The premiere cross-country racing mountain bike in the Trek line up has been updated. The primary goals were to reduce weight and increase stiffness. These are conflicting goals that have to be attacked with better design and new technology. The end result is a frame that weighs 2027 grams or 4.46 lbs. This is a savings of 431 grams from the 2008 Trek Top Fuel.
Stiffness has been improved significantly as well. On the axle to axle torsional test, the 2009 Top Fuel scores 33% better stiffness than the 2008 model. In addition, a new seat mast design gives them an 11% improvement over the previous year.
How was all this accomplished? Well here are the key technologies: 
- No Cut Seatmast – This is an integrated seatpost technology Trek has developed to achieve 100 grams of savings. Common in road bikes, Trek adapted it to fit the needs of mountain bikes where seatpost height adjustability is an option. Also, cutting the frame for fitting is avoided with this design. Two seatpost lengths are available, 185 mm and 245 mm and they fulfill the needs of about 90% of the users of regular seatposts.
- Net molded BB and head tube and pivots – This technology allows bearing sockets to be molded in the carbon fiber frame with extreme tolerances of +-.001 inches. Thus bearings can be dropped in with no threads or additional aluminum structures that add weight.
- BB90 Bottom Bracket – This allows the use of drop in bearings for less weight. Also, using a 2×9 crankset developed in collaboration with FSA, a very low Q-Factor is achieved. The Q-Factor is 10 mm narrower than the Shimano XTR setup
Other improvements to the 2009 bike are:
- Active Braking Pivot System (ABP) – a lighter ‘race’ version of this technology was developed for the Top Fuel. The result is a more active rear suspension during heavy braking.
- Travel increased to 100 mm – This is up 10 mm from the previous version.
- Full Floater + Custom Tuned Shock – The quality of travel is improved to be more usable with better small bump sensitivity and improved mid-stroke control.
- Carbon wheels – The 9.9 model is spec’ed with Bontrager XXX Carbon Wheels. The rims are carbon and weigh less than 330 grams each. They are tubeless compatible as well.
So there we have it. Trek has surprised as with a completely redesigned XC Race bike. The result is a sub 21 lb. full suspension bike (with Triple Ti Eggbeater pedals). Price is around $6500 for the top of the line 9.9 model.
What no pictures?
You are such a tease!
$6,500! Holy Crap!
pics coming soon!
http://www.trek-team.lv/images/gallery/trek2009/large_TK_2009_TopFuel9_9SSL_onyx_carbon_mr.jpg
Astonishing 🙂
Beeeeeeeeeautiful!!!
any idea on the weight of a large, this will be my next bike depending on what giant has to offer….nice, really nice.
Did I read correctly that bearing sockets are molded into the carbon frame. Does that mean ball bearings are face to face with carbon fiber? How could this be durable? If I’m missing something, perhaps a techno-geek can kindly s-plain.
Cartridge bearings, not loose balls…The cartridge bearings just push straight into the frame like the Madone.
The Scott Scale is lighter and a LOT better looking
>> The Scott Scale is lighter and a LOT better looking
You comparing it to a hardtail? Why??
Maybe he means the Scott Spark? which is a dually.
Not sure its much lighter though.
Better looking? To me all ultralight XC carbon dually’s are starting to look the same with the only significant variation being the position of the rear shock either under the top tube or next to the seat tube. Even the 09 Epic has lost its individuality of an asymetric rear suspension and now looks just like a Spark.
I say S-Works Epic all the way!
S-works is washed up and old news. Trek is reborn and a true competitor. The best warranty in the industry and they are made in America not Taiwan or China.
that is a sick bike how much did u pay for that they are 7,149 daller on the trek website
The bike is awesome, but I will debate the claim of best warranty in the industry with anyone. Warranty’s always sound great until you try and use them.
I have cracked many a trek frame. Not saying that is a good thing BUT they have replaced the bike frame every time. problem is you are out a bike for quiet a while and usually have to buy parts to fit it. no complaints though. Thanks Trek. I’m getting a new 9.9 frame and triangle after finding a crack. and that is my second replacment. hope I like the new design as much as the last.
I tested the 09 version and it is am amazing race bike. Most precise handling and easiest climbing bike I’ve ridden. If you’re a serious racer, this bike may be exactly what you lust for.
TENGO LA TOP FUEL 9.9 SSL ,ES UNA FIERA DE MAQUINA ,SI LA PRUEBAS NO LA PUEDES DEJAR.UN SALUDO BIKERO DESDE COLMENAR VIEJO-MADRID(ESPAÑA)
I have the 2010 model – This is the best bike I have ever had in 14 years of mountain biking!
It outperforms all my previous bikes which included Santa cruz blur and Ellsworth Truth.