Great review and spot on about sizing. I'm also 5'10", smack in the middle of the height curve, you'd think that manufacturers would wanna cater to us, but no! At least Trek has seen the light with the ML sizing.
I really like your vids and was laughing when you said how controlled then you are immediately yelling from almost crashing. Then you said how great the tires are but feel like you might puncture at any moment. Later you said why would you need any more travel right before going off a drop and the fork is screeching for mercy!! Too funny like it was planned.
I just got a 2022 Top Fuel 9.7 the other day. Still getting my legs back under me after about 10 years out of the saddle. Loving it so far. Those trails you are riding look awesome. You handled them like a champ.
I just picked up this exact build top fuel in part due to your video, and this thing absolutely rips up NE trails! It's basically the perfect bike for out here.
@@jctrails One thing I just noticed is that you have the SID Select fork but my bike, as well as everywhere else I see online, has just the "SID". The difference being that the Select uses the Charger damper, and the base SID uses the Rush damper. How did you end up with the SID Select?
I'm glad to see all my trek influencing is paying off... JC come to the dark side! Mwa hahaha! Seriously though so good right? I ordered a frame right away after demoing. I think the 130mm grip 2 fox 34 will be the perfect match for that bike as well. I bottomed the sid out quite easily as well. Great review!
would it though? 130mm would change geo ever so slightly ...too close to fuel ex and too far from intended purpose of that bike. If only we could mount 130mm without changing seat tube angle
@@Drogos79 Yep absolutely. In fact the 9.9 XTR is spec'd with a 130mm fox 34. In low that would give a 65.5 HA and a 75.5 seat angle and in high would be 65.9 HA and 75.9 SA. So, just about perfect for an all around trail ripper, this is no longer an XC bike trust me, I had the opportunity to demo myself and did a review on it as well. The one thing holding the bike back was the fork I felt...
At 5'-10, 175lbs...I have only been riding Trek M/L frames for years. Perfect frame size for us dudes in between sizes! Glad you mentioned that....Top Fuel looks like a great bike! Probably my next bike....it will be interesting see where these Aggressive Cross Country bike go in the next few years.
Got a 2022 Top Fuel 7 yesterday. 5'10" as well, your video confirmed I made the right choice with a M/L! Sales guy recommended a large, but I got a M/L. I was having second thoughts if I made a mistake on sizing but now I know I'm all good!
Another great ride review. 👌 I would love it if they decided to offer those tan sidewall XR4 tires for retail sales. The XR4S seem like awesome tires in general. The bike seems nice too...😁
Great review, thanks JC. Have been thinking about replacing my MY20 Top Fuel with something a little more trail focused instead of XC. Watching you hit those rocks & features just proves to me this is the bike I want.
Hey JC. I ride a ‘21 Stumpjumper expert and am looking to trade into a carbon Top Fuel 9.8. I know you’ve ridden both. Basically I ride trails like you. Nothing to gnar. Insight appreciated
Love the Down Country setup on the new Top Fuel 8 but it's heavier than the Fuel EX 8 with more travel. Not sure it's place in their lineup. I currently have a 22 Fuel EX 9.7, I agree the wheel set is the weak point, not sure the Bontragers carbon are the answer either with the 9.8. Great Review!
Stumbled across this video due to me looking at purchasing a top fuel, I've watched a few other videos since but I have to wonder....you a pilot or mechanic for JetBlue? You mentioned anti-skid, and obviously wore the sweatshirt. FedEx Aircraft Mechanic here. You do a great job on your videos/reviews!
The XR4s held up surprising well here in Phoenix, AZ riding. Although my rear tire needed 2 Stans Darts to make it through it's life....it still made it. I have since replaced them with the sturdier SE4....no issues at all since! Great tires!
Finally a review from someone who I know likes the same kind of bikes I do! I was pretty much sold on the Ibis Ripley AF but now considering this bike. Any thoughts on comparing those two bikes?
Trek makes a great bike, I have a Fuel EX 7 and Stache 7. the only issue with TREK is their bikes have an issue with corrosion and they will not stand behind it even when the bike is only 9 months old. I have chosen to leave TREK for that reason.
@@usamade5943 there is corrosion on the area by the bottom bracket and also on the edges of each hole on the swing arm. Trek said they would give me a 20% break on the part (swing arm) so it would only cost $80 plus labor...great warranty. If I can find the pictures my local Trek dealer sent to them I'll post.
Good Morning. I live in Brazil, and here you can't find any review about the TOP FUEL 5. The frame is aluminum and the bike weighs 15kg. Is it worth buying a bike like this considering it's a heavy bike? If you can answer me, I would appreciate it.
Funny, even with the M/L, I'm right in between that and the M at 5'8.5 so I overlap both of those sizes according to the charts. I can't win! lol. At 5'8" and some change, think I should go with a medium?
Hey JC, follower from Brasil here. Between this bike, Orbea OIZ M30 2023, Scott Spark RC comp 2023, which one would you go for? I tested this Trek yesterday and the feeling was amazing, i was kind of disregarding due to its weight, but it did not felt heavy and the feeling riding it was greeat. Anyway, i'm stuck beteeen these options.
That M/L size is a gem. I'm in the same boat you are size wise, I'd bought a 2022 FEX8 in a L last year because it's all that was available (came from a 2007 C'Dale Rush), and while I really like the EX it has always been just a little big for me. LBS had a Top Fuel 7 on sale a couple weeks ago in the M/L and I grabbed it. The bike is heavy, but hides it's weight pretty well considering. Really enjoying a bike that fits properly, not sure i'll keep the FEX now. So which wheels did you go with? I looked at Trek's carbon set and they only save like 200 grams.
I was trying to say that the geo of the bike allows me to be centered in it . This gives me the confidence in turns and hitting other features (allows me to weight both wheels easily) I guess I could of said that. The actual weight of the bike is rear bias, which is further exaggerated by the super light SID fork.
@@jctrails I had the feeling that’s what you were saying but I wasn’t sure. Geometry I understand. Balanced gets confusing to me. Balanced means proper weight distribution. Geometry means you’re in the right position. To me anyway. Wtf do I know though. I’m just some old school trail builder with no hair and too many pets
@@jctrails XL, I'm 6'2" tall with a 35.5" inseam, finding bikes is hard... I have a bike, my comment was more that although manufacturers are promoting new models they are still had to come by.
Thank you for NOT reviewing the $9k version! You the man!
Great review and spot on about sizing. I'm also 5'10", smack in the middle of the height curve, you'd think that manufacturers would wanna cater to us, but no! At least Trek has seen the light with the ML sizing.
Hey guys, stay tuned for a comparison video to other short travel bikes. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
Interested to hear how it compares climbing and descending compared to Ibis Ripley, Regular Specialized StumpJumper, Epic Evo, and SC TB4.
@@robertmarkus7007 stay tuned 😁
I really like your vids and was laughing when you said how controlled then you are immediately yelling from almost crashing. Then you said how great the tires are but feel like you might puncture at any moment. Later you said why would you need any more travel right before going off a drop and the fork is screeching for mercy!! Too funny like it was planned.
@@andymtb3212your the only one to catch it 😎
I actually do like the tires, plenty of grip and have a nice supple ride quality. They just seem prone to flats (thin casing)
Can’t wait for a comparison with the specialized epic Evo
I just got a 2022 Top Fuel 9.7 the other day. Still getting my legs back under me after about 10 years out of the saddle. Loving it so far. Those trails you are riding look awesome. You handled them like a champ.
Building up a yt izzo this weekend. Excited to jump on the short travel 29er bandwagon! Great review on the top fuel.
Thanks! It’s definitely one of my favorite categories in the Mtb world.
Great looking bike and review. XR4's are great tires. I'm a big fan of them too.
The new Top Fuel is a really interesting bike.
Just got mine! This is a sick bike ! Greetings from Brazil!
I just picked up this exact build top fuel in part due to your video, and this thing absolutely rips up NE trails! It's basically the perfect bike for out here.
It’s plenty of bike for most New England trail riding.
@@jctrails One thing I just noticed is that you have the SID Select fork but my bike, as well as everywhere else I see online, has just the "SID". The difference being that the Select uses the Charger damper, and the base SID uses the Rush damper. How did you end up with the SID Select?
I'm glad to see all my trek influencing is paying off... JC come to the dark side! Mwa hahaha! Seriously though so good right? I ordered a frame right away after demoing. I think the 130mm grip 2 fox 34 will be the perfect match for that bike as well. I bottomed the sid out quite easily as well. Great review!
You are an influencer😜
@@jctrails I try my best!
would it though? 130mm would change geo ever so slightly ...too close to fuel ex and too far from intended purpose of that bike. If only we could mount 130mm without changing seat tube angle
@@Drogos79 Yep absolutely. In fact the 9.9 XTR is spec'd with a 130mm fox 34. In low that would give a 65.5 HA and a 75.5 seat angle and in high would be 65.9 HA and 75.9 SA. So, just about perfect for an all around trail ripper, this is no longer an XC bike trust me, I had the opportunity to demo myself and did a review on it as well. The one thing holding the bike back was the fork I felt...
@@Projectnortheast volume spacers?
Nice work on that trail , love the pup too 🔥
At 5'-10, 175lbs...I have only been riding Trek M/L frames for years. Perfect frame size for us dudes in between sizes! Glad you mentioned that....Top Fuel looks like a great bike! Probably my next bike....it will be interesting see where these Aggressive Cross Country bike go in the next few years.
Agreed I was always in between sizes on most other bike brands
It’s so nice to have a bike fit right out of the box.
I will get mine TF 8 (XL) in 2-3 weeks, glad to hear you like it!
Just need a trail dog now!
Thx for a good review
regards from Sweden
Your going to love it. It’s a fast, fun, capable trail weapon.
Great review...awesome riding...but just love your dog.
Nice bike, great looking track and what a fantastic way to take the dog for a walk.
I'd be afraid of landing on the dog after those jumps.
Got a 2022 Top Fuel 7 yesterday. 5'10" as well, your video confirmed I made the right choice with a M/L! Sales guy recommended a large, but I got a M/L. I was having second thoughts if I made a mistake on sizing but now I know I'm all good!
Even Trek website tells you that ML is your size
I am 5’11. Would you recommend still a M/L to me?
@@JensEser Sorry I can't say, I've never been 5'11"
@@kevinking1750 I measured my height again and was surprised to see that I am actually only 5’9! - Guess that’s it to go for a M/L instead of Large.
update? SID still holding up? any bushings play as so many reported?
Another great ride review. 👌 I would love it if they decided to offer those tan sidewall XR4 tires for retail sales. The XR4S seem like awesome tires in general. The bike seems nice too...😁
I’m sure they will soon offer them on the Trek website. 🤞🏻
Great review, thanks JC. Have been thinking about replacing my MY20 Top Fuel with something a little more trail focused instead of XC. Watching you hit those rocks & features just proves to me this is the bike I want.
The new Top Fuel is super capable for a ST bike.
Hey JC. I ride a ‘21 Stumpjumper expert and am looking to trade into a carbon Top Fuel 9.8. I know you’ve ridden both. Basically I ride trails like you. Nothing to gnar. Insight appreciated
Trail Dog is like "quit your blabbin' and let's go"
as a solo rider,
i really need that
dog.
Love the Down Country setup on the new Top Fuel 8 but it's heavier than the Fuel EX 8 with more travel. Not sure it's place in their lineup. I currently have a 22 Fuel EX 9.7, I agree the wheel set is the weak point, not sure the Bontragers carbon are the answer either with the 9.8. Great Review!
How do you like the 9.7 mine is on the way!
Professional review and a trail dog, nice.
11:30 I had no idea the Dwayne Johnson the Rock himself makes Bike Reviews 😁
Add a MegNeg to the Deluxe. Did that to my 9.8 and I’m loving it.
Nice review as usual !! I wanna se you riding the Ripley AF.
Me too😬
@@jctrails that's a bike I'd like to try as well!
Stumbled across this video due to me looking at purchasing a top fuel, I've watched a few other videos since but I have to wonder....you a pilot or mechanic for JetBlue? You mentioned anti-skid, and obviously wore the sweatshirt. FedEx Aircraft Mechanic here. You do a great job on your videos/reviews!
I just went into my local TREK shop today, to check out this bike... How would you rate its climbing ability?
XR4 has been my go to tire for years. Weight vs traction is hard to beat. Although they seem thin, I’ve never destroyed one here in New England.
The XR4s held up surprising well here in Phoenix, AZ riding. Although my rear tire needed 2 Stans Darts to make it through it's life....it still made it. I have since replaced them with the sturdier SE4....no issues at all since! Great tires!
Finally a review from someone who I know likes the same kind of bikes I do! I was pretty much sold on the Ibis Ripley AF but now considering this bike. Any thoughts on comparing those two bikes?
Stay tuned for a future video where I will compare the Top Fuel to other short travel rippers
Epic evo or this??
Epic evo 4 life
Where did you get those tires? Didnt know that Bontrager made tan walled tires
They came with the bike.
Nice review! Hey, what glasses are you wearing in this video?
Nice bike!
Which trail were you riding?
Sweet ride! 🤘
Thanks
Does the 120 travel seem ok for you? Not too little of travel?
Trek makes a great bike, I have a Fuel EX 7 and Stache 7. the only issue with TREK is their bikes have an issue with corrosion and they will not stand behind it even when the bike is only 9 months old. I have chosen to leave TREK for that reason.
Just curious. Which parts do you say have a problem with corrosion and how so?
@@usamade5943 there is corrosion on the area by the bottom bracket and also on the edges of each hole on the swing arm. Trek said they would give me a 20% break on the part (swing arm) so it would only cost $80 plus labor...great warranty. If I can find the pictures my local Trek dealer sent to them I'll post.
@@SteveJanney Thanks for the reply.
Good Morning. I live in Brazil, and here you can't find any review about the TOP FUEL 5. The frame is aluminum and the bike weighs 15kg. Is it worth buying a bike like this considering it's a heavy bike?
If you can answer me, I would appreciate it.
Funny, even with the M/L, I'm right in between that and the M at 5'8.5 so I overlap both of those sizes according to the charts. I can't win! lol.
At 5'8" and some change, think I should go with a medium?
Hey JC, follower from Brasil here. Between this bike, Orbea OIZ M30 2023, Scott Spark RC comp 2023, which one would you go for? I tested this Trek yesterday and the feeling was amazing, i was kind of disregarding due to its weight, but it did not felt heavy and the feeling riding it was greeat. Anyway, i'm stuck beteeen these options.
I’m cross shopping g this be the Epic Evo. What’s your Pick in CF?
Where are you riding in this video?
Have you tried the Niner Jet 9?
I’ve tried the older one.
That M/L size is a gem. I'm in the same boat you are size wise, I'd bought a 2022 FEX8 in a L last year because it's all that was available (came from a 2007 C'Dale Rush), and while I really like the EX it has always been just a little big for me. LBS had a Top Fuel 7 on sale a couple weeks ago in the M/L and I grabbed it. The bike is heavy, but hides it's weight pretty well considering. Really enjoying a bike that fits properly, not sure i'll keep the FEX now.
So which wheels did you go with? I looked at Trek's carbon set and they only save like 200 grams.
How tall are you?
@@JensEser 5'11"
Awesome bike! I test rode this and the fuel. Went for the fuel though.
I need to get my hands on the fuel.
@@jctrails Yup Their both awesome bikes
this vs. stumpy carbon on climbs and flow?
Nice review. Blue Hills?
Pinehills
can you convert the fork to a 100mm?
Can you help me? I am 5-5 tall and I am in the S and M range, which one do I choose? 😢
Medium and put a short stem on it
What park is that ? thank you
I am 5’10 and between M/L and L. Currently tending to a L. - How tall are you?
He's 5’10” with a 31 inseam
Are you riding at Vietnam?
Is this trail in Massachusetts?
This bike or Yeti SB100 ?
how tall are you? im looking for my first mountain bike and sm 6ft tall with a 31/32 inseam
5’10” with a 31 inseam. Sounds like a size large would be a good fit for you.
Slightly less slack Tallboy? Will watch for the head to head video
Stay tuned
where are you riding @?
Can I use this bike 4 trails?
Yes
What do you mean about the weight when you say it's "rare bias" I don't know if that's a good or bad thing ha ha
What does “well balanced” mean?
I was trying to say that the geo of the bike allows me to be centered in it . This gives me the confidence in turns and hitting other features (allows me to weight both wheels easily) I guess I could of said that. The actual weight of the bike is rear bias, which is further exaggerated by the super light SID fork.
@@jctrails I had the feeling that’s what you were saying but I wasn’t sure. Geometry I understand. Balanced gets confusing to me. Balanced means proper weight distribution. Geometry means you’re in the right position. To me anyway. Wtf do I know though. I’m just some old school trail builder with no hair and too many pets
@@robertcahill9942 haha 😂
Nice bike I have this bike small size..
"Currently not available" I guess only influencers get bikes now.
What size are you looking for?
@@jctrails XL, I'm 6'2" tall with a 35.5" inseam, finding bikes is hard... I have a bike, my comment was more that although manufacturers are promoting new models they are still had to come by.
as a solo rider,
i really need that
dog.