Trek Top Fuel or Fuel EX. Which is best for you and why?

[@jimmansi9046]

I’m 60 & have a 2021 Top Fuel 9.8, best bike I’ve ever ridden, comfortable, unbelievable handling & fast, awesome bike!

[@GuyKesTV]

Right on!

[@davidbea3711]

im 68 & placing my top fuel order next month... looks like will have to fly to florida trek bikeshop to purchase & bring back on plane or maybe i will just ship from florida to my house in Puerto Rico

[@jimmansi9046]

@@davidbea3711David, just wondering if you ever got your Top Fuel?

[@parsnips800]

Great video. One thing I like is Trek have shown you don't need huge amounts of travel to have a reasonably capable bike. Some manufacturers (and mtb'ers) are obsessed with MOAR TRAVEL suspension when 90% of trail riding just doesn't need it.

[@downundermtb4744]

My fuel ex back wheel had a fault from new.Trek gave my a new Elite Carbon back wheel,only catch I had to purchase the front at a discount.I haven’t looked back now,running 2.4 front and rear tyres.This has changed the bike and how it feels under me.Love it. 👍

[@tretindiepedalevieletausendMal]

Seems like Trek has big Quality issues. Same by me. Both Rims are dead on arrival. They did a rythmic crackling sound. It was a welding failure.

[@tubemaster1205]

Excellent comparison . Trek Top fuel is the way for me and thanks to u i made my choice. Still wait for IBIS RIPLEY AF video and a comparison with Trek . Best channel. Keep up Guy . Thank u.

[@parashorea]

Went for Fuel EX 8 in the end...the pedalling efficiency and better components win

[@michaelmichaelagnew8503]

The new Trek Fuel EX gen 6 took it to the next level. Trek made a bike that can compete with the best as an all around trail bike. Does everything pretty well.

[@shwndh]

The 2022 Top Fuel is the perfect XC bike for clydesdales. Burley and fast.

[@michaelwoodward5787]

Grabbed up a Top Fuel 7 and I'm loving it!

[@joekindred7901]

This is what happens when brands stagger their new model launches. I will eat my hat if Trek do not release a new version of the fuel ex for 2023 with 10mm more travel front and rear, obligatory longer lower slacker geometry, knock block 2.0, and internal frame storage on alloy models.

[@GuyKesTV]

TBF, Covid has screwed with a lot of people’s schedules, but I’m sure you’re right on this one.

[@nikitazaycev8636]

Well i just buy the bare frame for 500 bucks and then install the components of choice. Its hilarious how they give bikes different naming, despite them featuring nearly identical frames. And trunnion... oh gosh, i just replace that with a standard mount shock.

[@Mandrakegnome]

I just saw this comment and thought - oh hey, they did!

[@cooper_patto]

There is already a significant difference, no point adding more travel because the trek remedy is already 150mm rear travel so no point have two mid travel bikes

[@davidhaim4151]

@@GuyKesTV Hello Wich bike you think better the fuel ex 7 or top fuel 7 ? Thanks

[@patrikmoller3643]

Thanks for a great review, I'm looking at getting back to mtb after a 20yr brake and these two bikes are two of the bikes I look at, probably more the Top Fuel but both are interesting

[@TriqxterRB]

The ex8 will be a perfect succesor to my marlin 8 with the colors

[@viralvideopromotion]

I had a 2021 Fuel EX and got rid of it and have been kicking myself ever since, but after seeing your comparison, I'm leaning towards a Top Fuel now.

[@jimmansi9046]

I have a 2021 Top Fuel 9.8 & it’s amazing, if you get one, trust me, you’ll love it

[@Biking_with_Akiva]

Cheers 🍻 great info what confusing naming Ive been looking at the wrong model

[@TonyOldskool]

Thinking on getting the Fuel Ex in that exact color, it's half price just now...

[@95lewisjones]

How would you compare the Top Fuel to the new gen 6 Fuel Ex?

[@ecomicro]

gen 6 is heavier and more expensive. gen 5 is closer to the top fuel geometry wise

[@parashorea]

Still don't know which one to get

[@christopherharmon9336]

Great review! Thanks!

[@davidbea3711]

im 68 & placing my top fuel order next month... looks like will have to fly to florida trek bikeshop to purchase & bring back on plane or maybe i will just ship from florida to my house in Puerto Rico

[@GuyKesTV]

Hope that doesn't cost too much David. Have a blast on the bike anyway

[@allenjanes5976]

Thanks. You do nice work

[@rockdblock1034]

Very helpful and honest. Thank you. 👍🏽🤘🏽✌🏽

[@GuyKesTV]

My pleasure!

[@mseekles1972]

Nice video, again. Maybe I missed it but did you put the SE4 tire in the back of the TF? I thought it came with XR4 front and rear.

[@GuyKesTV]

Well spotted! Yes it should have XR4 both ends but I put a big hole in the rear one so the Demo crew swapped it for an SE4 as that was the only spare they had.

[@hobokenarts]

Nice review! Yes, the differences are subtle but important. Top Fuel is updated and Fuel Ex is not...looking forward to see what they do to it for 2023! BTW-please remove or decrease your logo at top-super distracting and just looks unprofessional...a tiny version in lower right corner will do the trick. 😉

[@GuyKesTV]

Don’t worry, that logo is only on the Wheelbase sponsored videos. Normally it’s just a quick Giro banner at start and finish.

[@hobokenarts]

@@GuyKesTV Worry abated! Thanks!!

[@olivermyles7257]

So i am moving from my hardtail cannondale trail 6 after 8 years. I mostly hit trails in north wales with some xc. 5,6 42 comfortable on reds and some black torn between top fuel and fuel and which gen or whyte t 140 29er ?

[@GuyKesTV]

Ey up Oliver, if you want an efficient climber that charges on descents then I’d say Top Fuel. But if you wait 11 hours there’ll potentially be a new option on your list 🤣

[@BladeBarn]

so which bike would you take to a bike park? Looking at a TF 9.7 or the EX version for a one bike do it all but will be doing tons of climbing

[@GuyKesTV]

How big are you going at the bike park? That SID fork isn’t designed to take full on slam landings on a regular basis

[@BladeBarn]

@@GuyKesTV 20-30ft jumps, no hard hits tho, im a smooth low impact rider. Have had many Scalpels and have a 22 epic evo right now that im selling. just retired from racing motocross so id like a MTB thats more downhill capable than the epic evo but not such a fat slug going up hills/xc use like a 150mm bike so thinking top fuel would be one setup up in that regard or going to the ex 9.7/stumpjumper would fit the bill?

[@GuyKesTV]

@@BladeBarn top fuel sounds perfect. Someone with your skill will really appreciate how good the suspension is and how gripped it feels on the ground. Love an epic Evo but they can get a bit sketchy in the frame if you really push them.

[@jaymueller2418]

@@BladeBarn put a megneg aircan on the Delixe and maybe swap the SID for a pike. The SID is not a big hit fork.

[@kristoff_fc]

je viens d'acquérir le top fuel 8 2022 de cette couleur...! pour moi qui suis novice c'est un régal 😍

[@kaluginden]

I have fuel ex 9.8 2019 now and it is almost same as top fuel 2022/3 in terms of geo, parts, weight etc... 😀

[@GuyKesTV]

I bet not in price though, so you’re definitely winning there

[@kaluginden]

@@GuyKesTV you are right i have got it for 5k as new bike a year ago.

[@ThisGuyRides]

Top Fuel frame looks like it doesn't need the Knock Block anymore

[@lordgibbness]

It doesn't, but it stops your brake lights getting ripped out and leaking fluid

[@bisikleta1015]

I think the website kilos does not include the pedals?

[@GuyKesTV]

Nobody puts the pedals on for website weights. Trek just changed the numbers to sound better.

[@aaronkerth1171]

I was hoping you could give your opinion between the New Carbon Top Fuel vs New Stumpjumper.. looking for a snappy rowdy trail bike.. was thinking of going Top Fuel and increasing the front fork to 130mm or putting a Pike 130mm... your reviews doesn't sound like the Stumpjumper isn't so snappy when you put the watts down?

[@GuyKesTV]

If you want snap and rowdy you definitely want the Top Fuel not the Stumpy 👍🏻 Fork upgrade could be fun but don’t underestimate SID!

[@aaronkerth1171]

@@GuyKesTV awesome, thank you for the quick reply.. keep up the great reviews, very helpful... safe riding from Arizona US.

[@GuyKesTV]

@@aaronkerth1171 ride safe too, those Sedona cactus are prickly and I broke a toe on South Mountain about 20 years ago!

[@aaronkerth1171]

@@GuyKesTV Yes, those cactus have zero forgiveness and S Mtn can be equally dangerous and damaging ha.. there are many great fun trails in AZ, avoid the summer time but from November to April this place is hard to beat.. would love to hook up if you make your way here again.

[@GuyKesTV]

@@aaronkerth1171 yeah that’s why Manitou and Trek always used to do their early season product testing down there and they’d sometimes invite us out. Last Sedona trip was Santa Cruz a few years back but I’ll definitely jump at the chance if anyone offers again

[@yunato]

Hello, I am 166cm girl. Size S or M will be good for me? I have Trek Dualsport M and is good but now I want to buy an extra bike for trails.

[@core-i7413]

Trek has sizing on their website that you can check out, but you should fit best on a size medium

[@MW-ud8zp]

very interesting

[@davidhaim4151]

Hello I don't know what to buy what you say about top fuel 7 or fuel ex 7 ? Thanks

[@GuyKesTV]

Sorry for delay in replying David, for the riding you describe I'd say Top Fuel

[@clintondavies8098]

Great review how do they compare to stumpjumpe? 🤔

[@GuyKesTV]

In theory the Fuel EX should be very close to Stumpjumper but I've only ridden the carbon Stumpy and I'm not a massive fan of that. I should have an alloy one on test very shortly though. That has proper pivots so hopefully it'll ride better than the flex stay bike which I could never get set up right (there's a long term/final verdict video somewhere on my channel if you go looking)

[@Tomek01981]

Top Fuel I am 183 cm tall ,leg length 82 cm . is size M/L right for me?

[@GuyKesTV]

I'm 180cm and can ride either M/L or L comfortable so you should be good on M or M/L depending on whether you want a compact bike or a longer reach.

[@davidgeiger8620]

Ähmmmm,I think Nukeproof Reactor 😂

[@MrFrescocotone]

The fuel is an amazing bine, no need to buy thr EX

[@marksandoval5361]

The Top Fuel is an excellent Downcountry bike but it is over-weight. The similar Transition Spur weighs much less. The Fuel EX is a mediocre outdated Trailbike. Something like the Ibis Ripmo or or Specialized Stumpjumper Evo which have more travel and more progressive geo just make more sense as great do it all Trailbikes.

[@mseekles1972]

12,5kg for the carbon version is still pretty good

[@marksandoval5361]

@@mseekles1972 Beware of Treks claimed weight for the Top Fuel. I've weighed a TF myself and I've also seen some weighed on reviews and they all weigh about 2 pounds more than the claimed weight. Buyer beware.

[@mseekles1972]

@@marksandoval5361 thanks for the “warning”, I got 4 bikes from Trek at the moment including Supercaliber 9.8 and Rail (also X caliber). And a Top Fuel 9.8 ETA next month. I am not that concerned about that potential one or two pound difference from their claimed weight, not with Trek and not with other manufacturers. It doesn’t take away from the fun I am having riding them. Al factors equal I think the actual weight is pretty close to the claimed weight on the website, size M, tubeless and without pedals. I contacted some YT reviewers on their opinion on the TF8 and none of them found the weight of the bike taking away from the fun of riding the bike.

[@hobokenarts]

Yeah, Trek is burlier than the Spur but with the weight you get that added strength, internal storage, larger diameter seatpost, internally routed brake cable, and a properly designed area under the rear shock for water, oil, and debris to run off. The ABP in the rear may also add weight but does work. I actually think Trek took most of their cues with this iteration from the Spur...the only real difference in geometry is the lower stack height of the Trek...which does keep the front end down when climbing. The forward pivot also does a great job of minimizing peddlebob....100% antisquat baby!

[@wvjeepguy8178]

My feelings are that Trek is mostly behind the times on everything they put out. There are just so many better deals out there in any given price range, even on the low end. It's hard to believe that we are in a time where a Schwinn from Walmart has better upgrade options than a Trek Marlin that costs over twice as much.

[@jbloggs4161]

A schwinn from Walmart sucks though, a marlin 8 is not horrible to ride

[@rossimessi1]

Less is more.