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MTBMaven · 11-22-2007, 11:29 AM

I picked up a demo EMD9 from Niner in North Hollywood on Wednesday. I got up early this morning to sneak in a quick test ride before my wife got up. I darted over to the JPL parking lot to ride Brown and El P. The parking lot was packed.

I flew up Brown in my middle ring and mid cassette. I have never been able to climb Brown in that gear, wow. After the climb and heading over to El P I got a taste of riding a 29er. Really cool. You have to ride it more like a snowboard, meaning you lean it into the turns and it just flows. I saw Frank on the climb and a bunch of other dudes from PMBC, including the unicycle kid (cool stuff!).

El P was a really cool experience on a HT 29er. I was a bit worried about making the switchback with the bigger wheels and some of the steep stream crossings with so little travel. This thing rocked. I cleaned every switchback and stream crossing with ease. I was able to go down pretty much the same lines I take on the Yeti. But to my surprise the rocky climbs we a breeze. I made it up this one climb in the wrong gear that I had no reason to clean. The dang thing just would not stop.

I was also really impressed with the SRAM drivetrain. If I didn't already have perfectly good XT everything I would totally get SRAM. A bit of mental re-mapping as I wanted to use my index finger to use the front trigger rather than my thumb for both triggers.

I was pretty set on the idea of a 29er before the test ride, now I am totally sold. I can't wait to get back out there on the dirt after nearly a year of almost exclusively riding road. Just a few more key items to purchase and I will be set. I am 99% set on the MCR9 and about 90% sure I will not be doing the monstercross thing. Though I do want to investigate a flat bar that puts my wrists in a better position, i.e. an aggressive sweep. Recommendations welcome. I do want to use bar ends of some variety as well.

Sorry for the long write up. I just finished my morning coffee and I'm feeling it pulsing through me veins.

BrewMaster · 11-22-2007, 11:37 AM

Cool. What does Niner charge for the demo bike? How long do you get to keep it?

J_Sims · 11-22-2007, 01:26 PM

Hey kool Aid!!!!!!!! Good Stuff I like the niner flavored stuff as well

Rob · 11-22-2007, 03:01 PM

Today I rode a Titus Racer X 29'er at Santa Rosa Plateau. I liked how it gets hung up less on rocks(rolls over them easier) and it seemed to have better momentum on the flats and climbs. When climbing if there was a decent sized rock in front it seemed like it took much less effort to continue climbing while going over the rock compared to a 26" wheel.

It just felt really stable. It also went over the sandy stuff better, it seemed like it sort of floated over the sand instead of my 26'er HT that slices through the sand.

I think for cross country 29'ers make a lot of sense for taller riders.

Jman · 11-22-2007, 03:13 PM

About shorter riders. I'm 5'10ish and am intrigued by the 29er thing. Is the 29er really only practical for the tall rider or do the same pros that apply to the 29er for tall riders apply to the 29er across the board?

Pain Freak · 11-22-2007, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

I think for cross country 29'ers make a lot of sense for taller riders.

I couldn't agree more!

el_d00der1n0 · 11-22-2007, 03:18 PM

That's why the 650B I read about recently sounded intriguing. It's supposed to roll more like a 29er, but without bringing you 8ft off the ground.

But what do I know? I'm just a caveman. I fell into a crack millions of years ago, and remained there, frozen, until your scientists thawed me out.

Pain Freak · 11-22-2007, 03:20 PM

Yeah, the 650 sounds a little more realistic to me.

Don't forget though the 29er is just a fad like the ss thing, soon to be gone.

MTBMaven · 11-22-2007, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

I couldn't agree more!

Yeah but Mike aren't you like 4' 9"

I'm 5' 8" with a short 29" inseam. I would say I am on the shorter end of the 29 thing, though there are smaller 29er riders. It was fine for me.

Jman · 11-22-2007, 03:55 PM

So besides the big brands (Trek, Giant, Specialized, etc.) what are some of the better 29er brands out there. Or is one of the big brands 29ers the way to go?

Pain Freak · 11-22-2007, 03:55 PM

DDam, I'm short enough without you guys trying to make me shorter. I have a 28" inseam, and I felt really uncomfortable on the 9er I rode, kind of felt like I was on my roadbike. Center of gravity was a little to high. Might have been the bike though, not sure Kona 29er Unit. Sweet bike, but not right for me. Maybe the Niners are a bit better? I love my ss, and I've always had a liking for hardtails, so I might give it another go soon.

dirtmistress · 11-22-2007, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTBMaven

I picked up a demo EMD9 from Niner in North Hollywood on Wednesday. I got up early this morning to sneak in a quick test ride before my wife got up. I darted over to the JPL parking lot to ride Brown and El P. The parking lot was packed.

I flew up Brown in my middle ring and mid cassette. I have never been able to climb Brown in that gear, wow. After the climb and heading over to El P I got a taste of riding a 29er. Really cool. You have to ride it more like a snowboard, meaning you lean it into the turns and it just flows. I saw Frank on the climb and a bunch of other dudes from PMBC, including the unicycle kid (cool stuff!).

El P was a really cool experience on a HT 29er. I was a bit worried about making the switchback with the bigger wheels and some of the steep stream crossings with so little travel. This thing rocked. I cleaned every switchback and stream crossing with ease. I was able to go down pretty much the same lines I take on the Yeti. But to my surprise the rocky climbs we a breeze. I made it up this one climb in the wrong gear that I had no reason to clean. The dang thing just would not stop.

I was also really impressed with the SRAM drivetrain. If I didn't already have perfectly good XT everything I would totally get SRAM. A bit of mental re-mapping as I wanted to use my index finger to use the front trigger rather than my thumb for both triggers.

I was pretty set on the idea of a 29er before the test ride, now I am totally sold. I can't wait to get back out there on the dirt after nearly a year of almost exclusively riding road. Just a few more key items to purchase and I will be set. I am 99% set on the MCR9 and about 90% sure I will not be doing the monstercross thing. Though I do want to investigate a flat bar that puts my wrists in a better position, i.e. an aggressive sweep. Recommendations welcome. I do want to use bar ends of some variety as well.

Sorry for the long write up. I just finished my morning coffee and I'm feeling it pulsing through me veins.

Oh what the heck. i'll try it. What was the cost?

cjwally · 11-22-2007, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTBMaven

I picked up a demo EMD9 from Niner in North Hollywood on Wednesday. I got up early this morning to sneak in a quick test ride before my wife got up. I darted over to the JPL parking lot to ride Brown and El P. The parking lot was packed.

I flew up Brown in my middle ring and mid cassette. I have never been able to climb Brown in that gear, wow. After the climb and heading over to El P I got a taste of riding a 29er. Really cool. You have to ride it more like a snowboard, meaning you lean it into the turns and it just flows. I saw Frank on the climb and a bunch of other dudes from PMBC, including the unicycle kid (cool stuff!).

El P was a really cool experience on a HT 29er. I was a bit worried about making the switchback with the bigger wheels and some of the steep stream crossings with so little travel. This thing rocked. I cleaned every switchback and stream crossing with ease. I was able to go down pretty much the same lines I take on the Yeti. But to my surprise the rocky climbs we a breeze. I made it up this one climb in the wrong gear that I had no reason to clean. The dang thing just would not stop.

I was also really impressed with the SRAM drivetrain. If I didn't already have perfectly good XT everything I would totally get SRAM. A bit of mental re-mapping as I wanted to use my index finger to use the front trigger rather than my thumb for both triggers.

I was pretty set on the idea of a 29er before the test ride, now I am totally sold. I can't wait to get back out there on the dirt after nearly a year of almost exclusively riding road. Just a few more key items to purchase and I will be set. I am 99% set on the MCR9 and about 90% sure I will not be doing the monstercross thing. Though I do want to investigate a flat bar that puts my wrists in a better position, i.e. an aggressive sweep. Recommendations welcome. I do want to use bar ends of some variety as well.

Sorry for the long write up. I just finished my morning coffee and I'm feeling it pulsing through me veins.

I have had a really good experience using the Cane Creek Ergo bar ends. They are sweet! Combine that with a wider set of handlebars with a little rise and you got a sweet setup for climbing....

Now go buy one.... I love my Niner Sir9...

Out...

Abui · 11-22-2007, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jman

About shorter riders. I'm 5'10ish and am intrigued by the 29er thing. Is the 29er really only practical for the tall rider or do the same pros that apply to the 29er for tall riders apply to the 29er across the board?

You're not short. I'm shy of 5'10" and ride a Large Niner One9 (32.5" inseam). Chris at Niner thinks he'll have to re-think the sizing recommendations. You're not higher off the ground than on any other bike.

KonaDupee · 11-22-2007, 06:24 PM

While 29ers *may* have some advantages for tall riders, I know guys & gals of all statures that ride them.

I'm 5'11"; my 19" Kona Unit 2-9 fits me like a glove (32" insea). Konas in general fit me well; whoever they use as their geometry & sizing guinea pig must be my twin.

Set up as a rigid SS, my Unit 2-9 is the perfect change of pace from my full squish Kona. I love having both bikes in my *stable* (those two bikes are my stable!).

Even as a Kona-lover, you can't go wrong with the Niner. I can't deny that the Niner frames are far better quality than mine; it'd be a smart choice!

If you had fun with the 29er, go with it!

And don't be afraid to go SS with it, either. Why not jump on board all of the *fads* at once, eh?

BrewMaster · 11-22-2007, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jman

So besides the big brands (Trek, Giant, Specialized, etc.) what are some of the better 29er brands out there. Or is one of the big brands 29ers the way to go?

There are lots of brands out there depending on what kind of 29er you're looking for.

Niner (they only make 29ers)
Curtlo
Intense
Turner

Lenz
Gary Fisher
Zion
Surly
Redline
Salsa
Ventana

Those are just the ones I thought of off the top of my head. There are plenty more...

ECOdork · 11-23-2007, 03:56 AM

Except for a month hiatus due to a cracked frame, I've been riding a VooDoo Dambala (steel, 29er, rigid, SS) since summer. Granted I'm across the country riding terrain that is nothing like SoCal trails (except maybe like some of those bottomland hardwood sections near rivers and streams). That being said, I have loved it! Lots of fun and ala KonaDupee, I think it is good "Ying" to a Full Susser's "Yang".

I originally went rigid and SS to put some spice into the eastcoast piedmont trails. It worked, but still, that thing is very capable and lots of fun to ride!
BTW, I'm about 5'8". The voodoo does feel bigger, but not nearly so much that I'd call it a problem.

I went with the OnOne Mary Bars b/c

loved them so much. Not sure what I'd do on a geared HT, but they are great for all the out-of-saddle efforts you get accustomed to on SS.

Another brand I'd recommend you look at would be Vassago . Not sure what the local SoCal sentiment is on these frames, but around here they are gaining respect. Ya'figure they were spawned of the same earth and terrain you are riding in (south OC company), so surely they are well tuned to what you are riding. And they are competitively priced. Supposed to not have that "big 29'er" feel due to different geometry. Seen some on trails out here and a good buddy is building up a Bandersnatch as we speak.

dstepper · 11-23-2007, 05:04 AM

Little late to the party Brian....but at least you made it. I like the way my One-9 and RIP feels, it is like you sit between the wheels instead of on top of the bike. After tacoing and seeing how easy 29" rims taco i agree with the cross country use.

Dean

DeeZee · 11-23-2007, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caveman

You're not short. I'm shy of 5'10" and ride a Large Niner One9 (32.5" inseam). Chris at Niner thinks he'll have to re-think the sizing recommendations. You're not higher off the ground than on any other bike.

and also ride a large

please explain "Chris at Niner thinks he'll have to re-think the sizing recommendations. You're not higher off the ground than on any other bike."

speckledtrout · 11-23-2007, 10:31 AM

As far as size goes, I thinks it's a myth that you have to be a taller rider to enjoy the 29er experience. I'm only 5'5" and i really, really enjoyed riding my friends 29er. I enjoyed it so much I went to the Fat Tire Classic a couple of months ago pretty much just so I could visit the Niner tent and demo one of theirs. As a shorter rider, it's a little harder to find a small size frame small enough. Niner was one of the only brands that had a low enough standover height for me to feel comfortable with. After researching on the internet, my radar had honed onto the SIR9. When I got to the tent they only had one size small. It was Chris', the co-owner of Niner bikes own bike that he loaned for the day for people to demo. It was a single speed rigid and I fell in love at first pedal. He is a fairly short guy who rides a size small 29er. I think that says a lot about the insignificance of only large riders reaping the benefits.

With that being said, I'm sure that for tall guys who have spent their life feeling cramped on a bike, hopping on a 29er for the first time must feel like a little slice of heaven. But everyone's experience on a mountain bike is already a very personal and individual experience. You and I could be the same size and ride the same exact bike and while we would be sharing the mountain bike 'experience', what that 'experience' is varies from person to person. My bike is ready in two days. I am so excited, I could just pop!

11-22-2007, 11:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
MTBMaven Tom Brady Look A Like	Sold on 29er Thing I picked up a demo EMD9 from Niner in North Hollywood on Wednesday. I got up early this morning to sneak in a quick test ride before my wife got up. I darted over to the JPL parking lot to ride Brown and El P. The parking lot was packed. I flew up Brown in my middle ring and mid cassette. I have never been able to climb Brown in that gear, wow. After the climb and heading over to El P I got a taste of riding a 29er. Really cool. You have to ride it more like a snowboard, meaning you lean it into the turns and it just flows. I saw Frank on the climb and a bunch of other dudes from PMBC, including the unicycle kid (cool stuff!). El P was a really cool experience on a HT 29er. I was a bit worried about making the switchback with the bigger wheels and some of the steep stream crossings with so little travel. This thing rocked. I cleaned every switchback and stream crossing with ease. I was able to go down pretty much the same lines I take on the Yeti. But to my surprise the rocky climbs we a breeze. I made it up this one climb in the wrong gear that I had no reason to clean. The dang thing just would not stop. I was also really impressed with the SRAM drivetrain. If I didn't already have perfectly good XT everything I would totally get SRAM. A bit of mental re-mapping as I wanted to use my index finger to use the front trigger rather than my thumb for both triggers. I was pretty set on the idea of a 29er before the test ride, now I am totally sold. I can't wait to get back out there on the dirt after nearly a year of almost exclusively riding road. Just a few more key items to purchase and I will be set. I am 99% set on the MCR9 and about 90% sure I will not be doing the monstercross thing. Though I do want to investigate a flat bar that puts my wrists in a better position, i.e. an aggressive sweep. Recommendations welcome. I do want to use bar ends of some variety as well. Sorry for the long write up. I just finished my morning coffee and I'm feeling it pulsing through me veins. __________________ You must be the change you wish to see in the world Mahatma Gandhi No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. Yoda, Episode V '07 Niner MCR9 - '07 Lemond Zürich - '89 Specialized Sirrus fixed/free

11-22-2007, 01:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
J_Sims An Illustrated Scumbag	Hey kool Aid!!!!!!!! Good Stuff I like the niner flavored stuff as well __________________ If you don't live for something... You will die for nothing That's right 1/2 Horse power baby http://www.thepathbikeshop.com/

11-22-2007, 03:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jman Live Free, Ride Hard	What... About shorter riders. I'm 5'10ish and am intrigued by the 29er thing. Is the 29er really only practical for the tall rider or do the same pros that apply to the 29er for tall riders apply to the 29er across the board?

11-22-2007, 03:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
el_d00der1n0 STR Veteran	That's why the 650B I read about recently sounded intriguing. It's supposed to roll more like a 29er, but without bringing you 8ft off the ground. But what do I know? I'm just a caveman. I fell into a crack millions of years ago, and remained there, frozen, until your scientists thawed me out. __________________ My Blog

11-22-2007, 03:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
Pain Freak Directionally Challenged	Yeah, the 650 sounds a little more realistic to me. Don't forget though the 29er is just a fad like the ss thing, soon to be gone. __________________ "The best rides are the ones where you bite off much more than you can chew—and live through it." — Doug Bradbury "When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me." — Emo Philips

11-22-2007, 11:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
BrewMaster	Cool. What does Niner charge for the demo bike? How long do you get to keep it? __________________ Solo rides are good for the soul.

11-22-2007, 03:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
Rob STR Veteran	Today I rode a Titus Racer X 29'er at Santa Rosa Plateau. I liked how it gets hung up less on rocks(rolls over them easier) and it seemed to have better momentum on the flats and climbs. When climbing if there was a decent sized rock in front it seemed like it took much less effort to continue climbing while going over the rock compared to a 26" wheel. It just felt really stable. It also went over the sandy stuff better, it seemed like it sort of floated over the sand instead of my 26'er HT that slices through the sand. I think for cross country 29'ers make a lot of sense for taller riders.

11-22-2007, 03:55 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jman Live Free, Ride Hard	So besides the big brands (Trek, Giant, Specialized, etc.) what are some of the better 29er brands out there. Or is one of the big brands 29ers the way to go?

11-22-2007, 03:55 PM	#11 (permalink)
Pain Freak Directionally Challenged	DDam, I'm short enough without you guys trying to make me shorter. I have a 28" inseam, and I felt really uncomfortable on the 9er I rode, kind of felt like I was on my roadbike. Center of gravity was a little to high. Might have been the bike though, not sure Kona 29er Unit. Sweet bike, but not right for me. Maybe the Niners are a bit better? I love my ss, and I've always had a liking for hardtails, so I might give it another go soon. __________________ "The best rides are the ones where you bite off much more than you can chew—and live through it." — Doug Bradbury "When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me." — Emo Philips

11-22-2007, 06:24 PM	#15 (permalink)
KonaDupee I'd rather be climbing...	While 29ers may have some advantages for tall riders, I know guys & gals of all statures that ride them. I'm 5'11"; my 19" Kona Unit 2-9 fits me like a glove (32" insea). Konas in general fit me well; whoever they use as their geometry & sizing guinea pig must be my twin. Set up as a rigid SS, my Unit 2-9 is the perfect change of pace from my full squish Kona. I love having both bikes in my stable (those two bikes are my stable!). Even as a Kona-lover, you can't go wrong with the Niner. I can't deny that the Niner frames are far better quality than mine; it'd be a smart choice! If you had fun with the 29er, go with it! And don't be afraid to go SS with it, either. Why not jump on board all of the fads at once, eh? __________________ *Climbing is* its own reward! It's obvious I'm not a weight-weenie; I ride a Kona!**

11-23-2007, 03:56 AM	#17 (permalink)
ECOdork Pope of Chili Town	Except for a month hiatus due to a cracked frame, I've been riding a VooDoo Dambala (steel, 29er, rigid, SS) since summer. Granted I'm across the country riding terrain that is nothing like SoCal trails (except maybe like some of those bottomland hardwood sections near rivers and streams). That being said, I have loved it! Lots of fun and ala KonaDupee, I think it is good "Ying" to a Full Susser's "Yang". I originally went rigid and SS to put some spice into the eastcoast piedmont trails. It worked, but still, that thing is very capable and lots of fun to ride! BTW, I'm about 5'8". The voodoo does feel bigger, but not nearly so much that I'd call it a problem. I went with the OnOne Mary Bars b/c loved them so much. Not sure what I'd do on a geared HT, but they are great for all the out-of-saddle efforts you get accustomed to on SS. Another brand I'd recommend you look at would be Vassago . Not sure what the local SoCal sentiment is on these frames, but around here they are gaining respect. Ya'figure they were spawned of the same earth and terrain you are riding in (south OC company), so surely they are well tuned to what you are riding. And they are competitively priced. Supposed to not have that "big 29'er" feel due to different geometry. Seen some on trails out here and a good buddy is building up a Bandersnatch as we speak.

11-23-2007, 05:04 AM	#18 (permalink)
dstepper Over the Hill	Little late to the party Brian....but at least you made it. I like the way my One-9 and RIP feels, it is like you sit between the wheels instead of on top of the bike. After tacoing and seeing how easy 29" rims taco i agree with the cross country use. Dean __________________ If I'm not lost or getting bushwacked, the trail was too easy. Prescott Valley Houses The Path

11-23-2007, 10:31 AM	#20 (permalink)
speckledtrout STR Veteran	As far as size goes, I thinks it's a myth that you have to be a taller rider to enjoy the 29er experience. I'm only 5'5" and i really, really enjoyed riding my friends 29er. I enjoyed it so much I went to the Fat Tire Classic a couple of months ago pretty much just so I could visit the Niner tent and demo one of theirs. As a shorter rider, it's a little harder to find a small size frame small enough. Niner was one of the only brands that had a low enough standover height for me to feel comfortable with. After researching on the internet, my radar had honed onto the SIR9. When I got to the tent they only had one size small. It was Chris', the co-owner of Niner bikes own bike that he loaned for the day for people to demo. It was a single speed rigid and I fell in love at first pedal. He is a fairly short guy who rides a size small 29er. I think that says a lot about the insignificance of only large riders reaping the benefits. With that being said, I'm sure that for tall guys who have spent their life feeling cramped on a bike, hopping on a 29er for the first time must feel like a little slice of heaven. But everyone's experience on a mountain bike is already a very personal and individual experience. You and I could be the same size and ride the same exact bike and while we would be sharing the mountain bike 'experience', what that 'experience' is varies from person to person. My bike is ready in two days. I am so excited, I could just pop!

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