Is it a trail bike or a downcountry bike? This question arises with the new Top Fuel, and Trek gives its own definition: The Top Fuel is a fast trail bike - according to the US manufacturer, it is lighter and more agile than a real trail bike and at the same time more capable in challenging terrain than a cross-country bike.

For good stability on fast descents, the new Top Fuel comes with a modernized geometry with a steering angle of 66 degrees (and thus 1.5 degrees slacker than on previous models) and 10 millimetres more reach. In addition, the so-called Mino Link allows the frame geometry to be fine-tuned.

Lots of clever details

Detail work has been done on the steering lock limiter: The removable Knock Block 2.0 protects the top tube and prevents the cables from being pulled out in the event of a fall, but its latest version allows a greater steering angle.

These other data characterize the new bike: 120 millimeters of travel front and rear, the wheels are 29 inches (unless the XS size rolls on 27.5 inch wheels), the installed tire width is 2.4 inches and the maximum installable tire width is 2.5 inches. Models with carbon and aluminum frames are available - and both versions have a box in the down tube for storing flick or nibbles. A great deal of engineering and frame manufacturer know-how was required, especially for the aluminum model, to keep the frame light and stable despite this recess.

An almost invisible, but certainly appreciated update has been made to the bottom bracket: the bearings are no longer pressed in, but screwed in. Mechanics will love this, and the continuous cable guides inside the frame will give them just as much reason to celebrate, as they make it much easier to replace shift or brake cables.

trekbikes.com