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Review by a Newb: Specialised FSR Expert vs.Trek Fuel Ex9 all '08 vs. Mystery Bike
Hi All,
I have been mountain biking for a year on my sub 1K hardtail. I have done over the 1000k's I promised I would do and now its time for an upgrade. I am unsure how useful this information will be due to my lack of experience..but you never know 
(Hope that is enough disclaimers)
I am 6'2", 100kg. Current bike is a Specialised Rockhopper 21 '07". I ride Lane Cove, Manly Dam, Terry Hills (duck holes and perimiter), Oaks, Yellowmundee, Parramate Lake. Thinking about using the new bike in a 50km race..but mainly want a fun trail bike. Hucks off 6 foot to flat dont interest me..but I do wanna go hard.
Specialised Expert - Large
This bike feels like it is designed to be ridden fast by a skilled practitioner. The gearing is definitely different to the hard tail, I rarely left the middle chain ring. Also, the granny gear is definitely a gear or two higher than the granny chain ring on the hard tail.
This bike has the 'brain'. A separate shock connected to the rear shock that tries to 'learn' the terrain. Go to the Specialised site and read about it..very interesting. I was concerned that after riding on some light bumps, it would not readily adjust to a sudden big hit. I tried to identify this phenomenon but couldn't get it to happen on the trail. However, the effect of the brain is obviously un-obvious, I very rarely encountered any worrying pedal bob in or out of the saddle.
The bike has SRAM derailures which I hadn't tried before, I really enjoyed these and am definitely a convert. It may just be that they compare favorably to the cheap Shimano gear on my hard tail.
I have read on the net that some people found the clearance of the bottom bracket isn't the best..but didn't find it a problem after checking it out over a few logs.
I loved the brake leavers and gear changer configuration , I started one finger braking straight away.
The tyres are probably good for a race, but for bashing about, I would want my double walled, wire beaded 2.35 Maxxis High Roller (the meat-axe) on the front. On corners with sharp ridgey terrain (think roots, rock edges) they didnt grip.
I didnt notice any issues with the rear suspension being week under lateral stress.
With a bit more fitness, some clip ins .. I think I would be ready for this beast. I found it basically perfect in every aspect.
Trek Fuel Ex 9.0
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Since my last review I have also upgraded to clip in's. OMG I absolutely love them.
The trek felt very 'neutral'. The suspension works extremely well. Very little peddle bob.
The cockpit felt more natural for my size. Since the spec ride I've only been able to think of how cramped that bike was.
The Bontraggers on it really do suck but the rest of the bike is blinged up with lovely gear.
As much as I tried, I couldnt fall in love with this bike. It felt normal, safe, dependable....not what I want for the amount of money im paying. Partially contributing is the looks, I just wasnt sold. My heart wasnt in it.
Trance -> Yeti
I walked into the store to pick up my trial trance...pointed at the yeti, got an 07, fanged it around.
This bad boy is FUN !!!!
Bought an 08 Yeti. The end
Ps. Thanks for the advice and feedback below..thats great.
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which model was it as FSR refers to Specialized's rear linkage design. Was it the Stumpjumper FSR, the Epic or the FSRxc (see www.specialized.com)?
The low bottom bracket is my only real gripe with the Stumpjumper, you do get used to it, but there is a bit of a learning curve with regard to pedal placement when riding technical terrain . Other than that I have been really happy with mine.
My Stumpy (expert) has done everything I have been inclined to do and been very reliable at the same time. The newer models have the improvements that filtered down from the top models a few years back so you would be getting a pretty good ride.
The Trance seems to be the pace setter from a value for money proposition these days although has been in short supply.
Either way I think you would be getting a great bike that will meet your needs.
As for clearance, I dont find it an issue.
Great review look forward to the comparisons... Craig
You had your 100 kg frame on my little 16" TranceX for at least 3 mins in that car park test. Where is the review?!?
I'll do it (in best Alex D voice): "The Trance X 0 16" set up for a 65 kg (all muscle) rider (Noel) was very spongy riding in the car park for me (100 kg). Light, but like Noel, the Trance X has no brain. Is it possible the Maestro system does not need a brain as the rider has one?".
Don't rule out the Reign? I think you could break a Trance X once you get used to it, if you tried.
Also, my favorite line from the MTB Action mag TranceX review: "On the Giant you are a fighter pilot on a single track mission"... that's how I'm starting to feel now that I'm getting used to it. I keep calling to the control tower asking for clearance to land and I hear nothing!
I just bought a 2008 Stumpjumper fsr comp. Only had a few short rides but it's definately a great bike. Its light, easy to throw around, great spec, it's got a good amount of adjustability with the forks and shock and it looks hot. Nothing to complain about yet.....
Hi Alex
good lineup there...from your description I would also give the Spesh Enduro a go - if you want to go hard it's got lots of reserves (esp. when pointing down a rocky chute) ...while according to all the tests it climbs as well as a Stumpy.
Plus it's got the height adjustable double crown fork - good for attitude adjustment on the fly...with 6 inch travel ...all within ~ 13 kg (alu version)
Have a look around - while shopping around for mine I came across a number of well priced 2007 Enduro models - just stay clear of the "high street" shops (i.e. Chatswood or Clarence street) ...but try e.g. Kuringai Cycles in Hornsby (not too far from your home)...I've been getting good service and a good selection from them....amd good pricing on last years model (often just a colour change).
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spi...
See you on the trails!
Rgds, Hans
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Happiness is a warm shock.
yes, they said they will beat any price on Specialised.
When I tried to get them to match a price ( which was only 10% off) he made up all these different stories as to why the other store was selling them for that price i.e small and extra large sizes that noone wanted etc (funny cos I rang the other store and they had all sizes). And he refused to match it. He took like $100 off and acted like he was doing me a huge favour... Needless to say I didn't go back there. So when he means he will beat a price, be careful he doesnt mean taking $100 off the rrp which is what he was doing for me and my mates.
Ku rin gai cycles have a stumpjumper expert carbon 2007 on special at the moment for $4400, about $3000 off the retail price dont know what size.
I think I saw it there a couple of months ago...it's actually a Stumpy PRO Carbon, in Black/Red, Large Size.
Rgds, Hans
==========================
Happiness is a warm shock.
Few people wanted to read my updated reviews..so there ya go..original post edited.
As I have said before my theory is that mountian bike riders can be categorised into 3 groups:
1) Those who know nothing about bikes,
2) Those that own a Yeti, and
3) Those that wish they owned a Yeti.
Congratulations on knowing a high-end mountain bike when you ride one.
What did you get a 575?
Yeah..got a 2008 yeti 575 with the Ride Kit.
Ditched the Fox fork and got a Revelation.
Ditched the truativ crank and got a Shim XT crank
Ditched the wheels, and got Shim XT humbs and Mavic 819 rims.
Got some tubless nevegals..will be interesting to see how they go.
Picking it up tomorrow..I cant wait. Its hurting waiting..like hurting alot.
i know how you feel. its like the only way to go back to those christmas eve feelings as a kid! i dont ever feel christmassy anymore but instead i keep buying bikes and ordering bling bits over the net just to get that same feeling! dont worry alex, only one more sleep!!!!!
OF OWNING A SANTA CRUZ
Very nice choice.
Great step up from the rockhopper.
Oh, to feel your pain.
I will cristen it with some drool next time I see you.
Another Yeti club member, AWESOME!
the 2008 model looks amazingly cool!!!
Looking forward to seeing you on the trails with it!!
colour?
As an impartial observer I actually think they've made the new model look worse, sure they've got better looking tube shapes but to make it a more uniform 'orrible green without the yellow bits in the stickas doesn't look good. Of course that doesn't matter if you get a gentleman black model, which does look good, but then is it truly a Yeti...
unless is off green!
am I right Paul?
Huffy or someone like that??? Haro??
wink wink...
last i checked
if you know what is good for you.
Says he sitting in his lounge room doing 3 years worth of tax looking at his circa 1985 Malvern Star Equipe complete with Shimano 105 Groupset (including, yes, a Biopace chain ring) sitting on the wind trainer
For all you Luddites the colour is "Turquoise".
Turquoise is specifically used because as a blend of green and blue it represents, the "Envy" and "Sadness" that non-Yeti owners experience when they see a Yeti.
boys vomit as he regurgitates the product of his head cold for the third day in a row.
Now get that thought out of your head every time you look at your nice "Turquois" bike
I don't suppose Julius's head also rotates while he projectile vomits and he swears like a trooper - if so I think you have a problem.
Working on the rotating head thing
I'll be over to christen the bike tonight. Annual leave tomorrow. I don't really want to smash a bottle over your new Yeti, maybe we can just pour some beer on it and make a toast! Will call you to confirm. I want to get a photo with the cool mods you opted for.
I heard it is anodized mat black or something like that.
Close Up Photos (Large File Sizes if you click 'original'):
Now that's what I call bike porn