Publication-Bicycling

Date-February 2007

Title-Trek Fuel EX 7

Findings:

• "Early this century, full suspension trail bikes had issues: Pedaling was sluggish; tracking through corners was like piloting a poorly sprung U-Haul. But now full suspension designs are reaching their apex and work so efficiently that, counter-intuitively, trail bikes are getting heavier. This 28.5-pound Trek weighs five pounds more than some pure cross-country race bikes, such as the Trek's $7,480 Top Fuel SL. That would be bad, if not for Trek's R1 Suspension."
• "The massive, assymetrical chainstays and perversely rigid welded swingarm were made to be exceptionally stiff, especially under lateral forces."
• "Whether your climbing or laying it over in a muddy turn, the suspension tracks true. And as we've found of late, rear suspension that resist twisting, while often heavier (unless the bike costs $5000-plus), won't wither under big riders. The EX 7'S beefy, welded ZR9000 frame, made in the United States, feels as solid as a pick from Shaq."
• "A lighter, racier bike would provide snappier turns, faster climbing and easier bunnyhops-and cost a lot more. On the flip side, the EX 7 feels incredibly solid, and its slightly slacker head angle, while make the steering a bit slower, also makes bobbles less likely to lead to endos."