Trek has once again created a cool range of full-suspension cross-country bikes with the new Top Fuel series. With the 9.8, we have also found the right model for the test. But does this racing file live up to our expectations and can it also impress on difficult terrain?

The 9.8 from Trek's Top Fuel series is available in the two color variants "Matte Dnister Black/Gloss Black" and "Powder Blue", the latter of which is much more attractive and stands out more. The frame also impresses visually with its compact design and dynamic lines. The cables and lines are routed internally. The lockout cable of the shock absorber, on the other hand, is a bit of an eye sore, even if it cannot be mounted any other way given the current state of technology. On the other hand, both Rock-Shox suspension elements can be locked out simultaneously from the handlebars using a hydraulic remote control. Like the bumpers, the X1/X01 mix of drivetrain and drivetrain also comes from Sram. For the brakes, however, Trek relies on Shimano's XT stoppers.
As usual with Trek, the Top Fuel also uses the company's own Bontrager components. These range from the complete head unit to the seat post and saddle to the easy-rolling tires. The Twentyniner wheels, on the other hand, are from DT Swiss.

Photos ©Philipp Ruggli

Powerful and agile
The Top Fuel 9.8 is a racing-oriented bike. On the one hand, this can be seen in the components, on the other hand, the geometry is also designed to ensure that power is optimally converted into propulsion. However, the sporty, stretched-out riding position is by no means uncomfortable. In addition to the fact that you can make rapid progress uphill, you also feel comfortable on this bike. So comfort is not neglected. Whether it's hour-long climbs or short ramps, this bike is happy to do both. The frame is also sufficiently laterally stiff to withstand pedal strokes, so that hardly any power is lost. Trek's engineers have equipped the Top Fuel with everything a cross-country fully needs. It is also agile enough to cope with technical climbs. It even winds surprisingly well uphill around hairpin bends.

As long as you are riding off-road and on rough gravel roads, the Trek can be ridden with the suspension elements open without any problems. The bobbing of the Monarch XX shock is very limited, so you hardly notice it even on gravel roads. When pedaling out of the saddle, the shock does bob a little more, which can be stopped hydraulically with the remote at the touch of a button. The fact that the suspension fork and shock can be locked at the same time is very pleasant and a plus in racing. However, this eliminates the intermediate stage that can be found on the trail shocks between open and closed mode.

Photo ©Philipp Ruggli

With saddle in belly steep downhill
The agility of the Top Fuel 9.8 also comes into its own downhill. Where hairpin bends already seem relatively easy on the climbs, they are even easier to master on the descents. This is where the Twentyniner race file excels. Even on steep and twisty descents and with the saddle in the belly, the Trek stays on track and masters every tight bend. If you don't want to do without a dropper post on this race bike, you can easily retrofit one with an internal cable. The Top Fuel frames are prepared for this.

The agile steering behavior of the Top Fuel is also reflected in the bike's playfulness. Despite being a cross-country bike, it is a lot of fun to hop around and use small edges as jumps while riding. The Top Fuel also responds directly to fast steering movements and stays safely on track. The chassis also contributes to the directional stability. Although a little damped at the beginning, it works well over the 100 millimeters available and is easy to swallow. However, it becomes a little unsettled on rough descents as the speed increases. However, this is due to the nature of the bike and is therefore perfectly fine.

Conclusion: The Trek "Top Fuel 9.8" fully meets expectations in terms of propulsion. It also surprises us with how well it rides on technically demanding descents. It is the ideal bike for those who mostly ride on the midlands and like to race from time to time. Apart from a few details that have not been solved one hundred percent beautifully, there are no shortcomings to complain about on this bike. If climbing qualities are more important to you than downhill qualities, the Top Fuel 9.8 is also a great touring bike.

Manufacturer: www.trekbikes.com

Test report published in issue 01/2016 of Ride Magazine.