Thanks for posting this video, I always love to see your content. I bought my Gen 5 Fuel EX in 2022 (just a few months before the Gen 6 was announced). I went with the black EX 5, knowing that I would make upgrades and customize the bike as I go (I was also focused on value, and the initial price point that I could talk my wife into). I just upgraded to a Fox Factory 36 fork with 150 mm travel, which slackens the head tube angle a bit (estimated to be about a half a degree difference - to about 65.5 degrees) and makes it more capable going down hill. I also put on some tubeless Maxxis DHR2/DRF tires. I love how it handles! For me, I plan on sticking with my Gen 5, especially with my upgrades (which help to close the gap between the two models). Many of the Gen 6 features are things that I would never use. For example, I would never add a coil shock or run a mullet set-up. Also, I don’t mean to nitpick, but I think that the Trek website actually shows that the “effective seat tube angle” for the Gen 5 is actually around 75 degrees. However, their table is a little confusing. 🤷🏻♂️ Anyway, both bikes are solid choices. If money is no object (and if your wife doesn’t veto your spending decision) go with the Gen 6.
Awesome man! Stoked for you. Sounds like you got an amazing bike. I try my best to not script out my videos, so must have messed up on that seat tube angle 😂 Thanks for taking time to comment🤘
Coming from the ex 8 gen 5 and bought the new 9.8xt gen 6. I feel the new gen6 is a major change in term of geometry. The new gen 6 is more of a mini slash imo. Alot more all mountain type of bike.
Dude, you might want to read up on the 'effective STA' measurements on the Gen 6 vs the Gen 5, as it's 77.2 vs 75deg's (on the 'as supplied' settings), meaning there is 'only' a 2.2deg variance, nothing like the "10 degrees steeper" angles you mention in the video! I think the biggest difference between the two, aside from greatly improved kinematics on the Gen 6 (it is 3 years newer in design, so that's to be expected), is that the Gen 5 is more of a lighter weight trail bike (I have one just like the one shown, it's still a great bike!), and the newer Gen 6 sits on the sturdier, more capable trail/all Mtn bike side of the trail bike class of bikes.
Trek website shows a 67.5 degree seat tube angle on the Gen 5. I was just going off what I found on the website. I’ve owned both and there’s a huge difference in the way the seat tube angles feel when pedaling.
@@JaredHoff Yeah, they are tricky to read correctly, there is BOTH an STA listed, as well as the 'effective STA' measurement listed (my numbers came off the Trek site also!). The huge feeling difference you got would make sense with the 2.2deg effective STA difference. Kinda like the difference in riding a bike with a 63.8 vs a 66 degree head tube angle, still only the same 2.2degrees difference, yet one of those numbers is for an XC race bike, the other numbers for an enduro bike!
@@JohnDoe-gm5ux Sorry, do you have anything anymore intelligent to add than a mindless two word left field reply? (and while I am detail orientated, just for the record, a "bean counter" is a colloquialism for an 'accountant', of which I am not!)
I would get the gen 5 every time, a trail bike is supposed to be a do it all bike, and there's no way I'm going to do a big pedal day on a 16kg trail bike, the gen 6 ex 8 gained almost 2kg over the gen 5.
If you’re looking for the lightest bike, that’s definitely the way to go. I personally think the 2kg is well worth the advantages you get downhill. 2kg more uphill and on flats, but 2x easier when smashing down those chunky black diamond downhill trails.
@@michaelmichaelagnew8503 Basically 4lbs heavier, and climbing better is pretty vague, what makes it climb better? And climbing what exactly? Technical terrain? Fire roads? Tight switch backs? Short punchy climbs? Long xc type climbs?
Great review and comparison, thanks for it. I would like your opinion, I want a bike for funny and technical trails but also for XC, long roads and hard climbs, what do you recommend, the Fuel EX 7 gen 6 or the Fuel EX 8 gen5?
I was just deciding between last year's Slash 8 and the Fuel EX8 Gen5 and decided on the Fuel in the end. Hard to really compare prices now with our (Norway) currency getting trashed against just about everything but it was down from $3700 to $2700 by todays rates. Seeing this obviously makes me think a Gen6 would have been the ideal thing but they're $4500 now so I'm going to go sit with the budget gang. Probably won't be hitting blacks anyway as most trails around Oslo where I'm at are fairly mellow. This video is making me think I made a decent choice but only time will tell :)
currently I use FX8 gen 5 and I'm very happy of this model. Now looking for another one and got huge dillema, it's worth to buy gen 6 or better stay with another gen5 ?
This is exactly the real world dilemma I currently face, gen 6 ex 7 or gen 5 ex 8 for the price… I’m not a black trail fan, dark blue grade 4 is my current limit that challenges me. Any thoughts? This will be my 2nd bike having recently got into mtb. The comments on climbing ability are tempting for gen 6 and why wouldn’t I want the extra adjustments as I progress? I’m upgrading from a 2021 giant stance so both bikes I assume will be much better
The Gen 5 Ex 8 might be a better choice for the short term. The Gen 6 will be one you can keep for a long time as your riding progresses. But either way you’ll be stoked!
With the Gen 5 EX 8 you will be the master of the green and blue! I’m doing some black trail and there’s something missing this is why I was checking this video and I believe I’ll go get the 2024 Gen 6
I just bought a used gen 5 ex8 for 1350 € with xt flat pedals. It is in great condition and for that price it was a bargain. I love it. I was looking for the gen 6, but it is to new for them to be that cheap. Still around douple the price used. I think for alot of people a used gen 5 is a great option.
If you get the EX7 gen 6 you will want to do some upgrades on suspension and stuff to make it better for a heavier rider. But you can do that slowly over time. I chose the EX 7 gen 6, but I had to do a lot of upgrades to make it what I want.
Hey, I'm very torn about what one I should get. I can get the gen 5 for 2650 or I could get the gen 6 for 3300. I am 6,6 and 240lbs and ride trail and cross-country. What one would you recommend? My budget is tight but I'm trying to choose.
Heavier weight requires better suspension. If you can get a Gen 5 with better suspension, than get that. The Gen 5 is lighter, and better for XC type rides. Gen 6 is heavier and leans more towards All-Mountain bike riding, and/or aggressive trail rides.
They only have one aluminum type for the Trail bikes and it’s solid. I’ve smashed this thing down gnarly trails and am super confident in it. Also, know that there’s a good warranty if I break anything
If you had the option to buy a fuel ex 5 gen 5 for $2000 or a fuel ex 7 gen 6 for $3000, would you make the upgrade. I have never had a real mtb before, only a 15+ year old trek fuel 70 which the frame broke on me. The trails near me are more xc focus but I still want to explore more downhill places and even some bike parks in the future and really don't want to buy more than one mtb. Any advice?
It really depends on the type of trails you ride most often and how much you ride. First, I usually recommend getting the 8 model at minimum. I got the EX7 but have had to do a lot of updates to get it how I want. Second, Gen 5 is lighter more nimble and probably better for beginner riders. Gen 6 is more downhill capable and closer to an “All Mountain” bike that you can comfortably ride on enduro style trails. Last, $1,000 is a huge difference. You could make the Gen 5 pretty amazing with $1,000 of upgrades. Let me know if you have more questions
Were there substantial changes in geometry other than the seat post angle? I am right on the line between an L and an XL. I've ridden both Gens and the XL seems to fit me in the gen 5 but the L seems a better fit in the Gen 6?
The Gen 6 is a longer and slacker bike, so that makes sense. There are definitely geometry changes all around. I think the Gen 5 is the right choice for a lighter, les expensive bike, which will ride great on most trails. Gen 6 is more of an “All-Mountain” style bike. Designed for more aggressive riding that comes close to competing with some Enduro style mountain bikes. That’s way over simplified description, but hope it helps.
$2600 is that actually the price in America? That's insane. Here they are £3200 . That's a huge difference. Ps thats a 9.7 so I guess you could be talking a different model
Mate what's your thoughts on pricing. Are these going to go lower at end of year sales. A fuel ex 8 gen 6 is 3084usd (4989nzd) at the moment. You reckon this week go lower later in the year
Idk I was really surprised to see the new Gen 6 EX on sale already. I think we could see even lower sale prices at the end of this season, but it’s hard to really know.
I’m 6’2” and ride an XL, but there’s more than height to factor in. You would most likely be in a Large at 6’ even. The best thing to do is ask a bike shop to demo an XL and Large to see which one you like.
The whole trek lineup has changed, the top fuel has become supercaliber, fuel ex has become too fuel, remedy became fuel ex and slash got super burly, the new top fuel is the more appropriate replacement for the gen 5…
My friend put this bike together for his son and before I knew it he was done ruclips.net/user/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L When the son came to put it together he was surprised to see it was already done. All he had to do was take the bike to get air and be on his way. My friend did not have any major problems putting this bike together; small issue was putting one of the brakes on straight; however when the son got home he was able to fix it. The bike rides well gears move correctly; good bike for the price. Wrote review after the son took the bike. Sorry.
You misspoke. Every reviewer knows the Gen. 5 has a 75 STA. You misunderstood again bro. And 66 HTA is perfect for trail riding. It’s not a downhill/enduro bike bro.
@@JaredHoff 64 HTA was Enduro last year..lol.. shittt there’s enduro bikes coming with that 64 HTA now. Looks like your preferred bike is an enduro bike NOT a true trail bike. No worries. Keep up the great content bro, I’m just giving you a hard time🤝
Don't know about the prizes in the US, but here in Europe (in my case in Germany) actually there is a new sale-round. I bought my Trek Fuel EX 8 gen5 in November 2022 (black friday sale) for around 3000 EUR. That's still the prize point in most shops, but in some shops right now you can get "my" bike for 2650 to 2800 EUR. Therefore I guess that you can be lucky in the US as well at some shops.
Thanks for posting this video, I always love to see your content. I bought my Gen 5 Fuel EX in 2022 (just a few months before the Gen 6 was announced). I went with the black EX 5, knowing that I would make upgrades and customize the bike as I go (I was also focused on value, and the initial price point that I could talk my wife into). I just upgraded to a Fox Factory 36 fork with 150 mm travel, which slackens the head tube angle a bit (estimated to be about a half a degree difference - to about 65.5 degrees) and makes it more capable going down hill. I also put on some tubeless Maxxis DHR2/DRF tires. I love how it handles!
For me, I plan on sticking with my Gen 5, especially with my upgrades (which help to close the gap between the two models). Many of the Gen 6 features are things that I would never use. For example, I would never add a coil shock or run a mullet set-up.
Also, I don’t mean to nitpick, but I think that the Trek website actually shows that the “effective seat tube angle” for the Gen 5 is actually around 75 degrees. However, their table is a little confusing. 🤷🏻♂️
Anyway, both bikes are solid choices. If money is no object (and if your wife doesn’t veto your spending decision) go with the Gen 6.
Awesome man! Stoked for you. Sounds like you got an amazing bike. I try my best to not script out my videos, so must have messed up on that seat tube angle 😂
Thanks for taking time to comment🤘
Coming from the ex 8 gen 5 and bought the new 9.8xt gen 6. I feel the new gen6 is a major change in term of geometry. The new gen 6 is more of a mini slash imo. Alot more all mountain type of bike.
Totally agree with you 👍🏻 I still think the Gen 5 is a great bike for some riders though. Especially at the discounted price
Dude, you might want to read up on the 'effective STA' measurements on the Gen 6 vs the Gen 5, as it's 77.2 vs 75deg's (on the 'as supplied' settings), meaning there is 'only' a 2.2deg variance, nothing like the "10 degrees steeper" angles you mention in the video!
I think the biggest difference between the two, aside from greatly improved kinematics on the Gen 6 (it is 3 years newer in design, so that's to be expected), is that the Gen 5 is more of a lighter weight trail bike (I have one just like the one shown, it's still a great bike!), and the newer Gen 6 sits on the sturdier, more capable trail/all Mtn bike side of the trail bike class of bikes.
Trek website shows a 67.5 degree seat tube angle on the Gen 5. I was just going off what I found on the website. I’ve owned both and there’s a huge difference in the way the seat tube angles feel when pedaling.
@@JaredHoff Yeah, they are tricky to read correctly, there is BOTH an STA listed, as well as the 'effective STA' measurement listed (my numbers came off the Trek site also!).
The huge feeling difference you got would make sense with the 2.2deg effective STA difference. Kinda like the difference in riding a bike with a 63.8 vs a 66 degree head tube angle, still only the same 2.2degrees difference, yet one of those numbers is for an XC race bike, the other numbers for an enduro bike!
@@kiwibob72 bean counter
@@JohnDoe-gm5ux Sorry, do you have anything anymore intelligent to add than a mindless two word left field reply? (and while I am detail orientated, just for the record, a "bean counter" is a colloquialism for an 'accountant', of which I am not!)
It's definitely not a 67-degree seat tube angle 😂
I would get the gen 5 every time, a trail bike is supposed to be a do it all bike, and there's no way I'm going to do a big pedal day on a 16kg trail bike, the gen 6 ex 8 gained almost 2kg over the gen 5.
If you’re looking for the lightest bike, that’s definitely the way to go. I personally think the 2kg is well worth the advantages you get downhill. 2kg more uphill and on flats, but 2x easier when smashing down those chunky black diamond downhill trails.
@@JaredHoff What you're describing is what enduro bikes are for.
Even though the gen 6 is a few lbs heavier it climbs better than the gen 5.
@@michaelmichaelagnew8503 Basically 4lbs heavier, and climbing better is pretty vague, what makes it climb better? And climbing what exactly? Technical terrain? Fire roads? Tight switch backs? Short punchy climbs? Long xc type climbs?
@@JaredHofffor what you are talking about id rather pick a trek slash for that purpose.
Just like you…I’m starting to have reach the max potential of the Gen 5, I believe its time to go up a level 😅 thanks for your vid!
@@brunoparadis9350 definitely 👍 Gen 6 for the win 🥇
Im still rocking a 2011 fuel ex9. Out of date for some things but nothing that effects my ride.
That’s what’s it’s all about 👍
Great review and comparison, thanks for it. I would like your opinion, I want a bike for funny and technical trails but also for XC, long roads and hard climbs, what do you recommend, the Fuel EX 7 gen 6 or the Fuel EX 8 gen5?
Gen 5 or Top Fuel
thanks 😎🤙@@JaredHoff
I cant wait to get my first ride in on my 9.8 Gx AXS.
Heck yeah 👍🏻 stoked for you!
I was just deciding between last year's Slash 8 and the Fuel EX8 Gen5 and decided on the Fuel in the end. Hard to really compare prices now with our (Norway) currency getting trashed against just about everything but it was down from $3700 to $2700 by todays rates. Seeing this obviously makes me think a Gen6 would have been the ideal thing but they're $4500 now so I'm going to go sit with the budget gang. Probably won't be hitting blacks anyway as most trails around Oslo where I'm at are fairly mellow. This video is making me think I made a decent choice but only time will tell :)
Stoked for you! There’s always a hard choice when it comes to which bike you should choose.
I just got a EX-8 gen 5 for 2500 otd . Very happy with it .
Awesome! That’s a great bike 👍
currently I use FX8 gen 5 and I'm very happy of this model. Now looking for another one and got huge dillema, it's worth to buy gen 6 or better stay with another gen5 ?
Gen 6 is worth it in my humble opinion
@@JaredHoff thank,so I got a huge problem with the final choice ;)
I just picked up a 2023 gen 5 its capable of doing what i need for a Full suspension.
Heck yeah 👍
This is exactly the real world dilemma I currently face, gen 6 ex 7 or gen 5 ex 8 for the price… I’m not a black trail fan, dark blue grade 4 is my current limit that challenges me. Any thoughts? This will be my 2nd bike having recently got into mtb. The comments on climbing ability are tempting for gen 6 and why wouldn’t I want the extra adjustments as I progress? I’m upgrading from a 2021 giant stance so both bikes I assume will be much better
The Gen 5 Ex 8 might be a better choice for the short term. The Gen 6 will be one you can keep for a long time as your riding progresses. But either way you’ll be stoked!
With the Gen 5 EX 8 you will be the master of the green and blue! I’m doing some black trail and there’s something missing this is why I was checking this video and I believe I’ll go get the 2024 Gen 6
I just bought a used gen 5 ex8 for 1350 € with xt flat pedals. It is in great condition and for that price it was a bargain. I love it. I was looking for the gen 6, but it is to new for them to be that cheap. Still around douple the price used. I think for alot of people a used gen 5 is a great option.
Gen 5 is an amazing bike. I’ve owned one of those before. Stoked for you!
Thank you for sharing 🙏🇨🇦
Thank you for taking time to comment 🤙🏻 makes it all worth it 👍🏻
I'm torn between a Trek Fuel EX8 Gen 5 and a Fuel EX7 Gen 6.... a heavier rider here at 250 lbs..which one should I get?
If you get the EX7 gen 6 you will want to do some upgrades on suspension and stuff to make it better for a heavier rider. But you can do that slowly over time.
I chose the EX 7 gen 6, but I had to do a lot of upgrades to make it what I want.
Hey, I'm very torn about what one I should get. I can get the gen 5 for 2650 or I could get the gen 6 for 3300. I am 6,6 and 240lbs and ride trail and cross-country. What one would you recommend? My budget is tight but I'm trying to choose.
Heavier weight requires better suspension. If you can get a Gen 5 with better suspension, than get that. The Gen 5 is lighter, and better for XC type rides. Gen 6 is heavier and leans more towards All-Mountain bike riding, and/or aggressive trail rides.
Hello, I have seen that this sixth generation comes with alpha aluminum, although on the pages it says platinum aluminum
They only have one aluminum type for the Trail bikes and it’s solid. I’ve smashed this thing down gnarly trails and am super confident in it. Also, know that there’s a good warranty if I break anything
Turn on the lights, the janitor is working without proper illumination.
If you had the option to buy a fuel ex 5 gen 5 for $2000 or a fuel ex 7 gen 6 for $3000, would you make the upgrade. I have never had a real mtb before, only a 15+ year old trek fuel 70 which the frame broke on me. The trails near me are more xc focus but I still want to explore more downhill places and even some bike parks in the future and really don't want to buy more than one mtb. Any advice?
It really depends on the type of trails you ride most often and how much you ride.
First, I usually recommend getting the 8 model at minimum. I got the EX7 but have had to do a lot of updates to get it how I want.
Second, Gen 5 is lighter more nimble and probably better for beginner riders. Gen 6 is more downhill capable and closer to an “All Mountain” bike that you can comfortably ride on enduro style trails.
Last, $1,000 is a huge difference. You could make the Gen 5 pretty amazing with $1,000 of upgrades.
Let me know if you have more questions
Gen 5 is a great start for a FS
Were there substantial changes in geometry other than the seat post angle? I am right on the line between an L and an XL. I've ridden both Gens and the XL seems to fit me in the gen 5 but the L seems a better fit in the Gen 6?
The Gen 6 is a longer and slacker bike, so that makes sense. There are definitely geometry changes all around.
I think the Gen 5 is the right choice for a lighter, les expensive bike, which will ride great on most trails.
Gen 6 is more of an “All-Mountain” style bike. Designed for more aggressive riding that comes close to competing with some Enduro style mountain bikes.
That’s way over simplified description, but hope it helps.
@@JaredHoff do you know what the rad is on the L or Xl gen 6?
$2600 is that actually the price in America? That's insane. Here they are £3200 . That's a huge difference. Ps thats a 9.7 so I guess you could be talking a different model
Definitely difference because of that 9.7 being carbon 👍🏻
So the £3200 is looking good for the carbon. Would you say its worth the extra money?
Mate what's your thoughts on pricing. Are these going to go lower at end of year sales. A fuel ex 8 gen 6 is 3084usd (4989nzd) at the moment. You reckon this week go lower later in the year
Idk I was really surprised to see the new Gen 6 EX on sale already. I think we could see even lower sale prices at the end of this season, but it’s hard to really know.
Your my hero
It’s all about getting people stoked about MTBing 👍 Thanks for the kind comment 😁
Just buy the gen 5 and upgrade it over time. Not worth $2000 more for the gen 6. $4500 is crazy for that bike.
That’s definitely a good way to go
XL is ideal for 6ft people ?
I’m 6’2” and ride an XL, but there’s more than height to factor in. You would most likely be in a Large at 6’ even.
The best thing to do is ask a bike shop to demo an XL and Large to see which one you like.
The whole trek lineup has changed, the top fuel has become supercaliber, fuel ex has become too fuel, remedy became fuel ex and slash got super burly, the new top fuel is the more appropriate replacement for the gen 5…
Agree. The new Fuel EX is the bike for my riding style.
Gen 5 is 2kg-5 pounds lighter. One do it all bike>gen 5. More bikes> gen 6.
👍
Fuel ex what????? The 5 , 7 or 8??? Please clarify
Those were both the 8 models. Sorry if I didn’t say that. I thought I did.
@@JaredHoff thank you much appreciated
I would buy Norco Fluid FS for 1000$ less and spend money on upgrades. And it looks better.
I hear ya! My favorite thing to do is buy budget and put my own custom upgrades on it 👍
@@JaredHoff me 2. I wish that you can buy a bike without few components like grips, bars, stem, tyres and saddle. I would save a lot of money 😄
You can, it's called direct. Buy from a company that sells direct. Way higher end build fir same price
My friend put this bike together for his son and before I knew it he was done ruclips.net/user/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L When the son came to put it together he was surprised to see it was already done. All he had to do was take the bike to get air and be on his way. My friend did not have any major problems putting this bike together; small issue was putting one of the brakes on straight; however when the son got home he was able to fix it. The bike rides well gears move correctly; good bike for the price. Wrote review after the son took the bike. Sorry.
I’ve never looked that up. But the geometry numbers are on the trek website.
You misspoke. Every reviewer knows the Gen. 5 has a 75 STA. You misunderstood again bro. And 66 HTA is perfect for trail riding. It’s not a downhill/enduro bike bro.
64 degree is my preferred HTA
@@JaredHoff 64 HTA was Enduro last year..lol.. shittt there’s enduro bikes coming with that 64 HTA now. Looks like your preferred bike is an enduro bike NOT a true trail bike. No worries. Keep up the great content bro, I’m just giving you a hard time🤝
Gen 6 laino
Where are you finding them for 2500$? That’s just not true
They were on sale and you can also find demo bikes like the Fuel EX 8 gen5 I had in this video for $2,500.
@@JaredHoff oh sure maybe a demo bike for that much but not a brand new one. Even with the sale there not 2,500$ man
@@elijahhighhouse7691 yeh more like 3500 for gen 5 vs 4200 for the gen 6
Don't know about the prizes in the US, but here in Europe (in my case in Germany) actually there is a new sale-round. I bought my Trek Fuel EX 8 gen5 in November 2022 (black friday sale) for around 3000 EUR. That's still the prize point in most shops, but in some shops right now you can get "my" bike for 2650 to 2800 EUR. Therefore I guess that you can be lucky in the US as well at some shops.
I bought mine for approx 2250$, so it's possible to get them new cheap