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Build Overview
This Niner AIR 9 RDO started life as a 3-Star build, which normally includes a GX drivetrain, Fox Factory suspension, and carbon touchpoints. For this one, we mixed in some 2-Star components from custom aluminum AIR 9 builds to hit an unbeatable price while keeping the core performance parts intact.
The result is a carbon hardtail with a full GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain, carbon bar and seatpost, Niner OEM XC wheels, and our preferred Barzo/Mezcal XC tire combination. At under $2,000, this is one of the best value XC race bikes we’ve been able to put together—and likely the last time we’ll be able to build a carbon hardtail at this price point.
We built this one the same way we approach all our custom projects — start with what the rider wants, and then dial in the details.
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Full Build Specs
- Frame: Niner AIR 9 RDO (carbon hardtail)
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle 1×12
- Rear Derailleur: GX Eagle
- Cassette: GX Eagle, XD driver
- Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle
- Wheels: Niner OEM XC wheels (with XD driver upgrade)
- Tires: Vittoria Barzo (front) / Mezcal (rear), 2.35
- Brakes: SRAM Level hydraulic brakes
- Handlebar: Niner Carbon XC bar
- Seatpost: Niner Carbon seatpost
- Other: Mix of 2-Star and 3-Star components used strategically
Build Notes
Build Highlights
- Full GX drivetrain with XD driver for proper shifting and durability
- Carbon bar and seatpost retained from original 3-Star kit
- Niner OEM XC wheels upgraded to XD driver to keep the GX cassette
- Barzo/Mezcal tire combo for fast XC performance
This bike originally came as a 3-Star AIR 9 RDO with a GX drivetrain and carbon touchpoints. We repurposed some 2-Star components from recent aluminum AIR 9 builds to offer something that hits a much more accessible price point without compromising the performance pieces that matter most.
The SRAM Level brakes are the same brakes found on 2-Star builds—light, reliable, and a good match for XC riding. The Niner OEM XC wheels are also typically found on 2-Star bikes, and by installing the XD driver, we kept the higher-quality GX cassette from the original 3-Star configuration.
The Barzo/Mezcal tire combination continues to be one of our go-to XC race setups. Good grip up front, fast rolling in the rear, and proven across all our local singletrack. It’s the same setup we run on a lot of our personal bikes.
This price point—$1,999—is something we won’t be able to replicate again once our closeout parts are gone. Between past component deals, leftover kits, and careful spec decisions, this is likely the last carbon hardtail we’ll be able to build at this level for under $2K.
If you know someone looking for an XC race bike that won’t break the bank, this one is worth passing along.
See more builds in the Maklin Custom Build Library.
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Work With Us On a Custom Build
If you’re thinking about a custom XC, trail, or hardtail build, we can help you spec it out and build it the way you want.