Press release:

For Your Ups, Downs, and All-Arounds

The Top Fuel Gen 4 is a fast trail bike designed for those who want the perfect balance between a cross-country bike and a longer-travel trail bike. Its lightweight construction keeps your legs fresh, while its enduro-inspired geometry and optimal suspension make it a joy to ride on descents.

Positioning

While some might still call it a “downcountry” bike, the Top Fuel Gen 4 has been refined to stay competitive. It caters to:

Riders who prioritize pedaling efficiency and light weight but seek more confidence on descents.
Experienced riders looking for a snappy, playful ride.
Occasional XC racers who mostly ride trails for fun.
Riders on less aggressive terrain.

What’s New?

Lighter Frame: The new frame is approximately 220 grams lighter than the previous generation, making it faster without compromising features.
Improved Internal Frame Storage: The storage door has a tighter seal, a bigger opening, and better protection for cables.
4-Position Mino Link: Allows for independent adjustments of geometry and leverage rate.
Size-Specific Chainstay Length: Ensures balanced handling for all frame sizes.
Compatibility: Now compatible with MX wheels and longer-stroke shocks.

Key Features

Lighter Frame

The frame’s reduced weight is achieved through more efficient tube shapes with smaller profiles and softer edges, inspired by the Gen 2 Supercaliber project. This makes the frame more balanced and forgiving, improving ride quality while reducing weight.

Improved Storage Solutions

The new BITS bag system, available on all MY25 bikes with storage doors, features a two-bag system: one padded for tools and one unpadded for tubes. Both bags are available aftermarket and ensure consistent size and shape regardless of contents.

Geometry and Suspension

Head Tube Angle: 65.5 degrees (previously 66 degrees).
Effective Seat Tube Angle: 76 degrees (unchanged).
Reach: 447 mm on Medium (unchanged).
Wheel Size: 29” (27.5” front and rear for size Small).

Versatility

The Top Fuel Gen 4 is more adaptable, compatible with forks up to 140mm and longer 185×55 shocks, providing an additional 10mm of rear travel. It can also accommodate a 27.5” rear wheel with the appropriate fork and Mino High setting.

Suspension Kinematics

The leverage rate has been slightly adjusted to 14% from 13.5%, making it more trail-oriented. It remains adjustable up to 19% for a more progressive ride, ideal for aggressive riders or those using linear-spring coil shocks.

Model Line-Up

Top Fuel 5
Top Fuel 8
Top Fuel 9
Top Fuel 9.8 XT
Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS
Top Fuel 9.9 X0
Top Fuel 9.9 XX
Top Fuel 9.9 XTR

Comparison with Other Models

Supercaliber Gen 2

Use: XC race – light and efficient
Suspension: 80mm/110mm
Head Angle: 67.5 degrees
Reach: 435mm (size M)
Wheel Size: 29”

Fuel EX Gen 6

Use: Trail – burly and capable
Suspension: 140mm/150mm
Head Angle: 64.5 degrees
Reach: 450mm (size M)
Wheel Size: 29”

Conclusion

The Top Fuel Gen 4 stands out as a versatile, high-performance trail bike, balancing lightweight agility with enhanced suspension and adaptability. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for a playful ride or an XC racer wanting more trail capability, the Top Fuel Gen 4 is designed to meet your needs. Get ready for a bike that handles your ups, downs, and all-arounds with ease.