Bike Build: Niner Bikes MCR9

When a bike shop owner decides he needs (wants) a new bike you can be sure budget wont be the primary concern. Dave had an MCR9 before he opened Liberty Bikes. Now that we have added Niner Bikes to the stable of brands we sell, he thought it was the perfect opportunity to get back on board. It also gave us the chance to try out a few new items for 2013.

SRAM has reintroduced Grip Shift for its 10 speed drivetrain and we loved the 9 speed version a few years back. So now we can try it out paired with a SRAM X0 Type 2 rear derailleur.

The Type 2 rear mech utilises a clutch system similar to Shimano's Shadow Plus to minimise chain slap and the chain dropping on rough trail sections. An X0 Type 2 will set you back $289.95 and the grip shifter is $149.95.

We are also giving the E-thirteen XCX Crankset and single ring chain guide a run for simplicity and weight savings. The XCX is a nice departure from SRAM or Shimano cranksets and we were even able to get a green Guide Ring in 32 tooth.

Total bike weight with pedals is 11.78kg. There are still a few places we could save a few grams, the wheelset is Stan's ZTR Flow. A set of lighter rims would be possible. Also the Manitou Tower fork is not the lightest going around but is pretty stiff.

Parts List
Frame: Niner Bikes MCR9 Medium Kermit Green $1,125.00
Fork: Manitou Tower Pro 29 100mm Q/R15 $549.00
Rear Mech: SRAM X0 Type 2 10sp Medium cage $289.95
Shifter: SRAM X0 Grip Shift 10 sp Silver $149.95
Crankset: E-thirteen XCX 175mm Blk (no chain rings) $349.95
Chain Ring: E-thirteen Guide Ring 32t Green $79.95
Chain Guide: E-thirteen XCX $149.95 
Pedals: Shimano PD-M780 XT Race $119.95
Brakes: Shimano BR-M785 $150.00 per end
Rotors: Shimano RT-76 160mm $60.00ea
Handlebar: Niner Flat Top 9 deg sweep 710mm width $199.00
Stem: Ritchey Classic 90mm 6 deg $82.95
Grips: ESI Chuncky Grips Green $34.95
Seatpost: Thomson Elite 27.2mmx410mm $109.00
Saddle: Specialized Phenom Expert $175.00
Wheelset: Stan's ZTR Flow $699.00
Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic/Racing Ralph 29x2.25 (Snakeskin) $90.00ea
Tubeless Valves: FRM Spark $20ea

(Prices are for individual parts. Prices as part of a bike build will be reduced)