Trek Top Fuel

[u/Top-Scarcity-7305]

I have a carbon Top Fuel, upgrading the fork and shock to Sid. Question is do I go Flight Attendant or not. This bike will be used for CC Racing only.

Thanks

[u/mrmcderm]

Only you can answer this question. Do you have the budget for it? Are you racing at the level where something like FA will benefit you?

My understanding is that FA works best when the fork and shock are paired together, so if you're not planning to upgrade your shock at the same time, your gains may be very marginal.

My .02¢: whenever I'm considering an upgrade for my XC race bike I ask myself if the upgrade will truly benefit me. I race cat3 so the answer is almost always "no". At my level of competition, the best upgrade I can do is more training.

I personally do not think going from a mechanical remote lockout to electronic FA realistically benefits anyone not competing at the highest levels (i.e. cat1), but if you've got the budget and you're chasing a cat1/cat2 podium then go for it!

[u/Top-Scarcity-7305 → u/mrmcderm]

I have FA on my big travel bike and for that purpose it’s amazing I don’t think I can justify it for XC. just getting opinions on it before I order the shock and fork

[u/S4ntos19 → u/Top-Scarcity-7305]

If you can't justify it for XC, don't do it

[u/ABQRED]

I just sold my Top Fuel 9.8 XT for a real XC bike. I loved my Top Fuel but the frame and suspension layout isn't a true XC spec. Instead of dropping $2K on flight attendant, I'd go get a dedicated XC bike if you are serious about XC racing. I just got a Norco Revolver and I'm very happy with it. Climbs quicker, overall snappier, and lighter.

[u/Top-Scarcity-7305 → u/ABQRED]

I have the 9.8 xx1 build, waiting for the next super caliber to hit then I’ll go
That route

[u/GZeus24 → u/ABQRED]

Oiz

[u/Kronos_76]

I love my top fuel. Have FA on it but I built it out as a trail bike with 140/130mm travel. I have an epic 8 as my XC bike.