Looking to upgrade and get a discounted 09 bike, I had set my mind on getting an 09 Trek EX 8, though I can only find 18.5s and at 6' i may need a 19.5. I've also looked at the Gary Fisher HiFi Pro (26" wheel) though there aren't many reviews or google info on them. I had also to a lesser extend considered the Cube Stereo K18, though there's even fewer reviews and info on these, and the 2010 are yet to come out so not yet falling in price.
Any views or advice on these 3 would be great.
The Trek EX is a good bike. I've got an EX9 and at 6'1" I'm riding an 18.5" frame, so I think you'd probably be ok on the 18.5 as well - it has a 24" effective top tube which is as long as most 'large' frames from other brands. I can't fault the ride or handling.
(although recently stolen - see other threads if you can be bothered) I had the trek fuel ex 8 2009 rootbeer and was a great do it all bike. Live and ride xc weekly in thetford but also take the odd trip to wales and worked perfectly well in both environments.
The trek never left me wishing the bike could do more, only my own ability. One issue I had though and have heard others also say that the stock Bontrager Tyres are incredibly tricky to get on and of the stock wheels, doesn't sound like much but halfway round a trail in the rain and get a puncture and you'll know what I am talking about. This may be because they are tubless ready? I am still a tube fan.
Gotta say though I'm 6'4" and found that the 21.5" frame suited me best - best to see if you can test/demo before buying.
Have to say I'm biased though as haven't ridden any of the others in question.
honeybadger - Member
I had also to a lesser extend considered the Cube Stereo K18, though there's even fewer reviews and info on these, and the 2010 are yet to come out so not yet falling in price.
* cough *
[url= http://www.thebikechain.co.uk/acatalog/Cube_09_Stereo_Black_K18_18.html ]Sure an 18" would be too small?[/url]
* cough *
Thanks for the advice. I'm still undecided re the EX8 size, the set post was well out on the 18.5 and perhaps a little scrunched. Have seen a 19.5 secondhand so may go with that, though when I hear stories about broken frames I do have non-warranty concerns. Still like the hifi pro but there's so little info on them, i did read that they are a little twitchy downhill, but sound good aside from that.
Have a 08 EX8 and love it. I'm 6'1" and went for a 19.5 (virtual 18.5). I have a long upper body and arms and the added length in the top tube fitted me just right. I could even shorten it a bit as still running stock 100mm stem. Not had a problem with the frame and from what i hear, Trek are good with warranties for the original owner. Might be worth a call to them jsut to check how you would stand? Maybe reduced price replacement? I think it was the first year ones (maybe mine) that had the rear end snapping. Think newer ones are fine.
As mrben100 says, original wheels and tyres are a sod to seat without a track pump. I replaced both and have had no problems at all.
Cracking bike that makes you want to ride. Comfy and the suspension just eats bumps and jumps.
My brother has a Stereo and it's a cracking bike. For a burly looking bike it's quite light really, light enough to ride all day and even after my bro's clumsy riding it's still looking good, and has required zero maintenance in the 1.5yrs he's had it. Great "any riding" bike IMO. I'll be looking at a Cube of some description for my next bike 🙂
Thanks for info on the EX8 and Stereo. I can't find either in my size, though the closest being the EX8 09 new but in 18.5, which I could go with but feels slightly small.
I was considering a used but in new condition EX8 I've seen but have concerns that I'll be paying not too far off what the 18.5s are going for new (£1475) with no warranty (assuming Trek don't cover second owners?). This thread doesn't inspire me with confidence...
http://www.singletracks.com/forum2/viewtopic.php?t=2972
My other option is a Fisher HiFi Pro (26er) new at £1599 which I can get in my size, but noy sure this is a do-it-all bike like the EX8, particularly in the downhill dept?