I don’t understand what Trek is doing with their XC line. Now they have XC bikes that aren’t enough or are too much, with nothing in the sweet spot. Looks like I’ll stick with the Spark RC. Too bad because I ride for a Trek team.
There was a time when we were all riding 70 degree HA bikes. Yuck.
Like a different sport lol
Other than the lack of water bottle, this bike should fit marathon XC racing on proper trails, like a glove!
Lots of epic races out there, where a full on 100mm XC race rig would be perfect for the uphill parts, but a proper enduro bike would be the best tool for the downhill part. Bikes like this one, should offer a great compromise
I’d have to disagree. I race XCM and MTB 100s and this doesn’t seem like a fit. Not only the lack of a second water bottles cage but the geometry, weight and lack of handlebar lockout makes it a poor choice. Compared to other true “down country” bikes the Top Fuel has no place. I do not expect this to be popular in any XC scene.
I agree that it is not the bike I was hoping it would be, for the reasons you just mentioned. Epic EVO or Canyon Lux Trail both seems like better choices. But think the category of XCish bikes on steroids are here to stay.
Maybe I’m weird but I haven’t had a XCM where I didn’t think 100/100 was the perfect tool for the job. Only time I really want more travel is a DH park or hitting jumps/gaps.
To me the (new) Top Fuel is the perfect bike for someone who kinda races, wants a bike for Fruita, front range trails, and to rip in the Colorado high country. One bike to rule them all. For now
You mean… like a “trail” bike? 
Shhh! Don’t let the masses know we’ve gone full circle 
I use my Fuel for that!
From the Pinkbike article:
“When I spoke to some of the team at Trek, they were very comfortable with the fact that this wasn’t a race bike anymore and isn’t there to try and satisfy the brand’s racing aspirations - they have the Supercaliber to do that. This is a bike, if you were to race it, that will be more suited to the BC Bike Race, but all in all is aimed squarely at trail riders who want something very efficient that can also enable them to ride more technical trails with confidence.”
LOL, I literally JUST bought a Top Fuel GX 9.8 like a month ago. I’ve been absolutely in love with it.
My heart sank with potential buyer’s remorse when I saw the 2022 announced. I’m sure it’s an amazing bike.
However, I’m frankly happy with my 2021. This new one is $1000 more and no longer has the dual-lockout. My main objective in getting the Top Fuel was ultra-endurance (45+ mile) events which often have road or fire road portions. The dual lockout is useful for those.
I’m sure the 2022 is a an amazing bike, especially with the slacker head angle for descending, but I don’t really feel buyer’s remorse given my specific use case.
P.S. originally I had wanted an Epic Evo but ultimately I got better components and carbon fiber handlebars for ~$300 less than the Epic Evo would have cost, and I couldn’t get my hands on an epic evo until summer next year at the earliest
P.P.S. I think it’s safe to say the new Top Fuel is squarely a trail bike, which is lovely. However I’m content with my 2021 Top Fuel, lockouts and all, as more of a true “downcountry” or “hefty XC” style bike…
Fuel EX was a 120-120mm trail bike in 2016. 3 degree steeper head angle but about the same weight.
I had noted you were suspiciously quiet. I just ordered one. A bit bummed about only one bottle mount, but my Scalpel only has one so that’s OK I guess. Happy about the storage box. Happy with modern geo. I’m getting older and older and not sure that I’ll do much more XC racing, but I figure with a set of appropriate tyres this will be a good enough marathon race bike. Pretty sure I’ll be the limiting factor over 100km, not the bike. And for the other 98% of riding I’ll do it should be pretty close to perfect.
I have a Top Fuel on order. Was for 2021 but no supply so it’ll be 22. The no duel lockout thing sounds annoying. Same thing I want efficiency and speed on ultra length events. The 22 becoming the wrong bike?
Looks like it 
. @mcneese.chad have you seen one in person yet?
It is hard to believe how heavy it is at over 12.5kg for the XT model.
And that’s with Carbon wheels and bar/stem combo! It’s definitely veered off the race course and decided to pick its own way down the mountain instead.
This.
Was hoping for another light 100mm f/r race option. My 18 Spark RC has had a rough life and could use replacing but between prices and options the only thing I’d replace it with is a Epic Evo at this point (not a brain fan) and even that’s pushing it for me. Guess I get to save some money and just refresh the Spark yet again this winter.
“XC is changing” they say, but the places I race have been the same for the last 10 years. Is this how one becomes a “retrogrouch”? 
I could have wrote these exact words! My 18 Spark is beaten up, can’t get a 2022 Spark and the Top Fuel is a no go. Time to feshen up the current bike. So, since my fork is a mess, I ordered a 2022 Sid Ultimate and I’ll try to get a Sycros Frasher handlebar to make the bike feel new again. Also had to replace all the pivot bearings and bushings.