FRAME TO COMPLETE BIKE - Niner AIR 9 RDO 20-pound single-speed build | Syd Fixes Bikes

[@sydfixesbikes]

If you enjoyed this video or it saved you time and/or money, consider supporting the channel by hitting the "Thanks" button above to leave a tip.

[@Gbark713]

Argh - all that grease all over the crank spindle and then the actual most likely place to have creaks - the splines - didn’t get greased at all… use your fingers.

[@franciscocabral7350]

I don't question how good is the warranty for the niner bicycles frames that you ride on your channel I know your sponsor by then if you break a frame or do you do they replace it and no extra charges

[@incognitomiller5389]

Love the motivator on the top tube. Got a stem cap labeled, "ride it like you stole it". Great looking frame and best part is its a hardtail. Headset press: Or you can use a long bolt with appropriate size washers to press the headset cups in. I hate to slip when I hit and scar the frame. You guys are awesome. Raced BMX growing up until my ex-wife(God bless her soul) told me I was done racing when I split my rotator cup from the top so I couldn't wear a cast. Just a sling and had to take some time off work. So, dialed it back a bit to MTB(little did she know I still rode like a madman) and she was cool with it. Thanks again guys for the informative and entertaining videos. Keep it going!

[@charliedevine6869]

I love the blue color of that frame.

[@michaelmechex]

I love it! I wish I cold build my own custom bike up from the frame someday, I'd even lace my own wheels and maybe even paint the frame, that would be sick!

[@JCintheBCC]

My 3yo daughter calls carbon paste "sandy goop" and grease "slippy goop". It's now my official terms for them.

[@sydfixesbikes]

These are hereby now also my official terms 😂❤️

[@frankthetankricard]

You could print that on a product and it would sell for a small premium. Hell I'd want an assortment of goops in my workshop. The girl has some marketing sense.

[@motolifealways]

My 3yr old will learn this as well. Gotta love kids and they're imagination lol.

[@DuskyQed]

Great video. I liked how detailed and clear it is.

[@freddiedavidsongarcillan7616]

More build bikes pleaaaase!

[@nriyo3]

Nice video. Sick bike. It is yelling that it wants a yellow/red chainring to match that bottlecap though.

[@chanceandashana]

Great build. Enjoyed your video so much I subscribed I bet that bike rallies.

[@incognitomiller5389]

BTW, I use the UE Boom Bluetooth speaker rubber zip tied in water cage to ride and jam but I noticed the boss speakers. That for your saddle bags? Lol.

[@freddyarroyo2508]

You should give me those empty boxes so when people see into my room they would thing "damn this guy should have been a racer before, but how I never knew about that! he is my friend!" hahahaha it would be too perfect more so because I cant even do a wheelie!

[@MangoGRC]

such a good looking bike!

[@-R-o-k]

I wonder if you could add cat hair in tyre sealant to make it seal bigger holes...

[@JEMMTB1]

Haha, might actually work!

[@swanzilla1982]

How big is your bike shed ? I got one it's 12 x 16 no room at all Have shelves in the back for parts and have about 12 bikes in there

[@MV-bj1yk]

"light, light" (hair flick) "light, light" (hair flick)

[@razmtb5028]

Thanks for sharing

[@timyoung3229]

I wonder how much weight the cat hair adds. 🤔

[@sydfixesbikes]

Obviously at least 11oz! 😭

[@squirtcycling.newzealand]

EWS in New Zealand??? Rotorua??? Sorry I missed you both. Im gutted we still can't travel to the USA. Love to meet you.

[@sydfixesbikes]

We were there in 2015 and 2017. Hope to get back there one day 😭

[@squirtcycling.newzealand]

Oh Syd I can't wait to get back to Colorado and New Mexico. Its coming Autumn here and I want summer in July August September. But I dont think so. But who knows. Other It will be June 2022. Keep up the awesome work you and Macky do. Love it!!!

[@squirtcycling.newzealand]

Oh and you can stay at my house in Tauranga, in the Bay of Plenty. I can guide you around Summerhill, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Raglan, Hamilton, Wellington, Nelson , Christchurch, Wanaka and Queenstown.

[@dantepalazzo]

I’ve never built my own bike, but watching this vid made me feel like doing so adds a lot to the fun of riding it.

[@BMOutdoorz]

I love doing my own upgrades when yo I finally do it you feel amazing and it’d you be the proper tools and watch the right videos it easy

[@watsonthedog264]

As someone who has built their own bike and the bikes of others murphys law loves to show its head with your bike. If I put a bike together for a customer then everything works smoothly but the *moment* I so much as dare to build my own things go wrong lol

[@tomahoks]

Dog your pockets, very deep.

[@tomahoks]

Meh, I ment dig.

[@davidsouza9436]

Its amazing, as long as you dont keep track of how much you spent, since every individual part is more expensive than on a complete bike

[@watsonthedog264]

“And what’s the top cap gonna do?” “f*ck” boy howdy have I been there

[@charliedevine6869]

I built a bike for my dad and used a headset press to tension the headset bearing. My dad kept asking me why he needed a top cap. I told him that he did not need one. He was too cool to have one. Besides, star fangled nuts and top caps just add wieght. He rode for a year without a top cap. Eventually I insisted he install one...just in case.

[@herweirdoo0904]

No-one is talking about how expensive that frame is 😭 . Costs more than my entire bike

[@pedxing]

now we're talking! I have a frame hanging on a stand in my living room right now. perfect timing and great video. =)

[@brickbros211]

I wish my bike had that little saying on the top tube! Very fitting for a single speed as well

[@herweirdoo0904]

Pedal damn it !!!

[@DreamingTree-vo9lj]

Totally awesome, just waiting for the how to build a bike in under 1 minute 😂

[@sydfixesbikes]

We considered it, but weren't sure I could talk that fast 😂

[@BMOutdoorz]

The trick is you speed it up to x20 😂

[@MrLmao37]

@@sydfixesbikes just drink a couple of double espresso's then try.

[@sydfixesbikes]

I am always down for experiments that involve double espressos 🤔

[@newttella1043]

32 x 18 is standard... for people riding in in flat lands and pro level beasts. 32 x 20, 21, 22 or 30 x 20 is what the mere mortals living in the mountain towns run. Love this build.

[@zbluebox]

Awesome build. I’m sure the extra 11 oz is just cat fur.

[@TheChillBison]

These are the best videos to chill to. I can grab a beer, watch, and feel like I accomplished something :) THAT's a bike I could see getting into hardtails with (although I'd put a 10-speed drivetrain on it). But it's also about 1000% more than I'd be willing to pay for a second bike.

[@MB3Drift]

Putting the bottom bracket for the shortest chain possible was the way to do it, I’m happy you realized it before fitting the chain. For the cog alignment thing, the easiest way is to put the cog free with no spacers, put the chain and spin the crank. That way the cog will set itself in its more optimal place, then you just have to mesure where it sits and put the corresponding number of spacers, and you’re set!

[@sydfixesbikes]

Good tip!

[@mgubler2996]

chain tension ... looks good; can be on the tense side when new since the chain will loosen up just that little bit once you ride.

[@simont3686]

I finally sold my Magura. It was horrible. I got sick of all the rubbing, grinding, squeaking and those gross plastic levers. Not even considering all that mess when filling or bleeding. Got a BL-MT501/BR-520 combination now. Quiet, powerful and smooth. Not going to buy Magura again.

[@garyonnen7634]

How hard Could it be, famous last words.

[@wisxc237]

Most important thing is how did you get the stickers off the bars! 😏

[@sydfixesbikes]

Melted them off with my tears 😭

[@George-je1fs]

Try cooking oil and let it sit for 5 mins. Alot of stickers aren't water soluble. Natural products are better cos they won't damage you're paint

[@George-je1fs]

Other methods I've heard are rubbing alcohol, methylated spirit, mayonnaise, acetone based nail polish remover, mineral oil, sudo creme, lighter fluid, vinegar, Pnut butte, Vaseline (petroleum jelly)

[@wisxc237]

@@sydfixesbikes are those tears of joy or tears of pain 🤔

[@mikeemmett7864]

This is the best video on KZbin (for me, anyway.) I relate to Syd's experience, I love the bike, and I really dig the XC single speed and its spec. It's pretty much my bike - everyone else is nuts for travel, and you're building a pure XC ride. It was enough for me to comment on a KZbin video for the first time since August 2005. True story.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Thank you! We're honored haha!

[@rainogrub]

No doubt that's a very nice bike and nicely put together in a very nice assembly presentation but having kid to college, can't afford it. I like your videos as always. Thanks for doing it.

[@findtherightbeat]

Enjoying the video, now on the dropper post segment of the video! :) Hope this helps on chain tension: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paDOlGqMhZ2CqpI EDIT: I just realised Macky raced single speed championships back in the day, so he actually knows more than most of us about single speeds :)

[@will2835]

Your chain tension looks pretty good but you’ll want to check it with the crank at different positions as there will be tighter and looser spots throughout the pedal stroke.

[@themeatpopsicle]

SSMTB, where you can get props for having both the lightest and the heaviest bike at the race

[@sydfixesbikes]

Haha! True story!

[@rodster44]

Fun build to watch. I love the simplicity of single speed bikes until I get to a hill. btw Hambini's technical teardown of the Niner carbon frame quality is hilarious.

[@BuildBreakFix]

This is the perfect bike for that nerdy guy that never stops talking about every mathematical tech detail about his bike. You know the guy that drops $2 grand on spandex pants but is first to call it a day after a 1/4 mile hill. LOL

[@JoseHernandez-tk9mj]

What state do they live in? I would like my bike to be serviced

[@ndover3505]

thats some flatlander gearing ! that would require walking on my local singltrack

[@PoltergeistWorks]

Tightening the carbon bars without a torque wrench - a HUGE NO NO. Never ever do this no matter how "many bars you've done". There is no way you will get that small torque correctly by feel. You might and you might not. You're saying to scrap bars that have scratches on them yet you don't use a torque wrench... For your own safety and if you care about your life and your equipment - ALWAYS use a torque wrench on carbon parts.

[@_francisco_]

You are not racing with 32/18 🤦‍♂️

[@ChadLudlow]

What a great full-length feature film this was! I'm ready for the sequel!

[@ironscott]

Beautiful build! Your instruction videos are the best I've seen. I've built my own bike and you make it look much easier.

[@1pho3nixmatt]

Timely for me to watch right before I build my new bike :)

[@happyjackrich]

Awesome video, exactly what I was looking for! Building my Niner Air SS right now. Syd and Mackey are great!

[@antoniocarlosmello1506]

Syd is very grease happy!! : ) : )

[@JEMMTB1]

So good they make those bottom brackets, would love to fit one to my SS and get rid of my botchey tensioner that isn't made for a thru axle.

[@franciscocabral7350]

Hey my name is Francisco wanted to know what will be the warranty on a aluminum frame through niner bikes can you please respond to my question thank you I will be waiting for your response I appreciate everything you guys do for this channel

[@Onecogmike]

I’ve had 2 Niner Air 9 singlespeeds. I adjust my chain tight, and loosen based on how smoothly the chain disengages off the teeth of the front chainring. Love the build. A blue Rockshox Sid would look killer on it.

[@MarcosAlcazar]

Hey! About what you said in 30:57, logo next to the thing = valve stem.. I didn't know why people did that until a friend told me he does that so in case of a flat in a race, he searches for the logo and then he knows exactly where to find the valve stem super super fast. Cheers from Argentina! Love you both.

[@MarcosAlcazar]

@@irfuel reinflate? after fixing the hole?

[@thomflowers2095]

Love this video. I bought my Surly KM 2 years ago. Since then I have sadly and greatly neglected my SC 5010. I get asked all the time, “why”. My response is “why not”. But really, it changed my whole riding style and taught me things a geared bike just can’t. Power, momentum, balance, tactic, weight transfer, and so on. If you want to be a stronger rider, there is No better training tool.

[@tsiturbotsi]

The way that Bottom Bracket works is genius. I love that idea.

[@gregholl5011]

I don't know single speeds much but i.think you are lucky guy.to have a wife like that. Give thanks to God every day for her.

[@docmccoy9813]

knee tendons love singlespeed bikes

[@TL1000S97]

Beautiful bike and beautiful couple 😍

[@ddssrr1614]

One can dream of being Rich one day so they can buy multiple Mounting bike dream builds. Maybe ill win the Lotto one day.

[@dadlife8289]

I like the video so far. I do have experience with pipe cutters flaring out the steer tube. I did the pipe cutters for many years but now switched to the hacksaw.

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

32/18 on a 29er is probably great if you are not planning on climbing any (signifigant) hills...

[@VineV-Dutch]

Tubeless tires, I do it with deodorant or lighter fluid and a lighter... BOOM! Works ever time.

[@chaotichomesteading]

Great job. Have been interested in bike building, but lacking in the skills. Your video is very laidback and informative, maybe i will throw in fixing a tire in my next video, thats about my skillset. Keep building!

[@BMOutdoorz]

Get a few tire levers watch some park tools videos make sure you have the right tires and tubes and it’s really easy

[@dennisd4452]

As much as that thing cost I'd rather spend the cash on my flathead Ford. Though it does look beautiful to ride.

[@unityblue]

Puurdy bike Tan is pretty edgy 🤪 Use ½ as much grease and your sub 20 fo sho! 😉

[@qmax003]

I think, if you remove all cats hair, you will get sub 20 pounds..:D

[@ChadLudlow]

if you don't have an air compressor, go to Wawa or a gas station for free air! It's annoying, but it's free!

[@nic5354]

I figured out that when installing tougher tires over the last bit of the rim, using your palms more than your finger tips gives you extra grip and pull force. Nice job on getting them on without a tire lever though!

[@geemail369]

For *maximum* slack it is key to work your way TOWARDS the valve, since that is the only spot where the bead _definately_ won't ever make it to the center of the rim. On some tires this will make or break it!

[@techjeeper8800]

Sweet! My hardtail is getting a fresh powder coat job then I’ll be putting them all the way back together! Great vid.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Sweet!

[@mnihon]

Another super helpful and confidence inspiring video. Curious about how much does it costs to buy the essential tools to build a bike assuming one has little more than a wrench set? I’m guessing the first build would cost about the same, or more, than paying the LBS to do the job. Maybe the investment pays off the second or third time. Finally, how much cat 🐈 hair went into this build ;-)

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yeah, the initial investment feels like a lot, but most of the tools will get reused just for general maintenance. And, like you said, if you do another build then you're all set!

[@DEEZEEMTB]

EBB’s are a PITA. This is from 20 years of riding a SS. They all slip and will most likely creak. Of all of the designs for set and forget…..(one of the reasons to have a SS) are sliders with stops. When you put the power down a not fixed BB is prone to move

[@sydfixesbikes]

Macky hasn't had any issues so far and he's won some fairly serious races on this SS (National Championships and Breck Epic, for example -- if you're interested you can watch those videos on our other channel kzbin.info). So maybe they've improved?

[@tsiturbotsi]

This was a great video. You did a great job on the full build. I would be confident riding it after that build. I ended up buying a used bike yesterday instead of a new one because I couldn't find any new bikes. I bought a 2019 Trek Stache 29" Plus. I know you guys don't deal with used stuff but I was trying to find a video about what I should check and go over on the bike after I bought it and now have it back home and before I ride it for the first time. I have watched videos on what to look for on the bike before buying it but none on what to check after getting it home and before riding. Not sure if that type of video is something you guys would be interested in doing or not. Just an idea.

[@sydfixesbikes]

If you've seen our basic bike maintenance video, the "what to check before you ride" section is what we'd recommend checking. Also check the chain wear (we have a video on that too) as a worn chain will wear the rest of the drivetrain more quickly. And likely it needs a fork lower service unless the person you bought it from did it in the last year...

[@tsiturbotsi]

Thank you for the reply. You guys are really good about responding to questions and comments. Soon you guys will be too big on KZbin to respond to everyone. 😂 I will definitely go back and checkout those video you suggested. I did a pretty thorough check when I picked the bike up but I am sure there are a few things in your videos that I didn't or just couldn't do when picking it up. Thanks guys.

[@ocelotMartinez]

In the spirit of full disclosure I watch this channel bc I have a crush on Syd.

[@eriknash8783]

Holy Crap, I did not know that brake hose cutter/barb setting tool existed. I want one, for sure. The days of trying to drive the barb in against my work bench or using a small mallet are over...

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yeah, it's a game changer!

[@aaronturner3656]

Shimano finned brake pads - what is your secret to keep them from rattling? Worse when new...

[@sydfixesbikes]

We haven't really had any issues with that...I assume you've confirmed the screw that keeps them from falling out is tight? Or are you using the metal pin that comes with new pads (bit.ly/3daD38M)? If so, replacing with a screw (bit.ly/3u6tyOQ) might help.

[@NWAussie]

just worried about your bolt tension proceedure...hrrrrarrrr rrrrr rrrr ahu eeeee eeee queeeeecc, is that a nuton meter?

[@devint998]

do you guys have a video about changing gears, I'm not familiar with bike riding since it's been about 10 yrs since I rode a little BMX bike, and it's a whole new world that I need to get used to.

[@sydfixesbikes]

We don't, but our advice is: shift early and often! Any slight incline, shift easier, anytime you feel like you're getting spun out (feet going around too fast) shift harder. Especially coming from a one speed, your tendency will probably be to stand up and push a harder gear than you need to. Get used to staying seated and spinning an easier gear and then as you get more used to having gears, you'll find the right gearing for different situations. And shift a lot!

[@timkarvelis3523]

you know your a good race team when the first solo build wins at nationals

[@BrianRouse]

So how advanced should your skill be before you start mixing and matching your tires?

[@sydfixesbikes]

Mixing and matching is a great idea regardless of your skill level. General rules: Wider tire in the front Better/bigger cornering knobs in the front Faster rolling in the back

[@ismailhakkogretici3429]

Harika ikili siniz çok şey öğrendim sizin sayenizde Bianchi bisikleti mi İstediğim gibi yapabildim Çok teşekkür ederim verdiğiniz bilgiler için Thank you very much

[@Team81MTB]

Nice build. Now I'm fired up to go work on my bike. 😂

[@geraldmaybebaby1585]

That was cool. Great build and a pretty bike. The tyres seem paper thin..:-( I once made a 26inch rigid, 27 speed at 10.3 kilograms...I wish I still had it...super low gear hill climber.

[@endangeredgnome5337]

I enjoyed the video but that's a gravel bike in my world ha ha ha ha

[@manfred5890]

Sweet build! Great job on the building process!

[@brucemackay8786]

Been riding, fixing and building bikes for.... 30+ years. Semi-pro tip for smacking starnut in place. Get a piece of standard 2x4 about 28" long (length will work with ANY fork) Remove the axle from the fork. Set up your parts and tools in easy reach. Stand the 2x4 on end. Rest the crown onto upright 2x4. Direct, solid connection to the floor for when you smack the starnut in place. Pro tip: screw a small base on the 2x4 so it stands with out having to be balanced. The softwood of the 2x4 should not mar the aluminum fork crown.

[@finnatwood7240]

its crazy when you talked about gearing becouse i have a 49-15 gear ratio on my fixed gear

[@sydfixesbikes]

Whoa, that's a big gear

[@gregholl5011]

Would have been 20 lbs even without the cat hair!😊

[@bendunbar8334]

Chain was fine

[@Magoo71]

Ok Ok ...pretty light....but my Ventana 26"(25 years old BTW) with 75mm travel front and rear with 18 speeds weighs 22 lbs! It has a paper thin AL tube set and every way to lighten it was made as when I started racing in the late 80's. But 29'er wheels weigh more than my 26" wheels so that is still properly light! As opposed to my new eBike that weighs 56 lbs! I'm finally getting use to the heft to lift it onto my Park Tool bike stand...it sure is fun to watch Syd build a bike while her injured hubby stand at the ready to assist and BTW film it all! Like I have said Macky has a winner there in Syd cuz most chicks don't even want to get dirty hands let alone assemble and build a bike from the frame up! This channel requires another subscription I guess...I look forward to more Syd builds! Where can I get your cool stickers? I know pathetic that a 70 yr ol dude is asking about stickers like a teenager! Go Syd!

[@sydfixesbikes]

Stickers available on our website! www.sydandmacky.com/store

[@Magoo71]

@@sydfixesbikes Thanks Syd! I'm so glad you guys are here! I bought a Sticker pack and 2 T-Shirts today....thanks for pointing me in the right direction! As you guys continue to Be More Awesome! Cheers!

[@Magoo71]

Syd is just so AWESOME !!!! She battles for 12 hours with her hubby to smoke the field for a win and can also SPIN some mean wrenches.....Macky....never let her go!!!! She's the ultimate babe!

[@wayneclement7201]

Tubeless Option 4: Garden Sprayer!

[@jkruegs9568]

7:40-7:52-- what's not romantic about grease and banging?

[@ciraloke]

OMG I'd be in trouble in the states. Front brake on opposite sides on the motorcycle and MTB. I think I'd just move the front brake to the right side anyway. Over here (au) they're on the same side.

[@arifazhari7598]

Why now is so difficult to purchase your dream bike ?. At least i got to see nice bike being built. But kind of sad when bike shop employees said " sorry sir, your bike* has not arrived yet". Man, it's been a year since it on my wishlist.now it's just a wish.

[@hstefan]

Got told years ago by a mechanic friend to use regular WD40 for labels I want to peel off. Spray a little bit on, leave it a couple of minutes and then just peel the label off without any issues. Works like a charm every time.

[@EstebanRapido]

1:45 My carbon single speed is 32 18. The 18 being a Niner brand the cog. 2:20 although I have some old Easton carbon wheels keeping things light while the tires are not. 4:00 My fork is a bizarre Factory terralogic 90mm Fox 32. 48:00 I am happy with my chain if I can see it sag down...but barely. The tension should be on the border of seeing it sag and not seeing it sag as you look at the bike from several feet away.

[@taichihead42]

Just don't drop your Chinese noodle bike.

[@MrBig617]

I'm so happy my single speed has sliding dropouts.

[@devangrey5676]

Are you guys from NM? Hello from Las Cruces :)

[@DracoPacheco]

I would say a good tip to remember is that on Shimano brakes, the olive is already inside. I made the mistake once of adding an olive which wrecked the little valve.

[@geemail369]

Now THAT'S a bummer! Is it mentioned in the manual?

[@DracoPacheco]

@@geemail369 in a round about way. The manual just has you insert it. However if you've ever worked with hydraulic lines you know you need to have an olive, especially if you're replacing hoses as they can't be reused. Again, it's a new build thing and a mistake I will NEVER make again.

[@geemail369]

@@DracoPacheco I think more people than not would concider the olive missing if it ain't a separate part in the small parts bag _than_ have a look into the lever. Myself included!

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yeah, that confused us the first time too because for a long time new brakes DIDN'T have the olive already installed and then they suddenly started doing it this way. 🤷‍♀️

[@iantwigg6983]

Just bought a new bike to me (second hand) and front hydraulic disc was rubbing. Found this video and I’m useless at fixing stuff. But your tip worked a treat! Thanks