Just checking in to say that your positivity and enthusiasm is imho, really unparalleled in the bike reviewing universe. Based on your reviews, I have bought a 2022 Trek Top Fuel, which I love very much and have ridden to bits since May :) Pls never stop with these positive and entertaining videos. Cheers
I’m getting my first trail bike in the spring, and I’ve been torn between the fuel EX, top fuel, and YT Jeffsy. This review was the final nail in the coffin, looks like I’ll be getting the Fuel EX. Thanks!
That was a nice review and also quite rough trails especially the uphills. I would be very much interested in a comparison to the Stumpjumper Evo. Looking forward to that.
Sorry for not replying before. I'll be posting a Stumpjumper Evo Comp Carbon review tomorrow so hopefully that helps, but jump into comments there for comparisons.
Sat threw the whole video to see if u said anything about corner ability since i have just got a fuel exe and it corners like a wasp. Ive came from a 27.5 capra to a 29er fuel exe and the two bikes are a world apart. Now when i go to lean the bike in its a breeze compared to the capra that was a 6yr nightmare and has held back my riding
I'm 5'7" i got the M size frame, I had noticed that the reach is really short i felt I'm all over the bike. Standing over the top tube i cleared it. When i tried the ML size frame i found myself in yhe center of the bike however the top tube was up all the way no room. My inseam is 30.5
Great video man! Hey list do you know if its possible to install a RockShox remote lockout on this bike? That's the soul part I really miss. Thanks a lot!
Where are you seeing the prices? I can only find that the 7 is $4999 Australian, which is about £3000. That seems a pretty standard starting point to me, far from crazy.
@@flippy66 Our sales tax is 10%, yours is 20%. So remove the 10% then add 20% and that's your starting point. And that comes with a Rockshox 35 Gold. Yeah, nah mate.
@@hambo76 But that's not how it actually works, because you don't start with a consistent baseline for all markets. But lets pretend it is, we're looking at £3200 then. Still on par with other equivalents, and a lot less than a base spec alloy Hightower. Since you'll be paying even less than that it seems to be an even better deal. And of course, that also indicates that the alloy model up from the base, which typically comes with something better than a 35 (maybe a Lyrik), is going to probably be around £3500. That seems pretty on par with other alloy equivalents and way better value than the next level up Hightower. Sounds like you haven't caught up with what bike prices are these days. Look at this year's Slash 8, alloy frame for £3700, with excellent spec for the money (and won bikeradar's enduro bike of the year, partially because of its good value).
@@flippy66 I'm aware of bike prices, hence why I think they're crazy. Relatively (compared to a high end carbon model) it is good value. But in absolute terms, nope. I bought my hardtail for $1,500. Today the same spec is $2,400 - that's also crazy and not good value to me.
@@hambo76 Ah well that's completely different then. Your comment should really be "the prices for mountain bikes right now are crazy". I would probably agree with you on that. You referred to a specific model, which is good value relative to other equivalents, but they're all very expensive and it's pretty ridiculous.
What would you chose, spesh stumpy evo alloy, trek fuel ex gen 6, or a scott ransom enduro 920 which appears to be the lighter bike. All my bikes are specialised im torn,
For the terrain you did in this video, do you feel the EX or Top Fuel is better suited? I'm thinking about getting the EX but was worried if the amount of travel would be too much. I just want it to be able to jump well and be confident on techy descents like the ones in this video. I don't really ride anything WORSE than this as far as steepness or technicality, at least not yet. Just wondered which bike would be the best and I think this video is a good benchmark for the riding I do in my area
Sorry I missed this comment before and didn't reply. if you're still looking I just got the Top Fuel 9.8 in for test so I'll be doing a video review on that soon and will be able to answer your question much better.
Great video, mate! i have been thinking about the Fuel EXe and one question that came into my mind just now is about the motor activation speed when going through rough terrain and rocky/exposed roots tech areas up hill. How does it activate? There are moments when you let the bike roll and suddenly you need the max traction to climb things. How is it efficiency on such moments? Thanks
Always enjoy your videos and insight… off topic Q for you, can you let me know the safety glasses you are wearing? Any fogging issues? After a close call with a branch to the eye I’m trying to find some that don’t fog up so easy. Thanks!
Hey Scott, they’re Julbo. Old French ski brand and I’ve found them way tougher than others like Smith etc. So not only is your eye safer but your glasses should survive OK 🤞🏻
I know, TBH I think that as the Fuel Ex has super smooth suspension and a more playful feel they're actually a lot more similar in character now. Just with different amounts of travel. I'll have to get a higher spec Top Fuel for a properly valid comparison though.
@GuyKesTV Yes, Sir. The Stumpjumper Evo vs Fuel EX. Overall thoughts about balance, downhill, climbing, tech/rocky sessions, drops etc I ride very similar trails as you did with the Fuel Ex at the test video so which bike do you think fits better at this condition? Many thanks
Sorry for the delay replying. I'd say this bike is more of a match to the Hightower from Santa Cruz. The good news is I have both Tallboy and Top Fuel which is the comparable Trek on test right now so I'll be posting videos on here shortly and written reviews on Bikeperfect.com
Great Informative video mate. Am curious as to what trail system are you riding at? I am moving back to the UK and really enjoy new adventures on trails. Thanks.
Guy, I've narrowed down my next bike to one of the Fuel ex (not the billion pound spec!), stumpy Evo Comp or building up a new Hightower frame with some of the decent kit from the garage, plus a 150 or 160mm Lyrik and some Hunt wheels. My typical riding is short but steep stuff on North Downs in Kent, but with trips to Afan, BPW, a few 30-40mile Welsh challenges and the odd Ard Rock thrown in for fun. Does the Stumpy still hold its own? And is the Trek frame a bit of a mud hoarder as it looks a bit fussy compared to the other two? Have you got a recommendation between the three please? 👍
I'll finally be uploading the Stumpy Evo Comp video in a few days if you can wait that long? TBH They're all really great bikes, the major difference is how much/easily you want to be able to change geometry and how you like your bike to pedal? Oh and internal storage, because if you're not bothered about that then the previous gen Hightower frame still rides superbly and you should be able to get one at a decent discount?
hi guy. A little advise please. I'm thinking of purchasing a trek top fuel but will be ordering without demo ing first.im 5 10 and the 2 people in my Lbs said I should order a large but I note your 5 11 and on both the top fuel and ex you've ridden a M/L. Is that gonna be my best bet in your opinion?
Sorry for delay Andy. I've got slightly odd proportions (short legs, long body) but the M/L fits me brilliantly so it's always the size I go for in Trek test bikes when I can. Just gives a bit more agility and seat post clearance compared to a full large.
@@GuyKesTV The terrain I ride looks a lot like the terrain you ride in your videos when you've done the reviews of these 3 bikes. I asked about these three bikes because you gave them glowing reviews. I like the lighter shorter travel bikes but I prefer the geometry of the longer travel bikes. If the Top Fuel came with a 77* STA, 64*HTA, that would be my choice. Just cause I want short-travel doesn't mean I don't want progressive geo. I could be happy riding a 100/100mm XC bike if it came with the above geo. I came very close to buying an Epic Evo except I knew I would not be happy with the geo. I did a test ride on the StEvo and loved the geo but I'm not sure if I need all that travel. I also did test rides on the TopF and I liked the size XL best because the wheelbase felt right but the XL was to too big for me. At 5'9", size ML or L are the sizes that usually fit me. The stock size ML Fuelex would likely fit like a glove and the 1233mm wheelbase would be just about perfect. I absolutely hate that over the bars feeling of short wheelbase bikes. My price range is $4500-$6500.
@@marksandoval5361 In for the reply, I'm curious what his take on this is also. While we wait I'll give my 2cents, since it's the internet and everyone is required to do that. I (because i'm an idiot) own both a 2022 FEX8 and 2022 Top Fuel 7. Only one of those is one you care about, however, what I'll note is since I bought the TF, I've personally found it to be the bike I prefer to ride. It's shorter travel, but I feel it is a more engaging/entertaining ride than the EX. My terrain is similar to that in the video also, plus some flow trails with jump lines. The EX takes the landings on jumps better, but I haven't had any issues with the TF, and it's faster going up. Anyway; long story short is it's probably going to boil down to preference. For me, I found the longer travel bike to be very comfortable, but it also kinda nerfed the local trails. I occasionally found myself missing my old 07 C'Dale Rush, the TF solved that (talking about OTB, that old rush had a 100mm stem!). You can throw a 130mm fork on the TF and it slackens the HT angle out to 65.5. IIRC, so closer to what you are after. I'm 5'11" and riding a M/L in the TF and a L in the EX. I personally prefer the M/L, it's easier to throw around, and is dead on my RAD.
@@hambo76 I've seriously considered the C Spectral 125, RM Element, and T Spur but good luck finding one of these bikes let alone finding one in your size and price range.
@@GuyKesTV The new SE6 looks better for sloppier conditions. They designed it using the Magic Mary and Assegai as benchmarks. The SE6 is lighter and rolls faster than those though.
Guy, great insightful reviews as always. Would love to see a back to back of the alloy ex8 vs the carbon ex9.7 or 9.8xt. Is the extra £ worth the savings in Lb's? I tend to ride 25km plus of singletrack each ride with 800m plus of climbing. So a bike that pedals and decends well is key. I feel like this could be the bike.... Is the alloy bikes weight really going to be noticeable given the frames pedal efficiency?
I'm booked in at the Wheelbase Demo Day next month so I'm going to see if I can get a ride on an alloy EX there. I've just got a carbon Top Fuel for testing and that's a really capable bike that might be spot on for your riding. Only ridden it a couple of times but there'll be a video along once I've got my opinions dialled
Hey Guy, dis you get to ride the fuel ex8 at the demo day. Looked at the ex8 today and is a great spec, slx brakes, xt drivetrain. But the fuel ex9.8 looks so awesome. Any recommendations on either?
So the Top Fuel was top of my list as a trail bike and now I've seen this - still erring on the side of the shorter travel but if you could only have one for typical UK singletrack what would you choose? I'm not a full send type of person, and I'm 43 now so the days of hooliganism are a bit behind me!
I have a Tallboy 4. Love it, a great trail bike. What Guy's live ride at Dalby on the Tallboy 4. Dalby off piste is most of my riding and the Tallboy is great for this but also great on single track. I'm 59 lol.
The whole price difference thing between what brands have to pay and what we have to pay is always weird. I have heard many times that Shimano charge the same margin for all their products to manufacturers though, while SRAM increase margin on more expensive products. Or maybe Shimano are struggling to sell wired against wireless so they're offering great deals to bike brands 🤷🏼♂️
As you might have guessed the confident geometry, centred feel and precision are really similar between the two bikes. The Trek will feel more supple and sensitive through the suspension than the Pace. They still pedal in a very similar way though and obviously you'll have a bit more help on the Trek. But in short, yes a very complimentary pairing/handover 👍
@@GuyKesTV bloody fantastic, I was looking at the pairing, as I love the pace, but I need an extra boost especially when I uplift my son via a tow line!
@@hambo76 the suspension is more fluid and sensitive for grip and it pedals with more pop and positivity than the Spectral 150. It’s very similar to Spectral 125 in pedal feel, but again more sensitive. You also get lifetime warranty and internal storage on Trek. The Spectrals are a lot lighter though and far better value in terms of spec for cost. They don’t blow through their travel either, in fact it’s the opposite.
@@GuyKesTV Sounds like it's a more mature platform but at the expense of weight and, er, expense! Of course you're testing the carbon version, I'm always curious to find out how the alloy counterparts fare but so few are sent out for review, including Canyon. As far as pricing goes, the Fuel EX 8 is AU$2,000 more than the Spectral 29 AL 5 for roughly the same spec (Fuel has XT/SLX). At that price I'd probably get an Ibis Ripley or Ripmo!
Hi Simon, can't really comment I'm afraid as I've not ridden a previous generation Genius or the one they've just launched. Hopefully get aboard one soon though.
How 'bout a review of the Aluminum version? Everything is over-hyped carbon on TH-cam. I tired to get a free Gen 6 for a couple days, after thirty plus years of mountain biking. Guess Trek doesn't like my honest reviews.
@@GuyKesTV don’t know if you can do this but if any one can its guy kes. A look through years for the 5010 (SOLO) gen 1 to gen 5… Birth and Death of Santa Cruz 27.5. Tech and ride live
WOW.....a new Carbon frame offering that weighs 32.19 pounds and cost $ 10,750 USD. My aluminum framed previous Gen 5 Fuel EX 8 weighs in at 30.51 pounds and cost $ 3,929.00 USD. Do the math. Thats a crazy insane price for a carbon bike that more then likely would get smoked by previous generation bike that cost almost $ 7,000 USD less. How does Trek justify that weight along with that exorbitant cost ?
My same thought, you get 10mm more squish, some parts upgraded ,other parts not listed in the spec yet for the new 8 , but that heavier and more $ now too
Mountain bikes are getting heavier and more capable. This is today’s trend. Your gen 5 fuel ex, good as it might be, is sure as hell not as surefooted downhill as something like this. Also, this one might still be quicker uphill due to revised suspension design (obviously I havent tried it, so it’s hard to tell) Weight imho is just one parameter that we all tend to overrate. There are many others, like Geometry, suspension kinematics, comfort, practicality, all of which have vastly improved here to make what seems to be a very nice allround trail bike. My only complaint is: do we, amateur users REALLY make use of all this downhill capability? You could argue that it helps everyone ride safer and more confidently, but I think some of the fun is really getting dropped in the process. I must also aggree that bike prices are outrageous these days…
@@daytch9485 The new Fuel EX 8 Gen 6 is a bit over 4 pounds heavier than the previous Gen 5 Fuel EX 8. My only reason for wanting a carbon frame would be for weight savings. No other reason. IMHO Trek has it totally backwards on the carbon models.
I’m not so sure. X01 Slash is the same weight as this XX1 AXS Fuel EX. Very different ride vibe though. This is fun, poppy but super sensitive. Slash is a cold blooded racer.
A bike specifically made for downhill will never be irrelevant especially when you can take that lift to the top of the mountain. If you have to use the bike to climb up the mountain then ya slash will probably not be a good idea.
Just checking in to say that your positivity and enthusiasm is imho, really unparalleled in the bike reviewing universe. Based on your reviews, I have bought a 2022 Trek Top Fuel, which I love very much and have ridden to bits since May :) Pls never stop with these positive and entertaining videos. Cheers
Thanks so much Ferenc, that means a lot 👍 Stoked you're enjoying your Top Fuel
I’m getting my first trail bike in the spring, and I’ve been torn between the fuel EX, top fuel, and YT Jeffsy.
This review was the final nail in the coffin, looks like I’ll be getting the Fuel EX.
Thanks!
Love your reviews; some of the best out there. Trust your views explicitly! Thanks a bunch Guy.
Cheers Nicholas glad they're useful
That was a nice review and also quite rough trails especially the uphills. I would be very much interested in a comparison to the Stumpjumper Evo. Looking forward to that.
Sorry for not replying before. I'll be posting a Stumpjumper Evo Comp Carbon review tomorrow so hopefully that helps, but jump into comments there for comparisons.
The second camera angle is a great addition!
Glad you like it. Super useful for tuning the shock too. You can see it’s much too soft and progressive in that shot
I got my scott in aprill and have ridden it alot since then am ovee the moon with it
Sat threw the whole video to see if u said anything about corner ability since i have just got a fuel exe and it corners like a wasp. Ive came from a 27.5 capra to a 29er fuel exe and the two bikes are a world apart. Now when i go to lean the bike in its a breeze compared to the capra that was a 6yr nightmare and has held back my riding
I'm 5'7" i got the M size frame, I had noticed that the reach is really short i felt I'm all over the bike. Standing over the top tube i cleared it. When i tried the ML size frame i found myself in yhe center of the bike however the top tube was up all the way no room. My inseam is 30.5
I'm here for the mustache booger at the beginning of the video haha. good video though
Great video man! Hey list do you know if its possible to install a RockShox remote lockout on this bike? That's the soul part I really miss. Thanks a lot!
The prices for the alloy Fuel EX are crazy - I hope you get to ride the new Norco Fluid FS soon!
Where are you seeing the prices? I can only find that the 7 is $4999 Australian, which is about £3000. That seems a pretty standard starting point to me, far from crazy.
@@flippy66 Our sales tax is 10%, yours is 20%. So remove the 10% then add 20% and that's your starting point. And that comes with a Rockshox 35 Gold. Yeah, nah mate.
@@hambo76 But that's not how it actually works, because you don't start with a consistent baseline for all markets.
But lets pretend it is, we're looking at £3200 then. Still on par with other equivalents, and a lot less than a base spec alloy Hightower.
Since you'll be paying even less than that it seems to be an even better deal.
And of course, that also indicates that the alloy model up from the base, which typically comes with something better than a 35 (maybe a Lyrik), is going to probably be around £3500. That seems pretty on par with other alloy equivalents and way better value than the next level up Hightower.
Sounds like you haven't caught up with what bike prices are these days. Look at this year's Slash 8, alloy frame for £3700, with excellent spec for the money (and won bikeradar's enduro bike of the year, partially because of its good value).
@@flippy66 I'm aware of bike prices, hence why I think they're crazy. Relatively (compared to a high end carbon model) it is good value. But in absolute terms, nope. I bought my hardtail for $1,500. Today the same spec is $2,400 - that's also crazy and not good value to me.
@@hambo76 Ah well that's completely different then. Your comment should really be "the prices for mountain bikes right now are crazy". I would probably agree with you on that. You referred to a specific model, which is good value relative to other equivalents, but they're all very expensive and it's pretty ridiculous.
What would you chose, spesh stumpy evo alloy, trek fuel ex gen 6, or a scott ransom enduro 920 which appears to be the lighter bike. All my bikes are specialised im torn,
Nice one Garry 🎉
It's a sweet bike for sure !! Probably a little to big for my local trails in SW Idaho though
I've just started testing the Top Fuel 9.8, that might be better suited, definitely feels more agile
This trek fuel ex (150-140)vs canyon spectral 29 (160-150) on this type of trail? Both in allow versions. Canyon is a bit less money too.
For the terrain you did in this video, do you feel the EX or Top Fuel is better suited? I'm thinking about getting the EX but was worried if the amount of travel would be too much. I just want it to be able to jump well and be confident on techy descents like the ones in this video. I don't really ride anything WORSE than this as far as steepness or technicality, at least not yet. Just wondered which bike would be the best and I think this video is a good benchmark for the riding I do in my area
Sorry I missed this comment before and didn't reply. if you're still looking I just got the Top Fuel 9.8 in for test so I'll be doing a video review on that soon and will be able to answer your question much better.
Did you try it with the mino link in the high position? If so what are the benefits?
Were you able to ride the Fuel EXe? Really curious about your opinion.
Great video, mate! i have been thinking about the Fuel EXe and one question that came into my mind just now is about the motor activation speed when going through rough terrain and rocky/exposed roots tech areas up hill. How does it activate? There are moments when you let the bike roll and suddenly you need the max traction to climb things. How is it efficiency on such moments? Thanks
Always enjoy your videos and insight… off topic Q for you, can you let me know the safety glasses you are wearing? Any fogging issues? After a close call with a branch to the eye I’m trying to find some that don’t fog up so easy. Thanks!
Hey Scott, they’re Julbo. Old French ski brand and I’ve found them way tougher than others like Smith etc. So not only is your eye safer but your glasses should survive OK 🤞🏻
Guy - need that new and updated Top Fuel or Fuel EX vid ASAP.
I know, TBH I think that as the Fuel Ex has super smooth suspension and a more playful feel they're actually a lot more similar in character now. Just with different amounts of travel. I'll have to get a higher spec Top Fuel for a properly valid comparison though.
Hi Christopher, Top Fuel 9.8 XT arrived yesterday, testing starts tomorrow 🤘🏻
@@GuyKesTV LOVE IT!! Thanks so much, can't wait to see everything.
Okay now I really want one! Looks great too. Would pay extra to not have that mudguard 😇
Don’t worry, the mudguard is my addition. Was expecting it to be wetter
Awesome review. What is your quick and direct comment when comparing the Fuel EX vs Stumpjumper? Thanks
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Stumpjumper or Stumpjumper Evo?
@GuyKesTV Yes, Sir. The Stumpjumper Evo vs Fuel EX. Overall thoughts about balance, downhill, climbing, tech/rocky sessions, drops etc I ride very similar trails as you did with the Fuel Ex at the test video so which bike do you think fits better at this condition? Many thanks
Awesome review! Thanks for this. In between a Tallboy and this Trek. Which would you say is the better bike for this type of riding?
Sorry for the delay replying. I'd say this bike is more of a match to the Hightower from Santa Cruz. The good news is I have both Tallboy and Top Fuel which is the comparable Trek on test right now so I'll be posting videos on here shortly and written reviews on Bikeperfect.com
@@GuyKesTV awesome..thanks for that. Definitely will look out for that comparison!
Great Informative video mate. Am curious as to what trail system are you riding at? I am moving back to the UK and really enjoy new adventures on trails. Thanks.
Lol, he ain’t trying to blow up his spot with a bunch of punters, ya goof.
Don’t worry T Dub it’s a legal public trail network. It’s Stainburn north of Leeds. Small and janky but great for testing bikes
Guy, I've narrowed down my next bike to one of the Fuel ex (not the billion pound spec!), stumpy Evo Comp or building up a new Hightower frame with some of the decent kit from the garage, plus a 150 or 160mm Lyrik and some Hunt wheels. My typical riding is short but steep stuff on North Downs in Kent, but with trips to Afan, BPW, a few 30-40mile Welsh challenges and the odd Ard Rock thrown in for fun. Does the Stumpy still hold its own? And is the Trek frame a bit of a mud hoarder as it looks a bit fussy compared to the other two? Have you got a recommendation between the three please? 👍
I'll finally be uploading the Stumpy Evo Comp video in a few days if you can wait that long? TBH They're all really great bikes, the major difference is how much/easily you want to be able to change geometry and how you like your bike to pedal? Oh and internal storage, because if you're not bothered about that then the previous gen Hightower frame still rides superbly and you should be able to get one at a decent discount?
hi guy. A little advise please. I'm thinking of purchasing a trek top fuel but will be ordering without demo ing first.im 5 10 and the 2 people in my Lbs said I should order a large but I note your 5 11 and on both the top fuel and ex you've ridden a M/L. Is that gonna be my best bet in your opinion?
Sorry for delay Andy. I've got slightly odd proportions (short legs, long body) but the M/L fits me brilliantly so it's always the size I go for in Trek test bikes when I can. Just gives a bit more agility and seat post clearance compared to a full large.
Which did you find a more versatile / better package. This or the stumpjumper evo?
Stumpy Evo is more versatile. More geometry adjust and lighter too.
What power mode are you riding at? Standard settings or modified? Max range in Turbo?
This is the EX human powered bike not the EXe E bike so it's just me going full gas, no motor. Hopefully getting the EXe to test very soon though 👍
@ Guy, Which would you buy--Top Fuel, Stumpjumper Evo, or Fuel EX?
Hi Mark, What trails are you wanting to ride and what's your budget?
@@GuyKesTV The terrain I ride looks a lot like the terrain you ride in your videos when you've done the reviews of these 3 bikes. I asked about these three bikes because you gave them glowing reviews. I like the lighter shorter travel bikes but I prefer the geometry of the longer travel bikes. If the Top Fuel came with a 77* STA, 64*HTA, that would be my choice. Just cause I want short-travel doesn't mean I don't want progressive geo. I could be happy riding a 100/100mm XC bike if it came with the above geo. I came very close to buying an Epic Evo except I knew I would not be happy with the geo. I did a test ride on the StEvo and loved the geo but I'm not sure if I need all that travel. I also did test rides on the TopF and I liked the size XL best because the wheelbase felt right but the XL was to too big for me. At 5'9", size ML or L are the sizes that usually fit me. The stock size ML Fuelex would likely fit like a glove and the 1233mm wheelbase would be just about perfect. I absolutely hate that over the bars feeling of short wheelbase bikes. My price range is $4500-$6500.
@@marksandoval5361 In for the reply, I'm curious what his take on this is also. While we wait I'll give my 2cents, since it's the internet and everyone is required to do that.
I (because i'm an idiot) own both a 2022 FEX8 and 2022 Top Fuel 7. Only one of those is one you care about, however, what I'll note is since I bought the TF, I've personally found it to be the bike I prefer to ride. It's shorter travel, but I feel it is a more engaging/entertaining ride than the EX. My terrain is similar to that in the video also, plus some flow trails with jump lines. The EX takes the landings on jumps better, but I haven't had any issues with the TF, and it's faster going up.
Anyway; long story short is it's probably going to boil down to preference. For me, I found the longer travel bike to be very comfortable, but it also kinda nerfed the local trails. I occasionally found myself missing my old 07 C'Dale Rush, the TF solved that (talking about OTB, that old rush had a 100mm stem!). You can throw a 130mm fork on the TF and it slackens the HT angle out to 65.5. IIRC, so closer to what you are after.
I'm 5'11" and riding a M/L in the TF and a L in the EX. I personally prefer the M/L, it's easier to throw around, and is dead on my RAD.
@@marksandoval5361 Have you considered the Canyon Spectral 125?
@@hambo76 I've seriously considered the C Spectral 125, RM Element, and T Spur but good luck finding one of these bikes let alone finding one in your size and price range.
Seems like the new SE5 tires are a good balance of traction and speed
Yeah, they come and go but the current ones seem really decent. If a bit drifty in real slop.
@@GuyKesTV The new SE6 looks better for sloppier conditions. They designed it using the Magic Mary and Assegai as benchmarks. The SE6 is lighter and rolls faster than those though.
Guy, great insightful reviews as always. Would love to see a back to back of the alloy ex8 vs the carbon ex9.7 or 9.8xt. Is the extra £ worth the savings in Lb's?
I tend to ride 25km plus of singletrack each ride with 800m plus of climbing. So a bike that pedals and decends well is key. I feel like this could be the bike.... Is the alloy bikes weight really going to be noticeable given the frames pedal efficiency?
I'm booked in at the Wheelbase Demo Day next month so I'm going to see if I can get a ride on an alloy EX there. I've just got a carbon Top Fuel for testing and that's a really capable bike that might be spot on for your riding. Only ridden it a couple of times but there'll be a video along once I've got my opinions dialled
Hope you can get your hands on the alloy ex. Where I ride in NZ the T130CRS 27.5 I had was out if its depth and am now on a Process 153 CR 27.5.
Hey Guy, dis you get to ride the fuel ex8 at the demo day. Looked at the ex8 today and is a great spec, slx brakes, xt drivetrain. But the fuel ex9.8 looks so awesome. Any recommendations on either?
Even I am stuck between ex8, 9.7 and 9.8... hope to get feedback based on experience...
So the Top Fuel was top of my list as a trail bike and now I've seen this - still erring on the side of the shorter travel but if you could only have one for typical UK singletrack what would you choose? I'm not a full send type of person, and I'm 43 now so the days of hooliganism are a bit behind me!
Sounds like the Top Fuel would suit. I've ordered one and it's about to be delivered. I went for the 8 as the best alu framed version.
@@lordgibbness yep, I reckon the TF8 is the one. The alloy Fuel Ex are proper heavy
I reckon Top File Tommy, proper fun on UK trails
I have a Tallboy 4. Love it, a great trail bike. What Guy's live ride at Dalby on the Tallboy 4. Dalby off piste is most of my riding and the Tallboy is great for this but also great on single track. I'm 59 lol.
Why the 9.8 GX AXS is so much expensive than the 9.8 XT.. The AXS upgrade is not a huge expensive for the difference.. dou you have idea why ?
The whole price difference thing between what brands have to pay and what we have to pay is always weird. I have heard many times that Shimano charge the same margin for all their products to manufacturers though, while SRAM increase margin on more expensive products. Or maybe Shimano are struggling to sell wired against wireless so they're offering great deals to bike brands 🤷🏼♂️
Because AXS is wireless shifter and much smoother. Which means no cable for shifting and much faster.
Guy, like you I own a Pace RC295, I'm looking to get the Fuel eXE (slightly different I know) how do the Pace and Trek compare?
As you might have guessed the confident geometry, centred feel and precision are really similar between the two bikes. The Trek will feel more supple and sensitive through the suspension than the Pace. They still pedal in a very similar way though and obviously you'll have a bit more help on the Trek. But in short, yes a very complimentary pairing/handover 👍
@@GuyKesTV bloody fantastic, I was looking at the pairing, as I love the pace, but I need an extra boost especially when I uplift my son via a tow line!
@@GuyKesTV I might as well ask, how does this Trek compare to the Spectral 29?
@@hambo76 the suspension is more fluid and sensitive for grip and it pedals with more pop and positivity than the Spectral 150. It’s very similar to Spectral 125 in pedal feel, but again more sensitive. You also get lifetime warranty and internal storage on Trek. The Spectrals are a lot lighter though and far better value in terms of spec for cost. They don’t blow through their travel either, in fact it’s the opposite.
@@GuyKesTV Sounds like it's a more mature platform but at the expense of weight and, er, expense! Of course you're testing the carbon version, I'm always curious to find out how the alloy counterparts fare but so few are sent out for review, including Canyon. As far as pricing goes, the Fuel EX 8 is AU$2,000 more than the Spectral 29 AL 5 for roughly the same spec (Fuel has XT/SLX). At that price I'd probably get an Ibis Ripley or Ripmo!
Geez man i wish u would offer more feedback on performance we can can specs off the 200 other reviews on youtube .
What are you wanting to know Darren. Happy to talk you through specifics
Nice bike is that . What model helmet you wearing Guy?. Looks sweet
Giro Manifest. It's great. Light, breezy, MIPS Spherical protection. Not cheap though but I think Giro still have a sale on 👍
@@GuyKesTV thanks I am on it 👍
quero uma desse Bike aew
Do you rate this over the scott genius cheers
Hi Simon, can't really comment I'm afraid as I've not ridden a previous generation Genius or the one they've just launched. Hopefully get aboard one soon though.
How 'bout a review of the Aluminum version? Everything is over-hyped carbon on TH-cam. I tired to get a free Gen 6 for a couple days, after thirty plus years of mountain biking. Guess Trek doesn't like my honest reviews.
Hijacking the comments, but where’s the tech talk and live ride for the 5010 v5….. v5 needs to be on guykes Tv
Picking one up at the weekend Rich 👍🏻
@@GuyKesTV don’t know if you can do this but if any one can its guy kes. A look through years for the 5010 (SOLO) gen 1 to gen 5… Birth and Death of Santa Cruz 27.5. Tech and ride live
WOW.....a new Carbon frame offering that weighs 32.19 pounds and cost $ 10,750 USD. My aluminum framed previous Gen 5 Fuel EX 8 weighs in at 30.51 pounds and cost $ 3,929.00 USD.
Do the math. Thats a crazy insane price for a carbon bike that more then likely would get smoked by previous generation bike that cost almost $ 7,000 USD less. How does Trek justify that weight along with that exorbitant cost ?
My same thought, you get 10mm more squish, some parts upgraded ,other parts not listed in the spec yet for the new 8 , but that heavier and more $ now too
Mountain bikes are getting heavier and more capable. This is today’s trend. Your gen 5 fuel ex, good as it might be, is sure as hell not as surefooted downhill as something like this. Also, this one might still be quicker uphill due to revised suspension design (obviously I havent tried it, so it’s hard to tell) Weight imho is just one parameter that we all tend to overrate. There are many others, like Geometry, suspension kinematics, comfort, practicality, all of which have vastly improved here to make what seems to be a very nice allround trail bike.
My only complaint is: do we, amateur users REALLY make use of all this downhill capability? You could argue that it helps everyone ride safer and more confidently, but I think some of the fun is really getting dropped in the process. I must also aggree that bike prices are outrageous these days…
@@daytch9485 The new Fuel EX 8 Gen 6 is a bit over 4 pounds heavier than the previous Gen 5 Fuel EX 8. My only reason for wanting a carbon frame would be for weight savings. No other reason. IMHO Trek has it totally backwards on the carbon models.
@@Mike-up6go no, they've gone the right way, People are riding harder and harder and the bikes needed to get stronger.
Gen 6 is just superior in every way to the Gen 5. Weight is much less of an issue than your thinking.
Damn I think the slash just became irrelevant
I’m not so sure. X01 Slash is the same weight as this XX1 AXS Fuel EX. Very different ride vibe though. This is fun, poppy but super sensitive. Slash is a cold blooded racer.
A bike specifically made for downhill will never be irrelevant especially when you can take that lift to the top of the mountain. If you have to use the bike to climb up the mountain then ya slash will probably not be a good idea.