Drivetrain: SRAM X9 arrangement. 10spd X9 shifter, 11-28 X9 cassette, PC1070 chain, X9 shortcage rear derailleur, and Shimano SLX Trail SPD pedals.
I want a drivetrain that is both durable and shifts flawlessly, without being super expensive. It’s a DH bike, and parts get destroyed. Weight is lower on the order of importance.
Seatpost and Stem: Thomson 31.6 Elite post, Deity 50mm stem.
No-Brainer parts here. I just went with parts I know and work without issue, basically forever.
Saddle: WTB Silverado NiCro (hollow steel rail).
I love the Silverado shape, it works really well for me. I don’t, however, see much point in running super expensive carbon and Ti saddles. Saddles are a high-wear item, and they are about the least important place to save weight.
Handlebar: ENVE DH Carbon, 1” rise, 800mm wide. Uncut.
I want bars that are very stiff and very smooth, encourage excellent cornering performance, and are not hand-numbing.
Brakes: 2012 Shimano Saint brakes with 8” ICE TECH rotors.
I put a ton of value on powerful brakes that modulate well. I don’t want to think about braking, I want it to be instantaneous.