Trek fuel ex 8 vs Specialized stumpjumper comp

[Farmer]

both bikes are the same price. very similar builds. the trek has 10mm bigger fork, but no lockout on the shock. I took both for a test and they seemed very similar. any first hand experience. I also have the option of getting the 06 trek fuel 8 for about $600 less, but it doesn't have the so called "bottumless suspension" that the 08 does, and BSP wont do test rides outside without a credit card, so i didn't really get a good feel for the two.

opinions

[Krusty Rider]

Don't go with the old EX8, go with the 2008 model. I've been test riding it for about 2 weeks now, phenomonal bike! You won't need the lockout on the rear shock, the bike is so damn efficient especially with the propedal turned on. My opinion is if you coming from a big bike to the EX8 you'll probably ride it without the propedal turned most of time except for long extended climbing. If your coming from a hardtail you'll probably use the propedal more often. I've ridden horst link trail bikes and the new EX8 and they're pretty comparable. I really didn't notice a big difference in the braking on both, according to Trek there is less brake jack on the EX8 than the specialized but I couldn't honestly tell. It would be more noticeable on an 8" bike I think. You'll have to ride both and whichever one fits and feels best would be the way to go. I know there are some of the EX8 Demo bikes floating around. Check with your local Trek dealer.

[IFO]

i recently compared those 2 exact bikes..

plus many others in fact..

ended up with the 08 Stumpy..and its been simply amazing..esp for the cost..

in direct comparison the Trek is a "little" bit more heavy duty..not by a large factor but by enuf that i felt is was more bike then i wanted to haul around..

also the Spec. has a MUCH better overall "look", not sure how important that is..

if u have any further questions feel rfee to either ask or PM me.

i keep meaning to post up pics of my new bike, but alas im to lazy.. haah..

besides shy of a few parts it looks just like this one..

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2008/bikes/9383-400_l.jpg