NINER_boy

Formula all the way. Have a RX set on my SS and no hassles or maintenance in the last 24months. Happy Hoopin

I'd say, a LOT of all of it. Good genes, financial support, head square on your shoulders, and a BUCKET load of hard work and determination. That should get you in the top 2% of your competitive sport. Then some good luck and great timing will not hurt...

I need to change my pants...

Yep, on the middle position the cross chaining will be the least. Also, there is always a respectable amount of "cross chaining", even on the 10 and 11x systems. Therefore the narrower chains to limit this as much as possible, or rather to fit as May gears into the space allowed. On your situation, the middle is the best suited position for the chainring. Happy hoopin

I have a RX and R1 brake set, and swear by them and nothing else. RushSports stocks ALL the formula stuff you need. Feel free to give Andre a call if you do not see on the website what you need. Very helpful chap. Happy hoopin

Hope pro II on ZTR Flow, BOMBPROOF Hope pro II evo on ZTR Flow, BOMBPROOF 2 sets of wheels and not a single bearing or ding in 4 years

Why a repeat of super cycling program IN STEAD OF the men race live!!!???

Car licenses should be handed out and tested for MUCH more carefully than currently done. It is much more dangerous than any weapon available. Imagine this... A 2ton weapon / projectile, powered by an internal combustion engine, in the hands of an self entitled, rage runner maggot with an inferoirity complex behind the wheel, Feeling that all around them belongs to them and will not give an inch to another motorist, never mind a cyclist or pedestrian / runner. That is why we have so many untied deaths on our roads

Doping much???

If you search the forums, you might pick up that there is <10% difference

Same here. I have only good experiences and even better things to say about Mike's bikes. They always get back to you and your question or query, and this service is impeccable. Big UP to those guys at Mike's

Santa Cruz is a boutique brand at a price. If that is what you want, then get it. Happy shopping and then happy hoopin Hope you get the bike you want soon

Remember, a THIN layer of grease or copper slip (whatever you choose to use). You just need to have a lubricating layer on the surface. Hope you get sorted soon

This XTR set has a 1x, 2x and 3x crank option. The 1x is a dedicated crank NOT that I am a shimano fan at all... Just saw it in the news yesterday

You have to remember that headset parts are not really interchangeable. For instance, the compression ring and the top cap HAS to be a match! as different compression rings recess differently into heir respective matched top cap. My advice, buy a matching headset upper assembly (top cap, compression ring and bearing) and that will give you the intended fit. Cane Creek ones are value for money and you can buy these parts of the headset separately. Hope you come right soon

You decide, is your riding more trail orientated or more XC orientated? Get the bike that suits the BULK of your weekly / monthly riding style and scenarios. I own 2x Niner's, so I am the wrong guy to ask what to chose...

In that price class, I would say have a good look at the best warranty and aftersale service. That would indicate the best bike for the budget

Riders in Lycra be shot...

Get a proper bike fit done. Shorter crank arms will require more torque to turn due to the shorter "lever". Hope you come right soon

Do you have a tensioner? If you need, I have a few options available. PM me if you are interested.

Nice bike Tuna Hope you get sorted with the BB ASAP. That drove me insane!!!!!!!! Happy hoopin

In Tuna I had the same issue, and it drove me MAD!!!!!!! Tried the plumbers tape, copper slip, carbon assembly paste et al, and NO LUCK. Eventually stumbled onto this, the buschnell ebb. http://www.bushnelltandems.com/eccentric.html Fitted mine, with the required sleeve for the Niner ebb diameter, and all sorted. Check this thread https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/130704-niner-sir9/page__hl__bushnell#entry2052642 Here my post from a previous thread; My comment more about the Niner EBB; I have a NINER Air 9Carbon, and ABSOLUTELY in love with my bike. The Niner EBB gave me grey hair, in the sense that it creaked and slipped. The maintenance on this killed me, as I needed to re tighten after every ride. With the Niner EBB I tried all 9 different methods of fitting, the carbo-grip option, the carbon assembly paste option, the plumbers tape option (this one, I got an even thicker plumbers-tape, and that was the closest I got to a slip and creak free EBB) Now, I got tired of the hassle, and after some hours of research, I made contact with some guys in the US. Bought my new Bushnell EBB about a year ago, fitted with a shim (for the niner's shell diameter) and a endless care free, creak free, adjustment free riding. They have 2 models. I opted for the "retro" older one, as then the expanding force pushes out along the full shell vs the full EBB circumference, vs just the "shoulders" of the skeletonised "featherweight" EBB option. Loving it, and now I have a TRULY "maintenance free" bike in my SS. I hear the EBB II is also ok, but cannot speak from experience. My ebb currently lakes me 20min 2xer year to remove, clean, service and re-fit. LOVE the low maintenance and simplicity of my SS Happy hoopin

Be careful on the rim you mount them, some issues in fitting them on Stan's rims http://twentynineinches.com/2012/02/02/onza-canis-2-25-29er-tires-on-test-first-impressions/

Hi Gary. A self build is very do-able and very satisfying. Keep one thing in mind, If you do not know much currently, it might be a very costly exercise in the mid term run. I say mid term with a reason, Sort term, you are making this investment now, Mid term, you might find with time that there are some other / different / better components you like more. Long term, cycling will always cost R, as you need to upkeep and service as required. Building a bike with YOUR specs is a very satisfying project to attempt. Happy building