Trek top fuel owners and logic check

Own a Raaw Madonna and Cotic bfemax, bfemax did get used for lighter trail duties and longer rides and racing enduro (when I fancied hardtail catagory). However a couple years of foot injuries have massively hampered the hardtail riding as it just hurts a bit more. Thought about an xc ish bike for a while now, should have clicked buy on a bargain epic but snoozed!
Seen a few cheaper 2022 top fuels about. Just curious how they are. Trails mainly fod, local Cotswold stuff. Maybe a trail centre. Big bike can get saved for bike parks/south wales!

Bargain alloy ones can be found but will they still be the spritely climbing, all day bike in after?

I recently bought a 2023 carbon top fuel as a replacement for 100/120mm 10 year old FS XC bike.

I put lighter wheels on and run it with ardent race / forekaster II 2.4 tyres. So, my opinion so far…

It climbs great.  Coming from a DW link to ABP I was a little sceptical that it might feel more wallowy or  inefficient on the climbs. Far from it, I only ever reach for the pedal platform on long fire road / tarmac sections and even then I cold happily not bother.  The climbing grip on off road climbs is great, it remains active and it propels me up the hill.  Absolutely this is not an XC race bike, but for a short travel trail bike for every day, all day epics it’s a great compromise.

Downhill it flies.  It really feels like a mini enduro bike.  I’m sure it’s going to get me in trouble!

Downsides?  it feels shorter on the bike than the geo numbers suggest, and the front end is pretty low (something I think they tweaked on the late 2024 updates).  This is the first bike I’ve had in ages where I’ve not completely slammed the stem. I’m usually at the bottom end of sizing for medium bikes at 170cm tall, but I probably could have taken the M/L in this case.

My other half has one after trying to find something to replace a Spur.

If you are taller, the geometry is a bit weird (XC bike levels of low stack) just coming with trail bike weight.

She doesn’t mind it, but I find it a bit of a nothing bike. Given its the same travel & weight as a Tallboy, it’s nowhere near as capable on the downs, nor the Epic8 on single track/climbs.

The alloy frame is remarkably heavy for its intended use.

Thanks for the replies. I’m 173cm so could be on the cusp of the bigger size as well then. Can only see mediums in stock for the cheap deals! I don’t think the top fuel is the best option then.
budget is 2k so I don’t think I will get anything mega light for that.
rocky element in alloy comes in budget, is a shade over 30lbs so could be good

dream would be a spur! Why was the other half replacing it @butterbean ?

I’ve got a 2023 aluminium version which I put a 130mm Pike, some carbon wheels and bars on to compliment a 160mm bike and a hardtail.

When I get off my Rallon and pedal this it feels really sprightly! Ok it’s not a proper xc whippet but it’s very efficient on the climbs, I never lock out the rear. Downhill it’s fine, modern geo and more than capable enough. I have no choice idea what the frame weighs btw but the bike feels light.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305826832081?_skw=trek+fuel+9.8&itmmeta=01JBBKXCPN5F305MJSG1K2S3GQ&hash=item4734b31ed1:g:82MAAOSwVC1nBQ~I&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKmkO7vEj5ovEIXDjG9RxiO%2B24zLlKB1RhK3pGf0RQe%2BLMUj7EGVSmolWPSqiWkVEdNAIGOCA63VLVC56xM52W%2FP8XsyoUiAfCXdRHOGNxyW3Z%2BGtXRnGCsZm1oTnxubDnHx%2BnWU%2BCZq2zKHWUf3tki0bQ9bkszwVrLvYnwKhQWYHDD1P9o1DN39wHVv0ywcGtfzQhTx9%2FFiMgIKqNfY1cTlskIFlD9u7dhrUh6vnUK5s59u86VoGTk3LJoABvaSM%2Fg%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7rL9fPaZA

@marksnook this was previously mine and is completely immaculate, full carbon no faults (and a spare DPX2 shock). It’s light, fast and awesome. Arguably i should have kept it. I’ve been tempted a few times to buy it back from him actually as he gave me a fair chunk more than that for it

I think that’s a completely different style of bike from what the OP wants. Especially if the vendor isn’t lying about the 150mm travel.

OP wants a short travel bike. (AIUI)

It does have a 150mm shaft in it yes, but the geo on that model was quite conservative with the head angle being at 66deg (with 150mm shaft) and the shaft for the 140 i probably have in spares upstairs in loft space. If not, it’s not crazy money. It’s not what i’d call hardcore, but it is light and fast for what it is. I’d bet at the sort of riding he wants it’d be better than the Top Fuel in alloy. Even little things like the carbon wheels make a difference.

@happybiker yeah I’m not sure I want a true xc whippet, some thing that will pedal well, I’m still going to end up riding local trails and fod off piste on it, just maybe more chilled than on my big bike!

I think something real fun that pedals well for all day rides and is a good step away from the big bike. Not being beaten up like I get on the hardtail would also be a bonus. Element does look like it has a lot of storage options for over night trips too

@weeksy thanks but I feel that maybe too close to my Madonna. Trying to keep it short travel (downcountry, sorry if you hate that term!)

you say 173? i’m 172 and mine is a medium, pretty sure you are a medium too

it’s the fastest climbing bike I’ve ever had, I’m looking forward to spending some money on an nice set of wheels in the future, however  the stock wheels are way better than you would imagine (in my opinion)

It’s a really poppy bike, really easy to get airborn when you need it to

front is low, it gives me back ache (even after fitting 35mm risers) after extended laps, however i can spin those laps out quicker than nay bike i’ve had previous

only negative is i have found it a little scarier on super steep loose stuff that required controlled speed, I’m talking hardpack chalk with dust on top… i suspect it’s the lower front end.. a 130mm fork may take the edge off a little bit or a change of tyres. However the stock xr4s are great all round tyres and i highly rate them