Tweak my build kit.

**Big Blue** · 03-20-2007, 04:04 PM

OK, I'm about to pull the trigger on a new trail bike. I'm currently on a Trek Remedy 6, which I'm stoked on, but I have the opportunity to move up a few notches, so I'm going to take it. Planning on buying woo's maverick and sticking it on L8APX's 6.6 (assuming it's still for sale, haven't heard back from him today). I'm gonna piece together a build kit through our own Mr. Olson, so I'd like some feedback on what I've chosen so far. This will be my only bike for awhile, but eventually I'd like to get a DH/FR bike, so I'd like to keep the build aimed more at all-day trail rides rather than hucking. Here's what I've figured out so far:

Brakes: Forumla Oro K24, 180mm front, 160mm rear
Cassette: SRAM PG990
Chain: SRAM PC991
Cranks/BB: Shimano M760 XT w/ E13 DRS
Derailleurs: front x9, rear x0
Handlebar: Answer Pro Taper 2" Gold
Grips: Oury lock-on
Rear Wheel: Hope ProII Disc hub, Mavic 719, 14/15 DT spokes, brass nips
Saddle: Specialized Rival SL 143mm
Seatpost: Maverick Speedball
Shifters: x9
Tires: Geax Sturdy 2.25 Kevlar

Front wheel and stem included with fork.
Headset included with frame.

The main things I'm not sure on are the brakes, the cranks, and the rear derailleur. I'm also considering the Louise Freerides, but don't have any experience with either. As far as cranks, I just picked Shimano because I'm familiar with them. If there's something else that would be as light and perform as well, but cheaper, I'd dig it. And as far as the x0 rear der., I'm just wondering if it's worth it over the x9. Quite a big price difference there. Open to suggestions on any of the other parts as well. Thanks.

**bagtagley** · 03-20-2007, 04:20 PM

Solid build. The only thing that stands out to me is the X0 rear. For the kind of riding you do, there's no reason to spend the coin on that thing. While this isn't necessarily a valid comparison, I've been just as happy with the X7 as the X9.

I'd also be inclined to go with Shimano XTs in the brake department, but that's mostly a personal preference thing.

**treadn** · 03-20-2007, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by Big Blue

Brakes: Forumla Oro K24, 180mm front, 160mm rear
Cassette: SRAM PG990
Chain: SRAM PC991
Cranks/BB: Shimano M760 XT w/ E13 DRS
Derailleurs: front x9, rear x0
Handlebar: Answer Pro Taper 2" Gold
Grips: Oury lock-on
Rear Wheel: Hope ProII Disc hub, Mavic 719, 14/15 DT spokes, brass nips
Saddle: Specialized Rival SL 143mm
Seatpost: Maverick Speedball
Shifters: x9
Tires: Geax Sturdy 2.25 Kevlar

Front wheel and stem included with fork.
Headset included with frame.

The main things I'm not sure on are the brakes, the cranks, and the rear derailleur. I'm also considering the Louise Freerides, but don't have any experience with either. As far as cranks, I just picked Shimano because I'm familiar with them. If there's something else that would be as light and perform as well, but cheaper, I'd dig it. And as far as the x0 rear der., I'm just wondering if it's worth it over the x9. Quite a big price difference there. Open to suggestions on any of the other parts as well. Thanks.

Nice.

I'd go to a Race Face crank/BB. The "S" word is a swear word in my house.

I haven't notice much difference between x9 / x0. Some but probably not worth the $$$ if you are on a budget.

What about Hope disc brakes ? Hope makes some sweeeet components!

**Big Blue** · 03-20-2007, 04:35 PM

yeah, I was thinking the x0 probably wasn't worth it, so I'll just stick with x9. As far as the brakes go I'm basing my decision solely off of mtbr reviews. The other brakes I considered (juicy 7, hope mono mini, xt) all got a bunch of good reviews, but also had some people who really hated them. The formulas were the only ones with no bad reviews (although, they had fewer total reviews for sure).

**Scuch** · 03-20-2007, 04:45 PM

Derailleur break...trade the X-0 for an X-9 and spring for X-0 shifters. They are much longer term and offer a more noticeable performance upgrade in my opinion. The total cost might be a little more in the end, but would pay off.

**Rontele** · 03-20-2007, 04:49 PM

That is a solid build. you are going to love the 6.6 (you scored a KILL3R deal). I cannot wait to see what it looks like in Java. I would be curious to see your impressions of the Formula brakes.

**uncle crud** · 03-20-2007, 06:59 PM

I've never used those Formulas but I'd suggest getting a test ride on a bike with Magura Louise/Louse FR brakes.

I'm with bagtagley, X-7 works really well. I'd choose it for the rear der. There's a slight difference in shift crispness between the X-7 and X-9 shifters, the X-9 are the crisper-shifting ones. But it's not a huge difference. I've got a set of X-7 shifters that have a lot of miles on them, been through some pretty fugly and mucky rides and washed occasionally, they still shift the same as they did when new.

Are SRAM front derailleurs pretty much bug-free now? Smooth, durable? I don't know. Never used one.

Everything else looks good -- although I'm sure you know you could save weight and money with a normal seatpost, right?

**Phall** · 03-20-2007, 07:30 PM

Stick with the Formula's, my friend ran them all season and loved them. He bought the new levers for them this season, I believe they are the Minnar ones? smaller blade, one finger dealies...pretty rad.

For your deraillures and shifters, go full x9.
for 07 the x9 triggers are more solid and have adjustments like the x0's but cheaper, and go x9 deraillure for the rear as well, this years is basically the same as an x0 without the carbon cage and ti spring, and if you bash it hard on something, whats cheaper, new x9 or new x0?

Solid build, post pics when done

**SKISC** · 03-20-2007, 07:48 PM

I would like to know how the X-9 Front works. I have not talked to anyone using it. I just did a build with X-0 rear and XT front. I got the X-0 at a pretty good price or I would have opted for the X-9 as well.

What you have looks good. I like Race Face Deus cranks. They are light and fairly inexpensive. You can't go wrong with the Shimano cranks either though.

**treadn** · 03-20-2007, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by SKISC

I would like to know how the X-9 Front works. I have not talked to anyone using it.

I swapped out an XTR front for an X-9 front early last year. Once dialed in it works well. Needed more tweaking than an XTR. Overall for $23.00 I couldn't go wrong.

Go with what brand you prefer.... don't see an advantage either way.

**brettf** · 03-20-2007, 08:31 PM

lotta talk here. interesting.

looks like a great build kit. you can't go wrong with it... or with those people have mentioned.

for my two cents, try out some magura brand brakes if someone nearby has a set. try some hopes too... i LOVE mine. I have some magura stuff and some hope stuff and they are both the shi!t. take a bit to set up, but once dialed, I'll never go back.

if you stick with the formulas, please post some sort of review. i'd be curious to hear how they treat you.

sounds like a sick bike any way you go. peace.

**flowtron** · 03-20-2007, 08:55 PM

I'll keep it brief...maybe:
Cranks: XT good, really can't miss with em.
Brakes: Formulas are still a bit obscure, pads and bleed kits may be a pain in the ass to track down. Shimano or Juicys are my pick, parts everywhere, everyone knows how to bleed and troubleshoot. Maguras feel nice, but can be high maint.
Go full X9
I did a fir bit of riding on a first gen SRAM f. der and had no issues, it could only get better. I thought it shifted crisper than Shimano actually.
Honestly, the Maverick fork is my hang up. Sorry Kev.

**marshalolson** · 03-20-2007, 09:22 PM

the new this year x9 stuff is SWEET. skip the high dollar xo.

i really dig how the juicy 7's feel. i also have some 7" hope 4 piston front, 6" hope mini rear for $300 (ie. priced at w/s). new pads and rotors.

didn't have a chance to figure it out today, but i'll get with you tomorrow.

**Mr. Altagirl** · 03-20-2007, 09:31 PM

Nice choices. I just put a new set of XT cranks w/external bearings on my AS-X and like how it went together. I did have to trim my e13 to get them to fit togehter but no big deal (got to use my new Dremel).

Having a set of more obscure brakes (Hopes Mono 4's), I think there is something to be said for the ease of parts buying / maintenance of more common sets. I swapped to Hayes brakes on my DH bike becuase I needed something that could be fixed and parts bought anywhere, as opposed to being stuck with what parts I carry with me for the Hopes. Might be something to consider on the Formula's. Hard to go wrong with XT brakes (says the guy who runs Hopes / Hayes).

X9, lot cheaper to replace if needed and still works perfectly.

**scrublover** · 03-20-2007, 09:45 PM

What about a Blackspire Stinger lower guide + bashring of your choice instead of the DRS, unless you have a history of serious chaindrop problems, seems like the DRS would be kinda' overkill on that bike.

And unless you've got money to burn, or never break your rear mechs, stick with this years x.9 stuff. Still pretty damn light, but much less expensive than the x.0.

Sounds like a nice, solid build whatever you end up with.

**AKWL** · 03-20-2007, 09:51 PM

Hard to fault the XT cranks, but The Race Face Deus are just as good. The Race Face come in black, which might look better.
Can't comment on the rest - it sound sweet!

**slippy** · 03-20-2007, 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by Rontele

That is a solid build.

What, no mary bar advice?

**brettf** · 03-20-2007, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by slippy

What, no mary bar advice?

heh

...

**Big Blue** · 03-21-2007, 04:53 PM

So L8APX found some fundage and no longer needs to sell the 6.6 (which I totally understand). So now I'm in the market for a similar frame/price, which I have a feeling will be hard to do. But let me know if you know of something. I saw an RFX on mtbr for $1000, but it seems so similar to the suspension design of my current bike that I don't think it would be worth switching. Ah well, maybe I'll have to revert back to the plan of just getting a FR/DH bike and keeping my AM ride.

**Rontele** · 03-21-2007, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by Big Blue

So L8APX found some fundage and no longer needs to sell the 6.6 (which I totally understand). So now I'm in the market for a similar frame/price, which I have a feeling will be hard to do. But let me know if you know of something. I saw an RFX on mtbr for $1000, but it seems so similar to the suspension design of my current bike that I don't think it would be worth switching. Ah well, maybe I'll have to revert back to the plan of just getting a FR/DH bike and keeping my AM ride.

The RFX and 6.6 are similar bikes. Sorry it didn't work out about the 6.6.

And slippy, nice PWNING. i took the fairy bar off and it is for sale. Wanna buy it?

**uncle crud** · 03-21-2007, 06:15 PM

Big Blue, I wouldn't decide against an RFX based on the fact that it "looks similar to" your Trek. I'd be very surprised if they rode similarly. Do you know of any 6-Pack or RFX owners where you live/ride?

I think that the bike most likely to ride a lot like a 6-Pack/RFX is a Specialized Enduro, the one that looks like the "baby Demo". The SX Trail, I mean.

**kidwoo** · 03-21-2007, 09:07 PM

6.6s and rfx frames are quite different from each other in terms of stoutness.

There are things I've done on an rfx that I'd never do on my 6.6. If you get an rfx, I'd put a beefier fork on it........at least if you're going to be riding that thing to its potential. If you're staying here this summer and get in touch with me, you will

So what's wrong with the remedy?

**Big Blue** · 03-21-2007, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by kidwoo

So what's wrong with the remedy?

Nothing really. With a chance to get the 6.6 for cheap I figured I'd take it, but honestly the Remedy has been great for me. I'm still interested in putting the mav on the Remedy though. Right now it has a coil fork and air shock. Seems like an air fork might be a little more balanced.

**marshalolson** · 03-21-2007, 10:06 PM

pm sent BTW, though it looks like you might not need it, but lemme know...

**kid4lyf** · 03-24-2007, 07:43 AM

Don't know if all this is moot now but...
Couple changes I'd make:
-I love Sram but their cassettes are notoriously bad. Stick with XT here.
-I like the X9 front der (works well and massive build dwarfs the XTR) but it mounts high and the linkage juts way out to the right. Together, these issues cause a serious cable bind if the cable stop is at all low or angled left. It was OK on wife's GF Cake but would never work on my Uzzi. Very bike-specific.
-XO and X9 rear are almost identical except for price. Big difference there.
-Look at the FSA Carbon Pro cranks. Mega-stiff, mega-strong, lite, reasonably priced, and chi-ching looking. I'm 200lbs and beat the shit out of mine. They just laugh and say, "that all you got?!"