2022 Trek Top Fuel Review: Same Name, Different Bike | 2021 Fall Field Test

[@ODOTGreen]

As a flatlander not far from Trek's HQ in Wisconsin, I'm smitten with how my new 9.7 Top Fuel handled the Pisgah National Forest in South Carolina. It was my first time in that region and the Top Fuel climbed as good as any XC bike i've ridden and that slack front end just chewed up all the tech I could throw at it. Coming from the midwest I can't justify a huge burly bike and this rig really has the capability I need for both riding local and also adventuring around the USA. Great review guys, helped me with my decision.

[@mylesmackey2430]

One of my favorite elements of this channel that I hope never changes is the bickering that goes on between Henry and Levy. Always makes me chuckle

[@4091740]

I've been running 2 piston XTs on my Top Fuel with LOTS of downhill shreddin' with no issues whatsoever at 155lbs. LOVE my XTs.

[@senglebe]

Loving these latest few reviews. You guys always do such a great job, keep knocking it out of the park!

[@Superteastain]

I've got the last model and I'm going to upgrade for sure. Where I live the trails are good but it's not Whistler. The Top Fuel really enables me to get the most fun out of the available topo and trail types.

[@Wulesh]

How do you have that much money! i can barely afford a £200 bike

[@theadventuregamer6693]

@@Wulesh get a job?

[@liwx]

one of the smartest thing pink bike ever does in year 2020 or 2019 is they took henry into the team.... just by hearing how henry words and phrases and sounds... it takes the whole review into a different level

[@roilev]

how do you get the phrases out of the sounds he makes?

[@joehoeper3941]

Love Henry's take on bike reviews!

[@maginext]

I bought the Trek 9.8 axs with fox factory because of this video. I was expecting having alot of control with counter steering and such around techy trails. Well because the minolink, the shock was set up high from factory. Which numbed steering significantly, slamming the stem made a small difference in steering agility. I was about to hang my hat that this bike was not what I had dreamed of. But upon watching more reviews, I move the shock lower on the minolink, like you guys have in the video. And wow it was exactly what was missing, bike feels more direct under during counter steering, with no negative change in high speed decent stability. Very very pleased with this bike. And yes that small minolink adjustment make a drastic change in the bike's handling ability.

[@janataman9196]

Well said about the one-piece-stem-bar, Henry. Anything is changeable but the bar.. ^^

[@TheChillBison]

Love listening to Henry. Great lineup of testers all around. I look forward to these field tests every year!

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Great stuff. Love the interactions of the three of you, super easy to watch.

[@lynxg4641]

OK, second installment and it's definite, Henry is a masterful addition to the PB roster, such a practical and logical thinker who believes electronics don't belong on a bike, except for maybe a basic computer or GPS. 100% agree with Levy and Henry on the Knock Block, needs disappearing.

[@normanmommu1]

HAVE YOU BLOODY TRIED AXS???? I have both dropper and derailleur, it is GOD DAMN AMAZING. Seriously people, technology is evolving, the world around us is evolving, try to keep up with the times.

[@lynxg4641]

Yes, know several people who have it, don't want it anywhere near my bike. Cables break, easy to replace, light and cheap enough to have a good amount of spares, not so for that electronic BS, leave MTBing natural. Guessing you also probably have one of those e-motor-bikes, people tell you are just the same as regular bikes and require the same work :-\ Have a bike sitting here over a month for a client, if it was just good old fashioned SS cable, I'd have had him back up and on the bike in minutes :-\

[@GHinWI]

I have the previous top fuel with the even more restrictive knock block, and honestly, I’ve grown to like it. The thing it lets you do is trim the cables nice and tight so the clutter in front of the bar is reduced.

[@jakeotto13]

@@lynxg4641 You sound like one of those "threaded headset til I die" junkies that discounted John Rader's incredible contribution to the cycling world haha! In all seriousness, both camps have a credible claim to "the best groupset tech", XTR vs AXS specifically! Mech "just works" and is easy to fix, but electronic certainly has a foothold on simplicity, smoothness, and precision in this day and age.

[@DB-sd3cw]

Unreal D riding

[@TheeStig1]

Awesome! I should have mine in less than a week. So excited to try it out. I will be doing XC marathon styles races on it as well. A negative degree stem with lighter wheels and tires, and I am sure it will do great.

[@marshallhughes4514]

Well how did it turn out?

[@Nico-bv6hi]

@@marshallhughes4514 curious too

[@MellowBellow_]

Crashed the bike on a recon ride.

[@silas5483]

I love mine. I have the ‘21 model at the 9.7 spec level and it rips up and down. Definitely a trail bike though. Not even close to an XC bike anymore it looks like.

[@cat_glove]

Well done Henry on your new job. Glad to see you've landed on your feet.

[@kyleslater5245]

Yeah good to see him on KZbin again.

[@clothshorse]

So good to see you guys face to face again

[@martinsero685]

Bravo Bravissimo to both Pinkbike Dreamteam and Trek. Just perfect.

[@jonathangodfrey1]

Love Henry’s start to the video 😂

[@Outdawrzman]

I have one on order, It arrives in March. I can't wait !! Kelowna BC

[@jakeotto13]

@Mr Toad Last I checked on Dex we're looking at 300 days lead time on a P1 Top Fuel

[@chimps4gimps]

Great review. Really pleased that Henry has found himself a great fit with Pinkbike 👊🏼

[@roilev]

I don't know if it is an coincidence, but since he moved here, I started watching hbmn more and PinkBike less

[@chimps4gimps]

@@roilev GMBN have upped their game I think lately. A lot of variety in content for sure and I’d say a lot more content in general.

[@snbsmtb]

Great video Pinkbike!! That was a great bike!! And love all the numbers here!!

[@CR-di1lg]

Had mine for a while. This review is spot on. Great job and it’s fun to watch too 👌🏻

[@youling1997]

Waiting on the Blur TR review. I just really like that 3 bottle cage mounts. I cannot stand any "country" bike that has less than 2 mounts.

[@lazylearner967]

Fantastic reviews Gents! And the music at the end of this one is dope!

[@grahampye2314]

I'm surprised by the weight comments. This is a light bike, especially considering how capable it is. Pivot Trail 429 in Pro XT build is 29 lbs (and also a 120/130 bike)... and awesome, so a bit surprised about the weight comments.

[@EpicEvolution]

Just check Transition Spur, that's the way to go for DC

[@AndrewGehn]

Looks like the Fuel EX next year is getting upped to 140 mm travel with a 150 mm Lyrik or 36 at this rate! This top fuel is very similar to the Fuel EX of a few years ago now. Seems like the Remedy is going to get the mullet treatment next year too seeing how much brands are switching their 27.5 bikes to mullet.

[@MrMaxx._.]

Maybe this is worst nightmare of many people, but I need to say this 150 mm bike is something I miss in Treks Lineup, and also a mullet Remedy would be awesome

[@TwoHeadsBrewing]

I hope I'm wrong, but I think Trek is going to can the Remedy. They already bumped up the Fuel EX to 140mm and the Slash comes in at 160mm, so is a 150mm "tweener" bike really needed? I'm a proud owner of the 2017 Remedy 8 and a new Fuel EX 9.7 and the lines are getting pretty blurry between the models. The new Fuel EX climbs better than the Remedy and descends almost as well.

[@TheDiablosix6six]

The fuel ex comes with a 36 when u go for a carbon model...I have the 9.8 and it has a fox 36 performance and it's great!!

[@TwoHeadsBrewing]

@@TheDiablosix6six Same! Very happy with the F36 Performance.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Fuel EX went to 130/140 this year, same travel is the regular Stumpy. Trek really could use an all mountain bike and I agree that a mullet Remedy might be the ticket there.

[@letour32rr]

About to throw the rear shock from a 2022 Trek Top Fuel 5 on my 2014 Trek Fuel EX8 to replace the DRCV rear shock currently on it. The Fox Float with DRCV is great at keeping the rear end planted, but it also bobs like crazy and is the antithesis of “poppy”. They both are 185x50 trunnion rear shocks, so hoping this will breath new life into the nearly decade old Fuel EX8.

[@curtydbikes]

Did you try yet? It doesn't fit. I have the same bikes and tried this two weeks ago. The trunnion is too wide to fit in the old bikes linkage. To bring new life to the DRCV, cleaned the inside, new seals, new pillow pack oil. Feels great!

[@mtbmonkey]

I have mine on order. Can’t wait! Super informative review.

[@f1hotrod527]

Trek always has the coolest paint schemes as well. I really like Specialized to, but they rarely have cool paint.

[@PsychopathyInArabic]

Actually the damn logos are what preventing me from buying this brand

[@jpauldion]

This new Fuel is nice, but not for 7K! I ended up building a new carbon Fuel EX frame (2017 model) last year with a Fox 140 factory fork, DSP2 rear shock (136mm) and LinePro 30 carbon wheels. Also a Bike Yolk set at 150mm, 12 speed XT and Magura MT7 brakes. I built the bike myself for around $3500 - all new parts! Very similar geo as this new Fuel but 1/2 the price!

[@lewis4175]

Great review

[@williamkerley383]

Been riding a hard tail Stumpy since 2005. Just ordered a 2022 9.7 Top Fuel based on the review. Hope I like the upgrade.

[@johnmorrison8351]

I took a Top Fuel out on a Trek demo day back in 2010 and it was mind blowing! Climbed like a stabbed rat and was great on groomed trail center jumps. I was extremely impressed. I managed to wreck a wheel, but it was a 9.9 and that was the early days of 29er a where the wheels were generally flimsy junk. Would love to try a modern Top Fuel

[@CCWclassic]

Stabbed rat lol

[@ryanfeagan]

The 2010 Top Fuel had 26" wheels.

[@XNick291X]

I'm glad to see Henry has improved his presenting skills a lot more since the GMBN days!

[@roilev]

It was hard not no improve from the rock bottom he was. But there is still a long way for him to go to make his point audible and somewhat comprehensible by the public

[@raimundozuninomaomed8032]

Two Mikes in a video + Henry = bussiness, whatever the topic is about

[@AC-9883]

The irony of Kaz calling Henry “Mr sunshine and rainbows” with stormiest of stormy faces...

[@C_J_Edit_z]

Man trek is not my favorite but that bike is hard not to love!!! Great video 👍 love it 😍

[@matt-g-recovers]

So weird seeing Henry at Pinkbike...then a Top Fuel that's slacker than my Fuel EX...

[@seanchase2997]

*Looked at a lot of options for getting my **Latest.Bike** . Great find in SAVA. Super light, nice components, really good value as it comes with many options only found in much higher priced bikes.*

[@huntermcpherson8399]

I love how the sponsor is Bontrager, not Trek lol

[@Bellevue_hc]

Hahaha

[@core-i7413]

Top Fuel is an amazing bike, I ride it on really rough trails chasing down right behind enduro and DH racers, the XR tyres have good grip, the bike is stable and sturdy so you can throw it around without fear of breaking it (I buckled the wheels a little but it's barely anything and who doesn't?) feels good riding and yeah, amazing bike imo.

[@Blake953]

Thanks for the personal review. Just curious, did you go carbon or aluminum frame? I am looking at the Top Fuel 8 aluminum.

[@core-i7413]

@@Blake953 Carbon, if you're planning to get the aluminum version then you may as well go with an enduro bike because the aluminum Top Fuel weighs 14.8 kg, which is almost as heavy as the Slash 8

[@cvdavis]

There were no Top Fuels available so I got myself a 2022 Santa Cruz TR and would love to ride these back to back to see how they compared. I watched their comparison video but nothing like trying it for yourself.

[@jaymueller2418]

Send me the Santa Cruz and buy yourself a Trek. Happy to help.

[@janpesek4862]

Damn, I tested both Top Fuel and Fuel Ex earlier this year and while I was impressed by Top Fuel climbing ability, I decided to go for Fuel Ex. I co not think I would be able to buy 2022 Top Fuel model as it was released later than Fuel Ex so it does not matter much but this review saw a tiny bit of doubt to my choice. Anyway, Im a happy rider of 2022 Fuel Ex 9.8 GX with nearly 500km on it while I got it at the end of September.

[@ianiscaratti4924]

the new topfuel is like the slash when you compare geo

[@GFClocked]

Great content. The only gripe I have with trek are the prices. Just can't get myself to spend 7 grand for the cheapest sid comp. Got my fingers crossed the lux trail will get good words from you guys as I've pretty much got an order and just want your blessing.

[@kevinclark9176]

I’m betting that Lux Trail will be a quick bike for XC without being a race bike, but give up some on the downs. Great value. Me, I’m curious on that Rocky Mountain Element.

[@rogerthompson2005]

Great review, but you didnt talk much about the wheels, which carbon wheels were on it? Happy with them? thanks,

[@literallyanythingelseother]

I got this bike last year, got the base model. I immediately swapped out the wheels to get something a lil smaller and have been working to remove all of the downhill parts of the bike since i just ride xc mostly. Wish the mono link could change the geo a bit more but other than that its pretty good. A lil slack for sure but if eats up everything even with how i have it setup. Can currently get the same shocks as this test bike on sale for like 800 total too

[@mahennaiker5072]

So between the Giant Trance n Trek Which is the best From the review looks like Trek is the winner

[@LRS7B]

*10:12* I thought it was common consensus that the *AXS* was lighter than traditional setup.. *?* 🤔🤔

[@garydecker3281]

XT over AXS always!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have the Fuel EX 9.8XT. The drive train is awesome!

[@arneilson4450]

Really leaning towards ordering one of these, throwing on a 130 fork and putting it in high setting. With the 130 and in high setting the geo is the same as 120 in low setting but you get more travel and higher bottom bracket. Then throw it in low for rowdier descents.

[@Wds__99]

Yup was thinking the same thing. Win win

[@ianiscaratti4924]

ordered one last week. Delivery is Nov 2022

[@ianiscaratti4924]

Mr Toad p1 is bs there is no choice in handlebar, brake, bottombracket, crank etc. the colour is the only thing. How is this custom?

[@donutbarbell]

Came for the reviews, stayed for Quinny

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

I hit Like again for Henry

[@campbellclark3458]

Henry is the best

[@sergeantmtb]

I feel like you guys keep skimming geo a little too briefly. This Trek and the RM in particular seem to have made the biggest leap away from XC/DC towards Trail. Does that slack HTA make it a pig etc?

[@Salvotation]

They described it as sharp and precise. Not qualities of a pig.

[@sergeantmtb]

@@Salvotation I get that, but I am more specifically thinking of the tight stuff. It looked pretty precise and supportive in the fast stuff as you'd expect with the trail bike geo.

[@trevortremaine8468]

So, which of Trek's bikes - the Top Fuel or the Fuel EX is a better all-rounder in your opinion?

[@bitumen83]

Fuel Ex, no question about it. I have fuel ex 8 XT for 2020. Great bike for 80% or riding scenarious.

[@TwoHeadsBrewing]

As always, it depends on where you ride and what that terrain is like. If you frequently smash through rock gardens or need a bike capable of the odd bike park run, then Fuel EX all the way. For long miles of cross country track with a limited amount of rocky features and want to do an XC race or three, then go Top Fuel. The Top Fuel really still is a purpose-built race bike, just now with better descending capabilities.

[@mopedvieh]

No word about the obvious strokes on the chainstay? The paint has nearly been fully removed.

[@reenierkendrickdelosreyes9264]

How is this compared to the Transition Spur or YT Izzo?

[@fips1992]

Is it possible to mount a shock lockout with internal cable routing? Without a lockout there is no chance to ride this bike at marathon/xc races 🙃

[@jamescourier1545]

That's why an XC oriented version with lockouts should be available

[@isaaccarlson8549]

…. Maybe give it a couple months. Sram… may… have something… in the works?

[@isaaccarlson8549]

Maybe similar to some other system they came out with recently?

[@TheeStig1]

Not currently possible. I am having a frameset built up and will be running a lockout on the fork, but it is not possible to run it on the rear.

[@MrBig617]

That was a good review

[@jamescourier1545]

I think it's dumb that Trek abandoned the lockout on this model. Maybe they could offer a more XC oriented version with 120mm fork & dual lockout lever. I can dream, can't I?

[@TheeStig1]

I had the 20 year model top fuel and got the 22 frameset. I am having the fork transferred from my old top fuel and with it the remote lock out. It can't have the rear shock with remote lock out but it seems like that won't be needed often at all.

[@ashwinvandenaarssen3019]

Will they sell those bars separately? Looks so good!

[@cameronrobertson9518]

Yup. It’s called the rsl handlebar

[@JogBird]

i bought a 2020 top fuel 9.8 xt in nov 2019, right before it hit, now the 2022 top fuel 9.8 xt is $1600 CDN more than what i paid 2 years ago

[@Assimilator702]

That’s an insane price jump for 2 model years. I still love my Trek Fuel SLR.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

Even my Trek Marlin 7, which I paid $800 for last year, is almost $1,100 now.

[@Assimilator702]

@@wvjeepguy8178 That’s a good deal you got on that bike. I bought all 2021 parts for my Trek Liquid frame that I never built up. The state of the world forced my hand if I wanted a new bike without spending $5000. I must have spent close to $1000 on the parts. I couldn’t bring myself to trash it even though some people are of the opinion that a frame from 2005 is only suited for the land fill. Now tapered head tubes and frames that accept 27.5” wheels and tapered forks are part of my dreams at night.

[@MaQuGo119]

I would like to hear Henry talk about why he thinks it's not wrong, also pls upload 60 FPS

[@Fast_Flow_MTB]

I'll stick with the 2021 and keep the remote lockout feature. Not sure why they dropped it.

[@Alex-sh7qw]

cause it’s more of a short traveled trail bike and not an xc bike

[@Fast_Flow_MTB]

@@Alex-sh7qw doesn't matter what category its in, people race with down country bikes & ride trails with them, either way its a great feature with absolutely no downside, so why get rid of it?

[@jerryporter4898]

Well definitely on my list of bikes very interested in how would you say it would respond with a 130 mm front suspension, which is an option?

[@bencourter5333]

It would end up making it 0.5 degrees steeper, stack slightly higher, and reach a little bit shorter. Would say if you want a little more travel then go with the Fuel ex but it def would handle a 130mm fork.

[@jerryporter4898]

@@bencourter5333 Well the only reason I was asking about the 130 front fork been seeing a lot of other manufacturers going with a 130/120 combination the Rocky Mountain Element and the Giant Trance. I’ve been suffering with a Specialized Epic and definitely don’t want to go through that again.

[@bencourter5333]

@@jerryporter4898 def get that lol. Almost all bikes can accept a fork up to 20mm more travel.

[@mseekles1972]

@@bencourter5333 I thought that upgrading to a longer travel fork would make the head tube slacker, not steeper

[@ItsMorbinTime03]

Henry I love your ASMR voice

[@lukedoesnotlie]

But is it better than a Spur!?

[@86309]

You only need the knock block if the levers or fork crown hit the top/downtube….

[@GHinWI]

It also lets you trim the cables nice and short.

[@86309]

@@GHinWI I never though about that, true statement!

[@mtnbikerva1]

PIVOT TRAIL 429 is 120mm rear travel also. Why is it not in the comparison?

[@whitm8823]

Cant wait for the blur tr!!

[@shwndh]

@9:22 what is going on with RS and the bushings?

[@86309]

Deep thoughts by Henry.

[@ianiscaratti4924]

why is the xtr version coming with 130/120 when all the other options come with 120/120?

[@gabrielmarias972]

On chunky and gnarly stuff treck or Spur? Thx!

[@jonjones7705]

Hi, great video! How would it compare to the ibis ripley af (for the downhill only)?

[@mateuszjarszak8962]

Interested as well.

[@SoilworkZA01]

Hope to be getting a 9.8 XT soon. Seems I've made a decent choice. Would like to know how it compares to a Spur though

[@macdaddy1617]

I’m looking at the Spur and this bike. Trails by me are more cross country, but would love a bike that I can take to a more extreme area.

[@likeris2]

why not GX?

[@SoilworkZA01]

@@likeris2 Trek only supplying the XT model locally, also cause Henry says that is the one

[@TechTusiast]

Unfortunately many models with different materials, specs and whatnot are sold under same name, so these reviews only apply, if you happen to consider the one specific model of all the models sold under same name.

[@yamahschector]

Reminds me of my 14 slash. I am needing a demo day to see what bike would be best for me a new slash or new fuel

[@campbellclark3458]

Mike Levy I weigh 95kg so the extra weight is much needed extra strength in this case. That's why I ride the Remedy

[@johndoh8162]

SID still experiencing bushing play? This fork came out last year and continues to have this problem....Rock Shox please fix this!!!!

[@bartomiejbak4836]

in my scott spark 2022 there was "bushing play" from new. I returned it for warranty and to this day have not received it back they told me to wait 3 months in aspire. I had to buy a new one because I participate in marathons, and can't imagine life without a bike. BUT I noticed that there is also a slight play in the new rock shox sid ultimate, it is only noticeable when the bike is standing still but it is there

[@raygoring6423]

Currently trying to choose between a 2023 top fuel 8 or canyon neuron. Any opinions or tips?

[@yolandadell6561]

The Top Fuel Ive been looking at doesn't have a remote shock lockout. Is that really a big deal?

[@likeris2]

what better this or epic evo?

[@joakim4243]

What is the "Rocky" your talking about? What bike is that?

[@86309]

How are you guys getting the Wicked Will tires? They aren’t even on Schwalbes website.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

9:20 Ah yes, the "bushing play" in the SID fork. When the hell is RockShox going to recall the SID fork due to this design flaw?

[@caiowen7383]

You should do a review on the calibre sentry or calibre sentry pro

[@graemecrichton5858]

Do they not sell large tables in Canada?

[@williammorris6097]

Dare not say anything about hacksawing the bars.. Trek might take offense and cut your access to test bikes hehe. Levy you looked mortified when he said that.

[@gazg00]

Lovely!!!😀

[@antone9751]

Trek, don’t listed to the Schmuck on the left 😉….love my knock block! No handlebar should be allowed to hit the top tube. It’s a design fault!

[@mikerotchburns1622]

wish this had a remote lockout

[@JogBird]

the prior gen actually used a sram twist dual lock bar end to lock out the front and back... this new gen is def a trail bike

[@mikerotchburns1622]

@@JogBird yeah i have the previous gen. i wish it carried over, i use it all the time.

[@BinManSays87]

Boys I know I'm a bit late to this one but I picked up a fuel ex 9.8 GX a few weeks back (it was cheap on black Friday) and I'm fairly happy with it but I'm already looking at what I'd like to change, personally I'd love to know if I can ditch the re:aktiv tune in the shock (mainly because I can't find what they've done to the stock shock or how to get the best out of it) I've already found a new internal for the fork for more adjustment that I'm getting for when my fork goes in for a service as I'm getting vibration white hand symptoms from the lack of high speed adjustment (I believe)

[@EZYNetTech]

How does this bike compare to the Specialized Epic EVO?

[@nl3712]

This is what we’d like to know!

[@singletrackmania1]

Top Fuel or Epic Evo?

[@nl3712]

This!

[@ZYenergons]

IF there is chance please do a review on Giant reign SX 29 2022!

[@kennethwang1666]

How does this bike compare to the new Santa Cruz tallboy?

[@SNS1212]

Just checked Canadian availability with my local dealer... Looks like late October 2022 to Trek and early January 2023 to me...

[@mrvwbug4423]

I wonder how this bike would do with a 130mm Pike up front