Box Two
prime Nine
trail tested
Combining the range of a modern 12-speed groupset, with the durability, reliability, and Simplicity of the classic 9-speed groupsets, Box brings a whole new approach to the modern large range one-by mountain bike groupsets.
starting up top
Box offers 2 types of shifters, the multishift option (pictured and reviewed here. As well as the single-shift option. for E-bikes. the shifter has a super premium feel (for a not-so-premium price) with a nice texture on the triggers, As well as a super-defined click into each gear. Really giving you confidence on the trail that your bike is properly in gear. Box states that the lower number of gears, leads to fewer shifts, hence improving the lifespan of the shifter. in theory, this makes sense however only time will tell, how this plays out on the trail.
Where the magic happens
Box brings an 11-50 tooth cassette to the table. Paired with their box two rear derailleurs and a strengthened 9-speed chain. From my testing, i noticed a huge difference in the 9-speed system as compared to the more commonly used 12-speed systems these days. the gaps between each gear were not only quite large but also very consistent. the large gap makes the shifting feel super fast, even though it shifts at a very comparable speed making every 2 shifts feel like 3 or even more shifts on a mare standard groupset on the trail this makes everything happen super fast. when coming up to a steep climb, a couple of clicks, and you're in the right gear. and the same can be said for the downshifts.
smoothness and shifting
Unfortunately, the shifting between each gear is not as smooth as a Shimano system, especially with their new linkglide and hyperglide-plus systems. As well as this the chain retention cannot compare to Shimano. I had a few chain drops. which is not expected in 2023. for this reason, Box recommends using a chain guide. which I did not use for this test. This could be due to the clutch not being as well built as a Shimano system, With some noticeable slop out of the box. However, this poor chain retention is not something you would experience with a Shimano system. even without a chain guide
Final Throughts
Setup, installation, and tuning of the groupset was an absolute dream. which is definitely one of those things you simply don’t get with a 12-speed groupset. along with this, the shifter has a super crisp and high-quality feel to it. and the gap between gears makes shifting feel super fast out on the trail. however, the main weak point for me was the poor chain retention. having to pull over on a descent to put on a chain I thought was a thing of the past. however, a chain guide should solve this problem. but this is just another expense you will need to budget for when upgrading to the box two groupset If Box solves this issue with their next iteration this will be a no-brainer. however for now this can be a turn away for a few people. personally, I will keep this groupset on my bike for the unforeseeable future.