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Upgrading 2013 Trek Fuel EX-8

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Upgrading 2013 Trek Fuel EX-8

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flag mchlmacdonald
Posted: May 6, 2014 at 3:33 Quote
So, I recently got back into MTB riding with a Fuel EX-8. Bike is stock, looking for ideas on how to make this bike more capable on the downhills/all around. Here's the stock kit...

• SHIFTERS: SHIMANO SLX, 10 SPEED
• FRONT MECH: SHIMANO SLX, DIRECT MOUNT
• REAR MECH: SHIMANO DEORE XT SHADOW
• CHAINSET: SHIMANO M552 42/32/24
• BB: SHIMANO PRESS-FIT
• CASSETTE: SHIMANO HG62 11-36, 10 SPEED
• SADDLE: BONTRAGER EVOKE 2, CHROMOLY RAILS
• SEATPOST: BONTRAGER RHYTHM ELITE, 31.6MM, ZERO OFFZET
• HANDLEBAR: BONTRAGER RACE LITE LOW RISER, 31.8MM
• STEM: BONTRAGER RACE LITE, 31.8MM, 7 DEGREE
• GRIPS: BONTRAGER RACE LITE, LOCK-ON
• HEADSET: FSA IS-2, E2, FULLY INTEGRATED
• BRAKES: SHIMANO SLX HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES

Not really digging the Fox CTD suspension. I want to go 150mm on the front, will it work without screwing up the geometry too much? Also, I want to go coil but don't think I can with the rear, so any suggestions on a good 150mm travel coil front fork?

Also would like to go 1x10 with a bash-guard and chain-guide, or 2x10 with a bash guard. Don't seem to be using the granny ring at all. Can I go 1x10 or 2x10 on this bike and what setup would you guys recommend?

As for everything else, I have no clue. Any recommendations on some parts to make this bike more awesome would be greatly appreciated.
flag ChrisNebo
Posted: Jun 8, 2014 at 1:43 Quote
I have a 2013 fuel ex 8 and have upgraded the handlebars to 750mm wide (low rise) with a 45mm stem. This modification has greatly helped downhill steering and control.

Also, I added a dropper post-rockshox reverb. With the seat down, it is much easier to throw the bike around which has helped with the downhills as well.

My next upgrade for more downhill friendly riding will be a pair of schwalbe 2.35" hand dampf tires as they definitely have much more grip than the stock xr-3 tires. I have ridden the 2.35" bontrager xr-4 tlr tires and would reccomend them as well for more downhill stability and traction.

I hope this helps. Also, please let me know what you end up modding and how it affects your ride. Good luck and have fun!
flag Bloggingfit
Posted: Jun 8, 2014 at 4:11 Quote
Without sounding negative I would say you should sell on the fuel for a Remedy based on what you're after - 150mm at both ends. Will end up cheaper in the long run and you'll end up with the bike you actually want.

Back to upgrading your Fuel, you are stuck with the DRCV rear shock unless you're prepared to do some modifications to the upper mounting point. The rear shock isn't that bad anyway.

Putting a 150mm shock up front may be a bit much. Dual Air Rockshox Pike can drop down by 30mm which would be a compromise but again by the time you spend out on these you may as well have got a Remedy.

Going to 1x10 is straight forward enough. New wide/narrow profile chain ring and clutch rear mech would remove the need for a guide. Then adjust length of the chain to suit.
flag Reg0928
Posted: Jun 9, 2014 at 18:52 Quote
I have a 140mm fork on my 2012 ex 8 and I love it. I also went with a 1x10 drive train and did a shimano zee group with a race face 32t narrow wide ring. I put an Azonic short stem on it with Easton carbon bars too. Easton wheels as well. Upgrades are definitely worth it
flag Nezzer
Posted: Mar 30, 2016 at 12:59 Quote
Reg0928 wrote:
I have a 140mm fork on my 2012 ex 8 and I love it. I also went with a 1x10 drive train and did a shimano zee group with a race face 32t narrow wide ring. I put an Azonic short stem on it with Easton carbon bars too. Easton wheels as well. Upgrades are definitely worth it
I'm upgrading to 1x 10 narrow wide , can you advise if I will need spacers and which one is best to get . Will 104 BCD fit
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