Niner One9 Frame 2012: The Niner One 9 is one of our first and best-loved models - a sexy, light-as-a-feather singlespeed for racing and epic XC rides. This upgraded version integrates hydroformed tubing throughout. More than a cosmetic...
Strengths: This is the new 2011 version with aluminium Hydroformed tubing - Light, strong, great geometry
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Great Bike. If you want a fast, great handling, light hardtail this is the bike to have.
Just a word to anyone hating the Niner Eccentric Bottom Bracket. I have 2 bikes both with the EBB and have had no problems whatsoever. As long as you install it as per the Niner instructions it works fine...no creaking, no slipping. It is really important to clean the bottom bracket shell and adapter with alcohol so there is no grease at all, none, nada, zip. You must also use the Teflon tape as per the instructions. If you are having problems it is because you are doing it wrong! Don't let your local Bike mechanic set it up, he will probably want to grease everything, it's in their DNA, bike mechanics put grease on their cereal in the mornings!!
Similar Products Used: I have the old Scandium framed One9 SS which I still ride. Kona Unit SS 29er, Kona Unit SS 26".
Bike Setup: Currently setup with 1x10, fully rigid with Niner RDO fork. I do intend riding it SS and also have the option to use a suspension fork in races that need it.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Earthpig
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2012
Strengths: Light. Good handling.
Weaknesses: EBB, EBB, EBB, EBB. Paint color options. Did I mention the EBB?
Bottom Line:
I really, really want to like this frame. Considering I paid full retail, I really should like this frame. I like how light it is. I like how well it handles. It fits well. When it's working rather than sitting in the shop, it's a blast to ride. Which leads to...
The Biocentric EBB. The Biocentric EBB is the big weak link in this frame. I've had all sorts of different tensioner set ups - Rennen, Singleator, sliding dropouts, horizontal track end, Bushnell EBB, and pinch bolt EBB. The Biocentric is, so far, the most unreliable, finicky, creaky, slippy, downright poorly designed SS tensioning system yet developed. All of them (except the Surly horizontal track end design paired with a 10mm rear axle bolt and tugnuts on both sides) slipped a little every now and again. However, on the first ride on the One 9 the EBB slipped so much that it had to be re-tensioned every quarter mile or so - the chain would get about a full inch or more of play every quarter mile. The second ride - ditto. I could reef on the Biocentric's 6mm bolt as hard as a 6', 180 lb human could (without stripping the bolt or overtorquing it) and the EBB would NOT stay tight. So, off to the shop (a Niner dealer) I went.
Here's what I learned - first, the Biocentric has to be set so that with the addition of force (ie, pedaling) it "self tensions" - this means that the BB must be set high and forward (in relation to the frame shell) so that pedal strokes move it down and towards the front of the bike, tensioning the chain. Imagine, if you were looking at the non-drive side, the BB would have to be set at about the 10 o'clock position. Other EBB's I had you could set the BB anywhere in the arc of the EBB shell. Strike two. I like my BB in an eccentric to be set low and forward (ie, the 7 or 8 o'clock position), so your center of gravity is lower. Setting it high and forward results in slightly different downhill handling than I would like. And, even with that setting it requires some sort of special spray/goop (Niner recommends "Carbo Grip") to keep it from slipping. After those "fixes," it was OK for about 3 rides.
Then came the CREAK. And when I say CREAK, I mean creaking, cracking and popping so loud on every pedal stroke that people a quarter mile up the trail can hear me coming. I feel like apologizing for how loud it is. Imagine - you're out on a nice, quiet ride and some arse comes up behind you on a bike that's so loud that small animals flee in fear of hearing loss and dogs start howling. Strike three. I literally can't turn my iPod up loud enough to drown it out (the classic "fix" for any bike noise) without hurting my ears.
That issue has yet to be fixed. It's at the (Niner dealer) shop right now for the installation of a new EBB. Given that the new EBB will be another Biocentric - my understanding is that no other EBB can be used in the One 9 - I'm not holding out much hope of a real fix. Even with a "fix," I've been told that the crank, EBB and BB assembly must be disassembled and fully cleaned every 6 weeks to a "couple of months" to prevent slipping and creaking. I understand that EBB designs require more than "usual" maintenance, but still.
Other than that, the 2012 color options - flat black and black and orange - are limiting (unless you're a big fan of halloween, Oregon State, Princeston, the SF Giants, or the Cincinnati Bengals, you're kinda stuck with flat black.)
So, bottom line. I don't know. I want to love this frame. I really like this frame. Absent the EBB issue, it's a fantastic frame. But, the tensioning system on a SS is an integral, key part of any SS - maybe the most important part. And with the problems (so far) with the EBB - which are driving me crazy - I can't give the frame more than 3 overall stars at this time. I'd go 2.5 stars, but that's not an option. If the EBB continues to slip and creak, this bike may collect more garage dust than trail dirt.
Similar Products Used: I've owned lots of SS frames - two Surly 1x1 frames, Gary Fisher Rig, On-one Inbred 29 and an Inbred 26, Soul Cycles Hooligan, and a Salsa El Mariachi.
Bike Setup: 2012 One 9 frame, RS Reba RLT Ti fork, X-9 hubs, Arch rims, Stylo 1.1 crankset & BB, Avid Elixir 5 brakes
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bike&Brew
a All Mountain Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2012
Strengths: Light, cornering, climbing, Downhill (down right plush for a hardtail)
Weaknesses: Ummm... cannot ride it everyday.
Bottom Line:
Created this as a sort of FrankenBike (combined new parts with left overs from a crashed Yeti AS-R). Thus, the great price point.
I had been on a fully rigid 2010 Fisher Rig (White Bros Carbon Fork), which I loved. This is faster and lighter even with a the SID fork (Rig = 23+, Niner = 20 Even). What amazed me most was that this bike feels like it has as much travel as the AS-R. Really!
Buy this bike if you are: a 29er SS aficionado; need an awesome SS bike to train on; or run as a 1X10 as your every All Mtn Ride.
Bike Setup: 2012 One 9: Black on Black, Juicy7, Stan's Crest, Thomson Seatpost, SID RL, Selle Italia Filet, RaceFace Cranks, 9er 32-20, Time ATAC XS Pedals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
pdriley
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2012
Strengths: Fun, fun, fun. This bike is WAY more versatile than you would expect it to be. I thought buying a SS mtb was excessive, not sure I would use it much... like some other posts, I could not have been more wrong. It is a pure delight to ride. Tight, light, quick.
Weaknesses: Bumpy going over technical rocks ... inherent to any rigid bike.
Bottom Line:
About the most fun you can have on a bike if you like riding up and downhill fast. Quick and responsive, great workout. Pure fun!
Similar Products Used: A few other singlespeeds...e.g. Fisher, Surly.
Bike Setup: Stan's hubs, Crest rims, 180 mm cranks, light seat.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
hardrunnerpete
a Cross Country Rider
from Winona, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2011
Strengths: Light and agile.
Weaknesses: Not having more time to ride!
Bottom Line:
It took me way to long to get on a SS 29er, absolutely love riding this setup. I can't even think about riding my full squishy 26in bike anymore. With the carbon RDO fork and SS the bike will weigh around 19lbs.
Bike Setup: 2012 Hydroformed Aluminum Frame, Fox 100mm Fork/waiting for new RDO Carbon Fork, Single Speed 34/19, 1x10 (34, 12-36) Crest ZTR w/Chris King Hubs, Thomson stem/seatpost, SLX crank, XT disc brakes
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Joe D
a Cross Country Rider
from Port Jervis, NY
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2011
Strengths: Lightweight, fast and most of all simple.
Weaknesses: Keeps me away from the house too much :)
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. At 46 years old, I thought I'd be riding my full suspension all mountain rig forever. After buying this one, I'd look at them both before a ride and always reach for the One 9. Although it was alot of money, my feeling of spending too much was replaced by "Why didn't I do this long ago?" Can't say enough about Dark Horse Cycles, Mongomery, NY. Great shop!
Similar Products Used: '93 Specialized M2 Stumpjumper converted to single speed. This bike made me realize that single speed was in my blood.
Bike Setup: "New" Niner One 9 with hydroformed tubing. Niner carbon fork W/ carbon bars. American Classic wheelset.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
john seegers
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2011
Strengths: Everything
Weaknesses: None found
Bottom Line:
Started riding almost 20 years ago. Been through a Specialized, a Bianchi, a Trek, a Kona, a Cannondale, a Soul Cycles, a Karate Monkey, a Mamasita, and probably a few I have forgotten about.
NOTHING has ever felt like this bike does. For a 6' 150 lbs. guy with intermediate skills and good fitness for the trails of the Richmond, VA area this bike is just plain scary fast!
The geometry is like nothing else and it hooks up like nothing else.
If you are thinking lightweight SS and do not test ride this bike for at least 5 miles you are missing out!
Bike Setup: Ignitor-Crossmark, Ritchey bars, Thomson post, Stans Arch, Amer Classic hubs, SLX hyd. brakes, White Bros carbon rigid fork, 32 X 18 SS.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mostly308
a Cross Country Rider
from Redmond, OR, yoUeSAye
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2011
Strengths: luv my One 9
Bottom Line:
I've been thinking about a dedicated( a frame not made with any thought of using suspension) full ridged 29er for awhile now. I don't know what the market is for such a bike(seems like GT did ok w/ the Peace 9r), but I am saving my nickles for something either custom built or high end production.
Similar Products Used: Fisher: Paragon, Rig, Salsa Mamasita, Niner One 9
Bike Setup: As much Chris King as I can get my hands on!!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
ozzybmx
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2010
Strengths: Super light and great geometry , got it at a awesome price too.
Weaknesses: none yet, hopefully the Bio BB doesnt start playing up.
Bottom Line:
I read up on the BB before buying and did the scotchbrite/PTFE tape/correct torque method and after 7-8 rides it has not slipped or squeaked once.
So im really pleased with this frame, bike weighs 8.5kg and pedals beautifully, geo is spot on.... just need to get a niner carbon fork now.
Bike Setup: Crests, Middleburns with 33t rotor Q / 20 rear, salsa pro moto bars, Hope X2 pro's, pro carbon forks, KCNC stem/post.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
damagr
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2010
Strengths: Super light weight, spot-on geometry, beautiful RAW finish
Weaknesses: EBB isn't great, but adequate
Bottom Line:
This bike keeps surprising me. It's fast and super fun to ride. I love the simplicity of the singlespeed. I know it might not be for everyone, but the geometry (medium) is perfect for me. I'm aGot the One 9 on the cheap when my Jet 9 was recalled and initially thought I'd use it as 'round town beater bike. Frame was so beautiful, I had to build it up and take it into the mountains... I sure haven't been disappointed.
I was sold on the 29 concept and demo'd several bikes. After demoing an Air 9, I decided I needed a full suspension bike (and later bought the Jet). I now have both the Jet and One build up and find myself reaching for the One 9. The build in RAW with a white fork and silver bars, stem, white saddle is easiest the most beautiful bike I've owned. And it rides incredibly well; great geometry, super handling, stiff, very light, very fast. I've always felt the Jet 9 was the best mountain bike I've ever ridden, but absolutely love my One 9.
Bike Setup: Stan's 355 wheels, 32-19 gearing, Manitou Abso Minute fork, Thompson post, Specialized Phenom saddle, Ritchie flat bar and stem
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
jjnero
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2010
Strengths: Light, light, light. High quality welding, 29er specific geometry.
Weaknesses: Just one - the eccentric bottom bracket. Difficult to get set up right so it won't slip and its very creaky.
Bottom Line:
This bike is my first singlespeed and my first bike to build myself. The frame is superlight and I love the geometry. I absolutely love this bike and doubt I'll ride much else - the only drawback is the stupid eccentric bottom bracket. It was difficult to setup (warning - the Niner instructions are wrong, the bolt goes on the non-driveside cup) and even when you get it setup and not slipping, it creaks like the dickens. If I could get the creaking to stop it would be perfect, so just close to perfect now.
Bike Setup: Reba SL, thompson stem, thompson seatpost, chris king headset, avid bb7s, speed dial ti triggers, white industries ENO cranks + 32t chainring + 19t cog, superstock wheelset, fizik alliante saddle, fibonacci spacer kit
Weaknesses: I could not get new eccentric bottom bracket to stop slipping. No matter what Niner "fix" I tried the stupid BB would slip slighty more after every ride. I tried everything and firmly believe its a poor design. Don't believe the hype they sell. You have to torque the one bolt down so hard you'd need a breaker bar to adjust it when it slips on the trial.
Bottom Line:
I would not reccomend. I will buy another bike w/ sliders or horizontal drops next and get rid of this junk.
Submitted by
nicco2go
a Cross Country Rider
from Santee
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2010
Strengths: Light... so light
Weaknesses: Creaking BB. Drives me nuts. So close to selling the frame and going back to all steel Vassago Jabber
Bottom Line:
Great bike, super light, great power transfer. Crazy thing though, with all the rains in SoCal, I've been using my SS and the bottom bracket creaks like no tomorrow after some water crossings and mud.
Bottom line, love the bike, not a big fan of the BB. Looking forward to dry weather to see if the creaking goes away but I have a feeling, regular cleaning will do the trick. Good thing it's easy.
Bike Setup: Thompson Stem and post. American Classic Front and Rear. Elixir R Front and back. It's a singlesp
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
1speed
a Cross Country Rider
from co, USA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2009
Strengths: Geometry, light weight, handling, EBB ease of use. I like the low key brushed finish and everyone at Niner was super helpful when I called or em'ed with questions, great customer service on top of a great product!
Weaknesses: The only weakness has been a creaking EBB that was corrected with a little plumbers tape and the fact that I don't want to ride my other bike now.
Bottom Line:
This is a great handling frame and smooth ride. This isn't your father's aluminum ie:harsh, rough, beat down ride. The Scandium is so much nicer than I anticipated it would be. The frame handles incredibly well and eats up the technical trails better than any 29er frame I have owned so far. Thumbs up for sure, Niner has really nailed their geometry and I am sure this goes for all their frames. I recommend you test ride one if you are looking for something in this price range or even looking at more expensive frames. This frame rides better than a custom I paid more than twice the price for!
Similar Products Used: Custom and stock 29er frames.
Bike Setup: Fox 29 fork, perfect combo.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
eeeskwa
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2009
Strengths: light and strong design... the titanium screws make the EBB very easy to adjust (easier than the standard wedge design on other EBB designs). Geometry is perfect for the 29er specific ride. Still a little forgiving in the but fairly stiff frame alltogether for the scandium build.
Weaknesses: scandium seems pretty soft...dented the top tub already after a week (not sure how) and paint scratches way too easy....i think this is typical of all scandium frames though
Bottom Line:
Great bike...extremely happy with it. Just know that with my style of riding it will take some damage and wear sooner than later...but thats okay with me. If you're not crashing you're not trying.
