Assuming you are a 70kg rider, 12 vs 14kg bike makes almost no difference when riding a 15% gradient uphill. 2,5% total system weight difference, multiplied by 0,15 because of the gradient. That means it’s going to be 0,375% harder to pedal than a bike with the same capabilities and -2kg weight. You can certainly measure it on a race, but I think bike weight is just a number that’s heavily overrated. Especially off road, where other factors like tire grip and rider’s technical skills matter so much more. In conclusion, I’d take this one over a 12kg sketchy downcountry-labelled XC bike any day.
It's a wonderful bike, quite unique in the market, and if one wants a lighter package, should get the carbon one with lighter tires. It's expensive? Sure, like basically any other top brand ones!
I'd ya had to pick 1 bike of the 2 ,the 2019 full stashe 8 or the 2022 top fuel 8 what 1 would be best for every day woods ride ,light trails ,small jumps and drops. maybe some technical trails....MAYBE..
@@MTB_Derbyshire so I saw how much fun ya had on the full stashe 8, when you rode the full stashe you sounded like a kid loosing his virginity 🤤. So having the option to buy 1 I was going to jump on it till I was offered the 2022 top fuel 8 .. so I went and watched your video about that bike top fuel 8 and again it looked like a great bike, so now because of your enthusiasm and excitement of both bikes ITS OFFICIALLY YOUR FAULT THAT I'm all confused as to what bike to pick .. so ADVICE ON BROTHER
The Top Fuel has become the 2018 Fuel EX it seems. Too heavy for serious racing but I've always found Trek's to be good, easy climbers. They seem to hide their weight well.
There’s actually a comparison video between current TF and EX coming very soon, but basically yes that’s how it still is. If anything I think EX might still pedal better 🤷♂️
The Top Fuel is very heavy for a Downcountry bike. I weighed the $4500 carbon Top Fuel 9.7 size -XL with plastic pedals and it came in at 31.5 pounds. Not exactly light-weight!
That's why a 130/140 bike makes so much more sense. You can change your set up to make the bike fast or more capable. You really get no advantage of buying a 120mm bike.
@@johnnnewmex except that the new fuel ex that just came out is like 4-5 pounds heavier... so this bike makes sense if you're going for Trek, at least. And then there's this whole thing about better pedaling but we won't go there.
Seems very similar to what I've heard you say about Orange's full-suss bikes. By the numbers, they shouldn't really work but they are just great fun to ride.
Trying to buy 1 of the 2 bikes this week and need advise. Option 1 2019 full stashe 8, new in mint condition never on trails yet.. option 2 is the 2022 top fuel 8 xt, new never rode on the dirt..both bikes are $2500 . WHAT DO I DOO MAN WHAT BIKE
Sorry for delay Frank, TH-cam has hidden a bunch of comments until today. If you want to hit a few jumps and play around then TF. Full Stache is great fun for off piste but those big tyres can get unpredictable if you start trying to throw them round a lot.
@@GuyKesTV thanks for getting back to me . I actually found a brand new Full stache still on the racks in a store that had it sitting for 2.5 years . The guy gave me a great deal on it $2500. While I was there and saved almost half the money I was planning I also picked up a brand new 2017 stache 7 in green that he said no one wanted and that's been collecting dust. If I can figure out how to send pics on this I'll post a few ..but thanks again love your vids and advise on the bikes.
Sorry, what damper did he say is in the sid? I heard him say it's not the higher spec motion control but the motion control is an old damper replaced by the Charger right? I'm pretty sure the sid select has a charger damper. Or am I completely put of it? No way would I bother with a boat anchor weight 120mm bike when there are plenty of much lighter great riding 120mm bikes. If I am looking at 14kg bikes, it's going to be at least 150mm. Thats why I never saw the point in the Following when for the same weight you can get more travel of the same feel.
It’s a Rush RL damper which is a simple rebound adjustable, lock out lever unit. It actually works pretty well, certainly over the small stuff. I hear you about the overall weight for a 120mm bike though.
Hi Guy Thanks for you excellent review. I'm torn between the alloy Top fuel 8 and the carbon 9.7. Do you think the carbon 9.7 with Fox rhythm forks and a float dps shock would still ride as good as the alloy 8? Obviously the carbon 9.7 is a bit lighter but is also £765 more expensive. Any help would be appreciated.
@@GuyKesTV no worries, I imagine you get lots of questions asked! No, I decided to wait to see the new fuel 1st. Still steering towards the top fuel though, but will prob wait till the spring now when hopefully bikes will be a bit more readily available.
I strted with a top fuel 5 a few months ago. I’ve ridden it a few times as stock, before I installed the upgrade parts I had at home. It’s 15,5 kg in size large, so enduro territory weight wise.apart from the weight, the only real issue with the stock setup is the brake set, a shimano mt200, which is just too weak for the terrain this bike is capable of tackling even in it’s stock form. The x-fusion O2 + Rockshox recon setup is nowhere near as bad as it sounds, they did the job adequately. On most local trails, for us mere mortals, nothing more is needed. Deore drivetrain is awesome, no need for upgrades there either. All things considered, if you can tolerate the weight and can factor in a brake upgrade down the line, you can go with the 5 imho.
I would have said the old EX8 pedals better but is heavier, but the new EX pedals similar to Top Fuel and is heavier again. So now Top Fuel is the least worst climber
Just gave my new 7 a real workout and I love it!
Assuming you are a 70kg rider, 12 vs 14kg bike makes almost no difference when riding a 15% gradient uphill. 2,5% total system weight difference, multiplied by 0,15 because of the gradient. That means it’s going to be 0,375% harder to pedal than a bike with the same capabilities and -2kg weight. You can certainly measure it on a race, but I think bike weight is just a number that’s heavily overrated. Especially off road, where other factors like tire grip and rider’s technical skills matter so much more. In conclusion, I’d take this one over a 12kg sketchy downcountry-labelled XC bike any day.
Lovely!! I have the 7 and I thought that was great too!
It's a wonderful bike, quite unique in the market, and if one wants a lighter package, should get the carbon one with lighter tires.
It's expensive? Sure, like basically any other top brand ones!
Agree about the internal storage...not just on treks but any bike.
Looks to handle the rocky stiff really well. These are the type of bikes I love. 👌
I'd ya had to pick 1 bike of the 2 ,the 2019 full stashe 8 or the 2022 top fuel 8 what 1 would be best for every day woods ride ,light trails ,small jumps and drops. maybe some technical trails....MAYBE..
@@frankroder647 Why are you asking me Frank? Ask Guy 😜🤣🤣🤣
@@MTB_Derbyshire so I saw how much fun ya had on the full stashe 8, when you rode the full stashe you sounded like a kid loosing his virginity 🤤. So having the option to buy 1 I was going to jump on it till I was offered the 2022 top fuel 8 .. so I went and watched your video about that bike top fuel 8 and again it looked like a great bike, so now because of your enthusiasm and excitement of both bikes ITS OFFICIALLY YOUR FAULT THAT I'm all confused as to what bike to pick .. so ADVICE ON BROTHER
The Top Fuel has become the 2018 Fuel EX it seems.
Too heavy for serious racing but I've always found Trek's to be good, easy climbers. They seem to hide their weight well.
There’s actually a comparison video between current TF and EX coming very soon, but basically yes that’s how it still is. If anything I think EX might still pedal better 🤷♂️
Just checked the 2018 fuel ex model, and it's true! Just 130mm but its lighter (14,1kg vs 14,4kg) and 1000€ cheaper for the same equipment...
The Top Fuel is very heavy for a Downcountry bike. I weighed the $4500 carbon Top Fuel 9.7 size -XL with plastic pedals and it came in at 31.5 pounds. Not exactly light-weight!
Yes, and as a lot of that weight is in the frame you can't completely upgrade it away either 😬
That's why a 130/140 bike makes so much more sense. You can change your set up to make the bike fast or more capable. You really get no advantage of buying a 120mm bike.
@@johnnnewmex except that the new fuel ex that just came out is like 4-5 pounds heavier... so this bike makes sense if you're going for Trek, at least. And then there's this whole thing about better pedaling but we won't go there.
How do you feel in comparison with canyon neuron cf8? Almost same geometry, little more travel, but similar weight
Seems very similar to what I've heard you say about Orange's full-suss bikes. By the numbers, they shouldn't really work but they are just great fun to ride.
Trying to buy 1 of the 2 bikes this week and need advise. Option 1 2019 full stashe 8, new in mint condition never on trails yet.. option 2 is the 2022 top fuel 8 xt, new never rode on the dirt..both bikes are $2500 . WHAT DO I DOO MAN WHAT BIKE
Oh Guy , I wanted to meet the dog too.
He was a fine old dog. With an impressively mighty branch he was determined to take home 🤣
Good review! How tall are you? Thinking of getting the same size..
Glad you enjoyed it Anthony. I’m 180cm / 5’ 11” with a saddle top to bb centre height of 745mm or 29.3”
@@GuyKesTV Thanks for that info - happy trails!
Do you like the tek or the specialized epic evo better. Does the evo climb better
Thanks for the great videos
Evo is lighter and climbs better. Not as planted and confident on descents. Both very playful and enjoyable down the woods or on a big day out.
If ya had to pick 1 of 2 bikes for woods trails small jumps and casual riding .. would ya pick the full stashe 8 or the 22 top fuel 8 ? And why
Sorry for delay Frank, TH-cam has hidden a bunch of comments until today. If you want to hit a few jumps and play around then TF. Full Stache is great fun for off piste but those big tyres can get unpredictable if you start trying to throw them round a lot.
@@GuyKesTV thanks for getting back to me . I actually found a brand new Full stache still on the racks in a store that had it sitting for 2.5 years . The guy gave me a great deal on it $2500. While I was there and saved almost half the money I was planning I also picked up a brand new 2017 stache 7 in green that he said no one wanted and that's been collecting dust. If I can figure out how to send pics on this I'll post a few ..but thanks again love your vids and advise on the bikes.
Sorry, what damper did he say is in the sid? I heard him say it's not the higher spec motion control but the motion control is an old damper replaced by the Charger right?
I'm pretty sure the sid select has a charger damper.
Or am I completely put of it?
No way would I bother with a boat anchor weight 120mm bike when there are plenty of much lighter great riding 120mm bikes.
If I am looking at 14kg bikes, it's going to be at least 150mm.
Thats why I never saw the point in the Following when for the same weight you can get more travel of the same feel.
It’s a Rush RL damper which is a simple rebound adjustable, lock out lever unit. It actually works pretty well, certainly over the small stuff. I hear you about the overall weight for a 120mm bike though.
Hi Guy
Thanks for you excellent review. I'm torn between the alloy Top fuel 8 and the carbon 9.7. Do you think the carbon 9.7 with Fox rhythm forks and a float dps shock would still ride as good as the alloy 8? Obviously the carbon 9.7 is a bit lighter but is also £765 more expensive. Any help would be appreciated.
Very Sorry Rob, only just seen this. Have you bought the bike yet?
@@GuyKesTV no worries, I imagine you get lots of questions asked! No, I decided to wait to see the new fuel 1st. Still steering towards the top fuel though, but will prob wait till the spring now when hopefully bikes will be a bit more readily available.
How about a comparison with IBIS RIPLEY AF ?
That would be an awesome review.
Yes that would. I'm hoping getting more bikes from Ibis soon as they enjoyed my take on the Ripmo AF so if I can make it happen I certainly will.
@@GuyKesTV great.
Very curious which one u choose between Trek top fuel 8 or Ibis ripley AF if u get Ibis for review.
Thnak u.
I'd be curious to see if the Top Fuel 5 would fair as well as the 8, but for an intermediate rider
I strted with a top fuel 5 a few months ago. I’ve ridden it a few times as stock, before I installed the upgrade parts I had at home. It’s 15,5 kg in size large, so enduro territory weight wise.apart from the weight, the only real issue with the stock setup is the brake set, a shimano mt200, which is just too weak for the terrain this bike is capable of tackling even in it’s stock form. The x-fusion O2 + Rockshox recon setup is nowhere near as bad as it sounds, they did the job adequately. On most local trails, for us mere mortals, nothing more is needed. Deore drivetrain is awesome, no need for upgrades there either. All things considered, if you can tolerate the weight and can factor in a brake upgrade down the line, you can go with the 5 imho.
Do all trunnion shocks have bearings on them or not
Which climbs better, the Top Fuel 8 or the Fuel EX 8?
I would have said the old EX8 pedals better but is heavier, but the new EX pedals similar to Top Fuel and is heavier again. So now Top Fuel is the least worst climber
How tall are you? riding the M/L
Sorry for slow response Tyler. I'm 180cm / 5' 11" I ride with a 745mm BB axle to saddle top measurement.