The Trek Top Fuel started out as an XC 29er, slowly gaining travel and capability with its updates over the years. The latest iteration maintains its balanced 120mm of front and rear suspension travel, though it can also run a 130mm fork. It also keeps the Mino Link split-pivot suspension design and 29″ wheels, apart from the XS size that uses 27.5″ hoops.
The frame’s flip chip has been moved to the lower shock mount for simpler swaps and offers 8mm of BB height adjustment alongside a 0.5° head tube and seat tube difference. Both the carbon and alloy frames will include the snack-stash in the down tube, and the cable routing in that cavern is all guided to keep things quiet and tidy inside. At the helm, the 58° Knock Block steering range has been extended to a broader 72°, and it can also be removed. Trek says the updated frame design allows the fork to clear the down tube in extreme turns, though some riders may still want to run Knock Block to prevent bar controls from impacting the down tube in the event of a crash.
The updated frame makes space for up to 2.5″ wide tires that can add a little comfort and grip to the ride, or folks can run narrower tread for additional mud clearance. On the longevity front, this new frame uses a 34.9mm dropper post that Trek says is more reliable, and the external BB cups should also help to lengthen service intervals.
Trek says that the Top Fuel has an improved anti-squat value for better pedaling efficiency. Having enjoyed pedaling aboard the prior model, I’m impressed that they could make it any better. The geo suggests that it’s more of a descent party and the ISCG 05 chain guide tabs certainly lean that direction, however, the 160mm rear rotor mount confuses that notion a bit. As usual, riders will be able to use a 180mm rotor at the tail with an adaptor.
This frame is longer by 1cm, with a reach of 450mm on the size medium, slacker by 1.5° with a 66° head tube angle in the low position, and the seat tube is a full degree steeper at 76° in that same low position. Those angles pitch back 0.5° with a 130mm fork mounted. Overall, this should make for a super fun riding short travel bike that’s ready for almost any version of fun.
There are multiple frame and build options across the alloy and carbon Top Fuel spectrum, and some of the prices remain TBD. Based on the information we currently have, the base Top Fuel 5 will retail for $2,599, while the SRAM AXS XX1 build will sell a penny shy of $11,000 with loads of flashy components all around. The highest-priced bikes have yet to receive a value, though carbon framesets will retail for $3,699.
Click over to Trek Bicycles for additional information.
