NEW BIKE DAY! | Custom 2022 Trek Top Fuel | The Ultimate Short travel bike!

[@Andrewflk]

I also did a 9.7 after getting tired of waiting for a frame. Had to drive 4 hours to get it back in April. Parted out the stock parts and built towards the XC side with a Fox 34 SC, 1300g rims, XTR/Race Face drivetrain…25 1/2 lbs with down country tires and pedals. Came from a ‘20 Signal Peak which was a solid bike but find the TF faster, more capable and a better fit for my 5’11” 165lbs frame (size large). Overall loving the TF and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Congrats on yours and thanks for your reviews and content.

[@jctrails]

I bet your bike rips up single track!

[@danieldamico3177]

I picked up a Top Fuel 9.7 from Bike Barn this week because of your positive reviews.

[@jctrails]

I hope your enjoying the ride.

[@daviddhanesar5859]

Just ordered this Today and will have it in 2 weeks, same size M/L...Was torn between the Top Fuel 8 in that nice blue but for a few take out meals more decided to go with the Carbon 9.7 in that Matte Black. Thanks for the vid, definitely swayed my decision!

[@kingrat738]

Sic looking whip 🤘 "Let's go front to back"... proceeds to go all over the place 😁 luv it 👌

[@jctrails]

🤘

[@oklahotb3217]

I built my TF more towards the xc side as that favors my trails. I went with the Fox Factory 34 Step cast for the fork and kept with factory DPS that came with the frame. It's a very spirited riding bike. Very quick and efficient and has become my go to bike for the majority of my riding. The only place it gets sketchy is hitting rock gardens at speed. The step cast is too flexy for me at 200 lbs riding weight. If it were going to be my only bike, I'd get a beefier fork to swap in for those times it would be called for. Other than that, it really is a great bike.

[@jctrails]

I want to try a xc setup top fuel. I bet it’s a blast to ride in tight single track.

[@jonthesailorman]

Would be in for a Top Fuel/Fuel EX comparison at some point. Love my TF, would be cool to see an update on what you’ve done to it in the last 6 months.

[@tiagoweyne6661]

Comparing with the Epic evo, what would you go? I believe you are changing from trail bikes to downcountry bikes lately, can you talk about it as well?

[@jctrails]

For an all round bike. I would go with the TP it climbs just a little better than Epic Evo and descends with more confidence. For rolling single track though the epic evo takes the cake. It’s geo feels really comfortable for long pedals.

[@shawneggers4484]

Sweet ride JC! Need help. Riding a ‘21 Stumpjumper Expert but want a little more quickness. Is it worth swapping out to a 9.8 Top Fuel?….. I know you’ve had the chance to ride both. From your videos, we are about the same build and aggressiveness with pretty similar trails. Really appreciate the insight

[@walterwalter1092]

Great build. This spec is the future of mountain biking! I want to do similar stuff to my Spur at some point.

[@walterkasper467]

Did the xr4 tires have good grip. Compared to dhr2 and dissector Thanks for the great videos

[@skinny8019]

XR4 are supple and excellent traction......i have them on two bikes....front and back.....side walls on the softer side...lightweight...big fan of them....i replaced maxxis rekons.

[@nathanrasmussen4604]

I am interested in your impressions on the differences between the 9.7 and the 8. I am in the market for something like this and wondering if it is worth the wait for the 9.7 to be in stock or not.

[@core-i7413]

The 8 is so heavy that it'd make more sense buying an enduro, the 9.7 is a good weight

[@pcdude2394]

New bike day is like Christmas and bday combined together for any cyclist enthusiasts. I am still riding my Santa Cruz Superlight. Forked out my cash for the new gravel bike instead of a new trail bike a few months back so I can do road ring during wet season. But great review on that sick looking Trek .

[@jctrails]

Thanks Duc Ly!

[@shwndh]

I got the same color 9.7 as well. Nice upgrades. Only one I'm questioning is the 2 pot xt brakes over the 4 pot SLX. I'm 215lbs and these are the first brakes I've not needed to upgrade right out off the rack. They work incredible.

[@ireddie]

Hey question about your bike. I was demoing one in the parking lot today. I’m a 250 pounder Have you been bottoming yours out much? Did you have any volume spacers? Would you buy it again? I was strongly considering the Delano peak for this

[@nicholashines7686]

How does it compare to the Ripley? So far that has been my fav as far as the short travel.

[@jctrails]

These bikes are so similar. I still think the Ripley climbs better than the TF but the TF descends with more confidence. I use to upset the Ripley pretty quickly once the speeds picked up, I even put a Super Deluxe on it to try to calm it down a bit, but that didn’t work. Put it this way I wouldn’t sell the Ripley to buy a TF. Only if your between sizes like me then maybe I would consider it.

[@clintondavies8098]

Great review the best looking bike aesthetically how does it compare to the stumpjumper? 🤔

[@FM-mk3si]

@@jctrails The medium Ripley geometry appears similar to the Top Fuel M/L. Have you tried the Medium Ripley? I am eyeing one down and like you at 5’10 I am in between on a lot of bikes. Great Reviews!

[@mtbmonkey]

Great looking bike. Love the skin wall tires.

[@hobokenarts]

Wow-you got the same model I did-good choice-looks awesome! I love mine but your upgrades surpass mine. To compliment the bronze trek decal I put a bronze carbon deity speedway handlebar, a brown leather Cromag trail master saddle, race face cash money pedals, and nukeproof horizon grips on. Down the road will get some carbon hoops and a 130mm travel fork. I’m about a half inch taller than you with a long torso and went with the large. Ended up switching to the 35mm stem and it feels perfect. The 170mm dropper that came on the large was a plus-got it all the way down and fully extended just fits. Look forward to your upcoming videos! Thanks for your help in my decision to get the top fuel. Your content along with others proved to be invaluable in getting the right bike for my NJ trails. Cheers!

[@jctrails]

Yeah very fortunate to get this Top Fuel in todays market. Sounds like your bike is already looking sweet. I’m glad I could help in tour decision with the T. P.

[@hobokenarts]

@@jctrails LOL-only traveled 3hrs away to PA to grab it back in February! Well worth it!!

[@colter7300]

Bike looks awesome! that new drop between the trees is hugeeeee, never seen anyone hit it

[@jctrails]

I want to hit it but with my big bike

[@colter7300]

@@jctrails at 0:26 right? that's downhill bike size 😂

[@silverfox0072]

Sweet Whip! 🤙🏼 Can you provide links to the fork and shock you bought?

[@Tomek01981]

Did you have to make any changes to the delux ultimate ?

[@mutleyadamsracing2684]

Compared to the latest Kona Hei Hei? I have one and love it. So many comps in this genre to look at!

[@mr.d7429]

I have always been a Scott bikes guy! My last bike is a 2022 Scott Genius 920. I need a short travel trail bike and this top fuel 9.7 seems to fit the bill quite nicely. I’m not a big fan of Scott’s new breed with rear hidden shock and cables going through inside of stem and head set. That said, I think I’m just afraid of losing the ability of locking both suspensions easily with the twin locks, do you think it will be a big deal not having that technology on the 9.7?

[@jctrails]

This top fuel pedals so well that it doesn’t need the remote lock out. The suspension does move under pedaling but just enough to provide traction.

[@rlane4osu199]

At 5'8.5" do you think I'd be okay on a Medium? Found a good deal on a frame but it's only a medium left.

[@ignaciosevil2157]

Im considering this bike, would you get this or the gen 2 Supercaliber? or Fuel ex? You didnt want the carbon wheels? thank you

[@wildman9364]

nice short travel build man! I am going to pike route for my hardtail build as well instead of the sid or lyrik. Cheers

[@jctrails]

Great trail fork!

[@SoilworkZA01]

Have 99% the same bike. Mine started as a 9.8XT. Fitted a Bikeyoke Revive dropper and a 130mm Pike Ultimate. It is a proper trail ripper. Considering the Super Deluxe upgrade as well

[@jctrails]

If you ride the TP hard you’ll like the super deluxe on it.

[@rbrock2928]

Is the TF playful and poppy? Got a Fuel Ex with a real coil, and looking to add another bike to the stable that rides differently.

[@theend8911]

Where do you buy your kickstand??

[@scottflowers8601]

Just bought this frame and putting together a XT/XTR build. I want to add on the RS RCT ultimate shock, did u have to have the shock tuned specifically for this bike or was it good to go at just the correct size? Thanks

[@clintondavies8098]

Great review the best looking bike aesthetically how does it compare to the stumpjumper not sure which one to buy? 🤔

[@RideTheSpiral11]

Where did you get the Trek t-shirt?

[@ireddie]

I love all your videos. I’m strongly considering the Delano peak but have thrown my leg over 9.7 top fuel as well and I think that is awesome. I will only have one bike I’m in Florida I ride Alafaya & Balm Boyette . What are your thoughts. I’m coming off of it sell 726 inch Gary fisher full suspension. Either of these will be amazing. Primarily looking for the New geometry to give me confidence going down things that are above my pay grade. But I do pedal quite a bit what are your thoughts? I wish you had that new trick fuel ex to ride and review

[@jctrails]

What’s up thanks for your kind words! Alright you have to be honest with yourself are you going to be sending big jumps and drops or are you going to be sprinting the flats with the occasional drop and jump? The Delano is a fantastic bike but does not pedal as well as the top fuel, you can get pretty rowdy on the top fuel especially with a 130mm air spring in the fork. I would personally go with the Top fuel for Alafaya type trails. I do have the new fuel ex and it’s a pretty stout and heavy bike but pedals really well, better than the Delano.

[@scottflowers8601]

Was able to install a 180mm oneup v2 dropper in mine. Much better than the 150mm

[@MoselleMemories]

Hi Friend, does that fork lock out?

[@jctrails]

Not a full lock out but very stiff

[@bexo34]

I don't know anyone who has more new bike days than you do!! LOL Will you keep this one for a bit?

[@IsrafilGuseinov]

Hi, can you recommend this bike for a newbee with a big weight(115kg/250lbs)? I’m looking for a comfortable bike for all day riding(not aggressive style), thanks!

[@harjaikalkal]

Witch cycle best between topfuel 9.9 t type vs giant antheem pro 1 29

[@justinmarkel1604]

Great looking bike. I’m torn between this and the epic evo. Would you have any input between the two? Keep it up!

[@jctrails]

If you want a more of a trail bike feel go with the Top Fuel, it’s a bit more capable thru technical sections. The Evo feels like a very capable xc bike, light, fast and nimble handling.

[@hotdealwire]

Which of your bikes is your favorite for technical, rocky climbs? I have a 2021 Evo S-Works, it climbs better than my Trance 29 and the other older XC bikes that I have ridden. I haven't tried any of the newer geometry XC bikes. I'm curious about the Top Fuel and Rocky Mountain Element. If the Evo and Top Fuel were built up to the same weight and same wheelbase would the Top Fuel really be a better climber in tech? I don't really care about pedaling efficiency - I know I don't like the way the Ripmo climbs for example - it firms up too much while pedaling - I value being able to sprint up a rock garden with comfort and traction.

[@jctrails]

The Top fuel has better traction thru the technical bits. The epic evo flex stays although very efficient don’t really move all that much during slow tech. I prefer the TP

[@hotdealwire]

@@jctrails doh! My bad, I meant stumpjumper Evo, my current do-everything bike is a 2021 SJ Evo s-works. I'm wondering if there are any benefits to a shorter travel bike beyond weight and pedal efficiency.

[@durcell123]

So, all those upgrades why didn't you just go with 9.8?

[@jimmansi9046]

That’s exactly what I did & it’s perfect in stock form, this guy probably has $10,000 into this bike which is insane

[@romand123]

Would love a comparison between the TF and the short travel Stumpy. Even thought there’s a difference between travel, somehow I feel like the Stumpy takes the win for both efficiency and capability but maybe I’m wrong?!

[@jctrails]

The TP has the better pedaling platform. The M/L geo of the TP allows me to ride the bike a bit more aggressive than the M stumpy. The L stumpy is just too big for me especially being a mid travel trail bike.

[@likeris2]

what frame size?

[@steves8644]

Is it a lot better in climbs than the Tallboy? Or are they pretty similar?

[@jctrails]

The TF feels more energetic in the climbs. The TB has such a stout frame it feels like your on a mid travel bike

[@likeris2]

my dream bike

[@louispastore7301]

Absolutely ZERO chance that bike weighs "27lbs with pedals". The wheelset is also far closer to 1500grs than 1400grs. I own a XL 9.7 TF (XL frame might weigh 50-70grs more than M/L max) also and did the exact same thing to it, great minds think alike! 😀 The frame, h/s & fork are only stock pieces left and I extended the fork to 130. Each piece hand picked for weight, strength and durability. Divine SL 125 post, RF Turbine R "kash money" stem, OneUp riser, G2 RSC brakes with Galfer Shark 180 rotors and ti bolts everywhere, XX1 crank w/AB oval, Kogel ceramic bb, XX1 AXS der with Kogel ceramic pulleys and ti bolts, AXS shift pod with ti bolts, XX1 copper 10-52 stack, XX1 black chain (copper was just too much) and '23 Bontrager Kovee Pro hooos....1385grs on my scale with rim tape and Peaty's bronze valves, Schwalbe Wicked Will Super Trail 2.4 skinwall rubber. With the cage on the bike and HT T1 pedals, the exact spec'd bike above weighs 26.88lbs. This is the perfect "wheelhouse" bike for what I ride 85% of the time. Probably my 7th or 8th Trek and absolute favorite so far. Nice job on your build, highly recommend going to 130 on the fork, the .5deg slacker h/a feels great.

[@smeekteek]

I can't find the video of this bike on the trail to save my life. ???

[@francmeister420]

slx cranks on a top level bike... bike industry is destroying itself.

[@laxplaysu91]

is this david goggins? sweet looking bike!

[@jctrails]

This is David speaking! Stop watching KZbin and ride your bike now!😁

[@laxplaysu91]

@@jctrails 😂😂 YESSIR! I just got over covid so I’m itching to ride.

[@eprohoda]

stunning ~ see ou on my side-:)

[@Montblanc1986]

Tini tiny chainring

[@jctrails]

It’s the stock one. I’m going to try an absolute black oval one.

[@mwild7777]

Ha! I can't wait to see if you find a better bike than this one.

[@jctrails]

I’m looking 👀. It’s going to be tough.

[@khodges2]

So wait you bought the bike & changed everything on it? Why didn’t you just buy another bike? Bro WTF!!

[@todd727300]

He explained. He just wanted to buy a frame, but it wasn't available. List price on this bike is about $700 more than just the frame. If he got a discount from Bike Barn, then it really wasn't that bad. He can also sell all the components if wanted, and pretty much be even. Trek doesn't spec a bike the way he built it.

[@bikedude019]

Never buy Trek… they are badly designed bikes using special rear suspension shock which cannot be replaced with after market ones. The carbon bike pivot has bearings pressfit in the frame which make the bike cracky sounds after 30 to 50 hours of riding and subject to frame failure. Bontrager parts are flimsy and fragile. They fail often. Service/Warranty!? what do you expect…? its biking industry, poor! Unless you are connected.

[@LastAphelion]

I come from Trek country. Still riding a Trek 3700 26" rigid, my uncle rocks the Rail, the Trek service center is a short drive away... but when I wanted to finally buy a new top end bike Trek made me vomit when I compared them to other brands, they charge as much as other big names, but give you the WORST low spec parts for the same price. You might as well buy any of the other premium pricey brands most of them actually give you the better spec parts in the higher range. ~Same priced Slash vs TR Sentinel you actually get performance elite level shock and fork, real trail rims and tires and TRP DHR Evo brakes on the Sent! Not sure how GX compares to SLX though.

[@ninemilliondollars]

I have the 1999 National Championship Trek 6500 hardtail I bought in 2021 and it has 39,000+ miles on it. No frame problems, no wheel problems. Wore out the seat and drivetrain so both were replaced. Overall, the bike has lasted very well.

[@cellphonenut]

It’s amazing actually disappointing that a company like Trek that has unlimited computer capabilities decided to introduce a frame storage system that is obsolete by five years the day that it came out I think this reveals how Trek could care less about their customers and really just wants to make money very sad I don’t care how good this bike rides when you cut a hole in the frame for storage you need to make sure it works

[@troycarpenter3675]

You sound like you have an axe to grind dude. Of course they want to make money. Don't you? I suppose you work for free huh? The last thing the mtb community needs is to turn into a bunch of snobs like the road side. Check yourself brother.