[thinkfuture]

Does anyone own or have experience with either of the "lower end" spec level RIP 9s that Niner currently has listed on their site? Specifically, I'm referring to the 2-star SLX build and the 1-star Deore build.

I'm demoing what is essentially the 3-star XT build with some minor differences this weekend and I'm really liking it. It is very likely though that if I buy a RIP 9 it will be one of the two lower end specs. Will I be really disappointed with one of those after riding the 3-star XT?

I'm betting on the fun-factor of the bike in general to negate the differences in spec, but I'm hoping some folks here can back that up or not.

 

[cyclones30]

I think rims and fork is where you'll notice the biggest difference between the 3 star demo and one you'd own. I did the same, demo'd a 4 star and thought I'd be getting a 1 or 2. Well then I found a great deal on a 3 star and didn't have to find out for myself.

Personally, I've never liked the Sektor forks but have seen a few good reviews. The 2 star w/ SLX would be a nice bike, they've dropped the 1 star even lower (component and price-wise) than where it was earlier this year.

 

[thinkfuture]

Thanks for the feedback. I was starting to think the same thing regarding the wheels and fork. Congrats on the finding the good deal, hoping I can do the same thing.

 

[cyclones30]

If I could get a nice price on an SLX 2-star I was going to do it. Then save some $$ and switch the fork for a Pike if I felt the stock wasn't capable. Then rims would have been next.

Call around, email a couple shops. I had to drive a couple hours for mine but it was well worth it.