I first laid eyes on prototypes of Trek’s radically re-designed Top Fuel at last summer’s press camp.  At that time I posted this report on Trek’s racy full-suspension steed. Ever since that first encounter, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the availability of the Top Fuel production bikes. That time has come, and I just scored a Top Fuel 9.8 for review.

In a nutshell, the Top Fuel is Trek’s 100mm full-suspension race platform. I’m psyched to be rolling into the 2009 race season with this bike in my quiver. It’s January, and the middle of winter, but visions of 100-milers are dancing in my head.

No test rides yet—but Maurice has snapped some sexy studio shots of the bike, and I’ve done my homework, with respect to the 2009 Top Fuel 9.8’s specifications and geometry:

top fuel 9.8 top fuel 9.8 top fuel 9.8 top fuel 9.8

Make: Trek
Model: Top Fuel 9.8
Model year: 2009
Type: Mountain
Wheel size: 26”
Rear travel: 100mm
Frame material: OCLV Carbon
Suspension description: Full Floater rocker link with ABP
Rear shock: Fox Float RP23, custom “race tuned” w/3-position Pro Pedal
Fork: 100mm RockShox SID Race w/remote Pop Loc lever
Handlebar: Bontrager Race X Lite, carbon, 0mm rise, 31.8mm, 620mm width
Stem: Bontrager Race X Lite, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Headset: Trek Mountain Integrated System w/sealed bearings
Bottom bracket: Shimano Deore XT
Crank: Shimano Deore XT 44/32/22
Pedals: none provided
Chain: Shimano HG-73
Saddle: Bontrager Race Lite w/hollow stainless steel rails
Seatpost : Bontrager XXX Lite mast system
Front hub: Bontrager Race X Lite Disc 28 spoke
Rear hub: Bontrager Race X Lite Disc 28 spoke
Front derailleur: Shimano Deore XT, high mount
Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore XT “Shadow”
Shifters: Shimano Deore XT
Cassette: SRAM PG970 11-32, 9 speed
Brakes: Shimano Deore XT Ti hydraulic disc, custom Ti version; 180mm front rotor, 160mm rear rotor (Trek exclusive)
Rims: Bontrager Race X Lite Disc
Tires: Bontrager Jones XR w/Kevlar bead, tubeless ready, 26×2.25”/2.2″ F/R, 127 tpi
Sizes: 15.5, 17.5, 18.5 (under test), 19.5 and 21.5 inches
Colors: Black w/ white
Weight: 23.5lbs. (w/o pedals)
MSRP: $4,949.99
Company website: www.trekbikes.com

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