Help/WTB/TR: My first bike build. Ninja (Nimble) 9

[stuckathuntermtn]

So, my awesome parents have ordered me a Nimble 9 frame for graduation. Basically, I'm gonna need everything. I'd like to build it up with decent wheels, decent fork, and x9/XT/SLX/equivalent parts. New or gently used. I could also use some recommendations.
Also, stupid, I know, but I want everything black.
pictures will of course follow as I go along. Frames are still in Taiwan or something, I gather, but I wanted to get this thread started since I already have questions on recommendations for fork/wheels.
In case you can't tell, this will be my first bike build.
Let the fun mad experiment begin!

[reynolds.trailrun]

9 or 10 speed? If 10 speed clutch or no clutch RD? I have an MT780 XT 10 speed SGS that is collecting dust since I replaced it with the shadow+ version.

Wheels, are you building them or buying them. I am in the middle of my first full on build myself. I decided to build the wheelset using Hadley/Stans Arch combination. Though Hope Hoops are a fine wheelset for a decent price. Typically find them on Wiggle.com for $375. I beat on a 26er set pretty hard and they are still going.

I would also recommend JensonUSA for stuff. They are continually selling OE (probably came on a bike from factory but someone wanted something else when they bought it) stuff for cheap. The SLX 10 speed is on there for $50.

[stuckathuntermtn]

2x10. Not sure if clutch-type is important. I like the shadow design. I will not be lacing wheels. I was also thinking of doing Sram/Avid or Shimano for brakes. Whichever the shifters are, so I can use matchmaker/i-spec whatever. Also, I think if you mount Shimano and Sram on the same handlebars, you risk rifting space-time.

[toast2266]

I have a Reba 29er fork that I'll sell you. Gotta figure out price. I'll also sell you a can of black spray paint so you can fix its whiteness.

[toast2266]

2x10. Not sure if clutch-type is important. I like the shadow design. I will not be lacing wheels. I was also thinking of doing Sram/Avid or Shimano for brakes. Whichever the shifters are, so I can use matchmaker/i-spec whatever. Also, I think if you mount Shimano and Sram on the same handlebars, you risk rifting space-time.

http://problemsolversbike.com/produc...match_adapters

[stuckathuntermtn]

I hope that was you that removed your car from the street! Also, tell me more about this fork.

[toast2266]

It was; we had planned on stopping and riding on Monday, but the weather sucked so we just swung through quick and headed out.

[zion zig zag]

Go shimano for brakes, still on sale here: http://www.blueskycycling.com/produc...-w-Adapter.htm

[nickwm21]

If you don't mind eBay... the best deals can be found there, both used and new.

I would go clutch 1x10 x 30 or 32T on a hardtail personally.

A Stans arch wheelset can be had cheap and is a great buy.

Go slx for brakes....



sent from the future using my mind powers

[stuckathuntermtn]

Yeah, I'm leaning toward SLX group for drivetrain and brakes. Trails around here are steep and fast so 1x10 would be too hard on a long climb and then max out too easily on the way down. I should also add that I really don't give a flying fuck about tubeless. Also, any love for X.9 hubs? some good wheels built up with those. Easton?
Also, anyone try those new Race Face grips that look a little like the old North Shores? (Strafe?) I have big hands. No, I'm not getting Ergons.

[Hott Butt Mud]

Post up some pics!!

[stuckathuntermtn]

Did you read the part about how I will when I get stuff? The frames are probably still on the boat from Taiwan :/

Speaking of Taiwan, are those part sellers on eBay that are located in Taiwan legit? I got a cheap seat on there once, and it seems to work ok, so I didn't care at the time. Are they selling OEM overstock from factories? Googled it, but didn't get very good answers, so obviously, one's favorite internet message board is a sure way to get 100% troof.

[Hott Butt Mud]

I don't read. Sorry.

My experience with buying cheap parts on eBay are this-- tried to buy some cheap batteries for a Canon Camera and not only did they not work at all, they got stuck in the battery compartment. I'd be cautious.

[mobygrape]

my advise is to splurge on a seat and scrimp elsewhere.

more of a road rider, so I'm on my ass a lot more, but still seems to make sense.
unless you can get comfortable on any old piece of foam. But still, it's a nice upgrade if you have a few $$ to spend.

[mobygrape]

what is your overall budget? That would probably help you figure out where to spend.

These wheels caught my eye: http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/ca...elset-13-47137

again, more of a road rider myself, but the looked to be a good bang for the buck. Never ridden them, not not well informed as to mountain wheelsets, but if you don't care for tubeless, might be worth a look.

[mobygrape]

Speaking of Taiwan, are those part sellers on eBay that are located in Taiwan legit?

not sure about bike parts, but I've purchased a bunch of hard drives, laptop parts, etc from china sellers. The shipping lag is a drag, but if they have good ratings, it came as advertised...

sorry, should have multiquoted instead of multi reply. fucking jong

[detrusor]

I've purchased a bunch of parts from Taiwan/china sellers, always legit and new. No issues.

[stuckathuntermtn]

Good to know.
Budget? Not sure yet.
SLX looks like a good way to go for drivetrain and brakes as far as price/performance. What say y'all?

[Daywalker]

SLX brakes are great deal. I have XT and SLX and don't feel a difference (pad contact adjust is the one add, decent but nothing special). Great place to save money.

[joetron]

I'm here to post in this historic thread.

[SB]

I'm here to post in this historic thread.

Double QFT

[Sirshredalot]

I recently ebayed a set of Sun Ringle Black Flag Expert wheels for $150. The same seller on ebay lists them with different axles and wheel sizes somewhat regularly.

Hunt and snipe wisely.

[stuckathuntermtn]

This thread will be epic and hudge.
thanks for the tips, guys.

[creaky fossil]

I can't wait until the thread devolves to "Missoula doesn't have as many great bike shops as Manhattan."

[stuckathuntermtn]

So, it looks like good wheels to go with best-bang-for-buck style are Blag Flag Pros, or ZTR Arches, or something similar hand laced. Yes?
For the Sun Ringles, does it really make much difference if it's Charger/Black Flag or Pro/Expert?