My current 2021 FUEL EX 9.9 and those that came before it. Originally when I got back into cycling I drove 6 hours in the middle of the night and picked up a used 2016 FUEL EX9 (last photo), I think it was a 120/120 bike with a Fox 32 and some pretty XC geometry.
Years later I briefly worked at TREK and bought a 2018 9.8 with Eagle GX in a P1 color through the Ninja program. That frame eventually developed a stress crack around the top tube/seat tube and was replaced with a 2021 9.9 frame and shock and built up with components from my 2018 (Fox 34 performance, old Line Pro 39 wheels which I later broke, a POS Bontrager dropper post, Guide RS brakes, Eagle GX group).
Over time I replaced the components to build more of a bike than I need, but I love how it rides. I know the FUEL EX Gen 5 isn’t considered modern with its slack seat tube, but I’m so used to it and enjoy every ride.
Bike is built up as a 140/130 with a Fox Factory 36, Float X shock, Code RSC brakes, X0 transmission with a Quarq, Reverb AXS post, and newer Line Pro 30 wheels. It weighs around 31lbs with pedals and is a ton of fun to throw around
by freewallabees