The EMD9 is Niner's least expensive frame in the lineup, but this frame went through the same design process and expectations of every Niner frame. Same geometry numbers as the Air9, 7005 series tubing used to keep the cost down.
3.5 pound geared frame with custom drawn and butted Niner 7005 series tubeset
Root Beer and Moondust Grey colors available for 2009
Niner specific geometry
Custom s-bend chainstays and seatstays for added heel and mud clearance. Will fit a WTB 2.55" tire
Can be purchased with a matching Rigid Reynolds steel fork or matching carbon fiber Niner fork
Stainless Steel Head Badge
Internally butted head tube, bottom bracket tube and custom bent Niner down tube for strength/ maximum fork clearance
S-Bend Seat Stays and Chain Stays for added heel and mud clearance. Frame will accept 2.55" tire
Requires a 31.6mm post, 400mm length recommended 35mm Seat Clamp
34.9 front derailleur clamp, top pull, low mount (top swing)
Submitted by
shorner
a Weekend Warrior
from Roanoke, VA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The Cove
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Great price
All appropriate contact surfaces are faced and ready to build
Root Beer color is super cool
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Trek 9.9 carbon, Cannondale CAAD Aluminum
Bike Setup:
Fox F29 FIT, Stans ZTR Flow, Hope P2, Truvativ 3.3 GXP 180, BB7 F/R, WTB seat, Weyless (oh yeah) seatpost, Truvativ Stem, CB Opium SL headset, Geax Saguaro, Niner Flat top bar, SRAM X9 FD/RD/991, WTB Rocket V race
Bottom Line:
My first foray into the 29er scene, and this bike absolutely rocks. Being 6'6" and coming from a 26er, the change was dramatic. Handles great, no noticeable loss of agility, not nearly as harsh as one would expect from an aluminum frame--probably due to the "softer" ride imparted by the larger wheels. No regrets whatsoever from this clyde--nice work Niner. 5 flaming enchiladas across the board.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SpecialK
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA, USA Date Reviewed: October 18, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
MTBR
Strengths:
Light, stiff frame with good vertical compliance on rough trails
I've ridden this frame for about a year now. Its the first 29er that I have owned and while I was skeptical of an aluminum hardtail after riding steel hardtails for years, I am sold on the EMD. The EMD is a tremendous value based on performance for the price. It light and stiff but still give some compliance vertically. It doesn't have that tinny feel of old aluminum hardtails and can comfortably be ridden on a 4 hour ride.
It took me a while to get into the whole 29er thing but I am glad I did. They are fantastic on New England singletrack and roll over obstacles that always hung me up on my 26 inch hardtail. The EMD is a great bike for technical XC riding.
The only weakness is that now that I am into Niner frames, I have total bike lust for the WFO. Better start saving now...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
agabrielj
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY USA Date Reviewed: August 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Waverly/Ft Duffield
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
BikeBling
Strengths:
Light and stiff. The geometry satisfies all my requirements. Moondust Grey color is nice.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Xcal 29er
Bike Setup:
Stans Archs with the new ZTR hubs, Reba SL 80mm, Salsa Promoto OS carbon bar, x.7 gruppo, Thomson seat and stem, Truvativ Stylo crankset, BB7s.
Bottom Line:
Excellent frame. I rode the Gary Fisher Xcal (17.5") frame for a few years (buckled the frame because of a non-riding mishap...it was a good frame as well). I went with the Large (18.5") Niner frame to match the longer toptube of the GF and I'm really glad I did. It fits great and rides great. I love it. I almost waited and purchased the MCR or the Air 9, but I'm glad I didn't and saved a little cash to upgrade the wheelset. The setup weighs somewhere near 24.5lbs and thats good enough for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stephenoraw
a Weekend Warrior
from Joburg Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Any one without cars on it!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Various
Strengths:
Really good build quality - nice welds & paint job. Rides like a dream - completely different to any bike I've ridden. The geometry is spot on. Not expensive!
Weaknesses:
It feels a bit heavier than I expected - but for the price - it's unbeatable. I didn't build down to a weight target so I'm happy. The entire build cost me less than my dual-sus frame!
Similar Products Used:
26" GT Zaskar Hardtail, Ibis Mojo
Bike Setup:
Reba SL 80mm fork, SLX Brakes & crank, Bontrager Rhythm wheels with Jones XR Gum-Bi tyres, Easton stem & bar, Pro PLT seatpost,Ritchey Pro pedals,
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic entry into the world of 29 inch riding- it ain't a soft-tail, but it rides so much better than any 26 inch hardtail I have ever ridden. Riding a 29 feels weird at first - like you're pedalling a SUV - but after a while you find yourelf saying, "yeah, that's it, that feels good". I bought this to do our city trail - flattish & smooth - and it creams it. Not sure I want to do a rocky all day enduro on it though! If you're thinking of crossing over to the dark, less-pedalled side, this is the bike for you. It rolls over the roots & rocks of our tree-line section and grips, and grips, and grips on the turns. Buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
saclydesdale
a Weekend Warrior
from State College, PA, USA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Dirtrag fleamarket
Strengths:
Well fit geom. for my size. Stiff frame. Great cable routing.
Weaknesses:
Paint job scratches easily. Had to get the rear hanger tweaked, shouldn't have that on a brand new frame.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Sun 27 er9, Xt rear, sram X9 and derailleur, avid bb7, lefty 140 max, cane creek thudbuster ST, conti mountain king 2.4
Bottom Line:
1st 29er, taking some getting used to being a hard tail. Times on it so far ar similar to that of the Prophet (C'dale) with 650B wheels. Definitely faster on the rough and have more confidence on some of the log crossings, compared to 26". Haven't tried the prophet on these with the bigger wheels yet. Needed the thudbuster to break the harsh edge, also begining of the season so still working through the "new guy on the cell block" syndrome. Cockpit fit is great. Not so sure about the geom. for smaller riders. I have a large and stand over is close, 6.0' tall 32" inseam.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bigdog
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ont., Canada Date Reviewed: April 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Outback/Fortune
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Tall Tree
Strengths:
Great bike for tall riders. I feel that I am on the bike and not over it, as I did with 26ers (I am 6'4). Bike goes over stuff easily, I don't need as much momentum to huck over, short, steep, knarly sections. The fact that you can run low psi helps with the technical sections.
Weaknesses:
A little tricky on very tight turns. The front feels like it will give out on yuo, but then again I haven't had many rides on the bike.
Similar Products Used:
Nil
Bike Setup:
Reba, Juicy Ultimates, Stan's No Tube Archs, Race Face cranks, XTR 8 speed d-train, WTB Exiwolf tires.
Bottom Line:
Great all around bike. Better at climbing than I had anticipated. For any tall rider, I recommend the Niner frames. The only issue is that my wife may leave me as I plan to ride it lots this summer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fritZman
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa Date Reviewed: April 20, 2009
White Bro Magic 100mm, Formula K24 brakes 8" front, Hadley thru-bolt hubs with DT Swiss RWS skewers and Stan Flow rims and Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.4 tubeless, SRAM X9 super short cage rear (1x9 setup).
Bottom Line:
What a sweet bike. Over the years I've had a hard time finding the 'perfect' bike but this EMD & I are going into our 3rd season together. I honestly don't think I'll ever ride another frame again.
I've setup the bike to be a light but very capable trail bike, but it could just as easily be setup for XC racing/logging roads/snow.
I love the stiffness of the aluminum frame for responsive ride (similar traits to the WB fork with the IMV) and run the Ralphs tubeless at a mere 18-20psi to kill any harness that the frame/fork might have. The combined setup makes for a supple but very stiff & responsive ride.
The seat & chain stays have a LOT of flare in them for huge tire clearance. Another bonus is that I'm able to run roadie cranks (1x9 setup) without rubbing the chain stay. This gives me a nice and narrow Q-factor.
It makes a great winter bike as well. I swap to a rigid fork drop the pressure in the tires to 10-12 psi and ride the ski hill after it closes.
The price is a total bargain for the engineering you get and while the paint has scratched some (come on, it's a MTB) the provided paint touch-up is a nice touch. I'm also super impressed with the durability. This bike has been hammered pretty good but it still plugs along as if it were brand new.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kikoreta
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines Date Reviewed: February 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Maarat
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Grandtrail
Strengths:
Light and stiff. This is a fast bike!
Weaknesses:
I have the black paint and the finish in the top tube has dulled out and there are many small scratches. I find the bike stiff and unforgiving.
Similar Products Used:
This is my only 29er ht. My other bike is a Titua Motolite
Bike Setup:
EMD - Large black
Reba Race w/lock out 80mm
XTR hubs, DT Revo, DT TK7.1 Rims
XT Drivetrain
FSA Crankset
Hayes Nine Brakes
Salsa Moto 11 Degree handlebar
Ergon Grips
WTB Saddle
Maxxis Ignitors
Bottom Line:
I used to have a Kona 26ht and this is worlds better! Being 6ft tall trying the 29er platform came naturally to me. And this is a great inexpensive bike to pull you in to the fold. This bike wants to be ridden fast. I am faster in this bike than in my Moto on 90% of the trails I ride. I feel it might be too harsh on really long epics though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gandhi
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockholm, Sweden Date Reviewed: January 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hellas
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
North American Flyer
Strengths:
Light, quick and responsive, bang for the buck, geometry, high quality welding, superb finish and really good looking.
Weaknesses:
It steals time from my other hobbies.
Similar Products Used:
Zion 737 (rigid), Nishiki Bigfoot, Scott Sportster.
Bike Setup:
Niner EMD9 size L/18,5" (I'm 185cm)
FORK: Reba Race 29er lock-out, set to 80mm
RIMS: Velocity Synergy OC 36h (front and rear)
FRONT HUB: DMR Revolver front disc QR 36h
REAR HUB: DMR Revolver 6Pawl disc QR 36h
SPOKES: DT Alpine III, DT SuperComp, DT Competiton, DT Revolution
CRANKSET: XT 761 Hollowtech II, 175mm
HEADSET: FSA Pig DH Pro
BAR: WTB Riser TXC
STEM: WTB TXC 110mm 6deg
POST: WTB TXC 400mm 31,6mm
CLAMP: Identity QR
FRONT MECH: HONE
GRIPS: Lizard Skins NS double compound
REAR MECH: XT 761 SGS
SHIFTERS: XT761 (3x9)
TYRES: Panaracer Rampage 2.35x29
HOSE: Salsa 29"
BRAKES: 2004 Magura Julie 180/160 front/rear
CASSETTE: SRAM PG990
CHAINRINGS: Stronglight
CHAIN: SRAM PC991 hp
SADDLE: Specialized BG
PEDALS: Xpedo Mg-SL
Bottom Line:
I built this bike from scratch to replace my old 1999 Kona Explosif. It was a little bit awkward at first with the big wheels and all, but after just a few rides I did stuff I'd never do on the Explosif.
This bike rides like a dream. It's light, stiff and responsive. It really is a climbing machine, a single track ruler and a confidence booster on the trail.
The EMD very affordable considering the build quality of the frame. I'd recommend it to almost anyone.
~K
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jas556
a Cross Country Rider
from Philipsburg, PA USA Date Reviewed: December 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Rothrock State Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Various - Custom Bui
Strengths:
Light and stiff. Mine weighs in at 25lbs. Good climber and fast on the descents (as fast as you can go with a rigid fork). Handles like a dream with the big wheels in the single track and rocks. This bike fits me like a glove.
Weaknesses:
Not really a weakness but setup with the Niner rigid fork. On long/endurance rides/races, it WILL beat the hell out of you.
Similar Products Used:
None. First 29er.
Bike Setup:
Niner EMD frame, rigid Niner fork. 2X9 XT drivetrain. LX Disc brakes and shifters. Bontrager Race rims. Bontrager tires. WTB saddle and post. Chris King headset. Salsa stem.
Bottom Line:
An unbelievable bike for the money. You can't go wrong with Niner, they have totally nailed the 29er geometry. Go with a suspension fork if you like to do long, all-day epics. Great climber even if you're not, like me. Super smooth and responsive bike and tons of fun to ride. I rode a full suspension Specialized FSR for years and decided to get back to basics with the fully rigid Niner and I'm glad I did. My best bike yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mountaindude
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Junction Co Date Reviewed: November 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lunch loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
ninerbikes.com
Strengths:
I love how stiff and sure footed this frame feels, also the momentum you gain is unbelieveable. I have only finished the build (came in at 23.6 lbs) but I am more in love with this bike than when I demoed it.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
none my first 29er
Bike Setup:
Reynolds steel fork (red)
Avid bb7 disc brakes
niner flattop handlebar
titec stem and seat post
chris king headset
salsa delgato rims
odi lock ons
truvativ crankset w/surly singlespeed set up
Bottom Line:
This bike rules!! it is quick light and a blast to ride. If your considering a 29er bike look no further. PERFECT not to mention my bike weights 23.6 pounds and I wasn't even trying to build the lightest bike I could.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BigBoyRcr
a Cross Country Rider
from Jackson, MI, USA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ft. Custer
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
Custer Cyclery
Strengths:
This frame has a super clean build. Its nice being able to slap parts on a bike and know that you dont have to do any tweaking (i.e. derail hanger, face bb, etc). Bike rides like a dream. Frame feels stiff even under my 210+ lbs self. Good cable routing and Best Head Badge EVER!!
Weaknesses:
The only thing i can find is the paint comes off a lil easy. Maybe thats why they INCLUDE a small bottle of paint. And heck it is a Mt. bike, chips happen Can't protect it against every lil rock and occasional rider mishap.
Similar Products Used:
None. Coming off a Giant Anthem
Bike Setup:
2 Mths single speed, but now 1x9 rigid. Sram X9, Stans Wheels (LITE) Thomson stem and seatpost ritchey carbon bar, Carbon Rigid fork (similar to White Bros, but $150 not $450) Avid Juicy 7 brakes Race Face Crank
Bottom Line:
A rider cant go wrong switching to a 29er setup. Sure the wheels might be a lil heavier, but with the ease at which they climb, this becomes irrelevant. Good wheel/ tire setup fixes that. Switching to a Niner took a lil getting used to, but once you get the fit right, it rides like a dream. Even as a rigid, I still feel confident enough to tackle almost any trail. I would recommend this bike to any rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DoctorSprocket
a Racer
from Pittsburgh PA USA Date Reviewed: October 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Roaring Run- Apollo PA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
Dirty Harry's
Strengths:
Great geometry: the medium frame handles well. Build was simple and easy due to the factory machining. Three hydraulic cable mounts on top tube is an excellent addition. Light weight frame.
Weaknesses:
As other reviewers have noted, the black paint is easily scratched: I am not even sure how some of them got there.
Similar Products Used:
Zion 737
Bike Setup:
Reba SL fork at 80mm of travel. DT 340 Hubs laced to WTB Speeddisc Rims. WTB Rocket Saddle. Specialized Resolution 2.3 tires. XT cranks. Egg Beater pedals. XTR derailleurs.
Bottom Line:
Despite the paint issues, this is a responsive, comfortable frame that I would purchase again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbnachos
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: September 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon, CA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
Adams Avenue Bikes
Strengths:
Light, responsive, geometry, uphill behemoth
Weaknesses:
Comfort compared to steel, little pricey for AL hardtail
Similar Products Used:
Juice, Jabberwocky
Bike Setup:
Spinergy Xyclone 29er, Reba SL, X4 stem, Truvativ Team post
Bottom Line:
This bike is fast. Really, really fast. This frame was built up as my race rig and I got my best lap time cut down by 15 minutes. I've owned an NRS and the EMD is just as quick in singletrack. This is an amazing bike, wish I can compare with an Air 9. I got the Root beer color and it looks sweet. Incredibly responsive escpecially in tight corners and fairly compliant on bumps. Climbing is the best attribute of the EMD, I flat out flew past riders on the same gear (Eat My Dust pals!). Can't wait for my 2nd enduro with this frame.
4 chilis because $100 overpriced for aluminum and made overseas.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
epxhammerhead
a Cross Country Rider
from watkinsville,, ga usa Date Reviewed: June 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
ft yargo, winder ga
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
bicylce haus, arizon
Strengths:
frame is nice, geometry is good, 29" smooths out the trail better than my carbon fiber hardtail, faster than it too.
Weaknesses:
race face deus cranks bent after 3 rides. after 2 mos., race face still had not replaced them for me. horrible company.....never buy race face
the hayes rear brake howls horribly
broke a spoke on the american classic rear wheelset during the 6th ride, maybe 100 miles or so total.
i asked bicyle haus to upgrade the cranks to xt and I'd pay the difference, but the jokers wouldn't do it.
i told them that i'd read bad reviews of the race face deus here, but they gave me a line of bull that they had not know any negatives about them. so why did they bend after 3 moderate rides?
bad bike shop and bad product!
Bike Setup:
niner emd9, xt cranks (now. still waiting on race face to warranty their crappy deus cranks that bent), xt shifters, RS Reba, american classic wheelset, ...
Bottom Line:
bike is light and fast, but some hayes brakes and especially the race face cranks suck.
not sure about the am classic wheelset either, since a spoke broke after just 6 rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david
a Cross Country Rider
from athens, ga , usa Date Reviewed: April 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
ft. yargo, winder, ga
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Ebay/Bicycle Haus, Arizona
Strengths:
very smooth, handling is great, 29' wheels make this hardtail feel much more plush than a 26" hardtail, rolls over obstacles better than my 26" bike, faster times than my 26" full carbon hartail
Weaknesses:
none so far, but I've only ridden twice for a total of 30 miles on singletrack and 10 miles on a gravel road (very fast).
Similar Products Used:
first 29er ridden/bought it on a lark
Bike Setup:
Large EMD9, Reba race, ritchey carbon bar, hayes brakes, race face cranks, XT shifters/deraillers/gears, american classic wheels, specialized tires, wtb saddle,
Bottom Line:
over a 12 mile trail, same effort, same conditions, my time was 3 mins faster than my full carbon/xtr hardtail. My fastest time ever on this course and with a harder effort could have really lowered my time. The larger wheels roll over obstacles better than my 26" and the bumps are soaked up by the larger wheels. Not sure why I'd need a full suspension now. I'm 6'0 and the large frame fits well. The $1900 is the most that I've ever spent on a bike, but I'm happy with the ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bjorn
a Cross Country Rider
from sweden Date Reviewed: February 22, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
beyond
Strengths:
Fantastic geometri, smoth
Weaknesses:
XL frame is very flexy
Similar Products Used:
Various 26 HTs
Bike Setup:
3x9 reba nevegal rampage
Bottom Line:
I am 6,3. The geometri feels super. Very smoth on trail.
However I do like stiff frames and this frame is not. Especially flexy in steerhead. I could have traded some weight for stiffness.
Bottomline I am amazed by the feeling on the trail. I will not ever go back to 26 again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gil
a Weekend Warrior
from perth amboy,nj Date Reviewed: November 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
urban riding
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$499.99
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
Comfortable, light, strong, sleek and clean. This is a big frame that feels right.
Weaknesses:
the simplicity of the frame.
Similar Products Used:
1994 Giant yukon and Barracuda XX.
Bike Setup:
Salsa rigid fork, Thomson stem and seat pole, WTB (Saddle, Dual Duty Fr wheelset and nano tires) and xtr drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
I'm running this frame as clean and as simple as it can. I got caught up with the suspension thing too long and i wanted to go back to speed and gracefulness. I took a gamble on this 29er thing and it feels different in many good ways. This niner frame makes the experience worth it. For those who are looking for good 29er solid frame, this might be the way to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Hayward, WI USA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
New Moon Bike & Ski
Strengths:
Geometry & fit, price, looks, light weight!
Weaknesses:
Nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Gunnar Rockhound 29er
Bike Setup:
Large EMD 9 frame Stans Arch rims with Kenda Karmas Reba 80
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love the feel of this frame! It simply fits me perfectly! Even though its an alloy frame it still has a smooth, comfortable ride. The upside to the alum construction is that it makes for a responsive and light set-up. My complete geared bike weighs 23.5 lbs! I love it, and couldn't be happier.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville Date Reviewed: June 30, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Price,light weight,looks,durability,perfect geometry,Niner customer service is 2nd-to-none.
Weaknesses:
Gloss black paint shows scratches.
Similar Products Used:
My 1st 29er.
Bike Setup:
Reba fork set at 100mm,2x9 drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
I have been 100% pleased with this frameset and Niner's awesome customer service - so much that I just ordered a RIP9 FS frame. Niner definately has the geometry dialed in, and I was so impressed with this bike that I sold my 26" 5-inch FS and hardtail bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Texican
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX, USA Date Reviewed: February 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Comfort
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Ninerbikes.com
Strengths:
Excellent build quality, beautiful finish, great geometry and superior handling
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Lots of 26ers
Bike Setup:
Stans ZTR 355 disc rims laced to King Hubs with DT swiss double butted spokes Maxxis Ignitors, with stans no tubes sealant XO shifters and rear derailleur XTR crank and front derailleur Juicy seven brakes Race Face Deus seat post and flat bar Tompson X2 stem Oury grips
Bottom Line:
Niner has really got 29er geometry dialed in. The bike handles like no other. I have always felt a little squirly on a 26er, however, the Niner has eliminated that feeling. While I am sure that part of the ride is the result of it being a 29er, I am absolutely blown away with how great it rides. I am 6'2" and the XL frame is perfect. The bike is not sluggish at all, and I consistently clean difficult areas that used to hang me up on my full suspension bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seth
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI, USA Date Reviewed: January 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Levis/Trow Mounds
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
www.ninerbikes.com
Strengths:
The ride quality on this machine is awesome. It's a comfortable bike to ride single track on all day long. With the suggested American Classic wheels on this bad boy you don't feel sluggish out of the corners. I had a Fisher Rig before with the stock wheels and it was a tank to get moving if you scrubbed your speed around a corner. This bike is quick out of the start and easy to keep moving with the big wheels. I had some issues with mud clearance and wheel clearance on the Rig. Goodbye are those days with the EMD 9! I have not had any issues with tire rub on the chain stays. I did the 2006 October Beachwood Blaster this year on it on rainy cold weather with lots of mud and there were no issues. (I’m running Bontrager Jones XR 29's that are 2.25in wide.) We are talking LOTS of mud at the Beachwood Blaster!!!
I shopped around for 29er frames and nothing came close to the price vs. quality comparison of this frame. After I unpacked it when it came shipped from Niner, I immediately noticed the quality craftsmanship on the frame. The welds are beautiful and I was satisfied to with all attention to detail on the frame. The stainless head tube batch is very well done. Everywhere that you attach something to the frame had the paint removed at the contact points. I didn't need to shave off excess paint anywhere when I built up the bike. Feathery light at 3.5lbs. (I believe it's a hair less than the comparable Orbea 29er.)
Fit of the bike was a little different experience than with 26" bikes. I normally have to run a setback post on medium frame b/c I'm usually on the high end of a medium frame. (5-10 and 180.) This bike was no different and I'm running the Thompson 31.6mm x 410mm w/ Setback and it feels good. The stem and bar combo was where the fit was different. I originally had a 100mm Ritchey Pro stem on here w/ 6º of rise, a Easton Monkey Lite XC riser bar, and about 1.5" of spacers under the stem. Wow, did I feel like I was on a hybrid! I moved to a 120mm Ritchey Pro stem w/ 6º rise and ran it upside down. I also swapped out my Mokey Lite w/ a Bontrager Race XXX Lite OS Carbon Flat bar and removed about 1" of spacers from the steerer tube. After these fitting changes the bike feels much better and fits me great. I can't wait for the trails to reopen this Spring in Wisconsin and give this ride some more saddle time! I love this bike!
Weaknesses:
My 26" friends say I look big going through the woods.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Rig
Bike Setup:
Frame size: Medium Stem: 120mm Ritchey Pro Bar: 610mm Bontrager XXX Lite Grips: Lizard Skin Lockons Fork: 2005 Rock Shox Reba Race 29er Brakes: Avid BB7 Mechnical Disks w/ 160 mm roters (F/R) Brake levers: Avid FR-5 Crank: Race Face Dues 175mm Bottom Bracket: Race Face Dues Chain rings: Just one - 32t and a TruVativ's 3mm CNC'd alloy guard Chain: SRAM PC69 Front derailuer: NGEAR Jump Stop Rear Derailuer: SRAM XO Medium Cage Cassette: Shimano XT 11-32t Wheelset: American Classic mtb29 Seatpost: Thompson 31.6mm x 410mm w/ Setback Seat: Bontrager Race X Lite Tires: Bontrager Jones XR 29 Tubes: Stans 26" Rim Strips headset: Cane Creek S1
Bottom Line:
It's fast. It's comfortable. It's light. The price is great. I love it!
Buy it: Buy it if you like 29er bikes and you're looking for a bike that you can race all day on or fly through your favorite single track.
Don't buy it: Don't buy it if you think 29er is a fad and you won't change over from a 26".
Value: 5 Chilis b/c other 29er frames of this weight and quality will cost you more.
Overall: 5 Chilis b/c Niner are swaweet and I wish I was riding my EMD 9 right now!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Milf hunter
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: November 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Direct from Niner.
Strengths:
Great price, lightweight, stiff,
Weaknesses:
Paint scratches easily. Only available in black. Required seatpost is a 31.6 x 400mm. This limits your options.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Frankenbike.
Bottom Line:
A good value for the money and a good option for a light 29er hardtail. The headtube and BB shell come faced easing assembly at home if you are building it yourself. I was a little concerned the steep headtube angle would make for a squirrely bike but this has not been the case, even during high speed downhill runs. Overall a very good frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Big Levels
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
bike29.com
Strengths:
Price, Quality, Weight, Color, ...
Weaknesses:
Paint BUT they send extra.
Similar Products Used:
On One, Paragon, BM Flyer, KM
Bike Setup:
Reba Race 100mm, AmClassic hoops, some gears, ...
Bottom Line:
For the price it is a dream 29er. Then again the 29er thing is just a fad so I'll end up selling it on e-Bay in a few weeks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flea
a Racer
from USA Date Reviewed: July 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
Niner Bikes
Strengths:
Fit and finish, vertical compliance, lateral stiffness, value to price ratio.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
On One 29er Inbred
Bottom Line:
Great inexpensive yet high quality 29er frame. About 2 pounds lighter than my sold On One, yet every bit as comfortable. Builds up easily since Niner preps the head tube and BB for you. With an 80mm Reba the handling is perfect for east coast riding. I can't say anything bad about it at all. Highly recommended if you're looking for a 29er!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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