I’m off to test ride a 2014 bike to see if it fits but am thinking about getting a 2009 bike I’m just after the masses opinion.

I’m getting frame and (Float) forks if I like it and will run XTR/X0 3×9. Wide bars, 80mm stem, Tech 2 disks, HOPE / 321 rear and 717 front.

Does that sound like a spec that matches the frame. I’m 5′ 7″ with pretty normal proportions and looking for a sit-up position bike. My current hardtail’s stretched and not doing my lower back any good.

Most of my riding can be done (or is done at the moment) on a carbon hardtail at the moment so I’m not looking for a gnarpoon – to use the MBUK vernacular. Something for 2 hour-ish XC riding but nice and comfortable.

Thanks all

80mm stem aren’t they for steering a canal boat?

I have a Fuel Ex 8 from 2009. It’s a pretty capable bike that easily suits either an XC whippet build or something a bit tougher (trail?).

Tends to eat shock bushings though, and the ABP quick release lever is easy to bend.

Frosty – just checked. It’s a 65mm.

GHill – Eat how quickly? I know that’s a ‘how long is a piece of string’ question. I live in Thailand so guess bringing some spares could be a good idea. Are they expensive to buy? Are they readily available? Do you need specialist equipment / skills to fit them? This’ll be my first full sus in almost a decade.

Mine’ll be a slightly “tougher” build, I guess as that’s the parts I have. The drive train’s pretty light weight but the brakes and wheels aren’t going to be on an XC racer’s bike.

Thanks

I had the 2009 EX 9 and it was a very capable bike. quick enough on the flat / uphill, and flew downhill, i loved it

I had a 2008/9 Fuel Ex 9.8, as above it was very very capable. That said, it cracked in about 4 places. Was easy to repair, but it now lives with a mate who’s 2/3rds my weight and rides it as often as a Scotsman gets a round in.

I’d recommend an alloy one. To help with your sizing, mine was 16.5″ actual, with a 60mm stem. I’m 5’10.

The one I’m looking at is an alloy one. It’s 18.5″ (17.5″ actual) and the guy’s wife was my size.

Thanks

Great bike! – I had the 2010 one and no issue at all with bushings wearing.

I would strongly consider going for the size down (17.5/16.5). I am the same height as you and was on the line between this one and the even smaller size!

In the end the (17.5/16.5) was a good size for me with a shortish 60mm stem. Looking at the geo charts it is almost exactly the same reach and wheelbase as the size medium stumpy evo I have replaced it with. So in other words, the size you are looking at is more like a size large in stumpjumper terms!

Eat how quickly? I know that’s a ‘how long is a piece of string’ question. I live in Thailand so guess bringing some spares could be a good idea. Are they expensive to buy? Are they readily available? Do you need specialist equipment / skills to fit them?

For me it’s been about every 6-9 months, I think the parts would come from a Fox suspension distributor, rather than anything to do with Trek specifically. They were pretty cheap (less than £5) but I’ve always got a Trek dealer to fit them so don’t know if it’s a difficult process.

One word of warning, it’s quite easy to round the mounting bolt – getting replacements from Trek took about 6 weeks.

Above are right if you are 5″7 18.5″/17.5″ is to big for you.I have 13 one which is the size down to what you are looking at and i am 5″9 fits great.