kwrides

I'm probably going to buy one of these bikes. I haven't had an MTB in 5+ years. My last was a Stumpjumper FSR 120 Expert or something like that in 2004 or so. I loved that bike! My budget is less that it was back then, so I'm looking at these two $1500 bikes.

Anyway, I test rode both the 2011 Camber and the 2010 Fuel EX 5 yesterday. On paper, everything tells me the Camber is the better bike...newer design, better components, I even prefer the look. BUT, I preferred the ride of the Fuel. I just couldn't seem to get the rear shock to where it didn't give me too much rebound. I'm a Clyde, btw, 6', 210.

So, anyone have any feedback on either of these bikes that will help me decide? Any thoughts on that rear sus? I wonder if I would grow to love it with some time and some experimentation with the shock.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...cname=Mountain

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...rchive/fuelex5

Zephyr11

I'm loving the look of the new Camber, and you said you have some good experience with Specialized. But if you prefer the ride of the Fuel, that's probably the way to go.

That's a Float RP2 in the back of the Fuel, and I'd take it over the Ario on the Camber any day, so it's a fantastic shock once you get it set right. The shop couldn't get it set up well for you? I'm a lightweight though, so I prefer the feel of air shocks, and YMMV. Components are a kind of tough call, but I think I'd give a slight edge to Specialized, if only for the Recon and staying away from Bontrager components. However, I'd take the Fuel's brakes over the Camber's (I haven't used Tektro's hydraulics, but every other Tektro brake I've used is terrible, and the Juicy 5 is a nice XC brake). Drivetrain is a push: SLX rear derailleur is a step up from X.5 rear derailleur, but I love the feel of SRAM shifters and would be hesitant to give up the X.5 shifters for the Camber's Alivio shifters (WTF?), and the front derailleur doesn't matter to me, so it's a choice between Camber's nicer shifters vs. Fuel's nicer rear derailleur, but that depends on whether you're a Shimano or SRAM fanboy.

They're both nice bikes. Buy the one that you think will feel better out on the trail.

kwrides

Thanks for the thoughts Zephyr11. I really think the Camber is easy on the eyes and that's the only reason I don't already own the Fuel EX5. I think it's important that when you pull in the garage you look at your bikes and think, "wow, I should be riding".

The guy I was working with didn't put much into getting the Camber right, he was trying to upsell me to a Stumpy. Off the shelf I really liked the rear shock on the Fuel. We got the Camber closer, but it was still kicking me forward a bit over big bumps, whereas the Float RP2 was very smooth....again, not sure if that just means I need someone to help me dial it in.

One thing to note, the Trek has Jucy 3's, not 5's. I'm not crazy about the 2011 Fuel EX 5 paintjob, but I might go with it anyway because it upgrades me to a Recon fork and X5 front derailleur.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...el_ex/fuelex5/

Zephyr11

Yeah, I did see the Trek has Juicy 3's, but I've only used 5's, hence the Juicy 5 reference. My guess is they're still better than the Tektros.

I'm sure the Ario is a nice shock. I'd still take a Float over it any day though.

Recon is a nice upgrade. Front derailleur is still not something I'd be too concerned about. I think the front derailleur might be the "weak" point of my bike, but it's not something I notice since it's probably the least used component of my bike.

Get the bike that you feel more comfortable on. What about the Fuel felt better? Honestly, from your description of the Fuel sounding better, I'd say pull the trigger on that one.

kwrides

I just really liked the rear shock on the Trek, but I still wonder if the Camber just needed a more skilled hand. I think I'll go back and try again.

I'm surprised how dead this board is. Thanks again for your advice.

mtnbiker66

Yeah..... this was a super fun place many moons ago.

kwrides

Well, I went back and we dialed in the Ario. I still preferred the Fluid on the Fuel, but in the end I really wanted the Specialzed frame and fork. Hopefully I won't end up replacing the rear shock any time soon. I still need to put pedals on her and I just noticed there's a warning sticker on the top tube, but I'm ready to get dirty with her.