trek rumblefish 2013

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Trek Rumblefish Elite review

Big wheels and mid travel make most trail problems a lot smaller

Guy Kesteven

One of the first mid-travel 29er trail bikes, the Rumblefish is a very well proven and capable all-rounder. A naturally docile rather than dynamic feel and relatively high weight means it’s best suited to those focused on riding everything in their path rather than getting to the top first.

Ride & handling: Sluggish initial feel hides a very capable bike that excels on the climbs

The Rumblefish's Fox 32 Float fork and RP2 shock are both equipped with Trek's proprietary DRCV (Dual Rate Control Valve) technology. This means they have twin inline air chambers instead of just one. The idea is that a smaller, tighter-feeling chamber handles the early part of travel for a responsive pedalling feel, while the second, larger chamber takes over deeper into the stroke for a smoother, plusher feel.

The Trek pedals well and picks up speed okay for a bike the far side of 13.5kg (30lb). The bigger air volume and strike angle of the 29in wheels (compared to 26in hoops) let it roll smoothly over the smaller chatter the suspension would otherwise ignore too. Out back the seamless transition between chambers gives a very well controlled, progressive feel when you’re launching off or clattering through rocks, and overall frame composure is excellent.

We’re less impressed by the dive-prone fork that sees you regularly hitting full travel even if the situation doesn’t demand it. Combined with the straight up seatpost and a broad saddle that nudges you forward, this places a lot of weight through the handlebar and front wheel. Great for cornering and braking traction, but sometimes unwelcomingly like you’re being jostled further towards the edge than you want to be.

Things got noticeably better when we deliberately over-pressurised the fork and under-pressurised the shock to settle the bike back on its haunches. With this balance the vast amounts of traction from the chunky tyres and stiff tracking feel were more obvious and easy to make use of. In fact, once you’re rolling the Rumblefish takes the ball and runs with it, scrambling up and steamrollering through technical sections without a second thought.

We’re not convinced by the DRCV fork balance, but the 120mm-travel Trek is a lot faster and more capable on the trail than it seems at first. Climbing tenacity in particular is outstanding and its ability to trivialise trail trauma soon becomes an addictive advantage.

Frame & equipment: Stiff, full feature, mid-travel 29er frameset; high control, highly durable kit package

The purposeful looking raw-alloy-under-lacquer chassis gets every modern frame fixture you need, from tapered head tube to screw-through 142x12mm rear axle, while the straight top tube gives ample standover despite the big wheels. The Fox 32 fork gets a custom Trek 29er offset to create a unique steering feel and a twin-chamber DRCV air spring to match the rear shock.

A Shimano Deore XT/SLX/Deore stop-and-go mix gives faultless, weatherproof performance that’s hard to beat. The Rhythm Elite wheels from Trek sub-brand Bontrager add breadth and tubeless-ready capability to the already high volume, high grip tyres. Switching to faster-rolling rubber for some of the test livened the naturally lazy feel of the bike up dramatically for very little cost in climbing tenacity.

This bike was tested as part of What Mountain Bike magazine's Bike of the Year shootout. You can read the full feature in this month's mag, in shops now, and available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio .

Trail Bike of the Year preview

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The testers reflect on this year's crop of bikes

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2013 Trek Rumblefish Elite vs 2013 StumpJumper FSR Comp 29

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Any insight?  

Boy, that's a tough call. I'm in the same boat. Maybe slightly better spec on the FSR and a little more travel. The Rumblefish looks HOT!  

Sadly Trek changed their colors for 2013, it is now black/blue and looks like every other bike out there. Too bad, i liked that colorscheme. Of those two i would choose the spec, when i test rode them both i like the stumpy better, it felt better for my intended use (trail, light AM) with its longer suspension. Only thing i do not like about the Spec. is their in-house rear axle 142+ which is offset 2mm ( i might be wrong here, if so do correct me). Anyone of those bikes is a fun ride, you can't go wrong however you choose.  

The Elite is the color above, the Pro is black and blue. Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2  

I have the 2012 Rumblefish in the Sepia/Green color and I am really happy with it. Sorry I didn't try the Spec because my dealer of choice is Trek/Cannondale. If one of the dealers is better than the other that could be the difference for you.  

kf9yr said: I have the 2012 Rumblefish in the Sepia/Green color and I am really happy with it. Sorry I didn't try the Spec because my dealer of choice is Trek/Cannondale. If one of the dealers is better than the other that could be the difference for you. Click to expand...

I am looking at these 2 bikes too. I'm going to go with the Specialized stump jumper. I've went back and forth to the local dealers and rode these 2 over and over and the Specialized just feels better to me.  

Yeah I think I found a dealer that will have both of them side by side so I can test them out. Only down side is that the shop is a little over an hour away, so if I do end up buying from them free tune ups will still cost me time and money in gas.......oh well better than spending $3k on a bike and not liking it.  

Go for the new FSR Comp Carbon 29, the lighter bike is easily worth the extra cash if you can afford it.  

$3k is my limit. Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2  

the fish all day!  

i own a stumpy fsr 29er comp (god I hate their naming convention), and it's great. fork is the weak point - just a tad flexy, but i love the bike overall. sorry I didn't ride the trek. the drcv suspension sounds interesting... oh, and the rear freehub sucks (on the stumpy). don't leave the shop until that's replaced. your dealer should know.  

I planned on getting the 2012 Stumpy, rode it, but didn't totally like it. Tried the 2012 RF Elite, loved it, and now own it. Forget what everyone here says. You can't go wrong with either bike. You just need to ride them and see which one feels best. Good luck!  

I'd go Rumblefish due to the better (imho) shimano brakes. Can't go wrong with either of these rippers though. have fun getting it dirty!  

Kona Satori. The geometry and parts spec is better.  

The Kona Satori is an excellent choice, I was all set to buy Kona until I saw the carbon framed Stumper and had to go light, call me a weight weenie but it counts on those epic marathon days. I hope to take delivery of my new Stump FSR Carbon Comp 29 (size XL) today. Had to order it from the local bike shop and am buying it based on geometry. I do not anticipate any fit problems as the reach measurement is longer than my trusty old 22" chromoly Norco which always felt like it should have been a bit longer across the top. I swapped out the cassette and cranks on the Stumper for the SRAM XO line, lighter components where it really counts plus slightly taller gearing than the stock set up. I plan to write a review on the bike in a couple of weeks so stay tuned! PS - the Satori is in your referenced budget, especially if you can find a 2012 model  

Should I get 2013 stumpjumper fsr comp 29er for $2500 from my LBS? That's a great deal right?  

I've owned the RF and SJ and it came down to better fit for me...  

I don't know what a good price is on the SJ but I can tell you it is a great bike! You cannot go wrong with it.  

I was in the same position a few months ago and chose the SJ FSR elite 29er as it was almost $700 less and had XTR RD, and had the brain so it was better for climbing. No regrets so far.  

Ok guys I need help. I got the stumpjumper fsr comp 29er and I can't fit it on my yakima rack because the skewer is too short. Do they make bigger skewers?  

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2013 Trek Rumblefish Elite

A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components. Compare the full range

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Rumblefish Elite

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• Trek Rumblefish Elite – Decision Time

Posted by Drew | Mar 16, 2013 | Blog Posts | 3 |

 Trek Rumblefish Elite

After a lot of web browsing and soul-searching, I have decided to order a 2013 Trek Rumblefish Elite from my local bike shop. I think the most difficult part of the decision was not whether I would get a Yeti or Trek mountain bike because the Yeti cost skyrocketed well past my budget. The difficulty came in the form of which Trek Rumblefish to get. The  Trek Rumblefish Pro is perfect except for its price of about $3700. The Trek Rumblefish base model comes in at $2170 and well under budget. That leaves the Trek Rumblefish Elite in the middle of the pack in both cost and hardware. The funny part of this was I was caught between purchasing the Trek Rumblefish and hoping I would have the restraint to not spend a ton of money on upgrades a year later or purchase the Trek Rumblefish Pro and be done with it. It was at this point that Greg at Class Cycles chimed in with an honest opinion. Greg stated that unless I had money to burn the Trek Rumblefish Elite was the best bike for me and maybe even the Trek Rumblefish  would suffice as the technology of any of these mountain bikes is leaps and bounds over what I am used to with my Gary Fisher Sugar 3 Disc. Greg unaware sold me on the  Trek Rumblefish Elite .

Now here is an ironic side note. The Trek Rumblefish Elite is a Gary Fisher mountain bike under the Trek company name. When I bought my Gary fisher Sugar 3 Disc in 2002 Gary Fisher Bikes was a division of Trek Bikes. Now in 2013, They are one and the same. They are all Trek Bikes.

If there is one thing I don’t like about the Trek Rumblefish Elite it is the color. I think either of the other two Rumblefish models look great. I’m not real crazy about the grey and green finish of the Trek Rumblefish Elite .

I will be placing the order in a few weeks. Stay Tuned.

Trek Rumblefish Elite Specifications :

• Colors Dark Tint
• Frame Alpha Platinum Aluminum main frame & stays w/E2 tapered head tube, press-fit bottom bracket, ABP Convert, magnesium swing link, G2 Geometry, 120mm travel
• Front suspension Fox Evolution Series 32 Float w/DRCV, CTD (climb-trail-descend) damper, rebound, E2 tapered steerer, 15QR thru-axle, custom G2 Geometry w/51mm offset, 120mm travel, tuned by Trek in California
• Rear suspension Fox Evolution Series Float w/DRCV, CTD (climb-trail-descend) damper, rebound, tuned by Trek in California, 7.25×1.875″
• Sizes 15.5, 17.5, 19, 21, 23″
• Wheels 15mm oversized front hub, Bontrager sealed cartridge bearing 142×12 alloy axle rear hub w/Bontrager Duster 28-hole Tubeless Ready disc rims
• Tires Bontrager 29-3, Expert, 29×2.3″
• Shifters Shimano SLX, 10 speed
• Front derailleur Shimano SLX, direct mount
• Rear derailleur Shimano Deore XT Shadow
• Crank Shimano M552, 42/32/24
• Cassette Shimano HG62 11-36, 10 speed
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 2, Chromoly rails
• Seatpost Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.6mm, zero offset
• Handlebar Bontrager Low Riser, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 9-degree sweep
• Stem Bontrager Rhythm Comp, 31.8mm, 7 degree
• Headset FSA NO.57SC, E2, semi-cartridge bearings
• Brakeset Shimano SLX hydraulic disc
• Grips Bontrager Race Lite, lock-on
• Extras Trek fork & shock sag meter, Bontrager shock pump

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Put a deposit on the Trek Rumblefish Elite today. Im VERY excited. Now I need to select pedals and maybe shoes if I can find a deal.

The Trek Rumblefish should be delivered to Class Cycles along with some shovel-able snow on Tuesday

I have the bike on hand now. Looks much better in person. Also internet pictures do not give a proper sense of how big these 29er’s are.

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Photos From Moscow Star Trek Into Darkness Premiere

| April 26, 2013 | By: TrekMovie.com Staff 34 comments so far

Photos from Moscow

On Thursday night Chris Pine, JJ Abrams, Zachary Quinto and Alice Eve attended the red carpet premiere of Star Trek Into Darkness in Moscow, Russia. The start of the film ended up being delayed due to the stars being caught in bad traffic. On top of that it was raining, so those together created a shortened time on the red carpet. But the stars did stop to take pictures with some fans and do some signing.

More red carpet with fans:

Here are some posed shots from inside the theater.

Before the film started JJ and the stars spoke to the crowd.

And some members of the Russian Fan Club put together cards that spelled out "Live Long And Prosper" on one side and "We Love You" on the other. Abrams and his actors commented on them and said he was touched by the gesture.

New Publicity photos

Paramount also had a photo call with the group in Moscow. Here are some of those photos.

Next Red Carpets: Berlin and London

Today the Star Trek Into Darkness tour went to Paris, but there was no red carpet, however JJ did meet with the press. On Monday there will be a red carpet premiere in Berlin. And on then they head to London on May 2nd for what is being called the "World Premiere" event, where they will be joined by most of the rest of the main cast (including Benedict Cumberbatch), as well as the other producers.  Following London will be an event in Mexico City and then on to the Hollywood premiere on May 14th.

What, there are Trekkies in Russia?? ;-)

Chris Pine, buddy, who needs catwomen, when you got those beautiful Russian girls. Well done, Chris. Wink-Wink Yea, baby!!!

Until now, i only knew that Russians are huge Dolph Lungren-Fans. Maybe they’ll also swallow Trek in the future.

These publicity junkets must be so tiring, but everyone seems to have happy energy! And since I have heard Alice Eve interviewed several times, I am getting rather fond of her. She sounds as devoted to the craft of acting as some of my favorite actors. Wondering if she will be back for Trek3.

Thank you Zachary for not wearing hipster Hitler hair :)

Oi, that black lace dress Alice Eve is wearing in those photos looks damn much like the dress Adele wore at her 2011 London concert and… dearest me, did I actually just write that? Time to go to sleep. Good Night!

@5 I thought the exact same thing, that she reminds me of Adele … no worries. She looks good, appears she’s eating more than spinach again :)

Yes, they’re Trekkies from all over the world. *Does the Vulcan Salute, from Jamaica, West Indies. :)

Goddam Russkies get to see the film before Americans. The world has gone to hell.

Yes Adele and Alice look so alike!! A bit similar to the Gorn and a tribble likeness. you could almost assume they were twins. Hmm

Adele and Alice look alike?

Is it me, or does Mr. Quint’s jacket look a little to small?

Great post, Tony!

And thanks again to JJ & Co for visiting us, and, of course, for awesome Star Trek movie!

“No Anton?”

Anton along with Zoe and Eric Bana were last time on Star Trek premiere.

This time we had more trekkies and that was great. The audience reaction was priceless. We all laughed, cried and applauded during the movie and that it worth to wait four years.

here in Berlin someone told me that there is a stage being build at the sony center, the place of the star trek premiere gala, which is bigger than anything before. He did not know if it will be actually for the star trek premiere but if this is the case this will be the biggest event of that kind, Berlin has ever seen!

Yes, much better. They all look very elegantly turned out. Much nicer than at that MTV thing. Though I doubt they were able to eat anything that evening in those supertight jackets.

Alice Eve always looks so beautiful.

damn! Russian Trek chicks are hot! =P

Alright, so whom do I have to blackmail in order to have our local premiere shifted from June to April? :-P

Then again, why am I surprised. This is Paramount I’m talking about, so of course they messed the whole thing up. They always do. I can’t really think of any redeeming quality they have, aside from owning the Star Trek trademark. *shrug*

Don’t Chris Pine and Alice Eve make a lovely looking couple?

The four of them look wonderful and there seems to be such a big enthusiastic audience. Oh dear, the ties again… Everyone looks better minus the tie… and I want me some Chris Pine…sigh…so gorgeous….oops…starting to drool again…oh dear…:) Loving it!

@19. I’m disgusted. Trek is an AMERICAN institution and for the first time, we have to wait while the entire world gets to see the movie premiered before WE do. This is a crime!

I thoroughly understand the fact that the bean counters want to make this movie more international and drum up the international dollars. Perhaps, we should have been first, then the international dates follow in rapid..say weekly succession.

From the few quickie reviews, it seems the movie is ho-hum popcorn movie fare, not to talk about being a stand out Trek movie. The posters with Kirk, Spock and Uhura holding guns in a Charlie’s Angels’ like pose is telling. What does vengeance by the Trek crew have to do with Star Trek? If this is the theme of the movie, this would be a shame. I would more than be glad to be proven wrong come 5-18.

We will see..

#21. On the one hand you pretty much say the movie probably is mediocre. Then, on the other hand, you whine about not seeing it ASAP versus other countries.

Sheesh, Cybil, make up your damn mind???

Exactly. I want to see it first and if it IS mediocre. :-D

@9 @11: I’m not sure whether you were referring to MY comment but I’d like to point out that I was referring solely to the DRESS… and that it was one of those observations you make when you’re dead tired and a bit drunk, like I was yesterday.

@15 Yes it is for the star trek premiere and they need quite some space to build it. Picture from Friday http://www.flickr.com/photos/94644037@N07/8685766908/in/photostream/

Zach’s Hair looks totally sharp! Would have looked even more sophisticated with a clean shave ;)

Man are there going to be a lot of people mad about this movie when it comes out.

If you thought hardcore Trek fans hated the first movie then you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Nah, Chris Pine and Zach Quinto are a much more lovely looking couple…it’s amazing how much they look like each other….

#19. Paul – April 27, 2013

Well, they don’t even own that, so that slate is clear for you.

Then you obviously haven’t watched a lot of Trek. There are a LOT of story lines involving revenge.

#30. CoffeeProf – April 28, 2013

Pray tell, out of over 700 scripts filmed what percentage involved Federation crew vengeance that you consider a LOT?

TV shows and movies aren’t connected. In the movies revenge has played a role in a lot of the movies and it was the main focus in quite a few.

How can anyone who is upset or ‘disgusted’ about other countries getting an early premier call themselves a Star Trek fan??? Star Trek is not YOURS, it is the collective OURS of the world. Gene emphasized in the original show that by that time we’d be working together harmoniously. You’re going to see the damn movie so calm down. America is not the only place with Trek fans and usually, the ones outside of this country arent thrown a bone (gotta admit, I do want the JJprise model that’s only going to be sold overseas :)) But really, it’s a studio issue about trying to have the film make more money than it did previously and before you get on a soapbox about how Trek isnt a cash cow, um how else do you think Trek gets to be around? Enterprise was cancelled because of money. The late 90s boom of new Trek was because of the money that TNG produced. So lets get real and dial down the anger to outsiders. Trek is for all of us.

#32. Anthony L. – April 28, 2013

In the Trek franchise, that’s just not true. For example In TV episode SPACE SEED, and film TWOK, the Khan character is connected and even played by the same actor who admits that he was recapturing what he did to create the character for the film.

An archive of Star Trek News

Star Trek Into Darkness Moscow Premiere

• Cast & Crew
• Star Trek Into Darkness

Yesterday was the Moscow premiere of Star Trek into Darkness and in attendance were J.J. Abrams, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto , and Alice Eve .

It was a rainy day in Moscow, but that didn’t deter the stars or the fans waiting to see them.

Click on thumbnails for larger-sized photos from the event.

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