Uploaded March 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
I worked with Steve of "Hardtail Party" (youtube.com/@hardtailpartyto) to select an appropriate hardtail for my region, typical trails, and riding style. He had a few other recommendations, but the DV9 had been of interest to me anyway, was at a 25% manufacturer discount, and it made it to Steve’s top 5 of 2023, after all :-).
I think it was a great recommendation, and I had a blast on my first “real” ride on local trails. I put in nearly 12 miles, which is a new distance PR at this park. I’m toast today ;-).
This is the SRAM “NGX” build of the DV9 in “purple crush”, with Rekon Race tires front and rear.
I added PNW Loam grips and dropper lever (stock lever is crap), and PNW Range composite pedals. Bars cut down to around 750mm.
I also swapped out the WTB saddle for an Ergon SMC Core saddle, which does take a bit of the edge off of seated hits and vibrations without looking goofy (IMO, and I'm picky).
amzn.to/4abcM6b (associates link)
I worked with Steve of "Hardtail Party" (youtube.com/@hardtailpartyto) to select an appropriate hardtail for my region, typical trails, and riding style. He had a few other recommendations, but the DV9 had been of interest to me anyway, was at a 25% manufacturer discount, and it made it to Steve’s top 5 of 2023, after all :-).
I think it was a great recommendation, and I had a blast on my first “real” ride on local trails. I put in nearly 12 miles, which is a new distance PR at this park. I’m toast today ;-).
This is the SRAM “NGX” build of the DV9 in “purple crush”, with Rekon Race tires front and rear.
I added PNW Loam grips and dropper lever (stock lever is crap), and PNW Range composite pedals. Bars cut down to around 750mm.
I also swapped out the WTB saddle for an Ergon SMC Core saddle, which does take a bit of the edge off of seated hits and vibrations without looking goofy (IMO, and I'm picky).
amzn.to/4abcM6b (associates link)
