Q: I’m looking for my first dual-suspension bike and gathered the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp is a great option, but also that the Camber is an excellent choice for the budget conscious. My other favorites are the Trek Fuel EX 7 and EX 8. I'm 6'3” and 220 pounds and love to race my buddies up hills, because I usually win. I have excellent dealers for both brands in my town.
-Vince needs convincing}


MBA: Thanks a lot, Vince. You just started a fight among the MBA wrecking crew. You tossed out four bikes with no major flaws. All four are bikes that any of us would be willing to spend the next five years riding exclusively. Yes, they are all that good. The fight started when we began splitting hairs. Once the arms stopped flailing and the dust settled, the winner by a nose (a broken nose no less) was the Trek Fuel EX 8. What tipped the scale was your size. You are a big boy, and the Trek’s suspension, with its custom-made Fox Float RP2 DRCV shock, is the most suitable for handling your 220 pounds. The Fox-made Dual Rate Control Valve (DRCV) shock is easily identified by the secondary air chamber above the primary air chamber. Why not just make a fatter air canister? Air shocks with large-volume canisters reduce the runaway ramp-up when bottoming, but you get a hammock effect (a distinct flat pocket during the shock’s midstroke) that is difficult to work around with any rear suspension design. The DRCV gets around this with a second air chamber connected to the primary air chamber that is only opened after the shock is past the mid-stroke “hammock” area. This is accomplished mechanically when the shock shaft touches the DRCV plunger. Click here for more info on the bike.

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