We reviewed the Box Components MTB drivetrain a while back on the Desert Tan Stinner Tunnel Hardtail. It was a breath of fresh air, seeing a BMX company jump into the MTB componentry business. Well, Box has been busy since 2017 when we first reviewed their products. Just announced for 2020 is the new Prime 9 groupsets, offering a 11-50t gear range (X-Wide) in three price tiers with a 9 speed shifting mech. At the top of the line is Box One (in orange) Prime 9, the lightest of the offerings, made from carbon and with an MSRP of $627. Box Two (in red) Prime 9 is aluminum and costs a mere $270. From there, Box Three (in blue) Prime 9 is only $195. All three include a rear derailleur, cassette, shifter, and chain. The cassettes utilize the Shimano 9, 10, 11 freehub, so you don’t have to chase down a specialty driver.

This is huge news, for those looking to build up an affordable bikepacking, touring, townie, or MTB. Box’s shifting mechanism takes a little bit to get used to, but works. In our review period, I grew accustomed to it quickly, and at that price point, it’s worth it.

Box is currently accepting pre-orders now, with a December 2019 delivery, so head over to Box Components get on board.