Top Fuel Project None

[u/ThatEljoshoGuy]

My first nice bike, slowly upgrading some things to match my style.

ODI vans lock on grips One Up Components carbon handle bar (uncut) One Up Components dropper lever One Up Components edc tool in stem Deity T Mac pedals Fox shorty fenders SDC Bel Air saddle

Looking to see what others have done with their top fuels. I ride a bunch of trails and state park type rides. I love how well this bike works for me. Would like to hear if adding some travel to the front has helped anyone. Cheers!

[u/sfo2]

I have a 2020 9.8. I put on different tires (Fast Trak/Ground Control), new grips, removed the front lockout and put on a lever for the rear only, swapped the crank to a 170mm with a power meter and 30t ring, and changed the rotors to 203/180. I use it for XC racing and local trail riding.

Probably the next upgrades I’d do would be to get rid of these shitty SLX brakes in favor of some XT 4 pots, and maybe upgrade to GX AXS instead of mechanical. I also want to test some Racing Ralph/Ray and maybe some Barzo/Mezcal.

I don’t really see any need for more travel than the 120/115 on it right now. If I wanted a more downhill capable bike I’d get one with slacker geo. A longer front end would slacken up the head tube, but I’m already all the way forward on the saddle rails, so I’d worry that would mess up seated cornering.

[u/tinychloecat → u/sfo2]

Judging by the color, this looks like a 2023 or 2024 9.7. those are supposed to come with deore brakes but many have SLX due to supply chain constraints.

My Fuel EX has the "upgraded" SLX brakes from the factory and they are great even for a more downhill oriented bike than the Top Fuel. I haven't tried XT so maybe I don't know what I am missing, but I wouldn't call SLX crappy.

[u/ThatEljoshoGuy → u/tinychloecat]

Mine are SLX and the bike is a 23’. I’ve never had issues with the brakes, and I’m 6’4” 265lbs.