2010 Trek Fuel EX8

[Ron]

Been riding my new Trek for the past two months. I've put about 400 - 500 miles on it so far and overall I'm loving it.  The suspension system works really well and having come from a hardtail I am really appreciating the cushy feeling. Granted that it is overkill for LI trails but the body is getting old and it helps. Haven't noticed much pedal bob and the propedal setting gets rid of the little bit there is. Usually don't even use it unless I'm on pavement which is rare. Followed the setup on Trek's site and the recommended pressures are working well for me.
The Avid Elixir 5 brakes work well, plenty of stopping power. I was concerned with the reputation the Avids have for squealing but these are quiet most of the times. Once in awhile I will hear them and then they are silent for 4 or 5 rides.
Shifting is pretty good. Once in a while I get a ghost shift. They could be a little smoother at times but that may be due to my technique or lack of it.
Swapped out the stock grips for Ergons. They helped with my hand numbness but couldn't adjust them to the point where it was 100%. I also didn't like that I couldn't wrap my hands around and use the full width. Switched to ODI Rogue's and like them better as far as hand position variability, better on climbs, but not as good as eliminating the hand numbness.
Stock Bontrager XDX tires were swapped with Kenda Nevegal DTC in the front and Specialized Captain Control 2Bliss in the back. Great when everything is dry or a little tacky. Not as great when conditions are wet.
Saddle isn't as bad as I thought it would be but after 3 hours it gets bad.
Having a little trouble dialing in the fit so I'm trying out a shorter (90) stem to see how that works.
Had a problem with the Bontrager stock seat post clamp. Seat kept sliding down. If I tightened it down so the seat wouldn't move then it was too tight to use the flip lock and I wound up having to use an allen key. My last ride it just totally slid off the frame onto the stem so I swapped it out with a Salsa clamp and hopefully that works better
Overall a good bike  at a good price.

Ron

[The Llama]

ohhh pretty  black too?  going to have to post up a pic of yours on the trail 


Now, as to the seat post issue, If you are having to clamp down that hard it's not the actual clamp that's the issue as the frame or seat post. Either the frame was milled to big or the seat post is too small. You should never have to apply more than moderate pressure to the joint with the clamp if the post and frame are sized correctly. take it back to the shop and have a chat. If they keep pushing a clamp issue then go else where. Trek has amazing warr and service and will have no problems fixing which ever the issue is. Have it Mic-ed to see if ever thing is in spec.

As to the ghost shifting, is there a certain thing or time that it happens?  Can you recreate the issue repeatedly? If so, post up and/or bring to the shop.. If it's very intermittent then try lubing the cables with a dry chain lube or get some "tri-Flow" oil (small bottle with little straw) and very lightly lube the cables like 1 inch of the side of the outer housing.  run the shifter through all the gears and dry off all excess with a rag (NOT paper towel!!)

Could be a kinked cable also or a broken or dislodged wire on the cable.

[Ron]

Nope, I got the white one. last bike was black, time for a change.

I'll see how the new clamp performs tomorrow.

The shifting is infrequent and I don't think i could reproduce it intentionally. Wires and cable look good. Maybe I'll try to lube them as you suggest.

[Ron]

Don't want to jinx myself but it's been 2 months of riding since the clamp was switched and the saddle hasn't moved since.

I think it was the clamp.

Ron

[steveeldr]

Sweet bike! Any more ghost shifting problems? Let's see some action shots!