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Today’s DealsTop Fuel 9
A 26″ aluminum frame full suspension crosscountry bike with high-end components.
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| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 100 / 100mm |
| Wheels | 26″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 3 × 10 |
| Groupset | XT |
| Brakes | Avid Hydraulic Disc |
154cm – 169cm
166cm – 180cm
176cm – 188cm
177cm – 189cm
186cm – 196cm
🐐 Estimated
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Summary
The Trek Top Fuel is a high-performance cross-country bike with a superlight design and excellent downhill capabilities, thanks to its ABP suspension system. However, it faces criticism for rear suspension performance and front end stiffness issues. The bike is praised for its neutral feel and well-mannered handling on various terrains, making it a strong contender in its category.
Superlight design
Excellent downhill performance with ABP suspension
Neutral feel and well-mannered handling
Full complement of top-level components
Durable and good-looking
Rear suspension doesn’t meet pedaling performance expectations
Front end feels soft, affecting handling
Rear shock issues
Lack of front end stiffness
Seatmast produces an annoying bounce
The Top Fuel 9.9 SSL is a replica of the bike that was ridden to victory by Trek World Racing's Mathias Flueckinger in the 2010 U23 World Cup and World Championships.
A bike costing close to $8,000 should be close to perfect, not hampered by rear shock issues and a lack of front end stiffness.
The downhill performance of the ABP design is up there with the best – and not just in cross-country race terms; the same platform is used on Trek's Session downhill bike.
“It’s going to be very interesting data,”
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Feb 2012
Joe Parkin of bike magazine reviews Trek bicycles' cross-country (XC) race bike, the Top Fuel 9.8. Size XL, 21.5.

Aug 2011 · Emily Schaldach
He may not be a pro in the traditional sense of the word. But as one of North America's best known cycling coaches, it's certainly interesting to see what Chris Carmichael will saddle up come race day at the 2011 Leadville 100.

Mar 2011 · Matt Pacocha
Trek World Racing’s cross-country race rig

Mar 2011 · Matt Pacocha
Good downhill suspension performance for a cross-country race bike, but elsewhere it's hampered by pedaling feedback and a surprising lack of steering stiffness
May 2010 · VeloNews.com
From climbing to cornering to accelerating, the Top Fuel 9.8 wants to race.

Nov 2008 · Tyler Benedict
Over the holiday week I met Trek’s Southeast demo guy, Tom Jenkins, at the IMBA Epic Santos Trails in Ocala, FL, for a solid 3+ hour cross country test of the new 2009 Trek Top Fuel 9.9 SSL. This course is an Epic for a reason.  There are more than 40 miles of singletrack, ranging …
| Frame | Alpha Red Aluminum w/ABP Race, Full Floater, magnesium EVO Link, oversized pivot bearings, replaceable derailleur hanger, 100mm travel BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Bottom Bracket | BSA, 73mm, threaded |
| Headset | FSA Orbit Z, 1-1/8" semi-integrated, sealed |
| Stem | Bontrager Race X Lite, 31.8mm |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Race Lite Low Riser, 31.8mm, 25mm rise, 9 degree sweep |
| Saddle | Bontrager Evoke 3, titanium rails |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Race X Lite, 31.6mm, 5mm offset Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | n/a |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore XT |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Deore XT |
| Crank | Shimano Deore XT, 42/32/24 |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore XT, 10 speed |
| Cassette | Shimano M77110 11-36, 10 speed |
| Brakes | Avid Elixir CR hydraulic disc brakes Type: Avid Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Bontrager Race Lite Pro Disc wheel system, 28 hole, center lock; tubeless ready |
|---|---|
| Tires | Bontrager XR3 Team, 26x2.2" |
First added 29 June
Last updated 29 June
Not listed for 3,256 days