Because of this video, I rented the full stache instead of a more expensive carbon bike to ride in Sedona Arizona in October 2018. It was OUTRAGEOUS! I ride in rolling cross country trails of Ontario Canada usually - so it was a big change. This bike gave me such joy and confidence doing EVERYTHING. It was just crazy crazy fun. Thanks so so much for this video.
I bought one, upgraded the wheels to the Line Pro 30, and agree that this is the best bike I've ever ridden! So much fun... so forgiving... so stable... and rolls over just about everything. By upgrading the wheel set, climbing wasn't ever an issue. Highly recommended... and fully share Guy's review. He's speaking the truth!
Any issues with running Line Pro 30s instead of Line Pro 40s? I am looking to upgrade my wheels but I am having trouble finding more information on this. Thanks!
@@Adsal638 sorry, I meant Line 40s… but honestly, Line 30s would be great too. The only difference is that they wouldn’t really support 29x3.0 tires that well. You could run up to about 29x2.6. (maybe a little wider), but not much wider. In any case, I still stand by my claim…. It’s a killer bike! It’s still one of my favorites, despite also having a Fuel EX 9.9.
I think I want one already. I don't do races. Just wanna go out there and keep riding. Its the perfect bike for me. Great review as always from you sir!
I bought a 2017 Fuel ex8. It came with 27.5 plus size tire. It too appears to be a monster truck on the trail. Very enjoyable bike. Thanks for the great video work.
Guy, I like your review so much I'd like to make up 10 more accounts just so I can give you as many thumbs up. I'm probably buying one tomorrow, partly because of this, your review. ...and your ending was classic! 10 thumbs up
Great vid, Guy! I was blown away by my first time on 2.5 29 wheels compared to my usual 2.3 27.5 so can only imagine the extra boost from these. Sounds like the perfect bike to just go out and have a blast.
As you know, if you 'get it' then there's absolutely nothing else that rides quite the same way, even similar plus 29er bikes. So glad you're enjoying yours.
Guy Kesteven Good to know I didn’t fancy trying many different bikes..I looked at other brands couldn’t see anything like this bike.. I’m not a racer ,Just adventurous and I think you nailed it pretty much...It’s a fun bike...Looks like you had a blast riding it yourself haha..Great video..Best one I’ve seen you do to date..
‘Like having the biggest gun in the computer game.. just blows everything away’ ...... best comment in a review ever!!! Bike looks awesome. Keep up the good work Guy
Matthew Plummer to be fair the new Stumpy is one of the few bikes that’ll fit 29 x 3.0in tyres in. The geometry isn’t based specifically around that size like it is on the Full Stache though.
Great informative reviews mate! Keep at it. Also, I’m curious to here you thoughts on the Stache hardtail Carbon or alloy it doesn’t matter✌🏾 Cheers Ian
Guy Kesteven . Not a problem. Actually not a single review about alltitude is worth watching on youtube. Nothing can beat the way you do things. Fun and informative.
First of all. Best bike review I've seen on any bike ever. 2nd: Call me crazy but I just ordered a full Stache and according to my math, if I switch out for carbon rims, bars and run tubeless it's approximately a 2.2 kg drop in weight. I plan on upping the air shaft in the pike to a 140 mm. This would allow enough bb clearance for 2.4 - 2.6 tires. Then I could have two totally different 29er wheel sets (One fat and one standard) depending on the ride I plan on doing. I think this thing would climb like a scalded cat with an ultra light wheel set given it's geometry and chain stay length. Am I over my head in planning this out guy?
'Monster Trek' love it 😂 what a bike though, my only question is wether it can handle tight corners and switch backs with such a large wheel base and tyres???
Wheelbase is only 15mm longer than a standard Fuel EX, but yes you do have to use those big tyres to widen the trail on entry or exit sometimes. That 3in tyre can be a pain in the arse on really narrow sheep track singletrack ruts too and you do have to do a rethink on where you'd normally put your wheels when you start riding. Because it steamrollers through off piste sections so well it's rare you can't just ride round the problem though.
Guy Kesteven Fair enough, it's probably no more of a mind set change then going from 26" to 29er with that added 'go anywhere' ability thrown in. It would crush enduro races by the sounds of it, if your fit enough to it get back to the top😂🖒
oliver sharman no doubt it absolutely crushes Enduro courses, but proper racers would probably find the ground contact too vague. Having ridden the Slash a lot the accuracy and speed of that bike is insane. Think 50 cal machine gun firing armour piercing rounds from a fixed mount while Full Stache is more flamethrower!
Guy Kesteven yeah that's a good point, it looks like a riot to ride. I will have to try one at some point. Thanks for the reply's, I will catch you in the next one☺🖒
Guy I am in the market for a plus bike. I have an orange segment mk1 which I love, so I want something completely different. Which plus bike would you recommend at this 3kish price point. I notice you also like the scott spark plus, I would prob go for the genius plus though for the extra travel. I am so intrigued by the trek. My riding is all natural trails with plenty of rocky Mountian stuff and I am based on the iom, so it’s very much Lake District style terrain. Many thanks keep up the good work.
There's a few options on production bikes that come with plus tyres as standard in 2018, Scott Genius (not tried the new one) or Spark (which I love), Fuel EX (again a super solid bike) and Stumpjumper (very user friendly) are the obvious ones. You'd likely have to budget for tougher tyres if you're riding rocky terrain all the time too as the supplied ones will generally be pretty lightweight and likely to rip. Bontrager XR4, Maxxis Minion, or heavier Schwabe carcasses would be the way to go. The alternative is to go for a bike where Plus is an option: Santa Cruz Hightower/Tallboy or the Cotic SoulMax/Rocket which either come with tougher tyres as standard or can be switched to them. Trouble is they're all bloody good, but with different characters. How different do you want it to feel to the Segment?
Guy Kesteven that’s the problem/solution so much choice so much fun to be had, like I say I love the segment so I would be looking for something like that only on steroids. I really like the idea of the Cotic, I am not a bike weight focused fella, I am 68kg so a solid bike seems to help me. However I am not a bike suspension geek either, I like to set it up and forget about it. Basically if orange did a plus size full suss I would be on it.
The Full Stache definitely fits the bill of Segment on steroids and the Reaktiv suspension is pretty much set and forget. It's not a bike for hurrying up climbs but it's unstoppable on the roughest terrain. As for the Cotic with a Cane Creek it just needs a decent initial set up then it's golden (literally).
The new Stumpjumper 29er is very user friendly too. It comes with 29x2.6in but it'll take a 29x3in tyre. Much more neutral and not as interactive as an Orange tho.
I have a stache HT, was thinking about upgrading the tires. I was thinking maybe 2.8 front and back or maybe 2.8, 2.6 front and back. Or a 3.0 dhf front 2.8 reckon back. Or 2.8 rekon front and back, any thought from anyone. Stock wheels for now. Currently on xr2’s
My conserns are stiffness, reability, i am not sure if the new trek full suspension bikes are good enough for me, I currently own two of 2014 fuel ex, but it's flexy, and have to rebuild it several times in a week if I ride hard, press beargs in. I know, and can see the new bikes are stiffer, but I am skeptical. I also got 3mm stone stuck in abp, my bike. Is annoying. So new bike is on the plans. I watched another review of the full stache and it claimed the rear end was flexy. So it sounds like they are not for me.
Did you ever get to ride the 2013 stache? I have the 2013 stache 7 in it's original form other than a different seat post for fit reasons. I'm not sure if I should go with something like the fuel ex/chameleon/chromag wideangle. Or upgrade it with a nice wheelset new fork and maybe a new drivetrain.
Yes I rode some of the early Stache bikes and they were great. Fuel Ex would certainly be very different and Chameleon pretty different too so I'd certainly suggest trying them out at a demo somehow before committing. Upgrading the wheelset on the Stache is likely to be the best way to spend money on it for sure. Drivetrains don't really change the way a bike rides but a lighter/livelier wheelset on a bit like that can transform it.
Hey Guy, how would you say the full stache does as a 'do it all' bike? I'm torn between this and a remedy 8. I like to ride everything from mellow singletrack to steep techy downhill and bike park laps. It's a tough decision!
Ey up Sam, Remedy 8 is a lot more versatile, especially for bike park use. The Stache is brilliant off piste but tyre choice etc. is far more limited and while it will climb up anything it doesn't hurry to do it!
Cool, thanks for the advice. I'm leaning towards the remedy I think! Particularly with the extra clearance and 2.6 tyres on the 2019 Remedy, could be the best of both worlds. By the way, I think you know a chap called Yaz Lapin? We're currently working together in Christchurch, NZ
will the Full Stache be any faster if I swapped out the rims/tires and put on 2.4's for my cross country race days. I hate people coasting behind me when I am pedaling my guts out. I can afford a second set of wheels but not a second bike. I love uphill rock gardens but there are never any in the places I race.
That's the 29+ for you, most of those features can be tackled with a rigid 29+ albeit at reduced speed. I'm kind of jonesin for this bike now never thought you could justify a quiver of two 29+ bikes but here we are.
TBH it's hard to compare it with any mainstream bikes. You want the Trek Slash/Remedy for conventional comparisons there. The new Stumpjumper 150 comes with 29x2.6 tyres and can take 3.0s as can the Pole Machine but otherwise you're looking at Salsa for equivalent, but shorter travel and without the tucked in back end.
Guy Kesteven I'm happy with my fuel ex8 eagle. Although i haven't done the things i wanted to do with it yet... Hopefully later this year. Would love to take her to Scotland some time.
I'm the "Mountain Biking UK" part of this review ;-) www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension/product/trek-fuel-ex-8-29-review-51968/
Wow. The review I was looking for and ...regrettably found. I'm currently on a 2017 Stache 7 so I know how fun and monster truck like this series of Trek's is. Looking to go full suspension and torn between 2018 Fuel EX, and now the Full Stache, or the upcoming Stumpjumper. Curious if you've been on the 2019 Stumpjumper yet Guy, and your thoughts on it. I suspect you can ride all three of these in the same terrain, including bike parks, but that the Fuel EX and Stumpjumper would perform with the precision and weight of a scalpel, while the Full Stache would be more like hacking though hot beef with a machete. Any thoughts/comparison on Trek's ABP rear ends vs 2019 Stumpjumper's? ...this new Stumpy that will take any tire size (and carry all my tools and spare) is really throwing off my decision process. ;) Thanks Guy!
Hi Raymond, yes I've ridden both the Stumpjumper ST and the standard 150mm version. Like you say both will apparently take up to a 29 x 3in tyre same as the Stache (though I didn't get chance to actually try that myself). The 150mm is a really composed, easy to ride and neutral bike and the new suspension feels more supportive and less squishy than previous AutoSag set ups. It's relatively short in reach though and the Grid 2.6in tyres as standard obscure the fact it's actually a very light frame for its category. The ST uses the same frame but because the short fork steepens the angles it's effectively 10mm longer in reach. The 2.3in tyres make the light weight more obvious and the suspension feels less stressed and more fluid as the leverage ratios are slightly different. The SWAT box is also bigger for 2019 so you can hide more stuff in there. If you're a high mileage rider the screw in BB is a big plus over press fit bearings. I had a carbon front end Fuel EX for a year and I've ridden the alloy versions too and they're all is firmer through the suspension (mostly because of the Reaktiv valving in the shock) but can still take a big hit very well. The mainframe is also seriously stiff and accurate so you can properly hammer it through testing techy stuff. Angles are slightly steeper than the Stumpy ST but reach is about the same. Hope that helps. GK
Guy Kesteven Thanks Guy. Sounds like you can't go wrong with either the '19 Stumpjumper or Fuel EX if your looking for a modern trail bike, and that the Full Stache will do as well (and maybe be more fun and confidence inspiring) unless you're looking to get more feel out of the terrain, or frequently racing. A year on the Fuel EX is some quality time! Do you think you'd prefer the current Fuel EX over a comparably equipped '19 Stumpjumper? It reads like you enjoy the feel of Trek's rear suspension a bit more as well as the geometry. Thanks again for you reply. (Also GREAT the videos you did with BKXC!)
Hi Guy, have you done a review of the Vitus Escarpe or the Sommet ? Vitus seems like a interesting bike company and you don’t see their bikes in the us so I don’t know how they measure up against other bikes. Thanks
Ray J oh now that’s a good question. Most bikes these days are pretty sorted but There’s been a few for sure. Some prototypes that were made wrong - original Gary Fisher Kingfisher, Scott Intoxica, some scary flexy - Empire MX6, Mountain Cycles last bike was a stinker too and there was a terrifying one off carbon bike called the Tical. You could push your thumbnail into the resin and the front wheel hit the downtube when you braked 😬. Most of the recent ones are just a disappointment where just one bit of the bike lets the rest down. Lack of headtube bracing on the Far East version of the Starling Murmur Factory causes tracking issues that you don’t get on the UK made ones, currently having a fight with the steering on the Evil gravel bike too. if nobody pushes the boundaries and makes mistakes though we don’t get anywhere. I snapped both chain stays in half on the first Cotic Suspension bike I rode and had to wire it back together with bits of fencing to ride 10 miles back to the van, but I love their current bikes. The shock tune on last years Norco Sight killed it dead but the tune on the new Optic is incredible and so on. Other times I don’t like how a bike rides but I can see who might - like super stiff race hardtails. In that case you just have to explain that. What’s the worst bike you’ve tried?
@@GuyKesTV Probably my Gary Fisher Sugar back around 2001 it had a tiny Cane Creek rear suspension that really didn't do much but back then I thought it was great:) Thanks for the awesome response good stuff.
Ray J oh yeah, those AD series shocks were interesting. They were air damped so the harder you rode the less damping you got. Add those flex. stays and things could get pretty exciting. Had a massive crash on one at a press launch in Chateaux D’Aix. Hella light though which was a big deal back then.
Vernon Felton who edited Pink Bike for a while smashed his collar bone on a Sugar that same day and Zap Espinoza from Mountain Bike star jumped off the back of one at the top of a steep section so it just sailed off into space. Trek weren’t too happy about that. That’s reminded me about the Klein Mantra though, THAT was a real acquire taste!
It was a shock going back to riding other bikes for sure, their wheels were behaving like I was on a BMX! I guess that's a risk you're always taking with stepping up a level. What I would say though is it works really well as a 'skill booster' from walking speed to warp speed not just flat out so I was generally trying more slow speed skillsy stuff rather than thinking only a hospital fast uplift DH session would get the benefit from it.
Neal yep I think MountainBike said that and I was waiting to feel underbraked on 180s either end. So far it’s been fine though and upsizing to a 200mm isn’t a big deal if you do a lot of wide open trail, wide open throttle riding.
Because of this video, I rented the full stache instead of a more expensive carbon bike to ride in Sedona Arizona in October 2018. It was OUTRAGEOUS! I ride in rolling cross country trails of Ontario Canada usually - so it was a big change. This bike gave me such joy and confidence doing EVERYTHING. It was just crazy crazy fun. Thanks so so much for this video.
That's awesome to hear Krista, so glad you enjoyed the ride and thanks for letting me know.
I bought one, upgraded the wheels to the Line Pro 30, and agree that this is the best bike I've ever ridden! So much fun... so forgiving... so stable... and rolls over just about everything. By upgrading the wheel set, climbing wasn't ever an issue. Highly recommended... and fully share Guy's review. He's speaking the truth!
Any issues with running Line Pro 30s instead of Line Pro 40s? I am looking to upgrade my wheels but I am having trouble finding more information on this.
Thanks!
@@Adsal638 sorry, I meant Line 40s… but honestly, Line 30s would be great too. The only difference is that they wouldn’t really support 29x3.0 tires that well. You could run up to about 29x2.6. (maybe a little wider), but not much wider. In any case, I still stand by my claim…. It’s a killer bike! It’s still one of my favorites, despite also having a Fuel EX 9.9.
I think I want one already. I don't do races. Just wanna go out there and keep riding. Its the perfect bike for me. Great review as always from you sir!
I bought a 2017 Fuel ex8. It came with 27.5 plus size tire. It too appears to be a monster truck on the trail. Very enjoyable bike. Thanks for the great video work.
at the last minute there i thought you were going to say, and watch here as i can ride it straight across this pond! i'd love to try one of these.
Do you know what James, that's the one thing I haven't tried on it. Now the weather has warmed up maybe I should 😂
What an absolutely delightful and well-done review!! Impressed by the handling skills & ability to talk while shredding the gnar!
Thanks Brian, glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully have some fresh Trek bikes on the channel very shortly too.
Guy, I like your review so much I'd like to make up 10 more accounts just so I can give you as many thumbs up. I'm probably buying one tomorrow, partly because of this, your review.
...and your ending was classic! 10 thumbs up
G'day guy, I will be getting one of these amazing bikes soon. Can't wait!
This bike is a beast! I was thinking upwards of $6k but it's only half of that. Great deal imo.
Thanks Guy. I already wanted one. Now I’m scheming ways to come up with the cash. Your enthusiasm for this bike just seals the deal.
It's such a blast, good luck saving up!
Guy Kesteven thanks mate.
Great vid, Guy! I was blown away by my first time on 2.5 29 wheels compared to my usual 2.3 27.5 so can only imagine the extra boost from these. Sounds like the perfect bike to just go out and have a blast.
010MACS yep, it took a while for me to get into it and now I can’t get out of it!
Good stuff, thanks for sharing another banker bike review!
What a mad bike! Great review.
You helped me pull the trigger on this mate 👍🏻✌🏼
Ryan Dunbar awesome, you are going to have a LOT of fun!
Made me know I haven’t made the wrong choice by far after watching this...Love this bike.
As you know, if you 'get it' then there's absolutely nothing else that rides quite the same way, even similar plus 29er bikes. So glad you're enjoying yours.
Guy Kesteven Good to know I didn’t fancy trying many different bikes..I looked at other brands couldn’t see anything like this bike.. I’m not a racer ,Just adventurous and I think you nailed it pretty much...It’s a fun bike...Looks like you had a blast riding it yourself haha..Great video..Best one I’ve seen you do to date..
Here. We. Go. What a blast!
Your video is nearly as good as the bike your riding! Stoked. Thank You.
Nah, that bike is way smoother and quieter than me 😂
‘Like having the biggest gun in the computer game.. just blows everything away’ ...... best comment in a review ever!!! Bike looks awesome. Keep up the good work Guy
Cheers Frazer ;-)
Wild ride Guy - looks unbreakable.
Never tried, well...yet, but riding Stache hardtail is mad!!! Hmm in the bike park too.
You slashing this trail, sure well !!!
Gregory Kulinski thanks man, it’s a great bike for making its rider look good 👍🏻
Was going to get a new Stumpy now I want one of these!! Great review
Matthew Plummer to be fair the new Stumpy is one of the few bikes that’ll fit 29 x 3.0in tyres in. The geometry isn’t based specifically around that size like it is on the Full Stache though.
Great informative reviews mate! Keep at it.
Also, I’m curious to here you thoughts on the Stache hardtail Carbon or alloy it doesn’t matter✌🏾
Cheers
Ian
Looks like fun. If Trek is selling all the Staches they can make why do you suppose they discontinued the Stache and the Full Stache?
Ah. Didn’t know they had. Video is a bit out of date now then! Shame as they’re super fun.
Your reviews are simply awesome, it would be great if you could review a rocky mountain altitude 2018.
Thanks Sushant, that's really kind. I've ridden the Instinct BC so I'll try and get hold of an Altitude ASAP
Guy Kesteven . Not a problem. Actually not a single review about alltitude is worth watching on youtube. Nothing can beat the way you do things. Fun and informative.
After a year out Guy - what are your thoughts here ? You just did the 2020 Hightower- how would you compare?
Nice review! i want to see more of the 2019 trek bikes, hopefully they release the new 2019 powerfly soon :)
Yep, should have the 2019 Powerfly on here very shortly
really? have you seen it? :)
Eid yep they had a launch last month but I’m just waiting on the production versions to land next month
Nice one Guy, I do enjoy your reviews - you deserve more subs!
Tom Cottle thanks mate, spread the word and hopefully we’ll get more people and more momentum behind the channel.
First of all. Best bike review I've seen on any bike ever.
2nd: Call me crazy but I just ordered a full Stache and according to my math, if I switch out for carbon rims, bars and run tubeless it's approximately a 2.2 kg drop in weight. I plan on upping the air shaft in the pike to a 140 mm. This would allow enough bb clearance for 2.4 - 2.6 tires. Then I could have two totally different 29er wheel sets (One fat and one standard) depending on the ride I plan on doing. I think this thing would climb like a scalded cat with an ultra light wheel set given it's geometry and chain stay length. Am I over my head in planning this out guy?
Hey there, can see it's been 3 months since you wrote this so I assume your Stache has arrived. If so, how does it ride? Are regrets about buying it?
cool bike. Just got me a fuel ex 29er. I Love Trek
Good to know I'm not the only one that can get flaccid moments.
'Monster Trek' love it 😂 what a bike though, my only question is wether it can handle tight corners and switch backs with such a large wheel base and tyres???
Wheelbase is only 15mm longer than a standard Fuel EX, but yes you do have to use those big tyres to widen the trail on entry or exit sometimes. That 3in tyre can be a pain in the arse on really narrow sheep track singletrack ruts too and you do have to do a rethink on where you'd normally put your wheels when you start riding. Because it steamrollers through off piste sections so well it's rare you can't just ride round the problem though.
Guy Kesteven Fair enough, it's probably no more of a mind set change then going from 26" to 29er with that added 'go anywhere' ability thrown in. It would crush enduro races by the sounds of it, if your fit enough to it get back to the top😂🖒
oliver sharman no doubt it absolutely crushes Enduro courses, but proper racers would probably find the ground contact too vague. Having ridden the Slash a lot the accuracy and speed of that bike is insane. Think 50 cal machine gun firing armour piercing rounds from a fixed mount while Full Stache is more flamethrower!
Guy Kesteven yeah that's a good point, it looks like a riot to ride. I will have to try one at some point. Thanks for the reply's, I will catch you in the next one☺🖒
Guy I am in the market for a plus bike. I have an orange segment mk1 which I love, so I want something completely different. Which plus bike would you recommend at this 3kish price point. I notice you also like the scott spark plus, I would prob go for the genius plus though for the extra travel. I am so intrigued by the trek. My riding is all natural trails with plenty of rocky Mountian stuff and I am based on the iom, so it’s very much Lake District style terrain. Many thanks keep up the good work.
There's a few options on production bikes that come with plus tyres as standard in 2018, Scott Genius (not tried the new one) or Spark (which I love), Fuel EX (again a super solid bike) and Stumpjumper (very user friendly) are the obvious ones. You'd likely have to budget for tougher tyres if you're riding rocky terrain all the time too as the supplied ones will generally be pretty lightweight and likely to rip. Bontrager XR4, Maxxis Minion, or heavier Schwabe carcasses would be the way to go. The alternative is to go for a bike where Plus is an option: Santa Cruz Hightower/Tallboy or the Cotic SoulMax/Rocket which either come with tougher tyres as standard or can be switched to them. Trouble is they're all bloody good, but with different characters. How different do you want it to feel to the Segment?
Guy Kesteven that’s the problem/solution so much choice so much fun to be had, like I say I love the segment so I would be looking for something like that only on steroids. I really like the idea of the Cotic, I am not a bike weight focused fella, I am 68kg so a solid bike seems to help me. However I am not a bike suspension geek either, I like to set it up and forget about it. Basically if orange did a plus size full suss I would be on it.
The Full Stache definitely fits the bill of Segment on steroids and the Reaktiv suspension is pretty much set and forget. It's not a bike for hurrying up climbs but it's unstoppable on the roughest terrain. As for the Cotic with a Cane Creek it just needs a decent initial set up then it's golden (literally).
The new Stumpjumper 29er is very user friendly too. It comes with 29x2.6in but it'll take a 29x3in tyre. Much more neutral and not as interactive as an Orange tho.
Guy Kesteven thank you so much for your reply’s and insight, much appreciated.
I have a stache HT, was thinking about upgrading the tires. I was thinking maybe 2.8 front and back or maybe 2.8, 2.6 front and back. Or a 3.0 dhf front 2.8 reckon back. Or 2.8 rekon front and back, any thought from anyone. Stock wheels for now. Currently on xr2’s
My conserns are stiffness, reability, i am not sure if the new trek full suspension bikes are good enough for me, I currently own two of 2014 fuel ex, but it's flexy, and have to rebuild it several times in a week if I ride hard, press beargs in. I know, and can see the new bikes are stiffer, but I am skeptical.
I also got 3mm stone stuck in abp, my bike. Is annoying. So new bike is on the plans. I watched another review of the full stache and it claimed the rear end was flexy. So it sounds like they are not for me.
Great video - thanks
Did you ever get to ride the 2013 stache? I have the 2013 stache 7 in it's original form other than a different seat post for fit reasons. I'm not sure if I should go with something like the fuel ex/chameleon/chromag wideangle. Or upgrade it with a nice wheelset new fork and maybe a new drivetrain.
Yes I rode some of the early Stache bikes and they were great. Fuel Ex would certainly be very different and Chameleon pretty different too so I'd certainly suggest trying them out at a demo somehow before committing. Upgrading the wheelset on the Stache is likely to be the best way to spend money on it for sure. Drivetrains don't really change the way a bike rides but a lighter/livelier wheelset on a bit like that can transform it.
@@GuyKesTV Thanks for the advice!
Cool. Do an Ebike version and that will be the last bike I ever need to buy.
Hey Guy, how would you say the full stache does as a 'do it all' bike? I'm torn between this and a remedy 8. I like to ride everything from mellow singletrack to steep techy downhill and bike park laps. It's a tough decision!
Ey up Sam, Remedy 8 is a lot more versatile, especially for bike park use. The Stache is brilliant off piste but tyre choice etc. is far more limited and while it will climb up anything it doesn't hurry to do it!
Cool, thanks for the advice. I'm leaning towards the remedy I think! Particularly with the extra clearance and 2.6 tyres on the 2019 Remedy, could be the best of both worlds.
By the way, I think you know a chap called Yaz Lapin? We're currently working together in Christchurch, NZ
Yeah I know Yaz really well, he used to live just down the road. Say hello from me ;-)
Will do!
will the Full Stache be any faster if I swapped out the rims/tires and put on 2.4's for my cross country race days. I hate people coasting behind me when I am pedaling my guts out. I can afford a second set of wheels but not a second bike. I love uphill rock gardens but there are never any in the places I race.
That's the 29+ for you, most of those features can be tackled with a rigid 29+ albeit at reduced speed. I'm kind of jonesin for this bike now never thought you could justify a quiver of two 29+ bikes but here we are.
I think you quite like it.
Guy, can you try doing a review on Trek Stache 7 2018 hardtail and see if it could compete with the Santa Cruz Chameleon. Thanks in advance =)
Cotic Solaris Max might be more comparable would you say Guy?
Still riding a 2013 Stache 7 :D
How does a bike like this compete against the more enduro brands like santa cruz, orbea and such?
TBH it's hard to compare it with any mainstream bikes. You want the Trek Slash/Remedy for conventional comparisons there. The new Stumpjumper 150 comes with 29x2.6 tyres and can take 3.0s as can the Pole Machine but otherwise you're looking at Salsa for equivalent, but shorter travel and without the tucked in back end.
Guy Kesteven I'm happy with my fuel ex8 eagle. Although i haven't done the things i wanted to do with it yet... Hopefully later this year. Would love to take her to Scotland some time.
That EX8 is awesome, one of the best bikes I've tested all year
Guy Kesteven where is the review?
I'm the "Mountain Biking UK" part of this review ;-) www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension/product/trek-fuel-ex-8-29-review-51968/
Wow. The review I was looking for and ...regrettably found. I'm currently on a 2017 Stache 7 so I know how fun and monster truck like this series of Trek's is. Looking to go full suspension and torn between 2018 Fuel EX, and now the Full Stache, or the upcoming Stumpjumper. Curious if you've been on the 2019 Stumpjumper yet Guy, and your thoughts on it.
I suspect you can ride all three of these in the same terrain, including bike parks, but that the Fuel EX and Stumpjumper would perform with the precision and weight of a scalpel, while the Full Stache would be more like hacking though hot beef with a machete. Any thoughts/comparison on Trek's ABP rear ends vs 2019 Stumpjumper's? ...this new Stumpy that will take any tire size (and carry all my tools and spare) is really throwing off my decision process. ;) Thanks Guy!
Hi Raymond, yes I've ridden both the Stumpjumper ST and the standard 150mm version. Like you say both will apparently take up to a 29 x 3in tyre same as the Stache (though I didn't get chance to actually try that myself). The 150mm is a really composed, easy to ride and neutral bike and the new suspension feels more supportive and less squishy than previous AutoSag set ups. It's relatively short in reach though and the Grid 2.6in tyres as standard obscure the fact it's actually a very light frame for its category. The ST uses the same frame but because the short fork steepens the angles it's effectively 10mm longer in reach. The 2.3in tyres make the light weight more obvious and the suspension feels less stressed and more fluid as the leverage ratios are slightly different. The SWAT box is also bigger for 2019 so you can hide more stuff in there. If you're a high mileage rider the screw in BB is a big plus over press fit bearings.
I had a carbon front end Fuel EX for a year and I've ridden the alloy versions too and they're all is firmer through the suspension (mostly because of the Reaktiv valving in the shock) but can still take a big hit very well. The mainframe is also seriously stiff and accurate so you can properly hammer it through testing techy stuff. Angles are slightly steeper than the Stumpy ST but reach is about the same.
Hope that helps. GK
Guy Kesteven Thanks Guy. Sounds like you can't go wrong with either the '19 Stumpjumper or Fuel EX if your looking for a modern trail bike, and that the Full Stache will do as well (and maybe be more fun and confidence inspiring) unless you're looking to get more feel out of the terrain, or frequently racing.
A year on the Fuel EX is some quality time! Do you think you'd prefer the current Fuel EX over a comparably equipped '19 Stumpjumper? It reads like you enjoy the feel of Trek's rear suspension a bit more as well as the geometry.
Thanks again for you reply.
(Also GREAT the videos you did with BKXC!)
Świetna maszyna. Trek Stache 29+perfect.
Hi Guy, have you done a review of the Vitus Escarpe or the Sommet ? Vitus seems like a interesting bike company and you don’t see their bikes in the us so I don’t know how they measure up against other bikes. Thanks
@@ericthatcher so sorry man, only just found this. If you search on Bikeradar there are my reviews on both those bikes on there.
Hey Guy what is the worst bike you have reviewed??
Ray J oh now that’s a good question. Most bikes these days are pretty sorted but There’s been a few for sure. Some prototypes that were made wrong - original Gary Fisher Kingfisher, Scott Intoxica, some scary flexy - Empire MX6, Mountain Cycles last bike was a stinker too and there was a terrifying one off carbon bike called the Tical. You could push your thumbnail into the resin and the front wheel hit the downtube when you braked 😬. Most of the recent ones are just a disappointment where just one bit of the bike lets the rest down. Lack of headtube bracing on the Far East version of the Starling Murmur Factory causes tracking issues that you don’t get on the UK made ones, currently having a fight with the steering on the Evil gravel bike too. if nobody pushes the boundaries and makes mistakes though we don’t get anywhere. I snapped both chain stays in half on the first Cotic Suspension bike I rode and had to wire it back together with bits of fencing to ride 10 miles back to the van, but I love their current bikes. The shock tune on last years Norco Sight killed it dead but the tune on the new Optic is incredible and so on. Other times I don’t like how a bike rides but I can see who might - like super stiff race hardtails. In that case you just have to explain that. What’s the worst bike you’ve tried?
@@GuyKesTV Probably my Gary Fisher Sugar back around 2001 it had a tiny Cane Creek rear suspension that really didn't do much but back then I thought it was great:) Thanks for the awesome response good stuff.
Ray J oh yeah, those AD series shocks were interesting. They were air damped so the harder you rode the less damping you got. Add those flex. stays and things could get pretty exciting. Had a massive crash on one at a press launch in Chateaux D’Aix. Hella light though which was a big deal back then.
Vernon Felton who edited Pink Bike for a while smashed his collar bone on a Sugar that same day and Zap Espinoza from Mountain Bike star jumped off the back of one at the top of a steep section so it just sailed off into space. Trek weren’t too happy about that. That’s reminded me about the Klein Mantra though, THAT was a real acquire taste!
If it really makes things that easy, I'm worried it'd take the fun out of normal trails and/or I'd get spoiled by it..
It was a shock going back to riding other bikes for sure, their wheels were behaving like I was on a BMX! I guess that's a risk you're always taking with stepping up a level. What I would say though is it works really well as a 'skill booster' from walking speed to warp speed not just flat out so I was generally trying more slow speed skillsy stuff rather than thinking only a hospital fast uplift DH session would get the benefit from it.
this bike would make a good e bike
Nice bike, and at £3,200 seems like a lot of bike for the cash....!!!
Yep, it's not a bad package considering the frame alone is £1800 which is pricey
I heard they could’ve went a little larger on the brakes to go almost enduro with the big guy.
Neal yep I think MountainBike said that and I was waiting to feel underbraked on 180s either end. So far it’s been fine though and upsizing to a 200mm isn’t a big deal if you do a lot of wide open trail, wide open throttle riding.
Guy Kesteven gotta get in to my LBS and give it a rumble!
15.40KG weight not impressed.