This is the BIGGEST bike I've ever built (Niner WFO 9 RDO) | Syd Fixes Bikes

Today I'm building up Macky's new Niner WFO 9 RDO. With 170mm of rear suspension and 180mm of front, it's by far the biggest bike I've ever built. So big, in fact, that I run into some technical difficulties!
What you'll need:
Parts:
Niner WFO 9 RDO frame: bit.ly/3THVfe2
Fox Float X2 shock (frames often include the shock): bit.ly/3FpQIc9
Fox 34 fork: bit.ly/3TY1rOJ
Fox Transfer post: bit.ly/3CCzLHZ
Shimano XT threaded bottom bracket: bit.ly/3CGIxVu
Shimano XT 12-speed crank: bit.ly/3i5KSzG
Shimano XT 12-speed chainring: bit.ly/3J7URjW
Shimano XT 12-speed cassette: bit.ly/3vZDVby
Shimano XT 12-speed chain: bit.ly/3J8zoqR
Shimano XT 12-speed shifter: bit.ly/3CFKilz
Shimano XT 12-speed derailleur: bit.ly/3J8WkXf
Shimano M8120 XT wheelset: bit.ly/35Me6Bf
Shimano XT M8120 brakes: bit.ly/3i4XQ0y
Shimano brake hose: bit.ly/3U2IYRp
Shimano XT rotors: bit.ly/3tgI5dv
Stages Cycling power meter: bit.ly/3JbkobJ
Maxxis Minion DHR II tire: bit.ly/3FhWgoX
Tire sealant: bit.ly/3i47uR5
Xpedo GFX pedals: xpedo.com/product/pedals/mtb/...
Velo Senso Ray saddle: bit.ly/3zlnl6G
Tharsis carbon handlebar: bit.ly/3i1X44f
Tharsis stem: bit.ly/3JbTVLd
Headset (generally comes with the frame as it is frame specific)
Headset spacers: bit.ly/36fZIkd
Niner YAWYD top cap: bit.ly/3tgHzfz
Velo Attune grips: bit.ly/3KBTkmo
General tools:
Allen keys: bit.ly/3uftMUb
Pliers: bit.ly/3zkcZUM
Screwdrivers: bit.ly/3w6C7eu
Hammer: bit.ly/2Gw0QU5
Tire levers: bit.ly/2QNq3yA
Carbon paste: bit.ly/3sysNPT
Grease: bit.ly/2F1cuGc
Measuring tape: bit.ly/3NccLol
Blue towels: amzn.to/3SGJG5J
Floor pump: bit.ly/2ET1FpL
Specialty tools:
Feedback Sports mini torque wrench: bit.ly/3Fhwd0X
Internal cable routing tool: bit.ly/3w9vgAQ
Feedback Sports cable cutter: bit.ly/3DAXqdN
Feedback Sports bike stand: bit.ly/3f7g8jQ
Crown race install tool (if your race isn't notched): bit.ly/3hbxdnX or section of 1.5″ PVC pipe: amzn.to/2NV1j3f
Paint pen: amzn.to/2TR1G2o
Pipe cutter: amzn.to/3f77W3d
Reamer: amzn.to/3DAzJSQ
Star nut install tool: bit.ly/3zkbvtG
Grease gun: amzn.to/378km3X
Shimano TL-BH62 brake cut and set tool: bit.ly/3fkKhtN
Feedback BB/cassette tool: bit.ly/39iDSeP
Chain break tool: bit.ly/39nlDFb
Shimano TL-BT03 brake bleed tool: bit.ly/3m2wWaz
Shock pump: bit.ly/3DBz4Rm
00:00 Intro
01:01 The components
01:44 Prepare the frame
07:45 Install the fork
18:07 Handlebars
20:03 Bottom bracket and cranks
25:57 Brakes
31:51 Shifter and derailleur
34:35 Wheels and chain
45:44 Dropper post
49:11 Final touches and weight
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[@jaydesimone4297]

Syd's reaction at 10:45 is exactly how I feel every time I drop a tool!

[@Baureo]

You can easily use the 2x4s with a threaded rod, nuts and washers to get a more controlled setup as opposed to the mallet-method. Also beware: there is a difference between anti-seize and grease with regards towards the torque. Anti-seize will prevent the parts sticking/fusing together without affecting the friction between the threads (too much), while the primary purpose of grease is to lower the friction. Lower friction means when you apply the same torque, the bolt/thread is under a lot more tension than it was designed for and it could break. Some torqued bolt require grease, but usually the give torque is for an non-greased thread. rule of thumb: if parts should be moving against each other use grease, if they shouldn't move use anti-seize. And then there is also friction paste, for when the parts should extra not move, e. g. carbon handle bars in stem.

[@kovie9162]

Yeah, only pros can afford to or should use only the official tools for each task, while DIYers who only do them now and then can fall back on makeshift but still very safe and reliable methods such as what you described. In fact you could probably use a car bearing installation set to press in a headset. Just don't use an impact wrench! 😬

[@Jinedan]

Always a fun day building a new bike! One note - I always put in the headset cups one side at a time so you always have a flat, immobile surface to anchor the press and avoid having the cup go in cocked. That could be an expensive error if you pushed it in really angled!

[@maning005]

New-bike days are always amazing.. I'll never get tired of watching bike builds.. Great job guys!

[@Cesar-cm4if]

Agreed! Btw, don't forget to wear an nta helmet like xnito or bern hudson while riding, cpsc helmets don't really protect you

[@MTBDadAdventures]

I meant to comment earlier but you and mackys review/build of this bike was the whole reason I went with Niner. I absolutely love m WFO and I'm excited to use it at the bike park this year. Keep up the great videos.

[@oldschooldude3500]

Awesome build. Please keep making these syd fix bikes series, love them. Also love the explanations and details of things as you build or fix. Awesome job guys. Though I'm not building the bike I'm picking up today it's a new bike for my boy for his races, so excited to go pick it up today.

[@christopherblomeley5210]

Love you guys, great team and a good instruction pace...

[@patrickh4540]

Been watching since ages. You two are awesome, riding as well as explaining for us noobs. Cherry on the cake are the nice toesies.

[@Montblanc1986]

Thanks for the upload, I requested it and you got it up!

[@kovie9162]

I rebuilt my car's manual transmission a couple of years ago, and part of the procedure calls for using a hydraulic shop press, which is basically a much bigger and more powerful version of a headset press that uses hydraulic power rather than a forcing bolt, to get the press fit bearings back onto the shafts. Well, I didn't have a hydraulic press and didn't know anyone that did. I could have taken it to a shop but they charge $40 a bearing and I have a bunch to press back on. So I did a little research and found out that I could also slowly and carefully hammer the bearings back on with proper-sized drifts (i.e. impact sockets) with a block of wood on top. So that's what I did, and so far the transmission's just fine. I'm actually opening it back up soon as it's got a slight leak from where the case sections meet up, so I'll have a look inside to see if I did any damage. But I doubt it or I would have heard or felt something by now. Basically,, there's usually more than one way to do most tasks and the "approved" way isn't necessarily the only way. You could probably also fashion a headset press out of a long thick bolt and some large washers and nuts.

[@slide_drexler]

Excellent job as always, Syd! 35:41 there are dots on the cogs/cassette that serve as a guide to properly line them up when you install them on to the hub.

[@MTB_Rider_96]

Great video. I'm on my 5th bike build and I learn something new with each build, and I for sure learned something new from you guys - thanks!

[@jzdyrko]

New bike build days are the best! As always Great Vid! I'll be building up a Deviate Claymore soon. My frame should be shipping in the next week or so.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Woohoo! That's exciting!

[@melissa7122]

I'm 29 and when someone tells me to turn it clockwise or counter clockwise I have a brain fart, think I figured it out and go the wrong direction every time 🙃 😂 I can read a clock no problem though, left and right (lefty loosey, righty tighty) also requires the hand signals to confirm

[@Jacob99174]

Not sure that’s something I’d show off lol

[@conman1395]

If a clock runs backwards you've got a screw loose - another way to remember it

[@turtleman190]

I'm 24 i point my hand out and imagine I'm reading a clock and spin my hand clockwise and still screw it up.🤣 but clockwise is to the right anticlockwise is to the left

[@eldominici3732]

🤣

[@keithhicks1403]

Not everything is righty tighty the left pedal is left hand threads so that is Lefty tighty

[@bikeraftpnw8575]

Another great video. That logo that you have hanging on the tool wall would make a great analog clock!

[@sydfixesbikes]

Good point 🤔

[@ironscott]

When Syd dropped that press handle, I felt it. So annoying. Really fun when you still need to hold something in place but can't quite reach the tool that went flying.

[@rpungello]

42:10 makes me appreciate the cage lock SRAM derailleurs have, no third arm needed!

[@1pho3nixmatt]

Funny thing about dropper post routing, I had a 2004?ish Specialized Epic that I knocked out a bottle cage boss (I think that's what it's called) on the downtube and ran an internal dropper post through that. Worked perfectly and didn't compromise the frame integrity (at least that's what I was telling myself) since there was already a hole there anyway.

[@sydfixesbikes]

That's excellent! Back in the day when we were riding for Jamis they just told us to drill a hole in the back of the seat tube by the BB and run the housing through that. Needless to say, we were a bit nervous for the first couple rides but they said it wouldn't be an issue and it never was 🤷‍♀️

[@johnhoyt2357]

Great video! I learned a lot! FYI on the clutch there is a button you can push in on it to lock it in it's extended position which facilitates easy rear wheel removal and chain repairs.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Only on SRAM derailleurs 😉

[@Bixbysayshi]

Oh dude no way! I just found your guy's channel a few weeks ago when i got my first mountain bike, and I had no idea you guys were at least partially in New Mexico! I live in Santa Fe! That's so cool! Maybe I'll see you guys sometime riding around Los Alamos!

[@mickp10]

Thanks for sharing building a bike. Righty tighty, lefty Lucy

[@burkebair]

Fun video. As for mounting tires, I learned that the tire name and details always goes on the drive side so not needing to look for the hidden arrow. I've been guilty of mounting the tire backwards even when looking for the arrow.🤣

[@jeanne-michaelduplessis]

I also want four arms! haha thanks for the video guys !

[@Nicoya]

Fun fact: DHR is actually "Downhill Race", and DHF is "Downhill Freeride". You can stick either one on the front or back, but obviously there's a preference to doing the stickier DHF on the front, and the quicker DHR on the rear. Double DHR isn't too rare, but double DHF is pretty uncommon unless it's a full DH bike or an ebike where you might see that or double Assegai. The Aggressor on the other hand is a rear-specific tire. Also the segmented shift cable housing was done to get better shifting feel. The bike frame flexes less than even very stiff cable housing, so you have less squishiness at the shift lever, and less housing means less friction between the cable and the housing. These days we just use better quality housing.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@billderas3420]

Wonderful build...with a woman's touch...and humor from the both of you.

[@DaBinChe]

The tube/pipe de-burr tool is spun clockwise not counter clockwise. Spinning it counter-clock will dull it. The pipe cutter spins in the direction towards the moving jaw, towards the open mount side of the moving jaw.

[@Azoth5876]

My favourite tool for putting on quick links is a bit of thick wire (coat hanger works well) which i use to hold the chain together so that i dont need a third arm to take the tension off the derailleur.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Good tip!

[@matt.3.14]

Pedro's chain wear tool has a pair of hooks that you can put the chain on to hold it together, then adding the QL is a breeze.

[@thebigoutside9623]

Sweet video! That is a nice bike and good job Sid on the build! To answer one of your questions, I'm under 18 and I can read a analogue clock and know clockwise / counterclockwise.

[@simonchaddock3694]

Syd for mechanic of the year

[@sampol6763]

Love it 😊

[@juanhidalgo7043]

Hi Syd, I just build my new MTB and it took me literally 3 hours. 😅. Well, I think need to dial in my rear and front fork. But, I think what it was challenging for me was the SRAM dub BB and XO1 installation. Thanks to you guys I was able to do all the installation by myself. I am really much appreciated your informative videos 😊. BTW, I think I need an apron 😂.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Congratulations!

[@doncrescas]

Another great video, a few points: 1.Even with a headset cup press it is easier to do one side at a time in my experience. 2. I would definitely test an assegai versus a DHR in the front before you ride it in competition. 3. According to Stan's the race sealant is probably not the best choice for a bike that won't be ridden as often: "Race Sealant should be inspected more often than standard sealant, approximately every 2-3 weeks. It also cannot be injected through the valve; you must break the bead and pour the sealant directly into the tire."

[@rbog8345]

Long life dhr 2!!!

[@SkiRidesMTB]

We have all been Syd at 10:38 at some point wrenching our bikes.

[@tomahoks]

50 mins from Syd?! Is it Christmas already?!

[@jaydesimone4297]

I used the Stan's race sealant for the first time this year on my race bike, and I didn't get any punctures. Clearly, the stuff works because it's so expensive, you don't end up actually needing it. :P

[@anthonypooran8566]

If you have the wmfg large bearing press set then use some of the spacers for that host press tool. Good job btw.

[@seandan68]

Chonky is also a model of bike from mafiabikes. 27.5 dual top tube. Great video and subbed up.

[@rrolleman4879]

This is 3 weeks TOO LATE!!! I just built up my WFO three weeks ago. After I saw you demo the WFO I was hoping to see a build up. Oh well! 😄 I would love to hear what you end up as your suspension settings etc. This is almost identical to my build, except I'm running a Zeb fork, One-up 210 post (longer legs, haha), different bar/stem combo, and an Assegai up front. It's so much fun on the North Shore!

[@ebikescrapper3925]

To apply the grease use a good quality small art painting brush, keeps your hands clean. Wear gloves as well. Great build

[@GrimReaper-ly8zk]

The funny bolt on the brakes is a Banjo Bolt. Common on all vehicles. Used on oil hoses and brake lines.

[@b.w.1704]

I always regrease all bearings on a new bike! Usually it is recommended to press in one bearing cup after the other and not both at the same time!

[@mikecarter6758]

Bike build day(s) are special.

[@toobs421]

Maxxis tire trick, the name of the tire (in this case DHR II) is only on one side of the tire. Logo always goes on the NON DISC disc side. Quick way to make sure your tires never go on the wrong direction

[@sydfixesbikes]

Good to know!

[@tomascjenkins]

I love that steerer tube file, neat gadget. What make is it?

[@sydfixesbikes]

It's just a pipe reamer from Amazon (link in description).

[@anthonybennett3538]

installing headsets i found a wide jaw bench vice works well.

[@hannes6114]

Trunnion can also provide nice side load to the shock. Also - can't bike manufacturers put bearings with the old mounting style - just in the frame?

[@Jt3az]

“Is this small bump compliance??” 😂😂 Thanks Syd, any tips for cleaning coffee off the keyboard??

[@sydfixesbikes]

😁

[@SmolSnake]

Future video ideas from Macky's wishlist, maybe: 1. Syd details a mountain bike 2. Syd laces up wheels with Byrd spokes 3. Syd builds a tandem gravel racing bike with belt drive 4. Syd overhauls an 2022 XC bike's bearings for 2023 race season

[@sydfixesbikes]

#4 is on our list!

[@elijahosters3212]

Note from someone under 18 about the clocks, yes most of us can read a clock. Actually, in TN, they taught us how to read analog clocks in 3rd Grade(Age 7/8).

[@NDemanuele1]

Looks like a Beast! I'm curious how the Shimano wheelsets hold up? And are these Alloy or Carbon? Thanks

[@sydfixesbikes]

Alloy and they've been great! We've run them for years and they're super solid. They're also easy to pull dents out of 😁

[@jeanne-michaelduplessis]

with the Maxxis tyres you don't need to find the arrow. they only put the model letters and info on the DRIVE SIDE (only the MAXXIS log is on BOTH sides of the tyre)

[@jonheggen]

I have the same reaction when I drop tools, which occurs often.

[@jakobholm1847]

And just yesterday Doddy and Anna on GMBN discussed the mallet headset method as a Halloween horror special. 😅

[@sydfixesbikes]

🤣

[@vin374]

DHR front and rear is my only Maxxis combo of choice

[@shyvanaleona2212]

Love it. Now i want it. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@stevenkilleen8149]

I'll never buy a complete bike I am a mechanic lol but I enjoy a full custom build great job guys

[@xanderbigelow3875]

A little thing I like to think about is Maxxis always puts the name and specs of the tire on the drive side of the bike. That way you do not need to search for a tiny arrow.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Nice tip!

[@jeanne-michaelduplessis]

Suggestion for the headset press: put the swap the top and bottom of the threads of press. So that he press handle doesn't fall off and trigger Syd (as it did in THIS video)

[@sydfixesbikes]

True, but both handles come off...

[@GeekonaBike]

I had a friend that was a one armed bike mechanic, & quite a good one in a high end shop. That said back in the day, bikes were far less complicated.

[@sydfixesbikes]

That is extremely impressive!

[@vitalymakarov6405]

10:45 - GOOSFRABA! :D

[@raysrc9149]

yes

[@thim8009]

I wrapped the shifter cable around the wrong way and I couldn't stop chain skipping gears until I wrapped it the right way

[@peterpatrickp.destajo5723]

Hi Syd I'm Peter Patrick from the Philippines. Can you feature on your show how to wheel truing a rim using v-brakes...... tnx and stay safe always 💖

[@lenonkitchens7727]

If someone doesn't know what clockwise and counterclockwise mean, you can always try deosil and widdershins. ;P

[@alex_rogan]

Great vid guys and awesome for people who might think building from scratch is beyond them.

[@jamintoday5137]

Your hardest is the hardest bolt. Please say the olive word more. Nothing in the world will fit but a olive

[@NewschoolMtb]

Is the WFO mullet-able? I am very short, 5’2” and having a small back wheel gives me enough clearance for comfort. 😅

[@sydfixesbikes]

Good question. I think it is as I believe Kyle and April mulleted one (or maybe both) of their WFOs.

[@NewschoolMtb]

@@sydfixesbikes Perfect, thanks for the reply and keep making awesome videos!!

[@slove120031]

I think I disagree with the "safety tab" on the crank arm. My understanding is it's a go, nogo guage to determine if your crank arm is engaged enough on the spindle. It does not keep crank arm on when bolts come loose. Had a friend who ripped crank arm off when he was not in the go,nogo range. Correct me if i am wrong.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Well, it's kept crank arms on for us as long as the tab fits in the hole, which means it's far enough to engage, so I guess both!

[@andypitts2007]

hell yeah clockwise etc is essential isnt it we all can

[@lefthorse1]

Literally my dreamdream frame , i started 14 month ago to put away my whole month salary and i sill need 4 month to have all the money to buy just this frame , and i am even don't know if they ship in Europe

[@michaelroy5989]

For 18 years old (Canada, Quebec at least), or 21 years old for most of USA Counter Clockwise = Open a bottle of beer Clockwise = The opposite of open a bottle of beer :)

[@sydfixesbikes]

🤣

[@jackweta]

screw on a lid or unscrew a lid is fairly universal

[@turtleman190]

I'm 24 and can barely read the time on a clock. but clock wise is right and anti clock wise is left so that's the easy way to explain it to someone that doesn't know what way a clock turns.

[@mikey7278]

No workshop is complete unless it has a wakadoodle and pokey tool! 😂

[@matt.3.14]

Clocks: people have been clutching pearls about being able to read an analog clock since the 80s when I was a kid. What torque wrench was that? I'm in the market for a bike-suited one.

[@sydfixesbikes]

That's the Feedback Sports mini torque wrench: bit.ly/3Fhwd0X

[@deadfinggerz]

No brake olive? Or is it inside the brake lever?

[@sydfixesbikes]

It generally comes pre-installed in the lever nowadays.

[@davelloyd8454]

Excellent concentration tongue Syd! 🤣

[@human-qi7fs]

What stand do you use?

[@sydfixesbikes]

That's the new Feedback Sports Mechanic HD. It isn't available yet, but should be soon: www.feedbacksports.com/pro-mechanic-hd-repair-stand/

[@simonchaddock3694]

Why is everything grey now aswell ive just thought its not a dis or anything

[@squirtmph]

Is she a beginner builder or the type of building it's complexity

[@patrickwallen5065]

The trials rider Ali Clarkson uses a board for his headset.

[@baltygalloway6542]

Can someone buy a bike frame from you guys

[@jacksoncarter6352]

can one overtighten a bottom bracket? the answer is no. I was attempting to take my bottom bracket off in the wrong direction, stepping and bouncing on the wrench before I realized I was going the wrong way. The bike was fine and it came out once I tried the right way.

[@simonchaddock3694]

Soft jaws would be good in vice copper ok

[@steadyasiride]

30:56 Forgetting the cover for the Brake lever. Im at the moment building a project bike up for light trail riding with the wife and got as far as bleeding the rear brakes for about 20 minutes and then I saw it........the cover was still on the section of hose that I cut off. DOOH!!!! 🤦‍♂😂

[@sydfixesbikes]

That's the worst!

[@topchoice1621]

When she said that she has other skills I automatically subbed and syds voice is incredibly sexy

[@BUDs253]

Pritty sick bike, isn't it! Only 800 $ ! Considering current gas prices... (C)

[@cliffordrichardc]

2.6 tires .big

[@charliehopcraft5542]

Age 16 from the uk: yes I can read clocks and know different directions but I wouldn't count on my friends being able to !

[@BillieRight1]

Hey, what kind of clocks are used in you school classroom, Digital or Analog?

[@charliehopcraft5542]

@@BillieRight1 all analogue on the wall, most wrong though!

[@tinshield]

That X2 will be cavitated before the bike comes off the stand.

[@driventoride9715]

I need digital clocks

[@Doublethizzle]

I tell the young ones to forget about clockwise/counter-clockwise or that ridiculous righty tighty left loosey saying. Instead, I tell them to just think of a bottle of water. *NOBODY* has to put any thought into removing, or replacing, the cap to their Dasani. If you go with the bottle of water trick it will work while you are upside down lying on your back while looking in a mirror. You have to love muscle memory.

[@justinlam8203]

I'm 6.1" and I run a 210 shimmed down to 190

[@yurasahaidak3344]

Hah, felt very clever to know how to use analog clock in the age of 17)

[@Waferdicing]

🤤

[@matthewholliday8973]

Yes we know how to use a clock, and what clockwise is. At least some of us do…..

[@justinlam8203]

the little washers/spacers for trunnion shocks are the most annoying this ever as when you want to take the hock out to change/service the shock they fall onto the floor and into oblivion never to be seen again.

[@sydfixesbikes]

So true

[@julianw5692]

I'm 16 from England and I can read an analogue clock and I know what clockwise and anticlockwise mean.

[@MTB_Rider_96]

31.11 lbs.