My number one go to channel for reviews of interesting bikes that I cannot get my hands on myself! Very accurate, to the point and detailed videos that are easy to digest. 👌
I just bought a Top Fuel 9.8 like a month ago and have been loving it. I was worried this one would make me feel buyer's remorse, but I don't think that's the case. I use the lockouts often when connecting singletrack via road, and the geo has been fine for me. It seems like this new one is well and truly a "trail bike".
Just bought one of these and can’t wait to try it out! Just wondering what the dimensions are for pedals? Want to have a set ready for its arrival but not sure on the fit!
I feel like those people would just run some XR2 tires and set the sag % slightly lower. Maybe downsize if the longer reach/wheelbase has you between 2 sizes.
@@ClarkBark14 yes that is obviously an option but not perfect. Plus is doesn't make up for the fact that a 9.8 is still 27.5lbs. Its basically a full on trail bike at this point and on paper barely different than my 2019 Fuel EX. By contrast a 2018 9.8 barely broke 24lbs. I'm not against modern trends just speaking to the fact that many people still want the 100/100 Style XC bike that hits 22-24lbs.
I agree, unless they are introducing a new bike we don't know about this move makes no sense to me at all. I'm already trying to get my existing top fuel to be lighter. I wouldn't move to the supercaliber for a stage race so it's a total fail from me.
So it's not an XC bike anymore. That being said, would you recommend the 130 fork to cross fully into short travel trail territory? To me it looks like the most suitable fork choice...
Great review! Im stuck on if i should get the new trek top fuel 5, giant trance 2 or rocky mountain element. My local trails are pretty rooty with some steep climbs but not so steep decents. If you were to pick one of those 3 bike which would you choose and why? Thank again for the great review guys!
Same for here in Dallas! No elevation really, so this looks like the perfect bike for our trails. I wasn't really digging Trek bikes the last few years but they really got my attention in 2021
I will . Wonderfull review. I have a question: in my country the brand only sello the aluminium versión (9.5), and i like It but i m also want to turn It in a xcm bike. Can i do that, It can be a good purchased? What Will be your recomendations? Thanks for sharing
Such a professional and easy to watch review. Thank you. For me the lack of the lock out and 120mm fork is a show stopper. Not starting off with the 130mm is a mistake. Heck, my XC Niner has a 120mm with 100mm rear and handles without issues. I know I can upgrade but not keen to dish out another $1k to get 10mm of fork travel. Seems this bike is in a limbo niche. Not really a XC bike and not really a trail bike either. Too bad as it sure is a good looking bike.
I have the 2020 top fuel, pretty disappointed that it's going in the trail direction instead of more marathon / xc focussed. You aren't going to ride the supercaliber on a marathon course like the cape epic (at least not me).
exactly... big gap in Treks lineup now.... plus all the fun the old 2021 top fuel added to big climbing/ descending and racing while prepping for events like that.
Goes to show how much Santa Cruz had its finger on the pulse when it launched the Tallboy two years ago! It is a curious progression for the Top Fuel though, which has been known as an XC race bike for a long time. And judging by some of the comments on this review, it seems that not everyone's stoked about it heading in more of a trail bike direction. [Wil]
Geometry-wise it would be a pretty small change - you'd kick the angles back a touch and lift the BB slightly. I think the main difference with going to a 130mm fork is that you'd open up your options to something like a Pike Ultimate or a Fox 34 GRIP2, which offer better descending performance and more high-speed control (at the expense of losing the lockout). Mick recently reviewed the new Fox 34 GRIP2 fork, which he tested on his Santa Cruz Tallboy (120mm rear travel, 130mm fork travel), which is a similar setup and type of bike to the new Top Fuel. It's an amazing fork for sure, though it's obviously not an inexpensive upgrade! You can check out that review here if you like: flowmountainbike.com/tests/fox-34-grip2-review-2022/ [Wil]
I’m torn between the Fuel EX 5 and the Top Fuel 5. They’re identically priced, but different bikes. I am looking for a general knock-about bike with sometime trails and want a bit of future-proofing. I’m not a young pup, but I still enjoy some easy trails with a full sus. I will also use it for commutes et al. Your recommendation/suggestions would be most appreciated… Thanks for your excellent review(s)…
That's a very good question! At 175cm tall, Trek recommends the M/L size for you and me, which has a very generous 465mm reach. In the past I've generally preferred a reach measurement around the 450mm mark, which is what the Medium comes with. However, the Top Fuel does get a fairly steep 76-degree seat tube angle and it comes stock with a very short 45mm stem. Both of those bring the effective top tube measurement in by a fair way, helping to reduce the stretch over the cockpit when the saddle is at full pedalling height. It also gets a high rise (27.5mm) handlebar, and that further chills things out a bit. My most recent comparison is the Canyon Lux Trail, which I tested in the Medium size that had a 460mm reach. However, that bike had a much slacker seat angle (74.5-degrees) and a longer 60mm stem, which created a very stretched out riding position. Once I slid the saddle forwards and fitted a 40mm stem it fit really well, albeit in more of an XC riding position than feeling like a cruisey upright trail bike. I reckon that setup would have been fairly close to the M/L size in the Top Fuel, so that's personally what I'd go for. At our height of 175cm, I think you'd only size down to a Medium if you had quite a short torso/arms, or you lacked flexibility. Mind you, at that point the Fuel EX may be a better and more comfortable option with its more upright riding position and suppler suspension. Hope that helps mate! [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam thanks Will,yes was surprised when I seen the sizing chart,if I bought this bike I would probably put a 130mm fork on it which would make it a long bike,I’m leaning more towards the new trance now thanks
That's right - I believe Trek doesn't weigh its wheels with the TLR tubeless strips or valves, which accounts for some of the difference. To be specific, that carbon Line wheelset came in at 2,071g on our digital scales. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam makes sense. The tlr strips are heavy and would basically account for the extra weight recorded 👍🏻 Thank you for a good review. I have a GX AXS version on the way.
The remote lockout is a game changer, not sure why they dropped it, gladly stick with the 2021. Also, why wasn't the 9.9 discussed? Will Trek still have a 9.9 with AXS?
Hi there! Yep, Trek will be offering the Top Fuel 9.9 as part of the Project One bike builder in Australia - this is mentioned at the 3:10 mark in the video, and there's more detail in the full review here too: flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-top-fuel-review-2022/ Cheers, [Wil]
Hey Chris! We've actually put a detailed comparison between the Fuel EX and the new Top Fuel in the full review here: flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-top-fuel-review-2022/ Hope that helps! [Wil]
Awesome review. I’m on hardtail, my son has a canyon spectral 150 back 160 front. I reckon this trek is a bit short for me. Really want to get a heavy hitter not a burly xc bike. Your review helps me get there 🤘.
Yeah I think the industry went overboard toward the long travel segment and now the same towards the short travel segment. The middle still is best for most of us who want an all-around bikes. When I see SID suspension...I know they're too far in the xc direction. Especially since 130,140ish bikes pedal so we'll these days. This is definitely a bike for someone that values speed and efficiency for 20+ mile rides.
We've had great experience with them so far, though as mentioned in the review, they are quite heavy for a 120mm travel bike like the Top Fuel. We've tested a set on the Slash, another set on the Top Fuel and a third set that Bontrager sent us last year, and we've not encountered any issues yet. They do come with a 2-year crash replacement guarantee, which is nice peace of mind. [Wil]
I'm pretty sure the current Fuel EX frame is rated for up to a 150mm travel fork, but I reckon you're right that we'll see the new iteration being purpose-built around a little more travel. Or maybe they'll just call it the new Remedy?? [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam there is a gap in 29" trek line up...120mm, 130mm, and we go straight to 160mm...I think Fuel EX is great as is. I owned it, it's literally do it all bike, minus big park jumps but overall tendency of going bigger might push it into all mountain category...not sure if that's good.
I have the out going, and this new XT model, and the new bike is way more fun and it simply just destroys the trails, even on the more XC style trails, it just chews it up. I do race XC in season and I am not super keen on the remote lock out missing, but I am dealing ok. Only other gripe, the dropper post is useless.
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam Will- it just never wants to come back up, regardless how much I try to set it up, the last one was the same way. I took it off and put a carbon post in. Shaved a pound and it’s more comfortable.
Yikes, sounds like there's a bit of an issue with that dropper for sure! Were you able to get that sorted under warranty through your local Trek dealer? We've tested a few Treks over the past year with the newer dropper post design, and while the action isn't as slick as the likes of Fox and RockShox, we haven't encountered any critical failures so far. Regardless, I believe Bontrager components come with at least a 12-month warranty to cover manufacturing defects, so it may be worth getting your local Trek dealer to inspect it for a fix or replacement. [Wil]
Wait, WHAT? So this full carbon, nearly top of the line bike is only 18 GRAMS lighter than the aluminum 2019 Giant Trance 29 1 that you tested a ways back?
I dont understand why such bike like this one doesnt have a remote locker. Not to blok the damper, but at least to turn it from trailmode to descent mode.
If i could make a guess i would say they want to push the fuel ex more towards the All-Mountain category with the topfuel filling the trail gap then So i wouldnt be suprised if the next fuel ex got more rear travel in its next revision
I totally agree - there's definitely room for some shuffling of the lineup between the Top Fuel and the Slash. Then again, we're also wondering what might happen to the Remedy, which hasn't had any substantial changes for some time now. [Wil]
Hi there Lee! 120mm is the maximum travel the SID can be set at. You'd be looking at the Pike if you were after a 130mm travel fork from RockShox. [Wil]
I understand why they did this, but should have bumped the fuel ex travel up, because I don't see why you would buy this over the fuel ex for a general trail bike
Our guess is that the next generation Fuel EX will get an increase in travel and updated geometry, though it's anyone's guess as to when that will happen! [Wil]
I have a 2021 EX 9.9 and it’s definitely a bit overkill for most of my local riding and while the old TF climbed better and would certainly put up better segment times, I felt like I wanted more of a “party bike” and stuck with the EX. If I was buying now, I’d probably go TF since it is now seemingly the best of both worlds, a FUEL EX Lite
I hope this is part of Project One. I'm beyond tired of bikes that match my BBQ and the cost of these bikes are at the point to where you should be satisfied by the paint scheme.
Certainly is mate! As mentioned at the 3:10 mark in the video, and also in more detail in the full review right here: flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-top-fuel-review-2022/ [Wil]
$1600 cheaper despite being similar. Hard to explain? Not really. Trek were trying to rip us off before. You can thank Canyon et al for forcing Trek to get real. I have been looking hard at Canyon, even though I think Trek are the more innovative and better design, my finger has hovered over the Canyon buy button on more than one occasion recently. Trek just werent a good deal, unless you can beat down the dealers, which ruins the buying experience. Make an enemy of your trek dealer? Why? Good think I saw this review. Trek are back on the menu boys. As long as they can deliver a bike sometime this decade.
Hi there! Thanks for watching and for the feedback. Just to clarify, we actually test and review a whole load of different bikes here at Flow, including Trek, Specialized, Cube, Giant, Merida, Santa Cruz, Curve, Norco, Canyon, Pivot, Polygon, Cotic, Marin, Orbea, Scott and Commencal - just to name some of the brands that you'll have seen on the website over the past year or so. In regards to this review on the new Top Fuel, in addition to his experience within this particular category, Ben actually owns the existing Top Fuel. That made him an ideal candidate out of our test crew - not just because he can offer a qualified critique of the changes Trek has made, but also because he's testing the bike within its intended purpose. For what it's worth, Ben's not actually into the changes that Trek has made with the new Top Fuel. While he had fun on it, he personally prefers the existing bike. Ultimately our reviews aren't here to tell you whether we like the bike or not though - that's totally irrelevant. Instead, we're here to inform our readers and viewers what the bike does well and what it doesn't do well, in order to help them make an informed decision. Hopefully that clears things up for ya! [Wil]
Perhaps a little burlier than the Spur? The Top Fuel also uses a genuine four-bar suspension design rather than a single pivot flex-stay, so we reckon it's a little closer to the Santa Cruz Tallboy and Pivot Trail 429. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam I dunno... I used to ride a fuel ex for my shorter travel bike and traded for a Spur this year. I feel like that spur is every bit as capable as the Fuel was.
![ร้อยพ่อพันแม่ - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XY2pNYASEbg/mqdefault.jpg)
The most thorough and detailed reviews available at the moment. Kudos to Wil for putting in the hard yards.
My number one go to channel for reviews of interesting bikes that I cannot get my hands on myself! Very accurate, to the point and detailed videos that are easy to digest. 👌
Right on mate, glad you dig the video reviews and appreciate you letting us know - we'll keep 'em coming! [Wil]
Well done. Best bike reviews on the net. 👍
Thanks very much mate, appreciate the feedback! [Wil]
I just bought a Top Fuel 9.8 like a month ago and have been loving it. I was worried this one would make me feel buyer's remorse, but I don't think that's the case. I use the lockouts often when connecting singletrack via road, and the geo has been fine for me. It seems like this new one is well and truly a "trail bike".
it's been bike vaxxed. No more xc dna.
@@spiral99able it’s still an XC bike for sure. Go ride one. It’s fast.
Just bought one of these and can’t wait to try it out! Just wondering what the dimensions are for pedals? Want to have a set ready for its arrival but not sure on the fit!
Not the gap between Top Fuel and Supercaliber is even bigger. I feel like they are skipping a bike that a lot of people actually want.
I feel like those people would just run some XR2 tires and set the sag % slightly lower. Maybe downsize if the longer reach/wheelbase has you between 2 sizes.
@@ClarkBark14 yes that is obviously an option but not perfect. Plus is doesn't make up for the fact that a 9.8 is still 27.5lbs. Its basically a full on trail bike at this point and on paper barely different than my 2019 Fuel EX. By contrast a 2018 9.8 barely broke 24lbs. I'm not against modern trends just speaking to the fact that many people still want the 100/100 Style XC bike that hits 22-24lbs.
I agree, unless they are introducing a new bike we don't know about this move makes no sense to me at all. I'm already trying to get my existing top fuel to be lighter. I wouldn't move to the supercaliber for a stage race so it's a total fail from me.
So it's not an XC bike anymore. That being said, would you recommend the 130 fork to cross fully into short travel trail territory? To me it looks like the most suitable fork choice...
curious how it stacks up to the transition spur!!
Man I love these reviews!
great review....seen several 2023 9.9axs arrives in 2 weeks. beyond stoked.
Nice review! Trek is inching closer to Ibis Ripley's geo and some of its market share.
Everyone is going for that Geo and market share now
Great review! Im stuck on if i should get the new trek top fuel 5, giant trance 2 or rocky mountain element. My local trails are pretty rooty with some steep climbs but not so steep decents. If you were to pick one of those 3 bike which would you choose and why? Thank again for the great review guys!
Excellent review as always Flow MTB! This new Top Fuel certainly seems like quite the perfect bike for way over here in Minnesota!
Same for here in Dallas! No elevation really, so this looks like the perfect bike for our trails. I wasn't really digging Trek bikes the last few years but they really got my attention in 2021
Absolutely amazing review. I love this!
Curious how this stacks up against the specialized epic evo
this is my dilemma too
Treks frames look so good
I have the 2020 top fuel and although these new updates are pretty sweet, after changing mine to a 130mm fork I am super happy with it.
Should i buy top fuel 5 2022 or marlin 8 2022
I will . Wonderfull review.
I have a question: in my country the brand only sello the aluminium versión (9.5), and i like It but i m also want to turn It in a xcm bike. Can i do that, It can be a good purchased?
What Will be your recomendations?
Thanks for sharing
I just bought this bike now discounted $500. It’s perfect.
tell me please which bike better this one or epic evo? and why? and which ones wheels are better in carbon range? Thank you!
Such a professional and easy to watch review. Thank you. For me the lack of the lock out and 120mm fork is a show stopper. Not starting off with the 130mm is a mistake. Heck, my XC Niner has a 120mm with 100mm rear and handles without issues. I know I can upgrade but not keen to dish out another $1k to get 10mm of fork travel. Seems this bike is in a limbo niche. Not really a XC bike and not really a trail bike either. Too bad as it sure is a good looking bike.
nope, I have one and putting a 130 makes it a light trail bike. The geo makes it a ripper. It's basically a 2017-18 fuel ex at this point.
Hey can you review the YT Izzo? Thanks
I've been keen to test out the Izzo for a while now - hopefully we can get YT to send one in for a review! [Wil]
Would you think this is a better climber than the 2021 giant trance advanced?
A complete and honest review.
I have the 2020 top fuel, pretty disappointed that it's going in the trail direction instead of more marathon / xc focussed. You aren't going to ride the supercaliber on a marathon course like the cape epic (at least not me).
exactly... big gap in Treks lineup now.... plus all the fun the old 2021 top fuel added to big climbing/ descending and racing while prepping for events like that.
Yea now I’m looking at the Scott Spark
And it is heavier now then a fuel ex.
@@macdaddy1617 exactly, me too
I went 130/130 on a fuel ex 9.8 (gen 5) and it feels faster than my top fuel. That may be a good option for you.
How would you comprare this bike to Scott Spark 960? Scott's tempting because of sus blockade (Idea for doing XC races and fun trails).
How did the frame finish stand up to use?
Gold standard review as always ✊🏻
Thanks Michael, appreciate it! [Wil]
Yet another bike approaching the Santa Cruz Tallboy geometry
Goes to show how much Santa Cruz had its finger on the pulse when it launched the Tallboy two years ago!
It is a curious progression for the Top Fuel though, which has been known as an XC race bike for a long time. And judging by some of the comments on this review, it seems that not everyone's stoked about it heading in more of a trail bike direction.
[Wil]
I can wait to get my m/l 9.7, March 2023 is the expected delivery date.
Is this in Oz?
@@technovelodos US
Review on the Trek Fuel Ex lineup?
Still the best reviews out there
Hola soy de Chile y quería saber realmente para qué tipos de terreno es a mi me gusta hacer rutas largas en medio de los bosques. Saludos
Great review! These bikes look awesome and may very well be my next ride!
Will, the moustache is looking very cool. Great review, keep them coming.
Can I put 700c x 42 on this bike?
awesome video. great unbiased video. makes u want to buy a bike
Do you thinking putting a 130mm fork on would make much difference or not woth it?
Geometry-wise it would be a pretty small change - you'd kick the angles back a touch and lift the BB slightly.
I think the main difference with going to a 130mm fork is that you'd open up your options to something like a Pike Ultimate or a Fox 34 GRIP2, which offer better descending performance and more high-speed control (at the expense of losing the lockout).
Mick recently reviewed the new Fox 34 GRIP2 fork, which he tested on his Santa Cruz Tallboy (120mm rear travel, 130mm fork travel), which is a similar setup and type of bike to the new Top Fuel. It's an amazing fork for sure, though it's obviously not an inexpensive upgrade! You can check out that review here if you like: flowmountainbike.com/tests/fox-34-grip2-review-2022/
[Wil]
I’m torn between the Fuel EX 5 and the Top Fuel 5. They’re identically priced, but different bikes. I am looking for a general knock-about bike with sometime trails and want a bit of future-proofing. I’m not a young pup, but I still enjoy some easy trails with a full sus. I will also use it for commutes et al. Your recommendation/suggestions would be most appreciated… Thanks for your excellent review(s)…
What did you get marc?
@@haneiramen579 i ordered the top fuel
@@wieser98 that is a sick mt. Bike marc, enjoy bro.
Top Fuel much better
12.88kg is pretty hefty for a down country near top of the range bike.
I agree, very hefty.
Top fuel 8 now 14.2 kg heavier then a fuel ex 8.
That's why as a light trail mtb the Epic Evo has no rivals
Hey will!,I am the same height as you would you pick the medium or M/L?thanks
That's a very good question!
At 175cm tall, Trek recommends the M/L size for you and me, which has a very generous 465mm reach. In the past I've generally preferred a reach measurement around the 450mm mark, which is what the Medium comes with.
However, the Top Fuel does get a fairly steep 76-degree seat tube angle and it comes stock with a very short 45mm stem. Both of those bring the effective top tube measurement in by a fair way, helping to reduce the stretch over the cockpit when the saddle is at full pedalling height. It also gets a high rise (27.5mm) handlebar, and that further chills things out a bit.
My most recent comparison is the Canyon Lux Trail, which I tested in the Medium size that had a 460mm reach. However, that bike had a much slacker seat angle (74.5-degrees) and a longer 60mm stem, which created a very stretched out riding position. Once I slid the saddle forwards and fitted a 40mm stem it fit really well, albeit in more of an XC riding position than feeling like a cruisey upright trail bike. I reckon that setup would have been fairly close to the M/L size in the Top Fuel, so that's personally what I'd go for.
At our height of 175cm, I think you'd only size down to a Medium if you had quite a short torso/arms, or you lacked flexibility. Mind you, at that point the Fuel EX may be a better and more comfortable option with its more upright riding position and suppler suspension.
Hope that helps mate!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam thanks Will,yes was surprised when I seen the sizing chart,if I bought this bike I would probably put a 130mm fork on it which would make it a long bike,I’m leaning more towards the new trance now thanks
Awesome review as always and a sweet looking bike!
Cheers Tamas!
The Trek website list the Line Elite wheelset at 1890g total but you say it’s +2000g?
That's right - I believe Trek doesn't weigh its wheels with the TLR tubeless strips or valves, which accounts for some of the difference. To be specific, that carbon Line wheelset came in at 2,071g on our digital scales. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam makes sense. The tlr strips are heavy and would basically account for the extra weight recorded 👍🏻 Thank you for a good review. I have a GX AXS version on the way.
Outstanding review of an interesting bike, love your style.
Thanks for watching and for the feedback mate! [Wil]
Shimano & RockShox is the way to go
I better start saving .. ( have a 2018 now)
The remote lockout is a game changer, not sure why they dropped it, gladly stick with the 2021. Also, why wasn't the 9.9 discussed? Will Trek still have a 9.9 with AXS?
Hi there!
Yep, Trek will be offering the Top Fuel 9.9 as part of the Project One bike builder in Australia - this is mentioned at the 3:10 mark in the video, and there's more detail in the full review here too: flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-top-fuel-review-2022/
Cheers,
[Wil]
Great video!
New Fuel EX MX??
What's the general difference between this bike - and the fuel EX ?
Hey Chris! We've actually put a detailed comparison between the Fuel EX and the new Top Fuel in the full review here: flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-top-fuel-review-2022/
Hope that helps!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam awesome thank u
Can one extend the SID fork 120MM to 130MM?
It can't Aaron - the SID is limited to 120mm max travel. [Wil]
Awesome review. I’m on hardtail, my son has a canyon spectral 150 back 160 front. I reckon this trek is a bit short for me. Really want to get a heavy hitter not a burly xc bike. Your review helps me get there 🤘.
Right on mate, thanks for the feedback! [Wil]
Yeah I think the industry went overboard toward the long travel segment and now the same towards the short travel segment. The middle still is best for most of us who want an all-around bikes. When I see SID suspension...I know they're too far in the xc direction. Especially since 130,140ish bikes pedal so we'll these days. This is definitely a bike for someone that values speed and efficiency for 20+ mile rides.
@@johnnnewmex nah you can run a 130 upfront and its a light trailbike. I put a fox factory 130 and this thing rips!
are those wheels good, because they cost not that much?
We've had great experience with them so far, though as mentioned in the review, they are quite heavy for a 120mm travel bike like the Top Fuel.
We've tested a set on the Slash, another set on the Top Fuel and a third set that Bontrager sent us last year, and we've not encountered any issues yet. They do come with a 2-year crash replacement guarantee, which is nice peace of mind. [Wil]
wouldnt be surprised to see fuel ex pushed to 150mm fork in new iteration
I'm pretty sure the current Fuel EX frame is rated for up to a 150mm travel fork, but I reckon you're right that we'll see the new iteration being purpose-built around a little more travel. Or maybe they'll just call it the new Remedy?? [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam there is a gap in 29" trek line up...120mm, 130mm, and we go straight to 160mm...I think Fuel EX is great as is. I owned it, it's literally do it all bike, minus big park jumps but overall tendency of going bigger might push it into all mountain category...not sure if that's good.
@@Drogos79 the ex is 140mm
@@lee.j7077 fork, frame is 130mm
@@Drogos79 oh yeah sorry thought you were talking fork length
I have the out going, and this new XT model, and the new bike is way more fun and it simply just destroys the trails, even on the more XC style trails, it just chews it up. I do race XC in season and I am not super keen on the remote lock out missing, but I am dealing ok. Only other gripe, the dropper post is useless.
Cheers for the input mate, and glad to hear you're enjoying your new bike! Bummer about the dropper post - what's going on with it?
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam Will- it just never wants to come back up, regardless how much I try to set it up, the last one was the same way. I took it off and put a carbon post in. Shaved a pound and it’s more comfortable.
Yikes, sounds like there's a bit of an issue with that dropper for sure! Were you able to get that sorted under warranty through your local Trek dealer?
We've tested a few Treks over the past year with the newer dropper post design, and while the action isn't as slick as the likes of Fox and RockShox, we haven't encountered any critical failures so far. Regardless, I believe Bontrager components come with at least a 12-month warranty to cover manufacturing defects, so it may be worth getting your local Trek dealer to inspect it for a fix or replacement.
[Wil]
Great review!
Thanks Willie!
Wait, WHAT? So this full carbon, nearly top of the line bike is only 18 GRAMS lighter than the aluminum 2019 Giant Trance 29 1 that you tested a ways back?
Hmm, not quite. The alloy Trance 29 1 we tested back in 2018 weighed 13.06kg, so about 200g heavier than this particular Top Fuel. [Wil]
I dont understand why such bike like this one doesnt have a remote locker.
Not to blok the damper, but at least to turn it from trailmode to descent mode.
If i could make a guess i would say they want to push the fuel ex more towards the All-Mountain category with the topfuel filling the trail gap then
So i wouldnt be suprised if the next fuel ex got more rear travel in its next revision
I totally agree - there's definitely room for some shuffling of the lineup between the Top Fuel and the Slash. Then again, we're also wondering what might happen to the Remedy, which hasn't had any substantial changes for some time now. [Wil]
Can the Sid fork be bumped out to 130mm?
Hi there Lee! 120mm is the maximum travel the SID can be set at. You'd be looking at the Pike if you were after a 130mm travel fork from RockShox. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam id probably look at the carbon model with the fox 34 just to have that option thanks
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam can you do a review of your top 3 trail bikes please?
I love this product !
anyone done a mernuo new fashion bicycle review??
I understand why they did this, but should have bumped the fuel ex travel up, because I don't see why you would buy this over the fuel ex for a general trail bike
Our guess is that the next generation Fuel EX will get an increase in travel and updated geometry, though it's anyone's guess as to when that will happen! [Wil]
I have a 2021 EX 9.9 and it’s definitely a bit overkill for most of my local riding and while the old TF climbed better and would certainly put up better segment times, I felt like I wanted more of a “party bike” and stuck with the EX. If I was buying now, I’d probably go TF since it is now seemingly the best of both worlds, a FUEL EX Lite
480mm reach, 66hta on a 120mm bike. With so much weight over the rear wheel, it sounds like a lot of work to corner.
i like watching things i can't affoard!!
I hope this is part of Project One. I'm beyond tired of bikes that match my BBQ and the cost of these bikes are at the point to where you should be satisfied by the paint scheme.
Certainly is mate! As mentioned at the 3:10 mark in the video, and also in more detail in the full review right here: flowmountainbike.com/tests/trek-top-fuel-review-2022/
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam
I posted too soon. I knew better too. You guys are so thorough. Thanks!
2700g is too heavy for 120mm bike these days.
Absolutely. Epic Evo is much much better
their design Almost looks like Giants Anthem...
$1600 cheaper despite being similar. Hard to explain? Not really. Trek were trying to rip us off before. You can thank Canyon et al for forcing Trek to get real. I have been looking hard at Canyon, even though I think Trek are the more innovative and better design, my finger has hovered over the Canyon buy button on more than one occasion recently. Trek just werent a good deal, unless you can beat down the dealers, which ruins the buying experience. Make an enemy of your trek dealer? Why?
Good think I saw this review. Trek are back on the menu boys. As long as they can deliver a bike sometime this decade.
2x Trek boys testing a Trek. Maybe get a Scott or Specialised guy to do a non biased test 😇
Hi there!
Thanks for watching and for the feedback. Just to clarify, we actually test and review a whole load of different bikes here at Flow, including Trek, Specialized, Cube, Giant, Merida, Santa Cruz, Curve, Norco, Canyon, Pivot, Polygon, Cotic, Marin, Orbea, Scott and Commencal - just to name some of the brands that you'll have seen on the website over the past year or so.
In regards to this review on the new Top Fuel, in addition to his experience within this particular category, Ben actually owns the existing Top Fuel. That made him an ideal candidate out of our test crew - not just because he can offer a qualified critique of the changes Trek has made, but also because he's testing the bike within its intended purpose.
For what it's worth, Ben's not actually into the changes that Trek has made with the new Top Fuel. While he had fun on it, he personally prefers the existing bike.
Ultimately our reviews aren't here to tell you whether we like the bike or not though - that's totally irrelevant. Instead, we're here to inform our readers and viewers what the bike does well and what it doesn't do well, in order to help them make an informed decision.
Hopefully that clears things up for ya!
[Wil]
That's awfully similar to the transition spur 🧐
But 2.5lbs heavier
Perhaps a little burlier than the Spur? The Top Fuel also uses a genuine four-bar suspension design rather than a single pivot flex-stay, so we reckon it's a little closer to the Santa Cruz Tallboy and Pivot Trail 429. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam I dunno... I used to ride a fuel ex for my shorter travel bike and traded for a Spur this year. I feel like that spur is every bit as capable as the Fuel was.
very good
looks like a 2019 gen fuel
It does look very similar doesn't it Jordan! Makes us wonder what's in store for the next generation Fuel EX 🤔 [Wil]
Never owned a trek but a couple of the guys i ride with have them, and im really surprised how crap they are the build quality is really poor,
replace the wheels, forks and bars and its up to scratch, errr, next
Not as much of a review as a reading of the press materials.