The brand\u2019s Top Fuel model has shifted in intention over the years; from the pure XC race thoroughbred released in 2005 to the longer-travel, heavier-duty machine created in 2019. \u201cThe downcountry\/XC-trail category is evolving,\u201d says Trek, and the new 2022 Top Fuel meets those requirements.<\/p>\n
If you enjoy riding fast uphill and want to ride all day on longer loops, downcountry bikes are for you. Indeed, Trek says that the new Top Fuel is \u201cfor riders who enjoy pedalling up as much as they enjoy going down.\u201d<\/p>\n
What\u2019s new for the 2022 Trek Top Fuel?<\/h2>\n
Trek says it was looking to \u201ckeep the pedalling efficiency but make it way more capable, not limited like a traditional XC bike\u201d with the Top Fuel.<\/p>\n
To achieve this, Trek has taken the pivot position from the previous Top Fuel and moved it forwards, tuning the anti-squat curve to make it flatter and keep characteristics more consistent throughout the travel.<\/p>\n
- Extra reading:<\/strong> The ultimate guide to mountain bike rear suspension systems<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
In-frame storage<\/h3>\n
One of the most obvious changes is Trek\u2019s in-frame storage, the manufacturer\u2019s answer to Specialized\u2019s SWAT box.<\/p>\n
![\""2022\"]( "\\"\"2022\\"")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Trek\u2019s new internal down tube stash box appears on both the aluminium and carbon models.<\/span><\/figcaption> Trek<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n Trek says it \u201cadds weight but it\u2019s important for bikes in this category\u201d. These stash areas give riders the ability to store items previously carried on their body, in the bike. This increases stability of the bike and rider, and lowers their centre of gravity.<\/p>\n
Trek has gone to great lengths to bring this feature to all bikes in the range, including the aluminium models as well as the carbon bikes. It\u2019s something customers buying aluminium Specialized bikes, such as the Stumpjumper Comp Alloy<\/a>, are unable to enjoy.<\/p>\n
Steering limiter<\/h3>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Trek\u2019s Knock Block gets an overhaul and the result is the 2.0 version with more lock and versatility.<\/span><\/figcaption> Trek<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n Trek\u2019s contentious Knock Block steering-lock limiter allowed bikes fitted with it to have a straight down tube to enhance stiffness and prevent damage from fork top caps striking the down tube or low-slung brake levers hitting the top tube.<\/p>\n
The 2022 Top Fuel features Knock Block 2.0, which has been redesigned to be less extreme and allow an increased steering angle from 58 to 72 degrees.<\/p>\n
Top Fuel frames have been designed with more down tube clearance for fork top caps, doing away with the previously straight stiffness-promoting down tube found on Knock Block 1.0 bikes.<\/p>\n
If both fork top caps clear the down tube and the brake levers clear the top tube, Trek says it\u2019s possible for riders to remove the Knock Block 2.0 completely with minimal fuss.<\/p>\n
Wheelsize is 29in except for the XS, which comes with 27.5-inch wheels (and in the 9.8 spec only). All complete bikes come with 2.4in wide Bontrager tyres, but the frames will take up to a 2.5in, so mud clearance should be ample for UK riding.<\/p>\n
2022 Trek Top Fuel geometry<\/h2>\n
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