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Specialized vs. Trek bicycles; which is better?

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by apriusfan, Apr 25, 2008.

  1. apriusfan

    apriusfan New Member

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    Not trying to start a war, but does anyone have experience with both? I am trying to decide between the Specialized Epic Marathon Carbon or the Trek Fuel EX 9.0. Both are full suspension bikes with carbon front triangle frames. Equipment on the Specialized is a bit higher end (Fox RLC vs. RL on the Trek). The Specialized seems a bit more nimble on the brief test ride. The Trek doesn't have potential problems with proprietary shocks (FSR on the Specialized has had some teething problems with the '07 models). And, and, and.

    Any feedback would be appreciated.
     
    #1 apriusfan, Apr 25, 2008
  2. skruse

    skruse Senior Member

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    We have five Trek bicycles, including a tandem. I love my Trek 5200 - even after several years of riding. Solid, no vibration, responsive, easy to work on, easy to keep clean. Goes the long distance.
     
    #2 skruse, Apr 25, 2008
  3. apriusfan

    apriusfan New Member

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    That has been my experience with a Trek Y-bike (Y-22) that I purchased in 1995 - it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I haven't abused it, but it just keeps on going and going. The Trek is not as nimble as the Specialized, but maybe nimbleness won't be as durable? As you can tell, I am a bit conflicted. Hence my post trying to get feedback from others.
     
    #3 apriusfan, Apr 25, 2008
  4. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    I'm still leery of carbon fibre on a mountain bike.
     
    #4 hyo silver, Apr 25, 2008
  5. Devil's Advocate

    Devil's Advocate Member

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    I have a 1995 Y-11 (full-suspension mountain bike) and a 2005 Madone 5.5 (road bike) both from Trek. I find the fit, finish and component selection on the Trek's better than the Specialized. Also, it is easier to compare Trek bikes amongst themselves and other bikes because they have a relatively linear progression of component standard quality.

    Specialized uses many different component manufacturer's and component levels amongst its various bike lines making it impossible to determine the value of the bike or its true level of quality. Not saying that any of these are bad, but without being an expert in a dozen different manufacturers products you'll never know.

    When I bought the Trek 5.5 I rode the specialized bikes and found that dollar for dollar Trek provided better ride and feel by a long margin.

    Plus the Trek's look better.
     
    #5 Devil's Advocate, Apr 25, 2008
  6. apriusfan

    apriusfan New Member

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    Good insight. And I appreciate the feedback. As regards the two bikes that I am considering (Fuel EX 9.0 vs. Epic Marathon Carbon), it seems the Specialized has a slightly higher level of components (principally in the front and rear suspension and brakes). Add in the apparent 'nimbleness' of the Specialized, and I am leaning slightly toward the Specialized. However, I haven't had any long-term exposure to Specialized bikes, and nimbleness could come at the expense of longevity. As a result of problems with the initial production of FSR (rear) shocks, Specialized has had to provide a 5 year warranty to offset the negative PR. However, 2nd year production seems to be relatively problem-free.

    I certainly have no regrets about my Trek Y bike. I am just wondering if anyone has long term experience with Specialized (ideally with an Epic Marathon Carbon) that confirm or deny long term viability of Specialized carbon bikes.
     
    #6 apriusfan, Apr 25, 2008
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