Ask Mbaction: Trek or Specialized?
TREK VS. SPECIALIZED
Q: Looking to purchase a new bike for my son who is just starting on the high school mountain bike team. I’ve narrowed my search to the Fuel EX 5 or the Stumpjumper ST Alloy. Both are priced around $2000 and have 29-inch wheels, are dropper post-equipped, etc…. What are your thoughts on which bike offers a better value for the money when comparing the components and suspensions?
Brandon Rowser
Specialized Stumpjumper ST Alloy
A: The main difference between these two bikes is the drivetrain. The Trek has a 1×10 drivetrain with an 11-42 tooth cassette, while the Stumpjumper has a 12-speed drivetrain with a wider 11-50-tooth range. In our opinion, we think your son would be happier with the wide range of gearing provided by the 12-speed drivetrain, especially when he’s riding up steep climbs. Other than gearing, these two bikes look competitive and seem like they both offer good value.
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