EpicRacer asked:
i need a new bike for my next race season, and the 08 trek fuel ex line caught me. problem is, i like the frame but not the components. most of these new race bikes are coming with sram builds. im a shimano guy and i also want to have a choice for all my other components, so im looking for just a frame and shock and i can build it up from there.
Lower High Cholesterol
i need a new bike for my next race season, and the 08 trek fuel ex line caught me. problem is, i like the frame but not the components. most of these new race bikes are coming with sram builds. im a shimano guy and i also want to have a choice for all my other components, so im looking for just a frame and shock and i can build it up from there.
Lower High Cholesterol
You should really reconsider SRAM. I spec bikes for a living and am moving a lot of stuff to SRAM. It is just better stuff.
Anyway, as far as I know Trek doesn’t sell frame kits, but it might be a good idea to check with a Trek dealer.
Buy the 2008 Trek, and strip it down to the frame.
Put your own components on the frame (and wheels?), sell off the parts you don’t want. (or keep them as emergency spares).
I’m also a Shimano guy myself but I don’t believe you can buy just a trek frame. Your best bet as the other guy said was to strip off the components and sell them, they would be practically like new and you could probably still get some good money for them and then put your new gear on em. Or do what I do with gear I don’t like. Beat the crap out of the components when I ride and then when they brake, just replace them. A Fuel though, that’s nice, i’m jealous. If I had the money I’d buy one too.
I went looking at the Trek Fuel EX bike pages on the Trek website, and it appears you can buy the bare frame for the Fuel EX 9.5. (It’s the only Fuel EX model which says “Frameset available” on the page.)
Give Trek a call and ask. The Fuel EX 9.5 frameset is not going to be cheap though.. Sucker is made of OCLV carbon fiber. And you will have to be careful not to overtorque any components like the derailer assemblies that need to be bolt-clamped onto the frame (the carbon fiber frame tubes can be crushed if the mounting bolts are overtorqued).
Good luck.
Trek has always offered aftermarket frame options, but usually only in the top-level for each model. I don’t know about the new ’08 design, but check with a dealer to see if they can get you what you want. Right now might be a bad time because it’s a new model and they’ll be dealing with batch orders from overseas. Trek is also famous for not having replacement frames in stock for warranty issues, so if it’s possible to get one, you might do well to get your order in now. Toward the beginning of summer they’ll more than likely be running short if they hold true to past patterns.
The ’08 Fuel sounds like a winner. Every other Fuel has been dogged in reviews but this one got some really high marks! Looks like hiring the Manitou engineer has done some good.
You should be able to order frame only from more of a “High end” dealership. Similar to having a custom made bike made. Might as well have a professional fitting being as you will pay more for a custom order. Your high end shops will usually be more accommodating to your needs and may even custom order your other parts and wheels for you. It all takes a while, so get started now for the spring season!