Trek Top Fuel 9.8 tech talk round

Is Trek's brand new Top Fuel a long travel, lockout equipped race bike or a lightweight trail raver. Or it both? Here's the tech talk round to back up the 120km of heatwave hell and back at the Bristol Bikefest Steve Worland memorial race edit that's already online.
This video is sponsored by Trek to cover costs but as per usual it's a totally honest, unscripted, uncensored review live from the trail based on over 20 years of pro bike testing experience.
Thanks to Gore, Giro and Sweet Protection for the kit worn while racing and thanks most of all to Steve Worland. The 'John Peel' of mountain biking and an incredible pioneer, mentor, inspiration and much missed friend.
This one is for Steve, Jo and Holly.

[@acetrike]

Awesome review! I just ordered my Top Fuel 9.8. My local shop owner brought his TF 9.9 and a Salsa Horsethief to a local single track for me to ride. I loved the liveliness of the Trek and compared to my older superfly 100, it was a great middle ground of trail and XC. The Horsethief murdered any downhill but wasn't as inspiring to ride over the whole course. At the end of the day I felt like the Top Fuel was a great balance between trail and speed for a guy who wants to mostly get rad on the trails with his buds and occasionally race it.

[@robintranter2794]

Love this video and review Guy, keep watching it again and again while waiting for my 9.8 to arrive 15 sep, fingers crossed!

[@paulmingo2142]

Great review Great bike I love riding my Top fuel 9.8

[@nirbeitav]

Hi Guy, I love your reviews, the new xc-trail hybrid bike trend is super exciting and I wonder what do you think about the Orbea Oiz in its TR version, there are no quality reviews on them online, thanks

[@devincook3278]

Wow... now that was a review. Thank you!

[@spiral99able]

Great Review as usual Guy. As a trail/race bike, which do you prefer? This or the blur CC TR. Both are stiff and fast. Im concerned about the pedal kickback you talk about re the vpp but you say its an intoxicating feeling. Im a full on peddler and like climbs just as much as decending. I currently ride a 2019 topfuel with 110 fox factory sc 34. And a 2018 fuel ex 9.8 before that. Im torn Guy.. Any feedback would help me overcome my current bought of bikitis.

[@AKIRAYANA]

Great review, excellent detail.

[@GuyKesTV]

Fugazi thanks mate 👍🏻

[@gfeucht]

Have you had any times where you wished you could tighten the rear suspension with the normal shock switch to control bob and leave the fork open? I imagine on some bumpy climbs you'd want something in between open and dual lockout.

[@francoisreyneke6267]

Thanks for the review Guy. Appreciate it

[@TheBikeRoom]

Superb review, thanks for your channel. Fastest trail bike was my son's fuel ex, got nicked so he replaced with a Trek Remedy which is great for trails and even Bike Park Wales but he misses that acceleration. On a side note, I did a test on my Rocky Mountain 150mm (Fox 34 FIT) 27.5 and fitted my Fox 34 140mm 29er up front. Made a difference; faster with PR's, easier to manual and hop and didn't stall on technical square-edged chunk on climbs as the 27.5 wheel does. Would you consider reviewing 27.5 bikes that could take the 29er upfront? I read a couple of long term testers from a certain magazine this month have put or talked about fitting a 29er up front, one is on a GT Force? But, I'd love to hear it from you if it's something or nothing.

[@GuyKesTV]

Yeah it's becoming more common for sure, MX bikes have been at it for years after all. Nearly all the 27.5+ bikes will take a 29er too as the forks are generally the same. 27.5+ seems to be on the decline at the moment though, with 27.5 x 2.6 taking the middle ground as 29er gets stronger and stronger again. But yes, always happy to try out different options with the test bikes. Tempted to try a bigger wheel in the Whyte E-150 as the Fantic worked really well.

[@GreenTimYoung]

Hi Guy. Is that a size large? How tall are you and how did it fit? I am at the top end of the size chart for an L and right at the bottom for an XL

[@GuyKesTV]

I'm 5'11 / 180cm and the dropper was sat right onto the seat collar of the large. Reach was spot on.

[@sandymacpherson5649]

Hi, you previously reviewed the Scott Spark ( non rc version) and I'd really welcome any thoughts about the Trek top fuel vs the Spark as general use fast/ training/ trail bike. I've got a spark rc for events and wondered which would make a better riding/ still efficient, playful on descents choice between a 120mm 67 deg spark or the 115/120, 67.5 Topfuel? Cheers for any thoughts! Great channel& insightful reviews!

[@GuyKesTV]

Hi Sandy, as you say they're obviously very similar bikes. I would say the Spark has a slightly more positive pedalling feel in the open mode. There's almost certainly a new Spark about to break cover though and maybe some reveals of similar bikes from other manufacturers (we've already had Scalped and Epic) in what would have been an Olympic year. Would you be keeping the RC and adding a 'trail' bike as a second choice or are you looking for a bike that will do both?

[@Richz2]

What would a good XT/trail bike £1.5k (used) be? want a sub 13.5kg..

[@animusadvertere3371]

thanks for the reviews, very helpful

[@ryeguy0306]

Guy, do you think you could change the grips out with that twist lock?

[@mikerotchburns1622]

you can run cut back foam grips

[@NelsonsReview1]

I'm eating up all this Top Fuel 9.8 content! Thanks for your honest and insightful reviews. I'm looking forward to hearing more about that new Top Fuel. On a side note, would you mind posting links to your kit? I'm especially interested in those shoes. Thanks!

[@GuyKesTV]

I've done a quick review somewhere on the Giro Cartridge shoes that I've not posted. I'll get it online ASAP.

[@NelsonsReview1]

@@GuyKesTV A "Giro Cartridge" search comes up empty. Is that the name they go by worldwide?

[@GuyKesTV]

@@NelsonsReview1 Sorry, Giro Cylinder! Basically lightweight with a decent stiff sole (but not so stiff your feet go numb), grippy tread compound with optional toe studs but with a light lots of mesh upper. So doesn't hold your foot like a vice but lets them breathe and dry quickly and still gets the power down really well. Been using them loads since spring as they're significantly lighter and firmer than a 'trail shoe' but without being pure hard as nails/slither about race shoes. Decent prices online too: www.wiggle.co.uk/giro-cylinder-off-road-shoe/

[@NelsonsReview1]

Guy Kesteven Thanks so much! I’ll check them out.

[@miles6375]

Can you give any feedback on the harshness/compliance/ride quality the Kovee Elite 30s? Comparison to other well known wheelsets would helpful. I’m interested in getting a set but there doesn’t seem to be much info on them.

[@GuyKesTV]

Here you go Miles www.bikeperfect.com/reviews/bontrager-kovee-elite-30-review

[@asifybar7891]

Thanks Guy, Very good review. i want to get into epic races but hate to give up the fun factor of trail riding. for me it came down to 2 bikes: this one 9.8 model vs the Specialized Epic Evo Expert. what do you recommend me? Inon from Israel

[@GuyKesTV]

Asify Bar I’ve done an Epic EVO review too if you have a look. It’s the alloy one but the ride comments are basically the same.

[@tomaskn]

Threaded bb for life

[@DM-hw4cr]

Specialized wised up and went back to threaded bb. Pressfit Was the biggest mechanical issue on my older bikes. Waste of money and time, always creaking

[@stefromfortworth]

What’s your opinion on the current versions of the Remedy?

[@alessandrovigano2905]

Hello really nice review! how can you compare this new Top Fuel with the Yeti SB100 ? Thanks

[@GuyKesTV]

Thanks Alessandro. Both bikes are pretty similar in terms of geometry and travel. The Trek frame is slightly stiffer though thanks to the Knock Block front end. It gets a remote lockout to instantly firm up fork and rear shock for sprinting and smooth climbs but without the lock on it's naturally quite active and linear. In contrast the Yeti starts with a positive kick back feel under power, then softens slightly for a supportive but surprisingly impact controlled mid stroke before a final ramp up late in the stroke. That means I rarely touched the shock lock lever when riding, even when I was sprinting. The Trek has a slightly better spec for the price though, including carbon wheels which are sturdy but lighter than the DTs on the Yeti.

[@alessandrovigano2905]

@@GuyKesTV Thanks Guy! I thought on the Trek to put a 3pos fork and shock with lever, without the remote control on the handlebar, how do you see this ? Thanks once again for your help

[@gervaismartial708]

great review, how would you compare the pedaling efficiency while the shock is open, with the original Fuel EX (120 mm, 2014/2015 model)? Is ithe Top Fuel in open mode equivalent to the Fuel Ex in trail mode or firm(Reaktiv firm) mode. I have a Fuel Ex (120 mm, 2014/2015 model) and wondering if it is worth going to the newTop Fuel. Also, can you be precised on the lock out mode of the Top Fuel, is it totally locked and there is some minimal travel (30-50 mm). Thanks

[@GuyKesTV]

gervais Martial Id say it’s closer to the trail mode than firm as I always found the Reaktiv tune pretty stubborn. The lock out is ‘locked’ but the threshold is pretty light so it still moves easily if you clobber something. TBH it is very similar to the Fuel EX but I never managed to get the EX I had feeling properly quick. If most of the stuff on your current bike is fine you could get a lot of lightweight kit to load onto it for the price of a mid range TF

[@gervaismartial708]

@@GuyKesTV thanks, great input for me. I have already carbon wheels and bar on my aluminium XXL EX9. I guess I'am trying to justify an new bike :-) . with your input it seems the only reason I would go TF will be because the reach is a bit longer and I could put a shorter stem than the 110mm I have on my EX9. By the way how is the TF compare to the Santa Cruz tallboy you ride some times ago? (both pedaling in open mode and descending)

[@trey6272]

@@gervaismartial708 I would love to know this as well. Been looking at the Tallboy and Top Fuel. Can’t decide which way to go.

[@walterkasper467]

Do you think this bike would climb better than a ibis Ripley. Thanks for the great video

[@GuyKesTV]

Walter Kasper im afraid ive not ridden a recent Ripley just a Ripmo. Ibis normally pedal tight though while the Trek is relatively active without the lockout on. That means you’ll get better traction on rough terrain with the Trek, but the Ibis will feel more positive through the pedals.

[@kpmac0]

In comparison to the fuel ex 9.8 which would you prefer on a cross country trail

[@GuyKesTV]

I've not ridden the new EX, but compared to the old one which was more XC I'd still go Top Fuel for sure.

[@kpmac0]

Guy Kesteven thank u!

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Great looking bike. How would you compare this to an Intense Sniper Trail or Pivot Trail 429?

[@GuyKesTV]

Not ridden the Pivot in a while I'm afraid but should have one in soon. Compared to a Tracer not as light but WAY stiffer and a much more neutral pedalling action. Sniper has loads of pedal kickback and it's really flexy, but it sucks up big hits really well so you can still properly rip on it if you're OK with approximate rather than exact lines.

[@stephenparry-jones5608]

Hi Greg Great review and loved the straight forward down to earth style I am currently a roadie riding an endurance style bike but I am experiencing lower back issues which I have to manage rather then fix😒, I had decided on a canyon lux to start riding on local trails and the occasional trail centre, I’m no xc racer but wanted something efficient on road transfers and mile munching but I am now concerned that the Lux maybe too aggressive in terms of overall position and riding style for my back, did you find the top fuel a more comfortable and easier bike to live with than the new Lux Apologies for the long ramble but any feedback would be greatly appreciated

[@GuyKesTV]

Tbh the Canyon Neuron sounds like it would be ideal. Bit heavier than the Lux but more relaxed handling and position and still naturally very quick. what sort of trails do you have locally?

[@stephenparry-jones5608]

Thanks for your quick reply, I live in North wales and am about 4-5Miles from the clwyds and llandegla is only a 15Minute drive, I am looking for something that is efficient and not too much of chore on the roads but is still capable of a nice run on the blue and red trails of Llandegla or penmachno etc Thanks again Steve

[@GuyKesTV]

Stephen Parry-Jones Neuron is ideal for Clywds and blue/red. If you lived somewhere rubbish I’d have maybe suggested a Supercaliber but again the position is pretty aggressive in position and feel. There’s a lighter Neuron SLX too but it’s speedy.

[@GuyKesTV]

Stephen Parry-Jones kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3uteWadrq-cncU

[@stephenparry-jones5608]

Guy Kesteven Will definitely take a look on the Canyon site and your review, you wouldn’t consider the top fuel? Is it a similar aggressive position as the Lux, basically I am looking for a true all rounder that can do trail centres but also epic 4-6Hour rides across natural trails. I am not someone who who is very rapid on technical descents but love the flowy single track

[@mc540flip]

I heard they’re bringing the Super Caliber back. Nice review Guy.

[@GuyKesTV]

Michael Clark yep that’s what the World Cup riders are using. It’s got a shock and sliding shoe mechanism under the top tube and weighs under 9kg. If you check Jesper’s post below there’s a link to pictures of the bits they’re still hiding on the team bikes.

[@mc540flip]

Guy Kesteven cool thanks

[@paulmingo2142]

I love riding mr top fuel 9.8.

[@Freefighter1979]

XL?

[@GuyKesTV]

That's a large

[@stephenparry-jones5608]

Sorry Guy... (Greg bloody auto correction!!!!!)

[@Jeppelelle]

No one knows whats under the "sock" on the Super Caliber? A ton of people do, there is a ton of pictures of the bike on the internet without the "sock: happyride.se/forum/read.php/1/3582779/3590976#msg-3590976 So it's a sock + softtail

[@GuyKesTV]

Jesper Andersson thanks for the link, I’d have got into trouble for posting that as I have to keep to the official embargo dates 😜

[@gweflj]

Always be wary of reviews where the bike has the dropper collar slammed. The chances of that being a sub optimal height to allow an oh so fashionable, sized up/long reach number are very high. That said I would love to see how light one of these could end up as it’s a perfect BC XC race bike as it sounds like it has the essential small bump compliance.

[@GuyKesTV]

JCL yep very true in most cases but the Trek comes with a monster long 170mm stroke post. Weird bit of spec TBH. Have you watched the live ride race review that goes with the talk round? It’s not the BC but it was an 8 hour singletrack blast in brutal heat and it was great.

[@gweflj]

@@GuyKesTV All I was saying Guy is that it's really weird/lucky that that slammed post ends up being your correct seat height. Sure you weren't over extending your pedalling stroke? Anyway I did watch your other vid. I think your reviews are bloody good actually. You actually get geo, sizing and knimatics which is more than most!