I took the new Trek Fuel out for it's inaugural ride yesterday. Me and two of my former riding partners from back when all our ages still started with a "two" in the total rode a classic, twelve mile loop in El Moro Canyon. I was amazed to find that I still had some legs. Sure, I wanted to puke, but I made the climbs mostly in saddle and never once had to dismount. I might have spent too much time in the granny gears, but, hey, I'm practically old enough to qualify for the easy rings.

When I bought the bike, I knew the suspension and braking would be extraordinary. That's why I sprung for the damn thing. But what surprised me the most was how well it climbed! The new bike climbs better than any I have ever ridden. Honestly, even in the worst shape of my life, these were some of the easiest climbs I have ever made.

I think it's due to the bigger frame. Without being so crunched up I had the leverage I needed to power up, up and away. Well, as up, up and away as my seventy year old knees and the granny gears would allow.

And, as expected, the suspension just ate up all the little stuff. Really amazing. I was flying through the single track twisties. Faster than maybe I have ever ridden. You simply don't even notice it. I have to dial in the rebound to remove a little vibration in the front end, but other than that, this bike just eats roots and rocks.

The big stuff I'm sure it handles just as well. However, after five years out of the saddle, I'm not so sure that I handle the big stuff anymore. Because when it got technical on the infamous, rutted, rocky steeps on "rattlesnake" trail, I also gave the bike it's inaugural endo. Took a drop too slow, torqued the wheel left and went right over.

It's not a ride without a little blood.

I still need to dial in the drivetrain. My chain is slipping on too many gear changes, especially under power, and although I know the cables need to break in, I find this utterly unacceptable for a top end transmission.

I'll take it for a tune on Monday.

Until then, as soon as my torqued torso and tired thighs recover, hopefully by tomorrow evening, I'll be back on the trail.