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Build Overview
This Niner Jet started as a stock two-star build and was reconfigured for a rider who wanted a different mix of components than what comes from the factory. The stock bike uses a Fox Rhythm suspension package, SRAM SX 12-speed drivetrain, and OEM wheels—solid starting points, but not exactly what this rider had in mind.
Rather than jumping all the way to a three-star or higher factory build, we kept the core chassis and suspension and changed the parts that most affect ride feel: drivetrain, wheels, tires, and brakes. The result is a Jet that’s set up for a lot of local XC and trail riding, with a drivetrain that’s easy to live with and brakes that match the rider’s preferences.
Video
Full Build Specs
- Frame: Niner Jet (full-suspension trail/XC platform)
- Fork: Fox 34 Rhythm (stock)
- Rear Shock: Fox Float (stock)
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission AXS (T-Type)
- Crankset: Stock crank from the original two-star build
- Cassette: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission 12-speed
- Chain: SRAM T-Type
- Brakes: Shimano SLX 4-piston
- Wheels: Race Face ARC 27 wheelset
- Tires: Maxxis Rekon front and rear
- Handlebar/Stem: Stock cockpit from the two-star build
- Dropper Post: Stock dropper from the two-star build
Build Notes
Niner’s build tiers usually jump from a two-star SX build with Rhythm suspension and OEM wheels to a three-star GX build with Factory-level suspension and DT Swiss or Stan’s wheels. That works well on paper, but in practice a lot of riders are fine with the OEM suspension and really just want a better drivetrain and different wheels.
On this Jet, we left the fork, shock, dropper, and cockpit as they came on the two-star bike. The focus was on swapping the SX drivetrain to a full GX Eagle Transmission AXS system, changing the wheels to a more XC-oriented Race Face ARC 27 setup, and running Recons front and rear instead of a heavier, more aggressive front tire.
The GX Transmission system is something we’ve been riding ourselves for a while now. Being able to shift under load and not worry as much about hanger alignment makes it a good fit for a bike that will see a mix of local trails and general riding. The Shimano SLX 4-piston brakes were chosen because the rider prefers the lever feel and modulation of Shimano over SRAM.
This is a good example of how we often approach builds: keep the parts that already do their job well, and change the components that most affect how the bike feels on the trail. The end result is still very much a Niner Jet, just configured around how this rider actually uses it.
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Work With Us On a Custom Build
If you’re thinking about a custom mountain, gravel, or road build, we can help you work through the options, match components to your riding style, and put it together the right way.