Trek Fuel EX or Slash? Trail Bike vs. Enduro Bike | The Matchup
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- čas přidán 5. 08. 2024
- The Trek Fuel EX and Slash may look the same but they have very different intentions. Christina and Jason break down all the similarities and differences in this episode of The Matchup.
Presented by Trek Bikes - trekbikes.com
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00:00 - Intro
01:07 - Slash Overview
01:37 - Fuel EX Overview
02:08 - Similarities
03:57 - Differences
06:41 - Geometry
08:51 - Pricing
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These were the exact two bikes I was looking at for my first "real" mountain bike last year! I decided to build a Trek Fuel EX frame up as a custom build, and beefed it up with a 150 mm Rockshox Pike Ultimate fork, Shimano 4 piston SLX brakes with 203 mm XT rotors, and some wide Maxxis Minion tires. I still haven't found the limit of the Fuel EX, and I've ridden it on all the gnarly trails of my Midwestern state. It rockets up the hills, and I feel that if I had bought the Slash I would be overbiked 99% of the time for the area that I ride. Couldn't be happier with my custom Fuel EX!
That sounds like a nice middle-ground for your Fuel EX. Even on smaller bikes, I just can't go small brakes, good choice -Christina
I was wondering if you don’t mind, how much did the total cost doing a custom build?
I have the Fuel EX 5 and looking for doing a nice upgrade, can you send me part numbers or links of those products as I was looking exactly on those but my local shop not really helpful unfortunately here in Europe :( appreciate it.
It’s potentially too late now but the 2019-2020 Stumpjumpers came in 2 (130 and 150) travel options and you can change between the two by buying a new yoke, changing fork travel, and shock. I’m currently upgrading my 130 to a 150 front and rear for the enduro season then switch back to 130 for the XC season in the summer/fall.
Done a similar thing with my Fuel EX 5 to keep it up with my progression. 150mm fork (still Sektor Silver) by removing the 10mm travel spacer, SLX M7000 brakes, and Spank Hex Drive and Spoon 32 rear wheel. Converted from 2X to 1X using an old Deore (11-42 10 speed with OneUp's 42T cog). I think the rear wheel upgrade was the best upgrade for this bike. I do wish I had the Remedy frame though ...
I wonder how these bikes stack up cosmetically with the Trek Session 🤔
Did this comparison myself, got the Slash. I'd be willing to bet the EX is a bit more lively in the flats, but 11 mile rides 50% uphill 50% downhill are easy peazy on the Slash, it climbs really well. Thing is a trophy truck on the negative rear setting, and stays fun and poppy in the main compression setting. After 70 miles on the Slash I'm still thrilled everytime I ride it.
is it noisy? I sat on one at the store and it was creaking like crazy.
@@sillydillydokieo Nope. No creaks from mine. Probably needs some grease in those bearings.
I absolutely love my Fuel EX. It performs well on long descents in the mountains and at bike parks, and can also shred my relatively tame local flow trails no problem. I almost never feel over or under biked!
I think the Fuel is perfect for almost all riding. I prefer my Slash at the bike parks and in the steeps.
One of my favorite things about the Fuel EX is that it can hold a full-size water bottle no problem.
Perfect video. I test rode both a couple weeks ago and still can’t decide!
I was actually looking for a video like this, specifically to see how the fuel ex’s low travel performs :)
It’s a decent trail bike but you have to get one of the nicer models because the cheaper building ride very poorly because they have cheap forks and weak brakes
@@kmanchristopher1741 Yes, the Fuel EX doesn't get decent until the 8 build, the 5 and 7 builds are trash unless you're a beginner who's going to ride it very gently.
@@mrvwbug4423 I have the 5 and ride a lot of bikepark on it and the fork is insanely flexible but I have managed to hit a couple of pro lines on it so you can probably ride it pretty hard it just takes much more work
It looks like a SESSION !
Very useful guys thanks. I went for the Fuel EX8 in the end as I wanted a good all rounder. Very pleased with it, handles superbly for the sort of easy to medium trails I ride with emphasis on longer ride times.
I have a 2021 fuel ex 9.8 and I have to say that it handles everything iv thrown at it and hasn't let me down!! Both are great bikes but the fuel ex is the one for me!!
Let me guess, one descends like a dh bike but climbs really well considering, the other is more nimble and climbs better and can handle itself in the gnar but not as well?
Hello in from
Germany wich one is better for Trails. And sometimes for bikeparks
@@SG-jf7mk Slash.
@@SG-jf7mk Fuel Ex
@@SG-jf7mk a bit late but remember that any bike can be pedaled up except a dh bike or slope bike. The only true all rounder is an an enduro bike as it can handle anything with the travel.
I bought the trek ex 5 and have really enjoyed running bomber cr coil on the back. Despite the lower progressivity running less sag, as suggested here, helps to resist bottom out. I'm a heavy rider and this change has made the bike work brilliantly for me. For anyone wondering I saw the trek designer mention that this bike would play well with a coil although the progressivity is around 15% which might be too low for people wanting to run high sag while they shred hard.
I’m just getting the slash 8 so this video was really helpful.
Keep up the good work pinkbike!
Try the G5 Bontrager tire.....it will turn the bike into a shredding beast & no more flat tires!
I have a Fuel EX 9.8, and I was not only at trails with climbing sections, but also several times in a Bikepark and I'm very contained with the bike.
Great video!! And really wanted a video like this!
Ended up getting the fuel 9.8 XT couple weeks ago. I had my choice and realized I really couldn’t take advantage of the extra travel of the Slash. Both bikes were excellent, but I opted for the efficiency.
I just picked up the 9.8 XT today.
27.5 ftw remedy is the way to go
I had a Fuel EX for a couple of weeks and just didn’t feel right for my style of riding. Upgraded to a Slash and is a bit “more” to pedal but, defiantly feels a lot better to me. I will deal with the extra weight and travel (which I can tune) to have a bike that feels like me.
Had long thought between the two then went for 2022 slash 9.8 xt. No regrets absolute god bike. Smashes everything from trail to downhill
It seems the problem we have now days, and its a good problem to have, is that there are sooo many choices out there its hard to decide which one is best for you. Especially if you arent able to try it out first, which is also becoming more and more difficult it seems.
I own and love my fuel ex 8. Perfect for my trail addiction, 👊🏻👊🏻
Love the vid, 👌🏻
Is a full review of the Trek Fuel EX coming? It only has been compared to the Santa Cruz Tallboy in the past, but cannot seem to find a video for this bike alone.
I bought a Slash 9.8 for myself and a top fuel EX for My son . Both are sweet rides .
Love my Slash 8. Climbs better than you would expect and incredible on the rough downhills. Upgraded Maxxis tires are a must, as the standard tires are better rubbish in my opinion.
Nice comparison! I'd love to see a comparison between either the GG Gnarvana and Smash, or the Smash and Trail Pistol!
Nice, looking forward to more of these. Knolly Chilcotin 167 vs Fugitive would be another fun one
Knolly>Trek for sheeeez🤙🏻
I learned mountainbiking on my Fuel EX from 2019. Next year i want to add a Slash 8. Still keeping that Fuel EX caus its just a great overall bike for long rides. Next year my ride across the Alps from Munich to Lake Garda it needs to be the Fuel EX :)
Hey Stefan, I am courious: Did you do that Alp Crossing? If so, how did the Fuel EX handle? Would be nice to hear, because I am looking into that bike for doing an Alp Crossing myself..
Picked a fuel ex, don’t regret it. I can hit the downhill park or power through xc. I think it’s the all purpose bike for me.
I demo'd a Fuel EX a few weeks ago. It just didn't do it for me. It felt spongey, heavy, and well... kinda dated. It soaks everything up but at the expense of really neutering the fun. I'm curious to try the Top Fuel - perhaps that has more life and pop to it.
Nice review you guys!
The pedal threading was stripped from the beginning. And it has broken off twice and will not go back on. How do we get a replacement pedal
Great video, mate! i have been thinking about the Fuel EXe and one question that came into my mind just now is about the motor activation speed when going through rough terrain and rocky / tech areas up hill. How does it activate? There are moments when you let the bike roll and suddenly you need the max traction to climb things. How is it efficiency on such moments? Thanks
I lost it at 2:30... Good job! 🤣
I got those 2!! I love them!! Slash 9.8 and Fuel EX 8❤️
And what about the best of both worlds????? REMEDY OF COURSE!!!!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
yaaa i have a remedy 8 it’s so sick
1000% agree love my remedy 8
@Dylan how come?
@@spencerimre everyone wants 29ers. Remedy is basically the slash with 27.5s
The remedy is the Transition of the Trek lineup. Everyone that has one will talk your ear off about how great it is. I effing love my 8! When everyone starts swinging back to 27.5s for a more poppy and challenging feel on the trails, we'll all be gods among kings...😎
I got a Trek Fuel EX-9.9 with fox 36 150mm fork and both the original DPS and a DPX2 shock. With lighter tires and the DPS its a lightning fast Down Contry bike, and with enduro tires and the DPX2 its a mini enduro bike. I do prefer an Enduro bike (160mm shock) when dropping higher than 4 feet, or when it gets really steep and high speed. However, I have set all my best times(PR) with the Fuel.
Have fuel ex 8 xt, great bike!
Next one will be slash, not because I need it, but because I want it 😎🤙
I found it interesting that you said the Fuel can’t run a coil?
I’ve seen plenty running a coil. Can you clarify please?
What is the best frame for freeriding like 180mm rear shock and I will run it like Brandon Semenuk style like barspinable and just fun bike but his bike was custom also Slash was expensive for frame only
BC - Slash
Ontario - Fuel EX
Wish I needed to own the Slash!
Just get one anyway. Work marginally harder on some climbs, but then when you really want it, it'll be there.
Ha! I just traded my 2019 Fuel EX 9.8 for a 2020 Slash 9.8 - Its nota direct comparison for me as the Slash is a smaller frame size and feels way faster down and more rowdy, it is definitely not as fast pedaling up single track IMO, the Fuel EX exceeds technical climbs going uphill
What happens if l want to do flowy trails, jumps and technical steep rocky descents?
You can install coil shock on Fuel Ex, I have Cane Creek DB inline coil on my custom built Fuel EX 2021. Works flawlessly, bike feels like mini enduro trail rocket. Still, it can’t compete with new Slash on rough chunky descents.
Was looking for a comment like this. My 2020 is rocking a RockShox coil.
Great video. Would love to see the Niner RIP 9 RDO and the new Niner WFO put head to head. That would be awesome. Thanks!
If you had your choice between the Trail and not able to ride bigger hits OR the Enduro with a bike you can climb with to get to the next adventure dh ride. What would you buy?
Good stuff 🤘🔥
I like this. Suggestion for next episode, Yeti SB165 vs SB140.
Great Video! Would love to see the matchup. between the Marin alpine trail, and the Marin rift zone
Do one on the propain tyee and spindrift next plz!
Good idea!
They won't.
@@th_js sadly true
Nice head-to-head comparison! But I'm hoping by next year the same comparison can be made for the E-crowd: the Fuel ExE 130 TQ 50 v. the. Slash-E 160 TQ 60? The former is here now...the latter next year please to hit the light weight, medium powered E-enduro MTB🤟...aka the Goldilocks Zone!🍻
I love my 2020 fuel Ex 9.8 here in the mountains of western North Carolina my fuel Ex is way more bike than I need! It handles pretty much everything I throw at it! Both are great bike none the less!!
Have you ridden Beech Mountain in NC? I'm looking at these 2 bikes and that is one place I would go to ride.
@@jasoncampbell2808 no have been to
Beach mountain! I ride pisgah, DuPont, kitsuma, fire mountain, kanuga.
Yaaasss Jason threw a “nimbility” in there 🤘
The real question is always, what are you going to use the bike for? Having never been a one bike kinda guy it all comes down to that. For enduro racing even at EWS qualifiers the Slash is the most intuitive enduro bike I've thrown a leg over. For local "trail" riding I prefer a snappy extremely good pedaling bike that is also capable of drops and jumps and for that I have a top fuel. The new 2022 top fuel is even better and blurs the lines between the top fuel and the fuel ex now...
Knock the Slash's shock lsc to negative and 2 clicks off the zeb lsc = DH beast. Run the same psi but shock lsc in the middle (factory setting) and 2 clicks firmer on the zeb and it transforms into a super efficient all-rounder that still opens up when you hit the chunk. I actually only run it in the softer setting (both climbing and descending), unless it's an xc day. It blows my mind how efficient it feels pedalling versus how burly it looks and feels over the gnar. The ramp up also lets you float around nicely in the top and mid stroke but is ultra supportive at the end stroke. I still haven't been able to bottom out.
So needed to see a vid like this! To all the people that say a slash is to much bike
I was hoping the Fuel EX would've received a frame update this year like the Top Fuel did. Doesn't need more travel, but slight geo update, KB 2.0, and AL frame storage would make it worth looking at. Don't think the bike offers much more for the $ than a Ripley AF
Extremely blessed to own a 2022 Fuel Ex 9.8 & a 2022 Slash 9.9. Both are shredding machines....One is faster uphill & the other faster downhill. I'm sure ya'll can guess which is which. #TrekLife #1Love
Mountain biking as a discipline has been around for about 30 years now, maybe longer -- Why is the geometry of the bikes not figured out yet and still being updated?
Why do you compare custom built slash with stock fuel ex? Never saw Marzocchi on any Trek bike in stock.
These bikes are wonderful!
Thanks. How about RM Altitude vs Instinct. Maybe even a price point comparo within the line, aluminum vs carbon?
What about the Remedy?? Isn’t that the in between of the two featured in this video?
remedy is the slash with 27.5 wheels.
@@psychonaut038 ahh, thanks.
Hey guys, has anybody got an idea exactly which category the Remedy fits into if the slash is enduro and fuel the trail bike??🧐
Still enduro but just with 27.5 inch wheels
@@elijahtipton4637 As a remedy owner, I'd call it an aggressive trail bike
in France we call it "Randuro" which means something like "Trailduro" and that's what I do with my Remedy
I can’t seem to find much on the new trek remedy.
I have a 2021 remedy 9.8
2020 rail 7
Send plenty on the rail
But very few on the remedy.
Is it because of the 27.5 wheel size
I love both
Time and place for everything.
It’s all fun at 52
Crane Creek make a coil shock that fits the FUEL. I run one on mine.
Would have been good to throw the remedy in there to see the blend of the 2 in one bike
If you're having trouble deciding, wouldnt you just go the Remedy?
at 5:28, that derailleur just about met it's maker. how many has that rock claimed?
Ibis Ripmo vs Mojo 4, might as well throw a curve ball of different wheel sizes in there
A Santa Cruz nomad vs 5010 would be a cool video. I have a nomad and I love it but I have tried a 5010 and I loved how playful it was so a comparison in all the little details would be nice.
I have a 19 5010 and have always wanted to ride a Bronson/nomad on the same trail back to back to really be able to get a feel for all three bikes comparatively.
Where’s the fuel ex review link?
Ppl are way overbiked today, i see ppl w enduro bikes and ful, face helmets along my local trails which an be ridden w a hardtail and 120 fork
If the Fuel had more travel I'd consider it, but 130mm isn't enough, so I'd go with the Slash. I don't think the sacrifices on the climbs are big enough to make up for the sacrifices on the downs with the Fuel. This is the only video I've seen that implies the Slash doesn't climb well - even PB's own Kazimer says it climbs pretty well. And if enduro race days aren't "big days in the saddle" then I don't know what are. Coil obviously isn't going to climb as well as air either. It's also weird that the Fuel ST angle is slacker than the Slash.
Would like to see the Trek Session vs Commencal Supreme. Both are high pivot DH bikes
I have question my hights is 187 cm and my innerarme is 90 cm, my LBC say that slash XL will fit me more then L (since i'm between two size), when i saw your reach comparaison i saw that L will be better for me, but i'm not sure, if you can answer or any subscriber to clarify that will be cool.
Thanks in advance
I'm 190cm. If I for some weird reason were ever to buy a Slash, I'd get the L, because the toptube-length on the XL is over 680mm, and it'll get longer the further you raise your saddle. So basically the seated position will be extremely uncomfortable, unless you're used to a roadbike sitting position. Even though it might be a compromise in some places, go for the L. Also, the seat-tube-angle is extremely slack on this bike and the bike also has a very short chainstay, which means that you'll be having trouble on steep climbs because you need to move your mass forward a lot to not wheelie. I'd definitely stay far away from this bike, since you're fairly tall. But if you absolutely have to buy this exact bike, go for an L but that's a compromise and XL will definitely be not good, unless you only ride DH without any climbs.
As I'm close to your height, I can strongly recommend that you get a bike with better geometry, like a Pole, Geometron, Privateer or similar.
You may want to go with the XL.
@@usamade5943 i wen for XL and yeah its cool :p
@@sidaliaichouni7965 Have you felt like the handlebar is a bit far, when seated?
@@th_js Honestly no, in case of it i can adjust my saddle (it setup in the midle), the only thing maybe i will change is the hadlebar width i will give it i bit more try and i see if i need to cut it or not ^^
Just based off looks it looks like the fuel replaces my 14 slash. I am considering an upgrade to the new slash but feel it may be too much bike to climb
Jason's jacket brand pls?
My remedy is the best. Test rode all of them
I want to see a comparison video of the Pivot Switchblade Vs the Evil Wreckoning V3. There’s hardly any videos on CZcams about the Wreckoning V3.
What about Trek top fuel 2022 vs Trek remedy most recent model?
Can you guys do a Salsa Horsethief Vs. Blackthorn video? That would be cool!
What Knee pads are those @5:41??
Remedy it is.
Simply. #remedyrules #thelegend
The nice middle ground -Christina
I’d love to see the Ibis Ripley AF and Ripmo AF compared
Can you guys do the specialised enduro and the stumpy or stumpy Evo? That would be super helpful and quite interesting. 🤙 nice review
Stevo all the way!
Those two bikes are just amazing.
I wonder, what happened to the Trek remedy? Did it desappear from the Trek bicyles rank?
Let me know guys please!!!
I have a 2020 Remedy, it is an amazing bike, climbs better than a hardtail I had just before, and descends very well, but it is 27.5, I think that is why they are not choosing it.
@@IngeCulichi I have the remedy 2015 (I upgraded it to 1x drivetrain and made some other adjustments that makes it look so gnar) , it's an old model but still shreds the trail!!!
You can literally check the Trek website in the time it took you to write this comment. The Remedy is still around.
i wanna see my current 2017 Specialized Enduro FSR Elite Carbon 29/6 Fattie compared to the new Enduro Expert and Comp
I have a slash 8 and already managed to bend one of the cranks arms
Remedy gang, 27.5 isn't dead yet!
I actually have the new Fuel EX, but I am still not sure if I should sell it and go for the Slash, so this video is a great help for my decision
If you want the best all-rounder, keep your Fuel EX. If you want the best bike to absolutely blast the downs, get the Slash. Both bikes are super rad 🤘
@@colemitchmtb the thing is. I live in a town with a lot of easy, and also hard, trails. I own Trek Rail too, on which I ride the most around the town. Im okay taking my Fuel EX to bikeparks, but I start to find its limits on hard trails / freeride bikepark tracks. I know Slash would be better choice for bikeparks, but I do not want to loose the possibility to go with friends few times per year for a regular long trail ride.
@@filipstrapinadotcz It's fully capable of longer rides, it pedals surprisingly well. You may have to put in a little more effort but it's super fun on the downhills of those long rides. If you want a new Slash though you'll be waiting almost a year for some models.
@@colemitchmtb actually, I spoken to guys in a local TREK dealership and they ordered for me new Slash 8 in size M/L and L long time ago so I can try which size fits me well (Fuel Ex is M/L and feels small after a season, Rail is M and fits me well). Size L will come next week and size M/L in May 2022. I believe they would not have a problem to sell it if I wont take it =D
@@colemitchmtb So, I just picked up 2022 Trek Slash 8 from my local Trek dealer and I am amazed. Thanks for the help, Cole.
The Z1 on the Slash - is it coil? Actually I am not sure why watching this video at all - I would choose Slash every time.
No, mine is air. Pairs nicely with the coil shock though -Christina
@@pinkbike Do you considered going coil fork?
Spesh Enduro v Stumpy Evo next pls
This!
Would like to see Pivot Switchblade vs Pivot Firebird or Switchblade vs. Trail 429.
So, if you race/ride Enduro or bike park, buy an enduro bike and if you ride trails and cover longer distances, buy a trail bike. 🤯 Thank god I watched this video, I’d never have known otherwise!
I would also love if you guys did remedy or slash
So where's the video comparing them to the Session?
Do propain bikes next maybe the tyee and the hugene
Orbea Rallon vs Occam LT please.
Christina knows what's up. Slash life!
I would like to see similar comparison done with the Remedy
I would of appreciated a timed comparison for perspective.