Adjustable Geometry Trail Bikes Review: Trek Fuel EX Vs Specialized Stumpjumper Evo | MBR
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ต.ค. 2023
- We all like freedom of choice, right? Whether it’s the little things in life, like a latte instead of cappuccino, or the big things like who gets to run the country. Ultimately choice is good, as we all have different needs, desires and preferences. That extends to bike geometry too.
Sure there are bikes with zero adjustment that are great. Great for the rider testing it, on a specific type of terrain, with one goal in mind. And even if that one supposedly optimum set-up proves ideal for 80% of riders, it’s far from ideal if it leaves 20% of riders craving something different.
So why not build in same the degree of adjustability that most brands use when developing a bike into the final product? Well, that’s exactly what Specialized and Trek have done with their latest trail bikes.
The Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Elite Alloy has six different baseline geometric combinations. There’s the adjustable head angle with three settings, that uses a second offset top bearing race that simply drops in. One direction for +1.25º, flip it round for -1.25º. The frame also has flip-chips in the chainstay pivots that simultaneously adjust the chainstay length and BB height, so you can change the weight distribution of the bike too.
Not to be out done, the new Trek Fuel EX 9.7 XT Gen 6 also has adjustable headset cups. But it requires a little more work than the Specialized as you have to knock the standard cups out and press in the +/-1º offset cups. So not really a trail side adjustment then. But that’s not the only way to fine tune the head angle and ride quality of the Fuel EX. Mino link flip chips in the rocker link also adjust the head angle along with the BB height. So again, you have six unique geometry configurations.
Which approach is best remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, with all of the adjustability on offer we should be able to get both of these bikes set up exactly how we want them. Which, if anything, could make them even harder to separate.
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this is one of the most in depth conversations on bike difference i’ve ever heard. masterclass on how to do it. talking about the trek’s sharp edge against your legs is an incredible detail. please please make a series out of these comparing the top bikes in every class, like the specialized levo sl 2 and the trek fuel exe!
Thanks and glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic matchup, love the analysis too! Kudos to Specialized for offering a top-spec aluminum build, more companies should do this. Highlight of the weekend, thanks for the quality content :)
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the review. The Fuel EX definitely seems to be the closest thing to a Stumpy EVO beater on the market, but it's impressive that the Stumpy is still the class leader after all these years.
FYI, if you wondering why the Trek doesn’t have chainstay length adjustment (especially considering it was one of the more popular built-in geo adjustments just a few years ago), blame SRAM because the UDH, and in turn SRAM's Transmission groupsets, aren't compatible with rear axle flip-chips (the "standard" way to adjust CS length). This is why we've seen some brands that used to use a fixed chainstay length with a 5-10mm flip chip (e.g. Santa Cruz) switch to frame specific chainstays in their lastest models.
Thanks! Good point about the UDH hanger, although Trek has the added complication of ABP to try and incorporate into any kind of chainstay adjustment.
@MBRmagazine Forgot about the ABP. In hindsight, I suspect Chainstay adjustment was always going to be out of Trek's reach. Still a shame to see UDH kill off a bunch of other chainstay flip-chips, though.
Your reviews are really top notch in how deep into the details you go. About 2 years ago i bought my Spectral cf8 after you tested the cf7, I just knew it would be right for me. I'm just a big smile dudes. Cheers!
Awesome! That’s what makes it all worthwhile. 👍
Appreciate your callout on how much a suspension setup can manage or destroy a static geometry. Great comparison! Hope to see many more in this format!!
Thanks a lot! Appreciate it.
What an absolutely excellent detailed comparison of these two monsters!! Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Well, some like carbon, others aluminum, I’d go for the aluminum bike with better components every time, seems more logical. The weight difference isn’t that big of a deal, the fork and chock on the other end are going to give more benefits on the trails. Love the reviews on the channel, keep it going
This video stimulated my desire to try a Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy, only for me to find out that seven months after the video was released, Specialized no longer offers the Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy. The only alloy Stumpjumper EVO listed on the Specialized site today is the Comp level, which eliminates the high end suspension that was supposedly the key advantage over the Trek.
You may be able to find a dealer with one?
@@MBRmagazine I was unsuccessful. Apparently, the last model year for the Elite Alloy is 2022. It figures that a concept that is very appealing to me has been discontinued.
I change the geometry on my Stumpjumper Evo far more often than I did on my old YT Jeffsy. It makes it into a better bike for whatever I'm using it for at the time.
I have been riding the Stumpy EVO for 6 months now. I ride it as a mullet in the long headset angle and high BB / chain stay. This bike pedals really well up hill yet blasts down trails. The suspension makes the bike pump well and it just sits on obstacles. The feel is stable underfoot and it just tracks so well. Berms are railed as if the bike is running on tracks. Rocks get deleted. Jumping is so much fun and the only limit is the skill level of the person riding it. On a slight negative side, the chain ring in mine is 30t stock which makes it easy to pedal, but it spins out too soon, especially on bike park days. I also agree about the Code RS brakes. I have a set of Shimano SLX on my other bike and I may swap them out. Overall I rate my Stumpy a solid 9/10 for value for money and the sheer fun factor that bike brings to the ride.
Nice!
The Specialized is my dream bike, hope to own it someday. Great breakdown review guys.
I bought one last week. It's a great bike.
Bike industry is in crisis. I just bought a new stumpjumper evo pro for 3.999€. Its regular price is 8.000€
@@paul4292 I'm considering the same, what an amazing deal. The trek is probably a better bike for what I need, but the specs on the SJ evo pro are insane
Just ordered my Evo Alloy frame and coil fork. Stoked guys
@@ghost_of_a_freerider I wish I would've went that route. I bought a Comp and have changed everything except the suspension, brakes, and saddle.
I have a evo elite in a S6. This thing is amazing!
That's my Fuel EX. I went low end carbon bc I can upgrade everything else over time as needed. Beauty of a bike.
I built a custom sj evo alloy recently and love it. The frame cost me $1314 shipped to my door from Jenson. Best deal for full sus frame IMO. I installed the Cascade link recently.
I went with renthal stem and bars, odi grips, wolftooth spacer kit, Fox 36 fork, X01 shifter and derailler, XX1 copper cassette and chain, GX cranks, Code Ultimate Stealth brakes, Stans Flow MK4 rims with Industry 9 hydra hubs, PNW dropper with ergon seat and wolftooth remote, PNW pedals, Specialized Butcher grid trail T9 front tire, Eliminator grid trail T7 rear tire. Whole build came in under $5k buying all the parts on sale. The bike weighed 33 lbs on scale.
You must be very proud of yourself.
I was amazed at how different my Fuel EX performs when you flip the Mino link. I ride with it in the high position all the time with the type of riding I do.
Same with my Stumpjumper Evo, feels completely different in different settings.
Great specs for Specialized Stumpjumper EVO
I’m new to the channel, great review! One of the best I’ve seen when explaining the geo adjustments. Sorry if this has been said before but I’m curious what size stumpjumper you rode and what your height is? Thanks!
Thanks! We rode the S4 and rider height Is 180cm 👍
Hi guys. Thinking of a Top Fuel 8 XT or the Stumpjumper Evo Alloy. Doing light trail stuff honestly. Will put some race recon tires on the bike.
Love these deep dive videos. Keep them coming!
A couple points to add:
- Trek poorly spec their bikes. Even the next level up Trek Fuel Carbon still doesn't come with better suspension (no GRIP2 or Performance Elite rear shock). The Fuel insted puts the increase in $ goes to their mediocre carbon wheels and annoying 1 piece cockpit. E.g. The GX AXS build at 12,200 AUD (about 7,800 USD) still comes with Performance Level Suspension...
- The Trek isn't really that adjustable. The headset adjust is literally the same as a standard Works Components/Wolf Tooth/Cane Creek angleset that have been around for ages which also requires cups being pressed in. The cups aren't even included with the bike but is an additional cost (which is almost the same as a better quality Wolf Tooth Gearshift headset, which you might as well buy instead). Specialized include the adjustable headset out of the box.
- The progression/high low setting already exists on lots of bikes. E.g. Rocky Mountain has had this for decades. The progression increase is minimal: from 15% to 21%. Hardly "coil friendly". Only workable with a progressive coil. If anything 21% should have been the base line as stacking volume spacers for progression (rather than via the frame) has more negatives than positives. The Stumpjumper frame starts at 21% and you can at least buy a Cascade Components link to increase it to 26% for actual coil use (25%+ is the broadly accepted minimum for ideal coil use).
- The Specalized has a better adjust as it doesn't require cups being pressed in and CS adjust to more meaningfully change the wheelbase.
- wasn't noted but geo adjust to independently change the front center and rear center is also perfect for people in between sizes. You can effectively put the Spesh in low/slack and make it a size L/XL (s4/s5).
Trek frame is vastly superior to the stumpjumper's archaic frame. Most people upgrade the components anyways. Trek wins clearly.
@@DB-sd3cw Found the Trek fanboy
@@kamr5691 most smart people are
@@DB-sd3cw I tried both and honestly I have no issues with either, it’s just personal preference and I would be happy with either :)
@@DB-sd3cw Poor spec choice is OK because everyone has unlimited funds? "Clearly"? Your unsubstantiated comment in response to actual logic is about as a clear as mud mate. (BTW, both bikes are fantastic, I'd happily ride both...).
The 24 evo is very similar to my 00 stumpjumper, pivots moved a little bit.
The guy on the left has a large lump on his neck below his ear. Please get that checked out! Just worried about you bro! Great video!
Thanks for the concern. It’s all good though 👍
Glad to hear it! Rock on with the vids!
would be fun if some tests were just frames. Put a proper fork on both, something like a mezzer and then test them.
I really like Fuel ex.
Too bad Trek doesnt offer alu Fuel Ex with higher specs suspension, for example Fox Performance elite.
That would be great bike...
What if you you want to ride the bike against gravity. Didn’t really see any video or discussion on this aspect of riding.
Thanks for the feedback. Will try and add more detail on the climbing in the next video.
What area did you test these bikes in please?
We tested them at BikePark Wales, Forest of Dean, and the Surrey Hills. 👍
The Stumpy evo is only $3500 USD right now. Better choice over the Trek at that price?
Sounds like a great deal! We’d go for that.
I’m on the fence with the evo or a yeti sb160 for $1k more. I like the adjustability on the evo and its gearing is go over slx
Not sure but you got a lump on the right rearside of your neck. Might be cancerous, go check it out.
Great review of 2 awesome bikes guys! 👍
The only thing I don't like on the Specialized is the Shock Yoke. It just bothers me. having that extension on the end of the shock is just cringe 😬
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
considering the fuel , im 5'10 and right in-between sizes , the Trek does and ML which seems like a better fit for a tweener like me ..
We tested the L and we’re both right around the same height as you. 👍
@@MBRmagazine 👍🏻 im 177 cm normally end up on a M tend to have a more responsive feel , im at the top end of M and bottom end of L , found L to feel a bit slower responsive ..
Today I tried the fuel EX , M and M-L and could go with both, but think the M-L was a better fit .. didn't try the L. .. Tbh im still on the fence, I do keep looking at the Orbea Rallon
It’d be nice to see what’s involved in changing these adjustments. You say you can save grand at the moment, but I’m wondering if I’d need to spend that on tools to do the work 😂
Ha! Not with the Specialized - all the tools you need come with the bike (a multi-tool).
I changed the head angle on my SJE halfway through an uplift day recently. Then a few days later I changed it back at a trail center, both using a multi-tool. The chainstays are a little more involved, but not much.
Nice job, I think specialized started in frame storage. Other thing I don't like about trek is they found a legal way around stealing Dave Weagle's design and claiming as their own.
Can't wait to see the SJ 2024 changes. Sure it will blow away the Trek.
What are SJ changes? Thought about ordering the Trek fuel before Christmas, what am I missing out? :D
Just bought my stumpjumper for £2800 bargain for a full spec bike. Not everyone wants a carbon bike
carbon looks better. If you not jumping like crazy take carbone and swap components later on if need it. or just buy in first place higher spec carbon bike. but if you crazy heavy rider, then aluminum bike way to go.
You do a great review and comparison but did it in the wrong bikes, there is a FuelEx alloy with high specks and there is a carbon med range speck from specialized, why not do apples to apples?
Which model of Fuel Ex do you mean? The one we tested is the top alloy model on sale in the U.K.
@@MBRmagazine9.7 is the bottom spec carbon, apples to apples would’ve been the fuel EX 8 and the stumpy comp alloy. Or the 9.7 or 9.8 vs stumpy carbon comp or expert. Love the content but would’ve been great to have a more meaningful comparison with more similar frame material and spec
Trek spec their bikes terribly. Their mid-spec carbon models don't even put a GRIP2/Performance Elite shock. Instead they sneak in their mediocre carbon Bontrager wheels and annoying 1 piece cockpit. Even the 12,000 AUD (7,700 USD) GX AXS version comes with only performance level suspension.
Specialized at least spec the bikes how real riders want. Trek have always prioritized fashion > function.
@lenolenoleno fortunately most people upgrade anyways and the new frame of the fuel is leaps and bounds above the stumps archaic frame.
@@MBRmagazineI guess we get more options than you guys there in the UK. However the advantages you seem to give to the stumpy seem to be in favor of the components of the suspensions, would be great to compare the frames though
The carbon Fuel EX Gen 6 is likely 300 grams lighter than the aluminum Stumpjumper EVO. The carbon Stumpjumper EVO is likely about 600 grams lighter than the Fuel EX Gen 6.
... Can't say enough how great a company Trek is. And yet, I can't help but ask Trek where's the motor and who's your rider? The bike feels like a critical-design team error. Respectfully, I had a Gen 6 within the first two weeks of release and returned it for a Top Fuel Gen 6 as it was more sought after on the new/used market.
FYI: I had to warranty a Gen 5 carbon frame and was already locked-in with my purchase.
Not quite sure what point you're making here. Choosing a bike based on residual value when you come to sell it on seems like a strange decision. Surely it's better to buy a bike you want, and you enjoy riding than hope you might make a few bucks more when you come to sell it?
Can you try to say that again, but this time get your brain involved and perhaps make some kind of point?
Expected to ride Fuel EX Gen 6. Bike just seemed like a significant departure from lightweight carbon trail to go anywhere with. There's quite a few trail bikes with 6-pound frames. The Top Fuel is a 6-pound frame, for example. Anyway, at the time that Fuel EX Gen 6 was released, the Top Fuel was selling quickly on the used market. It was also worth more than a frame warrantied Gen 5.
Doing the math, I just had to move on from Trek.
Why does all this bike stuff have to be so complicated ?
Gives us lots of things to fiddle with and talk about instead of riding! But seriously, these adjustments are nice to have, but as we said in the video, it's possible to just ride them in the stock settings and have a blast.
@@MBRmagazine I got shot through my L leg years ago serving in US Spec Ops. ( i know that sounds kinda silly). It's true though and i lost most of my vastus medialis on my L thigh. I grew up loving to run but because of the muscle loss, nerve damage and subsequent cartilage damage... multiple surgeries... fasciotomies... artery and vein grafts... blood clots etc... i'm finally ready to give bicycling a try. What stopped me in the past was visions of broken bones, compound fractures etc.
At first i was looking for an E bike on a whim, a couple days before Christmas. Then i decided why not just get a trail bike since i live in Utah and need as much hard work on the bike as possible. A sales person introduced me to the Trek fuel EX 5 gen 5 but on doing a little research on my own that night and the following days since.... i was thinking it would be better to grab a Trek fuel EX 8 gen 6..... then that morphed into the comparison video with the Specialized and it's seemingly better ride and components. Now i'm looking at the Stump Jumper EVO Comp 23. Normally i do tons of research on something before buying. I'm not sure i have the time and energy to do that right now. I could force myself to but i'd rather not. I just want a really good bike around 4K tops that i can depend on to serve me well on trails, rocks, climbing etc for many years to come without parts breakages. Honestly though, i know so little about bikes that maybe parts breakages are kind of a normal thing ? I was reading about people having to put their Trek's "back in the shop" for a number of reasons and honestly, that's pretty disheartening. What are YOUR thoughts... would the Specialized Stump Jumper EVO comp 23 be a good bike to buy and be able to count on with the parts it comes with stock? Seems like it would be.
Wow, your injury sounds gnarly. Glad you can ride though! We absolutely love the Stumpy Evo. In fact I had one as my own bike for several years before the new one came out, and this one is even better. I'm sure you'll love it.
@@MBRmagazine Today after work i purchased the Stumpy EVO Expert 2023. I'm a little weirded out by the battery powered shifting but i really like the thing. It's black and looks awesome. I hope i don't kill myself on it. I'm in Utah so i have Payson Canyon.. and Sundance and a whole lot of trails where i am and south of here in St. George.... Basically, they're everywhere... lol
Only the Evo has the variable geometry? If so then the win goes to Trek cause you get this across the board and full much less!
Great stuff as always 👍