Bike type comparison
Specialized StumpjumpervsTrek Fuel EX
A side-by-side UK buyer's guide to help you pick the right type of bike for how you actually ride.
Overview
Shortlist a trail bike and these two keep coming up. Both sit in the same bracket, around 140 to 150mm of travel, built to climb up and descend hard. The Stumpjumper is Specialized's long-running trail bike; the Fuel EX is Trek's, with a wide spread of builds. Choosing is mostly about fit, spec and the deal that comes up.
At a glance
Quick verdict
speed
Tie
comfort
Tie
versatility
Trek Fuel EX
value
Tie
Two closely matched mid-travel trail bikes. The Fuel EX has the wider build range; the Stumpjumper EVO offers more geometry adjustment.
- Pick the Fuel EX for more price points and Trek dealer support.
- Pick the Stumpjumper for the EVO's adjustability and Specialized fit.
- Both climb and descend well across UK trails.
- Fit, spec and the deal matter more than the badge.
Feature by feature
Feature comparison
| Feature | Specialized Stumpjumper | Trek Fuel EX |
|---|---|---|
Travel Same trail bracket | About 140mm, more on the EVO | About 140 to 150mm |
Adjustability Both tune their angles | EVO has geometry adjust | Mino Link geometry flip |
Build range Fuel EX has more entry points | Wide | Very wide, alloy to carbon |
Support Both well supported | Specialized dealers | Trek dealers |
Decide
Which is best for you?
Choose Specialized Stumpjumper if...
- All-round UK trail riding
- Riders who want the EVO's adjustability
- Specialized fit and dealer support
- A long-proven trail platform
Choose Trek Fuel EX if...
- All-round UK trail riding
- A wide choice of price points
- Trek dealer support
- Geometry tuning via Mino Link
Community
Have your say
Riding Specialized Stumpjumper or Trek Fuel EX, or stuck choosing? Ask the Cyclesite community before you buy.
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Start the conversationQuestions
Frequently asked questions
Is the Stumpjumper or Fuel EX better?
They are very close, both mid-travel trail bikes that climb and descend well. The Fuel EX has a wider spread of builds and price points; the Stumpjumper EVO offers more geometry adjustment. Fit and the deal you can get matter more than the badge.
How much travel do these have?
Both sit in the trail bracket, around 140 to 150mm front and rear, which is the most versatile range for UK trail-centre and natural riding.
Which should I buy used?
On either, check the pivot bearings for play and ask when the rear shock and fork were last serviced. Budget for tyres and a chain on a hard-ridden bike, and run the frame number through a stolen-bike check.
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