[alixta]

Quick post to show off my new Paradox.

• Large Raw Frame
• SID 120 51mm offset fork
• XX1 34T front 156Q cranks
• LB 'wide' carbon rims, DT240 hubs
• Thomson dropper with defcon modded x9 trigger

On ride down & living it.

Up next an SS setup with modded isg05 stinger tensioner.

Thanks to Stu at Defconcycles Brisbane Australia for hooking me up.

 

[Drea]

Congrats! Nice bike

 

[LyNx]

Looks sweet :thumbsup: How's ride with that more "XC" build? Are your trails more XC or did you just opt to build that way to keep weight down? I found despite all the industry "professionals" saying that that sort of geo just isn't good for "XC" that for me, they were wrong, used to love my Paradox on "XC", especially if you came around a corner to something unexpected like say a super steep roller, just ease back and down she went, confidently.

 

[alixta]

The Paradox replaces a gaggle of Niner HT frames, I'd say it handles XC & light AM better than all of them. The slack/low geo really works and is complimented by the the tight rear end. I notice the SID can get a bit twisted up as it's the weak link up front end, but probably a good compromise given the weight savings & RCT3 damper.

My other ride is an Ibis Ripley so the Paradox won't see too much 'AM' work, but I am keen to swap out the xfusion trace 140 & see how it goes.

 

[LyNx]

Yeah, sounds like you've definitely got yourself a good 2nd bike that will be quite different to your main ride. I will say this though, don't be surprised when you put the Trace on the Paradox that it might not start getting more ride time, think you'll be quite surprised by how much having a stiff, precise front end will change the feel of the bike, especially in the chunk and tech.

The Paradox replaces a gaggle of Niner HT frames, I'd say it handles XC & light AM better than all of them. The slack/low geo really works and is complimented by the the tight rear end. I notice the SID can get a bit twisted up as it's the weak link up front end, but probably a good compromise given the weight savings & RCT3 damper.

My other ride is an Ibis Ripley so the Paradox won't see too much 'AM' work, but I am keen to swap out the xfusion trace 140 & see how it goes.

 

[alixta]

First up will be the SS conversion, then I'll try out the Trace. Nice to have so many options. Also coming is a set of LB 35mm rims, I'll probably swap them between both bikes depending on the terrain/event.

 

[GTscoob]

What is the Defcon modded X9 shifter? Does this turn an X9 shifter into a remove for the dropper post?

 

[alixta]

Yep sure does. We got the idea from Jared Graves' setup.
It's just a gutted front shifter. No small lever, ratchet or springs.
It works brilliantly, very intuitive.

 

[ozynigma]

The Paradox replaces a gaggle of Niner HT frames

Oh, the travesty. At least Lynx will still be your best friend

Sounds like yours is the third I know of in Brisbane.

MTB Dirt Australian MTB Forums forum - Topic - Post Pictures of your Rides and Mods Made

I have a ummm gaggle of Niner's, the Paradox and a Lynskey hardtail. Current build project is a Jet 9 carbon dually. Actually I do exaggerate a bit. I have a SIR9 SS rigid mtb and a SIR9 rigid commuter and I still have the old Jet 9 alloy to sell and a cracked Air9 scandium frame to keep as a souvenir. So when the Jet 9 carbon is finished I will have two serviceable Niner mtb's and one commuter.

 

[alixta]

I got 4 Niner HT frames in the shed. 2 steel, 2 scandium. The are good for old skool XC, but 2 rides on the Paradox (& 6 months on the Ripley) has me convinced 70+ degree steering & long stays just doesn't work for me. Might keep one for SS commuting, the rest can relocate.

 

[ozynigma]

I have a mate who might be interested in a large SIR9 frame and I know another guy interested in a whole SIR9 SS build. PM me if you have anything for sale that I can let them know about.

 

[LyNx]

Well said :thumbsup: Unless you race (and even then I question it) that stupid old 71*> HTA and 18" stays for a HT is just :skep: Was my exact feelings when I got my Paradox, the squish I had before with that whacked out geo just couldn't even compare to how and what the Paradox inspired you to ride.

I got 4 Niner HT frames in the shed. 2 steel, 2 scandium. The are good for old skool XC, but 2 rides on the Paradox (& 6 months on the Ripley) has me convinced 70+ degree steering & long stays just doesn't work for me. Might keep one for SS commuting, the rest can relocate.

 

[alixta]

Unless you race (and even then I question it).

Oh I'll be racing my Paradox.

 

[alixta]

SS conversion done, now for the test ride.

Blackspire stinger with XX1 jockey wheel
33/20 gearing works out near magic ratio so chain slack is limited

 

[dirtrider76]

That's a slick mod with the Jockey wheel on the stinger!

 

[alixta]

Thanks mate. It works a treat too, better than some dedication SS solutions.

 

[alixta]

After a bit of neglect the faithful Paradox is rolling again.

This time around with on-trend 27.5 plus rubber and a 120 Pike.

 

[LyNx]

Glad you came to your senses and put some gears back on that thing 650B+, that's where it';s at Just got my WTB Trailblazer, intent is to go as a rear on the Paradox, so now trying to figure out how I'm going to build it back up. Do I steal parts from one of the 3 FS I have built up in hopes of encouraging my bros to start back riding or do I steal from the rental/loaner fleet - 9spd or 10spd :???:

What rims did you go with for your 650B wheels, can't quite tell, carbon or alu, look fairly wide? Is that a Fat Be Nimble on the front? What casing/tread measurements are you getting from those 2 tyres? On a Flow with the WTB @40 PSI I get 64mm casing and at more realistic ride-able pressures still 61mm. My wheels will be built using the new WTB Asym i35 rims.

Not that I need to ask, but how hard did you kick yourself for putting the SID on there initially once you got the PIKE on?

After a bit of neglect the faithful Paradox is rolling again.

This time around with on-trend 27.5 plus rubber and a 120 Pike.

View attachment 1016869

 

[alixta]

Gears are good, but I will go back to SS when I shed my winter coat

Running derby 40 AM rims.

Haven't measured either tyre width but will say there is heaps of room in the back but only a few mm between the sidewalls and Pike. Enough for dry only.

The fatbnimble sidewalls are scary thin so it's probably not going to last.




Sent from my Agora 4G+ using Tapatalk

 

[LyNx]

Well, when that FBN does eat it, there's lot of good options out there, I especially like the BFT from CST, tested it in the 29" x 3" version. Good thread with lots of info on tyres out there, lots of pages, but think the good stuff starts around page 36 http://forums.mtbr.com/27-5-29/27-5-tires-931412.html

Gears are good, but I will go back to SS when I shed my winter coat
Running derby 40 AM rims.
Haven't measured either tyre width but will say there is heaps of room in the back but only a few mm between the sidewalls and Pike. Enough for dry only.

The fatbnimble sidewalls are scary thin so it's probably not going to last.