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| Pros | Great build for the price. | | Cons | Nothing so far. | | Verdict | 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! |
 reviewed by TomG12  on September 23, 2009
| 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 | | Verdict | 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 |
 reviewed by guest on August 11, 2009
| 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. | | Verdict | 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. |
reviewed by warhank on August 3, 2009
| 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). | | Verdict | 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. | | Verdict | 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. |
reviewed by guest on May 15, 2009
| Pros | Climbing, Comfort, Fox Shocks. | | Cons | Stock tires are slick and need to go away. | | Verdict | 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.
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reviewed by guest on April 19, 2009
| 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 | | Verdict | 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 |
 reviewed by Toddski on February 19, 2009
| 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"
| | Verdict | 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? |
reviewed by kellern  on January 2, 2009
| 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 | | Verdict | 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. | | Verdict | Anyone who has the desire to come out of the gates with a bike "a Blazin" from the start with basically a stock setup!! |
reviewed by TSD on September 1, 2008
| 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 | | Verdict | 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. | | Verdict | 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). | | Verdict | 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!!!! | | Verdict | sell your car and get this bike. |
| Pros | fit, available colors, fox front and rear, abp, evo link, full floater. | | Cons | saddle, grips. | | Verdict | 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. |
reviewed by huttobk on October 1, 2007
| Pros | fork, shock, drivetrain | | Cons | TIRES, seat, could use the lockout from '07 | | Verdict | 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. |
reviewed by Dean20 on September 21, 2007
| Pros | Fork, Shock, Wheels | | Cons | Juicy 5's, Tires | | Verdict | 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 | | Verdict | 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 | | Verdict | 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). |
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