Mountain Biking - Thoughts On a Trek Fuel EX 9

I am considering a new mountain bike. I have been looking for awhile and know that I want a full suspension bike between $2k and $3k. I recently found a 2006 Trek Fuel EX 9 for a good deal, so I am interested in it. The specs are as follows:

Spec Name Trek Fuel EX 9
Frame ZR 9000 Aluminum
Fork RockShox Reba Team, 100mm-travel w/ Motion Control
Rear Shock RockShox MC 3 w/Poploc remote
Rims/Wheels Bontrager Race Lite Disc wheelset
Hubs See Rims/Wheels
Spokes See Rims/Wheels
Tires Bontrager Jones ACX, tubeless ready, 26 x 2.2
Crankset Bontrager Race Lite
Chainwheel 44/32/22
Front Derailleur Shimano Deore XT
Rear Derailleur SRAM X-0
Rear Cogs SRAM PG970, 9-speed: 11-34
Shifters SRAM X-9
Handlebars Bontrager Race X Lite carbon, 40mm-rise, 31.8mm
Stem Bontrager Race Lite, 7-degree
Brakes Hayes HFX-9 Carbon, hydraulic disc, 6-inch rotors
Pedals Shimano 520, clipless
Saddle Bontrager Race Lite Lux
Seat Post Bontrager Race X Lite, carbon


I have a few concerns however. I am in Orange County, CA and am a bit concerned about the travel (it's 4 inches on this bike). I will be riding Holy Jim, Tijeras Creek, Big Sky, ect... I am not one to be hucking off huge stuff (I will walk if it's more than a 1 foot drop) so therefore perhaps I don't need 5 or 6 inches of travel. Also, would you switch out the Hayes Nines for some Avid Juicy 7s? Another concern is I will be sharing this bike with my dad, a 220 pound rider, and the bike has carbon rear stays, carbon seat post, carbon brake levers, and carbon handlebars. Is carbon a good idea on a mountain bike and with a 220 pound rider? Do any of you have experience with this bike or carbon on MTBs in general? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

It's an excellent bike, how much did you find it for?

It can deffinetly handle some trail riding for sure, just be sure not to huck it :) In terms of the brakes, the only real advatage the 7's have over the 9 carbons is that the 7's have the adjustable dial where you can move the pads in/out.

In terms of the carbon, I would only be weary about the carbon bars. But if he's not doing anything extreme, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Forgot to mention, I'm ordering an 06 next week :)

Thanks for the response. I found it for $2100.

As for the brakes, Juicy 7s have way more for than Hayes 9s so they might be a better idea for the 220lbs rider, but only if you are desperite to spend your money. I'm pretty sure that both of you will be fine with the Hayes.