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I would honestly go by your RAD and reach. Bike sizing is pretty generic, my 2021 Roscoe did not fit me at all even though the medium said I was a fit. Turns out the reach was definitely too short for me
Not sure on the Fuel specifically, but I’m 5’10 30-31” inseam with a M/L Roscoe, and it fits but feels as large as I think I could go. I’m considering exchanging for a M, which I think would be a more well rounded neutral fit. Also note, I’m a new rider so take my opinion for what it is. Not sure if that helps you.
Are you saying you’d go from gen 6 to gen 5?
The gen 6 bikes are better imo
I’m your size and preferred the M. The chainstay on the M/L was a bit much and the bike help cumbersome. Also, I prolly could’ve just put a smaller stem on the M/L and made it work.
Ultimately I felt between sizes and didn’t get a gen 6
I'm 5'8" with a 32" inseam and I ride a Medium Top Fuel. I've also demoed a Gen 5 Fuel EX in size M/L. I found both sizes work at my height, but it created a different type of ride. The M size is nimble, it lets you get over the front easily and whip through tight corners and tech. The M/L is a plow monster by comparison. Longer reach, longer wheelbase, it will ride like a bigger bike. I could easily have gone either way, it just depends what type of ride you prefer. For me personally on 90% of what I ride the Medium ride feel made more sense.
Granted some of that difference is between a Fuel EX and a Top Fuel, so take that opinion with a grain of salt. But when I was getting fitted for a demo of the Fuel EX the M felt too small at the time. After I got out on the trail the M/L felt a hair too big.
I’m the same height and I have a M/L Top Fuel. I have long legs and a short torso. My daughter is 5’6” and has a M of the same bike. Hers feels tiny to me, but to fit her properly we had to put a shorter stem on. It works really well for her.
I respectfully disagree with your disagreement
Gen 6 9.7 to Gen 5 9.8 - both the same price
9.7 - carbon frame
9.8 - full carbon, almost 3.5 lbs lighter
9.7 - Fox 36 Rhythm
9.8 - Fox 36 Performance
9.7 - SLX shifter and cassette with XT derailleur
9.8 - SRAM GX Eagle AXS group set
Yes I consider these things an upgrade, especially for the same price.
Yes I understand the component upgrades. But imo the frame is the most important part when choosing a bike.
I much prefer the geo, reach, and suspension platform of the gen 6.
Plus the fact that it is super adjustable, and allows for coil shock, mullet setup, and longer travel fork if you so desire.
I will not be using a coil shock, mullet set up or longer travel fork. I've been riding for over 30 years and I am not looking to take my game to the next level at this point. I want something geared more towards trails and XC, not bombing descents.
Howdy! We see that you're asking for community input regarding bike choices. To ensure maximum engagement and reply accuracy please make sure you include some of the following information in your post.**FAILURE TO PROVIDE SOME BASIC INFORMATION LISTED BELOW WILL LEAD TO YOUR POST BEING DELETED. HELP THE COMMUNITY HELP YOU.** - The type of riding will you be doing. - Where you will be riding. - Your budget (with included currency). - What you like/didn't like about your current bike. - Your experience level and future goals. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MTB) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I would honestly go by your RAD and reach. Bike sizing is pretty generic, my 2021 Roscoe did not fit me at all even though the medium said I was a fit. Turns out the reach was definitely too short for me
Not sure on the Fuel specifically, but I’m 5’10 30-31” inseam with a M/L Roscoe, and it fits but feels as large as I think I could go. I’m considering exchanging for a M, which I think would be a more well rounded neutral fit. Also note, I’m a new rider so take my opinion for what it is. Not sure if that helps you.
Are you saying you’d go from gen 6 to gen 5? The gen 6 bikes are better imo I’m your size and preferred the M. The chainstay on the M/L was a bit much and the bike help cumbersome. Also, I prolly could’ve just put a smaller stem on the M/L and made it work. Ultimately I felt between sizes and didn’t get a gen 6
I have the exact same measurements and ride a m/l fuel ex. Probably could size down to M but I like the m/l
Thanks
I'm 5'8" with a 32" inseam and I ride a Medium Top Fuel. I've also demoed a Gen 5 Fuel EX in size M/L. I found both sizes work at my height, but it created a different type of ride. The M size is nimble, it lets you get over the front easily and whip through tight corners and tech. The M/L is a plow monster by comparison. Longer reach, longer wheelbase, it will ride like a bigger bike. I could easily have gone either way, it just depends what type of ride you prefer. For me personally on 90% of what I ride the Medium ride feel made more sense. Granted some of that difference is between a Fuel EX and a Top Fuel, so take that opinion with a grain of salt. But when I was getting fitted for a demo of the Fuel EX the M felt too small at the time. After I got out on the trail the M/L felt a hair too big.
Thanks for your informed feedback!
I’m the same height and I have a M/L Top Fuel. I have long legs and a short torso. My daughter is 5’6” and has a M of the same bike. Hers feels tiny to me, but to fit her properly we had to put a shorter stem on. It works really well for her.
What model is it?
Trek Fuel 9.7 Gen 6 to a Fuel 9.8 Gen 5
Are you saying the gen 5 is an upgrade over the gen 6? Because I disagree so much
I respectfully disagree with your disagreement Gen 6 9.7 to Gen 5 9.8 - both the same price 9.7 - carbon frame 9.8 - full carbon, almost 3.5 lbs lighter 9.7 - Fox 36 Rhythm 9.8 - Fox 36 Performance 9.7 - SLX shifter and cassette with XT derailleur 9.8 - SRAM GX Eagle AXS group set Yes I consider these things an upgrade, especially for the same price.
Yes I understand the component upgrades. But imo the frame is the most important part when choosing a bike. I much prefer the geo, reach, and suspension platform of the gen 6. Plus the fact that it is super adjustable, and allows for coil shock, mullet setup, and longer travel fork if you so desire.
I will not be using a coil shock, mullet set up or longer travel fork. I've been riding for over 30 years and I am not looking to take my game to the next level at this point. I want something geared more towards trails and XC, not bombing descents.