2020 Trek Top Fuel: Everything you need to know
You may know that I am a big fan of Nukeproof mountain bikes, but I am also a big fan of Trek Mountain bikes. After I rode the Trek Remedy 8 and the Fuel EX, I realised how good Trek Bikes are. The 2020 Trek Top Fuel promises to be pretty fantastic, with its updates.
If you are not in the know The Trek Top Fuel is a light weight mountain bike designed primarily for XC races. But, the 2020 Trek Top Fuel ticks a few more boxes than its predecessor. It is now going to be more versatile, making it suitable for cross country racing and trail riding.
The 2020 Trek Top Fuel's Improvements
Suspension
The 2019 Trek Top Fuel has 100mm of travel front and back. But the 2020 version has 120mm on the front and 115mm at the back. These changes will make riding the 2020 Top Fuel over technical terrain a little easier.
The mounting of the rear shock has also changed for 2020. To improve cable routing and frame stiffness, it now has a fixed lower shock mount, while the mino link has been moved in front of the rocker link and the upper shock mounting bolt.
Geometry
The geometry is described as more balanced compared to the current version, with a steeper seat tube angle, slacker head tube angle, and longer reach. But the Mino link allows you to adjust the geometry slightly, by flipping it. You can make the geometry slacker or steeper, depending on your preference.
These changes make the 2020 Trek Top fuel more friendly for trail riding, without losing the cross-country performance that the Top Fuel is known for.
Frame
The frame has Trek’s Control Freak internal cable routing system. This makes everything nice and tidy, but it also stops rattling. The downtube is said to be stiffer and lighter. Trek have fitted the 2020 Top Fuel with their Knock Block steering system. This stops the fork coming in to contact with the frame in the event of a crash.
The 2020 Trek Top Fuel’s frame has a 1x drive train. This allows a maximum of a 34t chainring. It will accommodate a maximum brake disc size of 180mm. In the spirit of making this bike better for trail riding, the frame allows for a larger rear tyre. There is enough space for a 29 x 2.4″, to give you loads of grip.
If you decide to buy a 2020 Trek Top Fuel, you will get a dropper post and a directional 13 degree stem. This can be flipped up to make the bike more focused for trail riding or down for cross country. This stem allows to to adjust the position of your handlebars by 47mm too.
All versions of the 2020 Top Fuel will have a carbon frame, apart from the Fuel 8, which is aluminium.
Pricing starts at $3,299.99 for the Top Fuel 8 NX up to $9,999.99 for the top end Top fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS. Two framesets will also be available with the alloy and carbon option. Standard bikes should be available now, with Project One carbon options available in Late July.
Models
Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame and stays, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 115 mm travel |
| Front suspension | RockShox Pike Ultimate, DebonAir spring, Charger 2 RC2 damper, tapered steerer, 42 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 120 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | RockShox Deluxe Ultimate, TwistLoc remote lockout |
| Wheels | Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110 front, Boost148 rear |
| Tires | Bontrager XR3 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.40″ |
| Shifters | SRAM Eagle AXS, wireless, 12- |
| Rear derailleur | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS |
| Crank | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS Carbon, DUB, 32T alloy ring, Boost |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB, 92 mm, PressFit |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1299 Eagle, 10-50, 12-speed |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12-speed |
| Saddle | Bontrager Montrose Pro, 7×10 mm carbon rails |
| Seatpost | RockShox Reverb AXS, wireless, 31.6 mm |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Kovee XXX, OCLV Carbon, 35 mm, 0 mm rise |
| Stem | Bontrager Kovee Pro, 35 mm, Knock Block, Blendr-compatible, 0-degree |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom |
| Brakeset | SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc, carbon levers, 160 mm rotors |
Trek Top Fuel 9.9
This version of the 2020 Trek Top Fuel has an OCLV Mountain Carbon frame. The specification is different from the 9.9 XX1 AXS above, but it is still impressive. It has a Fox Factory Float rear shock and a very nice Fox Factory 34 Step-Cast fork at the front. The SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain will keep you pedalling up the steepest of hills, while the SRAM Level Ultimate brakes will stop you from rolling down the other side.
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 115mm travel |
| Front suspension | Fox Factory 34 Step-Cast, Float EVOL air spring, FIT4 2-position damper, TwistLoc remote, tapered steerer, 44mm offset , Kashima Coat, Boost110, 15mm Kabolt axle, 120mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Fox Factory Float, 2-position DPS damper, TwistLoc remote, Kashima Coat, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 190x45mm |
| Wheels | Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110 front, Boost148 rear |
| Tires | Bontrager XR3 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 120tpi, 29×2.40″ |
| Shifters | SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12 speed |
| Rear derailleur | SRAM XX1 Eagle |
| Crank | SRAM XX1 Eagle Carbon, DUB, 32T alloy ring, Boost, carbon |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB, 92mm, PressFit |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1295 Eagle, 10-50, 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12 speed |
| Saddle | Bontrager Montrose Elite, titanium rails |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, internal routing, 31.6mm |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Kovee XXX, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 0mm rise |
| Stem | Bontrager Kovee Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, Blendr compatible, 0 degree |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom |
| Brakeset | SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc, carbon levers, 180mm front rotor, 160mm rear rotor |
Trek Top Fuel 9.8
The 2020 Trek Fuel 9.8 is specced to be in the middle of the range. It’s frame is also built out of the OCLV Mountain Carbon fibre. Just because it is in the middle of the range it doesn’t mean it is not a high end bike. For example, its 120 mm Fox Performance 34 Step-Cast fork does a great job of absorbing bumps. The SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and carbon wheels and bars are luxury items too.
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 115mm travel |
| Front suspension | Fox Performance 34 Step-Cast, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP 2-position damper, TwistLoc remote, tapered steerer, 44mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Kabolt axle, 120mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Fox Performance Float, 2-position DPS damper, TwistLoc remote, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 190x45mm |
| Wheels | Bontrager Kovee Elite 30 carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110 front, Boost148 rear |
| Tires | Bontrager XR3 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 120tpi, 29×2.40″ |
| Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed |
| Rear derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Crank | Truvativ Descendant 7k Eagle DUB, 32T alloy ring, Boost |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB, 92mm, PressFit |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1275 Eagle, 10-50, 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed |
| Saddle | Bontrager Montrose Elite, titanium rails |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, internal routing, 31.6mm |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Kovee Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 5mm rise |
| Stem | Bontrager Kovee Pro, 35mm, Knock Block, Blendr compatible, 0 degree |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom |
| Brakeset | Shimano SLX M7000 hydraulic disc, 180mm front rotor, 160mm rear rotor |
Trek Top Fuel 9.7
This version is probably the one most people will buy, due to its price positioning. Although, you will see from the specs below, it is still a well specced bike. TheTrek Top Fuel 9.7 still has features such as the TwistLoc system. This locks out front and rear shocks at the same time. Which is perfect for efficient pedalling. Speaking of pedalling, you get the 12 speed SRAM Eagle drive train, which I am a massive fan of.
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 115mm travel |
| Front suspension | RockShox Reba RL, Solo Air spring, Motion Control damper, TwistLoc remote, tapered steerer, 46mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 120mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Fox Performance Float, 2-postion DPS damper, TwistLoc remote, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 190x45mm |
| Wheels | Bontrager Kovee Comp 23, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110 front, Boost148 rear |
| Tires | Bontrager XR3 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 120tpi, 29×2.40″ |
| Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed |
| Rear derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Crank | SRAM NX Eagle, DUB, 32T steel ring, Boost |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB, 92mm, PressFit |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1230 Eagle, 11-50, 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed |
| Saddle | Bontrager Montrose Comp, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Line Dropper, internal routing, 31.6mm |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Comp, alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise |
| Stem | Bontrager Rhythm Comp, Knock Block, 31.8mm, 0 degree |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom |
| Brakeset | Shimano hydraulic disc, MT501 lever, MT500 caliper |
Trek Top Fuel 8
The Trek Top Fuel 8 is the entry level version with an aluminium frame. The components are not as exotic as you will find in the higher end bikes. But, for this price you will get a great bike for long distance pedals and smashing the single track.
| Frame | Alpha Platinum Aluminum, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, downtube guard, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 115mm travel |
| Front suspension | RockShox Recon RL, Solo Air spring, Motion Control damper, TwistLoc remote, tapered steerer, 46mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 120mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Fox Performance Float, 2-postion DPS damper, TwistLoc remote, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 190x45mm |
| Wheels | Bontrager Kovee Comp 23, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110 front, Boost148 rear |
| Tires | Bontrager XR3 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 120tpi, 29×2.40″ |
| Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed |
| Rear derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Crank | SRAM NX Eagle, DUB, 32T steel ring, Boost |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB, 92mm, PressFit |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1230 Eagle, 11-50, 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Line Dropper, internal routing, 31.6mm |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Comp, alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise |
| Stem | Bontrager Rhythm Comp, Knock Block, 31.8mm, 0 degree |
| Headset | Knock Block Integrated, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom |
| Brakeset | Shimano hydraulic disc, MT501 lever, MT500 caliper |
What are your thoughts?
If you want a very capable cross country bike that will feel at home on single track, the 2020 Trek Top Fuel is a great option. As you can see there is quite a range to suit most budgets. Have you had any experiences with these bikes? I would love to know your thoughts. Also, if you have any questions, let me know in the comments section below.
Thanks for this post. I’m not much a cyclist, but my brother is. He’s always riding all over the place. He even takes a bike with him when he travels out of country for work. I’ve always wanted to get him a really good mountain bike to pay him back for how he’s helped me out through the years.
i appreciate that you highlight that this line of bike can be used for both cross-country and trail riding. Since my brother does both, this would be a better option because it’s designed for both. I can get him the one bike that he can use for both. To me, it would be worth the investment to get a bike that offers such versatility.
Plus, an improvement in the suspension has to be a major benefit. I can only imagine the wear and tear on the body from a suspension system not fitted to the terrain.
Again, thanks for the information. This is definitely a line of bikes I want to investigate further.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your comment. These are great bikes, but to make sure he gets the right one, check out my guide to choosing a mountain bike.
Hi Tom
Trek Top Fuels is very interesting. I’m an old man and have to admit that this whole niche is very new to me. But, I have a 6-year-old grandson who is highly interested in dirt bikes and mountain bikes. You have provided some very powerful information here. I like the way you give us substantive content as well as procedural content. You give the step-by-step process of Trek Top Fuel’s bikes in a clear and cogent fashion. Your graphics of the bikes, including the detailed diagrams, of geometry, frames, and models were also visually appealing and helped with understanding the bikes. I was surprised though by the prices. It never dawned on me that these could cost more than a lot of cars.
Thanks to you I now know what to look for when I take my grandson shopping. He’s going to be very impressed by my newfound knowledge of these bikes.
Thank you for this great information.
God bless you!
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