2015 Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5

Archived: 2015 Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5 · Mountain Dual Suspension · Published sizes: 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5"

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminum, ABP Convert, Full Floater, E2 tapered head tube, press fit BB, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, ISCG 05 mount, magnesium EVO link, down tube guard, 120mm travel · Fork: Fox Evolution Series 32 Float, CTD (climb-trail-descend) damper, rebound, E2 tapered steerer, 15QR thru axle, 120mm travel · Suspension

• Look for dents or shape changes and inspect the edges of welds around the head tube, bottom bracket, seat cluster and suspension mounts for hairline cracks.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.

Archived: Fork: Fox Evolution Series 32 Float, CTD (climb-trail-descend) damper, rebound, E2 tapered steerer, 15QR thru axle, 120mm travel · Rear shock: Fox Evolution Series Float, DRCV, CTD (climb-trail-descend) damper, rebound, tuned by Trek in California, 7.25x1.875"Fox Evolution Series Float, DRCV, CTD (climb-trail-descend) damper, rebound, tuned by Trek in California, 7.25x1.875"

• Inspect the fork stanchions for scratches or coating wear, look for oil or dirt rings at the seals, and cycle the fork through its travel while checking for binding or bushing play.
• Inspect the shock shaft and seals, cycle the rear suspension through its travel and check for oil, air loss, binding or unusual top-out and bottom-out noises.
• Hold the rear brake and load the suspension from several directions. Check pivots, bearings and mounting hardware for knock, looseness or side play.
• Ask for dated fork, shock and pivot-service records. A clean exterior does not establish the condition of internal seals, oil, bushings or bearings.

Archived: Group: Mountian mix · Shifters: Shimano SLX, 10 speed · Front derailleur: SRAM X7, high direct mount · Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore XT, Shadow Plus · Crankset: SRAM S1010, 36/22 · Bottom bracket: Press Fit · Rear cogs: Shimano HG50 11-36, 10 speed · Chain: KMC X10

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Shimano SLX hydraulic disc

• Squeeze each lever firmly. It should feel consistent and return cleanly. Check levers, hoses and calipers for fluid, inspect pad thickness and contamination, and examine rotors for wear or bending.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Wheel size: 27.5 · Rims: Bontrager Duster Elite Tubeless Ready, w/TLR strips, 15mm front hub, 142x12 rear hub · Hubs: Bontrager Duster Elite Tubeless Ready, w/TLR strips, 15mm front hub, 142x12 rear hub · Front tire: Bontrager XR3 Expert Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 27.5x2.35" front, 27.5x2.20" rear

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.
• Confirm whether the bike is actually set up tubeless, whether both tires hold pressure, and when sealant and rim tape were last serviced.

Archived: Headset: FSA IS-2, E2, alloy cartridge · Handlebar: Bontrager Race Lite Riser, 31.8mm, 15mm rise · Stem: Bontrager Race Lite, 31.8mm, 7 degree · Seatpost: Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.6mm, zero offset · Saddle: Bontrager Evoke 2, chromoly rails

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.