That flow section at 15:00 min mark looks fun as hell. Have yet to hit Pine Hills can't wait until Spring. Good review. Looking to replace my Ibis Ripmo this season and go w 160mm up front as you suggested. Thanks man!

Trek hit a home run with new Fuel EX. I suspect the Slash will be getting the same updates as the Fuel next year. That will be one hell of a weapon. Excellent review Jon, video and audio was dialed.

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Look forward to your thoughts on your set up. I agree the slash will prolly have the similar adjustability I just hope it doesn't weigh even more! 😅

@matthew_4589

Жыл бұрын

Doing this on the slash will turn a 35 lb bike into a 40 lb bike just like the fuel ex went from 31 lb to 35lb

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

@@matthew_4589 I dunno the slash already has the downtube storage etc. And the rear flip chip. It's already an 8-9lb frame I don't think it would get much heavier . My fuel ex is now 32lbs with pedals and enduro tires. Dream build video coming soon. ;)

@matthew_4589

Жыл бұрын

@@Projectnortheast on the carbon variant I can see how the extra durability would be needed but on the aluminum models there is more than enough strength and the could just add the headset flip chip and it would be just as goo

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

@@matthew_4589 well if they did the same with the slash it would mean adding the shock mount flip chip as well as the headset cup. Which... I'm not sure how much weight the headset would add... prolly only a few grams over an IS headset

I’m 65. Used to race Norba ride a road bike thousands of miles. Had a Sworks stumpjumper but I’m just too old to keep up with better riders (read younger) this bike my bike Fuel 9.8 XT is great for my situation. Fun to ride and I have a blast

Just bought the 9.7 and I'm LOVING it! WAY more bike than I am a rider, but it has already inspired so much more confidence! Climbs pretty well and downhill is like riding a magic carpet - just a BLAST!

@Projectnortheast

9 ай бұрын

Awesome!

Great video! I liked the DH/trail split review.

great review with some actual riding. great vid!

Thanks for the chill and understandable vid, you talk on a level, not smashing my head with stuff I don’t understand. I picked up my Fuel Ex 8 last weekend. Been out of MTB for a few years and getting back on it. Mainly gonna be doing trail blasts but taking it to Bike Park Wales in a couple of weeks. Hope it performs as well as the reviews sound. Cheers dude.

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

Thank you my friend! Hope you enjoy it and welcome back!

Great video and review. I got a Fuel EX 9.8 about two months ago and am loving it

@michaelmichaelagnew8503

Жыл бұрын

I like the frame on both the 9.8 (carbon) and the aluminum Gen 5. The 9.8 you dont need to do any upgrades for a while but at $6.5k you better not have too. The Low end Gen 5 at $2.6k you need to upgrade right away. Man that suspension is really bad and extreamly cheap (other parts the same). I love that black look with Trek in silver its sweet looking. Both frames look solid.

Great review, I appreciate everything you did in this video! Keep it up, you helped me decide on the Trek EX 9.8 2023.

@Projectnortheast

6 ай бұрын

Thanks!

That's a great lookin bike. Love Trek. Big in the game and they know how to build em

Hell yeah. So glad to find this video right after nabbing a 22 Fuel EX

I think trek did a great job with this bike, reminds me of the stumpjumper evo, adjustable to suit anyones build / riding style. It looks like a very fun bike. I cant say in surprised that you were bottoming on rim w those tires.

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

if they put a little sidewall support in their tires maybe they wouldn't need to make their rims so heavy? lol

For years the Fuel EX competed with the Trance for the ultimate all around value trail bike but fell behind the last 5-7 years. This update was desperately needed, I'm super stoked Trek modernized the Fuel EX!

@Lee-ic2yn

Жыл бұрын

Didn't the previous model only come out 7 years ago?

Nice review!.... and I like to see u rep pine hills!

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

I wish I lived closer! So much fun

I bought this bike late summer, you are so right about the tires, I slipped on a side rock and broke my tibia and fibula on my first ride with it. I definitely will swap the tires in the spring. Awesome review, I didn’t realized the bike could perform as well in the tech trails. Thanks again

@jimsteinway695

3 ай бұрын

First thing I did was minion dhr Maxxis

I've got a fuel ex thats 14 years old. Still love it

Nice review...and love to see the 603

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

Yocal local!

I will say, you guys were riding way more intense stuff than I will probably ever touch. Just ordered the EX7 Gen 6. AFAIK it doesn't have that weird unified stem/handlebar, and it has Rockshox fork instead of the Fox. I will probably give the stock Bontrager tires a little time, but I imagine I will probably switch out to the Maxxis Highroller II front and Ardent rear that I've been running on my old 26" hard tail. I love those tires. So much fun.

I'm late to the party. I picked up the same bike over the summer (July 2023) - Fuel Ex 9.8 XT in the same blue. I'd agree that this is the funnest bike I've thrown a leg over. I've been riding it 70% urban and 30% at the local trails. I like to say that adjustable geometry makes the bike even more flexible. I've only flipped the shock chip, giving the travel a little more progression. Totally a personal choice. The in-frame storage is great bonus, and should't be overlooked. While it very tight with a standard tube, I recommend using a TPU tube. They are so much thinner - leaving lots of room in the "bits bag" for two large CO2 units, a plug kit, tire lever and a CO2 inflator. I'd like to point out I'm a heavier rider and haven't had the same issues with the tires. They are fine, just fine tires and shouldn't be a deal breaker for anyone. (Like all tires they are easily to replace.) Great review and good job showing off the deep blue color of the bike. In pictures the blue looks too dark, in the sun its really nice.

Bro u can rip, # respect !

I also want to be 3 bike guy ! Looking into the AL version as I know it is going to dinged up on the gnarly trials I want to use it for, and I don’t was worry about it.

My trek gravel bike is still going strong the polygon is doing well as well

About the only things I would change on that build is ditch the one piece bar/stem for a regular stem and OneUp carbon bars, and toss a GRIP 2 upgrade kit into the fork, and ditch those garbage grade Bontrager tires. I get a laugh out of Bontrager "team issue" tires, the Trek factory race team is running Maxxis with the logos sharpied out on the Enduro and DH bikes, and Schwalbe with logos sharpied out on the XC bikes.

I just grabbed a 9.8 GX AXS for $4k and I'm BLOWN AWAY!

@Projectnortheast

29 күн бұрын

Noice solid deal!

It is a great fun bike...I love that one I wish I could afford one....

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

Yeah bikes are getting ridiculous price wise

Great review! I’m a 57 year old guy still trying to get after it living in Florida. I just about convince myself to get the top fuel which would be amazing. I’ve thrown a leg over it and love it. My only concern about the top fuel is the rear suspension and me wondering if I would want to it be just a bit more plush. Now watching this if you truly think you’re not giving up all that much to the top fuel pedaling I’m thinking this would be the bike I would like. If I were to get the top fuel I would switch the fork to 130 upfront but now I’m thinking this one. I do like to ride the steep technical‘s that are above my pay grade and I think this would be the better choice what are your thoughts? I’m never going to cross country race but I spent plenty of time on those trails and then hitting the blues and blacks when I can.

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

I always steer clear of suggesting what bike would be right for someone. I mean the top fuel is a very capable bike. It's hard suggesting something for someone not knowing their riding skills, what they like to ride or anything really. As I've never been just a one bike guy so trying to pick the one bike for someone is tough. If my interests were to ride smooth trails with little elevation and smaller features and I wanted to do more xc riding I'd lean top fuel. If I were most interested in a fun bike that pedals well and I love riding through tech, hitting features, lean more toward the enduro style of riding and could care less about having a couple extra pounds of bike but I also want a plusher ride that can get rowdy I'd go fuel EX. Hope that helps...

@ireddie

Жыл бұрын

@@Projectnortheast Thanks I’m enjoying your channel

@uberfu

9 ай бұрын

TOP FUEL > cross country > slightly faster speed > travel on suspension / FUEL EX > trail bike > slightly less speed and more suspension travel

@uberfu

9 ай бұрын

depends on where you're riding and how you're riding

Great review! You mentioned the demo was a size medium large. Would you mind sharing how tall you are? I’m 6’ even but the size Large of my current gen5 fuel ex 9.7 feels just a wee bit big. Thanks.

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

I'm like 5'9"... it fits pretty good you may be able to run a size Large but with just a really short stem

Maybe a begginer answer... fun in cycle world is risk, crash, etc. In engine mode... dead... Enjoy man 😊 I bought it the Top Fuel 7. I was looking for a fitness mtb. No helmet, no risks. That's the liberty that now I'm looking for. No friends, no cars (then I think the EX is not as fun as the top F, you know you have to pedaling till the mountains) , me and my bike exploring my local medum (1200m.) mountains on long days. The life is funny ❤.

Great vid / review. Would the Fuel EX replace your Top Fuel, or the F-EX is added to the family, and makes up the 3 😅

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

As of right now I still have my top fuel and the fuel ex as a 3rd. But I really don't know if the top fuel is gonna get any use haha maybe it'll go up for sale

Need DH casing tires and tubeless with these bikes if you're riding the lift all day, other than that, just like the Remedy 8, this is a great package for a LOT of different kinds of riding

Trek fuel ex🎉🎉🎉

If anyone tried both, what would you choose? TREK Fuel EX 7 Gen 6 or Mondraker Raze/Raze R? Thanks!

@no11477

11 ай бұрын

i will pick ex

Great review and honest what is your opinion comparing GEN five and GEN 6 EX if you had a five, would you upgrade?

@Projectnortheast

8 ай бұрын

That would really depend on the type of terrain I was riding... if I wanted to do more jumps or drops and progress my riding etc and didn't mind a low 30ish lb bike then I would say yes. But if I'm strictly riding smoother singketrack and I don't get my wheels off the ground much and just want to trail ride with nothing super steep I'd prolly just stick with the Gen 5

@Adventure-MTB

8 ай бұрын

Thank you for answering my question most of the time you’ll never hear back

Just got the Fuel EX 8 gen 6, can't ride it till Saturday big storm is hitting us tonight. Had to drive 4 hours to pick it up. Now this is a mean looking bike and it looks and feels bulletproof, the pictures don't do the bike justice. One thing I missed and didn't realized is they come tubeless ready which is kinda nice, don't know how I missed that on the spec sheet. That caught me by surprise. Depends on the Fuel EX model you get though. My question is did you hit that tree at 5:41?

@gwynbleiddroach2589

9 ай бұрын

I know this post is from months ago, but how do you like it?

Did you test it with the mino link in the up position? Just curious about that setting?

@Projectnortheast

6 ай бұрын

I did not... wanted to kindof push the limits of the bike at the bike park but also riding xc with it I couldn't beleive how intuitive it cornered that I didn't want to change anything

how high were those drops you went off of? Im considering getting the new fuel ex and planning to do a few enduro races this year with it. What are your thoughts on it as far as enduro? thanks in advance and great video.

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

The drops in the video are anywhere from 6-10' with good transitions. I was pleasantly surprised how well it handled one particular drop that is usually pretty harsh. I think it do well at less gnarly enduro races where your rewarded with a more efficient bike. With a 160 fork and premium rear shock it could be a one bike. It's no slash though and definitely won't charge the steep chunk as fast. So it really depends on the rider and the terrain as usual.

@orla222

Жыл бұрын

@@Projectnortheast Greta review...how about frame stiffness?

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

@@orla222 I find the frame to be pretty stiff... I'm only 150lbs though so it's not usually something I have an issue with...

Did you go with the 29x2.35 or 2.6 for front and rear. Couldn’t get a good look on the video.

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

I did 2.35 front and rear cuz its what I had. I might like a 2.6 martello in the front though...

35psi and still pinging rims!?!? 😧 Dang Defo sounds like a more trail-oriented tire Great review; love the park/trail split, very cool 🤙🏻

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

Yeah hence the name bologna skins... they just have no real sidewall support to them at all. Even for trail riding I found the traction on humid rocks to be sub-par when you compare with a premium tire from maxxis or vittoria

Im getting fuel ex 8 gen 5 in the new year

How do you like the Martello as a front tire?

Running a 2019 trek full stache 29er I want to upgrade something lighter and faster. I’m having a hard time deciding!!

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

I dont know how much lighter a fuel ex would be but... it definitely feels fast

What width vittorias did you end up doing? The 2.4” or 2.6”?

@Projectnortheast

9 ай бұрын

On the fuel ex I used what I had laying around so 2.4's. I did a martello front and agarro rear. Think I may change to a martello rear and a mazza trail front though... just more fun

Hi, how does this compare to the yeti SB 140 T2 (non-LR) version?

@Projectnortheast

Ай бұрын

Hard to compare the 140 is 27.5 and this is full 29. Completely different bikes really. The yeti will be light and poppy and fun in the air but prolly slower rolling with the smaller wheels etc.

are you running the rear shock in the 'more' or 'less' setting ? and tell me about your tire sized on the Victoria's

@Projectnortheast

5 ай бұрын

Running in less as I'm running an air shock. And I'm just running 2.4 vittorias. The 2.6 is nice in the front but honestly not needed

@themiddleagemasher8108

5 ай бұрын

@@Projectnortheast I can’t decide between the 2.6 Maxxis dhr front/ rekon rear 2.6 setup or dual 2.3 viccorias or a 2.5 Assegai with the 2.3 Vic.

I'm torn between the Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy and the Fuel EX 7 Gen 6. It would be my first MTB. Not sure which one I should get

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

For me, it's pretty easy... the Gen 6 fuel ex is ridiculously good. I've had stumpjumpers and while they are a fun bike I think your getting more of a bike with the trek in this instance...

@deaconnyte9748

Жыл бұрын

@Desibyl Did you ever decide ? I also am between these two bikes - Well Im between the SJ EVO Comp $3749 and the Fuel EX7 Gen 6 $3200 at the time of this posting - somewhat close spec... but yeah did you get one?

@DeSibyl

Жыл бұрын

@@deaconnyte9748 yea, I ended up getting the Stumpjumper Evo Comp Alloy! Absolutely love it!

@deaconnyte9748

Жыл бұрын

@@DeSibyl by chance did you ride / look at both bikes? What was your deciding factor?

@DeSibyl

Жыл бұрын

@@deaconnyte9748 I haven't riden the Trek so I can't compare them. However, the biggest reason was easy access to repairs and parts. None of the bike shops near me stock Trek bikes at all, so repairing one would be difficult or costly... I've also been doing research and have found really good things being said about the Specialized brand as well as the SJ EVO bike. But if you have the ability to ride and test both, definitely do so! It's always best to test ride ones you're looking into.

What trail was that where you kept saying it’s freaking me out. I don’t recognize it.

@livefreeandshred9818

Жыл бұрын

That would be faux pine

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

yep faux pine, it drops you into the XC network

Can you hit 10 ft deck drops with this. Did you bottom out on some drops

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

handled everything surprisingly well. the last drop on ne style is about 10' but with a good transition. I don't know if I would consider doing park with this all the time but it certainly handled everything I through at it . rim protector and some better tires and it's extremely capable

If you had the option to buy a fuel ex 5 gen 5 for $2000 or a fuel ex 7 gen 6 for $3000, would you make the upgrade. I have never had a real mtb before, only a 15+ year old trek fuel 70 which the frame broke on me. The trails near me are more xc focus but I still want to explore more downhill places and even some bike parks in the future and really don't want to buy more than one mtb. Any advice?

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

I would go for the Gen 6 every time. It's the perfect one bike imo... pedals good enough to enjoy xc all day and has a stout frame and components to rock at the bike park.

32, 35 psi?? too much psi will stress ya for sure and be more puncture possible with sharp rock/trail, just like a balloon pops easier with more air

What size bike was this? And how tall are you? Thanks.

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

It's a M/L and I'm 5'9"

@bryanmiller5692

4 ай бұрын

@@Projectnortheast do you feel that is the right size for you? I have a Trek Roscoe 8 and I’m the same height as you. Mine is a medium /large, but it feels like I should have gone with a medium

@Projectnortheast

4 ай бұрын

@bryanmiller5692 yes feel it was the perfect size for me. I have long arms but also I ran a 32mm stem (super short) and felt it was perfect. Have you looked at running a shorter stem?

Is that a 2.6 Agarro and Martello you swapped on?

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

No 2.4

@frankschock9981

Жыл бұрын

@Projectnortheast MTB 👍 I bought a new 2.4 Martello Trail recently but had to return it because it was 1070 grams, way over the claimed weight. The 2.6 Agarro I got was under the claimed weight (970) at 960 grams. Put on a Tioga Edge 22 up front which is an awesome front tire paired with the Agarro out back. Great amount of grip for how fast they both roll, especially the Edge 22.

How does this compare to the Switchblade?

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

The switchblade is a good all rounder as well but not as confident in the steeps since it's pretty old geometry wise. The trek would be alot more versatile as well

Another beeginer tip... If no one need it the Top Fuel, remember that the sellers will try to sell a bigger bike 🚲, 😮

Where exactly is this mtn bike park? Looking for new places to ride.

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

Highland mtb park is in Northfield, NH

How tall are you on that M/L?

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

I'm 5'9"

Seems like a awsome mtb...but for the price i could almost go buy a top of the line hard enduro moto bike...its a real shame 😆

This looks like these bikes forgiving for a 4th bike?

@Projectnortheast

7 ай бұрын

I'm honestly not sure what the question is...

Love the bike design kzread.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L and functionality. It is hard to align the front tired to center the disk brakes. The brake wheel touches the stationery side of the brake caliper and pad. I aired the tire up to 40 psi as the markings say 40-60psi. Left the house for a few hours and came back to an exploded innertube.All in all it seems to be a good bike. Have not ridden it yet though so that's the max of my knowledge. Update, put a new innertube made sure the tire was set properly and it did the same thing in under 20 minutes as second pic shows.

@Projectnortheast

10 ай бұрын

Not sure what your asking here... your 5'2" with a 27" inseam?

How much was this bike? Did I miss the price?

It’s a (RSL) $350 handle bar :) - looks beautiful tho.

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

It is perty for sure...

Pressures are very high for tubeless!!

No issues with assembly for me kzread.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L but I could see where some might benefit from using an experienced bike assembler/mechanic. I'm an older rider starting back after a 10 year break. This bike exceeds my capabilities and has been easy to get comfortable riding. I'm mostly on easy trails with almost no street riding and have not been disappointed with the performance of the bike. My fitness level is far below what I previously rode with and because of that the mileage is going on the bike slowly. While I'm losing weight slowly, the bike seems to tolerate my 220 pounds just fine. The bike has been used by several family members ranging from 5'5" - 5'9".

@Projectnortheast

10 ай бұрын

Definitely not...

Every bike trek releases gets named as incredible (slash, top fuel, fuel ex, exe, etc). And I can tell you having briefly owned a slash gen 5 before selling it, there was nothing special about it uphill or downhill. I'm not saying they don't make decent stuff but seems bike reviews love the trek kool aid!

@Projectnortheast

7 ай бұрын

The fuel ex and the slash Gen 5 are both insanely good bikes. What set the Gen 5 slash apart was basically it did everything well and you could set it up and ride huge mountain tech lines or huge jumps... so it's not kool-aid. You can see my latest review on the slash Gen 6 and then see if it's just kool-aid lol

Quite a heavy bike.

Those Shimano brakes are amazing for sure, and the factory tires are junk.

For me, design is like a rockrider bike.... Down joint for the shox is like 2000 carrefour bike...🤣🤣🤣 maybe with lots of 🤑🤑🤑 trek could buy reviews and videos

Personally despise Trek industry. They've taken a majority of the company...overseas. And they denied/rejected/screwed Lance Armstrong. My woman, loves the Trek Fuel ex8. Tried to get her to purchase a Cube or a Vitus. Nope. She prefers the quality ride of the ex8. However, the Whyte stays inside the house. The Trek, stays in the shed.

@Projectnortheast

7 ай бұрын

Lol 😂 I moved away from trek for this upcoming year due to hating the new slash.

Aren't you suppose to set up sus based on weight?

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

Yes why do you ask?

It's an Enduro from 2-3 years ago

@ferologics

10 ай бұрын

what do you recommend?

@trailblazeratv6306

10 ай бұрын

@@ferologics I have a Trance

M/L, how tall are you?

@Projectnortheast

8 ай бұрын

5'9"

Are mountain bikes like this overkill for a casual bike rider around the city and pathways? The cheaper bikes do not look as good as these bikes.

@Projectnortheast

3 ай бұрын

Kindof overkill yes...

@zureai

3 ай бұрын

@@Projectnortheast okay thanks haha. I guess I need to find a “hard tail” bike and not a full suspension one?

@Projectnortheast

3 ай бұрын

@zureai really depends on what you want to do with it... the fuel ex is a very capable trail bike for all kinds of mtb trails from straight up xc to dh trails depending on how you set it up. I would imagine it being pretty overkill for urban riding. Unless you see yourself wanting to dive into trails and hit that urban staircase or whatever

@zureai

3 ай бұрын

@@Projectnortheast Yeah well I’m just learning about the world of biking. So I probably wouldn’t be doing dirt trails with jumps and whatnot. Mostly just biking around for some exercise, or just to be outside when it’s nice. Mainly urban pathways and gravel trails. I’ve been looking at entry level bikes but none of them look as enticing as the full suspension higher end models hahaha

@Projectnortheast

3 ай бұрын

@@zureai you could always go to a shop and test Ride a few in the lot...

This is odd man. Either your tires are odd balls or there is whole another issue. 30+PSI on this bike on this tire is ridiculous. I rode the $hit out of XR4s on 20PSI and under and they were fine....very odd mate.

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

Lol ok... gopro and youtube have a serious way of dumbing down terrain. I was riding a properly set up bike for my 155lb frame on black and double black diamond downhill trails. I have full on DH casing tires I've bottomed out at 30psi on the same trails without an insert. Maybe your not being as aggressive as you think...

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

Fyi I still think the tires are junk and perform like dog turd in the wet new england rock on black diamond DH trails. They would be well suited for jump trails or regular trail riding or may even be ok with an insert but still... not much sidewall support on these. Same with the slash at 30psi my buddy and I were rolling the tires in high speed berms

@Drogos79

Жыл бұрын

@@Projectnortheast entirely possible.

Bike looks small

Toooo much psi

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

Too much psi caused me to flat? Man why didn't I think of that

Bike of the year in the thumbnail? Really. …?

@Projectnortheast

Жыл бұрын

It won more than 1 bike of The Year awards yes. So yes.

sorry, are you the freehub guy?

@Projectnortheast

3 ай бұрын

I am not the freehub guy...

@angelopizzo2933

3 ай бұрын

@@Projectnortheast ahahah okay sorry yuor voices are similar. nice video btw