed with it. No issues with the dropper. Only upgrades have been to swap over XT brakes I already had.
You mean the new Fuel EX? I have the 9.8, and I agree with what you said, but would add that the STA renders the dropper a bit useless beyond 1 inch or so of drop, as it moves you too far forward to maintain stability with the saddle. Pushes you so far forward in the cockpit.
Got that exact bike last year as well... same colour too. Love it! I got lucky with my dropper, haven't had an issue yet. Swapped the heavy steel chain ring for an XO1... half the weight and all of the hottness. Thinking about getting a 2021 model...all carbon.
Good point about not spending over the odds on a rear mech.
Rocky Mountain Altitude with a nice reverb, Fox 34 FIT and wide bars, carbon front end. Much better value and parts and no messing with stems and spacers and worrying about sticky droppers. Plus you get the Ride 9 geometry system to change bb height and head angle instead of the 2 position mino link. Re:aktiv valve on the air can is the only thing I’ll put a tick against but the cost is crazy.
I run my shock in open 😂 so I don't even use reaktiv
I have a fuel ex with that rhythm 34 and it's a decent fork. Pretty basic but it does the job. I agree about adding volume spacers.
I listened to this at 0.75 speed. Found it easier to comprehend
Shit you're right
Genius. So true!
He's a professional auctioneer.
No problem understanding at normal speed tbh
What would you change about the dropper post?
Thanks for the review, I tried this model 9.7 with the canon front end, but felt the 8 was better value with GX chain set and very close weight.
Would the 2020\1 PIVOT SWITCHBLADE beat this bike in every aspect? Climbing, sprinting, descending, tight turns, NOT destroyer of pedals and cranks, flat surfaces, rocks,...
The bike has been used and tested, Now why is it missing the pedals?
Do you ride without pedals?
Excellent review.
I have a 2018 ex7 and only issue I have had is with the level T brakes, no problem dropper post, bought the trek for having a local bike shop, but I just do my own work on the bike, that’s why I just ordered a Fezzari la sol elite lol.
Slow down there boyo
What's its weight?
3:15 “you don’t want to be spending £400-£500 on a new rear mech every couple of months”
how often do you think people break their mechs? 😂😂
I have an ex 8 29. Threw some 2.6 tires on it and put some spacers in the fork and shock, it's an ok bike. I run the dps open. Not a great value really.
@Yorkshire mountain Biking yeah I mean I own one and it has a lame dps on it and rythym 34 with a grip damper for 3300$s. Could of got a YT Jeffsy AL comp
@Yorkshire mountain Biking I do have an 8. YT has a warranty aswell
@Yorkshire mountain Biking You and Greg could have and should have.
At £4k is the equipment fit can't be that bad! Just commited to a 9.7 so I don't want to feel bad about it.
Never understood the crazy slack seat tube angles on treks
The Fuel EX, yes. I think the Remedy is more suitable for enduro. The EX, which I have, isn't for aggressive riding, unless it's flowing trail without much in the way of steep declines.
I have always suspected that dropper issues on bikes like this is because of the angle the dropper is physically at, and the fact you are applying a downward force at a quite pronounced different angle.
It's my one major beef with the Fuel. That bloody seat tube angle almost renders the dropper obsolete. Moves you too far forward to really take advantage of it. I can use it for a minor drop in height only (max 1 inch) before I am not able to properly grip the saddle for stability.
9.7 is hardly the "flagship" model... lol
Indeed. Maybe the Fuel EX is flagship of their MTB line, but there's a 9.8 (which I have) and a 9.9 (which I wish I could have afforded).
How can you call that an agressive trail bike?
Just by typing the word "aggressive", I suppose.
@@canadianroot Thanks dude, you helped so much! 😉😂
@@th_js I aim to please. But sometimes i aim for trees.
@@th_js But I agree....I wouldn't call it aggressive. It's well-balanced, sure-footed, and does most things well. I have the 9.8. Seat tube angle is a bit of a head-scratcher, though.
I wish more reviewers spoke like this - too many indulgent folks takin a year to give us the spec
Not bigger than 21.5 ? I have a 23 inch. (ex8)
Ex8 and Ex9.7 are different bikes.
How tall is Rob? I see it's the XL bike.
Hi Chris, he's 6ft 1.
STW Amanda
Press fit puts it behind the curve.
£400/£500 on a rear mech?? What rear mech is that?
I don't even think the Eagle AXS is that much lol
Cool bike, BUT lots of other bikes for a good chunk less with equal spec! YT, Canyon, GT, Gaint, even Intense or Lapierre for that price point. Or a sale 2018 bike from other brands, Shop around. OH yeah and if you own a Canyon or Lapierre ect, Its not just another Trek at the trail head. My $0.02
Trailbike, yes, aggressive?, no, not at All.
It’s somewhat aggressive. Don’t be ridiculous. 66 head tube is aggressive geometry. Like come on.
@@shoeonhead Like, come on 🤦🏼♂️. It is a 2019 video, it has a 67.7HA, that is not even close to aggressive. Besides, there is a lot more that makes a Bike aggressive then the HA, which he doesnt did not say, just Said “aggressive Trail bike”. This one only has 2 piston brakes, and a 34mm fork to name but a few none aggressive points 😉
@@flemming_j_ 2021 spec has a slacker HTA, 4 piston brakes and Fox 36 performance fork
@@paghal11 Wake up dude, my comment is 2! Years Old 🤦🏼♂️ And is still not an “aggressive” compared to the competition out there, not by a longshot. Fork and brakes does not change that, though it helps.
@@flemming_j_ Bike companies want to sell bikes. They create these artificial designations "aggressive trail bike" "all mountain bike" "light enduro bike" to create buzz and move product. I definitely think a slack head tube helps downhill handling, and a steep seat tube with climbing, but its really more about the rider and skill level. I can hit anything I want around here (PNW) on this bike. Also, you specifically mentioned the fork and the brakes as two of the features defining "aggressiveness", which I addressed in my reply.
If your comment is too old, feel free not to engage. Nobody is holding a gun to your head to respond.
Knock block is the dumbest thing trex has made, used to own a 2017 fuel ex 8 and that bugged me so much. It makes it harder to track stand and on switch backs.
Please correct your volume output level. Soooo quiet. Thank you
What language is that❓🇺🇸
hugh too hard to listen this vidéo ...you speak too fast...
Talks so fast that sometimes I miss the specifics. Not my favorite reviewer..
Lol you just made up that bs about the shock, have you looked at anything from trek
Knock block is just a source of irritation.
Why does everyone wanna talk so bloody fast ??
That seat tube angle looks mega laid back and disgusting
I can attest to the fact that it is indeed a bit of a drawback to downhill handling, unless you're a high-poster or can manage with just a small drop. If the frame size is a tad larger then you will be ok, but if it's on the smallish side, good luck. What were Trek thinking?
Please correct your volume output level. Soooo quiet. Thank you
Please correct your volume output level. Soooo quiet. Thank you
Please correct your volume output level. Soooo quiet. Thank you