The 2009 Trek Fuel EX
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Suspend conventional thought goes the line with the Trek Fuel EX 9.9 and 9.8 the carbon models of this range (the others are aluminium). Overall the Fuel EX is a big range with models starting from around £1250 and working up to £2900.
This is your all round trail xc bike built for all day riding and with 5 inches of travel you cant really go wrong be it local wood riding or the big xc trail. I believe this is their most popular selling bike range in the full sus range and you can see why. It has all that a serious trail rider could want. The key to this bike is versatility.
While the Fuel EX aluminium bike will meet the needs of most trail riders those looking for lighter weight and more performance should check out the new carbon EX. This is the epic multi day race machine and fit for those growing pack of endurance racers.
OK lets review the core highlights.....
OCLV
The "OCLV" in Trek OCLV Carbon stands for "Optimum Compaction, Low Void." It's their proprietary method of producing carbon frames and components. The integrated headset has a Net Molded Precision Fit Socket technology which saves weight by eliminating the need for aliminium cup inserts. BB95 - The Net Molded Precision Fit Sockes allow you to place bottom bracket bearings directly into the frame itself, eliminating the need for a threaded alunium shell insert and so freeing the bike from the constraint of building around the industry standard 73mm shell width
ABP
So starting with ABP. Get your head around this one if no ne else! Why? Well two reasons 1) It is featured in all Trek's full suspension bikes so top riding technology is a core feature across the range not just the exclusivity of a few and 2) It is often spoken of as the most impressive and advanced piece of mtb technology in the last few years. First to explain it simply and how I understand it. Basically when you brake your suspension behaves and you keep in control of your bike making corners or stutter bumps that much easier and more keeps you in control when you do.You can brake later and stay in control. In tech talk. ABP's (Active Braking Pivot) unique placement in line with the reae wheel axle creats the least caliper movement of any system, yielding the most active suspension under braking.
Full Floater
Full floater in simple terms means you use the entire shock stoke and so absorbs the smallest bumps, makes for easier climbing and makes the the bike feel like it has more travel. In tech talk it means you have a rear shock with a moderate progressive (or rising) rate up to the mid-stroke and a slight falling rate in the last 1/3 of travel.
E2 + RP24
E2 refers to the head tube and steerer tube system i.e. the stem, headset, fork and frame. The fork of the bike is like a lever. Trail obstacles seek to push and twist that lever far away from where it attaches to the bike creating flex in the bike and less control. E2 puts more material at the lower parts of the system to create more less flexibility, resulting in more control and so a better ride. All good things. Tech wise this means that the tapered frame technology is lighter and stiffer than a conventional 11/8" set up. The 120mm fork features the RP-24 adjustment giving the rider a 4 position platform tune on the lower leg with the ability to flick the platform on and off at the top of the fork.
EVO Link + Carbon
Finally whilst you are still not quite overloaded is the EVO link. In my mind it just looks right. It is a one piece design. Total stiffness, minimal weight and more control. Common sense you'd think. Simple is always best. It takes the traditional plate and bolt design of the rocker evolves it into one and makes it simple doing away with weight but improving control. For 2009 the top carbon bikes in the range have a OCLV link that's over 35g lighter than the magnesium version. Also for 2009 the Fuel EX receives the Fox Extra Volume "XV" Can shock with a medium compression tune that allows even more responsive initial travel, along with a more bottomless feel.
The full Fuel EX range is as follows:
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