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The Fuel EX 5.5: Gimme Fuel

Varad More 19 Jan 2010

Fuel EX 5.5 is the ideal tool for mountain biking if you plan to start young. ZigWheels gives pedal to the metal a new meaning with this lightweight, sturdy and well-equipped mountain-bike from Trek...

One of the finest cycle-maker in the world, Trek Bicycle Corporation, is a force to reckon with in the pedaling word. Their latest offering in India, the Trek Fuel EX 5.5 is a thoroughbred trail-riding model aimed at intermediate riders who wish to perfect the sport and progress to the professional level. Fuel EX 5.5 is a great way to get the hang of a full suspension trail bike at an affordable price-point. Ideal for weekly trail-riding excursions, the Fuel EX 5.5 comes with a host of features that boost its ability to take on some real harsh terrain.

Capable of handling intermediate level of trail riding, the Fuel EX is a do-everything bicycle that offers comfortable riding posture and great parts quality. The frame is built out of Trek's premium aluminum alloy, Alpha Red, which is high-grade aluminium that has been hydroformed and converted into tube shapes to get the best possible strength without increasing the weight of the frame. The sturdily built lightweight aluminium frame is available in sizes ranging from 15.5" all the way upto 21.5"and it is built to tackle whatever the rider throws at it.

Firefox-2


The 120mm RockShox Tora front telescopic forks get a TurnKey lockout mechanism and the suspension is proficient in dealing with rough trails and hard riding. The Float RP-23 rear suspension from Fox with a Boost Valve smoothens out the ride to a great extent and provides precise feedback about traction available and the road conditions. The most striking upgrades to the 2010 model includes Trek's Active Braking Pivot (ABP) system for improved distribution of forces under rigorous braking, which was missing on the last year's model. The new model also gets the much-appreciated alloy Evo-link mechanism and Full Floater rear suspension.

The M475-L wheel hubs are from Shimano while the rims are from Bontrager's Ranger series. Stopping power comes from Juicy 3 hydraulic disc brakes on both ends and they have sufficient bite to bring the Fuel EX 5.5 to a quick halt. The Bontrager XDX tyres are sticky but have a tendency to wear out more quickly under hard use. All this equipment significantly contributes to the Fuel EX 5.5's dexterity in handling rough terrain minus any sort of drama or hiccups. Add to that Trek's Lifetime Frame warranty and the Fuel EX 5.5 is just the right thing to upgrade to if you are intent on taking the sport of mountain-biking and trail-riding more seriously.


User's Comments
  • Snazzy (09 February 2010 13:57)
    Hi guys, I can understand you reactions about the price-point but do consider that this sport is much bigger on the global scale and Trek is a leading global brand that has forayed into India.This review aims at informing the serious mountain bike enthusiasts who are looking forward to upgrade their skills and move to the next level. The kind of abuse these bikes can take, an Indian mountain-bike will break down in the first attempt (talking out of experience). I suggest you have a look at www.ride2026.com and get a view of what level of high-quality equipment is needed for professional level of mountain-biking even in INDIA. *The TREK is not a bike for morning exercising or for the kids to take to school and the playground. Its for intermediate level downhill runs... Don't know what that means? Youtube it ! | Reply
  • Jo (09 February 2010 13:26)
    Hi All, This is Jo here.I am a dealer for Trek. The price for the Fuel Ex 5.5 Is INR 93,800 (mumbai)affordable.... for ppl who can afford :)Cheers | Reply
  • abhishek singh (05 February 2010 10:19)
    whats the price of this bicycle | Reply
 Errol Dsylva (05 February 2010 12:56) Reply to abhishek singh
Prices have not been released but it will be close to the 2008 price of $6195.99 | Reply
  • Navin (03 February 2010 11:45)
    I'd say it's price is well above 30k | Reply
  • Rony (28 January 2010 05:26)
    Whats the cost of this Fuel EX 5.5 full suspension trail bike which U say comes at an affordable price-point. | Reply
 Vijay (07 February 2010 00:58) Reply to Rony
Really affordable at $6195.99 thats just under Rs.3,00,000 ....3 lakhs really affordable....seems the editor is being really oblivious to the indian standard of affordabilty or he simply writes in his sleep and doesent know which adjecitve to use where....Hero Cycles and Atlas have really good mountain bikes with decent suspension and excellent shimano gears..they might not be having futuristic sounding frames or materials..but they function pretty well...at less than 1/50 of the cost of the fuel...compare 6ooo rupees to 3 lakh rupees...and you will know what affordibility means.The writer should really get a dictionary...Its really misleading. | Reply
 Wilson  (08 February 2010 12:26) Reply to Vijay
Dont fret guys... check out this site Mumbai Hikers http://www.mumbaihikers.orgYou will get details on the prices of this and many other brands. Going by whats listed on this site, it's should not be more than a $1000. Even then, not all that "affordable"... | Reply
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