Publication-Bicycling

Date-April 2001

Title-Trek Fuel 80

Findings:

• "High-performance suspension on a budget"
• "EXTRA-VALUE PARTS: Bontrager Corvair rims with machined sidewalls bring the quality of after-market wheels to a more affordable price. Cane Creek AD-5 rear shock isn't as common as Fox shocks, but it works great on the laterally stiff fuel chassis-and doesn't weigh much more."
• "PENNIES PINCHED SMARTLY: Though not at the top of the food chain, Alivio components shift with snap and reliability, and Bontrager saddle, seatpost, handlebar and stem mean fewer mandatory upgrades."
• "IDEAL BUYER: Wants the latest full suspension right now and plans on upgrading later"

Publication-Bicycling

Date-June 2001

Title-TREK FUEL 80

Findings:

• "PROFILE: Elite-level technology brought home for the weekend warrior"
• "BEST THING ABOUT THIS BIKE: Pedaling efficiency. Debuted on Gary Fisher's Sugar line and now found on the Klein's Adept series, the semi-pivot design (with no mechanical pivot between the seatstays and chainstays) offers the performance of more-complex multi-pivot systems with few drawbacks. Because there are no rear chainstay or seatstay pivots, there's almost no pedal feedback or bobbing. The seatstays' inherent flex allows for the 3 inches of rear-wheel travel."
• "WORST THING: The muted suspension action: Hop on and you'll feel the suspension compress with a hint of hesitation..It makes for a less active ride than you'll find on entirely pivoted designs."
• "BRAGGING RIGHTS: An outstanding value, this bike is light and built with some outstanding componet choices. Rockshox Judy C (with hydraulic damping) and Jones AC tires add considerable control and performance, and make this entry-level bike the most attractive model in the Fuel line."
• "INSIGHT FROM THE TESTER: This bike tracks best over medium-to large impacts, sacrificing a bit of activity for efficiency-not a bad trade-off."

Publication-Bicycling

Date-December 2003

Title-3 GOOD MOUNTAIN BIKES:Trek Fuel 80

Findings:

• "This short-travel, lightweight suspension bike is good for racing or hard, fast training rides on trails without a lot of big hits."
• "We like the high-quality frame, the surefooted 2.2 inch tires and the splined bottom bracket, which improves stiffness while saving weight."
• "WANT TO SPEND A LITTLE LESS? Trek's $950 Fuel 70 has a similiar ride, but comes without a splined BB, clipless pedals or rebound-adjustable rear shock."

Publication-Bicycling

Date-April 2006

Title-FAST-PEDALING FULL SUSPENSION

Findings:

• "THINK ALLOY: Trek's Alpha Aluminum Fuel 80 features the same proven RockerLink design as every other Fuel in the line with butted, laser-mitered tubes."
• "NOT SO DIFFERENT: Not only will you find a bevy of durable parts but you'll also get the same efficient XC performance that all Fuels are known for."