Trek Fuel EX or Slash? Trail Bike vs. Enduro Bike | The Matchup

[@AndrewGehn]

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!

[@pinkbike]

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

[@scotchbrite1241]

I was wondering if you don’t mind, how much did the total cost doing a custom build?

[@anksos]

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.

[@RustyMTB]

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.

[@thecakeisalie7070]

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 ...

[@siebitup]

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.

[@sillydillydokieo]

is it noisy? I sat on one at the store and it was creaking like crazy.

[@siebitup]

@@sillydillydokieo Nope. No creaks from mine. Probably needs some grease in those bearings.

[@elid7521]

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!

[@MTBMOR]

I think the Fuel is perfect for almost all riding. I prefer my Slash at the bike parks and in the steeps.

[@bengonzales1182]

One of my favorite things about the Fuel EX is that it can hold a full-size water bottle no problem.

[@normalrat]

I wonder how these bikes stack up cosmetically with the Trek Session 🤔

[@xxxxxx-zy9lu]

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?

[@SG-jf7mk]

Hello in from Germany wich one is better for Trails. And sometimes for bikeparks

[@Dwaynefreeman]

@@SG-jf7mk Fuel Ex

[@jacobc4806]

@@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.

[@zachodunsimtb]

I was actually looking for a video like this, specifically to see how the fuel ex’s low travel performs :)

[@kmanchristopher1741]

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

[@mrvwbug4423]

@@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.

[@kmanchristopher1741]

@@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

[@TheDiablosix6six]

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!!

[@jakubcaprnda5907]

It looks like a SESSION !

[@JordanFlynn]

Perfect video. I test rode both a couple weeks ago and still can’t decide!

[@Stockfish1511]

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

[@Marionetax]

And what about the best of both worlds????? REMEDY OF COURSE!!!!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@spencerimre]

yaaa i have a remedy 8 it’s so sick

[@ryan59979]

1000% agree love my remedy 8

[@spencerimre]

@Dylan how come?

[@mattvielbig]

@@spencerimre everyone wants 29ers. Remedy is basically the slash with 27.5s

[@mattvielbig]

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...😎

[@maikfranz5633]

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.

[@teamgomezbikelife3229]

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.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

I bought a Slash 9.8 for myself and a top fuel EX for My son . Both are sweet rides .

[@simonweldon7972]

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.

[@matth3w.t]

27.5 ftw remedy is the way to go

[@leannehenley418]

I’m just getting the slash 8 so this video was really helpful. Keep up the good work pinkbike!

[@ripdroson]

Try the G5 Bontrager tire.....it will turn the bike into a shredding beast & no more flat tires!

[@scorep1on508]

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.

[@BikingwithJP]

BC - Slash Ontario - Fuel EX Wish I needed to own the Slash!

[@stefanbiersack551]

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 :)

[@christjoeng]

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..

[@christopherchristophersen8495]

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.

[@bitumen83]

Have fuel ex 8 xt, great bike! Next one will be slash, not because I need it, but because I want it 😎🤙

[@tonydoberman21]

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

[@robson15rc]

Do one on the propain tyee and spindrift next plz!

[@ronaldvanderveen9148]

Good idea!

[@th_js]

They won't.

[@ronaldvanderveen9148]

@@th_js sadly true

[@yukkipospel6526]

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.

[@mrteddybear3122]

Was looking for a comment like this. My 2020 is rocking a RockShox coil.

[@mr02gixxer1000]

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!!

[@jasoncampbell2808]

Have you ridden Beech Mountain in NC? I'm looking at these 2 bikes and that is one place I would go to ride.

[@mr02gixxer1000]

@@jasoncampbell2808 no have been to Beach mountain! I ride pisgah, DuPont, kitsuma, fire mountain, kanuga.

[@PlaySafeProductions]

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.

[@miker4926]

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.

[@ripdroson]

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

[@RiddleKingOnline]

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.

[@Skogmtb]

Yaaasss Jason threw a “nimbility” in there 🤘

[@chriskidder9531]

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.

[@CalgaryDynastar]

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.

[@Projectnortheast]

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...

[@stevielicious3]

Crane Creek make a coil shock that fits the FUEL. I run one on mine.

[@BasicBodThor]

Nice, looking forward to more of these. Knolly Chilcotin 167 vs Fugitive would be another fun one

[@yurdedmyded]

Knolly>Trek for sheeeez🤙🏻

[@siebitup]

Nice comparison! I'd love to see a comparison between either the GG Gnarvana and Smash, or the Smash and Trail Pistol!

[@joseidrach94]

I got those 2!! I love them!! Slash 9.8 and Fuel EX 8❤️

[@mrvwbug4423]

Ibis Ripmo vs Mojo 4, might as well throw a curve ball of different wheel sizes in there

[@cabletieperformance]

Would have been good to throw the remedy in there to see the blend of the 2 in one bike

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

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.

[@tomcagle5324]

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!🍻

[@akiralee1192]

Make one with the remedy because I just bought the bike and I love hearing everyone rave at how good it is

[@paulvogelsang30]

Yep Remedy is where it's at, I'm onto my second one now. Been riding them for 9 years now.

[@Drogos79]

Christina knows how to set that seat in the rails. Better climbing position and no one cares about the seat on downs ...as long as it's out of the way. It only shows that there is room to grow in trek's traditional approach to geo. One degree more in seat tube angle would only help.

[@markwismer5140]

Great Video! Would love to see the matchup. between the Marin alpine trail, and the Marin rift zone

[@GarethTyrrell]

I lost it at 2:30... Good job! 🤣

[@joshuaperreault9539]

What about the Remedy?? Isn’t that the in between of the two featured in this video?

[@psychonaut038]

remedy is the slash with 27.5 wheels.

[@joshuaperreault9539]

@@psychonaut038 ahh, thanks.

[@Nicool333]

My remedy is the best. Test rode all of them

[@Mockle07]

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!

[@patrickkelly5337]

I’d love to see the Ibis Ripley AF and Ripmo AF compared

[@flynndamsmtb9088]

Can you guys do the specialised enduro and the stumpy or stumpy Evo? That would be super helpful and quite interesting. 🤙 nice review

[@mUnchaMaddNesS]

Stevo all the way!

[@eusebiocanogutierrez493]

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!!!

[@IngeCulichi]

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.

[@eusebiocanogutierrez493]

@@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!!!

[@AlejandroGarciaIglesias]

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.

[@stevem8538]

The Remedy is a better bike than both. Nimble+ smashes downs and one of the greatest technical climbers ever!

[@TheCureThatKillz]

I want to see a comparison video of the Pivot Switchblade Vs the Evil Wreckoning V3. There’s hardly any videos on KZbin about the Wreckoning V3.

[@calicartel7047]

Spesh Enduro v Stumpy Evo next pls

[@aaronburela432]

This!

[@slowmobius2136]

I have a slash 8 and already managed to bend one of the cranks arms

[@Rustyfox46]

I own and love my fuel ex 8. Perfect for my trail addiction, 👊🏻👊🏻 Love the vid, 👌🏻

[@snbsmtb]

Great video!! And really wanted a video like this!

[@SJCRockChalk]

Would like to see Pivot Switchblade vs Pivot Firebird or Switchblade vs. Trail 429.

[@LordAus123]

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?

[@SuperAaronbennett]

Would like to see the Trek Session vs Commencal Supreme. Both are high pivot DH bikes

[@burddog0792]

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

[@stamy1]

Remedy it is.

[@Marionetax]

Simply. #remedyrules #thelegend

[@pinkbike]

The nice middle ground -Christina

[@JogBird]

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

[@JamesLG4]

I like this. Suggestion for next episode, Yeti SB165 vs SB140.

[@andrewross219]

Christina knows what's up. Slash life!

[@matteoschettler7666]

Do propain bikes next maybe the tyee and the hugene

[@xblackxskyesx]

Match up the Transition Patrol vs Spire

[@stevepadilla9729]

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?

[@jongom9328]

So needed to see a vid like this! To all the people that say a slash is to much bike

[@Sean-jg9ps]

Remedy gang, 27.5 isn't dead yet!

[@finroddd]

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.

[@pinkbike]

No, mine is air. Pairs nicely with the coil shock though -Christina

[@finroddd]

@@pinkbike Do you considered going coil fork?

[@madmaxmtb4674]

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!

[@teamgomezbikelife3229]

Pair up a Session and Slash. Also a Fuel EX and Remedy

[@outdoorfan3305]

The Specialized Enduro vs the Stumpjumper please

[@21dirtyj]

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

[@iffy_too4289]

If you're having trouble deciding, wouldnt you just go the Remedy?

[@filipstrapinadotcz]

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

[@colemitchmtb]

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 🤘

[@filipstrapinadotcz]

@@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.

[@colemitchmtb]

@@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.

[@filipstrapinadotcz]

@@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

[@filipstrapinadotcz]

@@colemitchmtb So, I just picked up 2022 Trek Slash 8 from my local Trek dealer and I am amazed. Thanks for the help, Cole.

[@yakbiker75]

Orbea Rallon vs Occam LT please.

[@ethanahlbrecht7440]

Can you guys do a Salsa Horsethief Vs. Blackthorn video? That would be cool!

[@boypike25]

Hey guys, has anybody got an idea exactly which category the Remedy fits into if the slash is enduro and fuel the trail bike??🧐

[@elijahtipton4637]

Still enduro but just with 27.5 inch wheels

[@alex.huyhuy]

@@elijahtipton4637 As a remedy owner, I'd call it an aggressive trail bike

[@ZeroTalentCrew]

in France we call it "Randuro" which means something like "Trailduro" and that's what I do with my Remedy

[@jesteraero]

I would like to see similar comparison done with the Remedy

[@pedaldamatinna112]

These bikes are wonderful!

[@boatbikemike8571]

Thanks. How about RM Altitude vs Instinct. Maybe even a price point comparo within the line, aluminum vs carbon?

[@riggidybang]

Nice review you guys!

[@woutervanteerling]

And im still here living in The Flatlands wanting to buy an enduro bike

[@UltimateTuner10]

Where’s the fuel ex review link?

[@xfelipepereira]

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

[@thecakeisalie7070]

Banshee Rune V3 vs Spitfire V3

[@jarrodbrown5513]

Should have gone over climbing performance more in depth. That was the key reason I got the fuel is because I believe it's a better climber

[@ZeroTalentCrew]

if you want the best of both, you got the Remedy

[@leannehenley418]

I would also love if you guys did remedy or slash

[@tuffytoys9707]

You know most people in General who shopping for bikes when they see those kind of prices for a Bicycle will just go out and buy a used Car/truck/Suv instead. I mean most people want a USD$500 or Sub bike especially in these hard times, $2500-$10,000 USD on a bike only if you win the Lotto.

[@IngeCulichi]

That is how everyone starts, then it gets out of control.

[@egazzz99]

i wanna see my current 2017 Specialized Enduro FSR Elite Carbon 29/6 Fattie compared to the new Enduro Expert and Comp

[@FlyEaglesFly333]

I see lots of people running coils on their fuel ex's.

[@mitchboucher9991]

Range vs sight!

[@88losi]

Santa cruz bronson & megatower..im in dilemma..

[@richardgordon9428]

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?

[@ApostolosK06]

You know we want a Santa cruz full lineup matchup

[@jensongroff]

I really want a fuel ex 8 but you can’t buy them anywhere…

[@usamade5943]

Go on Trek's website for the model you want and input different zip codes to search for the bike to see if it's in stock. If none are found, come back a week later and keep doing that until you find one

[@Azoth5876]

So where's the video comparing them to the Session?