Advice on full suspension mtb spec?

Hi everyone, happy new year :)

I'm looking at a choice of two different full suspension bikes - both are on order for me to try at the LBS next week. I will *definitely* make the final decision based on which bike fits, and am prepared to wait for the next deal to come along if neither fits, but I was wondering if anyone has an opinion about the relative spec they would be happy to share?

Option 1: 2010 Trek Fuel Ex 5 WSD at 25% price reduction

Option 2: 2009 BMC Trailfox 03 at 55% price reduction

Here's a link to the specs side by side.

Apart from fit issues, which will be my top priority, here's what I'm thinking:

* The BMC is slightly lighter, but it's cheeky for me to ask the bike to trim 0.5 kg when I could stand to lose a lot more myself :rolleyes:
* The trek has 11-34t rear cogs, BMC has 11-32t - when I changed my road bike from 25 to 27 I really noticed the difference...

If the fit is equal, would it be better to have a slightly heavier bike with greater spread of gearing, or won't it make as much difference on an mtb?

The BMC has sram X7 instead of X5, and was originally by far the more expensive of the two bikes. Is this because the trek is great value, or are the BMC components going to be noticeably better? Brakes/levers and rear shocks are basically the same, so I guess the difference would be on the front shock and/or rims?

Basically, any input on which might be the better deal (if the fit turns out to be even between the two) would be great, thanks in advance!

Lynne.

It appears that the Trek has a coil fork. That alone would be enough to push me towards the BMC and its air fork. Most coil forks are too stiff for my weight (unless I change the spring), and I like the on-the-fly adjustibility of an air fork.

Just my 2 cents...

I agree the BMC is a better bike. I had a full squish Specialized stumpjumper and had looked at Trek. A lot of the reviews said the clearance of the bottom bracket was a problem. Take a look at www.mtbreview.com and see what you find. Fit is the ultimate factor but I think you are on the right track. Good luck and post pictures.

Thanks for the replies, much obliged!

Becky - excellent point about the coil fork on the trek. Although I'm probably heavy enough for it, I think you're right that an air fork would give me more flexibility.

Kermit - thanks for the tips on the trek and the link, oddly I'd looked up reviews on the BMC but not much on the trek (my subconscious, maybe! :p) am now much better informed!

Looks like the trek will come in to the LBS first, so I'm very grateful for your help - I'll definitely wait until the BMC comes in and I've ridden both now, even if the trek fits me well...

Thanks! Lynne :D

Tested the Trek last night and liked it, then BMC came in today and I tested both together. Both great rides with very high grin factor, but the BMC had that special "this feels like it's my bike" vibe :D definitely better front fork feel, much snappier braking and lighter too. Should be collecting this weekend - pics to follow!

Thanks for your help :)

Sweet!

As promised - bike pic attached! (I hope!)

Picked it up on Saturday, took it out for a spin in the snow on Sunday. Spent 2hrs riding around trails in local country park & woods, loads of fun! The bike fits like a dream, rides like you're flying and shifts buttery-smooth... And that front fork is plush plush plush! Love it! Only discomfort suffered in whole ride was ache of my smiling muscles from overuse! :D

Thanks again for the tips - can't wait to get back out next weekend!

Attachment 12487

Sweet ride! Now go get dirty... or snowy!!!!

Lovely! Good luck training those smiling muscles :D