![]() While the bike can be built as both singlespeed and a standard geared bike, our N+1 device is one gear only – a build choice that’s helped along by Niner’s BioCentric bottom bracket that lets you tune chain tension without any unsightly bolt-on devices, and cunningly engineered extras like removable cable stops. Niner’s flagship steel MTB is the SIR 9 (Steel Is Real – geddit?) and it’s as slick, as beautiful, and as clean as you could wish it to be. The future has been kind to Niner, but they’re still close to the ethos they were founded on – that your bike should be a little bit different, and a little bit special.Īnd it’s fitting that any bike featured in our N+1 story is a little bit special. ![]() Ten years later we may have a couple of wheel sizes to choose from, but 29 inch wheels have more than superceded the 26 inch versions and the mainstream agrees bigger wheels are the ultimate way to ride. He didn’t care if the ultimate way was niche, and it definitely was then – Niner is a brand for aficionados, for enthusiasts, for people willing to spend a bit extra to get something special, and always will be. ![]() In 2005 the 26-inch wheel ruled, but the company’s founder Chris Sugai was convinced that 29-inch bikes were the ultimate way to ride. Gear cables are routed internally, with the housings entering via holes in the head badge, which is a rather neat touch.Niner was founded in on a single, crazy idea. So the Air 9 Carbon comes with a hefty strip of helicopter tape along the underside of the down tube, plus titanium plates by the bottom bracket and on the chainstay to ward off damage from a dropped or sucked chain. Niner clearly realise that scraping your new, extremely expensive carbon frame would be a painful experience. If you’re doing that you can also swap the drive side dropout insert for one without a derailleur hanger for a clean look. Or the CYA system will accept Niner’s own eccentric bottom bracket system so you can tension the chain on a singlespeed setup. You can fit pretty much any kind of crank in there with the right cups. This essentially involves having a bigger hole in the frame than any bottom bracket/crank setup needs and then using adaptor cups to step it down to the required size. The tube merges seamlessly into the bottom bracket, where you’ll find Niner’s CYA bottom bracket system. Despite the girthsome tubes, the frame comes in at well under 3lb – pretty good for a big-wheeler. There’s not much point mounting a Crud Catcher to the Niner’s hexagonal down tube, for example, since the tube itself is as much mudguard as you’ll be likely to need this winter. It’s also extremely low-slung but packs huge tubes. From the tapered head tube to the carbon post mount back end it’s a state-of-the-art frame. First up, this is a fine-looking mountain bike – we’ve found that even people who go out of their way to dislike 29ers tend to like the look of it. And trying it out now it’s not hard to see why. Niner managed to cause quite a stir when they debuted the Air 9 Carbon at the trade shows a couple of years back. We’re off to look for things to sell…įrame: State-of-the-art chassis with amazing looks big tubes amplify clonks and bangs Yes, it costs all the money in the world but it’s properly ace. It’s also fast as you like and one of the best-looking bikes made by anyone, anywhere, ever. The Air 9 Carbon is race light but trail capable, stiff and comfy at the same time. Looking at the huge tubes and fat seatpost you might expect it to be bumpier but a combination of big tyres and clever carbon layup makes it a fine place to be on long rides. As well as being fast in every sense, the Niner somehow manages to be comfortable too. Cornering responses are equally lively, to the extent that the bike can feel a little bit nervous at speed.īut have confidence and take control and it will see you through – the big wheels and sure-tracking chassis will work in your favour. Pedal and it goes – instant gratification on two wheels. ![]() This is a blisteringly and addictively fast bike. Combined with its light weight, this gives the Air 9 Carbon a real edge out on the trail. As 29ers go, the Niner is fairly low and steep at the front, and short at the back. ![]()
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