I've been going back and forth over the last several months, and I think I finally settled on building up a carbon Warbird. Others I considered were the SC Stigmata (which lost on price) and the Norco Search (which lost on being sold in my area by a bike shop I've had several bad experiences with). So the build is:
SRAM Force Hydro 1x 10-42 rear, 42 front (an old 29er wheel set) DT 240's laced to DT rims Thompson post Zipp SL stem 3t Ergonova bars (something that is like a) Flight SLR saddle 35-38c tires set up tubeless
I'd appreciate any feedback or thoughts. I'm trying to keep it simple and I want to try 1x, and also to keep it someone light weight (without going crazy on the dollars).
I've got a similar build on my RLT 9 Steel - at least the Force1 Hydro. I think it's a pretty awesome group and far exceeded my expectations. The bike came w/a 42t but I changed it to a 38t as there are more than a few hills here in SoCal. And I ride that bike mostly in the dirt. For wheels I'm using Easton EA70 XCT w/WTB Nano 40c. The combination of the steel frame and 40c tires makes for a very smooth ride. The drivetrain is extremely quiet, have never dropped a chain and has worked flawlessly. The brakes are probably not quite as good as Shimano but no complaints there either. My other bike, a Ridley X-Trail, is probably more similar to your proposed build as it's a carbon frame but that one has Ultegra 2x11 - 50/34 x 11-36.. On that bike I'm using DT Swiss XR 1501 (mtn bike) wheels (20mm) with a variety of Schwalbe tires - usually the S-One. BTW, I wanted a carbon Warbird in the worst way last year but for a variety of reasons didn't get in on the first shipment. And didn't want to wait for the 2nd. That said, the Ridley is, I think, at least as good though not quite as good looking and w/a maximum tire with of 38c rather than 40c. Anyway, I think you're on the right track to a great build. As I've ridden on dirt more I've realized that I didn't need quite as big of a tire as I originally expected. And an extra set of wheels is always nice for various purposes and road/trail conditions.
The lower chainring idea is a good one, but I can't buy a lower one stock (SRAM lists a fair number of rings that are available to manufacturers only)--I'll give the low 1:1 ratio a try, and I can always get an aftermarket lower ring if I need it.
Thanks Dr. Spoke. My understanding is that I cannot order a new crank, from my dealer, with a 40T or 38T ring. I can buy the ring separately, however. So I'll try the 42, and no big deal if I need to go lower.
I get it now - misunderstood at first that it was w/a crankset. I ride a lot of steep, dirt hills around here so went as low as I could go. I may need to go even lower when I start bikepacking so will have to try to install a mtn bike crankset. I'll call Niner or SRAM when I'm ready to do that. Regardless, you will be at 1:1 and that should work for most if not all of your riding. I've found that most of this adventure riding stuff is learn as you go.
Nice! If you can find the frame, snatch it up! The only thing I'd consider, especially if you ride a lot of rougher stuff is a bar with a flare like the Salsa cowbell or cow chipper. I've also double-wrapped sections of my bar with cheap foam tape underneath to add a little cushion - appreciated on longer events 100 miles +
