MrWenzel

This whole process of buying a bike started off easy. I started looking at the GF Superfly (NOT Elite) Then after seeing the issues that Trek and GF are having while checking out the forums for reviews and comments on the dif. bikes. I'm not sure anymore about the Superfly. Wanted Carbon at the start now wondering if it would be better to go with aluminum and get a Niner Air 9. So I could spend the money on components instead of the frame. Still looking at around $3000. I have a GF x-caliber from 07 and liked it but it weighs a ton. I live in Wisconsin and have heard of issues with Trek, but they seem to take care of them or its the store. Now where do I get a Niner from? Not much around Milwaukee area for Niner dealers. I have been looking online at Colorado Cyclist and speedgoat for having one built. Would a small shop in area be as competitive with the price and options as WWW dealer? I really don't want to waste there time trying to get everything that I am looking for and finding out it will cost 1k more. I don't feel comfortable trying to build this as a first bike. Thanks for your help. If any body could point me in the right direction.

Alan@TreeFort

I have built up several Air 9's (not for myself, of course :-) and they turn out being awesome bikes. I would highly recommend it. I have ridden several of the Niner bikes, and own an EMD, and they are always fantastic.

Getting the complete build for under $3000 might be a little bit of stretch, especially since you are trying to keep the weight off. We commonly build up the Niner bikes with Stans ZTR wheels, which are a nice price and great quality. As far as components, SRAM X9 will save you some cash and works amazingly, but not really considered "high end" anymore with the advent of 10 speed -- just depends what you are looking for. The fork will also eat up a lot when trying to keep it it under $3000, so a rigid carbon fork is a nice option to keep the weight off and cost down.

MrWenzel

Thanks for the help. I was coming in at about $3400 with ZTRs and SRAM XO. The problem is the fork eats up a few bucks and its a Rock Shox Reba Race 29er. Not even a high end Fork. After tax and shipping around 3700. Shipping was 120. This was through Colorado Cyclist. When you enter in what you want it shows a spot for a coupon. Any type would help me there. even if its just for shipping. Any more help would be great thanks.

Alan@TreeFort

That sounds like a great price for what you've got, and the Reba Race is an excellent fork. You are going to have a killing build!