Trek's All-New 2022 Top Fuel 5

With Trek's Supercaliber being their elite offering for the world of cross country racing, they've relaxed a bit on the Top Fuel line. Seemingly, Trek's goal here was to broaden the appeal and capability of the Top Fuel. Bye bye cross country and hello trail? As is the case in so many new bikes today, Trek's new Top Fuel gets longer and more slack at the front, while getting a steeper seat tube angle. Add 5mm of rear travel and we're most of the way there for the superficial stuff. Not all the revisions are so predictable though...let's dig in.

Trek's new Top Fuel has a Mino link located at the lower shock mount. While all bikes will ship in the low position, riders can put it in the high position to steepen the head and seat tube angles by 0.4-degrees and raise the bottom bracket by 8mm. Knock Block 2.0 has arrived for the Top Fuel, increasing the turning radius to 72-degrees. Lastly, the Top Fuel now has the same in-frame storage capabilities as the Slash. The bigger news? In-frame storage is standard on both carbon AND alloy frames.

Trek's Top Fuel lineup is vast, with a broad list of models and a frame-only option. Not all builds are available in all markets, so it's best to check with your local Trek dealer to see what's what. Additionally, there are a number of color options in each build, further adding to Trek's impressive model count.

Speaking of variety, the Top Fuel comes in sizes extra-small all the way to XX-Large, with a stop in there for an M/L size for those really on the cusp of a medium and large. While the Top Fuel will accept a 130mm travel fork, it is coming with a 120mm fork only. Additionally, the bike will ship in the low position. Size extra-small will be equipped with 27.5-inch wheels. To that end, here is a singular geo chart to keep things as simple as they can be.

For a no-nonesense approach to the new Top Fuel, Trek included some Frequently Asked Questions that sum it up nicely.

What is different about the frame than previous versions?

• The 2022 Top Fuel leans further into the Trail category with an extra 5mm travel in the rear for a more balanced 120mm front and rear travel. 
• Geometry changes include a slacker head angle (from 67.5 to 66), steeper seat tube angle (from 75 to 76), and longer reach (about 10mm, depending on frame size). 
• All models, even alloy, now come with internal storage in the downtube. All models also have bigger 34.9mm seat tubes to accommodate more robust dropper posts. Also, mechanics will love the fully guided internal routing through the front triangle.  
• Top Fuel also fits more riders with a new XS size with proportional 27.5” wheels. Only available in the 9.7 model for 2022. 

Which version of Knock Block does it use? - 2022 Top Fuel uses Knock Block 2.0 that gives you 72 degrees turning radius, or the option to remove it. 

Do any frame sizes feature curved top tubes for lower standover? - The size XS and S do have a slight curve in the top tube.

Are all sizes compatible with a water bottle? - Yes! The S works best with a 20oz bottle. The XS is only compatible with the 15oz Bontrager bottle.

Do all frame sizes use the same wheel size? - Size S and up use the fastest-rolling 29-inch wheels. Size XS uses 27.5 wheels for better fit and handling. 

What is the maximum tire size? - 29x2.5-inch (27.5x2.5-inch on XS)

Is it compatible with other wheel/tire sizes? - No, we do not recommend changing wheel sizes.

How much dropper post insertion does the frame have? - XS – 205mm // S – 245mm // M – 270mm // ML – 285mm // L – 300mm // XL – 320mm

What type of bottom bracket does it use? - 73mm BSA threaded

Is it compatible with cranks with 30mm spindles? - Yes, with correct BB. 

What chainline is it designed for? - New Top Fuel is designed around a 55mm CL

What is the maximum chainring size? Minimum chainring size? - Maximum – 36T (oval rings – 34T); minimum – 28T

Are these bikes tubeless compatible? - Yes! All models come with a complete tubeless system including valves, strips, and sealant. 

What is the maximum fork axle-to-crown and/or travel? - 130mm max travel, which is typically 522mm max axle-to-crown on XS with 27.5” fork and 541mm max axle-to-crown on S-XXL with 29” fork. 

In which Mino Link position does the bike ship? - Low. Also note the new placement of the Mino Link at the bottom shock mounting bolt. 

What size hardware is required for aftermarket shocks? - M10x1.0 upper (trunnion), M8x1.25 x 30mm length lower

Which aftermarket shocks are compatible? - We know the following fit:  RockShox: Deluxe, Super Deluxe, SID Luxe // Fox: Float DPS, DPX2, Float X // Others should be checked for clearance at full travel. 

Does it have ISCG mounts? - Yes, it has 2 ISCG 05 mounts

What is the rear brake mount? What is the max rotor size? -160mm direct post mount, adaptable to 180mm

To learn more about the new Top Fuel and find out what is available to you, head to TrekBikes.com