The most versatile frame in the Niner fleet - Single speed it or gear it depending on your mood. Custom drawn Reynolds 853 tube set throughout the frame is one of the details and extras which make this frame ride so smooth. Single speed? Geared? 1x9? No problem. Comes stock with Niner's new Bio-Centric EBB system so you have the best riding, hassle-free, do everything frame on the market today.
Custom drawn Reynolds 853 steel with size specific tubing
Niner designed drop outs that accommodate either a bolt on derailleur hanger, or single speed insert for a clean look when running only one gear
Super light 117 gram Niner exclusive Bio-Centric eccentric bottom bracket system
Solid Gold or Root Beer colors available for 2009
Custom drawn 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
Not sure yet, jury is still out on the new EBB, but so far, so good.
Similar Products Used:
Quiring Ti, Air 9
Bike Setup:
Size medium with Fox 100, 355's, 1x9 setup with Middleburn cranks, 24 lbs. even.
Bottom Line:
Love it. Replacement for my recalled Jet 9, which I also loved to ride and race, and honestly, I don't know that I'll be keeping the 2010 Jet when it shows up. I've raced the Sir 3 times, the first two of which were rocky and rooty, off-camber, climb-heavy affairs, and the bike felt so intuitive. I expected it to feel lighter and more nimble than the Jet on the climbs, which it did, but I wasn't prepared for how smooth it was on the rough stuff; I wasn't beat up at all afterwards. Granted, it doesn't ride as smoothly over obstacles on the trail as the Jet, but, to my surprise, I'm not missing that feeling. And compared to the Air 9, which I also was fine with, far, far smoother with a more stable, less twitchy feel. Very highly recommended frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sngltrkr
a Weekend Warrior
from Deerfield IL USA Date Reviewed: September 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Des Plaines River
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$849.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
Fast, smooth ride
Weaknesses:
Welds, finish
Similar Products Used:
Kona Unit
Bike Setup:
Race Face crank, stem, bars, post; XTR deraileurs; Oro brakes; custom wheels by Speed Dreams (King hubs, Mavic rims, etc.); Oury lock on grips; Crank Bros pedals; King headset; Rock Shox Reba Race fork
Bottom Line:
First saw the Sir-9 about two years ago and on a business trip to LA I stopped by Niner office to look at the bike. Met Chris and he let me do a test ride. Came back home and bought a frame, built the bike and have been riding it for a little over a year now. I'm at 24 lb. with gears and all (small frame), and that's without any titanium or carbon fiber bits. Like the bike so much I'm thinking about getting another one to set up as a single speed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Swederacer
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, FL Date Reviewed: August 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Still looking
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$740.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Steel, Geometry,
Weaknesses:
Made in Taiwan
Similar Products Used:
Cannonbomb, Diamondback (when Diamond back was a true mountainbike) Prof-Flex 857, Titus Racer X..
Bike Setup:
Elseworth wheels, Fox 32, Truvativ noir Crank, Hope X2 brakes, XTR, Chris King, Thompson Elite, Monkeylite, Selle Flite
Bottom Line:
Sub 25lbs Steel ride. Love it after the first few rides. I am a recovering coach potato that just got back riding. After the first few rides- this bike is way more than I am a rider.. Fast, efficient, easy on your body, 18 miles riding yesterday with a very fast group at Santos in Florida. Climbed stuff with ease. I was one of very few riders in group to clear the slippery sideways log on the trail.. It was all thanks to this great bike. A few small minded "kiddie" bike riders on their 26" then gave a nod to the bike at that point. Others still called it the circus bike or wagon wheel bike. I'm sure they still have 14" rims on their BMW M3's-just like the BMW 2002 had back in the day. I will post more reviews as we go along and as I pick up the speed and start racing it locally. I highly recommend this bike to anyone looking at making the switch, that is if you can find one.. One big drawback is the fact it is made in Taiwan and not here in the USA where their R&D and HQ is located. That's why I give it four Chillis for value, but still a five overall....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
twowheels00
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: June 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Rim Trail, Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
built myself
Strengths:
Nimble, light, quick, feels like a full suspension XC, and turns into a mountain goat!
Weaknesses:
None so far
Bike Setup:
Fox F29 RLC
American Classic SS 29 wheelset
Thomsen seatpost and stem
Hayes Stoker 6" brakes
RaceFace XC SS crankset
Crank Bros. Headset & pedals
Tomac rubber
Bottom Line:
All my friends I ride with that weigh 60-100 lbs lighter than me cant believe how fast I climb! Im a big guy (250), but with this bike I feel like 150. Super fast uphill, nimble, but with a softail feel on the downhill. I haven't touched my FS since I built it, and probably wont for a while! It's my second SS and the 29" raise is well worth it, and key for a SS in my thoughts. Can I even say this..... UPHILL is a lot of fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cactus boy
a Cross Country Rider
from albuquerque, NM USA Date Reviewed: April 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
otero canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
bike coop
Strengths:
I've had this frame built up for about 2 weeks, used on fast single track. It takes fast corners like it's on a rail, 29er rolls over smaller rocks. Nice quality steel (Reynolds 853); feels lighter on climbs than it should.
Weaknesses:
None so far. Frame is not the lightest.
Similar Products Used:
rig, monocog, haro ss, specialized 29er hardtail SS (all test ridden)
Bike Setup:
single speed, 32x18T, Reba, truvativ cranks, Juicy 7's
Bottom Line:
My first 29er and my first SS. Makes me wonder what took me so long! but definitely rides very well. I enjoy it primarily on moderately technical singletrack, especially on fast corners. The geometry seems perfect for trail rides: the 29er wheels don't seem sluggish, though it does seem to like to maintain momentum. Also fun on climbs and descents. good change up from my other MTB (long travel geared bike)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
roncentric
a Cross Country Rider
from Williamsport, PA Date Reviewed: April 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Vultures Knob
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Freeze-Thaw
Strengths:
Smoooooooooth steel ride! Geometry provides for precise handling of the big wheels. Not heavy. Looks very cool.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Not real similar but I dismantled my Fisher Rig for this bike. The SIR is superior in every aspect!
Bike Setup:
Single Speed. New Niner eccentric with Crank Bro BB. Thomson stem & seatpost. S-Works riser bar. Avid BB7. White Industries Hubs on Velocity Blunts. Panaracer Rampage tires.
Bottom Line:
Just built the bike and only have a couple of rides on it - I must say it's sweet. Will report back after 6 months. I rode an S-Works Epic for 1.5 years, then purchased a 29er and never looked back. This steel frame really seals the deal. After selling the Epic, I debated buying another full squishy or a Dos Niner which I consider a 1.5 squishy. Glad I went with the steel hard-tail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pinkheadedbug
a Cross Country Rider
from ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 5, 2009
Favorite Trail:
the next one
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Bike29.com
Strengths:
Fast, steel, everything they say it is.
Weaknesses:
Seatpost slippage when new. Original Niner EBB was flawed, new one is wonderful.
Similar Products Used:
Niner RIP9, Misfit diSSent, Commencal Meta 5.2, Kona Jake the Snake
Bike Setup:
SS, Formula K18s, XT cranks, Blackspire ring.
Bottom Line:
This is a long-term follow up on the review below (search for 'unSane').
Is now set up as a SS (18x32) which IMO is how the bike wants to be ridden.
Have not got much to say about it except BUY. ONE. NOW. This still gets ridden more than any bike I have. It's fun, it's fast, it's light, and it make converts to both 29ers and SS everywhere it goes. Loves to jump, loves to go fast, floats over trail gnarl, can ride it all day without fatigue. Mine is SO beaten up, but it's an absolute classic. Wants to be set up as SS. In ten years time I still expect to be riding this.
5 chilis on all counts. Having ridden, I would buy it again at twice the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tri2bfit
a Racer
from Greensboro, NC Date Reviewed: January 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wild Turkey
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Steel, Somewhat Light for steel, Excellent Geometry, Looks, etc
Weaknesses:
Can't think of any!
Similar Products Used:
Giant hardtail, Cannondale hardtail, Specialized S-works M5 hardtail, S-works Epic M5 and Carbon full suspension, Serotta
Bottom Line:
Excellent quality and geometry. The steel ride quality is excellent - the steel and 29 inch wheels dampens the harshness of the trail and makes the ride feel more like a short travel full suspension 26 inch wheel bike. Takes the chatter out of the rooty/rutty sections. The 29er is superb for single speed and climping, due to the longer wheel base and increased tire contact with the ground. This is my first single speed and I'm not missing the 26 inch geared full suspension. Try it... you'll love it!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RUNDCM
a Cross Country Rider
from olney maryland Date Reviewed: September 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Had Schwalbe Furious Freds on it,I remember that.
Everything else was a blur.
Bottom Line:
The reviews on this bike are the truth.
I've had a RIP 9 for about a month and enjoy it immensely.... My buddy said " I want to ride your RIP You will ride my S.S 29 er . I thought after 1/2 hour I could ask for the RIP back. 3 hours later I was still on it.
SIR 9 is awsome. It was all rigid setup.
climbs unreal. Can snap it back on the line so fast its incredable. logs-18" drop offs, rocks,-no problem!! I was amazed how this bike handled it all.
The main reason I wrote a review about the RIP was so I justify writing a review here on how much I liked it even though I only rode it three hours. After the ride I call my buddy and apologized for not offering it back to him once he was finished riding my RIP.
This was first time ever on a S.S.
Now I gotta have it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mjaraica
a Cross Country Rider
from Rowland Heights Date Reviewed: August 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
SART
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
feels like a FS bike, steel flex, geometry, precise
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
s-works, santa Cruz Chameleon
Bike Setup:
rigid carbon fork, ss, flat bar. crossmax tubeless, the rest thompson and ck with slr and panaracer rampage.
Bottom Line:
Today was my first ride on a 29er. The ride was a dream. I did the same trail with less effort and much better control. The bike inspires a lot of confidence and control and wants to keep going fast. Momentum is your best friend going up. I felt pedaling on the saddle was very effective while off the saddle was like a turbo. There are not words to describe the feeling. I feel like I found the missing lynk. What a great product! I feel like having so much fun finding the line and just let the bike go over it efforless.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lucid
a Cross Country Rider
from North Georgia Date Reviewed: July 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Tanasi (SS)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
-Steel (compliance, springy, Reynolds)
-Can be set up as a SS or geared (via EBB and add on dropouts included with frame)
-29"
Weaknesses:
None that I have found.
However, the odd seat collar size might annoy some.
Similar Products Used:
First 29er, first single speed.
Rode and still ride a Motolite
Bike Setup:
WS= Hope Pro II hubs laced to Stan's ZTR Flows
Eno crank (32)
Surly cog (20)
Eggbeaters
RF post
WTB saddle
FSA stem
Sette slr HB (rotate back a bit and it gives good sweep)
Ergon grips
Avid BB 7 brakes
CC head set
Rampage (front)
Igniter (rear
Bottom Line:
The ride is truly unbelievable for a hardtail. I feel as if it has about an inch to an inch and a half of travel. I love the springiness of the steel; it has great compliance, and it smooths out small bumps and trail chatter well.
When single speeding, I have found that momentum is your friend, and the 29" wheels keep things rolling. The 29"s allow for a point and shoot experience and the ability to keep up your speed (corners, roots, rocks, etc). All of this is crucial to single speeding.
I love the design, I love the size, and I love the steel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie The Bikemonger
a Cross Country Rider
from Dorset - England (in Europe) Date Reviewed: April 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
the one most resistance
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
charliethebikemonger.com
Strengths:
Unreal ride Great handling Great fit
Weaknesses:
rearward facing slot in seat tube clamp area
Similar Products Used:
Surly karate Monkey, Fisher Rig, redline, and a few others
Bike Setup:
Rigid, 32:17 single speed, azonic bars, 180mm cranks, Time pedals
Bottom Line:
Biking nirvana, damned smooth ride, very nible, very fast, and a really great twang to the frame. Gotta love that all tubes are 853. The fork is great. The orange colour looks brilliant. It also looks just right, some 29ers look a bit odd, a bit stretched, but this looks like a 26er, only a tad larger, the proportions look and feel good. The front end is tad higher than many 29ers, and this is a good thing for us big guys. Just another factor that makes the ride enchanting. The guys at niner are real nice fellows. If you think you might like one, get one, you will love it. This is very likely to be a bike I will keep forever, or until I die... which ever comes first.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grommett
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: January 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
National
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Slippery Pig Frame...DNA Built up
Strengths:
Handling, comfort, FUN!
Weaknesses:
Seat tube seems to slip down no matter how hard I crank the QR
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper Sworks convert to SS
Bike Setup:
XL Tang, I-9 on Stans Flow, C-King cog/ Headset, THomson stem n post, Sram Hollow pin chain, Juicy Carbon 160, Fox F29
Bottom Line:
Ok, we all have heard the hype..29 in wheels this...blah blah. I don't know how other 29ers are, but this bike is so much f**king fun I can't describe it. I love the simplicity and quite ride of a single speed...it is like being a kid again, but now I can really ride! I am not having any problems except on the most difficult of climbs and I see no deficiencies over my 26" Stumpy Sworks FSR as far as the handling goes. Since I am 6'3, the larger frame needed to accomodate the wheels is really no bigger than my 26" trail bike. It decends confidently and although I do miss a little bit of the rear travel from my FSR, the steel rides so much nicer than my previous Aluminum hardtail. Seriously, if you have even considered it...do it. I took a gamble and it was worth every penny. I am thinking of selling my FSR frame and fork and buidling a 29er FS now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, MI, USA Date Reviewed: November 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Addison Oaks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great at climbing and on the flats, perfect fit for me ( 5'10" w/med frame). Love the bike!!
Weaknesses:
front derailleur. I have used two versions of the recommended derailleur but with my measurements i need the EBB to be at the 6 o-clock position. Manufacturer recommends the EBB to be at the 9 o-clock position for best performance, which is true.. It works well at 9 but at 6 the derailleur become less dependable for shifting.
Bottom Line:
Great bike frame, great feeling on the trails but I would keep it a single speed. Which is what i am going to do and move my geared components to a RIP Niner frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Lockwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Ramstein AB, GE Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anytrail my bikes on
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Niner Bikes and Jenson USA
Strengths:
Steel is Real, the frame is very reponsive and like many others have stated, climbs very well.
I had been looking for a hardtail for sometime, I called a certain mail order shop and was given the advice to look into a 29er. I did some research and happened upon NINER, I was not sure if a 29er was what I wanted. However, I participated in the Sleepless In The Saddle '07 about two months ago here in Germany. I was lucky enough to see a NINER, a Kermit Green S.I.R. 9 at the event and I was impressed with the bike. During the nightime event, riding a geared bike I could not understand how individuals with one gear were passing me on the flats and out climbing me on the climbs. Thats all that was needed, I wanted to find out what the secret was! After reading as much as I could about NINER Bikes, I finally settled on the S.I.R. 9 for the steel frame. The bike was assembled last week and I rode all weekend. The bike is very responsive and the geometry is spot on and I can't say enough about how it climbs, all weekend I climbed as many hills as I could find with a smile on my face. Bottom line, if your considering a 29er you won't go wrong with a NINER. The customer service is awesome, Chris, Bret and the crew are very helpful, the S.I.R. 9 is an awesome frame and I can't wait get ahold of my JET 9, A.I.R 9 and...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Greene
a Cross Country Rider
from Ferndale, MI Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
highland rec
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$799.00
Purchased At:
trails-edge
Strengths:
853 steel. geometry is excellent as Niner has really focused on this aspect. climbs like a goat.
Weaknesses:
none yet.
Similar Products Used:
unit 29, rig, monocog
Bike Setup:
SIR (L) godzilla green. SS set up. race face cranks, 34t chainring, 17t ENO freewheel. niner flat top bars (cut to 26 inches - these things were bull horns at 28 out of the box). thomson elite x4 stem. race face deus headset and seat post. reba race fork. dt swiss rims laced to surly new disc hubs. avid bb7s. wtb saddle. geax saguaro tires (by and large pretty optimal for XC in SE MI).
Bottom Line:
beautiful bike. Steel Is Real. buy one, set it up SS (or gear it if you so desire, given the EBB and dropout adapter), Pedal Damn It. have fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Schiebout
a Cross Country Rider
from Highlands Ranch CO Date Reviewed: August 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any trail on a 29er
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$799.00
Purchased At:
Big Kahuna Bicycles
Strengths:
It's a Niner...Well Made...Great geometry...great color (Kermit Green)
Weaknesses:
None yet...mostly my legs
Similar Products Used:
My other Niner...Air 9
Bike Setup:
Carbon bars and post, Reba SL fork, 180mm XT cranks w/ 1 32t Salsa Chain ring and a 20t surly in back. Hayes 9 Carbon dics brakes. AM Classic 29 wheels w/ a Maxxis Cross Mark 2.1 in the back and a Nanoraptor 2.1 in front.
Bottom Line:
I haven't owned a steel bike in 17yrs. It rides great because of the steel frame, the Niner Geometry and the fact that it is a 29er.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chip
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte Date Reviewed: July 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Black Sheep Cycles
Strengths:
Compliant, sized right, reasonably light, well made...
Weaknesses:
None!
Similar Products Used:
Surly Karate Monkey
Bike Setup:
Reba Race, Stylo GXP SS w/o bash, White Industries Freewheel, Thomson post and stem, Chris King hs, Fleegle bar w/ Ergons, Brooks Team Pro (butchered), Salsa Delgado rims, Surly Disc hubs, WTB Weirwolf LT 2.55, Candy SL, Avid BB7s
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike. Perfect for all-around cross country riding. Climbs like a scalded goat, floats over logs and rocks, and is comfortable to boot. STEEL IS REAL!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Lansdale PA USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2007
This bike is so much fun to ride. 23lbs.super fast climbs everything even singlespeed and flys around corners. gets over 2-3foot logs and down 2-3ft drops no problem. i use this bike more than my 7" travel freeride bike it is so much fun. buy nothing but niner if you are looking for a 29er that reallydoes anything a 26 will do and then alot more. I am still ear to ear smile everytime I get on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Racer
from Fort Wayne, In Date Reviewed: June 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Winona
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$799.00
Purchased At:
South Lyon Cycles
Strengths:
This bike climbs like mad! Seems lighter than it should being steel. It carries momentum on every climb. This thing really carves every turn beatifully.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Monocog flight 29er
Bike Setup:
XT Crank, Juicy 7s, Ritchey post and stem, Easton HB, Cane Creek ergo bar ends, Pace 29 carbon fork, American Classic 29ers.
Bottom Line:
This bike rides incredibly smooth and seriously makes you a better rider. The geometry is unsurpassed. Every time I ride it I smile like I've won the lottery. I try not to talk about it too much around other riders because I'm sure I get annoying talking about how smooth it carries huge logs and tremendous hills. I ride it SS. This is my first SS and it made the transition very easy. I truly believe this bike has made me a better rider and can't wait to race it. Definitely get one if you are a XC rider and give it a try rigid with a pace 29 carbon. It is smooth and handles like a dream. Enjoy!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jose Alvarez
a Cross Country Rider
from Fullerton, CA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Niner
Strengths:
For a Steel frame it's way lighter than I expected. Geometry rocks! so, it climbs like a goat... very fast!! climbing or downhilling
Weaknesses:
NONE!
Similar Products Used:
Monocog 29er
Bike Setup:
CK headset, Reba 29er Fork, Rampage on the front and Small Block 8 Kenda rear(not for long), 240's DT SS hubs on Salsa Delgados rims, White Ind Black Crank Set/Shimmano BB, CB Acid Petals, Surly 19 gear on the rear/White Ind 32 gear on the front. El Camino Hydro Brakes, WTB saddle. Wide bars
Bottom Line:
I've been drooling for a while on these frames so finally I pulled the trigger and bough my self a nice Kermit Green Med frame. I love the color but that’s not why I have a huge smile every time I hit the dirt on this new frame. First of all this bike climbs so much better than my old 29er. The Geometry rocks! I can climb longer and faster than before with out loosing extra energy on the process. I love the feel when I ride on the saddle after a nice long hard climb OFF the saddle. It seems to help my body relax and rest better. This is a big PLUS for me b/c it helps me climbing longer and faster and rest better in between. I’m doing faster laps on my local trail and I can actually feel my self pedaling faster and harder trough out the ride. The handling is very solid especially on the technical switchbacks that used to give me problems when I did the 26er thing. The REBA works great with this frame. I feel secure and in control when I’m doing the fast technical single tracks. SPEED IS GOOD!! I love it ;oP
I love the EBB concept. Never had a bike with one before so it has me really exited and happy when I have to deal with my chain witch is not much anymore!
Customer service is top notch IMO!! Chris has done an excellent job helping me out trough this experience. Great Job Niner.
I’ve been doing the dirt thing for a little over 6 years now. Single Speeding (29er) for only about a year now. And after buying this frame I would like to say that this bike is my favorite bike and the only bike I ride now in days. I ride it single and this frame helps my rides keep it simple. I ride more, faster and happier than ever. If anyone has questions just ask. This is one happy Niner owner that LOVEs his bike and that wants to share the fun with everyone looking for a fun new ride…
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vince
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh Pa Date Reviewed: April 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The way this bike climbs & sticks to the trail is fantastic
Weaknesses:
none to speak of
Similar Products Used:
I gave up a sugar 2 for this bike. This is my first 29
Bike Setup:
avid bb7 disc brakes, all xt drivetrain & shifters, chris king head set, american classic wheels
Bottom Line:
This is the third mountain bike I have purchased & by far the most rewarding. These guys at Niner have taken Customer Service to a new level. I had a slight problem when I first built the bike and Chris from Niner spent the time on the phone with me to determine that the head set had been installed incorect. He also followed up with me after the fact to make sure everything was ok. Do not hesitate on purchasing one of their bikes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
unSane
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Kingdom Trails or Kolapore
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
bike29.com
Strengths:
It's steel, 29" and orange. Wonderful compliance and springiness, very light for steel, produces a big sh*t-eating grin when ridden. Terrific versatility, quality & customer service. Great geometry... what's not to like?
Weaknesses:
On the medium frame I get slight toe strikes on the front wheel (size 45 shoes, IRC Mythos tires). Seat tube slips easily even with Salsa clamp. Other than that, nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Trek hybrids, various borrowed 26" mtbs.
Bike Setup:
Medium tang SIR9, reba fork, American Classic/IRC Mythos wheelset (and a WTB dual duty/XT hub wheelset with slicks), SRAM X9 3x9 drivetrain, 160mm BB7s, sette bars and seatpost, WTB saddle.
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome frame, springy and lively, very fast. Despite being a hardtail the steel + bent rear stays produces an astoundingly compliant ride. I nicknamed my bike Tigger because it feels like it wants to bunnyhop the whole time. Easily the most fun bike I've ever ridden. Point and shoot downhill, great grip uphill. It certainly asks to be ridden faster than is safe but then does you the favour of getting you out of the trouble you got yourself into. With slicks and the poplock it also makes a *very* fast and comfortable commuting bike.
Being steel, you don't feel afraid to throw it off drops, which is a big plus.
Get one... you'll love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from MA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$799.00
Purchased At:
Ninerbikes.com
Strengths:
Ride Quality, Geometry, Aesthetics, Customer Service. I could go on and on... I like everything about this bike.
Weaknesses:
Nope
Similar Products Used:
This is my first steel bike and my first full 29er. Carver 96er SS, S.C. Blur LT, Epic Marathon, Stumpy FSR
Bike Setup:
Large godzilla green SIR 9, Maverick SC32, ZTR 355 rims on Mav. front hub and DT 240 rear, XT crank, X0 rear der., X9 grip shift, Thomson stem and post, Specialized Fast Trak, Deus Bar
Bottom Line:
I am 5'11" with a fairly long inseam and the large fits well (I originally ordered a medium and it was too small). This is the first steel bike I have ever ridden and the first 29er and I am just amazed how well the two do together; The ride is incredibly compliant, yet stiff and fast where it needs to be. The Niner geometry creates a bike that handles intuitively and inspires confidence over ALL types of terrain. It is amazing what this bike can do! Not to mention the 853 tubing and godzilla green color are fun to look at. I am sold on 29" wheel bikes and I love my S.I.R. Nine!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RandyA
a Cross Country Rider
from Dearborn, MI USA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Niner Bikes
Strengths:
Very smooth feel as you'd come to expect from 853 steel. Niner geometry is almost perfect for me (long inseam & arms) and fits me great. Solid build quality and very nice paint.
Weaknesses:
None to speak of.
Similar Products Used:
Surly Karate Monkey
Bike Setup:
Wheels: Delgado, Hope XC, DT Comps (36) - all silver Tires: Panaracer FireCross F/R (also use Kenda Klaw on Ft) Fork: Niner steel (Tang, b/c you have to match the frame y'know... ) H-bar: Airborne Ti Stem: Thomson - silver Seatpost:Thomson - silver Saddle: Selle Italia Flite Grips: ODI Rogue Bar End: Cane Creek Shifters: SRAM 5.0 F/D: SRAM X-gen R/D: SRAM 7.0 Cassette: SRAM 12-26 BB: Phil Wood Ti Crankarms: RF Turbines - silver Chainrings: RF 24-34, RF 46 outer Chain: SRAM PC-59 Brakes: Avid Mech Levers: Avid SD7
Bottom Line:
With the matching Niner fork this bike is just pure joy to ride. I wanted a solid build with a smoother ride than my KM and the SIR delivers right on target. If you're looking for a great riding steel frame without having to go custom, you really should consider the SIR.
I'm not really sold on the EBB concept though - but I'm not a SS'er so that's just me. I'm glad Niner is coming up with a geared-only version of the SIR.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Saint Paul MN Date Reviewed: October 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Lebanon/Memorial
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$725.00
Purchased At:
NowBikes and Fitness
Strengths:
The fit and finish, feel, quality materials, customer service...a good group of people.
Weaknesses:
Have not found one.
Similar Products Used:
RIG, Monocog
Bike Setup:
Tang color,SS, Reba fork, HOPE M4s, WCS post and stem, CK headset, Race Face cranks, NINER bar.
Bottom Line:
The bike is incredible. I went from a nice fs bike to this. I was worried about the ride, but it feels better to me than my previous ride. Being 220, I am hard on bikes...this one seems like it'll do just fine.
The handling on this bike is nice and tight. I have been on other 29ers (and a bunch of 26") that do not even come close to feeling this good. Very happy with this choice...and would recommend to anyone looking for a 29er!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DeeZee
a Weekend Warrior
from San Clemente CA USA Date Reviewed: September 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Holy Jim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$640.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Reynolds 853 Breezer style dropouts Geared or SS Color choices 72 degree HA (overall geometry) Frame arrives at your door ready to go (no frame prep except for some grease)
Weaknesses:
The new XT M760 DP drl fits close to the tire. You must use a traditional XT 28.6 BP (the drl the frame was designed for) to attain proper tire clearance.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher 292 Fisher Rig and Q-Ball
Bike Setup:
Geared with Reba fork, Hadley hubs / Stan’s rims.
Bottom Line:
This is my 4th 29’er and so far my favorite. The bike fits me great and the ride is as smooth as advertised. Laterally stiff but still it is compliant over the bumps. The Godzilla Green looks killer and it handles great. The only negative is that the new XT M760 DP universal drl fits really close to a 2.1 tire. After consulting with the guys at Niner they sent me an “older style” / “traditional” 28.6 BP drl. The guys at Niner need to change their website and explain to their customers the issue.
I was really tempted to get a custom frame but now that I have the SIR I am glad I didn’t.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a
from Australia Date Reviewed: August 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
majura pines
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Purchased At:
MTB Precision Brisbane
Strengths:
The feel of steel, excellent handling. Quite light. Versaitle SS or geared dropout option. Eccentric bottom bracket is easy to use, reliable and works very well. Avid Juicy Seven brakes were cheap through Niner Bikes.
Weaknesses:
The build price caused me grief at first. I wanted a beautiful, solid bike and it cost me. 29" tires are kinda heavy and very hard to find around here. "Do you mean 26"? No, I've never seen one".
Similar Products Used:
26" MTB, steel road bikes.
Bike Setup:
XL frame, rigid singlespeed. Pricey build. Niner rigid forks, Thompson post and stem, Jones H-bars, Avid Juicy 7 brakes, Maxxis Ignitors on Velocity VXC rims on Chris King hubs. Middleburn Uno cranks, old WTB saddle.
Bottom Line:
This bike was my first good quality bike, first 29er, first singlespeed since the Schwinn cruiser. I went WAY over budget to build it with shiny, expensive, high-end parts. I was grieved by the expense at first but I have fallen in love with this bike! I have ridden it almost every day on various surfaces including road, fire trails, and singletrack. I am continually amazed at how well this bike handles, considering its size. It is long and tall. The effective top tube length is over 25", but the geometry is spot on. It corners fast, climbs steadily and descends solidly.
Yes, some 29ers look funny, but my XL frame makes the 29er look proportional to a 26er, and though I am not very very tall (6'2") it fits me fine.
I feel extremely confident on this bike and I try to ride fast all the time. (SS permitting) Singlespeed is great fun and highly recommended, even if you sometimes feel you are never in the right gear.
29" tires DO roll really well, over bumps, roots and corrugations. Big tires means lower pressures means more grip and a plusher ride. I chose a rigid fork to save money and maintenance, and I don't feel inclined to change it.
Due to a series of thorn punctures I put heavy 26" DH tubes in mine so I do feel the weight on the big climbs. Maxxis ultra thin tubes worked very well before the bindis came out in summer.
I built this bike with nice parts and so far everything has worked faultlessly. I don't know if I would have got the same performance from cheaper parts but in hindsight I might have chosen a more "working class" build.
Anyone who is in the market for a MTB should consider a S.I.R. 9. Tall riders will especially love this 29er "fad".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KC Mares
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: July 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe Rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
1500.00
Strengths:
Strong frame with excellent feedback. Frame does not flex yet seems to be smooth and very responsive.
Weaknesses:
???? Uh, paint scratches when it hits a rock? No really, I can't think of any, OK one: the rear skewer slipped within the dropouts on the first few rides. It sticks great now.
Similar Products Used:
No other 29" MTBikes but plenty of 26" wheeled mtn bikes.
Bike Setup:
American Classic wheels, Rock Shox Reba, Avid 7, Synros cranks, Niner bar, 32-20 tooth single speed.
Bottom Line:
Rides fast. Light, strong, great balance of geometry. I can huck this bike off 3-4' rocks going fast and land better and smoother than on my 4.5" travel Superlight. The wide bars are a blessing once you get through a few rides. I can't stand narrow bars now. I can outride almost anyone on 26" full suspension bikes b/c of the lighter weight and commitment that a single-speed creates.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Beto Villegas
a Racer
from Sierra Vista, AZ Date Reviewed: June 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Beto's Way
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
M&M Cycling
Strengths:
Sweet
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Spot Brand SS, Gary Fisher Rig, and many, many lightweight geared bikes.
Bike Setup:
Niner build kit, Easton low rise bars, Salsa Scandium Stem (110m x 0 rise), Thompson Seatpost (410m), Selle Italia SLK Gel Flow Saddle, Chris King headset, Bontrager SS Racelight cranks (180), Bontrage Jones with Stans kit, Candy SL pedals.
Bottom Line:
I race XC and endurance. I always wanted a setup that I could use for both purposes and no sacrifices (weight/geometry, etc.), I finally found the sweet spot, Sir 9. I didn't get it because of it's diversity, but for it's geometry and the feeling of steel. I was considering Ti, but after my buddy dinged his brand new Lightspeed frame, I knew steel was for me. I purchased the Godzilla Green, eventhough red is my favorite color. I love the Green, it is SWEEEET!!!
For those wondering about the geometry. I am 5'11 and I purchased the medium, perfect fit. With the above specs you should have no problem dialing in. I spend several rides dialing in, spending most of time off the bike making adjustments. I am anal when it comes to dialing in.
Bottom line, get it you won't be disappointed. Don't get caught up in the 29er vs 26er debate, it's a bike with two wheels with forward momentum, need I say more. One more thing, if this has any worth, this is the sweetest ride I have ever had and this is a keeper. In fact, this is my only mountain bike, I dissed the rest of them. E-mail me if you have any questions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Monkey Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Bremerton, WA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Porter Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
MTBR Classified
Strengths:
This bike is mucho comfy! The geometry affords tons of standover clearance, as well as using a longer seatpost for more shocks dissipation. The rigid fork rides better than my Pace carbon or my White Brothers BW.
Niner fork, King disc hubs and headset, Monkey Lite XC bars, no name stem (nice and flexy!!!), Thomson post, Hayes discs, Oury Grips, Kenda/Bontrager rubber, Salsa rims.
Bottom Line:
I got this frame 2 days before my last solo singlespeed 24 hour race. The intention was to use it as a backup bike and convert it into a gearie when I got home. I pre-rode the course on it and decided to go with the Niner vice my Curtlo 29er. I would have raced all 12 laps on the Niner, but I broke a spoke in and had to ride the Curtlo for a couple of laps (which beat me to death). I actually preferred the rigid fork to my suspension fork and now considering selling my Curtlo in order to get another SIR-9 and run it as a gearie.
I've always loved 853 and these guys did it right. And take it from a 210 pound Clydesdale, the BB doesn't squawk or give on bit!!
Way to go Niner!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rain Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: May 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Local singletracks.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Niner Bikes.
Strengths:
Excellent attention to detail on the frame, paint [Godzilla Green] is lustrous and sexy. Reynolds steel tubing makes for a very smooth ride even when rigid. Geometry is absolutely spot-on. Frame is light and responsive with just enough flex to make it a sweet ride. EBB headtube and disc brake bosses are all machine-finished from the factory. Frame looks "custom" even though it is mass-produced.
Weaknesses:
Virtually none at all, really. I'm still trying to find a fault in mine, but I dont hold much hope in doing so.
Similar Products Used:
Niner Bikes One Niner Scandium frame.
Bike Setup:
Medium Size SIR 9 with Jones H-bars, Chunky Silicone grips, Ritchey WCS 90mm stem, King Headset, Pace 29'er Carbon fork. Avid Juicy Seven brakes with Hayes round rotors, WTB Rocket V saddle on a Moots Ti seatpost with a Salsa Liploc clamp. FSA K-Force Mega-Exo carbon crankset, Azonic platforms, Rohloff chain, Boone Ti chainwheel and rear cog. AC wheelset with WTB Exiwolf 2.3 front and rear tires and Salsa tubes.
Bottom Line:
I made a direct comparison between my One Niner and the SIR 9 and came to the conclusion that the SIR 9 is the better all round cross country bike, simply because it just feels nicer to ride.
The frame geometry is perfect.
I have set up the SIR 9 as a rigid singlespeed, but have also tried it geared using a Rohloff SpeedHub and a Reba front fork set at 100mm travel.
It works equally well in both configurations, but I prefer it as a rigid singlespeed. The original Niner steel fork which matches the frame colour works nicely on the bike, but I like the lighter weight of the carbon Pace which I have fitted to it.
The handling of this frame is impeccable. It has the typical lovely flex of the fine classic steel frame that only makes it sweeter to ride. There is no noticeable bad flexing or wandering in hard corners and the frame tracks straight and true. This is a very very good feeling Reynolds steel frame.
Standover height is great, allowing shorter riders like me to experience the advantages of the big wheels without having to be concerned about the family jewels... :)
The guys at Niner Bikes are fantastic with after-sales service and warranty back-up. Chris and Steve are enthusiastic and ride what they sell. The packages they offer are a bargain.
I honestly think that you can't go wrong with one of these sweet steel frames. The bike can be set up with gears or as a singlespeed machine. The EBB is very easy to adjust to get the correct chain tension, and doesn't slip when locked down.
The frame builds up easily and well, it all just fits and works as intended.
Everything on the bike works very well, and makes it easy to live with. Set up as a rigid singlespeed, there is virtually zero maintenance. It's just ride it .... and ride it some more.
I love this bike. The Godzilla Green colour is so ... executive, not "flashy"... it just grows on you. I find myself staring at the bike, admiring it's 'stealthy' dark green paint and red touches on the frame. It looks so business like. No garishness about it, no bright 'lollipop' "look-at-me" kiddie colours, just all high class and no nonsense dark green.
The fine green-painted Reynolds tubing exudes a sort of deadly purpose like a stealth aircraft, dark and oh_so_cool looking. The ride backs up the look. I can heartily recommend this bike to anyone wanting to get into a quality machine with 29'er wheels.
I think that it is very good value for the money, and the sweet-riding steel frame feels fantastic.
I have no hesitation in awarding it 5/5.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Sprague
a
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: April 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Big Boulder, 2nd Divide
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Niner Bikes.com
Strengths:
Ride quality, build quality, great paint, flexibility between one speed and geared, customer service
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
Niner Rigid Fork, Chris King Headset, Hope Mono Mini, Race Face Deus cranks/bb, Bontrager Mustang wheelset (to be replaced with DT Swiss 240's), Easton EA70 seatpost, WTB Laser V Steath saddle, Specialized Wide Boy bar, Ritchey WCS stem, dkg clamp
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! If you're looking for a hardtail that rides like a softtail and can switch between a one speed and gears, this is the bike. Coming off a full suspension 26" bike and going to a fully rigid one speed was not as harsh as one would think. The 853 tubes and nice Reynolds fork rides real nice. In conjunction with the big wheels, the bike is like having suspension. Details of the frame and fork are first rate. I checked over the paint which was perfect and the welds looked very good. I was quite impressed with the overall quality. Chris and Steve at Niner have been great to talk with about frame sizing and questions about frame details. I purchased this frame and fork in the pre buy back in November and was delivered to me within two days of them receiving the frames in January. I recommend this bike to those who want to try out the 29er thing without the high price of a custom frame but the look of custom. Riding this bike has converted me to the big wheels. Join the Big Wheel Revolution!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Anderson
a
from Waterbury, VT Date Reviewed: April 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Joe's and his ugly step sister
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Five Hills Bikes
Strengths:
Light, strong, great welds
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
None...first 29", also own a Klein Pulse pro which is now a single speed, and a Elsworth Truth
Bike Setup:
bike was set up as a 1x9 with race face cranks, SRAM 9 speed cog and shifter, mag hydro brakes, dt hubs and salsa rims, thompson seat post, thompson stem, king headset, niner flat bar...28" a little wide need to cut down
Bottom Line:
need more ride time to feel her out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas Date Reviewed: March 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
RCP
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$749.00
Purchased At:
Ninerbikes.com
Strengths:
Great build quality. EXCELLENT customer service. Designed by a company that only does 29er's and they got the geometry right. The bike can be built as Singlespeed or geared.
Weaknesses:
I really couldn't find one.
Similar Products Used:
Ionic Johnny Rotten - not a 29er but an excellent steel SS.
Bike Setup:
Singlespeed. WI cranks, Avid Juicy 7 brakes, Salsa rims, DT hubs, Thomson stem/post, King headset
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is, this is a great bike. It holds a line through the tight switchbacks, it climbs like a goat, and the Niner geometry just feels like it was made for me. The build quality of the frame and fork are top notch and the customer service from Chris and Steve at Niner is amazing. I would buy another bike from Niner in a heartbeat and I would recommend this bike to anyone interesting in a steel, HT 29er.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Cedar Crest, NM Date Reviewed: February 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
King of the Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
High Desert Bikes
Strengths:
Colors, Geometry, 29" wheels, Versatility
Weaknesses:
Paint scratches easier than other bikes I've owned.
29" wheels are real, as is this bike (Steel Is Real = S.I.R.) The versatility of getting an EBB and a single speed dropout to run real single speed and then being able to switch the dropout for one with a derailuer hanger and go to 27 speeds allows you to experience all aspects of mountain biking. The frame is light for a steel bike w/EBB (about 4.5 lbs) and is very compliant to the rocks, roots, boulders, and the trail. In fact 29" wheels on steel is enough "suspension" for me. I'll be ditching the FS 26" bikes ASAP. Get one and support this innovative company. Their geometry allows us average people (5'10" w/ 29" inseam) to ride 29" bikes that fit better than any 26" bike I've ever owned.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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