Posts
24
Joined
11/4/2014
Location
Fayetteville, AR
US
Edited Date/Time
11/5/2014 9:27am
I'm coming over from the mx forum so I'm new to the MTB site. I'm thinking about getting a new bike. I currently have a 2008 GT Avalanche expert that I bought back in 2008 as an entry level bike. Fast forward to 2014 and I am now ready for a change and need your opinion. Hard tail vs. full suspension? 29er vs. 27.5? I ride trail with no major DH. I am looking into the Trek Fuel EX 7, thoughts?
A full suspension bike will definitely add a new type of enjoyment to your trails, especially coming from the moto side. Trek's bikes have a good reputation and are typically a great value.
We tested the Fuel EX a few years ago with good results (26-inch though), as well as a new 2015 model at a recent launch.
The Fuel EX 7 looks pretty solid spec wise. Good tires, decently wide bars, Shimano brakes, a clutched derailleur (prevents chain slap and improves retention), and tubeless wheels... The only major thing missing that'll really improve it is a dropper (aka adjustable) seat post. They let you drop the saddle quickly for descents so you can comfortably open it up a bit more. Once you ride with one you'll never go back.
If you're a bigger guy, the bike may be a bit under-forked with the Fox 32 up front. Bumping up to something with larger diameter stanchions (ex 34 or 35 vs 32mm) will beef it up nicely, but consider that as a later upgrade. Currently the RockShox Pike is one of the most sought-after forks for trail bikes. If you find that you're bottoming the bike often, know that Trek offers some volume spacers that go inside the rear shock to increase progression.
Regarding the wheel size - it really comes down to preference and terrain. There are areas where both excel. I'm not familiar enough with the trails in AR to weigh in on what might be best. In general know that 29ers provide more comfort and improved roll-over compared to 27.5, but at the expense of maneuverability in some situations.
Hope that helps some. Feel free to keep asking questions.
Another shop I am looking at is really pushing the Giant Trance 27.5 2 over the Fuel. Both shops are friendly and have a great reputation so service isn't a factor. Is one noticeable better or have better features than the other?
The Giant has 20mm more travel front and back, as well as a slacker head angle. This will make it a more capable bike on descents. It uses a standard rear shock which is convenient if you ever need service or want to swap it out, where as the Trek does not. I'm surprised to see that the Giant model you're interested in has a 135mm quick release rear axle versus the more current 142x12mm design. Unless the bike is sporting the very recently redesigned 2015 Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires, they aren't to be trusted. I'm also unsure if the wheels are tubeless compatible (a nice to have), so ask your shop about about that.
We reviewed the slightly burlier Trance SX last year if you'd like to read more.
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