Just bought my first Niner. Found a new MCR in gold on eBay from bikesrusandmore. Will post pics as I build it up. Share your MCR builds and photos here. I am jazzed to get her started.
XT drive train with 11-34 cassette
Fox F80 (tried it at 100, didn't like it and switched it back)
Stan's ZTR wheelset with Arch rims
Tubeless with Maxxis Ardent/fr and Ignitor/rr
Monkeylite carbon xc handle bar
thompson stem and seat post
Avid Elixir brakes 160 rotors
MCR size medium
I'm 5'10 and weigh 205 and this bike has been amazing. I ride it hard and the wheelset has exceeded expectations for a $400 set. I just raced it this past weekend and really abused it and it did great. You're going to LOVE it.
Here's my drop bar rigid MCR. Way fun! The Maxxis CrossMark tires are super versatile for this type of bike. Standard steel Niner fork, XT drive train, Avid BB-7 mountain bike model brakes with Cane Creek levers, Shimano bar-con shifters for the cave man touch. Rides better on the road than it has any right to based on specs and it steamrolls anything on the dirt that isn't TOO gnarly.
This was an early build, it's now sporting a medium cage derailleur with an 11-32 at the rear... but it's itching to go 2x10 with something like a 24/36 and 11-28 for a nice tight range and with a short cage road derailleur... or maybe just 1x9 with a 11-34 at the back... these frames really lend themselves to experimentation.
I am looking a the 2010 Fox F29 fork and can't decide on 80 or 100. Starting off with the Niner fork is a nice alternative. The guy from MTBR mentioned the Niner fork was great on the MCR.
I am looking a the 2010 Fox F29 fork and can't decide on 80 or 100. Starting off with the Niner fork is a nice alternative. The guy from MTBR mentioned the Niner fork was great on the MCR.
This will also be a XC race bike for me. I am thinking 1x9...
I recommend an 80, but either one can be converted easily back and forth by adding or removing included spacer. Keep in mind all angles on niners are based on 80mm fork, but they also work with 100mm.
Here's my Tang MCR. I am running the Niner steel fork, since I wanted a rigid I won't be going to the carbon fork, as I like my 185/7" rotor, and I think the steel fork handles bigger hits better...
If you have one of these frames- it's an obvious decision to buy a perfectly matched steel fork for the modest extra cost. If for no other reason than for the guaranteed eventuality that your sus fork will be out of action for an overhaul.
But it's also super practical; it really adds personality to this frame when you want a completely different feel.
Just leave a matching race mounted and it takes 5 minutes to swap forks. Great for sloppy conditions and just generally to have a Whole New Ride to play with.
When set up with a long stem and rigid fork, the ride reminds me of the "Spirit of NORBA circa 1988" but with all the benefits of big hoops. Retro and completely up to date at the same time. Try it!
click on my avitar...Love my Small MCR! So much I am contemplating not building up my Jet9 when it comes in! I have hammered this bike, and it has all the great things a hardtail has to offer, as well as enough compliance to still keep ahead of most of my full susp. buddies, I think mine weighs in at around 25-26lbs with the xt build, 1x9 setup, and crossmax wheels. Oh, running an older style reba up front that has the u turn capability to go from 80 to 100.. I usually run it somewhere in between for most riding.
Here's my MCR that I just recently finished with blue bits. Set-up 1x9.
Medium Rootbeer MCR 9
Fox F29 100mm Fit Remote 15QR
Industry Nine / Arch Wheelset - Tubeless
X.0 Short Cage Derrailleur and X.0 Shifters
Paul Chainkeeper
Thomson Post and Stem
Chris King Headset
Truvativ Noir SS Crankset
Rocket V Saddle
After 7 years riding only fullsuss, I decided to go for a steel hardtail and go 29" has been the big revolution. So here you are my first 29", weighing 10234 g (22,5p) as shown
Few details:
Hope stem, seatpost and hubs.
Crest rims. Sapim Di-Light spokes.
Formula R1(lever)+RX (caliper) mixed brakes.
XT cranks, shifters...
Racing Ralphs 2.25
Niner Falt Top bar.
So far I have some XT/Velocity rims and that is about it. Looking at a 80mm Lefty. Spoke to Jake over at Project321. They have a sick deal for an adapter, wheelset and Lefty. Turns out Project321 is an authorized vendor for Cannondale Headshocks.
Also a couple of guest apperences by my "Merckx" singlespeed and my girlfriend's newly rehabbed Schwinn. She went for her first bike ride in years last Saturday...
I never would have thought blue would go that well with the Root Beer frame, Hot Bike
I'm with ya - at first I was a little dubious, but the rootbeer with blue sort-of works. Haven't seen anyone else whose tried it, at least. Thanks for the thumb!
Just got it home today, also my first 29er. I cant wait until morning. The guys at the LBS (Harper's) stayed almost an hour and a half after close to get it done
Large MCR
Reba Team w/Maxel
Hope hubs with Arch rims
SLX drive train
Juicy 5"s
about 28 lbs.
mcr on SS duties. Had this bike for almost a year now. I usually get tired of a bike around now, start dreaming of other bikes. Not this time
Lovin it.
Stans flow on hope
Thompson seatpost, kona bar, truvativ stem
xt cranks xt brakes
33:18 gearing, thats about it
Sorry for delayed reply, been off line for a few days + in a different time zone.
Wheels are Easton Haven. They are tubeless, but suits me to run tubes at the moment cause I'm switching between commute.
cheers
My Sir rides great with the Niner Carbon Fork. I rode it 6 months with a Fox RL29 waiting for my new Jet. I only miss the Fox on large hits going downhill.
I have not had trail time with her yet. Only mod that I have added since the build is a RaceFace chain guard and a no-name chain watcher from one of my single speeds. I have logged about 50 miles around town and so far this is the most fun/satisfying bike I have built. The steel frame and carbon fork seem to get along with each other. Out of the saddle digs will result in the rear twisting a bit. This is not a major concern since I am planted in the saddle most of the time. 1X10 gear with a 36 out back has handled 8% paved climbs with ease while seated. The fork has handled hops up and down from curbs just fine as well as the rough roads of Providence. The steering is laser guided, I think this fork will last because you can pick a line and stay out of trouble. I'll post Sunday with more of a dirt review. Heading to Big River in Rhode Island for some XC riding.
Thanks to Niner for a great bike. I am proud of this build, just need a better motor now.
What FD are you using on the MCR? Usually I have mine 2x9 but when I ride it with slick tires on road sometime I add the big ring (44t). With 3x9 and with a Shimano XT FD M770 I always have some chain rub. It seems to me it's impossible to solve the issue with this derailleur. Does any of you experienced the same problem? Thanks
Anyone try a 120mm fork on the MCR? I was thinking about taking mine down a lift serviced run (no black diamond stuff, but it's my only bike), and was wondering if that much travel might throw off the handling. Thanks and happy holidays!
It is slowly coming together.... still waiting on a few parts to arrive.
2kg for the small size
Headset on.
Temporary bars and brakes to test ride..
Love the cranks, super smooth.
Dead smack on 11kg....
With the Enve wheelset, 2 x Racing Ralphs, XX brakes, XTR cassette and a few more Enve parts, I hope to drop it down to 10.4kg... wishful thinking? Fingers crossed
I'll post up again when all the proper parts arrive.
Here's mine...........I know I've posted these elsewhere but since this thread got bumped by Ride True (nice bike BTW) I figured I'd post it here. It's appropriate for this thread I think.
First is the build on video.
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/17568539?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&a utoplay=1" width="398" height="224" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe>
Then I used it in my most recent ride video.
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25198413?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&a utoplay=1" width="398" height="224" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe>
Anyway, it's all MCR content so........Keep 'em comin'!
Ska!,
Nice build. Noticed that you have a Paul Comp keeper for your 1x. Do you have trouble with it moving around on you? Every ride on my MCR, when things get really rough and the chain starts moving around, it seems to be enough to move it just a little. Seems like I'm tightening it so much I fear crimping the tubing. I was using a 35.0mm Paul keeper on a Ti bike this season as well, and it never budged. I have a running theory that it's a combo of the smaller diameter tube not providing as much "grab," combined with the slicker painted surface, that allows it to move some. Also, I have to wonder if the Rotor Q-ring may be part of the problem, as that certainly complicates the set-up a little. But I had that same ring on the Ti bike too, so... Anyway, just curious if you had difficulties with yours too. Thanks.
rwitte I felt the need to reply to you as soon as I read that you are using a Paul keeper as, YES, I indeed had a major problem with the keeper as well.
At first I had the same issues you were having and seeing as it was a new build I was thinking it was just some stuff I needed to fiddle with until I got it right. Well, long story short, I was out (this is back in April when the mtb was just starting to get pulled out for rides) doing a final run with the bike making all the final adjustments as I had a bigger point-to-point race in the next two days and while out of the saddle on a climb (45kms from home no less) I heard a rub, then the start of a second when KABOOM!!!
The keeper had bit into the chain hard enough that it spun right around, folded my chainring over, snapped my chain in two places (don't ask me how that's possible), scratched my seat tube and put a small dent in my down tube before it self destructed and ended up in two pieces on the ground. I'm no rookie, I know how to assemble bikes and I know not to pedal through stuff, this was in an instant in the aggressive part of a climb.
I was on my a$$, parts all over the place, banging the crap out of my front ring with a rock to straighten it for a good hour before I reassembled everything (minus the destroyed keeper of course) good enough for me to get home (only 3 gears to choose from). I was pretty bummed as I really wanted to work this thing in the race.
I ended up putting it back together as a 3x9 but have full intention of going back to 1x9. Despite having the 3 rings up front I never change gears up there and I've been using it as a 1x9. I'm used to it now so...
My theory (after the fact) is that there is sufficient flex in the BB area while under full load to take up any of the little space there is between the keeper and the chain. I think when I approach this again, I'll go with a keeper than mounts to the BB shell so that it moves with the frame. Steel is beautiful stuff, I love it to bits but I was bummed at this whole deal.
Interesting how your Ti frame doesn't have that issue as much. Less flex down there perhaps?
IMHO, get that keeper off you Niner before it's too late. Go with something else if you're riding any trails with it. Seriously.
Here's my crummy, slow-going blog The Slow Spoke if you're interested.
Mine's a SIR9 not an MCR9, but the Paul's Keeper has worked great for me so far. I put protective tape on the frame before mounting it, so perhaps that provides more grip so that it doesn't slip. Or maybe I'm just not strong enough to flex the frame enough (I'm 150 lbs. and not a particularly strong climber). I also have the mounting bolts torqued down quite tight.
Looks GREAT Jabrabu. I'm loving the white on white. Just out of curiosity, how much does it weigh?
24.7 lbs. with XT Trail pedals. It's not weight weenie, but not bad. Terralogic forks are kind of heavy, XT Trail pedals aren't light, and I have an alloy bar and bar ends. It all works flawlessly and rides great, though.
It was originally a root beer frame, but I had it stripped and powdercoated to match the fork.
24.7 lbs. with XT Trail pedals. It's not weight weenie, but not bad. Terralogic forks are kind of heavy, XT Trail pedals aren't light, and I have an alloy bar and bar ends. It all works flawlessly and rides great, though.
It was originally a root beer frame, but I had it stripped and powdercoated to match the fork.
Pretty much exactly what my MCR weighs.....The powdercoat came out great
Thanks for the heads-up on your Paul chain keeper. I was bummed that I kept having trouble with it. I think it looks so much more clean than the styles from mrp and e13. I even emailed Paul Comp to see if the band type could be converted to a BB type. The main part looks the same...just one with the band and one with the BB bracket. We'll see.
I suppose I may also try what Jabrabu did...some tape of some kind first. Maybe I'm too big to make it work, if it is related to flex. I'm a physically strong 180+ lbs. But then that Ti bike I was using the other keeper on, that I had zero trouble with (a 2010 Lynskey Pro29)...I converted it back to single speed because I could get enough flex out of the BB area that the tire/chainstay rubbing was driving me nuts! So maybe flex isn't the main factor.
BTW, great looking SIR, jabrabu. The white does look good. I would post a pic of my moondust MCR, but don't seem to have one of the complete bike. I'll work on that. Or maybe I should wait and do it after I get my P321/Enve wheelset!!
Thanks for the heads-up on your Paul chain keeper. I was bummed that I kept having trouble with it. I think it looks so much more clean than the styles from mrp and e13. I even emailed Paul Comp to see if the band type could be converted to a BB type. The main part looks the same...just one with the band and one with the BB bracket. We'll see.
I suppose I may also try what Jabrabu did...some tape of some kind first. Maybe I'm too big to make it work, if it is related to flex. I'm a physically strong 180+ lbs. But then that Ti bike I was using the other keeper on, that I had zero trouble with (a 2010 Lynskey Pro29)...I converted it back to single speed because I could get enough flex out of the BB area that the tire/chainstay rubbing was driving me nuts! So maybe flex isn't the main factor.
BTW, great looking SIR, jabrabu. The white does look good. I would post a pic of my moondust MCR, but don't seem to have one of the complete bike. I'll work on that. Or maybe I should wait and do it after I get my P321/Enve wheelset!!
Are you sure you have the correct size chain keeper? I moved my keeper from my Ti to steel frame without noticing that the seattube diameter on the 2 frames were different. A couple of dereailer shims solved the problem.
All of these look awesome! Anyone have any thoughts on an accent color for a Kermit Green MCR other than red? My husband thinks it's ridiculous, but I'm thinking pink. . .
Are you sure you have the correct size chain keeper? I moved my keeper from my Ti to steel frame without noticing that the seattube diameter on the 2 frames were different. A couple of dereailer shims solved the problem.
Yeah, I have 3 of the things, one in each size. The Lynskey uses the biggest 35.0mm size, the MCR the smallest 28.6mm. That's all part of my theory that the tube diameters play a part in how much grip and resistance to moving they have.
I too had the correct size.........slip, slip BANG!
I don't want anyone misunderstanding me here. I'm not knocking Paul or any of their gadgets (I have used many and actually still use their Love Levers on the Niner) they're quality bits and worth the $$. I love them! I just don't believe that this particular keeper is appropriate for this type of service. I know they mention not using it for downhill rigs and such but I'm not convinced one should even use it for XC purposes.
Just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.
Cheers.
Here's my crummy, slow-going blog The Slow Spoke if you're interested.
All of these look awesome! Anyone have any thoughts on an accent color for a Kermit Green MCR other than red? My husband thinks it's ridiculous, but I'm thinking pink. . .
Dark green. Lots of salsa parts would work, otherwise, polished alloy.
I'm thinking of doing a SS build with an MCR frame. What tensioner are (were) you using with this bike? Have you tried running the Niner steel fork with this setup?
All of these look awesome! Anyone have any thoughts on an accent color for a Kermit Green MCR other than red? My husband thinks it's ridiculous, but I'm thinking pink. . .
i'm in the middle of a MCR build right now and I have a pretty novice question (new to MTB sorry), on the Niner site it says that the FD should be a low mount, bottom pull... does bottom pull not indicate the cable coming from the bottom? thanks in advance!
so weird that the niner site would be wrong. it says "28.6mm front derailleur, low mount - top swing, bottom pull" the rest sounds right and looks right based on all your awesome pictures on this thread.
thanks for the help! now i just need to find the FD I need.
so weird that the niner site would be wrong. it says "28.6mm front derailleur, low mount - top swing, bottom pull" the rest sounds right and looks right based on all your awesome pictures on this thread.
thanks for the help! now i just need to find the FD I need.
The Sir9/Jet would be bottom as the cables are downtube routed, MCR is def top pull.
I'm thinking of doing a SS build with an MCR frame. What tensioner are (were) you using with this bike? Have you tried running the Niner steel fork with this setup?
Not sure if anyone answered this, but I've been using the Yess ETR/V tensioner. I had to tweak it a few times (I kept dropping my chain), but it's been working great since. I like how there are multiple tensioning options on this tensioner.
My MCR is almost done.... painfully close. I ended up getting a new XT 2x10 group, but the rear brake didn't come with the adapter to connect it to the frame. I'm having trouble finding a part number for this. Can somebody point me in the right direction?
So here is the latest version w/FOX TALAS 120mm./95mm. & the Gravity Dropper (Both of which are incredible and contribute to an even more buttery ride!):
Steel AM Goodness!
*These were pre-ride pics and I have since adjusted the saddle..
My MCR is almost done.... painfully close. I ended up getting a new XT 2x10 group, but the rear brake didn't come with the adapter to connect it to the frame. I'm having trouble finding a part number for this. Can somebody point me in the right direction?
THANKS!
You're going to need a 74mm Post to 51mm IS adapter. The size of the rotor will determine which adapter that you need. Universal Cycles sells the adapters for $10. The part numbers for this type of rear caliper adapter are ISMMAR160PSA, ISMMAR180PSA and ISMMAR203PSA.
I just pulled the trigger on a 2011 EMD 9 frame from JensonUSA - Niner EMD 9 Frame '11 at JensonUSA.com. Pretty good deal I think- 330 +8 bucks shipping. Went with a LG moondust frame + Salsa seatpost clamp and a Cane Creek S-3 headset.
Got a 100mm Reba RL fork, LX 3x9 drivetrain, Control Tech 2-bolt seatpost and Pure V saddle in the parts bin ready to go. Stem and bars TBD.
Wheels I am on the fence about. Jenson has these Arch / SRAM x9 wheels for a pretty good price - Stan's Arch 29'Er / Sram X.9 Wheel at JensonUSA.com. QR set would be about 345 + shipping. No experience with those SRAM hubs though. Thoughts?
I just pulled the trigger on a 2011 EMD 9 frame from JensonUSA - Niner EMD 9 Frame '11 at JensonUSA.com. Pretty good deal I think- 330 +8 bucks shipping. Went with a LG moondust frame + Salsa seatpost clamp and a Cane Creek S-3 headset.
Got a 100mm Reba RL fork, LX 3x9 drivetrain, Control Tech 2-bolt seatpost and Pure V saddle in the parts bin ready to go. Stem and bars TBD.
Wheels I am on the fence about. Jenson has these Arch / SRAM x9 wheels for a pretty good price - Stan's Arch 29'Er / Sram X.9 Wheel at JensonUSA.com. QR set would be about 345 + shipping. No experience with those SRAM hubs though. Thoughts?
not trying to be a jerk, but what does this post have to do with MCR builds/pics? That is a totally decent price on the wheelset btw.
My Niners... I have 2... (always 1 avail, and often I have a spare to lend) This bike is so awesome, after riding my orange MCR for the past few years, I decided to build another with similar, but slightly nicer components. NinerOne has a Salsa Cromoto Grande fork; NinerTwo has the Niner fork. NinerOne has Hadley hubs; NinerTwo, Chris King. Both have Stan's Arch Rims, XO gripshifters and XO rear derailers. NinerOne has XT disc brakes; NinerTwo has Hope Mono Mini. NinerOne is orange; NinerTwo is gold. Both has SLX cranks, but NinerTwo are deannodized, polished silver. Both have Thomson stems and seatposts; NinerOne in black; NinerTwo in silver. Brooks B17s on both... THESE BIKES ARE AMAZING.
My Niners... I have 2... (always 1 avail, and often I have a spare to lend) This bike is so awesome, after riding my orange MCR for the past few years, I decided to build another with similar, but slightly nicer components. NinerOne has a Salsa Cromoto Grande fork; NinerTwo has the Niner fork. NinerOne has Hadley hubs; NinerTwo, Chris King. Both have Stan's Arch Rims, XO gripshifters and XO rear derailers. NinerOne has XT disc brakes; NinerTwo has Hope Mono Mini. NinerOne is orange; NinerTwo is gold. Both has SLX cranks, but NinerTwo are deannodized, polished silver. Both have Thomson stems and seatposts; NinerOne in black; NinerTwo in silver. Brooks B17s on both... THESE BIKES ARE AMAZING.
Why build two bikes that are basically the exact same?
Really enjoy my MCR. However, I have no desire to build another. Next bike will be custom with shorter chain stays.
Because everyone should have a "friend" bike. Although my friend bike idea is to have 4 different bikes and let the friend choose and I ride something else. I have: Sir9 full rigid SS, One9 hardtail (obviously SS), Sir9 geared hardtail, Jet9 Obviously geared and full suspension)
Full rigid SS, Hardtail SS, Hardtail Geared, Full Suspension Geared.
Because everyone should have a "friend" bike. Although my friend bike idea is to have 4 different bikes and let the friend choose and I ride something else. I have: Sir9 full rigid SS, One9 hardtail (obviously SS), Sir9 geared hardtail, Jet9 Obviously geared and full suspension)
...this is the fresh build; in the meanwhile I did around 400km on this bike, absolutely enjoy it. I was about to get a Fox-fork for summer, but so far I really like it this way, maybe I´ll keep it full rigid for some time...
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Originally Posted by VTECnical
I won't be going to the carbon fork, as I like my 185/7" rotor, and I think the steel fork handles bigger hits better...
![](http://<a href="http://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/emohn3445/?action=view¤t=DSCN0476.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/emohn3445/DSCN0476.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>)
Just got it home today, also my first 29er. I cant wait until morning. The guys at the LBS (Harper's) stayed almost an hour and a half after close to get it done
