This is the EXACT same bike I'm looking at picking up and to see your mods was jaw dropping. I'm sorry, but I actually had to stop the video and just STARE at the Fox 36. I absolutely LOVE the orange accents on the blue frame. The ride wrap is a MUST - I've never seen this brand before and I was looking to take my bike to a dealer for PPF film (starts at $199+), but this is a fraction of that cost. It would be GREAT if you could do a video of putting it on as I'd be curious to know how much of a hassle it was or not.
It’s an absolute hassle to put on sometimes and easy other times. I put the ride wrap on my wife’s bike with no issues looked professional. Put the ride wrap on this bike and there are all sorts of issues. Bubbles and doesn’t look good close up. But that’s just my honest opinion 🤷🏼♂️ some people think it’s easy to install
This is exactly what I'm looking to do. I already have some upgraded parts to swap over from my old Remedy, so I'm looking at an aluminum Fuel EX gen 6. I'm thinking about the new Lyrik '23 and a set of Industry 9 Enduro S wheels. Interested to hear what you think of the changes and where it's worth it vs. not. Cheers!
I’ve got the same bike and i go trough my rear shock travel really easy, i always bottem out. Any suggestions? Maybe up my travel? I dont know and im new to mountainbiking
Suspension is always tricky to answer on because there are so many things to factor in. I will say that the piggy back shock made a huge difference for me. I bought mine used on PinkBike form a guy who took it off his new bike. Getting the sag set right is key. Also, have your fork set right effect weight displacement on the bike when riding and can effect the rear shock. Suspension isn’t a cheap upgrade. I’d do everything I can to mess with the settings on your current suspension and shop around for a good deal before upgrading.
@@JaredHoff thank you for responding! I will first fiddle with my stock suspension, i kinda freeked out when i saw i bottem out on a jump thats really small
7:10 but the question most ppl that looked into Fox really well are wondering is will this one creak with months of use, sound like you are snapping it in half on each drop and sound like riding over twigs when turning, creak when braking? I know 2019 36 did, 2021, 2022 did and 38 too. I see they claim 2023 is supposed to have. A lighter, stiffer crown. But I new proof it actually solves the issues. The previous models could not handle the loads. My Ext Era does. No creaking.
The Trek is ready out the book so the upgrades you've done are good. No need to focus on "what else can I add. You'll never be satisfied. Time to jst ride
It would have looked sick if you could find the same rear shock exept with the kashima coating. Would have tied in well with the fork. Also a fox transfer with kashima coating would hae made this thing complete
You had suggested to me some take offs, would the stock suspension on the 7 be a worthy upgrade for my ex5. It was new March of this year. Also are they for sale.
Definitely, but I never sell the parts off my bike. When you go to resell it,,, you don’t get money back for the upgrades. So keep the stock parts and put them back on if you ever sell the bike.
I love what you did on your bike bit ngl I fell in love with the copper color of the fuel EX8 gen6 and if I understood you basically take the suspension components of one to put it in your bike So if I but the EX8 it’ll be just as good ?( don’t have access to all the spare parts like you)
Upgrade the wheelsets, the ones from my slash dented the moment I did a set of stairs. The line comp 30s are just not right for hard riding. That's based on my opinion tho.
I’ve heard others say that as well. I had Cushcore in my last set, but want to keep this bike feeling light and snappy. Maybe carbon wheels are the way to go 🤷🏼♂️ but can’t afford that now 😂
I am waiting for my bike. (Fuel ex). I will received it with a fox 36 150 mm. I considere transform it in a 160 mm, not mullet (29-29). What do you think of that?
Depends on what type of ride you’re looking for. The way it comes makes it the most versatile. Can handle anything form long all day pedals to downhill descents. Converting to mullet with 160 makes it more of a “party” bike. Not as efficient, but probably a ton of fun.
Bike looks awesome bro! I just bought the same bike but in the dark grey / black color. I’m planning on accenting mine with yellow parts like you did yours with orange.
I just got some Answer Pro Taper 50mm riser bars 720mm in white "I love em" ,don't you just love buying stuff and then looking at your bike with your new goodies on 😮🤟🤠🙏🇬🇧
Question for you @jared hoff. I have a slash 9.8. Similar to your bike . I'm looking for mid travel bike and was thinking about the fuel gen 6. Are the 2 bikes different enough that I'd want to own both? I live in vancouver so I'm riding NS steep Jank..
To be perfectly honest, I think the Fuel EX almost replaces the Slash except for maybe lift access bike parks or really gnarly black diamond trails. Maybe I need to do a video with some back to back laps Slash versus EX gen 6 🤔
I just ordered this exact bike. I’m holding out until I get some time on it to try and figure out where to tinker but I’m feeling bars and suspension will be the big stuff. How are the spec components as far as brakes, and the Shimano mix?
The TRP brakes work great, no issues. I also am happy Shimano mixed drivetrain. The first upgrades I’d do to the EX 7 are Bars and Stem. Upgrade slowly over time and search for good deals.
So what's the verdict on the SDG Bell Air V3...is this the new max version?.... been through a few seats the past 2 months..Spec bridge, wtb koda, wtb speed, ergonomic smc gel, sm comp... just haven't found the fit yet... just ordered the wtb volt and the SDG Bell air V3 Max to try out.... any verdict?
WTB volt was the saddle I liked most before this. When I first used this saddle, I thought it wasn’t comfortable enough. But I’m used to it now and have no complaints even on longer 19+ mile rides. Although, at least half of my riding miles are usually spent downhill with the saddle slammed 😂
💯 percent. I actually have a set of tires for it already, but want to wear out the bintrager tires first just to save some money since I spent too much on the fork 😂
Trail One makes some of the best components in my opinion. I’ve met Brian and talked with Jeff, that own T1, and they are awesome dudes that I recommend everyone support 👍🏻
Hey man, nice vids! I have the same Bike in size large and I’m planning on buying the same 200mm dropper… whats your frame size? I’m Just worried about insertion clereance, thanks!
EX 7 gave me the cheapest entry price to get a complete bike and be able to search for deals on parts to upgrade. I do agree that a EX8 is the best bang for the buck, and 9.8 is a model that needs no upgrades. I plan on making future videos to talk compare upgrading a base model versus buying top spec models like the Fuel EX 9.8 or 9.9
Cool vid, and I really like the upgrades! Re the orange, not sure 'personally', though I LOVE orange oddly enough - but colour is a personal thing and everyone will have differing opinions!. Great advise/note on the rear shock being tuned to the frame, and I LOVED seeing someone use a F'n torque wrench for once!! (amazing the amount of guys showing frame build ups of things like high end carbon frames, and they are just clamping as much torque as they can physically apply like an utter spanktard!) Overall, great bike you have there, good luck with it out on the trails! (and i LOVE that blue frame, such a nice colour!)
Thanks for the awesome comment. The blue and orange as something I thought would make my Fuel EX stand out from the rest. At first I was like, oh $h!t I went orange crazy! BUT then I saw it out in the daylight 🤩 love it now
@@JaredHoff As long as you love it, it doesn't matter what others think, just enjoy it for being a reflection of what YOU wanted it to be!! (and yes, yours is now unique, no question there!) And re trek paint jobs, I have the red/black Gen5 Fuel EX8, picture's do NOT do justice to that paint, it's nothing short of stunning when you get it in the sun. I imagine your blue one to be similar! Side note, my EX8 has the Fox DPS with Re-aktive on it. I'm over 300lb in old measurements, and with the largest volume spacer added, that constant blowing through the suspension issue you touch on, all gone for normal trail riding - like I have issue getting past 75% travel with correct sag, even consider going one down re spacers! (i'm old, fat and boring with my riding, but love it none-the-less!)
Omg ,those forks are just off the hook awesome, I've been kashima crazy since 8 discovered it 😅,and the orange 🍊 lowers are my favourite, totally CHERRY 🍒 🤟🤠 ,beautiful machine, a work of art.
Thank you! I was a little worried that I had gone orange crazy 😂 I wish I could have got the factory Kashima rear shock, but this one was such a good price.
I just got this bike and i love i but I'm wondering what I should upgrade I was thinking about new brake pads or a new front fork what do you recommend
Depends on how heavy you are and how hard you ride. Fork was a must for me, but I probably could have gone for something cheaper. The Fox factory was kind of overkill
I love Trek, but so many of their stock components seem to do their brand an injustice. All of that Bontrager stuff (bars, stem, tires, wheels, etc) just seems cheap. Kudos to you for taking a nice bike and making it amazing with some thoughtful upgrades. 👌
@@JaredHoff I really hope you’re right. I’d buy it for sure. I have my eye on the patrol only because the remedy isn’t around anymore. They’re similar bikes in some ways.
@@mv8984 My son got into mountain biking. I started receiving Polygon bikes to review and there I was… 3 bikes for myself and my son needed a new bike. So I tried to do the right thing and sell my dream bike (the only bike I officially owned) to buy my son his dream bike. I think I explained this in the video but I get why you made the comment.
Awesome idea on changing out components and adding orange color while you upgrade…bonus
Thanks man 👍
This is the EXACT same bike I'm looking at picking up and to see your mods was jaw dropping. I'm sorry, but I actually had to stop the video and just STARE at the Fox 36. I absolutely LOVE the orange accents on the blue frame. The ride wrap is a MUST - I've never seen this brand before and I was looking to take my bike to a dealer for PPF film (starts at $199+), but this is a fraction of that cost. It would be GREAT if you could do a video of putting it on as I'd be curious to know how much of a hassle it was or not.
It’s an absolute hassle to put on sometimes and easy other times. I put the ride wrap on my wife’s bike with no issues looked professional. Put the ride wrap on this bike and there are all sorts of issues. Bubbles and doesn’t look good close up. But that’s just my honest opinion 🤷🏼♂️ some people think it’s easy to install
This is exactly what I'm looking to do. I already have some upgraded parts to swap over from my old Remedy, so I'm looking at an aluminum Fuel EX gen 6. I'm thinking about the new Lyrik '23 and a set of Industry 9 Enduro S wheels. Interested to hear what you think of the changes and where it's worth it vs. not. Cheers!
As soon as the weather gets better, I’ll take this out for some rides. Can’t wait! Sounds like you’re going to have an amazing MTB
I’ve got the same bike and i go trough my rear shock travel really easy, i always bottem out. Any suggestions? Maybe up my travel? I dont know and im new to mountainbiking
Does it make a difference when upgrading to a same travel float x with piggy bag?
Suspension is always tricky to answer on because there are so many things to factor in. I will say that the piggy back shock made a huge difference for me. I bought mine used on PinkBike form a guy who took it off his new bike.
Getting the sag set right is key. Also, have your fork set right effect weight displacement on the bike when riding and can effect the rear shock.
Suspension isn’t a cheap upgrade. I’d do everything I can to mess with the settings on your current suspension and shop around for a good deal before upgrading.
@@damienvanwingerde6378 definitely made a difference for me, but I also upgraded the fork so that helped too.
@@JaredHoff thank you for responding! I will first fiddle with my stock suspension, i kinda freeked out when i saw i bottem out on a jump thats really small
7:10 but the question most ppl that looked into Fox really well are wondering is will this one creak with months of use, sound like you are snapping it in half on each drop and sound like riding over twigs when turning, creak when braking?
I know 2019 36 did, 2021, 2022 did and 38 too. I see they claim 2023 is supposed to have. A lighter, stiffer crown. But I new proof it actually solves the issues. The previous models could not handle the loads. My Ext Era does. No creaking.
I’ll definitely do a short and long term review on the fork. Thanks for the input. I’ll look to answer those questions.
I'm looking at this bike, in the grey color. Little expensive. Then to change out almost everything.. I would definitely have to find some deals
I think it’s well worth the money. But it’s definitely not cheap.
The Trek is ready out the book so the upgrades you've done are good. No need to focus on "what else can I add. You'll never be satisfied. Time to jst ride
Blue and Orange, go Broncos!!!
Definitely has that vibe
That some major upgrade, looking forward to have your review, im impatient to ride my 9.8 and compare with my old gen 5.
9.8 is a dream bike for sure 👍🏻 stoked for you!
It would have looked sick if you could find the same rear shock exept with the kashima coating. Would have tied in well with the fork. Also a fox transfer with kashima coating would hae made this thing complete
For sure! I definitely wanted that one, but couldn’t pass up on the $250 deal I got on this one
@@JaredHoff Yeah makes sense
You had suggested to me some take offs, would the stock suspension on the 7 be a worthy upgrade for my ex5. It was new March of this year. Also are they for sale.
Definitely, but I never sell the parts off my bike. When you go to resell it,,, you don’t get money back for the upgrades. So keep the stock parts and put them back on if you ever sell the bike.
Bel Air saddles are very comfortable
@@michaelwhite5834 for sure 👍
I love what you did on your bike bit ngl I fell in love with the copper color of the fuel EX8 gen6 and if I understood you basically take the suspension components of one to put it in your bike
So if I but the EX8 it’ll be just as good ?( don’t have access to all the spare parts like you)
EX8 is a great model. You can always do upgrades slowly overtime
@@JaredHoff Thank you very much for the quick response !
Upgrade the wheelsets, the ones from my slash dented the moment I did a set of stairs. The line comp 30s are just not right for hard riding. That's based on my opinion tho.
I’ve heard others say that as well. I had Cushcore in my last set, but want to keep this bike feeling light and snappy.
Maybe carbon wheels are the way to go 🤷🏼♂️ but can’t afford that now 😂
I am waiting for my bike. (Fuel ex). I will received it with a fox 36 150 mm. I considere transform it in a 160 mm, not mullet (29-29). What do you think of that?
Depends on what type of ride you’re looking for. The way it comes makes it the most versatile. Can handle anything form long all day pedals to downhill descents.
Converting to mullet with 160 makes it more of a “party” bike. Not as efficient, but probably a ton of fun.
The seat looks EPIC,that rear shock is engineering genius 😮.
Yes 👍🏻 I’ve got some orange and gold stickers coming for the rear shock.
Bike looks awesome bro! I just bought the same bike but in the dark grey / black color. I’m planning on accenting mine with yellow parts like you did yours with orange.
Yellow will look amazing. Stoked for you! 👍🏻
I just got some Answer Pro Taper 50mm riser bars 720mm in white "I love em" ,don't you just love buying stuff and then looking at your bike with your new goodies on 😮🤟🤠🙏🇬🇧
Definitely love it 🤘🏻
Looks awesome! An orange water bottle cage would finish it off.
👍🏻 I’m just scared to go orange crazy lol
Question for you @jared hoff. I have a slash 9.8. Similar to your bike . I'm looking for mid travel bike and was thinking about the fuel gen 6. Are the 2 bikes different enough that I'd want to own both? I live in vancouver so I'm riding NS steep Jank..
To be perfectly honest, I think the Fuel EX almost replaces the Slash except for maybe lift access bike parks or really gnarly black diamond trails.
Maybe I need to do a video with some back to back laps Slash versus EX gen 6 🤔
@Jared Hoff Thanks for the insight.. I'd watch that video for sure!
Beautiful bike! I would go with mud guard. The color scheme is awesome, i've done simular with my silver bike and red forks.
Thank you 🙏🏻 mudguard for sure. Silver and red 🤘🏻 awesome I have to see that
Hey Jared I just got a pickup truck and am wondering if a tailgate bike pad is a good idea or bike rack. Which would you suggest?
Tailgate pad all day. I only use the hitch mounted bike rack for long trips when I need to pack stuff under my tonneau cover.
I just ordered this exact bike. I’m holding out until I get some time on it to try and figure out where to tinker but I’m feeling bars and suspension will be the big stuff. How are the spec components as far as brakes, and the Shimano mix?
The TRP brakes work great, no issues. I also am happy Shimano mixed drivetrain. The first upgrades I’d do to the EX 7 are Bars and Stem.
Upgrade slowly over time and search for good deals.
So what's the verdict on the SDG Bell Air V3...is this the new max version?.... been through a few seats the past 2 months..Spec bridge, wtb koda, wtb speed, ergonomic smc gel, sm comp... just haven't found the fit yet... just ordered the wtb volt and the SDG Bell air V3 Max to try out.... any verdict?
WTB volt was the saddle I liked most before this. When I first used this saddle, I thought it wasn’t comfortable enough. But I’m used to it now and have no complaints even on longer 19+ mile rides.
Although, at least half of my riding miles are usually spent downhill with the saddle slammed 😂
tires would be the next best upgrade maybe dh casing to protect those rims they dent super easy for me
💯 percent. I actually have a set of tires for it already, but want to wear out the bintrager tires first just to save some money since I spent too much on the fork 😂
How does the trailone bar compare to a oneup bar?? I’m looking into upgrading mine.
Trail One makes some of the best components in my opinion. I’ve met Brian and talked with Jeff, that own T1, and they are awesome dudes that I recommend everyone support 👍🏻
In the end, was it worth it? I know you sold the bike, but while you rode it, did you appreciate the upgrades ?
@@mattmorrison9379 I loved it. I’ve been using the parts on other bikes, like the Polygon T9, and still getting use out of the upgrades.
I’m from colorado and it’s giving me Denver Broncos vibes. I dig it !!
😂 never thought of that but you’re right 👍🏻
I'd deffo go with one of those beautiful little hugging carbon front mudguards 😊
Just got a Fox mudguard on it
Nice bike....how much weight with aluminium frame?
35lbs, but it’s a size XL
Hey man, nice vids! I have the same Bike in size large and I’m planning on buying the same 200mm dropper… whats your frame size? I’m Just worried about insertion clereance, thanks!
Size XL, no issues with insertion depth 👍🏻
You should have put a 38 on it 160 travel so you can do the mullet set up
I hear ya. That’s would be awesome. I’m trying to keep this bike feeling more like a trail bike, but that 160mm 38 would make the EX a beast 🤘🏻
You should definitely swap those tires off! Heavier casings and soft rubber up front!
Just did that on this video
th-cam.com/video/PQEZmo7KAaQ/w-d-xo.html
Why didnt you go for the higher model fuel ex?
EX 7 gave me the cheapest entry price to get a complete bike and be able to search for deals on parts to upgrade.
I do agree that a EX8 is the best bang for the buck, and 9.8 is a model that needs no upgrades. I plan on making future videos to talk compare upgrading a base model versus buying top spec models like the Fuel EX 9.8 or 9.9
Cool vid, and I really like the upgrades! Re the orange, not sure 'personally', though I LOVE orange oddly enough - but colour is a personal thing and everyone will have differing opinions!.
Great advise/note on the rear shock being tuned to the frame, and I LOVED seeing someone use a F'n torque wrench for once!! (amazing the amount of guys showing frame build ups of things like high end carbon frames, and they are just clamping as much torque as they can physically apply like an utter spanktard!)
Overall, great bike you have there, good luck with it out on the trails! (and i LOVE that blue frame, such a nice colour!)
Thanks for the awesome comment. The blue and orange as something I thought would make my Fuel EX stand out from the rest.
At first I was like, oh $h!t I went orange crazy! BUT then I saw it out in the daylight 🤩 love it now
@@JaredHoff As long as you love it, it doesn't matter what others think, just enjoy it for being a reflection of what YOU wanted it to be!! (and yes, yours is now unique, no question there!)
And re trek paint jobs, I have the red/black Gen5 Fuel EX8, picture's do NOT do justice to that paint, it's nothing short of stunning when you get it in the sun. I imagine your blue one to be similar!
Side note, my EX8 has the Fox DPS with Re-aktive on it. I'm over 300lb in old measurements, and with the largest volume spacer added, that constant blowing through the suspension issue you touch on, all gone for normal trail riding - like I have issue getting past 75% travel with correct sag, even consider going one down re spacers! (i'm old, fat and boring with my riding, but love it none-the-less!)
Great color scheme for NY METS Fan mountain bike riders😁
👍 The factory orange fork started it all
Looks good my man. Loam lever is the icing on the cake.❤
💯 percent 👍🏻
What is the exact model fork do you have upgraded to?
Fox Factory 36 Performance Elite
www.worldwidecyclery.com/products/fox-36-factory-suspension-fork-29-160-mm-15-x-110-mm-44-mm-offset-shiny-orange-grip2-kabolt-x?aff=578
Lookin good bro. Definitely need a tire upgrade 😂 don’t want anymore heavy slams
Just installed new tires on it. Trying out the Pirelli Scorpions
@@JaredHoff sweet!
Sweet Video! Bike is looking sick! Maybe upgrade the deraileur to something like a Sram XX1 Eagle (Budget friendly:)
Thanks man 👍🏻 I really liked the XX1 when I had one, but like the XT derailleur just as much
Looks sweet bro Go Gators!!
🤘🏻
Thanks!
How much travel of the fork 160
@@magnuskylecervantes1648 150
@@JaredHoff i mean for the new fork you installed?
@@magnuskylecervantes1648 150
What is happening with the marin apline trail 7
I still have it for now, but I’m going to start trying out different enduro bikes and might sell the Marin.
@@JaredHoff should make it a downhill bike and sell it
@@haydnboi5342 With 160mm (f) 150mm (r) travel?
Jared you traitor you!! LOL I'm still enjoying my Slash. All joking aside nice ride you have fixed up for yourself. 👍
Thanks man 👍🏻 if I could afford it I’d have a Slash as well
Did you go 160mm on your fox 36 fork or you stick with 150mm?
Stuck in the 150mm. I think a 150 fork is perfect for the majority of trails out there. It takes a serious trail to require more than that.
Omg ,those forks are just off the hook awesome, I've been kashima crazy since 8 discovered it 😅,and the orange 🍊 lowers are my favourite, totally CHERRY 🍒 🤟🤠 ,beautiful machine, a work of art.
Thank you! I was a little worried that I had gone orange crazy 😂 I wish I could have got the factory Kashima rear shock, but this one was such a good price.
gooooood looking !
Thanks bro 👍
That was quick haha lovin it
Thanks man! Been stuck in a snow covered house. Nothing to do but think about upgrades and search for good deals 😂
Is it a 160mm fork?
No. It’s a 150mm. The lost co converted it from 160 to 150 for me.
I just got this bike and i love i but I'm wondering what I should upgrade I was thinking about new brake pads or a new front fork what do you recommend
Depends on how heavy you are and how hard you ride. Fork was a must for me, but I probably could have gone for something cheaper. The Fox factory was kind of overkill
@@JaredHoff ok Thanks for the recomendation
May i ask what the total price of the upgrades was?
About $1,350 but I got some good discounts or it would have been a lot more.
I love Trek, but so many of their stock components seem to do their brand an injustice. All of that Bontrager stuff (bars, stem, tires, wheels, etc) just seems cheap. Kudos to you for taking a nice bike and making it amazing with some thoughtful upgrades. 👌
Thank you! That’s kind of why I wanted to go with the EX7 and put the parts I really wanted on it.
Lols I went into a Trek dealership looking for an Assagai and they tried telling me the Bontrager tires were just as good lol 😂🤣🤣
Are You thinking abouy getting a rad hardtail soon? Also, this bike looks dope 👌
Yes. I’m working on some deals with bike companies and hoping to get a Hardtail sometime, but not sure when.
Total money investment in the upgrades?
$2000 on Mountain Bike Upgrades: Worth It or Regret It?
th-cam.com/video/GmAwPlFId0c/w-d-xo.html
Those colours remind me of the Mclaren F1 GTR Gulf livery by Andy Blackmore.
I’ll take that 👍🏻
sweet
Thanks man 👍🏻
It's hard to knock the build, everything you've done makes the bike better...Berd wheels and CODE RSC brakes?
Need wheels would be amazing. I really want to upgrade the wheels, but so expensive 😬
Nice!!
Thanks 😁
The stupidest thing trek did is get rid of the remedy. But this is a crazy build 🎉🎉🎉
I’m kind of wondering if they’re going to bring the remedy back as a mullet
@@JaredHoff I really hope you’re right. I’d buy it for sure. I have my eye on the patrol only because the remedy isn’t around anymore. They’re similar bikes in some ways.
Tires
I posted a tire and brake upgrade video check it out. th-cam.com/video/PQEZmo7KAaQ/w-d-xo.html
if it was me i would change the shock
Definitely 👍 I’ve found that getting the right rear shock helps in all aspects (uphill, downhill, cornering etc.)
“I plan on keeping this bike for a long time” next video “ selling my dream bike”😢
@@mv8984 My son got into mountain biking. I started receiving Polygon bikes to review and there I was… 3 bikes for myself and my son needed a new bike.
So I tried to do the right thing and sell my dream bike (the only bike I officially owned) to buy my son his dream bike.
I think I explained this in the video but I get why you made the comment.
He didn’t upgrade the chain or the cables…everything else was.
That orange is awful
I’m stoked on how it looks 👍🏻 Such a personal preference though 🤷🏼♂️