Trek Fuel 8 vs Trek Lush SL

[indysteel]

Have you ridden either bike? Unless you have gobs of standover on the Lush, I find it hard to believe the Fuel has a low enough standover for you. But other elements of their respective geometries are different enough that I think you to test ride if you can. The Fuel's fork also has 130 mm of travel verses 110 on the Lush. How much travel do you want/need? I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the components. Both are nicely speced bikes, and components wear out and can be changed. Handling and fit should be what largely drives your decision. But see if you can demo one or both bikes.