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Interbike: Trek Top Fuel and BMC Trailfox

We couldn't tell just yet if ABP works as well in this shorter travel application as it does on the Fuel EX trail bike so we'll have to reserve judgment for when we get a proper tester.

  • Trek promises noticeably lighter weight and a faster and more competent ride for its new Top Fuel and our two-hour test ride through Bootleg Canyon suggests that it has hit its mark.
  • Full Floater dynamic shock mounts provide more control over spring rates throughout the travel range and the difference in feel from last year is noticeable.
  • We couldn't tell just yet if ABP works as well in this shorter travel application as it does on the Fuel EX trail bike so we'll have to reserve judgment for when we get a proper tester.
  • The integrated seat mast offers a discernable amount of rearward flex, adding to the smooth ride of the new rear end.
  • A bigger head tube reinforces things up front.
  • Legs not included: the top-end Top Fuel 9.9 SSL will come with a 2x9 FSA crankset with more narrowly set arms.
  • Trek had a carnival-type 'crane game' trucked into the Outdoor Demo.
  • There were lots of lucky winners throughout the day such as this woman who took home a Trek baseball cap.
  • BMC launched a all-new Trailfox at this year's Outdoor Demo.
  • We had some assembly issues with our particular tester but suspension and pedaling performance of the revised APS rear end seemed very good.
  • BMC continues to use the dw-link-esque APS suspension system with good results.
  • The upper link is now forged as two halves and then welded down the middle for a lighter and stiffer unit than before.
  • A handy sag indicator makes for easier setup.
  • The bottom bracket shell and main pivot also use the same construction methods as the upper link.
  • Revised linkage geometries have allowed BMC to cut chain stay length by a substantial 17mm from last year.
  • The front triangle makes liberal use of hydroforming for its triple-butted 7005 tubes.
  • As usual, the top tube bears the signature 'T'-shaped cross section that we've come to expect from BMC.
  • A tidy welded crossmember on the seat stay assembly keeps thing tight out back and there's now more tire clearance than before.
  • Full-length housing is used to keep out crud.

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We couldn't tell just yet if ABP works as well in this shorter travel application as it does on the Fuel EX trail bike so we'll have to reserve judgment for when we get a proper tester.

© James Huang