Riding the BOX Components Prime 9 for more than a year now, I am reminded on each trail ride the simplicity of running a 9 speed setup. I really only need the 9 speeds and do not miss the unnecessary shifting of a 12 speed. I still like the steps between each of the 9 speed cassette’s sprockets and being in that right gear at the right time before an approaching trail feature which was my impression from the beginning.

BOX Components Prime 9 X-Wide Rear Derailleur

I tend to back pedal when descending to get my pedals in the right position for whatever feature is coming up next. The derailleur performance was good taking any rock strikes and debris being mixed up from the some of the rougher technical Austin Texas trails. The clutch did what is was supposed to do where I didn’t experience the chain skipping when back pedaling and freewheeling.

Generally, shifting was good and the derailleur didn’t miss any shifts from one cog to the next. In this last year and a half of riding this setup, the derailleur has proven to be solid. It hasn’t bent or damaged, and the jockey wheels still look like new. I’ve done plenty of shifting under power, and its accuracy still holds true.

BOX Components Prime 9 Multi Shifter

Moving from my 11 speed XT Shifter to the Prime 9 Multi Shifter took a few rides to get used to. The Prime 9 cable-pull and cable-release paddles were slightly shorter and the grip is good. This really only took some micro adjustment on the handlebars and a few rides to get used to the feel, and I was on my way. The Prime 9 Multi Shifter rides along side my Magura MT7 brakes nicely.

What was noticeable after more than a year of riding with this setup, is the amount of force required to change each gear was more than I’ve experienced in the past. I would miss the occasional shift when letting go of the cable/pull lever before the shift would occur due to either not placing enough force on the paddle or not having enough time between trail features. Fixing this would seem to only need a rider adjustment, which I had become used to. And still enjoy being in the right gear at the right time, not having to shift through three gears to find that sweet spot before a feature.

BOX Components Prime 9 Cassette 11-50T and Chain 126L DLC

With a year or so of ride time on the chain and cassette, I managed to take a crash and snap the chain bad enough to need a replacement. Along with the chain damage, the cassette managed to sustain two bent rings. I reached out to Box Components who hooked me up with a crash replacement discount on the chain and cassette. Back on the trail again, that 9 speed cassette offering fewer gears with larger steps between each sprocket was always a pleasant surprise.

I’m not a rider that is looking for a constant pedaling cadence, by didn’t find myself looking for lower gears on the flat sections or grinding climbs because of the gearing being farther apart. The gap consistency made adjusting for the cadence easier.

The finish on the black Prime 9 Cassette and Chain 126L DLC has shown little wear over time running on the Knolly WardenC. And the operation of the chain on the cassette is still quiet. I’m sure the Interflon Lubricant is helping with the life longevity of the chain and cassette along with keeping things quiet.

I’m looking forward to installing another Prime 9 Groupset on the next trail bike.

Cassette Specifications

• Range: 11-50t
• Gears: 9sp
• Cogs: 11-13-15-18-22-28-34-42-50
• Color: Black

Included in this Groupset

• Chain: Box One Prime 9 Chain 126L DLC
• Shifter: Box One Prime 9 Multi Shifter
• Derailleur: Box One Prime 9 X-Wide Rear Derailleur
• Cassette: Box Two Prime 9 Cassette 11-50T

Check out more on Box Components and the Prime 9 Groupset here.

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