Powered by Outside

What are the reasons for the different Trek MTB models?

PB Forum :: Trek
What are the reasons for the different Trek MTB models?

 Post Message | Latest Comment
Author Message
flag mistercoffee
Posted: Oct 11, 2020 at 9:42 Quote
You've got:

Fuel EX,
Top Fuel
Slash,
Supercaliber,
Remedy,
Session,

All of which run the gamut in different models from $3K to over $10K (Cdn prices)

Even within model groups, you have subdivisions like the Fuel EX 8 GX and Fuel EX 8 XT

I've done side-by-side comparisons on the website, and sometimes there's an obvious difference and sometimes not. Unfortunately the website uses marketing-speak, where every single model is the best one you could possibly buy for absolutely anything.

So is there any reference for what the different lines are optimized for? Or some way to tell when you don't have years of obsessing about components under your belt?
flag Sandfordm5
Posted: Oct 11, 2020 at 12:28 Quote
mistercoffee wrote:
You've got:

Fuel EX,
Top Fuel
Slash,
Supercaliber,
Remedy,
Session,

All of which run the gamut in different models from $3K to over $10K (Cdn prices)

Even within model groups, you have subdivisions like the Fuel EX 8 GX and Fuel EX 8 XT

I've done side-by-side comparisons on the website, and sometimes there's an obvious difference and sometimes not. Unfortunately the website uses marketing-speak, where every single model is the best one you could possibly buy for absolutely anything.

So is there any reference for what the different lines are optimized for? Or some way to tell when you don't have years of obsessing about components under your belt?
[Quote="mistercoffee"]You've got:

Fuel EX, - all round trail bike.
Top Fuel - trail bike focused for racing
Slash, - enduro 29”
Supercaliber - XC race bike
Remedy - 27.5 enduro/park bike
Session - Downhill

Even within model groups, you have subdivisions like the Fuel EX 8 GX and Fuel EX 8 XT. The higher the number usually the better the components are on the bike.

This may not be spot on but hope it helps slightly
flag mistercoffee
Posted: Oct 11, 2020 at 13:37 Quote
Thanks for that. Is this actually documented by Trek somewhere and I just missed it, or is it something you have to infer from the specs?
flag Sandfordm5
Posted: Oct 12, 2020 at 12:22 Quote
mistercoffee wrote:
Thanks for that. Is this actually documented by Trek somewhere and I just missed it, or is it something you have to infer from the specs?

More something i have picked up from hanging around the LBS
flag yeagermeister28
Posted: Oct 12, 2020 at 14:17 Quote
mistercoffee wrote:
Even within model groups, you have subdivisions like the Fuel EX 8 GX and Fuel EX 8 XT

This difference you called out is the exact same model bike, the Fuel EX 8. One comes with the SRAM GX groupset and the other comes with the Shimano XT groupset. Its nice that Trek does this, it lets you pick the drivetrain/ecosystem that you prefer.

As far as different models, think of it how car manufacturers usually have a wide range of models with most serving different uses. And also like car manufacturers, there's different trim levels within each model to let you decide how fancy you want to go and how much you want to spend. Sure you can get a base model that gets the job done, but that upgrade to leather heated seats and a moonroof sure is tempting...

Like Sandfordm5 said the numbering system outlines the spec level. Trek typically follows the below nomenclature, in order by cheapest to most expensive:

5 - Cheapest model, aluminum frame with lowest spec components
7 - Aluminum frame with basic components
8 - Aluminum frame with better mid-range components
9.7 - Carbon frame with a mix of basic & mid-level components
9.8 - Carbon frame with better mid-range components + carbon wheels
9.9- Top of the line, carbon frame & wheels and usually top spec components.
flag Adamrideshisbike
O+ FL
Posted: Oct 12, 2020 at 14:56 Quote
mistercoffee wrote:
You've got:

Fuel EX,
Top Fuel
Slash,
Supercaliber,
Remedy,
Session,

All of which run the gamut in different models from $3K to over $10K (Cdn prices)

Even within model groups, you have subdivisions like the Fuel EX 8 GX and Fuel EX 8 XT

I've done side-by-side comparisons on the website, and sometimes there's an obvious difference and sometimes not. Unfortunately the website uses marketing-speak, where every single model is the best one you could possibly buy for absolutely anything.

So is there any reference for what the different lines are optimized for? Or some way to tell when you don't have years of obsessing about components under your belt?

The Fuel EX and the Remedy are your all-arounders for the average rider. Pick a Fuel EX if you are more into pedally terrain, pick a Remedy if you have bigger terrain in your backyard, downhills and jumps or may end up at a bike park.

The Slash could be an all-arounder if you live in the mountains.
The Top Fuel and Supercaliber are fun if all you care about it pedalling your brains out, but the average person would have more fun on a Fuel EX.

If you can afford it, I'd get at least GX or XT for components, but even the stuff below that works great these days.
flag mistercoffee
Posted: Oct 12, 2020 at 18:13 Quote
Thanks for all the answers. It does at least begin to organize the bikes in my brain. I will be getting another new bike as soon as...
.
.
uh...
.
.
wife is glaring. NVM.
flag Third-Reef
Posted: Oct 13, 2020 at 15:27 Quote
I have a 2020 Fuel EX 9.7. Seems like a really good higher end starter bike. The 2020 geometry changes make the bike feel open and smooth, the 4 pot brakes are great and the suspension works well. I was a little under guned on the black diamonds at North Star but it did really well. Flow trails and climbing are where its at home.
flag iliveonnitro
Posted: Oct 14, 2020 at 14:00 Quote
mistercoffee wrote:
Thanks for all the answers. It does at least begin to organize the bikes in my brain. I will be getting another new bike as soon as...
.
.
uh...
.
.
wife is glaring. NVM.

It's always easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.
flag mistercoffee
Posted: Oct 14, 2020 at 15:10 Quote
iliveonnitro wrote:
mistercoffee wrote:
Thanks for all the answers. It does at least begin to organize the bikes in my brain. I will be getting another new bike as soon as...
.
.
uh...
.
.
wife is glaring. NVM.

It's always easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.

Where does begging for mercy fit into that? Eek
flag khorner
Posted: Nov 26, 2020 at 15:20 Quote
I’m still up in the air about the Top Fuel vs the Fuel. I ride in the midwest with lots of climbing (no mountains but lots of up and down), so I’m pretty interested in uphill efficiency and good cornering. I’m not much of a downhill bomber. Which would you get?
Kevin
flag Adamrideshisbike
O+ FL
Posted: Nov 26, 2020 at 16:57 Quote
khorner wrote:
I’m still up in the air about the Top Fuel vs the Fuel. I ride in the midwest with lots of climbing (no mountains but lots of up and down), so I’m pretty interested in uphill efficiency and good cornering. I’m not much of a downhill bomber. Which would you get?
Kevin

Unless you are racing, I'm not sure why you would get the Top Fuel.
  • Previous Page
  • Next Page

 


Copyright © 2000 - 2026. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.007061
Mobile Version of Website