Current SRP of $4499 isn't bad in this day and age. I think Trek has done a better job controlling inflationary prices compared to other manufacturers, such as The Big S. I still think 120-130mm is the sweet spot for a lot of areas of the country where you aren't hucking to flat or hitting chunky downhill terrain. I miss my old Specialized Camber Comp Evo which was 120/120 and rocking a 68.8° HTA. It cornered on rails and climbed like a goat. My Stumpy Expert chews up downhills, but does not go uphill nearly as well as my Camber did, but it's rocking a 65.5° HTA in steep mode. This Top Fuel probably does most of the things quite well.
I built up the frame option of this bike. The paint in person is amazing. The dark blue on the front of the bike is translucent so you can see the carbon weave thru the paint in the sunlight.
Is this a good entry level full suspension bike for someone with money to burn and a state park down the street? I just want to make sure this thing isn't purely for downhill and can do pretty much anything I throw at it
Bro! Thank you so much for posting this review. I’m looking for one of these in my size right now. Just saw one in the shop and it is awesome! I do t even like Trek as a brand but this bike is a killer deal! Threaded BB on a carbon frame, Fox suspension, XT drivetrain, high POE hub - What? How much do I need to put down?
Great videos, I enjoy your channel. I have the 2021 fuel ex 8 xt model and love it. Is the geometry different on the top fuel compared to the fuel ex? Or is the only difference in the amount of suspension travel?
Tough choice between the 8 and this model. I feel like the rockshox Suspension is the better of the two suspensions but tbe carbon model is also like 2.5 lb lighter for approx $500 more which is almost impossible to make up with upgrades in the future.
Great video as usual James. I recently had the dilemma of what bike to buy in upgrading from my 21 EX 7 to start racing XC. Wanted a race bike that I didn't have to sell my car to afford (Supercalibre). Looked at 22 Top Fuel (TF) 9.7 & 9.8. Was disappointed that from the 21-22 models that the TF's had got heavier, slacker and more travel. Oh and far more expensive! Just what I don't want in an XC race bike. Ended up buying a 2nd hand 21 TF 9.8. Light, nimble, and not near $10,000 New Zealand to buy. Shame Trek has generalised all of its specific ranges to the modern trend of trying to cover all bases, and as a result performing worse at all of them. Si, Christchurch, New Zealand.
How would this bike compare to Rocky Mountain Element C50. I am trying to decided between the two. I already have a deposit on this Trek model you reviewed. Look foward to your reply
I know it's 'cool' to hate on Trek, but they do make some tasty bikes. So glad they finally went with threaded BB. I have a 2018 Fuel EX with a press fit and I've spent a small fortune on fixing 'press fit creak' . 🙄
@@jbloggs751 There’s so much negative history. They absorbed and destroyed Gary Fisher, Klein, and Lemond bikes, all great innovative bike companies. They supported Lance jerk Armstrong and deserted Greg Lemond (who was a real US champion) for speaking out against doping. Their colors were always so bland until recently. I hated Trek but the current line is looking undeniably good.
Current SRP of $4499 isn't bad in this day and age. I think Trek has done a better job controlling inflationary prices compared to other manufacturers, such as The Big S.
I still think 120-130mm is the sweet spot for a lot of areas of the country where you aren't hucking to flat or hitting chunky downhill terrain. I miss my old Specialized Camber Comp Evo which was 120/120 and rocking a 68.8° HTA. It cornered on rails and climbed like a goat. My Stumpy Expert chews up downhills, but does not go uphill nearly as well as my Camber did, but it's rocking a 65.5° HTA in steep mode. This Top Fuel probably does most of the things quite well.
I built up the frame option of this bike. The paint in person is amazing. The dark blue on the front of the bike is translucent so you can see the carbon weave thru the paint in the sunlight.
Yeah it looks 🔥
The knock block is nice because it prevents your cables and hoses from getting destroyed when you crash
Good point
thank you, this is what type of info I was looking for, thanks for the weight check!
Is this a good entry level full suspension bike for someone with money to burn and a state park down the street? I just want to make sure this thing isn't purely for downhill and can do pretty much anything I throw at it
Hello, if you compare this bike and Fuel Ex 9.7 22 what is better for All day bike trips? 60-80km?
I love the paint on this bike
Reminds me of the old Klein paint jobs. Beautiful fades
Bro! Thank you so much for posting this review. I’m looking for one of these in my size right now. Just saw one in the shop and it is awesome! I do t even like Trek as a brand but this bike is a killer deal! Threaded BB on a carbon frame, Fox suspension, XT drivetrain, high POE hub - What? How much do I need to put down?
Lol. Got to talk with your bike shop but the deposit is. But yeah it's a killer bike
@@Jamesthebikeguy Ended up getting one. Now I have to figure out how to pay my rent. 🤣
Great videos, I enjoy your channel. I have the 2021 fuel ex 8 xt model and love it. Is the geometry different on the top fuel compared to the fuel ex? Or is the only difference in the amount of suspension travel?
Tough choice between the 8 and this model. I feel like the rockshox Suspension is the better of the two suspensions but tbe carbon model is also like 2.5 lb lighter for approx $500 more which is almost impossible to make up with upgrades in the future.
Really is a difficult choice between the two
Did you choose anything? .. Now there is also the Top Fuel 8 2023 with a 130mm fork..
Ibis had a huge sale on ripley AF's and I ended up going that route since no Treks were available in my area at the time.
Hey James nice review. I just bought a Fuel EX. I like your bike stand can tell me where you found it? Thx!
Great video as usual James. I recently had the dilemma of what bike to buy in upgrading from my 21 EX 7 to start racing XC. Wanted a race bike that I didn't have to sell my car to afford (Supercalibre). Looked at 22 Top Fuel (TF) 9.7 & 9.8. Was disappointed that from the 21-22 models that the TF's had got heavier, slacker and more travel. Oh and far more expensive! Just what I don't want in an XC race bike. Ended up buying a 2nd hand 21 TF 9.8. Light, nimble, and not near $10,000 New Zealand to buy. Shame Trek has generalised all of its specific ranges to the modern trend of trying to cover all bases, and as a result performing worse at all of them. Si, Christchurch, New Zealand.
i bought the 2020 TF 9.8 xt in Nov 2019 before kohfid ... the 2022 version is $1600 more than what i paid
Trek really nailed the perfect downcountry bike
just wondering why the bike in the video has the slx brake kit where on the web site the bike has lower grade brakes
*specifications may change without notice* as the bottom of any spec sheet calls out
Now that the bike boom is over I might actually be able to get one.
Maybe so. I hope you do
How does the bike do in snow?
How would this bike compare to Rocky Mountain Element C50. I am trying to decided between the two. I already have a deposit on this Trek model you reviewed. Look foward to your reply
Can you review the new Giant Cypress 2 or 3? I'm planning on getting one but I'm undecided between the giant cypress 2 or 3 and the Trek verve 2.
I just ordered mine, but it has a Deore crank and Deore brakes instead of the better SLX ones unfortunately
I know you provide links, but can you mention the prices of the bikes in your videos?
I don't plan to since bike pricing tends to change and isn't the same everywhere. I don't want the video to get out dated since it can't be updated
I WANT this bike!! 👍🏻
Totally
@@Jamesthebikeguy Hey James. Really enjoyed this video review. 👍🏻 This is my DREAM Trek paint job. 😎 Is your own personal bike the Top Fuel 8??
Soooo do I buy a Fuel EX 9.7 or Top Fuel 9.7 for my first trail bike?
Tough call the Top Fuel is much more updated and I imagine we will see a new Fuel EX in the next year as it needs a bit of freshening
Sick dude
Trek makes some great upgrades lately
They sure have
Hi can you make a bike check for Giant Anthem 29 AP3 2022 next?
My shop doesn't have the Anthem right now, but when they do I will
What size is that bike?
XL if I remember correctly
@@Jamesthebikeguy Thanks 🙂
Very amazing bike
Agreed. I have a lot of want for this model
thanks for video..........
Sure thing
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 love it🙌👍
I think it would be the perfect trail bike if it was available to order 😜
Nice bike
Totally
I know it's 'cool' to hate on Trek, but they do make some tasty bikes. So glad they finally went with threaded BB. I have a 2018 Fuel EX with a press fit and I've spent a small fortune on fixing 'press fit creak' . 🙄
Really? Why is it cool to hate on trek?
@@jbloggs751
There’s so much negative history. They absorbed and destroyed Gary Fisher, Klein, and Lemond bikes, all great innovative bike companies. They supported Lance jerk Armstrong and deserted Greg Lemond (who was a real US champion) for speaking out against doping. Their colors were always so bland until recently. I hated Trek but the current line is looking undeniably good.
@@shwndh ahh ok I see , I don't know much about that but you're right they do have nice colours
Nice bike....get rid of the DORK DISK
Nah dude, real riders ride with saucers
Do you work at Trek?
I do not
super
👍👌
Nice. More than I need. But I would like it. Should I send you my address?
Lol
So.... No? Guys gotta try 🤪