Nice review! I bought a 2021 Marlin 7 a few months ago and your review helped that purchase. Now I’m trail riding more and have been eyeing up this 9.7 as my next bike and you mention the Marlin 7 in the video. I think I might have to go for it! But I can’t give up my Marlin 7 lol.... your content is great! Thank you!
Just bought one of these for £3300 from my LBC (got a seasonal discount of £800 - it had been in the shop for over a year) - nothing else available for months in this price range other than a Canyon Spectral 29 (did not want to buy any bike without seeing first). First thing I did was set up the front and rear suspension according to manufacturers recommendation, then I ignored the recommended tyre pressures - I dropped the pressure by 20% (after lots of research and asking other local experienced riders). Changed the cassette to GX (same ratios and had to change the hub driver and buy extra 3 pawls and 3 springs to get full advantage of the change). Changed the chainring to 34T (was 32T). Changed the handle bars to Race Face Next R carbon bars. Changed the shifter to GX (was NX - Trek claim the drive train is GX this is obviously false). I will keep the brakes until proven unsatisfactory/dangerous for my usage - I need more time to understand which, if any, brakes would be better for me. I will not go for carbon wheels - the extra cost is not worth it given how light the original wheels are. Anything else that could be done/considered?
Awesome review... just what I was looking for! I’m new to the mountain bike world and would like to purchase one soon. I have a question regarding the fuel line up. What’s the difference between the 9.7 and 9.8? Is the 9.8 worth the extra money?
Great info…but I kinda wish the camera would pan around the actual bike and show us what you’re talking about. This might as well have been a radio podcast.
Nice review. I have a Fuel EX 8 XT and have been thinking of upgrading to the 9.7 or 9.8. Do you think it would be worth it? My only concern is that I really like Shimano and the only available 9.8 in my area has sram. I’ve never used sram but I’ve heard some negative things about their brakes.
This is NOT an XC bike - the medium size (17.5) is 14.8kg (32lbs) stock with tyre sealant and flat pedals. My alloy-framed XC bike is under 11kg (24lbs).
Enjoyed the video. Question hopefully you can answer. I'm starting to see videos online showing Marlin 8 but I can't find it on the Trek website. Does is exist & if it does where. Some people comment saying it's fake.
I have seen them too, pretty sure it's just a fake build from one guy in asia somewhere. Unlikely they are releasing a new model when they cant keep up with current production
It's good but it sucks for me. Just goes to show you can't keep up with everything that goes on sale lol. If I knew it was coming out I probably would've taken the Marlin 8.
Have one ordered since October and it's finally arriving in April!! Can't wait to get it up into the Dublin mountains!! 🎉🎉
That sounds awesome, maybe one day travelling will open back up!
Nice review! I bought a 2021 Marlin 7 a few months ago and your review helped that purchase. Now I’m trail riding more and have been eyeing up this 9.7 as my next bike and you mention the Marlin 7 in the video. I think I might have to go for it! But I can’t give up my Marlin 7 lol.... your content is great! Thank you!
Thanks Anthony! Definitely worth the upgrade but the Marlin is something to handy to get rid of.
Great review ,,well thought out,,explained alot with future upgrading,,gteat bike🤙🏻
Thanks, I liked it so much I ended up buying one!
Just bought one of these for £3300 from my LBC (got a seasonal discount of £800 - it had been in the shop for over a year) - nothing else available for months in this price range other than a Canyon Spectral 29 (did not want to buy any bike without seeing first).
First thing I did was set up the front and rear suspension according to manufacturers recommendation, then I ignored the recommended tyre pressures - I dropped the pressure by 20% (after lots of research and asking other local experienced riders).
Changed the cassette to GX (same ratios and had to change the hub driver and buy extra 3 pawls and 3 springs to get full advantage of the change).
Changed the chainring to 34T (was 32T).
Changed the handle bars to Race Face Next R carbon bars.
Changed the shifter to GX (was NX - Trek claim the drive train is GX this is obviously false).
I will keep the brakes until proven unsatisfactory/dangerous for my usage - I need more time to understand which, if any, brakes would be better for me.
I will not go for carbon wheels - the extra cost is not worth it given how light the original wheels are.
Anything else that could be done/considered?
Ordering one today and it'll be here in May. Thanks for the help!
This kinda answered my questions thanks keep it up
Thanks for watching
Trance X 29 2 for $1,000 less, and two pounds more isn't a bad plan b.
Is it a cross country bike?
@@darthstormy8588 can be, ppl normally go x caliber or marlin 8 etc
@@darthstormy8588 trail 150mm front 135mm rear
Awesome review... just what I was looking for! I’m new to the mountain bike world and would like to purchase one soon.
I have a question regarding the fuel line up. What’s the difference between the 9.7 and 9.8? Is the 9.8 worth the extra money?
9.8 is totally worth it! Lots changed
@@goodluckchrisclark But at an extra 25% cost!
Interesting tks
Great info…but I kinda wish the camera would pan around the actual bike and show us what you’re talking about. This might as well have been a radio podcast.
Noted
Nice review. I have a Fuel EX 8 XT and have been thinking of upgrading to the 9.7 or 9.8. Do you think it would be worth it? My only concern is that I really like Shimano and the only available 9.8 in my area has sram. I’ve never used sram but I’ve heard some negative things about their brakes.
If you like Shimano, Sram feels alot different and yes most Shimano user won't like Sram. And I'd do 9.8
It has Shimano MT420 brakes. @Chris Clark - you should know this.
I’m saving up for this bike I work at a bike shop and have $360 dollars already saved
Every dollar counts! Totally worth it
If the shop is a Trek Dealer then I suggest looking into Trek University to get some possible discounts on it
Only if I could afford one.
The Scott Genius 940 is 300 dollars cheaper with better brakes and only 1 pound heavier and it also comes with twinlock suspension.
Definitely not a bad choice, I heard warranty isn't as good?
Nice review
Thank you! Cheers!
Is that fuel ex9.7 available for sale sir?
No SOLD!!
Update: brakes are too 'grabby' (the crappist 4-pot Shimano they make) - upgraded to Hope Tech 4 E4 brakes.
This is NOT an XC bike - the medium size (17.5) is 14.8kg (32lbs) stock with tyre sealant and flat pedals. My alloy-framed XC bike is under 11kg (24lbs).
Enjoyed the video. Question hopefully you can answer. I'm starting to see videos online showing Marlin 8 but I can't find it on the Trek website. Does is exist & if it does where. Some people comment saying it's fake.
I have seen them too, pretty sure it's just a fake build from one guy in asia somewhere. Unlikely they are releasing a new model when they cant keep up with current production
@@goodluckchrisclark cool well if there fake it's a damm good built. Thanks for the response I'll be watching whatever you put out.
ITS REAL!! Trek just posted it as a 2022 model with 1x12!! I will find out more when I can
It's good but it sucks for me. Just goes to show you can't keep up with everything that goes on sale lol. If I knew it was coming out I probably would've taken the Marlin 8.
Sounds like it would be here til late aug on wards
What do You think about ex 9.5? Ty
haven't seen anything about a 9.5 in the ex range...
I want one🤤
Then we are two lol.
Does it have carbon armour?
Yes it does
Not the best carbon value bike you can get in Australia but it’s nice!
How's the supply chain there?
@@goodluckchrisclark not much available
What obout FUEL ex 5?
Great option too I have a video about that