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The 2022 Trek Top Fuel goes all-in on downcountry

Trek reimagines the Top Fuel as a 120mm shredder for all-day epics

The 2022 Trek Top Fuel is a pure downcountry shredder with 120mm travel front and rear (up from 115mm rear), slacker angles and all-day capabilities.

The brand’s Top Fuel model has shifted in intention over the years; from the pure XC race thoroughbred released in 2005 to the longer-travel, heavier-duty machine created in 2019. “The downcountry/XC-trail category is evolving,” says Trek, and the new 2022 Top Fuel meets those requirements.

If you enjoy riding fast uphill and want to ride all day on longer loops, downcountry bikes are for you. Indeed, Trek says that the new Top Fuel is “for riders who enjoy pedalling up as much as they enjoy going down.”

What’s new for the 2022 Trek Top Fuel?

Trek says it was looking to “keep the pedalling efficiency but make it way more capable, not limited like a traditional XC bike” with the Top Fuel.

To achieve this, Trek has taken the pivot position from the previous Top Fuel and moved it forwards, tuning the anti-squat curve to make it flatter and keep characteristics more consistent throughout the travel.

  • Extra reading: The ultimate guide to mountain bike rear suspension systems

In-frame storage

One of the most obvious changes is Trek’s in-frame storage, the manufacturer’s answer to Specialized’s SWAT box.

2022 Trek Top Fuel full suspension mountain bike

Trek says it “adds weight but it’s important for bikes in this category”. These stash areas give riders the ability to store items previously carried on their body, in the bike. This increases stability of the bike and rider, and lowers their centre of gravity.

Trek has gone to great lengths to bring this feature to all bikes in the range, including the aluminium models as well as the carbon bikes. It’s something customers buying aluminium Specialized bikes, such as the Stumpjumper Comp Alloy , are unable to enjoy.

Steering limiter

2022 Trek Top Fuel full suspension mountain bike

Trek’s contentious Knock Block steering-lock limiter allowed bikes fitted with it to have a straight down tube to enhance stiffness and prevent damage from fork top caps striking the down tube or low-slung brake levers hitting the top tube.

The 2022 Top Fuel features Knock Block 2.0, which has been redesigned to be less extreme and allow an increased steering angle from 58 to 72 degrees.

Top Fuel frames have been designed with more down tube clearance for fork top caps, doing away with the previously straight stiffness-promoting down tube found on Knock Block 1.0 bikes.

If both fork top caps clear the down tube and the brake levers clear the top tube, Trek says it’s possible for riders to remove the Knock Block 2.0 completely with minimal fuss.

Wheelsize is 29in except for the XS, which comes with 27.5-inch wheels (and in the 9.8 spec only). All complete bikes come with 2.4in wide Bontrager tyres, but the frames will take up to a 2.5in, so mud clearance should be ample for UK riding.

2022 Trek Top Fuel geometry

The new Top Fuel has more progressive geometry when compared to previous versions, boasting a 76-degree seat-tube angle, 1.5 degrees steeper than the previous model, moving the rider’s weight forward to improve climbing when seated.

Mirroring the seat-tube angle, the head angle has been slackened by 1.5 degrees to 66 degrees to improve stability when descending.

These changes alone would decrease cockpit room for the rider, so to reduce this Trek has grown the reach by 10mm in each size, with the ‘L’ measuring 480mm.

Chainstays remain the same length, which maintains the 2019 bike’s playful nature and should make lifting the front wheel a breeze.

The bike is available in six sizes: XS (9.8 only), S, M, ML, L, XL and XXL.

Trek’s trusty Mino Link is found on the Top Fuel, albeit moved to the lower shock mount (allowing a trunnion-mount shock to be used). Remove just one bolt and the chip can be flipped to steepen head and seat angles by 0.5 degrees and raise the bottom-bracket height by 7mm.

2022 Trek Top Fuel full suspension mountain bike

Trek Top Fuel geometry – 120mm fork

Trek top fuel geometry – 130mm fork, maintenance and durability for the new downcountry bike.

Trek hasn’t forgotten the mechanics out there, who will be ecstatic to hear that, although the Top Fuel has internally-routed cables, the manufacturer has fitted full-length internal sheathing throughout the bike.

That’s right, no fishing around with bent spokes or magnets when it’s time to refresh the outer cables.

Interestingly, Trek has chosen to rid itself of press-fit bottom bracket issues for this bike and return to the venerable old 73mm-width threaded shell.

2022 Trek Top Fuel full suspension mountain bike

While not commenting on the reason for this shift, many feel that the threaded BB is less prone to creaking, and it’s hard to argue with the ease of replacing a threaded ‘Euro’ BB when compared to its plasticky cousin.

The seat-tube diameter has expanded to the new 34.9mm standard, allowing the next generation of longer dropper posts to be fitted.

The reasoning behind yet another new standard is actually pretty sound: a broader chassis will boost stiffness and spread side loading more effectively. This should help posts retain stiffness when extended and increase strength.

2022 Trek Top Fuel downcountry mountain bike -1

According to Trek, the related stiffness improvement in the frame itself (because of the larger-diameter tube and increased surface area at junctions) is “slight”.

Trek is also pleased to extol the burlier nature of the new Top Fuel, by approving that an upgrade to a longer-travel fork of 130mm will be allowed within its warranty.

Fitting one would slacken the head angle and seat-tube angle by 0.5 degrees and raise the BB by 3mm.

2022 Trek Top Fuel specifications and price

Both the aluminium and carbon versions of the new Top Fuel are available as a frameset.

2022 Trek Top Fuel 5

2022 Trek Top Fuel full suspension mountain bike

The 5 has a RockShox Recon fork and X-Fusion shock, with Bontrager wheels and components, Shimano’s MT200 brakes, MT512 crank and Deore 12-speed making up the remainder of the groupset.

2022 Trek Top Fuel 7

The 7 gets RockShox’s stiffer 35 fork, a Fox DPS shock and similar Bontrager kit, but upgraded Line Comp 30 wheels.

It also sees the Shimano 12spd shifter upgraded to SLX, the mech to XT and the crank to Deore, but the chain and cassette are the same Deore as the 5.

2022 Trek Top Fuel 8

The highest-spec aluminium Top Fuel 8 has RockShox’s lighter SID fork and Deluxe Ultimate shock over the 7.

The 8 gets the same Bonty Line Comp 30 wheels, Shimano XT mech and Deore cranks as the 7, but cassette and chain are upgraded to SLX and the shifter to XT.

The 8’s bar and stem are Bontrager Line and Elite items and the brakes are now XT trail 4 pots. They all come with Trans-X dropper posts.

2022 Trek Top Fuel 9

2022 Trek Top Fuel full suspension mountain bike

Complete carbon bikes are the budget 9.7, the 9.8 and all-singing 9.9. The 9.7 is specced with Fox Rhythm 34 fork and DPS shock, Bontrager Line Elite wheels and dropper post, and GX 12-speed groupset.

The 9.8 and 9.9 are both offered with either SRAM or Shimano build options, depending on buyer preference.

The 9.8 has RockShox’s SID Select fork and Deluxe Ultimate RCT shock and Bontrager Line Elite wheels, combined with either XT, GX, or electronic Bluetooth GX AXS drivetrain.

The 9.9 sports either Shimano’s flagship XTR (combined with Fox’s Factory 34SC fork and DPS shock) or SRAM's electronic XX1 AXS (which comes with RockShox’s SID Ultimate fork and Deluxe Ultimate shock).

If you want to stand out, Trek’s Project One paintshop is at your disposal, to create a one-off paintjob for your Top Fuel.

2022 Trek Top Fuel full suspension mountain bike

What are the alternatives to Trek’s 2022 Top Fuel?

This is a seriously competitive market segment as riders realise that more travel isn’t always better, and manufactures are scrambling to modify their XC race platforms for more ubiquitous use.

Stiff competition will come from the Scott Spark Tuned , which has a 130mm fork and 120mm rear travel. Available at multiple price points and packing impressively progressive geometry, along with that funky hidden shock, this bike is guaranteed to turn heads.

Other downcountry steeds, including the Nukeproof Reactor , Transition Spur and Specialized Epic Evo, will be contenders to the Top Fuel.

2022 Trek Top Fuel prices

  • Top Fuel 5: £2,600 / $3,449.99 / €2,499
  • Top Fuel 7: £3,100 / $4,549.99 / €3,299
  • Top Fuel 8: £3,750 / $4,799.99 / €3,999
  • Top Fuel AL (frame only): £2,250 / $2,899.99 / €2,299
  • Top Fuel 9.7: £6,000 / $5,869.99 / €4,999
  • Top Fuel 9.8 XT: £6,000 / $6,499.99 / €6,499
  • Top Fuel 9.8 XT (Project One): £6,550 / $6,999.99 / €7,099
  • Top Fuel 9.8 GX (Project One): £6,550 / $6,999.99 / €7,099
  • Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS (Project One): £7,100 / $7,499.99 / €7,799
  • Top Fuel 9.9 XTR (Project One): £9,200 / $9.499.99 / €9,999
  • Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS (Project One): £11,100 / $10,999.99 / €11,999
  • Top Fuel C (frame only): £3,750 / $4,599.99 / €3,999

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trek top fuel 2022

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trek top fuel 2022

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trek top fuel 2022

2022 Trek Top Fuel

Wheel Size:

  • XS: 27.5’’
  • S–XXL: 29’’

Travel: 120 mm rear / 120 mm front

Material: Aluminum and Carbon versions available

  • Aluminum frame w/ Fox DPS Performance shock : $2,300 USD / $2,900 CAD
  • Carbon frame w/ Fox DPS Factory shock: $3,700 USD / $4,600 CAD
  • Complete bikes $2,600 to $11,000 USD / $3,450 to $14,650 CAD; see below for details

David Golay Blister mountain bike review on the 2022 Trek Top Fuel

When Trek first launched the Top Fuel in 2004, it was a dedicated XC race bike, and it stayed in that camp through several subsequent generations. In 2019, Trek nudged the Top Fuel a bit closer to the Trail category since the Supercaliber took over as their XC race full-suspension bike, but with just 115 mm of rear travel and XC-oriented geometry, that Top Fuel didn’t stray too far from its roots.

However, the all-new 2022 Top Fuel looks to add a big dose of Trail-bike capability, and features a bunch of interesting design details, too.

The overall layout of the Top Fuel hasn’t changed much from the prior iteration. It still uses Trek’s ABP suspension layout (a four-bar arrangement with a pivot concentric to the rear axle) with a vertically-oriented shock, and it’s still available in both aluminum and carbon versions. Both feature threaded bottom bracket shells, internal cable routing, and a storage port in the downtube. A water bottle does fit inside the front triangle on all sizes, but Trek says the XS is limited to a 15-oz one, and the Small can only accommodate a 20-oz bottle.

Both frame versions also feature Trek’s Knock Block 2.0 steering limiter, which has now increased the turning range to 72 degrees. Trek originally introduced the system to allow for a bigger downtube that would interfere with the fork crown if the bars got turned too far, but the new Top Fuel has no such limitation. Similar to the latest Trek Slash , the Knock Block system carries over on the Top Fuel to protect the cables from getting yanked on in a crash, but it can be removed if desired. There’s also ample rubber protection on the chainstay, seatstay, and downtube. A flip chip (Trek calls it a “Mino Link”) toggles between two geometry positions, which we’ll outline in more detail below.

David Golay reviews the 2022 Trek Top Fuel for Blister

Fit & Geometry

One of the most exciting details about the Top Fuel is that it’s offered in a whopping seven different frame sizes, ranging from XS through XXL, with a M/L snuck in the middle. This means that there’s both an especially wide range of sizes available, and that the jumps between sizes are a little tighter than average in the middle part of the range. And like we just saw from Rocky Mountain on their new Element — a bike that is squarely in competition with the new Top Fuel — the XS size Top Fuel gets 27.5’’ wheels, while the rest of the range rolls on 29’’ ones. That makes a lot of sense, for all the same reasons that we talked about in our First Look of the Element — shorter riders generally have less butt-to-tire clearance, and a shorter front wheel and fork makes it a lot easier for shorter folks to appropriately weight the front wheel, too.

The Top Fuel’s headtube angle sits at 66° in all sizes, and that’s paired with a 76° effective seat tube angle and 435 mm chainstays across the board. Reach ranges from a very short 400 mm to 520 mm across the size range. Interestingly, instead of doing neat 20 mm jumps between each size, Trek opted for a 30 mm jump between the Small to Medium, then tightened things to 15 mm between the Medium to M/L and the M/L to Large (the M/L frame’s reach clocks in at 465 mm). All those numbers are stated in the low position with the stock 120mm-travel fork; the high position steepens things by 0.4°, and Trek also condones running a 130mm-travel fork, which slackens both angles by 0.5°. For reference, here’s the full geometry chart:

David Golay reviews the 2022 Trek Top Fuel for Blister

There’s a huge range of geometry in modern ~120mm-travel bikes, from heavily XC-derived models to quite aggressive options (usually spec’d with a longer-travel fork), and the new Top Fuel sits somewhere in the middle of that range. Given how Trek has talked about the bike, that makes a lot of sense — this is supposed to be a bike for people who want a very sprightly, efficient bike with a solid dose of downhill capability for when things get rougher, and the Top Fuel slots in neatly there. It’s notably similar to the Transition Spur and Pivot Trail 429 , and just a touch less aggressive than the brand new Rocky Mountain Element and Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol — all strong contenders in this category.

Trek offers the Top Fuel in nine different builds, with prices ranging from $2,600 to $11,000, and there’s a great range of SRAM and Shimano options across a big spectrum of price points. And bonus points to Trek for sticking to Shimano on the least expensive few options — as we’ve discussed several times this past year , SRAM’s mid-to-high-end options work great, but Shimano has a clear advantage on the more budget-oriented end of the spectrum.

David Golay reviews the 2022 Trek Top Fuel for Blister

For reference, the complete build options are as follows:

  • Fork: RockShox Recon Silver RL
  • Shock: X-Fusion Pro 2
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore
  • Crankset: Shimano MT512
  • Brakes: Shimano MT200
  • Wheels: Bontrager Alloy
  • Dropper Post: TransX
  • Fork: RockShox Recon Gold 130 mm
  • Shock: Fox DPS Performance
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX shifter / XT derailleur / Deore cassette
  • Crankset: Shimano Deore
  • Brakes: Shimano MT4100
  • Wheels: Bontrager Line Comp 30
  • Fork: RockShox SID
  • Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XT w/ SLX cassette
  • Brakes: Shimano M6100
  • Fork: Fox 34 Rhythm
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XT w / SLX cassette
  • Fork: RockShox SID Select+
  • Shock: RockShox Deluxe Ultimate
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XT
  • Crankset: Shimano XT
  • Brakes: Shimano XT 4-piston
  • Wheels: Bontrager Line Elite 30 Carbon
  • Dropper Post: Bontrager Line Elite
  • Drivetrain: SRAM GX
  • Crankset: SRAM GX
  • Brakes: SRAM G2 RS
  • Drivetrain: SRAM GX AXS
  • Fork: Fox 34 Factory Step Cast
  • Shock: Fox Float DPS Factory
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XTR
  • Crankset: e*Thirteen TRS Race
  • Brakes: Shimano XTR 2-piston
  • Wheels: Bontrager Line Pro 30 Carbon
  • Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate
  • Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 AXS
  • Crankset: SRAM XX1
  • Brakes: SRAM G2 Ultimate
  • Dropper Post: RockShox Reverb AXS

Some Questions / Things We’re Curious About

(1) On paper, the Top Fuel looks like it’ll slot in somewhere between the most XC-derived 120mm-travel bikes and the most aggressive options in the class, but does that prove true on the trail?

(2) As shorter-travel Trail bikes get more and more capable, should more people who’d previously be shopping in a longer-travel category be looking at these sorts of options, including the Top Fuel?

Bottom Line (For Now)

Trek looks to have done a great job of modernizing their longstanding Top Fuel model, and in turn, bridging the gap between the Supercaliper XC race bike and the Fuel EX Trail offering. We’re hoping to get on one to see how it stacks up in a rapidly-growing field of contenders in that space, and will have a full review to come if we can make it happen.

2 comments on “2022 Trek Top Fuel”

Looks like a good all round option for up and down performance. I’d like to try it with a 130 mm fork in the high setting.

I have the 2022 Fuel EX7, I’m a xc type rider and do about one 50 mile ride per week on this bike. I went with the EX model because I like having the extra travel, however I wish I would have gotten the EX8 XT model and then just changed out the wheels and shifting for Sram GX 12 speed. The NX Sram has the DUB crankset and bottom bracket and there’s no thread together bottom bracket for this setup and the NX cassette is a boat anchor. So far I’ve put on lighter tires, seat post, and cassette and having a much lighter wheelset built for it now. I thought I would have been using the shock leavers but I just leave those full open 99% of the time these bikes handle great.

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trek top fuel 2022

ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS – In our 2022 downcountry group test

trek top fuel 2022

The Trek Top Fuel is a true XC classic – but that’s about to change! The Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS 2022 drifts into the new season with more travel, a more aggressive geometry and robust components. Does this make it the perfect downcountry bike?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best downcountry bike of 2022 – 6 models in review

trek top fuel 2022

Same DNA, same key elements, different focus. For 2022, Trek redesigned the Top Fuel from the ground up, clearly shifting the focus from XC to trail riding and downcountry. The latest incarnation of Trek’s XC-classic retains all the well-proven features of its predecessor and combines them with some exciting new ones. While the € 12,099 Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS still rolls on 29″ wheels, Trek have bumped up the travel of the rear suspension from 115 to 120 mm and paired it with 120 mm at the front. Moreover, Trek have finally gifted their timeless classic with a storage compartment in the down tube, which can be found on many of their gravity-oriented bikes – now you can leave your backpack or hip-pack at home and store all your trail essentials in the small bag under the bottle cage. The new Top Fuel also features Trek’s proprietary Knock Block in the headset, which limits the steering angle and prevents the fork from damaging the frame during a crash. On the trail, the system doesn’t affect the handling in any way. A large TPU plate protects the down tube against stray rocks and a reasonably sized and well-positioned chainstay protector prevents chain slap and paint chips. The few remaining cables are neatly routed inside the frame, ensuring a clean look while the unused cable ports are sealed with rubber plugs.

trek top fuel 2022

The spec of the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS

For the spec of the Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS, Trek rely on a mix of components from SRAM and their own component brand Bontrager. Let’s start from the RockShox Ultimate suspension: the SID Ultimate fork features RockShox’s new Charger RaceDay damper with a lockout lever on the top of the right leg, while Trek’s ABP (Active Braking Pivot) rear suspension is controlled by a Deluxe Ultimate shock, also with a lockout lever. Together with the Specialized, the Top Fuel is the only bike in this test without a bar-mounted lockout remote, which, in combination with the wireless AXS components, ensures a super-tidy look. Thanks to its wireless components, the Top Fuel has only two cables: the brake lines of the SRAM G2 Ultimate four-piston brakes – we’re waiting impatiently for some wireless brakes ;). The G2 Ultimate model is the top-of-the-line version of SRAM’s trail-specific stoppers, which deliver the same excellent performance as the RSC model and save a few extra grams thanks to their carbon lever blades and titanium bolts. Trek combine a 180 mm rotor at the front and a smaller 160 mm one at the rear.

trek top fuel 2022

An electronic SRAM XX1 AXS drivetrain ensures smooth and precise shifting while the UDH mech hanger is easy to find and quick to replace. Even the 150 mm Reverb AXS dropper post doesn’t require a cable, ensuring super-fast and precise operation. That’s a must with downcountry bikes because you’re constantly swapping between climbs and descents. The one-piece Bontrager RSL carbon cockpit also contributes to the clean look of the Top Fuel, with the handlebars and stem joined together in a single carbon piece. That being said, the 820 mm handlebars are extremely wide and the one-piece design doesn’t allow for fine-tuning, except for the stem height that can be changed using spacers. We recommend cutting down the handlebars, although this will result in a stiffer cockpit. Trek also rely on their in-house components for the wheels, pairing Bontrager Line Pro 30 carbon rims with 2.4″ Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tires. The aggressive tread pattern and soft rubber compound ensure excellent traction while rolling resistance is only marginally higher than with a shallow-profiled XC tire and noticeable only on hardpack terrain. That being said, we’d choose more grip over lower rolling resistance all day long! While at 12.2 kg, the Top Fuel is the heaviest bike in the entire test field, it can easily keep up with the competition uphill. This is also made possible by the spec, which at the same time adds to the excellent trail performance of the Top Fuel.

trek top fuel 2022

Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS

Specifications.

Fork RockShox SID Ultimate 120 mm Rear Shock RockShox Deluxe Ultimate 120 mm Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS 150 mm Brakes SRAM G2 Ultimate 180/160 mm Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 1x12 Stem Bontrager RSL 45 mm Handlebar Bontrager RSL 820 mm Wheelset Bontrager Line Pro 30 29 Tires Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 2.4

Technical Data

Size S M M/L L XL Weight 12.2 kg

Specific Features

Flip-Chip Storage compartment Configurator

trek top fuel 2022

The geometry of the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS

With five available sizes, S to XL, there should be a suitable Top Fuel for everyone measuring between 153 and 196 cm. Our test bike in the intermediate size M/L has 465 mm reach, 600 mm stack height and a short 435 mm seat tube, which, together with the generous insertion depth, allows you to insert the dropper post all the way into the frame. Not only does this ensure excellent freedom of movement on the bike, but also lets you choose the frame size based on your desired reach. A flip chip in the shock mount allows you to switch between the high and low settings and adapt the geometry of the bike to your needs and preferences. In the high setting, the head and seat tube angle are 0.4° steeper, the chainstays 1 mm shorter and the bottom bracket 5 mm higher. Needless to say, the changes also alter the reach, stack height and wheelbase of the Top Fuel. As usual, we rode the bike mostly in the low setting, which is your best option for trail riding.

trek top fuel 2022

The Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS 2022 impresses with its clean look, clever details and harmonious spec.

trek top fuel 2022

The Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS on the trail

Together with the Specialized Epic EVO, the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS is the only bike in this test without a bar-mounted lockout remote – and actually the only one that doesn’t need one! Already after the first few meters, it becomes clear that the suspension is stiff and, above all, extremely efficient, even in fully open mode. Moreover, the pedalling position is very comfortable, with the weight evenly distributed between the hands and saddle, making the Trek suitable for long rides. Going uphill, the rear suspension generates sufficient traction, even on loose trail sections with slippery roots and with the shock in open mode. While your mates are still fiddling around with the climb switch, you’re already blasting up the side of the mountain onboard the Trek Top Fuel! However, tall and long-legged riders should push the saddle all the way forward to prevent the front wheel from lifting on steep climbs.

The Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS does not need a lockout at all and convinces in both uphill and downhill with a progressive yet traction-strong rear end.

trek top fuel 2022

Downhill, the ultra-wide handlebars have their pros and cons, on the one hand, inspiring lots of confidence and providing additional stability in fast trail sections, on the other, requiring great precision to squeeze through narrow trees. Like the Specialized, the Trek is intuitive and easy to ride, with the weight evenly distributed between the front and rear wheel. Downhill, the rear suspension generates plenty of traction and provides excellent mid-stroke support while offering sufficient reserves for rowdy trail sessions. Too often we caught ourselves ploughing through nasty root carpets and tall berms at Mach 10, but here the precise and intuitive handling inspires huge amounts of confidence and ensures top riding fun.

Tuning tips: tall and long-legged riders should push the saddle all the way forward | cut off the handlebars or swap the cockpit for a narrower one

trek top fuel 2022

Riding Characteristics

Value for money, intended use.

Not only does the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS 2022 impress with its clean look, clever details and harmonious spec, but also delivers an impressive performance on the trail. The drive-neutral, rear suspension is incredibly efficient and generates plenty of traction, even with the shock in fully open mode. At the same time, the intuitive handling and progressive rear suspension put a huge smile on your face. Whether it’s an agonising lactate battle, quick post-work spin or epic singletrack adventure, the Top Fuel delivers! As a result, the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS 2022 secures Best in Test in our 2022 downcountry group test.

trek top fuel 2022

  • freedom of movement downhill
  • firm and efficient rear suspension generates plenty of traction
  • intuitive handling
  • practical detail solutions and clean look

trek top fuel 2022

  • very wide handlebars

You can find out more about at trekbikes.com

trek top fuel 2022

The test field

All bikes in test: BMC Fourstroke 01 LT ONE (Click for review) | SCOTT Spark 900 Tuned AXS (Click for review) | SIMPLON Cirex SL 120 (Click for review) | Specialized Epic EVO Expert (Click for review) | Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS | YT IZZO UNCAGED 7 (Click for review)

trek top fuel 2022

This scale indicates how efficiently the bike climbs. It refers to both simple and technical climbs. Along with the suspension, the riding position and the weight of the bike all play a crucial role. ↩

How does the bike ride and descend? How spritely is the bike, how agile is it through corners, how much fun is it in tight sections and how quickly can it change direction? ↩

Is the bike stable at high speeds? Is it easy to stay in control in demanding terrain? How composed is it on rough trails? Stability is a combination of balanced geometry, good suspension and the right spec. ↩

This is all about how balanced the bike is and particularly about how well it corners. Balanced bikes require little physical effort from the rider and are very predictable. If a bike is unbalanced, the rider has to work hard to weight the front wheel to generate enough grip. However, experienced riders can have a lot of fun even with unbalanced bikes. ↩

How sensitive is the suspension over small bumps? Can it absorb hard impacts and does it soak up repeated hits? Plush suspension not only provides comfort and makes a bike more capable, but it also generates traction. The rating includes the fork and the rear suspension. ↩

This aspect mainly comes down to the suspension. How much pop does it have, does it suck up the rider’s input or is it supportive, and how agile and direct is the bike? ↩

We don’t calculate value for money in an excel spreadsheet or based on how high-end a bike is specced. We are more concerned with how a bike performs on the trail and how the bike benefits the rider. What good are the best components if the bike doesn’t perform well on the trail? Expensive bikes with a lower-end spec can offer very good value for money – provided they excel where it matters. Just as supposedly cheap bikes with good components can get a bad rating if they don’t deliver on the trail. ↩

No, it’s not about racing, it’s about efficiency. Fast, fleet-footed and efficient – those who want to speed along flowy singletrack and gravel roads need a defined and spritely bike that accelerates with ease and efficiency. Nevertheless, reliable components are important too. We interpret XC more like the Americans do: big back-country rides instead of a marathon or XC World Cup with the ultimate in lightweight construction! Uphill-downhill ratio: 80:30 (not everything has to be 100%!) ↩

...also known as mountain biking. Classic singletrack with roots, rocks and ledges – sometimes flowy, sometimes rough. For this, you need a bike with good all-round qualities, whether climbing or descending. Uphill-downhill ratio: 50:50 ↩

Even more extreme and challenging compared to Trail riding, riddled with every kind of obstacle: jumps, gaps, nasty rock gardens, ruts and roots. For this, you need (race)proven equipment that forgives mistakes and wouldn’t look out of place on a stage of the Enduro World Series. Climbing is just a means to an end. Uphill-downhill ratio: 30:70 ↩

Strictly speaking, a 200 mm travel downhill bike is the best choice for merciless tracks with big jumps, drops and the roughest terrain. Those would be the black or double-black-diamond tracks in a bike park. But as some of the EWS pros (including Sam Hill) have proven, it’s the riding skills and not the bike that define what you can ride with it. Climbing? On foot or with a shuttle, please! Uphill-downhill ratio: 10:90 ↩

You can find more info about our rating system in this article: Click here! ↩

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more .

Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker, Benjamin Topf

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About the author.

trek top fuel 2022

Peter Walker

As editor-in-chief, Peter is as much a man of action as he is of words. This expert, screw-driver-flexing two wheeled-whizz has many envy-inducing characteristics, including a background in motocross, several EWS race plates to his name, and more than 150 recorded days at Whistler Bike Park. However complex the bike and however steep the trail, he’s probably already nailed it, twice. Oh, and he can do it all on skinny tyres too. When it comes to guiding consumers, Peter cut his teeth at Vancouver’s oldest bike shop and now puts pen to paper on the daily translating this know-how into our editorial plan. When not tearing up Stuttgart’s local trails while testing bikes, he loves nothing more than loading up his self-renovated VW T5 and hitting the road. The fact that he’s a trained paramedic gives his colleagues reassurance out on the trails. So far we haven’t had to call him by his alias ‘Sani Peter’, so here’s hoping he keeps it right side up for the rest of his time here!

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First Look: 2022 Trek Top Fuel - A Classic Reimagined

Payson McElveen on the new Trek Top Fuel in Durango

Cool Features

IMAGES

  1. 2022 Trek Top Fuel Review

    trek top fuel 2022

  2. 2022 Trek Top Fuel 8

    trek top fuel 2022

  3. 2022 Trek Top Fuel

    trek top fuel 2022

  4. Trek Top Fuel 7 2022

    trek top fuel 2022

  5. La Trek Top Fuel de 2022 se pasa al Trail con más recorrido y una

    trek top fuel 2022

  6. Flow's First Bite

    trek top fuel 2022

VIDEO

  1. HERMOSA Trek TOP FUEL 7 una bicicleta GENIAL

  2. 2011 Trek Fuel EX

  3. trek top fuel 9.9 2022

  4. Trek Top Fuel 9.9 AXS T-Type 2024 #shorts

  5. 2022 Trek Top Fuel 8

  6. TREK TOP FUEL 7

COMMENTS

  1. Field Test Review: 2022 Trek Top Fuel

    Field Test Review: 2022 Trek Top Fuel - Same Name, Different Bike. Dec 3, 2021. by Henry Quinney. Share. Tweet. Add to Favorites. 266 Comments. PINKBIKE FIELD TEST. Trek Top Fuel....

  2. The 2022 Trek Top Fuel goes all-in on downcountry

    Trek reimagines the Top Fuel for 2022 as a dedicated 120mm travel downcountry shredder for all-day epics.

  3. 2022 Trek Top Fuel Review

    2022 Trek Top Fuel. Wheel Size: XS: 27.5’’. S–XXL: 29’’. Travel: 120 mm rear / 120 mm front. Material: Aluminum and Carbon versions available. Price: Aluminum frame w/ Fox DPS Performance shock : $2,300 USD / $2,900 CAD. Carbon frame w/ Fox DPS Factory shock: $3,700 USD / $4,600 CAD.

  4. Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS

    The Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS 2022 drifts into the new season with more travel, a more aggressive geometry and robust components. Does this make it the perfect downcountry bike? For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best downcountry bike of 2022 – 6 models in review. Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS | 120/120 mm (f/r)

  5. First Look: 2022 Trek Top Fuel

    Frame Details. The new Top Fuel’s travel increases by 5mm to a 120mm platform, with the option of a 130mm fork, but now features far more progressive geometry and some refined features. For...