Niner MCR Frame: The magic carpet ride of steel is now brought to you by Niner in a geared only version of our popular S.I.R. 9 frame, with the same amazing ride quality of our exclusive, custom drawn Reynolds 853 tubing.
Submitted by
brettsportler
a Cross Country Rider
from Zurich, Switzerland
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2012
Strengths: I bought this frame in autumn, so thought it would be wise to get the matching reynolds fork now, ride it rigid in autumn/winter and get a fox fork for spring and summer. However, I got so used to the current setup that I will probably keep it this way. Very nice riding quality, on a normal XC trail I don´t miss any suspension (use it w/ Nobby Nic 2.35 tubeless). Quite nimble on narrow single tracks, altough it still feels a tiny bit less agile than mit SS Surly 1x1 rigid.
Weaknesses: People say the paints chips easily. They are right. After only a few hundred miles, I had to repaint a part of the fork where to brake cable (though isolated with some sort of protection from Avid). Not so cool.
Bottom Line:
Very satisfied. I´ll go for a week of transalp in summer, we´ll see wether I´ll miss front suspension. But please Niner guys, learn how to coat your frames! Surly frames cost not even half of what you ask and I never had this problem before!
Bike Setup: Full rigid. Nobbys 2.35 Tubeless on Flow rims. Rohloff shifting. Thomson stuff. Surly torsion bar (love this bar).
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Submitted by
Dylan Rose-Coss
a All Mountain Rider
from Albuquerque NM
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2012
Strengths: Bike made me feel like a billy goat.
Weaknesses: Well it broke and the company wouldn't warranty it for me. The dropout on the drive side cracked right through one day riding just simply riding home from school. The bike is like 2.5 years old, just out of the fairly paltry 2 year warranty period. I bought the steal for its durability and strength; I thought I was going to have this bike for life, commute on it, and ride the trails, then tour it across the continent. I guess not though. Thanks a lot niner bikes.
Bottom Line:
Well I thought Niner bikes was a cool company, I'm fairly hurt that they are not going to warranty their faulty product. Guess I will be looking other places for my new frame : (
Submitted by
kermitgreen
a Cross Country Rider
from Milford MI USA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2011
Strengths: Love the ride and looks of the Reynolds 853 steel frame.
Weaknesses: Everyone gripes about the paint chipping/scratching easily, but really, when you ride and wreck in the dirt, what do you expect?
Bottom Line:
Demoed a Vassago Bandersnatch and a Niner SIR 9 (same geo as MCR 9). The Niner seemed way more nimble on the twisty local singletrack I favor. Opted for the MCR 9 frame instead 'cause I need my gears! Plus the glowing Kermit Green paint really makes my bike stand out. This bike goes where I point it. Whether it's the 29" wheels, the fat Panaracer's or the Reynolds 853 frame, all I know is this bike rides awesome. There's a tricky little off-camber, dog-leg, low speed, rock garden on my fav trail. Three out of four times on my old 26" aluminum I would fail to clean this section. On the MCR 9 I haven't dabbed yet!
Strengths: comfortable ride, stability and traction of a 29er, great looks
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
Amazing versatile bike. Period.
I can now ride 100+ miles a day in flat terrain or all day mountain adventures with great comfort! Never thought that could be possible on a hardtail.
Glad I haven`t bought a FS 26er :)
Strengths: Niner geo is the cat's meow. Lightweight steel ride really is the magic ride - very comfy
Weaknesses: Niner paint is fragile! I had a crack in the paint behind the top-tube gusset after just a few months (which is not a welded seam from what I understand).
Bottom Line:
Coming from the EMD I knew this bike would be fast and handle well. I was expecting the comfort and ride to be a significant improvement from the EMD and it definitely is! There are too many roots and rocks where I ride for aluminum (even with big tubeless tires). The 853 steel is a really nice ride - it really takes the edge off. I thought about getting a production ti frame like the Ridgeline and I'm glad I didn't - I don't believe the lower weight justifies the additional cost over high-end steel.
If you're looking for a nice compliant ride you can rail all day, this is the frame. I gave overall a 4 for the fragile paint - Niner should have resolved this issue by now..specifically this issue with the paint around the gusset. I knew the paint would likely have issues based on my EMD but still bought the frame. Overall it's an awesome do anything bike..
Similar Products Used: Niner EMD9, Redline Flight, Zion 29r, many 26" bikes
Bike Setup: XT 1x10, Reba, Hayes, Thomson, Fizik, I9/Stans, Maxxis
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Submitted by
chadgo
a Weekend Warrior
from matthews, NC
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2011
Weaknesses: availability of frame color choice due to lack of inventory. it's a good problem to have though.
Bottom Line:
previously demo'ed a jamis dragon 29er. i really couldn't tell a difference between the feel of the jamis and my current bianchi sok (aluminum) 29er. was a bit hesistant but the bike shop kept insisting i go w/the niner mcr. choices were the mcr or emd. decided on the mcr. first ride was last night at the rootiest place i've ever ridden and it was fantastic. there was a huge difference - not minimal. it felt so smooth and definitely softened the sharp bumps the aluminum gave back through the handlebar and stem. same exact parts on my bianchi. also same tire pressure i always run...so i know it's the frame and not anything else.
i'll have this bike for a loooong time, that's for sure. was leaning toward full suspension but this is all i'll ever need for my style of riding.
a bit pricey, but i really think niner has got this worked out great. i didn't believe all the hype before but i'm am sold and am drinking the kool-aid now.
Similar Products Used: bianchi sok 29er, fuji 29er, cannondale f700 w/headshock.
Bike Setup: 2x9 sram x.9 9 speed. rock shox reba sl dual air fork. stans arch rims, continental race kings, thomson stem and seatpost. easton carbon handlebars, ergon grips, crank brothers pedals, shimano slx crank w/race face bashguard, avid bb7 brakes, specialized romin saddle.
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Submitted by
Stump 29
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island, NY
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2011
Strengths: Steel ride, geometry, do anything – all day ride. Thin 853 tubing is pretty.
Weaknesses: None so far. I can’t make excuses – it’s not the bike.
Bottom Line:
Great so far. Still playing with parts and tires. Went 1X9 with a 34T Surly and Race Face Bashguard. Bike feels lively. Got this to be a budget minded all-day ride. My third 29er and happy it is at least as good as the VaSSago. More aggressive geometry and I like it more each ride. No issues with paint so far. Can’t wait for the next ride. Get one.
Favorite Trail: Anything local .Too many options. 100% XC with plenty of roots and sand.
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$2185.00
Purchased At: Speedgoat.Com
Similar Products Used: Redline d660, Vassago Jabberwocky, Stumpjumper.
Bike Setup: Gold color, Reba RLT 29er fork 80mm, a Cane Creek S-3 headset, a TruVativ Stylo Team Mountain bar, a TruVativ Stylo Team stem, SRAM X.9 trigger shifter, OURY Locking grips, Avid Elixir 5 disc brakes, a SRAM PC-971 chain, a SRAM X7 crankset, a SRAM PG980 cassette, a SRAM X.9 rear derailleur, a TruVativ Stylo Team seatpost, a WTB Silverado Pro saddle, Stan’s Raven 2.2 tires, and Stan's ZTR Arch white wheelset.
25.33lbs in size large.
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Submitted by
Brandon Hoskins
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, Co. USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2010
Strengths: Great ratio of flex / stiffness. Very comfortable hard tail to cover LOTS of distance on.
Weaknesses: Paint is sub - par. I would recommend picking up some 3M ClearBra upon purchase, and applying to the bottom of the down tube, and BB.
Bottom Line:
After years of rockin' a Cove Hustler (which I still have, and ride quite often) I figured I'd get a bike on the opposite side of the spectrum. I cannot believe how this bike can rail a downhill. Except for downhills that have drops, or other gnar factors, this bike can hang with the big boys. Uphills on the MCR are a dream. Climbs like a monkey. And on flat, rolly terrain the thing is gone. Freakin' gone.
Similar Products Used: 'Hadn't ridden a hard tail in years. So nothing really similar.
Bike Setup: Full Shimano SLX brakes, and drivetrain. (Except XT rear derailiur.) Chris King Hubs, Stan's Flow rims, RockShox Reba Team fork, Thomson post and stem, Truvative bars, Fizik saddle, Cane Creek headset, ODI lock on grips.
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Submitted by
kenzen410
a Weekend Warrior
from Ellicott City, MD
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2010
Strengths: geometry, steel
Weaknesses: could use better paint
Bottom Line:
Speedgoat's personalized fit service was well worth it. At 6'2" with a 35" true inseam, I'm perfectly dialed in to a L MCR (whereas I was previously riding an XL xcal as rec'd by LBS). Steel is so much smoother and more solid than aluminum. MCR paint could be improved - mine has chips and scratches at the usual spots. Very happy with this bike, though $750 is a bit steep.
Submitted by
rainmakir
a Weekend Warrior
from Hendersonville, North Carolina
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2010
Strengths: Light, Fast, Beautiful steel ride. Easily keeps up with dual suspension frames and doesn't lack but a wink of ability on the downhill sections, including 3 foot drops.
Weaknesses: Pain job scratches easily
Bottom Line:
Where I ride: Mountains of Western North Carolina
How Often: 2-3 times / week
Style: Usually ride 1-4 hours, average 2, elevation gain around 1000 feet a ride with the ensuing downhill sections to boot.
Bottom Line:Have ridden 26 inch wheels for my entire life. Tried a friends Salsa El Mariachi steel 29er and never looked back to the little wheels. Lighter and less maintenance than a dual susser, yet still allows me to downhill as much as I'd like to, with the added benefit of being a good XC bike if that is more in my future. Chose this frame due to the shorter chain stays than the Salsa, also didn't plan on converting to single speed, thus didn't need their adjusting rear hanger apparatus that came out this year.
Excellent frame and fork combo with the Manitou.
Similar Products Used: Trek 6700, Salsa El Mariachi, Trek Fuel, Gary Fischer HiFi
Bike Setup: Sunringle Charger wheels, Manitou Minute fork, Conti Mountain King Tires, Hayes Trail Disc Brakes
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Submitted by
johno55
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2010
Strengths: Pencil thin Reynolds 853 tubes and frame weight.
Weaknesses: Well ok, paintwork scratches easily.
Bottom Line:
This bike is the bomb. I can keep up with guys on their 5" duallies (anywhere). What did surprise me was how soft this bike lands off 3' drops - easily as soft as my Trance X. Oh, it's the first hardtail that has'nt given me a sore lower back at the end of a ride :)
Similar Products Used: First 29er! Numerous 26" bikes; steel alu, carbon and Ti.
Bike Setup: MCR 16" Rootbeer, Moots Cinch laidback, Eastern Haven wheelset, Fox RL, XTR gear, Avid Ultimates, Nior World Cup low rise, Shimano Koryak Pro 80mm stem - flipped. 24lb all up
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Submitted by
steelyD
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2010
Strengths: Tube material-Reynolds 853. Head tube angle. Wheel base. Looks
Weaknesses: Paint chips easily
Bottom Line:
It was time for a new bike and I had ridden several 29ers and was convinced that they were not for me. They all felt like navigating a yacht down the trail. Not at all the snappy tight turning ride I was looking for...until I rode the Niner! This bike has all the advantages of a 29er w/o feeling like a whole new species of vehicle. This is attributed to a steep head tube angel and shorter wheel base that keeps the bike feeling snappy and quick. It also minimizes the feeling of sitting down between the wheels.
This bike climbs like a champ and descends smooth and fast. It handles rocks and drops with ease, and landing an air feels like dropping into fresh pow and sweeping a huge tele turn! I know this sounds like a strange comparison, but this was my immediate thought after landing my first big air on this bike.
My budget was limited and I wasn't going to be able to afford a super light weight wheel set. I was going to compromise on this aspect. SOOOO glad I found the Stans Arch wheels! A super light wheel at a great price. A heavier wheel would not do this bike justice.
Bottom line: if you're looking for an aggressive cross country hard tail (or considering a double squishy,) try this bike. It can handle pretty much anything you can trow down, and is comfortable on all day rides. This is a ride with classic appeal for those who respect quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Bike Setup: Stans ZTR Arch wheels, BB 7, TruVativ 2.2, X9 rear, SLX M665 front, Fox fork.
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Submitted by
Don Myers
a Cross Country Rider
from West Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2009
Strengths: Wonderful ride, not silly light, quick, climbs like no tomorrow, great geometry, no front end push, did I say comfort? An all day ride. I've done 10 hours and felt fine.
Weaknesses: Paint job dings way too easily. Frame is susceptible to minor dents. Rockshocks fork
Bottom Line:
I had a number of MTB bikes hanging around, but my favorite was an old(nitanium)steel 26" Rock Hopper. The MB Action gave a rave review to the MCR so I thought I'd buy one. Never sorry! I have two sets of AmClassic wheels, one with a 32mm road tire, and one with 2.1 Fastrack tires set up with Stan's. The biigest problem we've found at the shop (Benidorm) with the 29er's of all makes is the wheel weight with tires, tubes, disc, etc. If you have heavy wheels, its a bear to push these things up hill. My wheels are ultra light. The bike flies. The other is that the aluminum flat bar that comes with it is way stiff,, leading to a harsh ride. I switched out to a carbon 1.5" riser bar and removed a couple of head tube spacers. Much more cush and the positioning for me is far more comfortable, especially on long "adventure rides" on dirt roads in VT and MA. The carbon fork makes for great steering and is slightly more resilient than their steel fork. I still have the RS 80MM fork, but the bike is 2Lbs lighter without it, and since there is no bounce on the front end the climbing is spectacular. I go up hills where I never could before, and the traction at the rear end keeps me from spinning out. The bike is so good I sold my other bikes and now just have the Niner MCR and an S-Works Roubaix for road rides.
This is not a beginners bike or a young adult's bike(too expensive and suscptible to frame dings). Someone with a good road bike looking for an adventure bike, and someone who is aware of any rigid or hardtail's limitations will have a great time with this. It loves roots and rocks, but a kid just hammering away isn't going to get much out of it. It's not frail, but repairing bikes at the shop, I see what youngster's do to frames and components, and this bike deserves to be ridden intelligently. It will last for a long time. I'm 5'10" and 220lbs and have had zero problems except for the fork, but then I ride lighter than my weight would indicate. It's Dec and I'm still riding it in the woods.
Strengths: Very nimble for a 29er, comfortable geometry, nice springy feel of Reynolds steel, good looking(!)
Weaknesses: Not much, but the paint does scratch a tad easy and it (the frame) is rather expensive.
Bottom Line:
My very first 29er, but it has been a good one indeed. My favorite trails consist of rather technical terrain, and I was a bit worried that it was going to be a handful to throw around, but I was wrong. The bigger wheels travel over bumps easier than 26 inch ones, the 853 chainstay flexes just enough to smooth out the ride a bit, and the geometry of the frame is excellent. If you like the feel of steel - go for it!
