Current SRP of $4499 isn't bad in this day and age. I think Trek has done a better job controlling inflationary prices compared to other manufacturers, such as The Big S. I still think 120-130mm is the sweet spot for a lot of areas of the country where you aren't hucking to flat or hitting chunky downhill terrain. I miss my old Specialized Camber Comp Evo which was 120/120 and rocking a 68.8° HTA. It cornered on rails and climbed like a goat. My Stumpy Expert chews up downhills, but does not go uphill nearly as well as my Camber did, but it's rocking a 65.5° HTA in steep mode. This Top Fuel probably does most of the things quite well.
I built up the frame option of this bike. The paint in person is amazing. The dark blue on the front of the bike is translucent so you can see the carbon weave thru the paint in the sunlight.
Great video as usual James. I recently had the dilemma of what bike to buy in upgrading from my 21 EX 7 to start racing XC. Wanted a race bike that I didn't have to sell my car to afford (Supercalibre). Looked at 22 Top Fuel (TF) 9.7 & 9.8. Was disappointed that from the 21-22 models that the TF's had got heavier, slacker and more travel. Oh and far more expensive! Just what I don't want in an XC race bike. Ended up buying a 2nd hand 21 TF 9.8. Light, nimble, and not near $10,000 New Zealand to buy. Shame Trek has generalised all of its specific ranges to the modern trend of trying to cover all bases, and as a result performing worse at all of them. Si, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Bro! Thank you so much for posting this review. I’m looking for one of these in my size right now. Just saw one in the shop and it is awesome! I do t even like Trek as a brand but this bike is a killer deal! Threaded BB on a carbon frame, Fox suspension, XT drivetrain, high POE hub - What? How much do I need to put down?
Is this a good entry level full suspension bike for someone with money to burn and a state park down the street? I just want to make sure this thing isn't purely for downhill and can do pretty much anything I throw at it
Tough choice between the 8 and this model. I feel like the rockshox Suspension is the better of the two suspensions but tbe carbon model is also like 2.5 lb lighter for approx $500 more which is almost impossible to make up with upgrades in the future.
I know it's 'cool' to hate on Trek, but they do make some tasty bikes. So glad they finally went with threaded BB. I have a 2018 Fuel EX with a press fit and I've spent a small fortune on fixing 'press fit creak' . 🙄
@@jbloggs751 There’s so much negative history. They absorbed and destroyed Gary Fisher, Klein, and Lemond bikes, all great innovative bike companies. They supported Lance jerk Armstrong and deserted Greg Lemond (who was a real US champion) for speaking out against doping. Their colors were always so bland until recently. I hated Trek but the current line is looking undeniably good.
Great videos, I enjoy your channel. I have the 2021 fuel ex 8 xt model and love it. Is the geometry different on the top fuel compared to the fuel ex? Or is the only difference in the amount of suspension travel?
How would this bike compare to Rocky Mountain Element C50. I am trying to decided between the two. I already have a deposit on this Trek model you reviewed. Look foward to your reply
