Top Fuel 9.8 XT Gen 4

It’s right for you if…

You’re after a carbon trail bike that keeps weight to a minimum without compromising on capability. You like to ride everything – long alpine climbs, rooty aspen slalom, fast XC singletrack, and you want a bike that can keep up on the ups and hold its own on the downs. Keeping things light with a carbon frame is important to you, and you want the light yet precise shifting of a Shimano XT drivetrain.

The tech you get

An OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with a 4-way Mino Link lower shock mount for tweaking geometry and suspension leverage rate. A 130mm RockShox Pike Select+ fork with DebonAir spring, and Charger 3.1 RC2 damper, plus 120mm of rear travel from a RockShox Deluxe Ultimate RCT shock. A Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain, Shimano XT 4-piston hydraulic brakes, Bontrager Line dropper post, and tubeless-ready Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels.

The final word

If you’re after a light carbon trail bike that balances a playful and capable ride, reach for Top Fuel 9.8 XT Gen 4. Its ultra-lightweight frame pairs with a 4-way Mino Link lower suspension mount for taking control of your geometry and suspension feel. Plus, you get clean shifts from a Shimano XT drivetrain and a sweet RockShox suspension package.

Why you’ll love it

• Top Fuel Gen 4 delivers with an intensely lightweight build, improved in-frame storage, and more adjustability for all kinds of rides and riders
• With 120mm rear and 130mm front RockShox suspension, it delivers a well-balanced ride that stays efficient on the ups and playful on descents
• The 4-way Mino Link makes it easy to adjust your geometry or leverage rate for how and where you want to ride
• In-frame storage with an improved BITS bag system makes it easy to stash tools, tubes, and snacks
• It’s more upgrade-ready than ever, with room for bigger 140mm forks and longer-stroke shocks for up to 130mm of rear travel, plus room for extra-long dropper posts