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!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SASSNUT
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia, Adelaide Date Reviewed: October 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Melrose
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$730.00
Purchased At:
Bitterbrush
Strengths:
The ride quality, niner customer service and also the ability to run it as a single speed as 32/20 fits up as a magig gear without the use of an ugley singelator.
Weaknesses:
Paint. It just marks and scratches too easy
Similar Products Used:
Avanti hardtails, Trek 8500, SantaCruz Blur LT
Bike Setup:
Stans 855 rims, Hope XC hubs, XO rear, X9 shifter (1x9), Middleburn RS7 Uno cranks, Avix Exlir R brakes, Large frame.
Bottom Line:
This is my first 29er and I'm never going back! Its also the first steel bike I've had and the quality of the ride is just great. I was tossing up between the MCR and the Air and I'm glad I went for steel frame and its only 1 pound heavier (about 1 water bottle!). I've been riding it for about 2 years now and I still smile at the end of each ride.Great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
teafethers
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman MT USA Date Reviewed: September 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Town to Sypes, to the "M," to town
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Former Demo at Rapid
Strengths:
Incredible handling, from the slowest uphill switchback to the fastest downhill off-camber turn.
Weaknesses:
I don't think it's this M.C.R--I think it's the nature of 29ers. This bike requires strength to "dance" up technical climbs. It doesn't help that my current wheels (XT/DT470) are rather heavy and flexy.
Similar Products Used:
Have raced MTB for 24 years. Started out with Schwinn KOMs, then Miyata Ridge Runners, Yosemite steel, and finally many Cannondales.
Bike Setup:
L-sized frame, Carbon bar, CK headset, Reba Race, X9, Hayes Mags, Thompson post, CustomCranks, Frog pedals, XT/DT470 wheelset, Geax Saguaro 2.2 (measures 2.35) front, Conti Race King 2.2 rear, w/tubes.
Bottom Line:
A wonderful wonderful bike, fast & smooth.
For beginners, it might be pearls to a pig--I'm not sure how much they would appreciate how good this frame rides.
For an intermediate all-around "mountain biker" who might be in the market for a double-sus--this bike might come as a revelation. IMHO it rides far better than my friend's double-sus rigs on our local rock garden/cat litter trails.
For a hardtail or 29er "connaisseur" I'm feel (after test riding every other 29er hardtail I see) this bike is simply excellent. It is an absolutely incredible descender, and a great climber. It handles flawlessly at any speed.
I think a person needs to be stronger to ride a 29er (than to ride a 26er) but, once up to that level of fitness, look out. These machines, especially Niner M.C.R. 9s, are amazing.
I'd buy another Niner tomorrow if another good deal came my way. I know that a person can only ride one bike at a time, but how nice would it be it get off one Niner, and climb on to another?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
woland
a Cross Country Rider
from Jerusalem, Israel Date Reviewed: August 17, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Niner Israel
Strengths:
29er, Steel frame, Geometry, not too heavy for steel frame.
Weaknesses:
Had I been a weight weenie I'd say a tad heavy. But I'm not - so I won't. Maybe too much flexible at the BB. Pricey.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Paragon (broke after 2 years)
Bike Setup:
80 mm Reba fork, Sram X9 drivetrain. XT crank. Bontrager wheels (relics from the broken Paragon)
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Very comfortable and smooth ride (for a HT), very responsive frame, goes whenever I want, turns real nice, even in switchbacks.
Steel Is Real!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MnScott
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis Park, MN, USA Date Reviewed: July 9, 2009
XT wheels and drivetrain with Thomson stem and post, Salsa bars and Avid BB7 brakes. Specialized Boulevard tires. Niner straight fork 470 mm. Chris King headset.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It is replacing my main ride for 35 years - a Masi Gran Criterium. The qualities in the Masi that I like so much are present in the MCR: poise, balance, and precision. Whether I'm riding fast on the city bike trail or on the river bottom dirt roads or singletrack, this bike just handles everything - and fast. I can pound across bumps, take turns faster than my road bike and it never shudders or skitters; it's just rock solid. Coming out of turns or up out of a dip, standing up and cranking, it is quick to accelerate and just moves with me like we're working together. I don't feel that same teamwork on aluminum frames even if they are stiffer and lighter. Steel is magic for those who appreciate it's differences. The frame and fork have been described elsewhere as giving the equivalent of 1" of suspension travel and I'd have to agree. It soaks up chatter and does ok dropping off curbs. Not as cush as my son's front susp bike, but I'm lighter and faster with the straight fork.
I have the Boulevard tires on it that work great for my mixed surface use. And I chose the mechanical brakes to cut down on maintenance compared to hydraulics. So far they work perfectly. I couldn't be happier with my Root Beer Urban Attack Bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ski29er
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, CO Date Reviewed: February 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Buffalo Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Big Kahuna Bicycles
Strengths:
Great ride. Climbs great, flys downhill. Fun, Fun!!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
AIR9 and ONE9
Bike Setup:
Custom Pearl White powder coat and custom decals. Pics in Niner Bikes forum. Carbon fork. Race Face carbon seat post and Duece XC stem. Salsa bar. Avid Elixir R disc brakes and red Hope II hubs built w/ Stans NoTubes rims. WTB ti saddle and front tire...2.55 and a Maxxis rear tire. Shimano XT 1X9 set up.
Bottom Line:
I can't believe how well this bike rides. This is my first full ridig set up, and it just flys. This is also my first Niner with tubeless wheels. The big front tire is great at 19psi with the carbon fork. I have 3 Niners and this is my favorite for all around riding and simplicity.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MontclairBobbyB
a Cross Country Rider
from Bele Mead, NJ Date Reviewed: June 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
too many to name
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Awesome feel to it... climbs oh so light and nimbly, yet busts through rockgardens. IT'S ORANGE!!!, great finish, nice dropouts, nice top cable routing, LOVE 853 steel.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Surly Karate Monkey, Salsa Ala Carte
Bike Setup:
Reba 80mm fork, XO der w/Gripshifters, XT hydro brakes, Stans ZTR Arch rims on Hadley disc hubs, Brooks B17 Special saddle
Bottom Line:
I have been searching for the perfect bike and have tried out several over the past few years, from aluminum full-sus to alum-steel softail, Ti softail, steel hardtail, etc... I'm a big guy... 6'1" 225... My friends had been unsuccesful at convincing me to try out a 29er... Well I finally rented a Salsa Dos Niner in Colorado (loved it), then I bought a Karate Monkey and set it up as a rigid SS (that too is an awesome ride!)... But I wanted a 29er geared XC hardtail to replace my Salsa Ala Carte (which seemed just too small for me)... The Niner MCR actually reminds me alot of my Ala Carte, although it's even more comfortable! I just sold my Cannondale Jekyll (after 4 years), and honestly I don't miss the full-sus... The Niner lets me climb in complete comfort, ride rockgardens and boulders, and it rail singletrack as good as any bike I've ever ridden... It's as close to perfect as any bike I can think of... I am now at peace, and can completely enjoy myself again...although my friends all ride big-hit full-sus bikes... (they think I've gone totally retro-psycho), but I'm telling you, riding a steel hardtail 29er with that Brooks saddle....feels like heaven on wheels. (I plan to get a rigid fork to swap out the Reba on occasion)...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from perris Date Reviewed: May 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
The Path in Tustin, Ca
Strengths:
Great ride of steel. Very smooth, handles like a champ. Acclerates well. Descends great, and climbs very well. 4.3lbs, not to bad for steel
Weaknesses:
Your kidding right?
Bike Setup:
X.O shifters and Rear derail. Fox F29 fork. XT cranks. DT proII hubs. Stans Arches rims. Salsa carbon handlebar. Thompson elite stem. Selle Italia seat. Shimano 540 pedals. J. Seven brakes. SRAM 990 cass.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. May not be the best for racing due to the little extra weight and more flex than Alum or Scandium, but for my purpose of just having fun this was the best choice I could have made. It rolls over things like a Panzer tank! The handling is excellent, light, crisp and exact.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim
a Cross Country Rider
from mechanicsburg, pa Date Reviewed: February 1, 2008
fsa orbit 2 headset, thompson seatpost and stem, avid bb7 disc brakes with speed-dial levers, reba sl fork, dt swiss tk 7.1 rims w/340 hubs, 1x9 setup with sram x-7 rd and 990 cassete
Bottom Line:
overall great bike that really takes the edge off of the rough stuff. while steel may not be full suspesion, it does seem to decrease all the vibration and jarring of my previous aluminum frame. compared to gf x-cal, much better handling, especially in the tight and twisties. while i'm still adjusting to 1x9 setup, this bike just takes anything you throw at it and overall is very stable and controlled in all riding. definitly just as good climbing as descending and no problems with the east coast rocks and roots.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom, CA, USA Date Reviewed: December 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
South Yuba
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$749.00
Purchased At:
Bitterbrush Cycles
Strengths:
Very light steel frame, quality steel, responsive and supple ride, great climber and accelerates very well, beautiful paint, great welds, comes with touch-up paint
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Kona Unit 2-9 (a dog)
Bike Setup:
RaceFace Evolve XC crankset, RaceFace Deus stem & seatpost, Niner Flat Top handlebar, RockShox Reba fork w/ pop-loc, Shimano XT dual control shifters, Shimano XT front and rear derailleurs, Oury lock-on grips, WTB Laser V saddle, Maxxis Ignitor front/Crossmark rear tires, Avid BB7 brakes
Bottom Line:
This bike fits me so well, it's like Niner custom built it for me! I have never had a bike fit me so well, nor be the absolute most fun bike to ride I have ever owned. The best way I can describe how this bike rides is that it accelerates and climbs like a 26er coupled with all the great attributes of a 29er. I am so impressed with how well it accelerates and climbs after the exact opposite experience with a 2006 Kona Unit 2-9. I am much faster in all aspects of my riding with this bike.
It is very stable at speed, and I love how the bike handles all rocky sections so easily compared to a 26er. The steel frame along with the wagon wheels makes for an incredibly smooooth ride. It turns very well, too. I really like the geometry Niner uses as well - a little more upright which is very comfortable, especially on longer rides.
If you like light, fast hardtails where the fun factor is off the charts, look no further than the MCR9. I don't think I can ever go back to a 26er. It just isn't near the fun or quality of ride...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Palmer
a Cross Country Rider
from Dunsmuir, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Whitmore Gulch near Half Moon Bay
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Niner Bikes
Strengths:
Great ride. Stable. Seems to be top quality throughout. After a 50 mile ride I'm tired but not feeling beaten up as I did with my Cannondale.
Weaknesses:
I'd like a lower first gear but can't really blame the bike for that.
Similar Products Used:
None. I just read all the on line reviews and chose the Niner.
Bike Setup:
White hubs. Velocity Blunt wheels, 36 spoke. Avid BB7 185mm front & 160mm rear. SRAM X.O rear with SRAM X.O trigger shifters. Shimano 12-34 cassette. I wouldn't change a thing.
Bottom Line:
I'm having so much fun riding it rigid that I haven't tried the suspension fork as yet. On my favorite rides I'm turning in personal best times. It simply rolls well. Sometimes I scan the trail and inwardly cringe thinking that I'm on a rigid frame; then I sail over obstacles that had me worried. It really inspires confidence, and I'm still learning what it can do. I don't know if it's the inherent beauty of the bike, or the grey bearded rider with a wide grin, but it really turns heads. For serious downhill riding, naturally a fully suspended bike has advantages. But for all around cross country, I'm more than satisfied. It's so much fun to ride. I simply love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stefan
a Cross Country Rider
from Wooster, OH USA Date Reviewed: October 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
High quality construction, stiff rear triangle, great ride quality, quick steering, nice tang color
Weaknesses:
Paint scratches easily
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Paragon, Salsa El Mariachi, Fisher Ferrous and several many other steel and aluminum 26ers.
Bike Setup:
Fox F29 fork, X-9's, Raceface Deus crank, BB7's, Thomson bits, Stan's Flow rims w/ Hope Pro 2 hubs and 2bliss Nevegals
Bottom Line:
Excellent frame and good value. I tried several 29ers before choosing this one and what set the Niner apart was the steering. The feel is quicker and more "26er like" than any other 29er bike I tried. It is also interesting to note that I had a REBA fork on this for two months and the Fox is not only plusher, but really improves steering by making it quicker and more nimble. A Niner with a Fox fork is a great combo. I really wanted to get back to a steel frame to improve ride quality and Niner did not disappoint. This frame is nice a light (for any material) and truly does soak up bumps rather than richeting off of them. Obviously, I am not a weight-weenie. After demoing several nice 29er bikes, I felt the Niner had the best combination of smooth ride, quick steering and stability that I want in a mountain bike. Ride quality and capability in terms of climbing, stability and handling in technical sections, and overall fun factor on long rides are the most important factors for me and Niner has done an outstanding job on this frame. Now if they could just improve the paint durability . . .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fleas
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, OH Date Reviewed: October 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
bike29
Strengths:
I like tang. Handles well. Great climbing! It really does make you go faster.
Weaknesses:
Maybe a little heavy in the grand scheme of things, but fantastic in steel. Right at the limit of my price range.
Similar Products Used:
Steel RockHopper - I'm hoping they will be similar in durability. I've broken 3 aluminum frames, but the 1990 RockHopper is always ready to go back in service while I'm building the other.
Bike Setup:
rigid w/ Niner fork, AC wheels, Maxxis Ignitors 2.1, 20-32-44 x 11-32, BB7's
Bottom Line:
I'm not going to say that I could suddenly ride every rock garden because I bought this bike - I could already ride them on the 26er (at least the ones around here). I will say that everything about the 29ers in general is faster. It does roll (and almost requires that you roll) faster over everything. If you go slow and catch on a big rock, it's hard to get going again without some serious muscle. Solution: go faster. The Niner optimizes your momentum through its handling, and rolling on big wheels. It handles the speed on the rocks and roots extremely well. You can plow into big rocks and logs and it will roll over them. I'm sure the bigger wheels have saved me at least 3 times this year from going head-over (esp. when fatigue was setting in). At low speeds, the bike handles technical rocks very well, and steers precisely (like a rigid bike should). This is a feature that is important to me, and I like the Niner a lot for it. The frame does absorb big hits at speed. The faster you go, the smoother it gets. The frame does "spring" noticeably off small launches (which gives it a nice feel at any speed). At speeds 25+ you get a relaxed feeling. You're cornering limit is your traction. The bike will turn as quick as you care to - although I think it does take just a tad more effort than the shorter 26er. You can feel the rear wheel hang for just a split second longer when you drop off something. Solution: go faster. I use the bike for road and MTB. It cranks very efficiently. That, combined with the 29er traction and that 20T granny makes it climb like crazy! (you laugh, but try one and see how steep you can climb) I will prob'ly put a meatier tire up front to give me some more cush, but it rides sweet like it is. The drivetrain is straight off my 26er so it feels high, but I figure I will adapt. I run maybe 2 gears lower now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Nebraska Date Reviewed: July 30, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
TONS of rear tire clearance, most I've ever seen on a 29er.
Headtube angle (72). Makes this as nimble as most any, if not all the 26ers I've ever ridden.
I have never owned a steel mtn. bike frame before & had no idea what I was missing out on. Rides almost like the "magic ride of ti" people refer to. I have owned several ti bikes, so I know how a nice frame is supposed to feel, & this is it. The A&W Root-beer color is to sweeet.
Weaknesses:
Steel isn't the lightest material to make a frame out of, but nowadays, it's only slightly heavier than 7005 aluminum, but the very slight weight penalty is MORE THAN WORHT IT for a frame that handles and feels and rides like this does.
Similar Products Used:
To much to list here.
Bike Setup:
All the dope crap.
Bottom Line:
This bike rides like a dream. It steers so nice through tight single track, and handles small obstacles with ease that I used to have to steer around on my aluminum 29er. I simply cannot say enough about how well this bike was made, and how smooth it rides. My aluminum 29er literally ricochets off smaller obstacles, whereas this frame soaks them up & spits them out. 29er wheels kick a$$. This is my second 29er, and cannot imagine how somebody doesn't like these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
c s
a Cross Country Rider
from Landenberg, PA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
mtbr.com
Strengths:
Great geometry + high quality tubes = super cushy ride.
Weaknesses:
This thing is HEAVY. I have a large size and the frame weighs over 5 pounds. But hey...its steel.
Similar Products Used:
You name it.
Bike Setup:
Sram 1 x 9, Reba fork, Cane Creek Zonos wheelset, tubeless Karma's.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a blast to ride. It feels like a 26" wheeled bike with 2" of rear suspension. Its really that plush. The MCR frame handles great and is super nimble, but you definitely feel that frame weight during acceleration and climbing. I love the ride but want something a little lighter and quicker (AIR9 is on order). If you like the ride of steel however....you will LOVE this frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clarkenstein
a Cross Country Rider
from somerset, nj, usa Date Reviewed: April 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
ninerbikes.com
Strengths:
lighter than i thought. much easier than i thought to build (my first build). great components. on the trail - a solid ride. steel rocks.
Weaknesses:
a little pricey i guess - but i am used to having cheaper bikes.
Similar Products Used:
specialized HT singlespeed (aluminum frame)
Bike Setup:
X9 build kit - XL frame
Bottom Line:
my first post about the first ride:
well i finally completed my build, and i got to take my new toy - a XL Niner mcr hardtail - out for its first ride. what a great bike! my first impression... niner mcr = great, great bike, and the build kit components are good stuff. it handles awesome, the thing climbed like a champ, and overall its really fun to ride. i never had sram before either, and i really like the shifting - real tight. the frame fits great - i am 6'4" and i have an XL frame (rootbeer color).
i am out in NJ, and we have had some major flooding problems because of the last nor'easter that ripped through. so to avoid wet trails, i went down the shore with a buddy of mine to allaire state park. allaire is a cool place - no major climbs, but good rolling hills... and really really sandy in spots - it feels like you are riding on a beach at times - thats how sandy this place is.
i am running a nevegal tire and the 29" wheels were impressive in comparison to riding in sand with the 26" wheels i am used to (i run a panaracer fire x/c on my 26 SS and i ran a nevegal on my 26" FS as well - which is now sold). the 29" wheel really held a line in the deeper sand, i could really ride through the stuff much easier than during my previous 26" escapades.
in the tight turns, it took a couple minutes to get used to the bike, but after i got used to the bike handling - i had no issues at all. i could get through the tight stuff just as fast as i could on my 26" wheeled bikes. the best part of the bike was rolling through the more open turns. the closest way i can describe the way it rides through not-so-tight turns is its just like laying out a nice giant-slalom-sized turn on skis in 2 or 3 feet of fresh powder. it just felt awesome. on the few climbs that are there, i had no issues - it really climbs well. and on the rollers - i loved it. it just rolled and rolled and rolled on the fast hardpack. the bikes feels real smooth and really fast.
i am taking it out tomorrow in a more technical area - lots and lots of rocks - i can't wait (i'll add more if anyone is interested). if anyone is on the fence about this bike - based on my first 2.5 hour ride on one - get one, you'll love it.
UPDATE - I have since taken the bike out multiple times at a rocky place (chimney rock in NJ). the bike is great. it is a lot less squirrelly, and i am starting to really 'feel' the difference of the 29er. i really noticed the grip of the tires on steep rocky sections, i feel a lot more confident climbing up real short steeps now, especially while standing up.
the bike loves the smooth stuff, and rocks on the more technical stuff. a great bike overall. i am starting to dial in the fork too - and it feel much better about it.
here's the link: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=290683
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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