Demo Day!
On our Demo Day we get bused out of Madison and headed out to Waterloo. Waterloo is where Trek has its main manufacturing facility. This is where they make all their lovely carbon bikes. Sorry folks, no cameras are allowed in their factory.
Upon arriving to Waterloo we are greeted with a sea of bikes to choose from. The biggest problem is trying to decide how to spend the 3 hours you are given. I look to my left to see Gary Fisher Collection Cronus Ultimate, in front of my Top Fuel 9.9 and to my right Speed Concept 9.9(to only mention a few). My heart is pulling me in so many directions at the same time. I imagine this is how I felt as a child when I walked into a toy store.
I focus on the bike closest to me. I grab a Fuel EX 9.9. I have a Fuel EX at home, but not the carbon. This is a dangerous proposition for me because I am going to be able to see what I am missing. I already think the Fuel EX is one of the best trail bikes out there, but I am curious what carbon will do for this bike. I get on the Fuel and take off. Not really sure where I am heading, but I am getting there in style. After a few turns we get into the woods, but before starting I was sure to thank the guy in front of me for knowing where he was going. The first thing I notice is the are how the roots and rocks are sucked up into the bike. Those things that take your power and momentum when are cutting through the woods dissappear. Now, with my Fuel EX 9 the suspension does a lot of this for me, but I was amazed at how much the carbon takes this bike to the next level. It lets you focus on the next turn, log or whatever deserves your attention. Also, they added an OCLV MTN carbon to the downtube. This is just a tougher carbon and it is build to withstand shots that the downtube can sometime take. They put a "carbon shield" on that part of the downtube as well. Again, to be able to protect that sweet carbon frame.
The next thing I notice is the ABP(active braking pivot). This is a great innovation that Trek brought to market several years ago, but they added what they call "Convert" to it. What this means is that instead of their traditional 135x5 rear quick release they moved to a 142x12. This brings a stiffer rear end to the bike. I think they said it was 30% stiffer. I don't know about that, but you can feel your rear wheel tracking right where you put it. I felt it in corners when I came in hot and was trying to keep momentum through it. Those times when you are really working the trails with your body weight to get every bit of flow, power and fun out of it the bike helps you get the most out of each trail.
Long story short...This is a Fantastic Trail Bike! As I said in my blog before, Trek has brought the best or one of the best bikes to market again. If you are looking for a trail bike to fight it out with the trails, your buddies or even a race-this bike is for you. If you can invest more into your bike I would suggest to go carbon. You will not regret it!
Remember to park your car and get on your bike!!
posted by The Great Escape @ 9:45 AM
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