trek top fuel 2023

Trek Top Fuel 8 review

• Alan Muldoon
• July 27, 2023

Once a lean XC race-focused machine, now a bulked up down-country rig. We test Trek's latest take on its short travel full suspension design.

Trek Top Fuel 8 Credit: Roo Fowler

Product Overview

Overall rating:, trek top fuel 8.

• • Poppy, playful and efficient
• • Available in six frame sizes
• • Internal down tube storage
• • Mino Link flip chip allows geometry tweaks
• • Needs a 180mm rear rotor
• • Accurate rear shock set up is crucial
• • A solid build, so not the lightest in its class

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

Think Top Fuel, and the image of a XC race bike instantly springs to mind. But like a faded polaroid tucked into the corner for a dusty picture frame, it’s not an accurate representation of the current design. With the Fuel EX increasing in travel, the Top Fuel has been swept along in its backdraft and seen in high definition, it’s now a capable 29er trail bike with modern sizing and 120mm travel and one of the best down-country bikes on sale. 

A dropper post and sorted cockpit complement the Top Fuel’s playful and poppy nature

Trek offers the new Top Fuel in carbon and alloy options, where the Top Fuel 8 tested here is the high-end alloy build. Regardless of frame material all Top Fuels come with integrated downtube storage. And while the quick release hatch under the bottle cage isn’t big enough to cram a three course lunch into the frame, there’s enough space for a tube, multi-tool, a few snacks and a lightweight jacket. 

Down tube storage is handy for those riders who are travelling light

Trek always offers a comprehensive size range; and with frame options from S to XXL, with a tweener M/L option too, the Top Fuel 8 is no exception. It also has geometry adjustment, but rather than having Trek’s signature Mino Link on the seat stay pivot, the Top Fuel has a flip chip at the lower shock mount. In the low setting this gives a relatively tall 340mm BB height for a 120mm bike, which is probably the only carryover from its race-bike roots – designed to let you keep the cranks spinning, and the speed high at all times.

• Best down-country mountain-bike: short travel full-suspension

The rest of the Top Fuel’s vital stats are on the money though, where a slack 65.6º head angle and steep 77.2º effective seat tube angle make it easy to hammer up the climbs and shred the descents. 

Flip chip in the lower shock mount offers 0.5deg head angle and 8mm BB height adjustment

It’s built solid too, the complete bike tipping the scales at 14.89kg. It also comes with a combined rider and bike weight limit of 136kg (300lb) so it’s clearly no wet noodle. Yes, it’s not the lightest for a 120mm bike, and not far off what you’d expect for a 150mm bike, but that’s the price you pay for integrated storage, as the alloy down tube needs reinforcing when you cut a hole in it.

Thankfully, the Top Fuel 8 rides light, as there’s less travel to pull through to get the bike off the ground, so it offers a different ride experience to modern long-travel trail bikes which tend to have one eye on enduro racing. 

The stock RockShox Pike Rush RC fork dishes out 130mm of travel

There are no sag gradients on the 130mm travel RockShox Pike fork, which we assume is down to cost saving, but set-up is still really straightforward with a tape measure to hand. And while the Pike has a reputation for having a sporty, firmer tune, the basic RC version on the Trek felt smooth and composed in all situations. Yes, the RC damper has a very wide range of rebound adjustment, but there’s only a small range that’s actually usable, but it is enough to get the rebound just so; and that’s all that really matters, right?

• Best mountain bike suspension forks: XC, trail and enduro forks

You need to be equally attentive when setting up the rear suspension. Set to 30% sag, the top-end RockShox Deluxe Ultimate RCT shock bottoms relatively easily. So if you want to run the shock softer to achieve a lower dynamic BB height, you’re going to need to add volume spacers. As such, we increased the shock pressure and reduced the sag to 27.5%.

This small change alone was enough to prevent premature bottom out, but we could still use all of the available shock stroke when we really needed it. We also ran the low-speed compression setting in the minus position for maximum plushness. In the low geometry setting we measured rear wheel travel at 115mm, which is 5mm less than claimed. 

One of the biggest differences in terms of ride feel between the Lapierre and the Trek, other than sizing, are the wheels. The Bontrager Line 30 rims have a 30mm internal rim width, 5mm more than the Mavic rims on the Lapierre XRM 6.9 we tested the Trek against. This adds to the overall volume of the tyres and the stiffness of the bike. It is also why we dropped the tyre pressures slightly on the Trek, even though we were running the exact same tyres on both bikes. 

Bolted on chainstay protection is a neat and considered touch

With 108 points of engagement the freehub on the Bontrager rear wheel offers rapid, secure engagement, with less chain slack and chain slap as a result. The bike is not totally silent though as there is a little bit of cable rattle, but it will probably disappear when you stuff the BITS storage box to the gills.

The contact points on the Top Fuel 8 are all sorted and while there’s a stack of stem height adjustment, the three 20mm spacers don’t offer any fine tuning of the handlebar height. So swapping one of the 20mm spacers of a 10mm, a 5mm and two 2.5mm spacers, would be our first move before leaving the store.

• How to: ultimate guide to handlebar cockpit set up

Nothing else needs changing though. The mix of Shimano XT and SLX for the 12-speed drivetrain worked flawlessly in the dry, dusty test conditions, where the smaller 30t chainring is a real saviour on long draggy climbs or on days when your legs feel like lead. 

ABP suspension design transforms the seat stay assembly into a floating brake mount

Performance

The steep seat tube angle on the Trek Top Fuel 8 really helps with the pedalling dynamics on steeper climbs and the cockpit is long enough that even with the shorter 45mm stem, you never feel cramped or uncomfortable when climbing. It’s not so steep though, that it feels like the pedals are behind you when sitting down spinning across flatter, rolling singletrack.

Stand up to sprint and the rear suspension on the Trek clearly gets animated, the rocker link flapping around like the tail on an overly excited puppy. So the best approach is to sit and spin up the climbs, as the shock remains remarkably still and lifeless until you encounter a bump. Also if you really want to go for it on smoother climbs, the rear shock has a firmer pedal threshold setting. In short then, gaining elevation on the Top Fuel 8 is relatively straightforward and painless.

Knock Block 2.0 steering lock with 72º steering angle, protects the frame without limiting steering

So, it’s somewhat surprising just how rapidly you can throw those gains away. This bike simply rips the descents. Given the limited travel it still seems to carry speed everywhere, and while bumps that would normally chip away at your momentum are still felt though the chassis, they do not perturb the Trek one bit. It rails corners too. Simply load up the suspension mid-turn, and the Top Fuel has just the right amount of support and extension to keep the front end loaded, before slingshotting you out of the turn faster than you entered it. Combine the raw speed with the balanced weight distribution, and the Top Fuel 8 is a really fun, exciting ride and blisteringly fast too.

Would the Trek Top Fuel 8 be even faster with a genuinely low geometry setting? You bet it would. But we’d settle for a bigger rotor on the SRAM DB8 rear brake, as this bike is so fast in fact, that the 160mm rotor feels wholly inadequate and it looked like it had been tempered after just a couple of rides. 

• Best cross-country XC mountain bikes: hardtail and full suspension

The Top Fuel 8 is at home on fast sweeping singletrack

At 14.89kg (32.83lb), the Trek Top Fuel 8 isn’t that much lighter than a 150mm bike. So if you want one bike to conquer all trails, it wouldn’t be our first choice. It’s still a great 29er trail bike though, and if bike park laps and enduro racing don’t fall under your trail bike remit, the Trek Top Fuel 8 offers a fast, fun and engaging ride. Its poppy playful nature, combined with generous sizing means you never feel limited by the travel for regular trail riding. Yet, it still feels more energetic and efficient under pedalling than than most 150mm bikes. It’s a heady combination that manages to keep both the tempo and fun factor high, without any apparent lows.

2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Bike

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Sizes and geometry.

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2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.7 Review

Are you looking for a premium mountain bike that can handle anything and any kind of terrain? If so, you’ll want to pay attention to the 2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.7.

In this comprehensive review, we explore all the details about this bike that make it an ideal choice for hardcore bikers who want a truly reliable ride.

The 2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.7 is one of the most advanced mountain bikes available on the market today.

It has a durable and lightweight OCLV Mountain Carbon layup that is designed to provide both strength and stiffness for ultimate handling performance.

The 2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.7 offers more than just its impressive specs – it also features an incredibly capable set of components that can easily handle any terrain you throw at it.

From suspension systems designed to take on high-speed descents to comfortable saddle positions that help reduce fatigue on longer rides, the 2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.7 has everything serious bikers need in one highly refined package.

Let’s take a closer look at this amazing bike and find out why it’s recommended by some of the top names in the world of cycling.

The Trek Top Fuel 9.7 is a lightweight cross-country and trail mountain bike designed with speed, agility and performance in mind.

Built for those who are looking for a fast ride that can handle the toughest trails, the Trek Top Fuel 9.7 has been generating a lot of buzz since its release.

If you’re considering purchasing this new model, read on to find out more about what makes it so great.

The Trek Top Fuel 9.7 is an affordable and fast-rolling cross country mountain bike with a modern trail geometry for added stability and control.

Shimano’s new Deore XT 12-speed drivetrain provides crisp shifting, while tackling technical descents with ease thanks to the Fox suspension front and rear.

With the Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheelset wearing tire sizes of up to 2.5″ wide you’ll have access to terrain like never before – all at an unbeatable price point.

– OCLV Mountain Carbon frameset with internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block 2.0, internal guided routing, downtube guard, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, and 120mm of travel

– Shimano Deore XT 1×12 drivetrain consisting of a 10-51t cassette paired to a 30t chainring mounted to a Shimano Deore crankset

– Fox Rhythm 34, Float EVOL air spring front fork with 120mm of travel

– Fox Performance Float DPS rear shock with 3-position damper and 185mm x 50mm of travel

– Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheelset wrapped in Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29″x2.40″ tires

– Modern Trail Geometry for added stability & control

– TranzX dropper seat post

– Top of the range Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes

– Internal cable routing for sleek look & easy maintenance

Frame and Suspension

The frame is constructed from Trek’s OCLV Mountain carbon fiber, making it incredibly light and stiff – ideal for going fast over technical trails.

The full-suspension design features 120mm of travel, giving you just enough squish to get through any unexpected bumps and jumps without sacrificing speed.

The fork has 120mm of travel, providing excellent handling capabilities that won’t falter when faced with challenging terrain.

Components and Drivetrain

Trek equipped their Top Fuel 9.7 model with Shimano components, an Deore XT drivetrain and 4 piston hydraulic disc brakes give you ultimate control on your rides.

The drivetrain has a massive gear range – a 10-52t cassette and 30t chainring – which will make climbing tough inclines much easier than ever before, while the powerful brakes allow you to a stop on a dime.

Handling & Ride Quality

When it comes to handling, the Top Fuel 9.7 does not disappoint; its relatively slack head angle makes it surprisingly agile around tight turns despite its longer wheelbase and short chainstays adding extra stability at higher speeds over rough terrain or jumps.

The rear suspension is firm but responsive enough to absorb vibrations from roots or rocks without compromising its cornering abilities or overall speed.

Overall Impression

We found very little to fault with the Trek Top Fuel 9.7; Its front suspension is well-tuned so it responds quickly yet still absorbs shock impressively well.

The combination of lightweight construction as well as stability provided by its geometry makes this bike enjoyable to ride both uphill and down.

It shifts quickly thanks to its Shimano drivetrain while also delivering enough power.

Finally, its powerful brakes make sure that no amount of descents are too tricky for you!

If you’re looking for an all-mountain ripper, the Top Fuel 9.7 is an excellent choice!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Trek fuel ex 5 vs. Scott spark 960

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Tried finding a comparison for these two bike, but not a lot out there for the Scott (mostly others in the spark line). Hoping to buy one of these within the next few days, but am not sure which is the better bet. The trek is $1800 while the Scott is listed at $1900, but up until this weekend is at $1600. Just getting back into riding and am not really sure on which has the better components, and which I'll end up upgrading. Thanks,  

If you are just getting back into riding, start with the Scott. It has less (more manageable) suspension travel, and if it costs less, then if it fits it will be your best choice.  

IMO, don't waste your money with an EX5. It's such a baseline entry into the FS that it's not worth it. Go at least an EX6 and up.. As for Scott, couldn't tell you. Been seeing them more and more. I am considering one as my next bike. I demo'd a FS carbon model and loved it.  

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EV Federal Tax Credit

Federal tax credit.

• ev tax credit
• Used EV Tax Credit

Here are all the used EVs that qualify for a $4,000 tax credit

January 1, 2023, kicked off a fresh start of new tax credits for vehicles, both new and used. Since then, much of the dust has settled on the Capitol as it continues to implement qualifying terms for tax credits , continuously shifting what used EVs do and do not qualify. Here’s the latest list.

Table of contents

A used ev might be the way to go in 2024, how the current tax credit works for used evs, all-electric models, used plug-in hybrids evs that qualify for tax credits, other resources for ev tax credits.

Although the $7,500 federal tax credit has been extended for new EV purchases under revised qualifying terms, those current requirements leave a very limited the number of current EVs that qualify.

Many automakers are already pivoting their business strategies to move EV and battery assembly to US soil to once again qualify, but it will take time to establish those facilities and get them up and running.

In the meantime, it might be worth considering a used EV in order to take advantage of the revamped federal tax credit up to $4,000. Here’s how it works.

In a perfect world for consumers, any and all used EV purchases would qualify for tax credits from the US government, but that’s unfortunately not the case. As part of revised terms in the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Biden, federal tax credits have been extended and include revamped benefits for used EV purchases. As long as they fit certain criteria. Per the IRS:

Beginning January 1, 2023, if you buy a qualified previously owned electric vehicle (EV) or fuel cell vehicle (FCV) from a licensed dealer for $25,000 or less, you may be eligible for a previously owned clean vehicle tax credit under Internal Revenue Code Section 25E.

Used EVs no see revised terms that offers a credit equal to 30% percent of the sale price (up to $4,000). That should help consumers like yourselves get some change back in your pocket at the end of the fiscal year. As long as you stick to these terms as  outlined by the IRS .

To qualify as a customer, you must:

• Be an individual who bought the vehicle for use and not for resale
• Must be an individual (no businesses)
• Not be the original owner
• Not be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return
• Not have claimed another used clean vehicle credit in the 3 years before the EV purchase date
• Modified adjusted gross income must not exceed $75k for individuals, $112,500 for heads of households, and $150k for joint returns

Additionally, in order for used EV to qualify for federal tax credits, it must:

• Have a sale price of $25,000 or less
• For example, a vehicle purchased in 2023 would need a model year of 2021 or older
• Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer
• Have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds
• Be an eligible FCV or plug-in EV with a battery capacity of least 7 kilowatt hours (kWh)
• Be for use primarily in the United States
• For qualified used EVs, the dealer reports required information to you at the time of sale and to the IRS
• A used vehicle qualifies for tax credit only once in its lifetime

Here are all the Used EVs that qualify for tax credits

As promised, here is the current list of used EVs that qualify for tax credits in the US, per the IRS, separated by all-electric BEVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

It’s important to note that this is not the end all, be all list of used EVs that qualify for tax credits in the US. Once again, per the IRS:

Manufacturers of the vehicles listed below have provided appropriate information and have indicated that the vehicles are eligible for the credit provided other requirements are met. 

This is simply the list provided by the government which will be continually updated by both them and us. Additionally, some of these EVs especially are 2021 or 2022 models, and it will be nearly impossible to find them on sale below $25k. If you do somehow luck out, more power to you, because you may qualify for additional savings.

As always, we recommend speaking with a tax professional and EV dealer directly in order to ensure what you and your new vehicle qualify for. Without further adieu, here are the all-electric models that currently qualify:

While tax credits for used EVs are newly revamped and may be the way to go for you personally, there are plenty of other options to get money back from Uncle Sam at the end of the fiscal year.

For instance, revised terms outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act went into affect January 1, 2023 and enable the extension of federal tax credits for new EV purchases through the next decade, while once again allowing EVs from American automakers like Tesla and GM to once again qualify.

That being said, the capitol is still trying to settle a lot of these terms to determine what vehicles qualify, so things are a bit cloudy at the moment, but you may be able to take advantage of tax credits before battery assembly requirements kick in later this year.

Learn more about federal tax credits for new EV purchases here .

Top comment by Jacob Larsen

There absolutely needs to be a VIN lookup to see if a vehicle 1) qualifies and 2) has had its credit used once per lifetime. Federal govt needs to put up a simple consumer facing web page that dealer and customer will use at purchase to ensure no surprises.

Whether it’s a new or used EV purchase that ends up being right for you, you may still be able to take advantage of additional perks at the state level, depending where you live. Credits, exemptions, and other benefits could be available for an EV purchase, lease, or for relevant equipment like home charger installation.

You can check out what EV-centric benefits may be available to you, sorted by state, here.

We’d like to reiterate once last time that we recommend doing your own research and speaking with a tax professional and EV dealer directly in order to ensure exactly what you and your vehicle purchase qualify for.

Good luck in EV your search!

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]

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• Rider Notes

2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.7

A 27.5″ / 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components. Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

Top Fuel 9.7

In Stock: SM, MD, LG, & XL

In Stock: MD

Fahrrad XXL

Top Fuel 9.7 - 2023 - 29 Zoll - Fully

In Stock: MD/LG & LG

Top Fuel 9.9 XTR

Top Fuel 9.8 Carbon XT

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145cm – 156cm

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177cm – 189cm

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes. Report your fit

Jul 2023 · Alan Muldoon

Think Top Fuel, and the image of a XC race bike instantly springs to mind. But like a faded polaroid tucked into the corner for a dusty picture frame, it’s not an accurate representation of the current design. With the Fuel EX increasing in travel, the Top Fuel has been swept along in its backdraft and seen in high definition, it’s now a capable 29er trail bike with modern sizing and 120mm travel.  Trek offers the new Top Fuel in carbon and alloy options, where the Top Fuel 8 tested here is the high-end alloy build. Regardless of frame material all Top Fuels come with integrated downtube storage. And while the quick release hatch under the bottle cage isn’t big enough to cram a three course lunch into the frame, there’s enough space for a tube, multi-tool, a few snacks and a lightweight jacket.  Frame Trek always offers a comprehensive size range; and with frame options from S to XXL, with a tweener M/L option too, the Top Fuel 8 is no exception. It also has geometry adjustment, but rather than having Trek’s signature Mino Link on the seat stay pivot, the Top Fuel has a flip chip at the lower shock mount. In the low setting this gives a relatively tall 340mm BB height for a 120mm bike, which is probably the only carryover from its race-bike roots – designed to let you keep the cranks spinning, and the speed high at all times. Best down-country mountain-bike: short travel full-suspension The rest of the Top Fuel’s vital stats are on the money though, where a slack 65.6º head angle and steep 77.2º effective seat tube angle make it easy to hammer up the climbs and shred the descents.  It’s built solid too, the complete bike tipping the scales at 14.89kg. It also comes with a combined rider and bike weight limit of 136kg (300lb) so it’s clearly no wet noodle. Yes, it’s not the lightest for a 120mm bike, and not far off what you’d expect for a 150mm bike, but that’s the price you pay for integrated storage, as the alloy down tube needs reinforcing when you cut a hole in it. Thankfully, the Top Fuel 8 rides light, as there’s less travel to pull through to get the bike off the ground, so it offers a different ride experience to modern long-travel trail bikes which tend to have one eye on enduro racing.  Suspension There are no sag gradients on the 130mm travel RockShox Pike fork, which we assume is down to cost saving, but set-up is still really straightforward with a tape measure to hand. And while the Pike has a reputation for having a sporty, firmer tune, the basic RC version on the Trek felt smooth and composed in all situations. Yes, the RC damper has a very wide range of rebound adjustment, but there’s only a small range that’s actually usable, but it is enough to get the rebound just so; and that’s all …Continue reading »

Poppy, playful and efficient. Available in six frame sizes. Internal down tube storage. Mino Link flip chip allows geometry tweaks.

Needs a 180mm rear rotor. Accurate rear shock set up is crucial. A solid build so not the lightest in its class.

Read Review

May 2022 · Tom Marvin

An absolute hoot to ride on all but the gnarliest tracks, a true trail bike even if on paper it doesn’t look it

Shrugs off limited travel figures on 95% of trails

Loves to twist and turn

Fast-rolling rubber helps keep speeds high

Fork can twang under heavier riders

You’re occasionally reminded of the 120mm travel

Mar 2022 · Peter Walker

In our big 2022 downcountry group test, we pitted the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS against 5 of the hottest bikes of the year. Read the full review to find out what it’s capable of and how it stacks up against the competition. Hit the link for the full review and a list with all other bikes in test.

Freedom of movement downhill

Firm and efficient rear suspension generates plenty of traction

Intuitive handling

Practical detail solutions and clean look

Very wide handlebars

Mar 2022 · Guy Kesteven

Trek’s Top Fuel delivers superlative short-travel suspension performance but it’s definitely a trail bike not an XC bike

Infectiously agile and playful vibe

Superlative suspension feel

Seriously tight tracking frame

Trail tough kit

Internal storage

Too heavy for XC racing

Simple fork damper

Tight internal storage access

Yawning gap between this and the Supercaliber

Shore Country? Dad Country? No no, this one is "fast trail"

Dec 2021 · Henry Quinney

For a bike that is so capable on the descents, though, the Top Fuel still packs a mighty punch when it comes to gaining elevation..

Great suspension performance

Frame storage

Strong climbing performance

Knockblock isn't as well executed as other brand's versions

Works well when pushing hard, but might not be the most comfortable for all

Oct 2021 · Ryan "Squirrel" LaBar

Adding fire to the Fuel

The Trek Top Fuel has been overhauled for 2022, receiving an all-new frame with integrated storage, plus key updates to the suspension design and geometry. So how does it ride on the trail? And will everyone be pleased with all the changes? Read on for our Trek Top Fuel review.

Brilliant trail-ripping geometry

Active and supportive suspension

Masses of cornering grip & stability

Refined and practical frame design

Downtube storage is a welcome addition

Dropper post is sluggish

Wheels are solid but quite heavy

Carbon bars are harsh

Heavier than many of its competitors

Last updated 3 June

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Why young Trek athletes broke out in Nové Město

Nové Město showcased why Trek's rider development efforts are the best in the world

Trek athletes won five of six Under-23 and Junior events at the MTB Cross Country World Cup race in Nové Město this past weekend. Of the 18 available podium spots, eight were occupied by a young member of a conglomeration of Trek Factory Racing-Pirelli XC, Trek Future Racing, Lidl-Trek and Bear National Team riders.

Riley Amos and Isabella Holmgren are perfect on the World Cup circuit this season — Amos now having won six-of-six World Cup starts, and Holmgren now two-for-two after swapping her Madone for a Supercaliber in the midst of her first year racing for Lidl-Trek. Amos’ TFR XC teammate Madigan Munro had one of her best weekends ever, taking third in short track and second in Olympic-distance. 17-year-old Albert Philipsen, a junior road and XCO World Champion, will join Lidl-Trek in 2025 , but in the meantime he’s racing Trek mountain bikes, winning the junior men’s race in Nové Město.

Riley Amos celebrating his sixth World Cup win of the season.

Madigan Munro en route to one of her best World Cup weekends ever.

That’s not even mentioning the contributions of Trek’s dedicated MTB development teams. Trek Future Racing’s Bjorn Riley took third in U23 men’s XCO and sixth in XCC, while Emilly Johnston took fourth in U23 women’s XCO and fifth in XCC. The Bear National Team sent 18-year-old American rider Vida Lopez de San Roman to Nové Město, and she took fourth while also jumping up to third overall on the UCI’s junior women’s XC rankings . Bear also boasts No. 6 Andie Aagard, and No. 1 overall junior men’s rider Nicholas Konecny.

That level of success doesn’t occur in a vacuum. In one weekend on one of XC racing’s most iconic courses, Trek’s young riders reinforced the pillars of Trek’s development philosophy.

A podium cheers between Trek teammates Isabella Holmgren and Madigan Munro.

Albert Philipsen showing off his versatility with an impressive junior win.

Step 1 is giving riders the best equipment and support. Trek is a bike company after all, and the opportunity to ride the fastest equipment in the world can be a major draw for young talent. Multidisciplinary riders like Holmgren and Philipsen can swap bikes from one weekend to the next and know they’ll be riding best-in-class products. If it’s good enough for Olympic and World Champions , it’s good enough for them.

They also know that they’ll be well taken care of. Trek wholly owns its Trek Factory Racing and Lidl-Trek racing operations, which means that all the squads share core philosophies and wide open lines of communication. The staff also understands all levels of the sport. For example, TFR XC’s team support manager Matt Shriver is Lidl-Trek’s former technical director, and a former cyclocross world champion as a racer. He understands the needs and technical challenges of a wide range of athletes.

Bjorn Riley has been one of the top U23 men's riders all season alongside Riley Amos.

Emilly Johnston getting ready to do battle for Trek Future Racing.

Philipsen cited the ability to maintain his multidisciplinary focus as a big reason why he signed with Trek last December . 

“I could really feel from the start how enthusiastic and passionate the people working in the team were, while still focused on not rushing the process and not putting too much pressure on my shoulders,” Philipsen said. “With my multi-discipline approach it was also important for me to find a team that not only had the best setup on the road, but also on the MTB and cyclocross, and I really feel that Lidl-Trek does that.”

Holmgren and Philipsen signed with Trek after establishing themselves as some of the best young riders in the world — in 2023, they combined to win four junior UCI world titles. Most young riders come to Trek’s factory and development teams well before they’ve hit their big breaks, however. Before Evie Richards won an elite XC world championship with TFR XC in 2021, she raced on a Trek for Tracy Moseley’s T-Mo Racing. Before Reece Wilson won an elite Downhill world championship in 2020, he was a member of the Trek-sponsored Unior Tools team of young riders ( now called Unior-Sinter .)

Isabella Holmgren is one of several budding stars in Lidl-Trek's youth movement.

Riley Amos has been leading the way all season.

Trek oversees a host of other teams dedicated to identifying and nurturing young talent: Bear National Team and Trek Future Racing in XC, CXHairs Devo and the Sven Nys Academy in cyclocross, Unior-Sinter and The Union in downhill, and a newly-minted devo squad for Lidl-Trek in road racing. The common element among all of them is that they scout for riders who demonstrate that they can be great teammates, foremost. Pure physical ability isn’t everything.

Bear National Team is one of the longest standing development programs in the United States, and it has helped usher in a wave of World Cup success among American riders. Amos is one of the squad’s alumni who applied for the program, did community service, bought into Bear’s “get what you give” ethos, and has gone on to become a budding star with TFR XC.

The bike of champions.

Isabella Holmgren on the move.

“I’ve never podium-picked. I never go out and recruit kids,” Julia Violich, Bear’s co-founder, told Trek . “[With the applications] I really want to get into the psyche of that child. Are they kind? Are they grateful? Are they going to be a good teammate?”

Bear has been partnered with Trek for more than a decade now. The program aligns with Trek’s values, and vice versa.

“It’s not the monetary thing that Trek does for us. It’s the brand that Trek brings,” Violich said . “They are the program that supports my kids at the high school level. They support kids at Trek Future Racing, the higher development level, then at the Factory Racing level. But they also care about things like safe routes to schools, and getting little kids on bikes. It’s pretty mind blowing.”

Hugs for Madigan Munro's killer double-podium weekend.

Evidence of a hard-fought race.

Holistic physical and personal development is also a cornerstone of Trek Future Racing. The team uses advanced biometrics to help tailor training plans so that its athletes can reach their full athletic potential, but it also uses that data to monitor recovery and ward off over-training, too. Another part of that emphasis is keeping young athletes from mentally burning out.

“The main thing we learned is we have to show them not to overdo it,” Bernd Reutemann, Trek Future Racing’s owner and team manager, told Trek . “And it’s very hard because in the World Cup, 60 riders want to be on the podium. We will not always be on the podium, but you can do your best and we can always be a positive presence in the market. For the kids, they love cycling. That’s the story.”

Not every weekend will be a smash success, but Nové Město was proof positive that Trek’s approach to rider development is working. The future of Trek’s race teams is bright. The not-so-secret formula is simple: Equip passionate young riders with the very best tools, then watch them fly.

Your breakout race machine

In this story.

Discover more

Isabella Holmgren and Riley Amos kickoff Nové Město with big wins

How Bear National Team has helped fuel the U.S. MTB Renaissance

No ambition is too big for Trek Future Racing

How Trek’s mountain biking teams grew up

Lidl-Trek establishes development team, announcing first 8 riders

Lidl-Trek sign Danish phenom Albert Withen Philipsen from 2025

Meet The Union, Trek’s new devo downhill team!

How Baloise-Trek manifests success from top to bottom

How Unior-Sinter is developing the best downhill racers of tomorrow

• Trek Future Racing
• Madigan Munro
• Isabella Holmgren
• Bear National Team
• Maddie Munro

Back with a bang! Pedersen wins opening stage at Critérium du Dauphiné

The Danish powerhouse finished off a perfect lead-out from his Lidl-Trek teammates to seal victory and the first yellow jersey of the race in Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule.

‘Antidote’ Review: A Tense, Entertaining Documentary About the Perils of Investigative Journalism

Director James Jones follows reporters and activists as they uncover the truth behind Vladimir Putin's war against the Russian opposition.

By Murtada Elfadl

Murtada Elfadl

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From its very first moments, “ Antidote ” unspools like a propulsive thriller. An off-camera voice asks Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev, “Did you ever think you’d be investigating an assassination plot against yourself?” From that startling introduction, director James Jones ’ galvanizing documentary moves at a fast speed to tell its high-stakes story about Vladimir Putin’s Russia, contemporary investigative journalism and the people who put their lives in jeopardy for what they believe in.

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In fact, this family angle becomes an integral part of “Antidote.” Not only do we follow the Kara-Murzas, but we see the impact this work takes on Gorzev’s family too. His son appears on-camera, his daughter is heard on the phone and the mystery surrounding his father’s disappearance connects the personal to the professional in tangible ways. Loss, separation and dread fuel the anxieties of these people at all times. What the film smartly uncovers is why they continue to do what they do.

While Grozev makes for a compelling subject, the film needed more flashy counterpoints to match the adrenaline rush these journalists describe. Enter Russian journalist Roman Dobrokhotov, a colleague of Grozev’s. With his leather jacket, Dobrokhotov comes across as self-assured bordering on arrogant, mincing no words talking about Putin’s goals. He’s complemented by another journalist talking head, Fidelius Schmid, who has a reassuring influence on the surroundings. The three are distinct enough from each other, showing why different personalities are intrigued by this line of work. 

Any film about this topic taking place at this time must include the story of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, the subject of the 2022 Oscar-winning documentary “Navalny.” Grozev actually appeared in that movie, and Navalny is mentioned briefly here. However, what distinguishes “Antidote” is that it keeps the focus firmly on the journalists and their work. In doing so, it avoids the murky waters of trying to explain the politics of its subjects. This is not a film about what politicians stand for or why they oppose their governments, but rather a story about how a team of journalists uncovers a conspiracy and the impact it has on their lives and the lives of the people they are writing about. 

In addition to the interviews and the real time documentation of how some of these events unfolded, Jones adds animation and newscast footage. He follows Grozev as he tries to reconcile his work with family obligations. All of this makes for an entertaining watch with emotional gravitas. While “Antidote” might appear to be a straightforward David vs. Goliath story, in choosing to concentrate on the arduous work of how the truth gets uncovered, the filmmakers end up making a rousing, feature-length call to action. 

Reviewed at Tribeca Film Festival (Documentary Competition), June 7, 2024. Running time: 89 MIN.

• Production: (Documentary) An Impact Partners presentation, in association with Channel 4, of a Passion Pictures, Bellingcat production. Producers: James Jones, David Moulton. Executive producers: Andrew Ruhemann, Hamish Fergusson, Fiona Stourton, Jim Swartz, Susan Swartz, Nina & David Fialkow, Maiken Baird, Jens Von Bahr, Alexia Blaze, Molly & Kevin Efrusy, John Driscoll, Jenny Raskin, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Christo Grozev, Eliot Higgins. Co-executive producers: Lauren Haber, Kelsey Koenig.
• Crew: Director: James Jones. Camera: Edgar Dubrovskiy, Jean-Louis Schuller. Editor: Rupert Houseman. Music: Uno Helmersson.
• With: Christo Grozev, Vladimir Kara-Murza, Evgenia Kara-Murza, Roman Dobrokhotov, Fidelius Schmid.

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Trek Top Fuel 9.7

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / SM High, SM Low, MD High, MD Low, MD/LG High, MD/LG Low, LG High, LG Low, XL High, XL Low

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame carbon frame
• Fork Fox Rhythm 34, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Kabolt axle, 120 mm travel
• Shock Fox Performance Float DPS, 3-position damper, 185 mm x 50 mm
• Hubs Size: S, M, M/L, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Rapid Drive 108, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle; Size: S, M, M/L, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• Wheels Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle
• Wheel Size 29"
• Tires Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29.x2.40""
• Chain Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
• Crank Size: S, M, M/L, L, Shimano Deore M6120, 30T ring, 55 mm chainline, 170 mm length; Size: XL, Shimano Deore M6120, 30T ring, 55 mm chainline, 175 mm length
• Bottom Bracket Shimano SM-BB52, 73 mm, threaded external bearing
• Rear Derailleur Shimano XT M8100, long cage
• Shifters Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed
• Brakeset Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, M6100 lever, M6120 calliper
• Handlebar Size: S, Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 750 mm width; Size: M, M/L, L, XL, Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 780 mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138 mm width
• Seatpost Size: S, TranzX JD-YSP39, 100 mm travel, internal routing, 34.9 mm; Size: M, M/L, TranzX JD-YSP39, 150 mm travel, internal routing, 34.9 mm; Size: L, XL, TranzX JD-YSP39, 170 mm travel, internal routing, 34.9 mm
• Stem Bontrager Elite, 35 mm, 0-degree, 45 mm length
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on

Q: Where to buy a 2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.7?

The 2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.7 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.7 have?

The 2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.7 has 29" wheels.

Q: What size 2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.7 should I get?

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