THSCC Forums

I'm beginning to narrow down my new bike search to a 2002-2004 Trek Fuel 70 or 80. Wondering if there are any Trek Fuel owners out there who would care to educate me or give any opinions.

I'm also trying to figure out what size frame I would need in these newfangled suspensioned thingies. I was on a 19" rigid frame (5'11", 33" inseam).

I can't seem to find www.thmbcforums.com

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Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

I think a 19" frame is about right for you. A 17" would pose a problem because the reach would be too cramped. I don't know the differences in the models and components, but anything with Shimano XT and hydralic brakes of some sort would be a great indicator of a trailworthy bike.

Call my good friend Aaron Hoag at the Bike Rack at 782-1000 and tell him I referred you. He's one of the managers and has been selling and servicing Treks for over 5 years. He's a soon-to-be THSCC racer in a WRX wagon too.

Have you looked into the Specialized dualies? FSR's?

-Matt

Whoa, easy, there killer My max budget is about $800, which is why I'm looking at older/used ones. I've seen some good, little used bikes with regular rim (cantilever?) brakes on ebay for pretty cheap.

I learned on my last few bikes that I *should* try to stay with XT or LX (do they still make that?) components. Last bike I "downgraded" to a Trek 7000 with STX stuff and propmtly started breaking things... Shifter, pedals, etc, etc I'm not a bonzai rider or anything but apparently I use all a bike has got ... a habit that I apply to cars as well!

I do prefer a long reach, so I'll stick w/ 19 or 19.5 or whatever they make these days.

Thanks for the info! Anyone else?

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Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

www.trianglemtb.com is as close as it gets to www.thscc.com for mountain biking.

I have not ridden a Fuel but my 4900 took tons of abuse last year until I upgraded. From the sound of what you are looking at component wise you are headed in the right direction. Anything below LX doesnt seem to last very long. Brake wise I really like hydralic disc brakes. They have a nice easy pull and feel the same all the time (even in wet conditions). That being said they are easy enough to add to any used bike as long as it has the frame and fork mounts. The only thing I would add is if possible check the fit before you buy.

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2004 Ranger Edge
2003 Buell XB9R
2004 Trek 4900
2004 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Disc
2004 Lemond Reno

I'm planning to bid on this one. It's an 02 Trek Fuel 90 with apparently low usage, original owner. No fancy-shmancy disc brakes but it looks like it has solid components on it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... :B:SS:US:1

What do you bike gurus think?

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Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

Looks like a legit deal. Even if the bike has seen the trails ten times, that's hardly any wear and tear. If you intent to use those pedals, make sure to ask for the cleats. Good luck Mike.

Its a 2001. I found some reviews on mtbr if you want to read over them. http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Bike_full/p ... 8401.shtml

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2004 Ranger Edge
2003 Buell XB9R
2004 Trek 4900
2004 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Disc
2004 Lemond Reno

Well I just bought a used 2001 Trek Fuel 90 from a private seller in Alabama. Been ridden 10 times, owned by a prior bike shop employee who sounds like a good guy. Selling because he had a baby and is going to stick with road bikes for a while. $550, should be here in a week!

Looks like this but w/o the discs:



I guess my "Prefers Hardtail" title isn't accurate anymore!

_________________
Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

id definately try to find one or something similar locally to make sure you get the fit you want. the best bike in the world is crap if it doesnt fit and ever brand measures it differently

also when considering used, a lot of good mountain bike parts are designed to be replacable and dont last more than 2 - 3 years.. most "serious" riders go through drivetrains yearly. so keep that in mind on a used bike. there might be some initial maintenance required

my advice would be to call every shop in the area and see if they have any '05 clearance deals. now is probably the best time to buy a bike and a new bike will come w/ a warranty (most good brands have a lifetime on frames to the original owner) and the parts should be good for at least a year.

what is yoru experience level? do you need a full suspension? what kind of riding do you plan? a lower end hardtail will serve you MUCH better for trails, etc than a lower end FSR.. a lower end FSR will kick your ass on anything uphill. it takes good (expensive) shocks to be remotely pedal effecient. and hardtails will be cheaper, generally more reliable, and easier to maintain.

i have an '05 specialized rockhopper i recently picked up half off as a '05 clearance demo bike. i'm pretty new to mountain biking, but i'm heavy and crash a lot and this bike is holding up wonderfully. its also light and climbs like a goat. hah