Spec and building my 29r

[MTB2223]

Go for the BSA. And take a Shimano 1x10 setup (or the new 1x11 setup). In case of the 1x10 setup you could go for the 42T of OneUp. And replace the 15T and 17T with a 16T. And as chainring a 32T or 34T. And at the rear the 142 axle. Dropper not needed. You're building a XC mtb.

[Sitar_Ned]

It's SRAM XX1 not Shimano. And yeah, if you're wanting the best... do get SRAM XX1. It's just that it's pretty pricey. Also, and double check this before ordering but I think if you go with SRAM XX1 then you will need the BB30 frame.

 If that's the kinda budget you're working with then you should just copy Carbon_Dude's build list he posted in this thread.

142 rear is what you want since you're ordering wheels and a frame there won't be any compatibility issues.

[Carbon_Dude]

SRAM XX1 works fine with a BSA BB shell, you just select the GXP option on the crank and BB.  Best of both worlds in my opinion, both my bikes are this way.

[varanik]

Ok here we go here's the shopping list from ChainReaction... 3024 euros total 
Headset
- Cane Creek 40-Series IS42 Integrated Headset Black, 42mm, 1.1/8", Short Cover  €44.49
 - Cane Creek 40-Series IS52-30 Bottom Assembly €29.99
Stem
-  Thomson Elite X4 MTB Stem Black, 100mm, 31.8mm, 1.1/8", 0 Degrees €70.49
Brakeset
-  Formula R1 Racing Disc Brakeset Silver, Front PM180mm - Rear IS180mm, Pair  €370.49
Forks
-  RockShox SID XX Solo Air Forks - 15mm 2015 Black, 29", 120mm, 1.1/8" - 1.5" Tapered, 15mm - XLoc Sprint  €626.49
Rear Shock
-  Cane Creek DBInline Rear Shock165mm, 38mm € 498
Pedals
-  Shimano XTR M9020 Trail SPD Clipless MTB Pedal €99.49
Grips
-  Lizard Skins Logo Lock-On Grips Bonus Pack - Peaty
Tyres
-  Continental X-King MTB Tyre - ProTection Black, 29", 2.2", Folding Bead €60.99 (each)
SRAM groupset €1016.19
- SRAM XX1 11 Speed Crankset Black, 76mm, 170mm, 156 Q-Factor, BB30 Grey, 68/73mm, English Thread
 - SRAM Alloy GXP Bottom Bracket Grey, 68/73mm, English Thread
 - SRAM XX1 Type 2 11 Speed Rear Mech 2014 - Black,
 - SRAM XX1 11sp Trigger ShifterBlack, Right Hand Rear
 - SRAM XX1 HollowPin 11 Speed Chain Silver
 - SRAM X1 XG1180 11 Speed MTB Cassette Black, 10-42t
 - SRAM XX1 Chainring Arctic Grey, 76mm, 32t

Stans No Tubes The Solution Tyre Sealant 2015

Apparently I also need these: Formula R1 MC Clamp For SRAM X0-X9 Shifters to use the Formula Brakes: they are left hand only. (I'm puzzled)

Over to you to amend/criticise/correct and above all suggest changes based on your valuable experience
Danke/Grazie
Paolo

[Carbon_Dude]

Here is some feedback Paolo:

1)  I haven't tried Formula brakes but it's hard to believe there is a better brake out there than Shimano XT/XTR brakes.
2)  180mm rotor on the fork will require a caliper mounting bracket (160mm w/o bracket), 180mm rear will also require a caliper mounting bracket for the frame (160 is standard w/o bracket).
3)  If you went with a Rockshox rear shock you could also get a dual lockout lever that controls both the fork and the shock so you can lock them both out on climbs.
4)  Stan's sealant is pretty good, although I still prefer Orange Sealant.

[RS VR6]

Only real reason to go Formula R1 over XTR is the weight. You can knock off some decent weight with them. I think they were somewhere around 250gr lighter then my m785 XT.

I was considering them until I starting reading the reviews. They seem to be hit or miss when it comes to servicing them. A common issue with them is the pad spacing. Its real tight. The brakes don't seem get any better even after getting serviced by Formula. So if you know the Formula brakes real well...or have a mechanic that is good with Formula brakes...I'd skip them and go XTR. With the XT/XTR...you pretty much set them up and forget it. I have a pair of XT m775 from 2010. They have been bled once in 5 years...and that was when the hoses got shortened. Zero issues.

Your frame should come with a headset. So no need to spend money there.

If the XX1 cost is too high. You can take a couple steps down and go X01/X1/GX.

Shimano is coming out with their XT 11 speed group in about 2 or 3 months. That is another option. Chain Reaction already has prices up for it.

[Izzy]

Your frame should come with a headset. So no need to spend money there.

It's true that you'll get a headset with the frame but from the research I've done, you may be better off going ahead and getting the cane creek. I've read that they'll both work exactly the same for the first year or two, but the CC will still be smooth and flawless in 5 years whereas the Neco that you'll get probably won't. Especially if you plan on getting it wet a lot riding in nasty conditions. That said, lots of guys around here with high-end builds have used the Neco that comes with the frame and they're all just fine. Just thought I'd throw that out there as food for thought.

[Oolak]

Shimano is coming out with their XT 11 speed group in about 2 or 3 months. That is another option. Chain Reaction already has prices up for it.

Looked up the prices listed on Chain Reaction: $100 for the XT 11 speed cassette and $250 for the XTR 11 speed cassette. I can't believe the XTR 2.5X the price of XT. That's crazy. I can't imagine it being that much better.

[trekcarbonboy]

Check Merlin Cycles. Their prices can't be beat. And free shipping to the US with a purchase over $76.
They list the XTR 11 spd cassette at $192, XT not listed yet.

[RS VR6]

It's true that you'll get a headset with the frame but from the research I've done, you may be better off going ahead and getting the cane creek. I've read that they'll both work exactly the same for the first year or two, but the CC will still be smooth and flawless in 5 years whereas the Neco that you'll get probably won't. Especially if you plan on getting it wet a lot riding in nasty conditions. That said, lots of guys around here with high-end builds have used the Neco that comes with the frame and they're all just fine. Just thought I'd throw that out there as food for thought.

Why spend the money initially when you don't need to? I would just wait for the bearings to go bad...then switch. Its a 20 min job taking your time and doing some cleaning. The lower bearing can actually be bought separately. The bike shop I used to work for would buy the BB30 bearings from a place that sold nothing but bearings just down the street. They were real cheap. The markup for bearings in a headset (or bottom bracket) is plain ridiculous. Its like buying CO2 cartridges at the bike shop for $4 each...when you can buy a box of 20 on eBay for $20.

My frame came also came with the Neco headset. I didn't use it. I took the two year old FSA bearings from my Specialized and put them in. Going to use it when the FSA bearings go bad.

Shimano is coming out with their XT 11 speed group in about 2 or 3 months. That is another option. Chain Reaction already has prices up for it.

Looked up the prices listed on Chain Reaction: $100 for the XT 11 speed cassette and $250 for the XTR 11 speed cassette. I can't believe the XTR 2.5X the price of XT. That's crazy. I can't imagine it being that much better.

The XTR has a carbon carrier and titanium cogs. Thats probably what makes up the difference in price. You're paying for the weight reduction.

[varanik]

Update (changed the brakes to XTR based on feedback) I think I've added all the bits... can someone double check that I have picked the right break configuration (feels like babysitting... I know )?

Headset
- Cane Creek 40-Series IS42 Integrated Headset Black, 42mm, 1.1/8", Short Cover  €44.49
 - Cane Creek 40-Series IS52-30 Bottom Assembly €29.99
Stem
-  Thomson Elite X4 MTB Stem Black, 100mm, 31.8mm, 1.1/8", 0 Degrees €70.49
Brakeset
Shimano Saint M820 Disc Brake + Rotor Bundle (front) € 200.99
- Shimano Saint-Zee H-Type Disc Brake Pads Resin - Radiator Fin
- Shimano Saint M820 Disc Brake Black, Front - Right Hand Lever - I-Spec B
- Shimano XT-Saint RT81 Ice-Tech CL Disc Rotor Silver, 160mm
- Shimano Mount Adaptor Front Post to IS Black, Front 160mm,

Shimano Saint M820 Disc Brake + Rotor Bundle (rear) € 200.99
- Shimano Saint-Zee H-Type Disc Brake Pads Resin - Radiator Fin
- Shimano Saint M820 Disc Brake Black, Rear - Left Hand Lever - I-Spec B
- Shimano XT-Saint RT81 Ice-Tech CL Disc Rotor Silver, 160mm
- Shimano Mount Adaptor Rear Post to IS Black, 160mm

Forks
-  RockShox SID XX Solo Air Forks - 15mm 2015 Black, 29", 120mm, 1.1/8" - 1.5" Tapered, 15mm - XLoc Sprint  €626.49
Rear Shock
-  Cane Creek DBInline Rear Shock165mm, 38mm € 498
Pedals
-  Shimano XTR M9020 Trail SPD Clipless MTB Pedal €99.49
Grips
-  Lizard Skins Logo Lock-On Grips Bonus Pack - Peaty
Tyres
-  Continental X-King MTB Tyre - ProTection Black, 29", 2.2", Folding Bead €60.99 (each)
SRAM groupset €1016.19
- SRAM XX1 11 Speed Crankset Black, 76mm, 170mm, 156 Q-Factor, BB30 Grey, 68/73mm, English Thread
 - SRAM Alloy GXP Bottom Bracket Grey, 68/73mm, English Thread
 - SRAM XX1 Type 2 11 Speed Rear Mech 2014 - Black,
 - SRAM XX1 11sp Trigger ShifterBlack, Right Hand Rear
 - SRAM XX1 HollowPin 11 Speed Chain Silver
 - SRAM X1 XG1180 11 Speed MTB Cassette Black, 10-42t
 - SRAM XX1 Chainring Arctic Grey, 76mm, 32t

Stans No Tubes The Solution Tyre Sealant 2015

[Carbon_Dude]

Not sure if you are on a budget but here are a few suggestions, some of them cost saving.

1)  The NECO headset that the Chiner vendors (or Chendors) sell is not bad, cost is around $15 vs $75 for the CaneCreek.  Some people have gone through CaneCreek headsets just as quickly as NECO headsets so at least at first, maybe just try the headset that you can get with the frame.

2) The Thomson stems are very good, I have one on my IP-036 and it very nice, however, unless you are sure you want/need a 100mm stem, you might want to go with a cheaper stem at first to be sure that 100mm length fits you best.

3)  Interesting that you want to go with the Saint brakes rather than the Shimano M785 XT brakes.  Saints have 4 piston calipers vs the XT 2 piston calipers and I think the Saint brakes are a bit more expensive.  Saints are more of a downhill brake and are a bit heavier.  However, if that's what you want, don't let me change your mind.

Also, most people do 180mm front rotor, 160mm rear rotor.  I know a few people who do the 203mm front rotor but that is more personal preference.  I'd recommend 180r/160rr and get the Shimano spacer for the front brake caliper.

4) SID XX 120mm forks are very nice, you must not care about remote locking the rear shock since you've decided not to match up a Rockshox shock and do the dual X-lock Sprint setup.

Also, double check the sizing of the shock, I believe you need (6.5"x1.5"), and you may need to purchase the correct with bushing to match your frame.

5) XX1 drivetrain is my favorite.  Depending not the trails you ride, you can choose to go with a 32T or 34T front chainring to start.

[Sussed.]

Regarding the headset, I Have just replaced my Cane Creek 40 series lower assembly after only 5 months. Steering became stiff and after further inspection the lower bearing disintegrated in my hands once I had removed the forks ! My rig has been through lots of bad weather and rigorous cleaning but I would've expected more life from it ! I would go with the vendor supplied NECO as it can't be any worse, I replaced mine with the stainless Cane Creek but obviously can't comment on longevity yet!

I went with Formula brakes and haven't had to touch them since install. Happy with that. I have only heard good things about the top end Shimano too so I guess it would come down to price, looks etc !

Xx1 is the way forward ...

[Sussed.]

On phone at the moment but do check your Xx1 configuration.  You have BB30 cranks listed but GXP bottom bracket !

I was on some new trails yesterday and the XX1 gripshift really made a difference ! Lots of blind corners into technical
Uphill sections at speed, jumping from one end of the cassette to the other quickly saved me from a few stalls ! (I still had plenty of spills tho and the 36 took a battering as did the carbon cranks, I will update my build thread soon with details ! )

As CD suggests,  if budget allows consider matching suspension and remote !

[Vipassana]

I don't have any issues with the 4 BB30 XX1/X01 setups I've personally worked on and seen ridden for thousands of miles. YMMV.  But you must make sure your frame and crank/BB match!  Also, the 156 Q-factor is pretty narrow and some people report their heals hitting the frame.  I'd personally get the slightly wider 168 Q-factor crank.  The 156 Q-factor is really better suited for a road bike with it's narrow frame.  Some guys claim they can't pedal properly on the wider 168 Q-factor, but I think often this isn't really the case.  Most do great with the 168.


I think those are the wrong disk brake adaptors.  If you have post mounts on your frame/fork, you need post mount to post mount.  Not IS standard.

Like this: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/en/shimano-mount-adaptor-front-post-to-post/rp-prod13747