I notice the change of 10mm from 130 - 140 forks (went from fox to Pike)
Probably now sits around 66.5 or slightly less. with 150mm it will be sub 66.
You have to also remember 66 on a 29er feels different than 66 on a 650b/26 bike.
Not sure on size you need, but if your near the tweed valley and an XL is right then your welcome to a shot on it.
I do want XL and I occasionally am in the Tweed Valley so I might take you up on that. What height are you if you don't mind me asking?
I've been solely on 29ers for a few years now so theres no adjustment needed from 26/27.5 wheels but I'd like the HA to be around 66*.
I'm 6'1 with a gorrila like ape index.
Same as me then just about!
Anyone had any issues with the knock block when running non bontrager stems?
I'll more than likely be pestering you for setup advice Oli - I got the 27.5 wheels + alloy frame though
Oli - did you try both the 19.5 and the 21.5 (XL)? I was set on the 19.5 (after a short not particularly useful ride on roads), but am similar proportions to you: just under 6'1, but with long legs (35" IS)/arms (+6cm Ape Index) and a short torso. You have me thinking that I might be better off on an 21.5 frame.
Grateful for any thoughts.
No didn’t try a 19.5.
My ape index is approx plus 15cm. So a somewhat comical length
And I like a long tt/bike anyway.
What is it like for XC riding? Could you use the Fuel EX as an all rounder XC trail bike and do the odd XC race on it? Cheers
I'm sure you probably could if you wanted to.
It's probably a bit of a tank in those terms however.
I still see it as an aggy, short travel trail bike, much like the Smuggler - it's a bit of a weird bike in that sense for Trek.
RevMatt it’s pretty good. I dropped my forks to 120mm, moved the switch link to the high setting and put some light tyres on, then used it in a 6 day xc stage race.
That changed it to around 68.5ha which is similar to the new spark.
Was fine. It’s never going to contend a proper lightweight xc bike (if your racing at the sharp end) but for one bike, if you had a good spec and a set of light wheels and tyres and a light fork to fit, you could get it down to fairly competitive.
Though the frame is 0.5kg heavier than the top fuel.
I’m getting rid of my ff29 hardtail and keeping this as 1bike with alternate tyres and a short fork (currently just change air shaft on the pike)
