All New 2022 Trek Top Fuel | Test Ride and Review | Downcountry trail ripper or XC Marathon Machine?

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Well, here it is folks. The all new totally revamped 2022 Trek Top Fuel. We took these bikes to some of our favorite trails just over the border in Woodstock Vermont and rode them hard and put them away squeaky clean. If you've been following this channel you'll know I have the 2021 version built up with a larger fork and while it's good it wasn't really everything I was looking for in a trail bike. This new top fuel sees some drastic changes over the previous version and while some will rejoice, I'm sure some will complain they liked the older version better. Which one do you like better based on the review? Let me know down in the comments and I'll try to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to support the channel and keep this content coming then please consider heading on over to patreon, picking a level of support, and signing up! Any support is greatly appreciated!
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#2022trektopfuel #trektopfuel #topfuelreview #downcountry

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16 окт 2021

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Комментарии : 125

@tomjxn 2 года назад

Love this vid dude. Totally sold on the Top Fuel! Love the red colourway too

@alex_mtb5159 2 года назад

Great review just picked up my top fuel 5 great information 👏👏👏

@celticbedou 3 месяца назад

Great review. Just received mine and look forward to summer sessions. Full excitement is there and the storage compartment is for sure a decision maker when I was looking at options. See you trail side.

@xjry 3 месяца назад

I had the 2021 TF8 and it was amazing. I never would have parted with it except I had a frame issue and ended up getting it warrantied. Instead of a new TF8, my shop had a 9.7 in the shop so I upgraded. The 2023 is honestly perfect. I love how it’s more slack but I think more efficient climbing (suspension open on both for comparison). I always said id never have a FS MTB without a full lockout, but I honestly don’t even notice. It almost feels locked on climbs. Good review, unreal bike!

@audiogarden1 Год назад

Great video. Just ordered a Top Fuel 9.7. Managed to get the last XL in the country right now. Should arrive any day and can't wait to get my hands on it.

@GANENDRAGIRI 2 года назад

Very good video, we have loved the trail, it seems very fun and long. Thanks as always for the content. Greetings from INDONESIA,.. new friend is here Mate,..😊👍

@tomportier3278 Год назад

Ordered mine yesterday, can't wait!!

@Projectnortheast Год назад

Congrats!

@Riccotorres86 2 года назад

Just sounds like you were having the time of your life ripping down that trail! Thanks for the video review

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Demoing a new bike on awesome trails always gets me excited 😊

@tubemaster1205 2 года назад

Nice review man. A comparison between this IBIS RIPLEY AF will be interesting. Can wait to see it. Ty.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Thanks man... ya I've owned a couple Ripleys over the years and multiple other Ibis bikes. I will say my experience with them was that I had to fool around with the suspension quite a bit to get it right for aggressive riding where as the trek seems not perfect but better out of the box for aggressive riding. It's been a while though and the Ripley AF would be on my short list of trail bikes to own so I'd definitely like to try the Ripley AF

@Ron-fq2sn Год назад

I’m getting mine next month, I can’t wait 🤣

@jossmernarvaez3523 Год назад

Can’t wait to get my Top Fuel 5 tomorrow 😝

@Pecan-jt6yj 2 года назад

Would love to see that comparison with the 2021 TF. Thank you!

@ericpederson6333 2 года назад

I just ordered a 9.8 XT build and I am hyped for it to come in

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Nice you won't be disappointed ... still working in getting one myself

@lee.j7077 2 года назад

Really good review!would really like to hear your opinion of the new trance 29er non live valve model if you could get your hands on one!!cheers

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Thanks! Yeah that's half the battle... getting my hands on anything to review!

@brianrichard1768 8 месяцев назад

Great vid/edit. Cool trail. I just bought the 5 and love it. Thx for settings. What position on mino link?

@Projectnortheast 8 месяцев назад

Low... always low 😉

@XCRiders 2 года назад

Wow it coasts down hills so amazing

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Yeah it's pretty stinking good!

@michaeljohncox3898 3 месяца назад

Great video and thanks for including your set up settings. I have a 2022 Top Fuel 9.8 and would like it to be a bit more plush. Would you recommend running the rear low speed compression dampening in the minus setting and reduce the high speed compression? I am not doing jumps. Just descending on trails with some chunky rocks.

@Projectnortheast 3 месяца назад

Honestly there isn't alot to do to make the top fuel "plush" feeling but yes for slow speed "plushness" I would open up the low speed compression meaning minus. High speed compression you can mess with but if you get rid of too much high speed you may end up blowing through the travel too easy. If you really wanna plush your top fuel out check out my "ultimate trailbike" video and I put a Float X piggy back shock on mine and that made it feel way more capable in chunk etc.

@michaeljohncox3898 3 месяца назад

@Projectnortheast Thanks for the quick reply. I will try the low speed compression in the minus and double check the sag is at 25%. I watched the Ultimate Trailbike video and the bike shop where I bought my Top Fuel is also called the Bike Barn in Penticton, BC. The chunky tech trail you rode is what I run into a lot on my local trails. The modifications you made show me that I can adjust the build if I need to. I will play around with the stock set up this spring. The bike is still new to me. I like the climb and the Top Fuel 9.8 is great on the climb.

@julianalbornoz6289 2 года назад

Great review! Very informative to hear opinions and comparisson to last year model. I am looking to upgrade my old aluminum 26er so any TF would be a big upgrade, but thinking to go carbon with 2022 TF9.7. Any thoughts on that configuration? 2lbs lighter than the TF8, similar drivetrain, but not sure about the Fox Rhythm fork. Is the fork upgradable? I will probably won’t be buying another bike in 3-4 years so I thinking to go carbon under $4,500. Appreciate any thoughts!

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Thanks for the feedback! So, the 9.7 is probably the best value in the line up. You get a complete build for 500 dollars above the price of the frame only price. Most of the stuff on that build is comparable to the build of the 8. The Rythym fork is ok, it still has a grip damper so it would be the equivelant of riding a 3-4 year old fox fork as that damper is a few iterations old but still a reliable fork. You may be able to upgrade the damper but honestly probably better off upgrading the fork down the road if that's the desire. It would for sure be a great bike right out of the box and if you wanted in a year or 2 of riding the bike and want to really get something out of, upgrading the fork, wheels to a light wheelset and some carbon bars would probably shave a couple pounds and give you a renewed sense of stoke on the bike to keep it for years...

@julianalbornoz6289 2 года назад

Thanks for the advice! It does look like a great value when looking at the price of just the frame. And (unfortunately) I am not a technical rider throwing big jumps, more of a XC rider that wants to push himself with small jumps here and there so I bet the Rhythm will give me what I need, at least for the next few years. Keep up the great reviews and content!

@IamSeafarer 2 года назад

Love to see companies release more on the Downcountry product model. How does it compare to other downcountry bikes you've ridden? More confidence for less efficiency or vice versa etc... ? I still want something more like 65 degree HTA and 130 fork, but they did a good job with the kit on this model!!! Seems like a sick bike.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

You could easily throw a 130 fork on there and have 65.5 which is plenty slack for a 120mm bike. I would say it's kinda in the middle extremely good pedaler but also really good going down. I did bottom the suspension out once but it was basically a 5' to flat drop

@johnpaulstez 10 месяцев назад

Thanks! I dig the NE based reviews, with terrain we ride here. Reviews from Moab are not very useful to me. Do you have an opinion on the Supercaliber? Not sure if I can get away with it in NE as an XC bike AND press it into service on gravel with a wheel change.

@Projectnortheast 10 месяцев назад

I mean it all depends on what your trying to do with the supercaliber... if your looking to race XC and do gravel then I would personally get the fastest bike I'm willing to ride, will it be fun on technical trails? Prolly not but it's meant to go fast... This top fuel is no race bike that's for sure... unless your doing marathon or aren't super concerned with being ultra competitive. But if your racing expert and above your gonna want something more suited for xc racing. With my XC racing years behind me I find myself reaching for more and more suspension as all I want to ride is expert level DH trails lol

@radektrompisch 2 года назад

Hi guys, great vid. If you compers this bike and Fuel Ex 9.7 2022 what is better for long trip? 60-80km?

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Top fuel is definitely a better long distance bike as long as it's not double black diamond terrain

@WaterFrequently 2 года назад

Great review! I have an older (2017) Fuel EX 9.9. It's interesting that the TF and the FEX have both moved 'up' in their aggressiveness. So essentially this new TF has grown into the older FEX. I love the bike I have and if I had to replace it I'd probably go with this one.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Ya I said it in the video but I feel like there is a bike missing in their line-up now.. will we see a 100mm bike from trek in the future? We shall see...

@mseekles1972 2 года назад

Briljant video! Nice to see the new Top Fuel in action. I am looking to get into (on) this bike hopefully early next year. I don’t want to go carbon as I already have a supercaliber 9.8. So I am looking at the alloy models of the 22 Top Fuel, either the 7 or the 8. Main difference seems to be in the suspension. So now I ask myself would the Top Fuel 7 be as much fun on the trails as you seem to be having with the 8 in the video? It would save me a lot as the 8 is over 20% more expensive than a 7 here in the Netherlands. Would really appreciate your advice.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Well the differences would be suspension, which the SID fork is easily upgradable on the damper on the 8. Also, the 8 comes with 4 piston brakes, slightly better drivetrain components and 35mm bars and stem. The 8 is probably the best bang for the buck as I can see and you can ride it aggressively right out of the box and have decent upgradability. The super deluxe shock on the 8 is also a really good shock. I think the 7 would be lacking in the brake department for the type of riding we were doing in this video on a regular basis. The 8, I wouldn't have any reservations about bringing it to even my local bike park for some blue or black flow jump trail laps... hope that answers your question.

@mseekles1972 2 года назад

Thanks for the advice! I will try to stretch for the 8. Looks and sounds like a great out of the box bike.

@mseekles1972 2 года назад

Contacted my local Trek dealer and they can deliver the new top fuel next month already. Wasn’t expecting that. Options are a TF8 or TF9.8XT. Basically the TF8 is a great bike but it weighs more than my 2021 Xcal7. Price difference aside I am now also really considering the carbon TF9.8XT. Any downsides to that bike over the TF8? Can’t think of to many myself.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

@@mseekles1972 I can't think of any at all I mean the 9.8 xt is spec'd really well and gets you carbon everything...

@The9880landini 2 года назад

Have you guys ridden the Rocky Mountain 2022 Element? Numbers look very close considering the 130 fork on the RM. I currently ride a 2010 Fuel EX 8 so it’s time for a new bike. It’s a toss up beaten the Fuel Top/Ex 8 or the Element. Any thoughts. Very good review by the way.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

If it were me obviously I'm a trek guy but the reviews on the element are pretty great. From what I've heard the element is a better descended but the top fuel is a better climber and not too far off on descending making it more of an all rounder. I plan on slapping a 130mm fork on my top fuel when it comes in as I think that will be the sweet spot. Not to mention in frame storage on the trek which is hard for me to go without now. Also, alot of shops have top fuels in stock right now... don't know the stock of the rocky

@LRF49 2 года назад

The fact is, most people don't need more than 130/120 nor less than 120/115. These new "downcountry" bikes that are being released by all bike manufacturers, is the bike that the vast majority of people need. I find it funny when I see people with a beast of s MTB with 150/140, yet the trails they like to hit are mostly single track or smooth going up and down.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Ya I definitely agree. But I will say when your more of a beginner rider having that extra squish can get you out of certain crash situations too though so it's not a bad thing to have more than you need. I was definitely guilty of being way over biked in my early years. Myself now... would have no problem running a top fuel down a black diamond jump trail and in fact I have and it's a hoot, like a 29" slope bike.

@laril4327 2 года назад

You mentioned the internal storage. I was under the impression that the storage is only in their carbon models, so do the aluminum models have it as well?

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Yes... this model in the video is an 8 XT which is aluminum and has the internal storage as well.

@gazg00 2 года назад

Top Fuel is tops!!

@Outdawrzman 2 года назад

You need to do a comparison between the Trek and the Transition Spur.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Man I wish I could get my hands on one. They are like sasquach everyone's heard of them but never seen one in the wild lol

@vadim9508 Год назад

where is this trail located?

@macdaddy1617 2 года назад

Yea now I’m looking at the Scott Spark.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

If your looking for something a little more race oriented then ya... I'm curious to see what Trek comes out with though... maybe a 100mm bike?

@Robin_Hood381 2 года назад

How does the bike compare to the fuel ex series?

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

It's basically a fuel ex with 10mm less rear suspension and 20mm less front. The suspension is slightly stiffer as well and climbs better. Dunno if they'll change the fuel ex or not but they are quite similar bikes now

@heyg7819 2 года назад

Jealous of this flow trail... wonderful! Purchased the Fuel EX 9.7 days before they dropped this model, unsure when this will be available. Love this travel for my local trails, the EX is bit to much bike for me although the top fuels weight is a bit heavy compared to the Ripley in carbon if comparing similar spec's models.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Not sure on availability of some models but I know some of the lower end builds are trickling in to shops already. The Ripley will be lighter to start the build based on the frame weight as it doesn't have the internal storage. Which for me... I don't think I could go back to a bike without the internal storage lol.

@heyg7819 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast what if any tube are you fitting in the frame storage? I struggled to get one to fit. I've seen the tubilto but hard to throw down $30 for a tube.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

@@heyg7819 I'm fitting a standard tube folded in 4ths ... as in stretch out fold and then fold again. I'm fitting a tube and then in another neoprene sleeve I have 2 C02s and a tire lever. The tube you kindof have to put it in diagonal and stuff downwards the other stuff I stuff upwards with some foam material so it doesn't rattle

@Drogos79 2 года назад

u have 30 days for return. trek stands out as one company that actually honors that

@heyg7819 2 года назад

@@Drogos79 I already rode a few time and cut the bars. I'm very happy with the bike. I kept my last bike for 6 years this one will be more like 3.

@ivostarmans1199 2 года назад

I have the Top Fuel 8 2021 and I realy love it.I have 2 Wheel sets one lightweight for xc and one strong for trail riding.I use it for xc racing and trail riding.Its very versatyle.The 2022 isnt usable any more for xc racing and its heavier then a Fuel ex 8 2021.I dont like that and the gap with the Supercaliber is to big .I happy with my 2021.And happy with the Recon gold. Maybe a future upgrade with a Fox 34 120mm sc or A Sid 35 120mm.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Ya I think overall the 2021 was better for XC but lets be honest it's still in the Marathon category not really a serious XC race machine like the supercaliber. Which, is why in the video I mention that I think there is a slot for a new 100mm bike in trek's line up. I said it multiple times. I don't have any inside knowledge but I think that's what people want from trek so I think you'll see that coming IMO

@ivostarmans1199 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast I dont know but the 2022 is more towards a fuel ex.I use it for Xc Marathon and with the light weight tires its also fast for local xc races.The pro's are using it also for xc Marathons and races like the Cape Epic.I dont know if they are going to use the 2022 model for it.The Top Fuel was in the past Treks xc racing machine.So I dont think it makes sense to put another model between the Top fuel and the Supercaliber.The Top Fuel is now more like Stumpjumper ST from a couple years ago.They should have made a Top fuel for xc Marathon and a plus model Top Fuel for trail riding.But I think the Fuel ex 8 2021 is also a very good bike especially for that money.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

@@ivostarmans1199 like I said I think you'll see something like a top fuel "race" bike. My point on the 2021 is that it's limited to the marathon category and not really much of a race bike outside a local sport category xc race. The 2022 is a trailbike so I think there is a gap in their lineup now

@Drogos79 2 года назад

how much was left in that fork after 2 laps? I don't think you were close to the bottom? Those new SIDs have newer debon air that supposedly removes "ghost travel", meaning fork will overall sit higher in the travel. Any thoughts on that ?

@Drogos79 2 года назад

oh...wait, now I see you did use all the travel :)

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

@@Drogos79 I'm pretty sure I did use all the travel but I mean that's kindof the point of a full suspension. It definitely is a 120mm bike and it's noticable riding it off bigger features. But, I found the fork to be pretty good for what it is and the bottoming out wasn't harsh. The rear suspension wasn't harsh either. But, was not as forgiving as say an evil following which has an insane feeling of deeper travel, but isn't nearly as snappy feeling or spritely as the trek... I may have needed to add a band or 2 to the superdeluxe if I was gonna get really aggressive with it... but pretty dang good overall stock

@markpotts4428 2 года назад

You ride a m/l how tall are you please? I'm 5' 11" so not sure on m/l or L. Also would you upgrade the fork to 130mm and if so how much difference would that really make thanks.. Really enjoyed the first ride 👍

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

I'm close to 5'10" and a M/L fits me perfect. Kindof tough to say at 5'11" where you would be as far as sizing. Best thing would be to look at the reach numbers and top tube length of your current bike (if it fits you) and compare on Trek's website. Putting a 130mm fork would slacked the head tube angle .5 degrees and would simultaneously slacken the seat tube .5 degrees. So the HA would be 65.5 and the seat tube would be 75.5ish. If you go to treks website and look at the top fuel 9.9 XTR it is actually spec'd with a 130mm fox fork and you can look at the GEO numbers. Not sure why they spec'd that one build with 130 while all the rest are 120 though...

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Also to the question of would I put a 130mm fork on, yes I would.

@markpotts4428 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast I think I would be tempted by the 9.7 with fox 34 as it could be upgraded to a 130mm if I wanted too rather than the sid which can't be increased 👍

@Happy_Biker 2 года назад

That's what my hardtail weighs! 😂

@joelharris315 Год назад

How tall are you guys? I’m 5 / 7.5. Can’t decide between the medium or medium/ large.

@Projectnortheast Год назад

I'm 5'9"

@IsaakS.Sanders 2 года назад

What do you prefer? the fuel ex 8 or top fuel 8?

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

For my local trails I like the top fuel. But that being said I also have a slash for going to the bike park, riding in the mountains, and enduro racing. If I were in the market for just 1 mountain bike to ride everything that I want to ride it might be a fuel ex. Sorry for the drawn out answer but it's a matter of having the right tool for what you wanna ride IMO... why I have 2 mountain bikes

@IsaakS.Sanders 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast I plan to just ride the trails in my area and do some xc racing so I think I will get the top fuel. Thanks for the advice.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

@@IsaakS.Sanders anytime! It's a great bike and extremely capable now and fast. If you wanted to do some enduro riding occasionally I'd say maybe jump up to the fuel ex but the top fuel is an awesome trail bike now

@IsaakS.Sanders 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast Thanks!

@IsaakS.Sanders 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast I got the Top fuel a few weeks ago and it is really good so far :D

@roderick9018 2 года назад

Crap now I can't decide new Trek top fuel or current stump jumper, stuff I ride is similar in jumps prob lil smaller and some old school cross country trails

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

If you wanna go fast then definitely top fuel... if you want something more plush and don't care as much about efficiency then maybe stumpy? My last bike was a stumpjumper ST with 140 fork and it was a super fun bike, very plush and had a more plush feel to it but with that it lacks efficiency

@roderick9018 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast ok cool cool bc I just sold my epic bc I was not happy with the twitchyness on downhills so I think the 22 top fuel might be the perfect recipe

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

@@roderick9018 Yeah I was talking to @JCtrails last night who just picked up a new top fuel and he said the top fuel from trek seemed to be the sweet spot between an Epic EVO and a Stumpy... and why he just bought one of these exact bikes... top fuel 8 XT

@roderick9018 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast well I'm on a list for one hopefully it comes before next spring 😂

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

@@roderick9018 if you ordered from a trek store they should be able to tell you an estimated time of arrival...

@michaeldennis2630 Год назад

So down country means just doing downhills no heart pounding climbs on this bike I guess. I was looking at it but I'm more xc mostly flat some climbs and downhills but most not more than a hundred yards. Lots of roads to trails riding too. Makes me wonder if I should be going supercaliber or procaliber instead.

@Projectnortheast Год назад

Your starting to see alot of XC racers go up in suspension due to the new designs of bikes. The new top fuel is extremely capable but also really efficient. But, if your concerned about weight and want a really fast xc bike might be better off with something more xc race oriented like a SC blur or something like that...

@michaeldennis2630 Год назад

@@Projectnortheast thanks for the reply yes the weight does concern me but I seem some top fuel 7,8 going for low 3k so maybe my best bang for the buck option

@Projectnortheast Год назад

@Michael Dennis if you could find a 9.7 on sale that's the best bang for buck... full slx build with carbon frame and upgradable from there down the road

@ericstrabel4365 2 года назад

I have to ask, if someone would prefer the 2022 over the 2021 TF version, why wouldn't they also just prefer the Fuel Ex?

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Honestly... its a great question. I'm curious to see what Trek does with the whole line up. As now there is a big jump between the 60mm supercaliber and now the 120 top fuel. I think the fuel EX is just a slightly longer travel version of the top fuel now. Maybe they'll up the travel on the fuel ex ? Or more enduro to kindof stay in line with say the transition sentinel and then still offer the slash ...

@oklahotb3217 2 года назад

I think it would depend on a persons local trails. Where I live, the new Top Fuel would be the perfect bike where as the Fuel EX is just a little too much but still doable for sure.

@daytch9485 2 года назад

I bought the ex. On paper it's speced better unless you consider the rock shox better. The weight is close ,but kinda rules the TF out for xc and marathons (except 9.8 and up) imho

@shwndh 2 года назад

I tested the Top Fuel 8 and the Fuel EX 8 back to back and they just feel different. The TF felt more sharp handling and snappy while the EX felt bigger and more plush, ready to descend. I like the TF much better.

@jimmansi9046 10 месяцев назад

I have a 2021 Top Fuel 9.8 XT & it’s a spectacular bike, an awesome cross country mile munching machine at 26 lbs, my buddy has a 2022 9.8 XT & he doesn’t like it, it’s 30 lbs & way beefier than mine, Trek totally changed the geometry & specs in 2022. If you’re a cross country rider the 2021 version is much better.

@shwndh 2 года назад

I’m in between the Top Fuel 8 and the Top Fuel 9.7 in carbon. I’ll be doing my first XC marathon race this year and was thinking the 9.7 would be perfect. Also it comes with a very familiar Fox 34 Rhythm fork which I love for my size. I’ve just never own a carbon bike and a little apprehensive. The price difference is only $500 so, I think I’m going to stretch for the 9.7. Have you all seen or ridden the 9.7 yet to compare?

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

If you check my instagram I just put up a Reel with my brand new 9.7. I literally went out and bought one myself as the 9.7 was a great deal. If you can find a shop with one in stock you may even be able to get it for last years price the 4,299 instead of the new 4,499 price. I was actually pleasantly surprised as well, that my 9.7 came with 4 piston slx brakes, slx crank, an updated 108 driver etc. So it was actually a full slx/XT build which I'm told were upgrades from the current listed components on the website due to availability. I did swap my X01 drivetrain over and slap my 34 factory fork on and dropper, but it's a pretty good value for what you get I thought. I would definitely shoot for the 9.7 vs the 8. you can always upgrade to some nice wheels to give the bike a little more pep!

@shwndh 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast Just picked up my 9.7 in XL. Came with SLX brakes and cranks. Sweet! Thanx for the review and recommendation.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

@@shwndh enjoy!

@growlith6969 3 месяца назад

Seems like a tiny bit of travel, but I guess that's a lot for xc guys. Need something to actually pedal (ewww) so I will hold my nose and get one to split the diff between an xc and a basic trail bike.

@Drogos79 2 года назад

why put 130 up front when Ripley AF already comes with one and has arguably even better climbing platform

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

As someone that's owned multiple Ripleys and loved them I can't argue too much as they are a stupid fun bike. One thing I will tell you though is the suspension platform on the treks is better all around IMO for trail riding. The ibis DW link bikes tend to get a little overwhelmed in high speed chunk and also don't have an active braking pivot like the treks. So reasons I could see for extending the fork to 130 over buying a Ripley would be... price,(almost 500 cheaper for XT build) internal storage, active breaking pivot, more all round suspension...

@Drogos79 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast thank you for that feedback. Active breaking pivot is indeed great. I feel like breaking part is mostly marketing because that's the one linear no one else used and tire and body positioning plays huge role here BUT it's especially great when at speed rear wheel needs to get out of the way of say... big root....it seems to be doing that waaaaay better than my current 21 stumpy alloy. Both have pivots in similar locations. Trek is way better. Even more so once you put tension on the chain, accelerating out of the corner, standing up, weight over the bars, trek (21 fuel EX 5) will glide over those roots, stumpy feels like you have anchor in the back. It literally tries to throw you over the bar in those situations.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

@@Drogos79 Yeah, and honestly the 2022 does those things even better. The stumpy will always feel like an anchor with their suspension platform... but it is also more plush too. I guess the active braking pivot isn't AS noticeable on a lower travel bike, but on my slash the same trail I've ridden every week for years has really high speed braking bumps and the slash glided over them and maintained control in braking better than any bike I've ever ridden. It really does work and probably hard to tell without back to back comparisons on the same trail with different bikes which is exactly what I did with my slash... rode the high speed braking bumps back to back with my enduro

@Drogos79 2 года назад

2021 is irrelevant at this point ...but if you could try to get your hands on Stumpy carbon or maybe ripley AF that would be great

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

Yes I would like to get a Ripley AF to test out for sure...

@johnnnewmex 2 года назад

Mixing component spec levels is so annoying on Trek bikes.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

It's pretty common across the industry... even Ibis does it. Some of the smaller brands are better about complete component spec lines but when your selling a million bikes I'm sure the bean counters look at the bottom line...

@dylanchapman3062 2 года назад

Is this the top fuel 7?

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

No top fuel 8 XT

@jefsut 3 месяца назад

Crash into one of those trees you're dead right?

@Projectnortheast 3 месяца назад

Eh... probably just a broken bone or 2

@kam1l0 2 года назад

All the changes made in 2022 model i made in my 2021 way ahead :D

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

So you... slackened the head angle while simultaneously steepening the seat tube angle, cut the frame to add some inside storage, redid the front triangle to not need knockblock as the fork stanchions would smash the frame without it, oversized the Seat tube, and re-engineered the shock mount so you could run a shock with a piggy back if you wanted? Sorry for the sarcastic reply but... its a completely new bike from the ground up

@kam1l0 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast Didn't slack the head angle ( couldn't get the set ) and bcz i think I'll sell it to buy the 22 model. Changed tires, discs, brakes, shorter stem. Made the bike to go a bit faster down and to get some more controll. And with the set to change the angle i could throw out the knockblock ;) cheers !

@kam1l0 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast And yes it's not the same as the 22 model, but still I was going in the direction Trek went now.

@Projectnortheast 2 года назад

@@kam1l0 I hear you, I did the same with my 21. short stem, wide bars, overforked it, bigger tires, wider rims etc. it's still fast and snappy and good on the downs but the 22 is alot different. Almost pushing enduro bike geometry in a short travel package and it rips.

@kam1l0 2 года назад

@@Projectnortheast And that's what I like about it, something like the Spur from Transition bikes ;)