For 2012 Niner Bikes started offering tapered head-tubes on all their aluminum frames including the updated One9 single-speed chassis.  They just so happened to come out with a tapered version of their already super light carbon rigid fork as well.  This gave us the perfect opportunity to build up this super-light bike.

The goal was to build a sub 20 pound race ready machine but at the same time choose components that had proven durability and a reasonable price.  While the end result is hardly “cheap” it’s actually pretty reasonable given the performance level of this trail machine.

Niner’s new tapered RDO carbon fork integrates seamlessly with their One9 frame and the dropouts have been updated to a RockShox QR15 thru-axle set up.  This gives the fork even more lateral stiffness which means this baby will CARVE on the trail and still have the vertical compliance expected of a carbon mountain bike fork.

For brakes we went with the proven performance of Shimano’s XT hydraulic stoppers.  For a fraction of the price of the top-tier offerings from XTR and Sram XX you get great power, modulation, and most importantly… durability.  The brakes are mounted to Niner’s alloy flat top bar while this trick looking alloy stem from Crank Brothers holds everything together.  An aluminum Crank Brothers seat post was chosen as well.

For the cranks we chose the FifteenG single-speed crank.  This crank combines the low weight of a carbon crank with the increased durability of an all aluminum design while keeping things stiff under pedal force thanks to their unique Tri-lobe 30mm spindle.

 

To connect all of this to the trail there was one obvious choice.  The wheels from Stan’s Notubes prove time and time again to be the best value out there in wheels for your 29er.  At $525 for a set they are lighter than all but the most tricked out wheels and their conventional spoked design means inexpensive repairs should you manage to break them.

Last but not least we mounted some Maxxis Ikon tires.  This super fast rolling tread is perfect prescription when the doctor orders speed.

The only bad news is that this bike might already be sold… a certain someone is interested.