Model/Year: 2012 Matt Black

Pros: Shock, Fork, Responsiveness, Drive train, Brakes, General Handling in varying conditions.

Cons: The tires wash out in wet/muddy conditions especially the front. I will cut down the handlebars. Front wheel or tire has a strange clicking noise, I've not had the bike long enough to pin point the issue. I switched to ODI grips and WTB SST saddle.

Recommendation: I traded in my Jamis HT 29er for the EX8. I've been blown away by the EX 8 so far. It spins up to speed very quickly and the drive train engages quickly. This has helped in many situations but is most noticeable in technical rocky sections. This bike holds its speed and i've yet to fully get use to this as i've been over shooting my normal line on my local trail. The suspension has smoothed out my mistakes and it's great to carry so much speed through rocky sections. I've not timed my loops but it seems like i'm generally carrying way more speed through out. I've been impressed by the brakes (SLX 666) as i can slow into the turns and feather if need be instead of breaking and holding on with my lower spec Shimano's. The weightless feeling on drop off's put a huge smile on my face, in fact i find my self laughing while riding this bike often. I was very surprised at how well the bike climbed compared to my HT 29er. It actually seems quicker on the climbs. With the shock locked out the bike feels very similar to my old HT. I have not gotten use to the extra travel (120mm vs 80mm) when loading the front to lift and clear logs or tougher technical sections. The fork sinks but does not kick back like my old shock, i'm sure i will get used to this and adapt my style. This bike is much more responsive in tight technical and switchbacks are now a breeze. I can definitively recommend this bike, it will keep me involved in this sport for a number of years, my lower back is very thankful i moved to full suspension. I've given 5 stars so far but will review again after I've put on more miles.

Model/Year: 2012 Trek Fuel EX 8

Pros: Nimble, smooth, quality

Cons: No cons, just preferences.

Recommendation: I would highly recommend this bike. It flys through turns and grips on really rough terrain. I am extremely happy with it.
The long handlebar is taking some getting used to, especially in narrow gaps. I may cut it down, but I am going to give it a chance.
Also, the grips could be a bit better, but that is a quick, cheap fix.

Model/Year: 2010 Fuel Ex8

Pros: Great geometry, hyrdo disc brakes stop me on a dime. Components are easily upgradeable. Handles east coast singletrack wtih ease. Rocks, Roots, Mud, Logs this bike tackles it all.

Cons: Wore out Deore cassette after about 1,000 miles.


Recommendation: This is my first full suspension ride. I upgraded from a decade old Jamis Diablo hardtail. My riding has improved dramatically with this bike. I added a bashguard giving me a 2x9 drive train. It works fine for me. The suspension is great on rocky/rooty terrain. The ABP suspension is great. I've never locked up the rear while hitting the downhill. The propedal feature on the Fox shock is great for climbs.
I would buy this bike again.

Pros: Drcv fork and shock great for small bump control also really good weight for value for money

Cons: Haven't found any yet

Recommendation: This is the best full sus that I have ridden I have tested nearly every brand and the fuel is a fantastic bike it allowed me to get rid of my hardtail and just have one bike does it all

Model/Year: 2012

Pros: Good fork, it was free

Cons: Just never got on with the bike, dont like the looks

Recommendation: I got a Trek EX8 as a warranty replacement for a Gary Fisher HiFi where the rear swingarm snapped. At first I thought this was a great deal because I got a new bike, but after the first ride I was really dissapointed. The EX8 is just very boring. I am also not a fan of the looks. I know someone else with one who loves it though so personal choice I guess

Model/Year: 2007

Pros: Bomb proof frame. Decent drivetrain components (espcially RD). Frame still holds it's own against other newer designed Trail bikes after 5 years.

Cons: Crummy stock brakes. A little pdeal bob when up and mashing.

Recommendation: Borrowed this bike from a friend for about 5-6 rides and enjoyed the time I spent with it. The Faux bar rear end keeps good traction over a variety of terrain and the frame doesnt weigh a ton. Bearings are easy to replace and the frame allows you to swap out parts and easily upgrade as parts wear out.

Pros: DRCV suspension, quick handling, 120 mm of suspension, solid frame

Cons: none

Recommendation: I like this bike a lot for the time I have spent on it. It is made for a more technical trail rather than speed. It has a little pedal bob still but it is not made as a XC bike. Take it on a technical trail and it will shine.

Model/Year: 2008

Pros: Faux bar suspension works relatively headache free. Easy to maintain this bike.

Cons: Still a bit of pedal bob when completely smashing it out of the saddle. The old components are outdated compared to newer bikes and the difference in suspension from newer models to this old one is very noticable.

Recommendation: The 2008 I had access to was a fun trail bike but wouldn't make me want to get rid of my 100mm XC ride or my 150mm AM ride. The newer models fix the pedal bob issues and the componentry gets a noticeable upgrade as well. You'll love the newer models. As for a 2008...at the right price you may love it as well.

Model/Year: 2011 Fuel EX 8

Pros: Everything but saddle. Great suspension, smooth shifting, excellent brakes, solid frame.

Cons: Seat is a little hard, but then again I'm out of the saddle half of the time at least.

Recommendation: One word... PROVEN! Amazing bike, so glad that I got this one. It was calling my name for months. Love getting after it on this, really using the suspension. I ride hard and this hasn't let me down at all. I love still having the 3X10 drivetrain. Shifts great and just a real solid bike. Gains momentum real quick. I would recommend this to anyone. I was going to get a 29er until I was passing them and this is more agile anyway. Love it. Takes the mountains great! Lastly, a great value for what you are getting. Enjoy and take care.

Model/Year: 2009 Trek Fuel Ex 8

Pros: Excellent suspension, strong frame, easily upgradable, climbs very well, and chews up anything you throw at it.

Cons: Horrible color option (black, white, gold), cheap arse stock tires, the stock Shimano cranks flex like wet noodles.

Recommendation: I"ve been riding this bike for three years now. I love it. I'm 6'2" and 210lbs and I ride a 19.5"/XL frame. I recommend upgrading to X9 trigger shifters and X9 long cage rear derailleur! Night and day improvement in shifting. I run a 2.3 Weirwolf up front and 2.2 Wolverine in back. Soften up the suspension and run low pressure (35psi) in the tires. Handles like a dream.

I was lucky enough to win a recent ebay auction for a brand new, never built 2012 FEX 9.7 carbon frame. I got a smokin deal on it and a pair of Haven 15mm/124mm wheels and a new Fox 32 Float 130 RLC fork. Swap it out and I'm off for another 3 years! I may keep the old frameset and build up a backup/winter bike. Why not have two Fuel Exes?!

Model/Year: 2010 Fuel EX 8

Pros: Plush suspension, components, comfort, climbing, desending, this bike has it all.

Cons: Stock tires

Recommendation: I've been riding this bike for over 2 years now and I can't find anything about it that I don't like. Replaced the tires with Maxxis Ardents. I think they match the performance of this bike well.

Model/Year: 2011 Fuel ex 8

Pros: Great handling, fork, shock, ride and looks.

Cons: Stock tires

Recommendation: Awesome bike and worth every penny. The stock tires were like others reviewers mentioned - I replaced them before my first ride. The bike handles great, makes NM rock gardens bearable, absolutely flies downhill, smoothes out switchbacks and tight tech and makes me a faster rider. It's a rad bike and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Model/Year: Fuel ex 8 2011

Pros: Everything

Cons: Nothing

Recommendation: Buy this bike

Model/Year: 2011 Fuel EX8

Pros: Great handling, absolutely no pedal bob with pro pedal on. Is very quick and is easy to throw around.

Cons: Bike made strange clicking noise from rear wheel. LBS could not diagnose or figure it out. Tried out another one at the shop and it had the same problem. Replaced the rim and no more issues.

Recommendation: Was stuck between this and the Stumpjumper FSR Comp. The Fuel just fit me better and seemed to come with better components (personal preference). Am constantly looking for excuses to ride it and stare at it. After over a month, this bike just gets better with every ride. Somehow I am much faster with it. One of the best purchases I've ever made.

Model/Year: 2011 ex 8

Pros: Insane handling , great climber ,lets me blast through rock gardens and over drop offs. I love the pro pedal feature. The suspension can easily be tuned to accommodate the way you ride. Great components, stock tires work ok, but I will be upgrading soon. The "bottomless" feel when jumping or going downhill is amazing. This bike feels like a laser guided missile in the tight stuff,very confidence inspiring. The brakes rock too.

Cons: Tires

Recommendation: I bought this bike and ride it all of the time on some great challenging trails. It has never left me wanting more. I have never spent this kind of money without at least a little regret till now. Spend the little extra if your considering it. It's built like a rock and rides like a dream. For this 40 year old kid there are no regrets.

Model/Year: 2010

Pros: Durable, fun, versatile bike. I've rode it everywhere and love it. Great stock components.

Cons: Stock Tires.

Recommendation: I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a bike that can do it all.

Model/Year: 2011 Fuel Ex 8

Pros: This bike does whatever you want, it climbs, it descends, it never complains.And it looks amazing doing it, It even looks good on my roof rack! I cant walk past it without wanting to get on it and go. Never had so many compliments on a bike. Did I mention it rips up hills and bombs down them! Get this bike you wont be disappointed!

Cons: Tires, replace em before u even try and ride on them.
The front brake has been sticky time and time again, my bike is broken in now and ive had it adjusted twice, this may just be a Avid Elixer issue. But it bogs me down and its very loud and annoying.

Recommendation: Love this BIKE! Looks amazing, cant beat the components for the price! ABP keeps my butt on the ground! Is there anything better looking then this black?

Pros: Awesome colour scheme, sweet shifting, hops over logs and makes rock gardens bearable.


Cons: Should feel lighter but still sub 30lbs with seat pouch, fenders and lights.


Recommendation: I've had this bike 3 weeks after riding a spesh hardtail for years. It gobbles up singletrack. I feel so much more in control over logs, rocks, and round berms and switchbacks. I've not had the brake issues that some suffer with. I'd definitely recommend this bike :-)

Pros: Fantastic all around mtn bike. Jumps, grips, hold the turns, smooth reliable shifting, Lightwieght, its done everything Ive asked it to and more. This is not a "Budget Bike" for me - its a pretty expensive purchase, but its been worth every penny. Read some complaints about the stock tires, but mine have worked just fine here in the often wet and slippery rooty trails in the appalachians.

Cons: Brake noise was AWFUL PIERCING. Got some organic pads put on - still took a few adjustments to get the noise muffled. But a few sprays and the occasional adjustments, and its good to go.

Recommendation: Highly recommended. Great Full featured suspension bike.

Pros: First time out on my new EX 8 today and it was awesome. I've finally made the switch from hardtail to softtail, and do believe that this maybe one of the best bikes that I have ever ridden. Would I like to have a carbon 9.9? Hell Yeah, but that ain't in the budget. I rode my usual ride today and shaved off 10 minutes due to the comfort of full suspension and the comfidence and control I had over the bike. This thing is kick ass

Cons: OK Trek. Ya'll nailed everything about this bike but the crap tires you outfit it with. These will be replaced tomorrow.

Recommendation: I recommend this to anyone that is looking for a swet bike on a budget like myself.

Pros: Suspension, Light Frame, Brakes

Cons: Tires

Recommendation: Upgraded from a Trek 4300 to my first FS with the Ex 8 and couldn't be more happy. Huge difference! Was deciding between the Ex 8 and a Gary Fisher HiFi Plus. Both are awesome bikes, the Ex 8 just felt like it fit me better. I was very surprised with how light the bike was. It climbs great and carves through the turns. I did notice the noisy brakes, but after the pads wore in a bit (a few weeks) the sound was gone. Everything on the bike performs great for me except for the tires. If the ground is wet the tires are worthless. Definitely going to upgrade to some Kendas. Overall the bike is fantastic! Very happy with trek on this one.

Pros: Suspension, climbs well, feels light.

Cons: Brakes sang loudly when applied (probably fixable).

Recommendation: I demoed this bike for 2 days at Booker T. and Raccoon Mountain near Chattanooga. The tires where fine for me in dry conditions. They are made for speed, not wet traction. IMO it climbs better than my hardtail on rocky rooted sections. The suspension simply gave me more traction. I am 5' 10" and found the 18.5 to fit me best. The amount of reach from seat to bars felt right. I was looking to upgrade from my 1994 Trek 8000. In the end I bought an All Mountain category bike with a slacker 67 degree steering head angle for a more stable ride. I did not ding the rating for my personal steering preference. I really like this bike.

Pros: Great build for the price.

Cons: Nothing so far.

Recommendation: I have the 2010 EX 8. I love this bike so far. It climbs nicely and screams on the way down. Very good handling and a decent starting weight.
You'll enjoy it for sure!

Pros: Frame is light and strong. I have the 19.5 and the geometry fits me very well. Adequate components for the money.

Cons: Tires, Grips, Brakes

Recommendation: This is a great bike that will last me a decade or more. I upgraded to the Fuel Ex 8 from a 1999 Trek 8000 SL. I never thought I would be into a full suspension bike, but after demoing this bike, my hard tail seemed old fashion and uncomfortable. I was worried about the issues that come with owning a full suspension bike, but they have come a long way and I really like it. Just like everyone else said, the tires sucked big time. I never knew tires could suck that bad. I ditched the bike several times at slow speeds because the front tire just slipped away. I started to lose confidence in my riding until I replaced the stock tires with a Kenda-F and PanaRacer-R. Now I can lay it down in a corner with no worry. I replaced the grips with ergons. Initially the front brake pad rubbed the rotter, but had that fixed. The brakes are ok, but are lacking in adjustment points. If they go out of wack there aren't any obvious fixes. After talking with the shop guy I now know how to adjust them, but its cluggy. I will upgrade them soon. Other than that I love the bike. I'm not sure how they could have made it better for the money. I paid $1999.00

Pros: Climbs extremely well, travels over rock gardens with ease.

Cons: I replaced the grips before i even rode the bike. the tires had been replaced already by the previous owner as well as other components.

Recommendation: I spent a lot of time researching and riding different bikes before i decided on the ex. It just fit me. (6' and 220lbs ) I went with the 19.5 virtual frame as the 18.5 i demo for 14 days on vacation just felt too tight. i am very pleased with my purchase. I climb hills now with ease and descend with confidence.

Pros: The suspension, the adjustability, the look, feeling like a badass when I hit the singletrack.

Cons: the tires are absolutely TERRIBLE. Don't bother. Just buy new tires and leave the Bontranger garbage in the dumbster at the LBS (grips, too).

Recommendation: This bike whats to go FAST. I fear it will not be long before I suffer a serious injury in a massive spill.

Make no mistake, this bike is a siren.

Pros: Light product, climbs very well. The FOX travel all around (Fox Float 130 RL & Fox Float RP2) is very responsive once dialed in. The components aren't the best (and definitely not the worst), they haven't given me any problems whatsoever. The ABP (Active Braking Pivot) really makes a difference in braking when flying down a hill, really great technology I've seen imitated in the Specialized Enduro SL. I love the color (Satin Khaki Green/White ), it's a very unique bike and people love it. The wheelset that came with it (Bontrager Race) is decent, I will use them until they fall off. If they do, the warranties all around are amazing.

Cons: Stock pedals, stock grips (worthless with a sweaty palm) and tires (Bontrager Jones XR; not enough sidewall grip). The brakes needed a bleed about 6mo of heavy riding (I should get off of them more, haha). I taco'd the front rim and dinged the rear (on the first day I got it) but TREK warrantied everything, no problem. I snapped the main spring in the rear derailleur, but again was warrantied.

Recommendation: My upgrades:
Bontrager Lock-on Grips
Kenda Nevegal Stick-E 2.5 (front A)
Kenda Telonix 2.2 (front B)
Kenda Nevegal Stick-E 2.1 (rear)
Wellgo MG-1 Magnesium Pedals
Chumba Racing Seat
Sigma BC800 Bike Computer

This is a great bike, especially for the price (I paid less because of a family discount), but even the prices I'm seeing other people pay would be worth it. I almost bought a GIANT Trance X2 (for over $100 more), but my little brother swayed me away from that. If you are just getting into mountain biking, and don't want to buy a bottom of the line bike, this is the one to get. The frame is very upgradeable, but the components it comes with will make you happy as long as you take care of them.

This bike is very easily controlled, and feels good underneath you on even some of the most daunting trails. I feel like it's saved my life at least 10 times so far.
I'd recommend this bike to anyone that wants a good solid start into mountain biking.

Pros: Climbing, Comfort, Fox Shocks.

Cons: Stock tires are slick and need to go away.

Recommendation: After having low back surgery a few years ago, I thought my riding days were over. I test rode the EX 8 and knew right then, I was going back on the trail. With my rejuvenated interest, I went out and rode several other bikes and none of them fit me as well as the Trek Fuel.
It’s been 8 months since I bought my bike and I’ve have been putting the bike through the test, it’s passed with flying colors. Thanks Trek for coming out with this life saving machine. And thanks to Single Track Cycles in Washington for steering me in the right direction.
At 46 years old, I’ve got the MTB buzz coursing threw my veins again. I’m really looking forward to Tahoe this summer.

Pros: Excellent climber, no pedal bob, eats rocks and roots for appetizers

Cons: stock tires are slick and easily punctured. stock grips are slippery when wet or mudded

Recommendation: I wanted to reach out and not only tell the world about how great the bike is but tell you how great Trek the company treated me. I bought a Klein Mantra pro and a Klein Adept race in 2002, each came with a lifetime frame warranty. I loved the adept so much that I resigned the mantra to be "the spare". The adept is fast and nimble, fit me like a glove. After years of faithful service, I bunny hopped a speed bump and when I landed, the rear triangle became unbonded. Apparently the rear triangle is simply bonded together by the bottom bracket and finally just gave way. Trek bought Klein out and thus took responsibility for the warranty. They did not have a klein rear triangle anywhere and offered to give me an ex-9 frame and up to me to transfer my existing adept parts over to it. The bad thing is the shock on the adept is 80mm travel and the new ex-9 frame requires 130mm travel and thus I needed to purchase a new fork, headset, seat post and front derailer to make it work. I complained about why I had to pay so much for a warranty replacement! In fact, I wanted them to just pay to repair the adept frame, I did NOT want an ex-9, I LOVE my adept! Jason Schumacher and Missy from Trek customer service got in touch and really really did me right! They sent me a brand new 2009 ex-8 in it's entirety for my broken frame and even let me keep the adept (after cutting through the bottom bracket with a saw to be sure it was forever unusable - understandable). This is customer service from a big box company that I just did not expect and am floored by it. I am so thankful I had Trek to deal with and will undoubtedly keep my business with them for future bikes. Kudos Jason and Missy, Trek understands customer service and customer loyalty! Now for my experience with the Ex-8 they sent me. The bike felt good, a little squirrely maybe when I first got on it but it felt natural to me. I immediately noticed a difference before I got into the trail, pulled the front and powered over a small ditch, or atleast that was my intention. Suddently I was in a power wheelie at 40 degrees and drifting to the left! Wow, the power transfer was shocking! Ok, saved that and barrelled after some friends into an unfamiliar trail. I am again startled when I grab the brakes and over the bars I go! Sh*t! I have discs on my adept but these (maybe because they are new) grab instantly and seriously powerful, I did not mash them! Ok, picked myself up and curse myself for touching the front brake and I bolt after them. This bike is so fast I couldn't believe it. Makes the adept feel like a truck. Instant power transfer, front end can be manhandled over anything. A very large long endurance hill with roots and gulleys, rocks and leaves stood in front of us not long after. I let them get ahead and when I saw them walking thier bikes up, I clipped in and threw the beans to it. Mid rings on both gears and I litterally BLEW by them. They yelled wait for us! I get to the top, huffing of course, and waited. A while later they showed up and wanted to know what crack I took at the bottom? Said it looked like someone pulled me up the climb and they had never seen anyone climb it with that speed! Maybe it's me? or maybe it's this trek ex-8, I am completely impressed. It handled everything I threw at it with ease and now I am growing accustomed to it's new set of reponses and feel so thankful that the adept frame broke. Buy it, you won't regret it. Rick p.s. ok, 3 flats during the first outing, tires are thin. Tires are slick in the mud and leaves. I put in spin skins and will see if that helps or I'm going to panaracers. $20 tire replacements won't bother me a bit. The grips were slick, I had no gloves on and once I dumped it and got mud on my hands, the grips were slippery. Bought $15 ouri grips and again, no complaints on the replacement cost

Pros: 2009 Ex8 Root Beer. Great bike all round. Great Ride. Quality components at the price, and handles everything competently, although...

Cons: I bought the wrong Size. I have an 18.5" and should have got the 19.5"

Recommendation: Was wondering if anyone out there made a similar mistake to me and wants to do a stright swap for the smaller bike. Mine was brand new in dec 2008. It's been ridden for only 20 miles and is in immaculate condition! Can anyone help me?

Pros: Great handling on single tracks and nasty rock formations - climbs well - Kickass colors

Cons: Grips => Replaced with Oury Lock-On Pedals => replaced wih Eggbeaters

Recommendation: A fun ride, worth the price

Pros: The Weight!! 28lbs. The suspension is excellent and very responsive. Brakes are very good as well. No squeaking. Almost a steal of a bike for the brand and the price with the already included fos suspension components. Just remember this is for the 2008 and above models. I can't vouch for the 07' since it's a very different setup than the 08' The green color on the 08' is very, very ....sexy.

Cons: Two things. 1.) The grips- I recommend anything from Ergon. I have the GC2's and they can't be touched by anything else on the market. 2.) I have heard from other reviews that the tires suck? Probably so, but I haven't been riding them a whole lot yet. I also don't care for the seat but that's being very picky.

Recommendation: Anyone who has the desire to come out of the gates with a bike "a Blazin" from the start with basically a stock setup!!

Pros: the suspension is great, brakes work great, the weight is awsome, handles awsome and is very fast.

Cons: Grips, would like XT shifters plus front derailer, undecided on the tires

Recommendation: I've had the 08 EX8 for two months. It is turly awsome. I'm nit picking it a little. I don't see how much more improvment can be made. I did get some noise from the brakes at first but my LBS handled it.

Pros: Color, Juicy 5, components, fork, shock, SHIFTERS! Have I listed all of the parts of a bike yet?

Cons: Still undecided on the rims and tires. The 2008 float looks nice. Wish it had that.

Recommendation: My first full-suspension. It can handle it all. Climbs surprisingly well. Blast to ride.

Pros: New suspension design, evo link and the active braking pivot. Full FOX suspension.

Cons: Bontrager Race rims switched to Mavic CrossMAX SL Shimano rear derailer and shifters switched to SRAM X.0 in same w matchmakers (I'm not a Shimano fan).

Recommendation: Own both an '05 and a new '08. The weight on the new rig is awesome - can definitely feel the difference. The suspension is dialed in perfectly. Rides like a dream. Shockingly not a peep from the Avid Juicy 5's yet. Lovin' it!

Pros: Great package as is- though a set of rythmn rims is an upgrade I invested in

Cons: parting with that kind of money, but it was worth it!!!!

Recommendation: sell your car and get this bike.

Pros: fit, available colors, fox front and rear, abp, evo link, full floater.

Cons: saddle, grips.

Recommendation: use a wtb saddle with pedros or odi lock on grips and then a king headset and you have a perfect bike. the tires that come with it are for xc racing they are awesome. tubless is the way to go if you use the right stuff i have always used "stans" it isnt like any "goo" you can also use a homemade recipe of powdered synthetic rubber. a great bike for the dollar. i work in a bike shop and i know what works. others are giving these tires a bad rap. but tires are made specific for an application. so if you down hill get more aggressive tires and give me the stock ones.

Pros: fork, shock, drivetrain

Cons: TIRES, seat, could use the lockout from '07

Recommendation: I bought the '08 Ex8 about 5 weeks ago. I have been riding it almost everyday at blankets and the solver comet side trails. I have'nt made it to the mountains yet, but so far soooooo good. I up graded the seat to a wtb speed v race and the tires to kenda nevegals. I have absolutely No complaints now. It is super light and fast. It climbs well and go down like a bat outta hell in 4 wheel drive.

Pros: Fork, Shock, Wheels

Cons: Juicy 5's, Tires

Recommendation: I own the 2007 model and have never had anything major to complain about so far. My shop and myself have never been able to get the brakes to quit squealing. They are ridiculously loud but they perform fine. I thought the tires didn't have enough bite for most of the trails I've ridden in Colorado, and I got a gash in one sidewall fairly quickly so it was a nice excuse to replace them. I feel that the rear is actually quite supple and provides a very efficient pedalling platform, maybe a little brake jack, but I guess I pretty much expect a little from every bike out there that I can afford. Overall this bike has some great bang for your buck!

Pros: extremely light, plenty of suspension, plays well in all scenarios so far

Cons: I'm not yet sold 100% on the Juicy 5s or the tubeless tires

Recommendation: 2008 model. I demo'd this bike (took it up to Walker Ranch outside of Boulder and had no problems) and bought it after 1 day of demo'ing. I took it on the Switzerland Trail from Sugarloaf to Sunset and back (4 mi down, 4 mi up) just to keep getting acquainted with it before I took it to Vail. It went down and up the Switz trail great, and had no problems on the ski resort. I took it down the black diamonds and had no problems with the suspension not being enough (didn't go over the bigger jumps though - more me than the bike there... chain did come loose twice due to jarring). I also was able to ride up the Grand Traverse easily. It climbs and descends well. The climbing at Walker Ranch kicked my butt because I am out of shape and there's a lot of loose stuff there... but that's not the bike's fault.

Pros: trek customer service, fork, shifting

Cons: stiff rear shock/geometry, seatpost, weight

Recommendation: The rear linkage in these fuels jsut dont do it for me. It has the advertised travel and it doesnt bob at all, but its stiff. Even with the lowest pressure possible in the shock, it jsut doesnt have the right feel for me. The shock it came with from the shop was wrong, and Trek had no problems replacing it for me. Dunno if it was the shop trying to scam or what, but Trek made it right. Also, the seatpost with the no setback puts me over the bars too much. I had to get one with a bit of setback to it as well as a shorter stem to make it fit better. The shifting is smooth, the fork is great, the brakes are ok. The overall weight is a bit much. I built a GT I-Drive frame up with budget parts and it weighs lighter than this and the rear suspension performs way better (rebuilt sid dual air).