2008 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp vs 2008 Trek Fuel EX8

[theeedude]

I am currently getting myself in shape on road bike, and once I reach my goal of 200lbs in a couple months (I am 6 ft), I will be buying myself a new mountain bike as a reward and incentive to continue staying in shape. Bike will be cross country mountain bike, because that's the kind of terrain I bike on my hardtail, and there are awesome trails here in NorCal.

Both bikes are $2200 from local bike stores, $2400 MSRP

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp

Trek Fuel EX 8

One difference I see is Specialized has SRAM components vs. Deore on Trek, and to get SRAM on Trek is a lot more money. Additionally I am a bit biased towards Specialized because I have a HardRock hardtail bike that has been pretty reliable. But I am open minded. What do mountain bikers recommend?

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Looks badass... Wish I knew what all that meant ^_^* Anywhere I can go to start to learn about this stuff?

 

[Mr Incognito]

I like the Specialized.
Specialized Review

Trek Review

Looks like the Specialized is a little more liked.

 

[theeedude]

Originally posted by: Mr Incognito
I like the Specialized.
Specialized Review

Trek Review

Looks like the Specialized is a little more liked.

That's the 2007 Specialized. I can get that one for about $1900 now. But supposedly the 2008 geometry is better.

 

[Mr Incognito]

my bad. Then I'd go with the Specialized, but I have P.2 so I'm a little biased.

 

[Anubis]

out of those 2 the Stumpjumper

 

[Capt Caveman]

Ride both and decide which fits and feels better. That'll be the most important factor.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Whatever happens, when you get the bike make sure to christen it by taking it off a cliff. It's the only way. It's been scientifically proven that if these kinds of bikes are used for sidewalk or kiddie trail riding they will turn on the user.

 

[axelfox]

Stumpjumper has been a solid line.

 

[arrfep]

I would stay away from the Specialized on principle alone. Dirty business tactics, and overpriced, outsourced product. But that's just my opinion.

Personally I would look toward someone like Jamis or Kona or even Giant, where you can get a lot more for your $2200.

And if you are so inclined, that money can buy a nice frame and build kit.

 

[smack Down]

Go with SRAM it is so much faster then DRAM.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: arrfep
I would stay away from the Specialized on principle alone. Dirty business tactics, and overpriced, outsourced product. But that's just my opinion.

Personally I would look toward someone like Jamis or Kona or even Giant, where you can get a lot more for your $2200.

And if you are so inclined, that money can buy a nice frame and build kit.

while specialized has done some shady things, they still do make some great bikes and the Stumpjumper is no exception , friend of mine has one and it is very nice and the epic and enduro are also amazing

however you do have a point about alternatives,

both Kona and Jamis make great bikes that can be had for the same or less for something thats similar to the stumpjumper

the Jamis Dakar 1.0
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/...7_bikes/dakarxam1.html

and the Kona Dawg delux would be excellent choices as well
http://www.konaworld.com/bikes.../DAWGDELUXE/index.html

of of my friends owns a store and sells Kona and Rockey Mountian, the konas are great bikes, ive ridden a few, another friend owns a Stinky Delux, more of a DH/FR bike but its definitly nice, knew some people riding Jamis bikes few years ago and they were very pleased with them as well

 

[Howard]

Both those links are the same, teh evil one

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: Howard
Both those links are the same, teh evil one

lol ill fix that

 

[Rogodin2]

Why not get the 5-works FSR?

My first mountain bike was a trek 870, I enjoyed that bike very much! After looking at the two I'd go with the specialized (i've owned a stumpjumper pro).

What a cool reward for hard work! Goodluck

Rogo

 

[Laminator]

You're in NorCal? I'm in NorCal. Note that neither the Stumpjumper nor the Fuel EX are XC mountain bikes. If you want to do pure cross-country, go for the Trek Top Fuel or the Specialized Epic (Epic Comp is about $2,000, I think).

My friend just got a 2007 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert. It's beautiful, handles very well, and comes with the "brain" rear shock. It's a little heavy for pure cross-country at ~28 pounds, though. The rear geometry on the 2008 Stumpjumper has the rear shock oriented up/down, similar to the Trek bikes. If you don't mind a 2007 model, you might be able to find a killer deal (as my friend did) since some stores are trying to clear out stock.

EDIT: Definitely test-ride and have the shop people check the fit of any bike you're considering buying.

Rogodin2, S-Works is Specialized's top-of-the-line moniker for all of their bike models. It would be totally awesome if OP would get an S-Works, but I'm guessing you won't be able to get a new S-Works bike for $2,000.

 

[theeedude]

Originally posted by: Laminator
You're in NorCal? I'm in NorCal. Note that neither the Stumpjumper nor the Fuel EX are XC mountain bikes. If you want to do pure cross-country, go for the Trek Top Fuel or the Specialized Epic (Epic Comp is about $2,000, I think).

My friend just got a 2007 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert. It's beautiful, handles very well, and comes with the "brain" rear shock. It's a little heavy for pure cross-country at ~28 pounds, though. The rear geometry on the 2008 Stumpjumper has the rear shock oriented up/down, similar to the Trek bikes. If you don't mind a 2007 model, you might be able to find a killer deal (as my friend did) since some stores are trying to clear out stock.

EDIT: Definitely test-ride and have the shop people check the fit of any bike you're considering buying.

Rogodin2, S-Works is Specialized's top-of-the-line moniker for all of their bike models. It would be totally awesome if OP would get an S-Works, but I'm guessing you won't be able to get a new S-Works bike for $2,000.

Well, the trails I like are mixed technical single track and fire roads. Kind of like Saratoga Gap if you know where that is. I am not interested in big jumps and downhill, but I do want to go over rough terrain fast. As far as brands, I like Specialized, I think they are ahead of the curve as far as mountain bike technology is concerned. Of course with mid range, I am not getting all of that technology, but hopefully a lot of it rubs off. Of course with a good enough deal, I am open to other ideas.

 

[arrfep]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: Laminator
You're in NorCal? I'm in NorCal. Note that neither the Stumpjumper nor the Fuel EX are XC mountain bikes. If you want to do pure cross-country, go for the Trek Top Fuel or the Specialized Epic (Epic Comp is about $2,000, I think).

My friend just got a 2007 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert. It's beautiful, handles very well, and comes with the "brain" rear shock. It's a little heavy for pure cross-country at ~28 pounds, though. The rear geometry on the 2008 Stumpjumper has the rear shock oriented up/down, similar to the Trek bikes. If you don't mind a 2007 model, you might be able to find a killer deal (as my friend did) since some stores are trying to clear out stock.

EDIT: Definitely test-ride and have the shop people check the fit of any bike you're considering buying.

Rogodin2, S-Works is Specialized's top-of-the-line moniker for all of their bike models. It would be totally awesome if OP would get an S-Works, but I'm guessing you won't be able to get a new S-Works bike for $2,000.

Well, the trails I like are mixed technical single track and fire roads. Kind of like Saratoga Gap if you know where that is. I am not interested in big jumps and downhill, but I do want to go over rough terrain fast. As far as brands, I like Specialized, I think they are ahead of the curve as far as mountain bike technology is concerned. Of course with mid range, I am not getting all of that technology, but hopefully a lot of it rubs off. Of course with a good enough deal, I am open to other ideas.

Not to further complicate your situation, but you might consider a 29er, hardtail even. That segment of the market is growing insanely right now and will some day quite likely match the 26er market in sales. I'm currently building a fully rigid, geared 29er. Something I can do technical single track on, or just use to tear up the gravel paths around here. Actually just won some sweet Ti bars on eBay...it's looking like this will be my most fun build.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: Laminator
You're in NorCal? I'm in NorCal. Note that neither the Stumpjumper nor the Fuel EX are XC mountain bikes. If you want to do pure cross-country, go for the Trek Top Fuel or the Specialized Epic (Epic Comp is about $2,000, I think).

My friend just got a 2007 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert. It's beautiful, handles very well, and comes with the "brain" rear shock. It's a little heavy for pure cross-country at ~28 pounds, though. The rear geometry on the 2008 Stumpjumper has the rear shock oriented up/down, similar to the Trek bikes. If you don't mind a 2007 model, you might be able to find a killer deal (as my friend did) since some stores are trying to clear out stock.

EDIT: Definitely test-ride and have the shop people check the fit of any bike you're considering buying.

Rogodin2, S-Works is Specialized's top-of-the-line moniker for all of their bike models. It would be totally awesome if OP would get an S-Works, but I'm guessing you won't be able to get a new S-Works bike for $2,000.

rideing a heavy bike only make you stringer, and i LOL at 28 lbs being heavy i think mine comes inround 45lbs right now HAHAHA

 

[theeedude]

When I buy it, I will be 200lbs, so 3 lbs is going to mean jack to me. I do want something fairly robust and advanced though, as I will be keeping this bike around for at least 5 years to amortize the cost.

 

[S Freud]

Check out the Cycling link in my sig. They have MTB forums that should give you a wealth of information.

Good Luck.

 

[Anubis]

http://www.mtbr.com/

 

[AmigaMan]

damn, and I thought my GT Tequesta at $400 a couple years ago was expensive. Nice bikes though.

 

[Lonyo]

Deore on a $2200 bike?

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

IMO the FSR design is far and away the best XC full-suspension system on the market. I would go for the most Stumpjumper I could afford.