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This bike is my baby. I own the 2006 edition of the Fuel EX9. The new features of the 2008 model – the Active Braking Pivot (ABP), Full Floater, and EVO Link – offer a huge step-up in performance.

My 2006 EX9 is a medium size 17.5 inch, but I demoed the new 18.5 size because it’s all they had available (Trek was a popular booth both days at Interbike.) This new size is perfect for me. The geometry has changed quite a bit since 2006. I only got a few good turns and drops in on the 2008 EX9, but it was enough to keep me smiling. I didn’t want to spend all my time on Trek at Interbike since the Ride the Best Tour will be in Phoenix next month and I can ride to my hearts content at South Mountain.

For what I rode, I really enjoyed the new technology. Trail 3 was a short spot of twisted burmed downhill, so I really got to feel the ABP technology in action. It felt smooth around every corner, every bump, every rock. I got the most out of the suspension. It felt like my 2006 Fuel on suspension steroids. No complaints at all. I wish Trek would take trade-ins.

I’ll give the EX9 another spin in a few weeks and write up a more detailed report. Maybe the new Remedy they unveiled at Interbike will be at the demo?? I’d like to see how it handles riding down Mormon, Geronimo or Holbert. Till then.

K-Man’s EX9 Review at the Dirt Rag Blog

Cycling News Fuel EX Review

I got the most saddle time on the Santa Cruz Nomad. I didn’t want to let the bike go, so I kept on riding… and as soon as I turned it back in I felt instant regret. The guy who was waiting for it was sure was happy though.

On the Nomad we wandered up to the less ridden XC trails at the top of Bootleg. I gave the Nomad a shake on Skyline, Boy Scout, the East Leg and Girl Scout. Taking the shuttle up was almost as fun as riding down. It’s a mountain bikers’ paradise - sandwiched in the back of a flatbed between hundreds of thousands of dollars in bikes and their respective riders, driving toward destination downhill.

Since the trails up top are so much better than the lower trails, I absolutely loved riding the Nomad. I’ve heard the stories about how awesome the Nomad climbs, and how awesome the Nomad descends, but now I really believe them because I lived on a Nomad for just a few short hours. The six plus inches of travel in the rear coupled with the freeride style geometry and seven inches up front really empowered me. I learned quickly to trust the bike over the technical spots. I only fear that riding this bike will tempt me to ride stuff I really shouldn’t…

The marketing copy for the Nomad from the Santa Cruz website is no lie:

“It’s plain and simple folks. Here we’ve got two bikes for the price of one. On one hand, we’ve got a peach of a trail bike that will allow full immersion in your masochistic love affair with the climb without any bothersome bobbing or mushy feeling. On the other hand, we’ve got a rip-roaring, dyed-in-the-wool freeride bike that will devour any rock garden or log-drop like hotdogs at a Coney Island eating competition. Proudly possessing a full 165mm of rear wheel travel, room for a front derailleur, and a QR-ready rear drop out, you won’t know if you’re Mark Weir climbing, or Mark Weir descending.”

If you have any doubt and are considering the Nomad for your personal riding pleasure, you can at least take my word for it…The Nomad will give you all you dreamed for in a downhill bike, plus everything you didn’t expect in a climbing XC machine.

My first demo at Bootleg Canyon was on the Titus El Guapo. As an XC rider, hopping on a 6 inch travel bike felt like sitting on a freeride. But as soon as I start pedaling uphill it felt like I was riding XC. The geometry and I got along perfect. I’m 5’11” and rode the medium frame. I spun the El Guapo around the XC loops a couple of times and got a few good climbs in along with plenty of jumps and drops.

With so many riders out on the standard demo trails 1-4, it felt like a race…so I stepped up the pace and didn’t let many people pass me while riding El Guapo. There is always the singlespeeder that just blasts on by. They come out of nowhere, and then they fly by and out of sight. Impressive.

I didn’t get to take the El Guapo on any of the more techy XC trails — Boy Scout, Skyline, the East or West Legs or any of the downhill trails. But I am sure it would have handled well on the XC downhills. Spending more time climbing on El Guapo than going down, and still loving the ride, is a testament to the climbing abilities and comfort of the bike. When I make the jump to a bigger travel bike, El Guapo is on the short list.

I have nothing but praise for the El Guapo. Truly a handsome and sweet ride. I’ll demo El Guapo again on the home turf in Phoenix later this year. The Titus guys said they’d give me a tour of the production line and I think I’ll take them up on it.

2008 Titus Demo Tour

The Legend of El Guapo Continues…

http://coolest.bike.ever.com

More El Guapo Reviews:
El Guapo review by Competitive Cyclist
Mountain Bike Action Review of El Guapo
Bike Radar review of El Guapo

This was by far my favorite bike that I demo’ed at Interbike. The 2008 model hasn’t been updated on their website but I don’t think there are too many differences between this year and last years models. I had no problems adjusting to the feel or geometry of this bike. It was just like butter. The more I rode it the more I loved it and I truly did not want to return the bike or test ride any others.

The bike climbed smooth and even though it is not a true cross country bike I found myself longing to take it climbing. Mostly I stayed to some downhill technical trails and was amazed as I flowed through rugged sections of trail with little more than minimal effort. Because of the performance of the ride I oozed confidence and didn’t back down from highly technical sections of trail that normally might have tested my limits. I think I have found my next bicycle to purchase. This bicycle would best meet the rider who wants all around bliss being able to handle some big time downhill and still allow for climbing ability.

Rocky Mountain Slayer SXC70  

Need I say more? OK. Trek — Santa Cruz — Specialized. Today was an awesome day. Better than yesterday. I’m tired. Showoom tomorrow. Sweet. Some photos. Reviews to come…

Today was an awesome day. All bikes, all day. I got to the Outdoor Demo around noon and went right for my home state bike company, Titus Bikes. I’ve wanted to ride the El Guapo for a long time. One word for El Guapo. Dulce. The infamous El Guapo is a sweet ride. For a six inch travel rig it sure can climb.

I also took a spin on an Ellsworth Truth, Gary Fisher Hi-Fi 29er, and Trek 69er. What a day. I’ll post reviews of the bikes later. The XC trails are perfect for testing out bikes. Trail #3 and #4 are the most fun. Here are a few shots from Bootleg.

My Interbike 2007 show badge arrived yesterday! It’s been a long wait…. Last year I was at a business conference at the Venetian the same week as Interbike 2006. I managed a sneak peek at the showroom floor while the crews were setting up… then by the good graces of Tim Grahl I was introduced the right man at the blogger meetup, who got me into the show on the last day.

This year I am official working media and will be heading to the “city of spin” with my best mate and long-time riding buddy. The Outdoor Demo is going to be awesome. Can’t wait to feel the trails at Bootleg Canyon. I’m planning to ride like a maniac to get in as many rides on as many rides as possible.

Trek will demo the new Fuel bikes with the sweet new ABP rear suspension. As a Fuel EX 9 rider myself I can’t wait to suspend in the Fuel lineup. I’m also going to give some 29ers a shake. Guitar Ted will surely be writing all he can about the 29ers this year.

Also hope to ride some Kona, Titus (the El Guapo would be great), Specialized, Santa Cruz, and Ellsworth. Two days of riding just won’t be enough. But after the ridefest we’ll get to stretch the legs walking the showroom floor, checking out the latest and greatest gear. It just feels too good to be true.