Cadavis -
Your new Jet 9 RDO looks exactly as it is intended to look. What you are noticing is the difference between UDF and the more traditional 3k weave finish.
When you look at some carbon parts, you will see what looks like a weave pattern. This is largely a cosmetic layer of fiber whose primary purpose is to dress up the look of the carbon underneath. The weave is not structural in the case of our frames. This extra layer adds weight and a particular look that people are used to seeing.
UDF (unidirectional fiber) carbon is the pure stuff, what exists underneath those cosmetic layers on other frames. When you look at Niner's carbon parts, you will see many layers of fiber going in many different directions. These many layers are UDF, and how the UDF is layered into a mold determines the weight, stiffness, strength and ride quality of a frame. We like the pure functional look of UDF and as companies compete on weight, you will see this finish more often.
All three of our paint options show the exact same amount of carbon fiber - the Licorice bike is painted black in the same places as the Tang bike is orange.
Finally, a note on your pics - a lot of what you see in the pics is produced by the flash on your camera. Carbon fiber is very hard to photograph with a home set up - the glare of direct flash makes it particularly difficult. Even in our professional studio, we spend a lot of time on lighting, so that we can convey the look of the fiber without glare and distortion.
Cheers,
Carla
