$1430
31.6 pounds
3.9 inches of rear wheel travel
Trek, (920) 478-2191
Full test: September 2007 (Click here to order this issue)

Highlights: The Fuel EX 6's cockpit feels small and the rider's weight is biased toward the rear. One crewer noted, Ã'It feels like a kid's bike." The narrow bar (25.5 inches wide) does nothing to open up the rider compartment (but it may be the hot ticket for negotiating trails running between trees that are 26 inches apart). The saddle is overly cushy. It will feel great in the showroom, but riders will tire of it after their first long ride. The handlebar grips are a soft compound that was universally praised. The bike's Shimano 505 pedals are familiar and a product that riders can live happily with for years.

Best quote: "Depending on the compromise a crewer made to get his preferred feel from the rear suspension, the Fuel EX 6 felt Ã'too quick" or Ã'too raked out." Without a sweet spot, you have to choose the lesser of two evils."

Bottom line: While this bike is laden with quality components (including the standout brakes), and it may be appropriate for some riding experiences (the tight, soft and fairly flat trails around Madison, Wisconsin), it is the wrecking crew's opinion that the EX 6 lacks the versatility and tunability to be taken seriously as a trailbike.